March, 2004 -- If you're a fast-food fan, you'll find hundreds of choices here, thanks to Orlando's 30-something years of growth as a family destination. Theme and theme-park restaurants, only a rung or two higher on the culinary scale, aren't far behind in the numbers. That's why local cuisine is usually regarded as sub par when compared to that of foodie havens such as New York, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, which in recent years has escaped its blue-plate image.
In fairness, though, some of Orlando's 4,000 restaurants can go head-to-head with the competition. (Disbelievers should grab a chair at Emeril's at CityWalk, Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or Manuel's on the 28th in downtown Orlando.) Because most central Florida visitors spend much of their time at Disney or Universal, we're going to focus a lot of our energy there, but we won't leave out worthwhile restaurants beyond the giants. We're going to sample what's cooking along International Drive and visit a fair share of other dining rooms that have benefited from the culinary infusion created by the attractions.
Note to parents: Keep in mind that most moderate to inexpensive restaurants have kids' menus ($4-$6, often including a beverage and fries), and many offer distractions, such as coloring books and mazes, to keep your two-footed critters busy until the chow arrives. We'll make a note of those available at press time, but things change, so ask when reserving a table.
You'll also want to pay attention to the places that offer "character meals". Also note that the higher the meal costs, the less likely you'll be in the same dining room as a lot of little ones. So, if you hanker an evening to rekindle the romance while the kids crash in an activity center or stay with a babysitter, try one of the adult restaurants we've included.
Best Character Meal: Hands down, it doesn't get any better than Chef Mickey's (tel. 407/939-3463) breakfasts and dinners at Disney's Contemporary Resort. These "events" feature their respective namesake and other characters, but a word of warning: They draw up to 1,600 guests each morning.
Best Kids' Menu Range: When it comes to the deepest menu for young taste buds, Pastamore Ristorante at Universal CityWalk (tel. 407/363-8000) gives kids a choice of nine entrees.
Best Offbeat Kids' Menu: With a menu that offers beef or chicken teriyaki, shrimp tempura, pork dumplings, and sushi, it's hard to beat Ran-Getsu of Tokyo (tel. 407/345-0044) in this category.
Best Burgers: From Cheeseburgers in Paradise to Cuban Meatloaf Survival Sandwiches, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Universal CityWalk (tel. 407/224-2155) has some of the juiciest and most unusual burgers in town.
Best Outdoor Eating: Kids can get into the festive jungle atmosphere while digging into their own wild menu at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney West Side, which offers indoor as well as patio dining (tel. 407/827-8500). The terrace at Artist Point (tel. 407/939-3463), the premier restaurant at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, overlooks a lake, waterfall, and scenery evocative of America's national parks. And the Rose & Crown at Epcot (tel. 407/939-3463) delivers a front-row seat for the IllumiNations fireworks display.
Best Value: At Romano's Macaroni Grill (tel. 407/239-6676), the ambience and northern Italian cuisine score very high, and prices are low, low, low.
Best Spot for a Parent's Night Out: Dinners don't get much more romantic than those at the Victorian-style Victoria & Albert's (tel. 407/939-3463). The meal is comprised of six courses served by a maid and butler.
Best Ice Cream: Go for the splurge (and maybe a larger waist size) at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop (tel. 407/934-8855) in Downtown Disney West Side.