With celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Todd English moving into Central Florida's dining scene, Orlando has evolved into a destination for world-class eats.
Todd English's Bluezoo
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
1500 Epcot Resort Blvd. (Buena Vista Dr.)
Lake Buena Vista
407-934-1111
Dinner for two, without wine, about $90
Boston wonder Todd English has extended his gastronomic empire to the Magic Kingdom, with his multicultural spin on the all-American fish house. The Old World is well represented by such entrees as fried soft-shell "crab-o-nara," an Italian-inspired linguine strewn with peas, lump crab and pancetta. Other dishes reflect an Asian influence, such as a two-pound Cantonese lobster coated with a delicious sticky-soy glaze, and an aromatic Vietnamese crab salad loaded with melon and mango. For dessert, stick with tropical confections like Key lime creme brulee and spicy pineapple napoleon.
Les Chefs de France
Epcot’s French Pavilion
Lake Buena Vista
407-827-8709
407-939-3463(reservations)
Dinner for two, without wine, $50
At this upscale eatery gussied up to look like a Parisian brasserie, three of France’s legendary culinary heavyweights have teamed to share their gastronomic traditions: Nouvelle cuisine demigod Paul Bocuse, Gaston Lenotre and Roger Verge. Their menu hews to bistro standards like escargot and French onion soup; main courses include chicken Cordon Bleu, duck a l'orange and steak frites. Even desserts have a classic bent, especially a textbook creme brulee.
Norman's
Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Pkwy.
Orlando
407-393-4333
Dinner for two, without wine, $130
Famous Miami restaurateur Norman Van Aken has finally opened an outpost in Orlando. His namesake restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton spotlights his New World fusion fare, with such dramatic dishes as ahi tuna ceviche mixed tableside. The "signature dishes" menu includes Van Aken’s most notable creations, including saffron-laced conch chowder, Key West yellowtail, and roasted pork mole. End the meal with a decadent banana split with rum-flamed bananas.
California Grill
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
4600 N. World Dr.
Lake Buena Vista
Dinner for two, without wine, $100
407-824-1576
407-939-3463 (reservations)
With its front-and-center view of the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks spectacular and its farm-fresh menu, this 15th-floor showpiece on the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort packs in the visitors. The restaurant’s seasonally driven selections focus on New American fare with such dishes as Copper River king salmon and Sonoma goat cheese ravioli. The something-for-everyone menu also offers sushi and sashimi, and brick-oven pizzas. Warm chocolate banana bread and butterscotch creme brulee ends the meal with a bang.
Narcoossee’s
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
4401 Grand Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista
407-939-3463
Dinner for two, without wine, $120
A more casual take on fine dining, this kid-friendly restaurant has the added attraction of overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon at the Grand Floridian resort. A seafood-focused menu spotlights local fare, such as grilled wahoo and rock shrimp, and langostino and crab cakes. Whimsical snacks like lamb lollipops appeal to tykes. Chocoholics of all ages will be pleased by the semi-sweet caramel-chocolate dome.
