Orlando Top Restaurants
 

Traveling with my wife to Orlando in March. Looking for a few good, romantic restaurants. How is Victoria and Alberts? Any other recommendations for any type of food. Does not have to be in WDW.

The Coral Reef is excellent in Epcot for seafood. It's a bit pricey. But, delicious.Ask for a table near the aquarium window. Very Romantic.

Try the Flying Fish on WDW Boardwalk. Also, Palio's at the Swan Hotel.

Portofino Resort at Universal will make you swear you're in Italy, and Delfino Riviera is a lovely restaurant there. Downtown Orlando has a brand new Westin Hotel and there's supposed to be a great restaurant there, but the name escapes me.

Victoria and Alberts is a fine restaurant but I will nominate Jiko, the signature restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is a visually stunning restaurant where the high tech lighting simulates sunset on a repeating pattern. The South African government has made sure that the finest SA wines are available at the restaurant and they are superb. The food is creative and innovative without being so offbeat that people will be afraid. I would get a glass of champagne and go to one of the balconies and watch the giraffes and other animals feed at sunset and then have, what is at this point the best meal in Orlando. <BR><BR>My other favorites are: California Cafe, Chatham's Place (not in any theme park but in a residential area) and Le Cellier (Canadian steak house) at Epcot.

I second the recommendation for Coral Reef at Epcot; very good food nad stunning atmosphere. ASk for a table close to the aquarium (whihc takes up almost all the wall space; you will find yourself wondering what would happen if the galss broke!). Just be sure to call ahead early for reservations. We went to Emeril's at CityWalk outside of Universal. Food was excellent, but it was very busy and crowded and not the best dining experience.

I hope the Coral Reef restaurant has been rehabilitated since I was there a year ago, because I found it dirty and in need of a new chef. The atmosphere is interesting and the cool darkness a nice reprieve from the relentless florida sun but with all the little children, etc. I hardly find it a romantic restaurant. The seafood was overcooked and the presentation was mediocre. I consider it a second tier restaurant at best at Disney World.

I don't know if you plan on visited the Universal parks, but in Islands of Adventure is one of the best restaurants ever. MYTHOS --great atmosphere and service and wonderful food. Actually, if you're not planning on visiting the park, you can get a pass at guest services to go to the restaurant.

We love Emeril's restaurant at Universal's City Walk. (We haven't been to his new Polynesian restaurant at theh Royal Pacific Resort.) We had the most amazing baked lobster dinner at Emeril's last year. Yumm! A decadent 2-pound lobster stuffed with baby shrimp topped with a luscious sauce and paired with spring vegetables. I love their red snapper dish as well.<BR><BR>Dux at The Peabody on International Drive (across from the Convention Center) is also very romantic and has terrific food. It's a bit pricey though.<BR><BR>All the best!

I was unable to 'dine' much at WDW, we were with our 2 yr old. But here is a link to a website with all WDW restaurants. It has all the menus, including prices. Many take reservations up to 120 days in advance.<BR><BR>http://wdwig.com/dining.htm<BR><BR>Have a wonderful vacation!

Humble opinions of a native....Panera Bread at Lake Eola for a Sunday Brunch and then stroll around the lake. For others....Charlie's Steakhouse on OBT, Boston's Fishhouse in Winter Park, Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ (Alafaya Trail near UCF) or Smokey Bones BBQ, a Darden restaurant(Red Lobster &amp; Olive Garden owners/several locations around town). I have not tried the new seafood restaurant at the Millenia Mall, McCormick &amp; Schilling (sp), but heard it is great. Enjoy your trip to my hometown! :-)

Please don't miss Victoria and Alberts. It is wonderful.

Hi: For a local Italian trattoria try Lido's on Orange Ave 1 block north of Michigan. For upscale Italian try La Trastavere on 17-92 in Maitland (or Winter Park)

The V&amp;A is fantastic.Why not try to book the chefs table,you may have left it a little late but it's worth a try.<BR>We ate at the chefs table when we were on our honeymoon four years ago ,it was awesome.

Just my two cents!<BR>I'll second: V&amp;A, Calif Grille, and Flying Fish (listed in order of &quot;romance&quot;).<BR>Also, high on the romance barometer, is Hemingway's at the Grand Cypress Hyatt.<BR>Where are you staying?<BR>

Thank you for all your input. I have confirmed Victoria and Alberts, California Grille, Emeril's and the Flying Fish. Staying at the Portofino Hotel in Universal. Will give a report when I return.

Looking forward to your report! Have a great trip!<BR>

Did you return yet? Where's your report??? Your trip sounds much like the one I'm planning with next week. Would love to hear your thoughts.<BR>

I would definately recommend Emiril's restaurant at city walk, I had dinner there and it was absolutely fabulous. I know that he also has a new restaurant at the Royal Pacific Hotel now as well, it is called Tchoup Chop (sounds like chop chop). I haven't tried it but I have heard great things about it.

We would go to coral reef again but only for one thing...Lobster soup. It is one of their signature dishes...and ooooh so good. Overall I thought the food was overpriced for the quality.