I will be staying at the Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal Studios at the end of the month. I haven't been to Orlando in over 5 years. Looking for some new and interesting restaurants. I am from Chicago so not too interested in Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood, etc, but not totally opposed to other chains. Maybe some good Mexican, Italian or Steak places. Also, what is the weather usually like at the end of January? Thanks for the help.

Kelly,

If you will be heading out towards the Disney properties try and eat at Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bongos in Downtown Disney, and Spoodles at the Boardwalk hotel. If you decide on Boma, make reservations for dinner. They open at 5 pm and tends to be crowded. Have a great trip!

-Jennifer

I live in Orlando. There are some new trendy restaurants in/around Orlando that are worth going to. Visit "Restaurant Row" in Dr. Phillips on Sand Lake Road. All types of trendy cuisine. Also visit "Winter Park Village" for more upscale cuisine. Bon Appetit.

Emeril's is a must (city walk), but make reservations now and they book months in advance. We also really enjoyed Mama's restaurant in the Portofino Hotel compound/Universal (I'm sure you can get to it by boat launch) It is an Italina Restaurant with great food. Each table area is designed to look like Mama's Italian Kitchen, great Italian food and they serve the salad in a big bown in the center of the table and you help yourself, just like at home, very cute, we loved this place. The Palm at the Hard Rock had excellent lobster and great burgers (Steak House). California Grill on top of Disney's Contemporary Hotel is great for dinner espically when you reserve dinner in time for the fireworks! Citricos in the Grand Floridian is also a great choice, with a wonderful wine list and great food, highly recommended! As far as weather go to weatherunderground.com I have found this to be very reliable, and gives 7-10 day forcast. The weather in Orlando in January can be a bit unpredictable temp wise, but still better than where I am in NY Hope this helps, have a fun trip! You can also go to Disney's and Universal's websites and check out these restaurant's menus if it helps.

Kelly,

Since you are staying at RP, there is always citywalk (Emerils, Latin grill, Margaritaville, etc.) Jake also mentioned Sand Lake/Dr. Phillips area which is very close (Ruth's Chris, Melting Pot, Roys, Timpano, Moonfish, and more). Also close by is the new Millenia Mall (Brio's, P.F. Chang's, McCormick & Schmicks (spelling), Cheescake Factory, California Pizza). There are an endless number of places on international drive. So as you can see you will have much to choose from.

I have to go to Orlando for work and always try to go to Pebbles, which has a number of locations including one near WDW. Really interesting, original cooking at a great price.

ttt

Thanks for all the great suggestions. However, I am a little confused about Sand Lakes/ Dr. Phillips. Is that a restaurant or area or what???

Dr. Phillips is an area of Orlando. It is very close to International Drive. The main street in Dr. Phillips is called Sand Lake Rd. There are alot of trendy restaurants on both sides of Sand Lake Rd (Timpano's, Samba Room, Roy's, Moonfish, Amura, Thai Passion, Bonefish, Ruth's Chris, Melting Pot, Christini's, Sushiman, Chatham's). Also, try Winter Park Village (Brio, Black Fin, Cheesecake Factory, Seito) and Park Avenue in Winter Park. The new upscale Millenia Mall also has trendy restaurants.

Never been too happy with cuisine in Orlando, especially is your comparing it to Chicago, but some good ole standby's that work are the Samba Room, Cheesecake Factory (don't think there is one in Chicago)and Houstons in WinterPark but then you have them in Chicago.

I found Emiril's and WOlfgang Puck are just tourist type places, but perhaps that was just times I was there.

Never been too happy with cuisine in Orlando, especially is your comparing it to Chicago, but some good ole standby's that work are the Samba Room, Cheesecake Factory (don't think there is one in Chicago)and Houstons in WinterPark but then you have them in Chicago.

I found Emiril's and WOlfgang Puck are just tourist type places, but perhaps that was just times I was there.

There was a great Mexican Restaurant near the airport but can't remember the name.

Hi Kelly,

I stayed at the Portofino Hotel (another Universal property) and had the most wonderful dinner at an Italian restaurant there. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of it. (It's located right in the center if the hotel.) But then I loved all the restaurants there.

You could also try Tu Tu Tango. A trendy place, I've heard it's wonderful but I've never been.

The weather in January? Wonderful! When I've been there it's been around 70 or so with no rain.

I moved to Orlando 10 years ago - I agree with you - cuisine was slim pickin's back then. They've come along way in the past 10 years. Besides the aformentioned Dr. Phillips, Winter Park Village, and Park Ave., there is also fine dining in downtown Orlando, at the Disney hotels, International Drive, at the Universal Hotels, and other parts of town.

ttt

ttt