Orlando Restaurants, something for everyone

Exquisit Diner
Gourmet fare is now a way of life in the vacation capital. Celebrations and romantic evenings deserve the perfect venue – some of the finest include Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the only AAA five-diamond restaurant in Central Florida; Manuel’s on the 28th in downtown Orlando, with its stunning view of the city; Maison & Jardin, a French find in Altamonte Springs; and The Boheme at downtown’s luxurious Westin Grand Bohemian Hotel.

Celebrity-chef fare shines at Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, Norman’s (Norman Van Aken) at The Ritz-Carlton and Primo (Melissa Kelly) at the JW Marriott. And Emeril’s at Universal Orlando Resort has been hot for so long that the popular chef “kicked it up a notch” by adding Emeril’s Tchoup Chop at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort. On Sand Lake Road, a whole new “restaurant row” tempts visitors with Middle-Eastern flavors at Cedar’s, Euro-Asian creations at Roy’s Orlando and seasonally-inspired fare at Seasons 52.

Critics rave about California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort (best restaurant fireworks show) and the Flying Fish Café on Disney’s Boardwalk. The most extensive South-African wine list around complements the exotic flavors at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. For cheeseburgers in paradise, it’s a laid-back stroll along Universal CityWalk to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.

Orlando Restaurants: Where the locals eat