We're going to be in Orlando on Christmas day this year and are looking for any recommendations for a good christmas meal (midday or evening).

Open to suggestions from all price ranges!

Preferably no disney and no themed restaurants (i think we'll see enough of those in the total 3 weeks!)

Also, is it recommendable to book far in advance - like now, or can it wait until the beginning of December?

Thanks for your help!

Emeril's in City Walk!

To get away from the whole Disney atmosphere, look into restaurants in Mt. Dora, Winter Park or any of the nicer surrounding towns.

I know Tampa is a bit of a haul from Orlando, but I know for a fact that Bern's steakhouse would be worth it, if they're open! A very special place...

Every Christmas Day for the past 10 years, my family (all of us live in Florida) have gone to the sumptuous buffet with unlimited champagne at the Renaissance Orlando across from Sea World. It wasn't always a Renaissance (it started out as a Stouffer) but the buffet is always spectacular and wins awards every year in Orlando. We usually make our reservations in September, but last year they were talking about setting a later date to start reservations. I don't know what was decided, but trust me, even if you don't normally like buffets, you'll LOVE this!

For what it's worth, we spend every Christmas with family in Florida and plan a spectacular picnic on Christmas day. One year at Highlands Hammock, one year at Blue Spring St. Pk., one time at Bok Tower, etc. It is always one of the most memorable days of our Christmas vacation.

A locals favorites in order:

Lees Lakeside Downtown Orlando beautiful, worth the trip see the real side of Orlando

Roys in Dr. Phillips/rave revues,close to Disney area

Bonefish in Dr. Phillips/local favorite

Blackfin @ Winter Park Village nice to walk around,shops may be closed on that day, may open in the evening.

Orlando has some really great restaurants. Some of the finer hotels serve wonderful meals. It is an international area. Competition is high. Why not take advantage of what is there? I would wait till I arrived to make a reservation. Look in the phone book. I dined there many times, many different places and it is loaded with wonderful places to eat. No kidding.