From Nashville, Chef & I offers an intimate dining experience within the Hall on the Yard food hall, including a by-request chef’s tasting menu.
Dining at the bar
Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming
Address
City
Phone
Price
1602 East Buena Vista Drive
Orlando
407-560-0100
$$$
A Florida style restaurant from celebrity chef Art Smith. Many good things here, but the fried chicken, which is supposed to be a signature item, isn’t as good as others.
Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen
Address
City
Phone
Price
6967 Lake Nona Blvd.
Orlando
407-955-4340
$$
Another Lake Nona dining choice from Tavistock. Most items are “small plates” to encourage sharing. The lamb sliders are a standout. Note that service doesn’t begin until 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Cocina 214
Address
City
Phone
Price
151 Welbourne Ave. E.
Winter Park
407-790-7997
$$
It’s refreshing that Cocina 214 doesn’t claim to be authentic Mexican and try to hide its Tex-Mex roots. In fact, it’s right there in its name: the 214 is a reference to the area code of Dallas. (That’s not the city I think of when I think of Tex-Mex, but there you go.) I liked the huevos rancheros I had on a brunch visit, and the carnitas tacos were delicious on a dinner visit. I also like the big open atmosphere. It’s nice to have the Tex-Mex flavor on Park Avenue. (Or just off Park.)
Dapper Duck
Address
City
Phone
Price
28 S. Orange Ave
Orlando
407-286-0256
$$
One of Orlando’s many — MANY — bars, but one of the few that pays attention to the quality of food it serves.
Delaney’s Tavern
Address
City
Phone
Price
1315 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando
407-849-0801
$$
Part of the new Delaney, a boutique hotel, Delaney’s Tavern is more than a drinking spot. The food, under the direction of chef Anthony Albino, is innovative and expertly executed. The crab beignets and shrimp, scallops & grits (with purple grits) are favorites.
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
Address
City
Phone
Price
6115 Westwood Blvd.
Orlando
407-226-2662
$$
Even though this is a restaurant out of New York, don’t confuse it with the legendary Manhattan steakhouse. Not that you would once you stepped inside this casual yet boisterous place. The signature item here is the same-named cut of meat.
I must say it was an impressive looking steak, a beautiful 24-ouncer that had been cooked perfectly to the requested medium-rare. And with the exception of the first bite, which was all gristle, the meat was quite tender, and at $19.99 for such a large steak, it seemed to be quite a deal.
So would it have been too much to ask that the steak have some flavor? It had none. It was ultimately just a big slab of meat that could substantially fill an empty stomach without offering much in the way of enjoyment. It was served with a side of penne with a passable red sauce.
Unfortunately, management seems to think that anyone coming in through the door is a tourist. They’re not treated poorly, they’re just not treated as though they’re coming back again. There are dozens of places on International Drive that are better than Delmonico’s.
Descend 21
Address
City
Phone
Price
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Orlando
407-284-1234
$$
The name of the restaurant derives not from an age restriction but rather from the number of steps it takes to reach it down a curving staircase from the lobby level. (Yes, I counted; it’s 21 steps. In both directions.)
Dexter’s of Lake Mary
Address
City
Phone
Price
950 Market Promenade Ave.
Lake Mary
407-805-3090
$$
There are three distinct Dexter’s but all offer the same basic menu, which is unambitious but functional. Much more emphasis is placed on producing a lively atmosphere, which often includes live music. (Check Web site for details.)
For food, the pressed duck sandwich is a classic. And the chicken tortilla pie, a tall, layered affair, is one of those things you feel guilty for liking but keep ordering each time you go.
Domu
Address
City
Phone
Price
3201 Corrinne Drive
Orlando
407-960-1228
$$
Hot and trendy place serving hot and trendy ramen. The ramens are good, but being popular kind of goes to their heads. Prepare to be made to wait, even if tables are available.