We return in September - party of 7.

I would like a romantic night out with my wife - an escape away from our party!!
I'm looking for opinions / suggestions regards restaurants outwith Disney.

We will be staying at the Vistana Resort - and will get a lift to our destination and a taxi back.

Any help appreciated.

Brian

Judging by the lack of response, does this mean that Disney holds the monoply on romantic restaurants??

Brian

I am not sure exactly where vistana is but if you are near sand lake road there is a plethora of restaurants on sand lake road west of I-4. Also on I-drive there are plenty of choices. Just a few. Roy's, The melting pot, Timpano, The Samba room, Ruths Chris, Bonefish. Also in Lake Buena Vista there are 2 in the Wyndham hotel, Arthurs 27 and Outback (not the chain), Pebbles, Grand Cypress Hotel has a couple but cannot remember the names. If you want to go downtown there is Manuels on the 28th, Lee's Lakeside, Hue, Concha me crazy, Harveys bistro, and the Grand bohemian Hotel. Yes, There is much that is not disney in Orlando.

I would second the above mention of The Melting Pot.

Thanks for the replies - I'll check out some of the places, in particular The Melting Pot and Arthurs 27.

Vistana is on the 'opposite' side of I4 from the Crossroads area at Lake Buena Vista.

We've dined at Pebbles, Chevy's, TGI's, Red Lobster, Macaroni Grill, Bahama Breeze and various other restaurants in the locale.

We have reservations for Sunday Brunch at the Rennaissance Resort at Sea World - we have been there the previous two trips and really enjoyed it. My two young nieces will be there, and are made very welcome at the Rennaissance. We had thought about Brunch at La Coquina - but it sounded a bit too formal with the young 'uns in tow!!

Thanks again for the replies.

Brian

Everyone has mentioned chains for the most part. Roy's is a chain owned by Outback, at least in Florida. The food is great however.

For a romantic dinner, not at Disney, I'd suggest Chatham's Place on Dr. Phillips, just off Sand Lake. Outstanding food, ambience. They have a website for more information. Just google Chatham's Place, Orlando.

Hands down its the California Grill atop the Contemporary Resort. It's "in Disney" but extremely romantic/elegant. View of Magic Kingdom. If you go before sunset, you can time dinner for sunset and the nightly fireworks over Cinderalla's Castle.
It is on my "top 10 restaurants" list (others include White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport; Wauwinnet(Toppers), Nantucket; Le Gaiac (Hotel Le Toiny), St Barts; Commanders Palace, New Orleans; etc.)

Personally, I think the food is much better over at the Boardwalk Hotel's Flying Fish restaurant.

I really liked the Samba Room, great food and styled after Cuba in its heyday. I would call it more trendy than romantic though.
I like the restaurant in the Westin Grand Bohemian in downtown Orlando the best for elegant and intimate atmosphere, and gourmet cuisine. I live in the DC area and we are foodies, and the quality and service at the restaurant there in the Grand Bohemian are equal to the best here.

forgot to mention that the Grand Bohemian also has a really nice lounge area, with live piano music. nice for before or after dinner drinks.