As I have reviewed the best restaurants in both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando I figured I couldn't leave out the hidden gems of the real Orlando! In this list I feature both chain restaurants and restaurants unique to Orlando. Although I have eaten at the majority or the places on this list, a small disclaimer that some I haven't eaten at but I hope to eat at on my next visit. So here's my list of the top ten restaurants in Orlando!
#10 Bahama Breeze
Take a trip to the Islands on I-Drive, this restaurant feels like a holiday within a holiday. They have a huge drink selection including more than 50 beers and numerous tropical cocktails (try the signature Bahamarita or my persona favourite the Pina Colada!) The restaurant doesn't accept reservations so there tends to be a wait but you can order a delicious drink, sit on the porch and listen to the reggae band. The only reason this made the bottom of the list is that the food isn't that memorable compared to other spots in Orlando but if this was a list of the best cocktail bars in Orlando this would surely be at the top!
#9 The Rusty Spoon
This is a restaurant I haven't been fortunate enough to eat at yet but I hear nothing but good things. It's American food with European roots in an organic gastropub-style environment. Located near the Amway Center and sourced from local Florida farmers, its menu features hormone and antibiotic-free animal protein which are fed an all-natural diet. Due the the focus the restaurant puts into what goes into the food, it means the menu rotates to accommodate what's fresh and available. Some favourites among of the locals include the "55" burger and the slow-braised lamb collar. Check The Rusty Spoon out for pre-Amway cocktails, craft beers and great appetisers.
#8 The Ravenous Pig
Another restaurant that focuses on local ingredients is The Ravenous Pig. Located in Winter Park, the tin ceiling and the Edison lightbulbs set a perfect retro-chic atmosphere. This gastropub features a rotating food and craft cocktail menu with all ingredients grown, raised and made by Florida purveyors. A few of the favourite dishes that feature permanently on the menu are the braised rabbit over tagliatelle or pot-au-feu and if that doesn't sound like your kind of food then try the monthly pig roasts. They put a luxury, gourmet spin on pub food like shrimp and grits, moules frites and snapper.
#7 Bull & Bear
Here's the first of the classic steakhouses on the list, Bull & Bear, originally a New York restaurant but has found its way to the south. The attentive service and the traditional, club-esque steakhouse atmosphere with contemporary touches. No matter what you order the portions are nothing short of hearty, the beef is top-quality and the menu features both traditional favourites and refreshing surprises. At Bull & Bear you can try classics such as the signature 32 day Dry Aged Tomahawk Rib Eye or the less traditional steakhouse choices of Escargot & Gnocchi.
#6 K Restaurant
K Restaurant is an across the board favourite for the burger lovers or fans of duck confit aficionados and those in-between. Local sourcing again makes this menu slightly less predictable but it maintains a comfortable, casual elegance suitable for a relaxing or romantic environment. Inside this rustic, wooden bungalow is where the gnocchi is rolled in house, the basil comes from the chef's own garden and where you will get the best duck dish in all of Orlando. K Restaurant has a food for everyone from Mediterranean-inspired dishes to French and Italian.
#5 Outback Steakhouse
I have been on multiple trips to Orlando with my family and this was our favourite place to eat. We would go here at least twice a week it was a sure fire hit! Sure some of the Outback locations aren't as good as others but it's all about finding the best of the bunch. The Australian theme is a nice twist to the steakhouse market not to mention the steaks are fantastic as well as the rest of the menu. The extensive menu offers much more than just steak, they have an array of food from ribs and chicken to seafood. The Bloomin' Onion always goes down well so be sure to try it!
#4 Tony Roma's
Tony Romas on International Drive has a modern deco, large and flexible dining areas and a sensational menu that mixes both classic Tony Roma favourites with bold, innovative new dishes. If that isn't enough to convince you then the extensive cocktail and draft bar selection at the outdoor bar on the dazzling patio with a view of the Orlando Eye will surely draw you in. Of course my personal favourite will always be the world-famous baby back ribs but make sure to try other favourites such as the onion loaf or kicking' shrimp. Tony Roma's has the perfect, relaxed atmosphere from family dining to a couple's night out.
#3 Kobe Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar
I have tried many asian restaurants in Orlando and all were rather forgettable except for one. Kobe's has the most beautiful food and the most wonderful decor you can't miss eating here. We decided to skip sitting at the larger Teppanyaki tables and opted just to sit at a small table and order. The portion sizes were so large we had to take the majority of it home. It may be a chain restaurant but don't let that put you off, try the teriyaki chicken and especially the non-alcoholic pina colada milkshake that was by far the highlight of my dining experience!
#2 The Cheesecake Factory
Whilst I lived in Orlando this was our favourite spot to eat after a day of shopping. The food is is phenomenal especially the steak diane with mash potato, and lets not even discuss the beautiful selection of cheesecakes. Whether you are seated inside to see the beautiful decor or outside to feel the warm Orlando air you are sure to have a pleasant experience. The only reason this doesn't make the number one spot is because we all had a rather dodgy tummy the day after we ate hear, which I don't think was anything to do with the food but possibly to do with hygiene. Whatever the case it won't stop me from going back.
#1 Longhorn Steakhouse
After a couple of disappointing trips to the Outback Steakhouse due to the rather dodgy locations we went out to search for a new steakhouse and wow did we find a winner. I had never eaten such beautifully cooked steaks before my trip to the Longhorn Steakhouse, located near the I-4 by the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, you have the chance to try expertly grilled and uniquely seasoned steak. It even has a more relaxed vibe than the Outback, with monitors to watch football games while you snack on the freshly baked honey wheat bread. The portion sizes are well worth the price and although their steak is the best I have ever had, don't bypass the sides! The seasonal Brussel sprouts are amazing!
