Greetings all,
My good friend who is an Executive Chef from an outstanding Seafood restaurant group here on the East Coast will be in Orlando this week.
Any exceptional suggestions for dining. I know he will probably try one of Emerils establishments.
Thanks for the feedback

A few years ago, we had an exceptionally good meal at an exceptionally high price at Albert & Victoria at the Grand Floridian Hotel at Disney.

What did you all dine on? Anything they are known for ?
Thank You!

As I recall, we ordered the tasting menu: about a dozen morsels of gourmet taste delights.

There are 2 Emeril's, How about Wolf Gang Puck's place on the West Side, also on the West Side the House of Blues. Then good fusion/asian try Roy's.

I'd highly recommend either of Emeril's restaurants. The newest one Tchoup Tchoup has a bit of an Asian influence and a gorgeous interior.

the original one is very modern, mixed menu.....Last time I was there Emeril was there - spent the whole night cooking in the kitchen - I was impressed.

From someone who dines often in Orlando: Maison Jardin in Altamonte Springs is exceptionally good; K's on Edgewater Drive is a very well run bistro with good food and a champagne bar: and a restaurant in Casselberry called Aubergine Bistro has wonderful food at reasonable prices without a haughty atmosphere. These are unique to Orlando rather than the Emeril chain. I believe K's and Aubergine are idine too.

I strongly recommend the Hawk's Landing restaurant that is adjacent to Marriott's Orlando World Center. Great for steaks!

Is Christini's still open? I recall getting a good chop there years ago in a strip shopping center off Dr. Phillips Blvd.

The Palio at one of the Disney hotels (Swan or Dolphin, I think) has provided me with some pleasant dining experiences. It's certainly not top-end, but a solid offering of Italian food nonetheless.

I'll second Christini's. Very good food and service.

Hey, DC, how recently have you dined at Christini's? Is the comedy club still open next door?

It's been a couple of years. Never visited the comedy club. Too full from dinner. ;)

Palio is at the Swan--a great Italian place.

Hawk's Landing, the one time I ate there which was a New Year's Eve special, quite simply sucked.

Emeril's restaurants are overpriced and under-qualitied.

The best place in town is Victoria & Albert's, followed closely by the California Grill and the wildly underrated Wolfang Puck Grand Cafe Dining Room. It's located upstairs and is simply phenomenal. Try the Chef du Cuisine seven-course meal with wine pairings! They'll tailor the menu to your tastes and preferences, using fresh ingredients from local farmer's markets and the like, then the sommelier will choose perfect complements. Tell Nicholas that Mr. Luce sent you--I personally guarantee an outstanding experience!

Aha, another vote for Victoria and Albert at the Grand Floridian!

A more reasonably priced place in WDW is Artists' Point in the Wilderness Lodge. I've had several very good meals there. Great atmosphere if you like the National Park lodge feel.

Victoria and Albert's is also my choice. I have eaten at this establishment 5 times and always found it exceptional.

From someone who dines often in Orlando: Maison Jardin in Altamonte Springs is exceptionally good

I'll second "the mason jar" as its referred to by regulars. Emerils, Wolfgangs, et. all are fine if you want to eat with tourists, but if you want a true dining experience, head east on I-4. Another suggestion that isn't much for atmosphere, but great food for a great price, is Charley's Steakhouse (the original) on Orange Blossom Trail down by the Dollhouse.

If I was in town with a bunch of guys for work, I'd venture out to Charley's. With a nice lady, Maison Jardin.

I found Maison Jardin to be acceptable but overpriced and stuffy. Wolfgang Puck's does attract a tourist crowd (how can it not, being at Disney), but sophisticated locals make up the majority of their clientele.

And how can a local, in good conscience, send a visitor to the OBT anywhere near the Dollhouse?! ;)

We also really liked Emeril's at Universal.

We went for lunch since we couldn't get a dinner reservation

Any recommendations for restaurants near MCO? Thanks!

My top picks for Orlando and area are the California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort and Seasons 52 on Sand Lake Road.

The California Grill has become a must do on trips to Orlando for the last few years. Great food and the best by the glass wine selection I've found anywhere!

I've only been to Seasons 52 once since its a relatively new restaurant and hasn't been convenient for the times when my trip has been exclusively to Walt Disney World. But the food was innovative and fantastic. I'll definitely be back there next time I get the opportunity.

Any recommendations for restaurants near MCO? Thanks!


The restaurant at the Hyatt MCO is good as is the Marriott MCO. Off airport, not too much. If you give a distance from MCO or a direction, might be able to help. There is a good one called Aubergine Bistro which is off 436 in Winter Park. Very good food, not stuffy or overpriced. Would take about 15-25 min by car. La Contina on Hwy. 50 near 436 has good steaks.