Orlando Neighborhoods

Places to Dine in the International Drive Area

International Drive has one of the area’s larger collections of fast-food joints, but mixed in around its midsection and southern end are some of the region’s better restaurants. South I-Drive is 10 minutes by auto from the Walt Disney World parks. Restaurant Row, located in a small area just above I-Drive along Dr. Phillips Boulevard and Sand Lake Road, is currently the hottest dining area in Orlando.

Dining on Restaurant Row

In the past few years, just east of I-4 along a stretch of Sand Lake Road in the swanky suburb of Dr. Phillips, several very chic, very trendy, and very hip eateries have popped up. This high concentration of upscale (and, at times, ethnic) eateries, now known as Restaurant Row, is home to some of Orlando’s best eating opportunities. In addition to the restaurants already listed in this guide (including Roy’s Restaurant and the Samba Room), there are lots of others worth noting.

• Seasons 52, 7700 Sand Lake Rd. (tel. 407/354-5212; www.seasons52.com). Enter this combination grill and wine bar and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped onto the set of a Rock Hudson movie thanks to the ‘50’s-style Art Deco architecture and an interior accented with stacked stone walls. The menu, which changes weekly, is both sophisticated and designed to be healthy, so it’s relatively easy on the waistline and the palate.
• Cedars of Orlando, 7732 W. Sand Lake Rd. (tel. 407/351-6000; www.cedarsoforlando.com). A simple yet elegant atmosphere featuring Ottoman arches and columns, white table linens, and a roof-topped terrace for outdoor dining combine with a selection of more than 50 Lebanese specialties (and a bit of belly dancing) to make this Middle Eastern restaurant a very attractive package.
• Amura, 7786 Sand Lake Rd. (tel. 407/370-0007). One of the city’s best Asian restaurants features a contemporary decor that runs throughout its three unique dining areas, which include a sushi counter, performance grills, and a more intimate dining room. The main menu tilts toward a fusion of Japanese and European cuisines.
• Timpano Chophouse, 7488 W. Sand Lake Rd. (tel. 407/248-0249; www.timpanochophouse.net). Classic, sophisticated styling (think old-New York supper club) is the signature of this Italian steakhouse, which also features fabulous aged steaks and impeccable service. Large booths, chandeliers, an indoor fireplace, and baby grand piano add to the ambience, while the sounds of Sinatra, swing, and jazz play in the background.

To get to Restaurant Row: From I-4 East take exit 74A, turn left onto Sand Lake Road. From I-Drive turn left onto Sand Lake Road. Restaurants run along both sides of the road in the Fountains and the Venezia plazas, as well as the Marketplace.

Downtown Orlando

Downtown Delights — The revitalization of the downtown area has brought with it the addition of chic clubs and trendy upscale restaurants well worth a second look — and the 20-minute drive. Hue, 629 E. Central Blvd. (tel. 407/849-1800; www.huerestaurant.com), recognized in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveler as “one of the best new restaurants in the world,” lives up to its reputation thanks to creative American cuisine and a sophisticated urban loft atmosphere. Kres Chophouse, 17 W. Church St. (tel. 407/447-7950; www.kresrestaurant.com), a not-so-distant relative of Hue, offers an ever-changing menu of traditional yet exceptional steakhouse fare, as well as an extensive wine list. Citrus Restaurant, 821 N. Orange Ave. (tel. 407/373-0622; www.citrusorlando.com), downtown’s latest newcomer, serves fresh American cuisine with a definitive Latin influence in a contemporary atmosphere. Blue crab cakes, marinated skirt steak, bacon-wrapped Maine scallops and yellow fin tuna are just a sampling of what you’ll find on the menu.

Bargain Buffets — I won’t list them all, but if you spend time on International Drive or U.S. 192/Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway between Kissimmee and Disney, you’ll see billboards peddling all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets for $5 to $8. This is a good way to fill your tanks early and skip or at least go easy on lunch, especially if your day is in the theme parks, where lunches are overpriced. Note that you won’t find award-winning cuisine here, except perhaps for the highest concentration of grease! Those with kids, however, will appreciate the inexpensive and kid-friendly fare — especially over some of the high-priced restaurants at the resorts.

