Neighborhoods

International Drive Area Dining

International Drive has one of the area's larger collections of fast-food joints but mixed in around its midsection and southern end are some of the region's better restaurants. South I-Drive is 10 minutes by auto from the Walt Disney World parks. Restaurant Row, located in a small area just above I-Drive along Dr. Phillips Boulevard and Sand Lake Road, is currently the hottest dining area in Orlando.

Downtown Delights

The revitalization of the downtown area has brought with it the addition of chic clubs and trendy upscale eateries well worth a second look -- and the 20-minute drive. Hue -- A Restaurant, 629 E. Central Blvd. (tel. 407/849-1800; www.huerestaurant.com), recognized in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveler as "one of the best new restaurants in the world," lives up to its reputation thanks to creative American cuisine and a sophisticated urban loft atmosphere. Kres Chophouse, 17 W. Church St. (tel. 407/447-7950; www.kresrestaurant.com), a not-so-distant relative of Hue, offers an ever-changing menu of traditional yet exceptional steakhouse fare, as well as an extensive wine list.

Dining on Restaurant Row

In the past few years, just east of I-4 along a stretch of Sand Lake Road in the swanky suburb of Dr. Phillips, several very chic, very trendy, and very hip eateries have popped up. This high concentration of upscale (and, at times, ethnic) eateries, now known as Restaurant Row, is home to some of Orlando's best eating opportunities. In addition to the restaurants already listed in this guide (including Roy's Restaurant and The Samba Room), there are lots of others worth noting. A few of the best include:

Tommy Bahama's Tropical Café & Emporium (tel. 321/281-5888). The eclectic yet elegant decor here invokes thoughts of the Pacific Rim, filled with accents of bamboo, palm leaves, beads, and island-inspired artwork lining the walls. Those looking for fresh seafood won't be disappointed by signature dishes such as macadamia nut-encrusted pink snapper or sautéed jumbo shrimp and scallops in a curry coconut sauce. If you prefer to dine outdoors, the patio is the place to be -- and thanks to a partition, you'll be able to enjoy a bit of privacy along with your meal.

Note: In addition to the restaurants listed above, several other restaurants are slated to open in the next few years at Pointe Orlando, so be sure to check out the complex's website before your visit for up-to-the-minute developments.

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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				Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2008 Author: Laura Lea Miller Pub Date: September 04, 2007 Price: $16.99				Related Titles: Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal SeaWorld & the Best of Central Florida, 5th Edition Frommer's Florida 2008 Frommer's Florida 2009

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