Here are a few of our favourite Orlando restaurants we regularly visit and never let us down!
My wife and I have owned and rented our villa on Tivoli Manor, Highway 27, Davenport for the last 11 years. We have always enjoyed the Parks that Orlando has to offer but over the last few years, having a rest and eating nice food has because more of a priority and we only tend to use the parks about 1 day per holiday. We give all our guests a sheet titled Our favourite places to eat. They are not the cheapest and certainly not the most expensive but people who try them tend to enjoy their meals. Some of these are chain restaurants in different locations but these are the ones we use
BREAKFASTS
Bob Evans, highway 27 by Posner Park. Good variety of decent priced breakfasts with as many coffees as you like when you have paid for one. This is a nice place for families and there is a counter which sells small cakes and cookies to purchase on the way out. The staff have mostly been there for years and you get a good atmosphere with the mainly American guests in there. Ask to sit at the counter and just watch and listen, its good fun.
Southern Dunes Golf Course restaurant. We use this on a Sunday morning as there is a Buffet breakfast on the menu. This is a large spacious place and you can watch the driving range out of the restaurant windows. Choose what you want from the buffet then visit a chap called Bill who will cook you a fresh omelette. He is an interesting character who will tell you a few places in the area you might like to visit that you have not heard of before. Casual dress of vests and t shirts is allowed for breakfast. You have to stop at the gatehouse and get a pass off the guard when entering the golf course.
Rainforest Café, Animal Kingdom Park. A good tip is to get in the park just before the gates open then go straight on the Safari ride. This way you will see the most animals when they are just being fed and before it gets too hot for them. After your Safari head to the Rainforest Cafe for your breakfast. It is not the chrain eapest option but the food is good and the kids will love the puppet Animals all coming to life and the storms which happen inside every ten minutes or so. This is an interesting place which also has a lovely shop. It's very busy all the time but great for the kids. There's a second Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney Market Place.
B Line Diner, Hyatt Regency, International Drive. The diner is open 24 hours and the menu changes 4 times daily. The food is good and you can also watch the cooking happening at the counter. Another reason for visiting is the daily march of the ducks at 11am and 5 pm. This is a great spectackle and draws guests from all over the world. It has been on television a few times and you can also check it out on you Tube. If you pull up at the Hotel the porters will tell you where to park. People tend to dress smarter in this hotel as it draws the Convention Centre crowdoutbacks.
DINNERS
Outback Steakhouse, Highway 192, Kissimmee. This is a great steakhouse which includes salad and bread in your meal price. Try the bloomin onion starter!
Cape May Café, Disneys Beach Club. You have to book this through Disney Dining and let the guard know on the Gatehouse you have come for a meal. This is a lovely if slightly expensive seafood buffet. The choice is extensive and the restaurant design is lovely. After your meal you can have a lovely night strolling around the 4 hotels and also the Disney Boardwalk which all connect to this area. It really is a smashreing night out for all ages.
Red Lobster, Highway 192, Kissimmee. This is probably the best value seafood around for a real decent price. Great choice and good service. Families and casual dress are the norm here and it is usually very busy.
The Crystal Palace Buffet, Magic Kingdom. You can book this meal at the restaurant podium when you are in the park. This is a bit noisy and chaotic but great if the kids want to meet the Disney Characters whilst dining. The buffet is very good at dinner.
Bahama Breeze, International Drive. This is a great Carribean style place which is fun to eat at. The ribs, chicken, seafood and steak are all good. Parking is at the right hand side of the restaurant and expect a bit of a wait to be seated at the weekend.
Longhorn Steakhouse by Orlando Premium Outlets, Vineland Road. If you are visiting these outlets don't miss this gem. Superb restaurant with outstanding steaks. There is also a nice bar area if you want a drink before or after dining. If you find there is a queue for a table you can eat in the bar area on a first come first served basis. Casual dress is allowed.
PF Changs China Bistro at the Mall at Millenia. Quite simply the locals say this is Orlandos best Chinese restaurant and its very hard to argue. Park at the Mall and this place is on the outside by the Blue Martini bar.
Brios Tuscan Grill, another one at the Mall at Millenia. Superb Italian with Lamb and pork chops to die for! With a great spacious setting. There is also a lovely bar area here which is always busy. This is geared more for adults than children but they do cater for them as nearly all the restaurants do.
Antonios at Celebration Florida. Head for market street to park and this place is down by the lake area. This is another lovely Italian with the finest pizza anywhere. Afterwards take a stroll around the lake with an ice cream for a memorable evening. No vest tops allowed in here when dining.
Ci Cis Pizza, Posner Park, Highway 27. Just a small pizza buffet which is usually full of locals. Park at the top end of the stores and you will find it. This is because its clean and the food is good. You will struggle to spend more than $7 which is good if you have a large, hungry tribe to feed. Great family diner.
Tony Roma's, International Drive. Called THE place for ribs. They serve steak, chicken etc but its hard to ignore their ribs and more ribs! Parking is in front of the restaurant. You may have a bit of a wait for tables at the weekend or USA holiday times.