Even Moms and Dads on a family vacation need play dates
Christini’s Ristorante Italiano
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
Orlando
407-345-8770
Dinner for two, without wine, about $110
When only the most chivalrous evening will do, locals head to this throwback Italian, where the maitre d’ presents women with a long-stemmed rose and the owner personally greets every guest. The menu also upholds time-honored traditions, with old favorites like linguine with clam sauce, osso buco alla Milanese and steak in a Barolo wine sauce. Save room for sweet endings like chocolate velvet cake or a creamy zabaglione.
Le Coq au Vin
4800 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando
407-851-6980
Dinner for two, without wine, $70
An unassuming house in South Orlando belies what many consider Central Florida’s finest restaurant. Chef Louis Perrote and his wife Magdalena have been pulling in diners for more than two decades with their rustic French fare. The Gallic feasts include such traditional appetizers as coquilles St. Jacques and steak tartare, and main courses like sea bass en croute and duck a l'orange . The piece de resistance is the restaurant’s signature coq au vin, a red wine-braised chicken that would make even the most fussy grandmere proud. At the end of the meal, indulge in a light-as-air Grand Marnier souffle.
Manuel’s on the 28th
390 N. Orange Ave.
Orlando
407-246-6580
Dinner for two, without wine, $100
Finally, a restaurant on top of a skyscraper that’s worthy of a gorgeous sunset. With a panoramic view of downtown Orlando and an eclectic menu, this 28th-floor dining room is a special occasion favorite. A seasonal menu includes dishes that draw inspiration from all over the world, from the Mediterranean phyllo-wrapped lamb loin to the Japanese-influenced miso-marinated Chilean sea bass. Meat eaters will enjoy the five-peppercorn filet mignon. Decadent desserts include a molten-hot chocolate lava cake and a caramelized apple tart.
Flying Fish
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
2101 N. Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista
407-939-2359
407-939-3463 (reservations)
Dinner for two, without wine, $80
If vacation plans don’t allow frenzied parents to stray too far from Lake Buena Vista, they can hightail it to this stylish restaurant on Disney’s Boardwalk. Chef Jens Dahlmann (ex-Le Cirque) helms the stoves at this inventive seafooder, and turns out dishes like potato-wrapped snapper and pan-roasted halibut with fennel-red pepper compote, as well as a char-crusted New York strip steak for ardent carnivores. Tantalizing desserts include a banana napoleon layered with vanilla creme brulee and warm caramel sauce.
Jiko - The Cooking Place
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Pkwy.
Lake Buena Vista
407-938-3000
407-939-3463 (reservations)
Dinner for two, without wine, $80
Be transported to the wilds of Africa for an evening at Disney’s sub-Saharan restaurant, where the "Lion King"-inspired decor features two wood-burning ovens and white birds suspended from the ceiling. Appetizers mesh unusual African flavors with familiar American dishes through such items as crispy cinnamon-spiced beef roll and duck firecrackers. Main courses veer all over the culinary map, from a pan roasted monkfish to braised lamb shank. Big appetites should save room for Jiko’s Kilmanjaro Cake at dessert.
