Orlando Restaurant Recommendations
 

We are going to Orlando next week (yes, during school break like millions of others). We can handle the crowds, but hope to find some decent local restaurants. Please, no Disney places, no chains, no Celebrity chefs, no hotel eateries... Any good local Italian, Mexican or brew pub? Thanks!

Without knowing <u>where</u> in Orlando you will be, your budget and your food likes &amp; dislikes, you can find reviews by the <i>Orlando Sentinel's</i> restaurant critic, Scott Joseph here:

<b>Full Service Restaurants:</b> http://tinyurl.com/2wsrao

<b>Casual Dining:</b>
http://tinyurl.com/2omxjo

<b>The Very Best</b>, as judged by readers and Scott Joseph. The 2007 Foodie Awards:
http://tinyurl.com/ynse4t

Give us some more detail and I can suggest specific restaurants!

As Orlando Vic says, Orlando is a huge area and not knowing where you will be is very important. We are &quot;North Orlando&quot; and lots of great places here. If you are in the Disney area that is a whole different world.

Sorry - we are in the Disney area. We don't mind driving 20 minutes to get to a decent place place.

O.K., here are three that you should enjoy. They are also within a 20-minute drive of WDW. The first two, however are <u>very small</u> Darden restaurant chains.

<b>Bahama Breeze </b> &lt;http://www.bahamabreeze.com/&gt;
8849 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Sand Lake Road
407-248-2499

I don't think they take reservations but they may have some sort of call ahead seating or wait list. Whatever they call it, get on it. When this location first opened, 3-hour waits on Friday and Saturday evenings were the norm.

<b>Seasons 52</b> &lt;http://www.seasons52.com&gt;
At the Plaza Venezia
7700 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
407-354-5212

Reservations are absolutely required. This is a very popular and classy place. Call now!

<b>Le Coq Au Vin </b> &lt;http://www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com/&gt;
4800 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando
407-851-6980

Reservations are probably a good idea. BTW, this restaurant was voted Best French Restaurant of 2007 by the <i>Orlando Sentinel's</i> restaurant critic <u>and</u> by the readers!

Le Coq Au Vin is fabulous. I wish it was closer to me, but it is on the Disney side of Orlando. Be sure to order the chocolate souffle...YUMMY!!