Breakfast buffets are served by Golden Corral, 8033 International Dr. (tel. 407/352-6606); Ponderosa Steak House, 6362 International Dr. (tel. 407/352-9343), and 7598 U.S. 192 W. (tel. 407/396-7721); and Sizzler Restaurant, 9142 International Dr. (tel. 407/351-5369), and 7602 U.S. 192 W. (tel. 407/397-0997). The latter two are the better bets.

A Reason to Celebrate — An eclectic array of upscale eateries lines the streets along Market Square in the Disney-built town of Celebration (www.celebrationfl.com). From the Market Street Café (tel. 407/566-1144), an updated ‘50s-style diner, to the refined surroundings of the Plantation Restaurant (tel. 407/566-6000; www.celebrationhotel.com; located within the Celebration Hotel), those in search of stylish surroundings and creative cuisine won’t be disappointed. An ornate old-world Spanish decor and Cuban-influenced cuisine are the signature of the Colombia Restaurant (tel. 407/566-1505; www.columbiarestaurant.com), while Café D’Antonio Ristorante (tel. 407/566-2233; www.antoniosonline.com) serves up tasty Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Seito Sushi Japanese Restaurant (tel. 407/566-1899; www.seitosushi.com) is known for its fresh sushi, fusion-style cuisine, and stylish atmosphere. And finally, the Celebration Town Tavern (tel. 407/566-2526; www.thecelebrationtowntavern.com) is a more casual alternative that sports a nautical theme and fresh seafood.

Get the Pointe?

Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Dr. (tel. 407/248-2838; www.pointeorlando.com), has evolved, thanks to a recent multimillion-dollar redevelopment, into an upscale collection of outdoor shops and trendy eateries. In addition to the restaurants already listed in this guide, there are others here worth noting, including:

• The Capital Grille (tel. 407/370-4392; www.capitalgrille.com). The menu at this reputable and very successful establishment is filled with tempting appetizers, dry-aged steaks, hand-carved chops, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts. An extensive wine list (400-plus selections) and impeccable service are two other hallmarks. Discerning diners will appreciate not only a mouthwatering meal (with options that include a dry-aged sirloin rubbed with black peppercorns and served in a rich cognac cream and peppercorn sauce), but a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere in which to enjoy it.
• Maggiano’s Little Italy (tel. 407/241-8650). You’ll find a taste of New York’s Little Italy, Chicago’s Taylor Street, South Philly, and Boston’s North End on Maggiano’s menu. It’s filled with authentic home-cooked Italian fare, including such specialties as lobster ravioli, braised beef cannelloni (with Asiago and Parmesan cheeses), and chicken cacciatore. The warm and inviting atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making you feel as if you’ve stepping into the neighborhood Italian kitchen.
• Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café & Emporium (tel. 321/281-5888). The eclectic yet elegant decor here invokes thoughts of the Pacific Rim, filled with accents of bamboo, palm leaves, beads, and island-inspired artwork lining the walls. Those looking for fresh seafood won’t be disappointed by signature dishes such as macadamia nut-encrusted pink snapper or sautéed jumbo shrimp and scallops in a curry coconut sauce. If you prefer to dine outdoors, the patio is the place to be — and thanks to a partition, you’ll be able to enjoy a bit of privacy along with your meal.
• Taverna Opa (tel. 407/351-8660). Diners will appreciate the authentic Greek fare, casual atmosphere, and down-to-earth prices here. For a more celebratory experience, head to Taverna later in the evening when a far more festive atmosphere prevails as plate-breaking and napkin throwing are common occurrences.
• B.B. King’s Blues Club (tel. 407/370-4550). Southern cuisine, ranging from barbecue ribs to Carolina glazed salmon, is served amid live music and four full-service bars. An inviting open-air patio allows for outdoor dining.
• The Oceanaire Seafood Room (tel. 407/363-4801). An elegant and sophisticated establishment that combines a menu of fresh seafood (flown in daily) with an extensive award wining wine list, and an atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a 1930’s supper club (albeit chic and updated). The incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff round out the exceptional experience.

Note: In addition to the restaurants listed above, several other restaurants are slated to open in the next few years (including Cuba Libra Restaurant & Rum), at Pointe Orlando, so be sure to check out the complex’s website before your visit for up-to-the-minute developments.