My Absolutely, Positively Favorite Orlando Restaurants

FINE DINING

Adriatico Trattoria Italiana-I consider this the best Italian restaurant in Orlando and, believe me, I eat at lots of Italian restaurants in the U.S. and Italy.
Primo at JW Marriott Orlando-Created by celebrity chef Melissa Kelly, this is farm-to-table dining at its finest. Lots of great Mediterranean cuisine with an ever-changing menu.
Deep Blu Seafood Grille at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek-A top notch hotel restaurant with phenomenal seafood. Topping the list is the Chilean Sea Bass, Florida Grouper and Islamorada Swordfish.
Todd English’s bluezoo-This sleekly designed restaurant has a hip ambiance with lots of glass accents and aquariums. Celebrity chef Todd English presents a menu featuring entrees like bbq-rubbed swordfish atop risotto and Maine Lobster tossed in a Cantonese-style soy glaze. For dessert, how about a Mai Tai Banana Cream Tart?
Shula’s Steakhouse at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel-You can’t beat the Premium Black Angus Beef and décor of polished wood, memorabilia and vintage photos of the Don Shula coached 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins team.
Prato-A trendy Italian restaurant on Park Avenue in Winter Park with an eclectic menu full of great choices like the Prato Meatballs, Mustard Spaghettini Cacio e Pepe and Whole Wood Fired Branzino. Great place to dine al fresco, sip wine and order a variety of appetizers and entrees.
Hamilton’s Kitchen-Excellent gourmet room situated at The Alfond Inn Hotel near the Rollins College campus in Winter Park.
El Inka Grill-Exceptional Peruvian cuisine with a superb selection of Cerviches and grilled steaks and seafood.

COUNTER SERVICE

Mediterranean Blue-If you’re in the mood for a gyros, this inexpensive place near downtown is terrific. The gyros are handcrafted. Other items to try are the Greek fries, Chicken Souvlaki and large Greek Salad. Amazingly, everything is in the $7 to $8 range. The quality of the food far exceeds the price.
Le Cafe de Paris-Owned and operated by a wonderful, friendly French family, this restaurant provides a little slice of Paris in southwest Orlando. Serves great breakfast sandwiches on a baguette, quiches, Paninis, Croque Monsieurs and salads.
Greens & Grille-A health-oriented menu of exceptional salads and sandwiches. You can build your own salad with lots of options and selections at this restaurant located in front of the Millenia Mall.
Black Bean Deli-There are more than a few places to get good Cuban food in Orlando, but this is my favorite. Lots of great sandwiches like The Cuban, Pan Col Lechon (slow cooked pork) and Choripan (sweet ham and chorizo sausage) and platters. My fave is the Vegetarian Platter with yellow rice, black beans, sweet plantains and green salad–all for the unbelievable price of $7.25. There’s even outdoor seating and Hatuey Cuban Style beer available.