RECOMMENDED EATING

Restaurants

AFRICAN

NILE ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT

7048 International Drive, Orlando 407-3540026. nileorlando.com The flavors at this 14-year mainstay remain a dazzling discovery, with beef, chicken and vegetable dishes enhanced by otherworldly spices like cumin, coriander, nutmeg, fenugreek and sacred basil. There are many enticing choices, but owner Abeba Gonetse makes it easy with the Chef’s Special Combination for two featuring delectables like chicken doro wat stew in red pepper sauce, beef alicha in turmeric, yellow kik split peas, and gomen cabbage cooked in garlic and ginger. Co ee service is special: The beans are roasted in a pan over hot coals and the brew is served in small cups in a ceremony of friendship and respect. $$ 

AMERICAN

AC ORLANDO HOTEL SKYBAR

333 S. Garland Ave., Orlando 407-635-2300. marriott.com Soar above Orlando at this bar located on the 18th floor of the AC Orlando Hotel, right in the heart of downtown. Serving lunch, dinner and tapa daily, this hotspot also o ers its Elevated Brunch on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Whenever you visit, you'll find contemporary American fare with Spanish influences—a nod to the AC's origins in Spain. The Cazuela is a must-have. $$$$

%BETH’S BURGER BAR

25145 S. Orange Ave., Edgewood 407-8881190; 9938 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407203-8100; 223 Wheelhouse Lane, Lake Mary 407-716-2272. bethsburgerbar.com Winner of the Dining Awards’ Readers’ Choice for Best Local Burger the past five years. Owner Beth Steele and her crew o er an impressive array of delicious creations in an informal, welcoming atmosphere. The sizes go up to triple patties and "beyond" and the toppings are also endless: peanut butter, pineapple jalapeno, and cheddar mac & cheese, to name a few. And if you dare, order the Double D Challenge—a four-patty burger featuring eight slices of bacon and five di erent cheeses. Win a T-shirt if you finish it in 10 minutes! $-$$

%THE GLASS KNIFE

276 S. Orlando Ave, Winter Park 407-5002253. theglassknife.com  Winner of the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Desserts, this is a sleek yet approachable haven for those in search of both sweet and savory. Start the day with doughnuts, an avocado and egg toast, or a cheddar biscuit sandwich. Lunch standouts include the turkey bacon club and the berry bacon spinach salad. In the evening, enjoy Southern red velvet or carrot cake, and Europeanstyle pastries along with fine wines, craft beers and champagne. $$ %CHEF’S TABLE AT THE

EDGEWATER

99 W. Plant St, Winter Garden 407-230-4837. chefstable-attheedgewater.com Kevin and Laurie Tarter’s restaurant has ruled the chef’s table category for more than a decade and 2020 was no exception, as it captured the top pick from our readers, as well as the Best Kept Secret award. Kevin Tarter’s culinary vision shines through with plates of lowcountry perloo, New Orleans-influenced fish, and fork-tender osso buco. $$$$ Ẃ

%DELANEY’S TAVERN

1315 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-849-0801. eatdt.com At this recent SoDo District addition, winner of the Critic's 2020 Award for Best Hotel Restaurant, Chef Anthony Albino o ers a variety of creative American fare, from sandwiches and soups to beef and seafood. Must-tries are the blue crab beignets, rock shrimp salad, and the corned beef sandwich, with meat that spends 10 days in brine and is then roasted in beer. For breakfast, try the Swine Frittata, with chorizo, bacon, ham, roasted mushrooms and smoked gouda cheese. $-$$$ 

%MAXINE’S ON SHINE

337 N. Shine Ave., Orlando 407-674-6841. maxinesonshine.com  This casual bistro is full of quirky charm, with a menu ranging from bar snacks to full entrees emphasizing seafood. Outdoor seating, live music, an interesting wine list and the presence of delightful proprietors add up to everything you should expect from a local restaurant. Winner of the 2020 Readers’ Choice for Brunch. $$-$$$. Ẃ

RUSSELL'S ON LAKE IVANHOE

1414 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-601-3508. russellsorlando.com With commanding views of Lake Ivanhoe and comfortable, chic surroundings, Russell’s o ers upscale casual dining with an innovative and fresh menu. Indulge in fresh starters such as tuna or beef tartare before moving on to mains like crispy duck confit, grilled spiny lobster tails and a variety of steaks, chops and pasta dishes. The M-F happy hour o ers small plates and drink specials; weekend brunch dazzles with a fresh array and breakfast and lunch specialties as well as bottomless mimosas and sangria. $$$$ Ẃ

