Orlando convention area - Dinner options March 2016?

Question

Will be at a meeting in early March in Orlando. Staying near the convention center, no car, but know about i-drive trolley. Looking for two kinds of dinner options: casual-quick and fancy. All cuisines welcome, just looking for special experience (yes, even in a known tourist area). Thanks!

Answer

I like oceanaires like Pat said.

Cafe Tu Tu tango is fun. tapas and had its own parking lot without having to do the dreaded parking at point orlando. 

I would check out some of the Indian restaurants in the area you can get to by itrolley. 

Fancy I would go Norman's at the ritz.

Answer

If you are staying near the convention center The Pointe Orlando is your best (only?) option for good food.

http://www.pointeorlando.com/dining/

They are chains like Oceanaire, Capital Grille, etc, but about as good as you'll find in the tourist zone.

The Hyatt Regency and Rosen Shingle Creek both have good dining choices.

Besides the Pointe you have decent chains (but still chains) like Bahama Breeze, Café Tutu Tango, Miller's Ale House and Brick House Tavern.

Winter Park is a relatively long ways away, but has the best restaurants. Dr Phillips area has some good ones too.

Look at this thread.

http://www.chowhound.com/post/foodie-spots-orlando-969356

While I disagree with BB Voodoo Lou on Mexican, the rest of his recs, especially the ones in Winter Park are spot on.

Answer

I'd lead you away from the chains. To stay on I-Drive and Sand Lake Road, our Restaurant Row, I'd consider these restaurants.

Vine's Grille & Wine Bar--an expensive but well-run steakhouse with some creative foods and a great bar with live jazz
Hanimazuki--authentic Japanese.
Bosphorous--good Turkish food in a pleasant atmosphere
Peperoncino--homemade upscale Italian with a contemporary European feel. start with the fried pecorino drizzle with honey.
Urbain 40--swanky brasserie with some really good French-ish food. The Nicoise salad and the flatbreads are exceptionally good.
Spencer's, the steakhouse inside the Hilton Orlando, is a winner
Pio Pio--inexpensive, delicious Colombian-style chicken dinners, and good ceviches
Arepas el Cacao--crisp counter-service spots with Latin American street foods, but good quality (Here's a blog post I wrote awhile back http://blog.ronagindin.com/try-arepas-el-cacao-venezuelan-street-foods-orlando)
Dragonfly, a stylish Japanese restaurant
The Whiskey, for great burgers

www.ronarecommends.com

Answer

I am also going to be in the convention center area, though I will likely have access to a car. Thank you for the restaurant recommendations; Rona, your recommendations are particular helpful. Does anyone have recommendations for a cocktail bar? A smaller craft cocktail place is preferable even if it is a bit of a trek from the convention center, though the closer the better. Thanks!

Answer

Thanks and a bookmark!

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Orlando convention area - Dinner options March 2016?

Discussion Summary

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

Taverna Opa Orlando

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Orlando

B Resort & Spa

MoonFish

Slate Restaurant

The Ravenous Pig

Pio Pio Restaurant

Pio Pio Latin Cuisine

Café Tu Tu Tango

Bahama Breeze

Bahama Breeze

Miller's Ale House - Orlando East Colonial

Miller's Ale House - Winter Park Village

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Peperoncino

The Whiskey

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