OT- Are there any good restaurants in Orlando?

[Beth Y]

I am heading to Orlando soon. Hubby has a meeting and the little one and I are going to take in the sights. I have talked to a number of friends and the general opinion is that the food in Orlando, particularly at WDW properties, in mostly mediocre. I am prepared for that at kid-oriented Disney places (I will put up with paying $20 for a warming tray buffet breakfast if the little one gets to eat with Pooh and Piglet), but am looking for somewhere decent to go for dinner. One night we have a sitter and want to go out with some of his business people. Anyone know anywhere nice? Also, there will be one night out, possibly with the kid. Anyone know any place with decent food that both a (well-behaved) kid and adults would enjoy? Thanks in advance for any info.

[CeeCee]

Beth Y - We haven't tried it yet, but "Emeril" has a restaurant in Orlando - I believe it might be in Disney Village. Also Wolfgang Puck has a place there. When we go to Orlando to see our Broadway Shows (we have a season pass) we ususally eat at our favorite Indian Restaurant - The Far Pavilion on International Drive. We also like the "Ming Garden" on International Drive. I'd like to try some others, but DH really enjoys getting his "indian food" fix as we don't have any where we live (1 1/2 hrs from Orlando) so we ususally go to the Far Pavilion. But, I believe you will not have any problem finding some good restaurants - the kids would probably enjoy the "Rain Forest Cafe"

[funnybone]

I was also going to post that Emeril has one in Orlando. You can find the name of it by going to foodtv.com and looking under his profile (I believe it's there).

[matt]

I have been to orlando many times. The two places that I have heard are nice is Emerils and California grille. If you do go to Emerils make the reservation asap. I have heard there is a waiting list. California Grille is good I have heard Little pricey there is always Wolfgang Pucks at Downtown Disney. For me that is one of my favorite especially the roasted chicken and for dessert the choclate soulfle with rasberry sauce. mmmm I will ask around what else might be good.

[andyc]

There are several very good restaurants on the Disney property, and many more in the area. You definitely won't have to survive on park fare alone.

Emeril's is at Universal Studios City Walk, and is well worth a visit. You'll also find some good choices at Downtown Disney and the Disney Marketplace, as well as at some of the Disney resorts.

You can find tons of information about the Orlando area at http://www.disneyinfo.com , including listings and a message board about dining.

Good luck!

[crlykat]

Hi! I was an editor on a travel guide for WDW and Universal. You might try the Flying Fish right on Disney's BoardWalk. They are not Disney-owned; everything is fresh and pretty innovative.
Also Mama's at Universal's Portofino Hotel has fantastic Italian food.

[kbucky]

My 2 cents...in February, we accompanied my little niece to a character breakfast at Hollywood and Vine in MGM and ate the most delicious breakfast I've ever had. Definitely NOT light...but I still think about that Spinach and Jack Frittata at times... I was even amazed at their breakfast pizza. Chocolate french toast...Mickey-shaped belgian waffles...ahhhh... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif