Second location at 463 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs (in front of Altamonte Mall); 407-767-1252. Darden’s latest concept works on a number of levels, thanks to the hard work of manager George Miliotes, executive chef Clifford Pleau and their talented staffs.
The original conceit of the restaurant was that something somewhere was coming into season every week of the year. The kitchen has sort of gotten away from following that too closely, but continues to offer entrees with lots of flavor but fewer calories. Forget about the food being healthfully prepared, you won’t notice a difference when you taste the grilled pork with polenta or the filet mignon. If you start feeling too goody-goody, go crazy and order all the mini desserts. The wine list here – which includes a large number of by-the-glass selections – is especially impressive.
Despite coming from the same company that brought you the Olive Garden and Red Lobster chains, Seasons 52 is more upscale and casually elegant — there is even a piano player in the bar area many evenings. And just to drive home the point that adults are the target audience, Seasons 52 keeps no highchairs or booster seats on hand.

This is a new concept from the folks at Shula’s Steak House, the high end eatery that bears the name of the legendary Miami Dolphins coach. He’s legendary for the number of wins he led his team to. That number is 347. so that explains two-thirds of the restaurant’s name.
The Grill part is meant to set it apart from the upper crust steakhouse, although a few steaks are available on the menu here, as well.
But there are other items, too, including crab cakes (before the Dolphins Shula coached the Baltimore Colts, so he’s particular about his crab cakes), seared ahi tuna, sandwiches and other fare. Honestly, the least of the things I sampled during my visit was the steak, which was a bit overcooked.
The atmosphere is an upscale sports bar, with requisite televisions and casual seating arrangements.

The full name is Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops, but that’s a bit limiting. Spencer’s is a terrific all-around restaurant. Be sure to try the crab cakes and fried poached egg appetizers. Steaks are first rate, but so is the double-cut lamb chop and king salmon (served under a glass dome filled with smoke). Although Spencer’s is located inside a hotel next to the Convention Center, this is a restaurant worthy of local attention. The decor is upscale casual, and a meal here is a relaxing evening.

In the odd location of the Prime Outlets mall on International Drive, Vinito is serving authentic Italian dishes, classically prepared by Naples native Raffaele Marsilio. Have the spagetti Geraldina, named for Marsilio’s mother, who taught him to cook. Or have the veal Marsala, one of the best renditions in town.
The calamari was quite good, too. The squid was tender and the breading was light and fried just so, then sprinkled with a little salt. Perfect.For my entree I chose the green pepper filet mignon, a wonderfully tender steak cooked to a perfect medium-rare and served with a tangy peppercorn sauce tinged with rosemary. A truly delicious sauce.
Desserts are worth lingering over.
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Vito’s Chop House is a first-rate operation, a highend steakhouse with a touch of Tuscany. The atmosphere is masculine but comfortable, the service is practiced and sure, and the steaks are of the finest quality and an omigod size that will have you requesting a takeout container before they’re even placed in front of you.

Located in a historic house next to an offramp from the 408, The Wellborn is a hidden oasis with modest food and good drinks within walking distance of the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.