THE MONROE

448 N. Terry Ave, Orlando 407-734-2102. themonroeorlando.com Good Salt Group owners Jason and Sue Chin have brought this new comfort food concept to Creative Village, serving up dinner presently, with lunch and brunch plans in the works. Executive Chef Josh Oakley surprises and delights with fun spins on classic dishes, like Pastrami Corn Dogs. During the day, stop in for co ee and tea creations at the restaurant’s co ee bar, and stay through the evening for creative cocktails. Spacious seating and reliable WiFi make this a great spot for chats with your best friend or meetings with colleagues. Parking is available for a low fee at the neighboring UnionWest parking garage. $-$$$ Ẃ

THE PINERY

295 NE Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando 407-377-7576. thepineryorlando.com Located on picturesque Lake Ivanhoe, this new Orlando hotspot celebrates Florida's forgotten history as a top exporter of pineapples. While that's interesting for sure, the stellar cocktails and bites are what will keep you coming back for more. Tuck into a menu of comfort food-inspired dishes, like Smoked Peanut Soup, the Florida Grouper Rachael, and the Braised Short Rib. Wash it all down with inventive cocktails, such as the Snowbird, a combo of tequila, pineapple liqueur, and coconut. $$$$ Ẃ

SEAR + SEA WOODFIRE GRILL

JW Marriott Bonnet Creek, 14900 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, 407-919-6383. marriott.com The takeaway from our experience at Sear + Sea: this is a team who cares. From the thoughtful sourcing of local ingredients, to the way plates are built, there’s an attention to detail that you might not expect from a resort hotel. From the OliveOil Poached Halibut and Branzino to the excellent woodfired steaks, you can't go wrong. $$$$

SE7EN BITES

617 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando 407-203-0727. se7enbites.com Baker and pie maker Trina Gregory-Propst likes to push the limits of food as you know it, and her neighborhood breakfast and lunch destination packs in the patrons. Se7en Bites’ creations include hand-made moonpies, cupcakes, luscious biscuits and gravy, statuesque cakes and a chicken pot pie with a perfect crust. The salted caramel chocolate pecan pie is a thing of beauty. $

THE TAP ROOM AT DUBSDREAD 

549 W. Par Street, Orlando 407-650-0100. taproomatdubsdread.com L-D daily. BR Sun. Nestled within the picturesque Dubsdread Golf Course, The Tap Room o ers casual, yet sophisticated, American fare. Fresh fish, hand-cut steaks, pastas and the award-winning Tap Room Classic Cheeseburger are some of the College Park restaurant’s best menu items. You can dine inside or out on the veranda, which o ers views of the golf course. $$-$$$ Ẃ

ASIAN

%HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE

1103 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-237-0606; 9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Windermere 407-583-6334. eathawkers.com

Winner of the dining critic's Empire Building Award for 2020. Chefs specializing in cuisines from Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong put a modern twist on family recipes to create tasty fare like basil fried rice, coconut curry stew, Korean twice fried wings, chicken dumplings and pad thai. Hawkers originated in Orlando but now has seven locations in five states, with plans for further expansion. $-$$

MAMAK

1231 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-270-4688. mamakasianorlando.com Mamak brings the flavors of Malaysia to Orlando. A must-try is the wonton with hot sauce, consisting of steamed chicken and shrimp dumplings coated in peanut sauce, chili oil and sesame seeds. Other winners: pasembur, a sweet potato gravy served on crispy tofu; and gwa bao, a soft steamed bun filled with duck or pork. $-$$

BARBECUE

%4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE

Six Orlando-area locations 1-855-368-7748. 4rsmokehouse.com Our 2020 Readers’ Choice winner for Ribs and Takeout. The lines at 4 Rivers can get long, but the succulent barbecue sandwiches, delectable brisket and home-style sides are worth the wait. The baked cheese grits are magnificent. $-$$

PIG FLOYD’S URBAN BARBAKOA

1326 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-203-0866; Lake Nona Village, 9680 N. Narcoossee Rd., Lake Nona 407-730-7376. pigfloyds.com Serving a combination of Latin, African and American fusion, this eatery also invokes the Caribbean roots of barbecue with barbakoa, or traditional Puerto Rican smoke cooking, full of rich flavors and tropical ingredients. It’s on delicious display in the St. Louis ribs and the matahambre smoked flank sandwich. Also try the North African chicken sausage and shrimp platter. $-$$$.

THE POLITE PIG

Disney Springs, Town Center 407-938-7444. disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining The culinary powerhouse that is the Petrakis family trots out exemplary barbecue and more in a locally sourced, artisanal restaurant disguised as a fast food outlet. It’s all here: pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis ribs, and co ee-scented, amazingly tender brisket. But the Pig also o ers delectables like fried chicken and cedar plank salmon. roasted beets and grilled street corn. $-$$$

CAJUN/CREOLE

TIBBY’S NEW ORLEANS KITCHEN

2203 Aloma Ave., Winter Park 407-672-5753; 494 W. S.R. 436, Altamonte Springs 407-9516928. tibbysneworleanskitchen.com Using family recipes, owner Brian Wheeler delivers satisfying N’Awlins cooking, with the jambalayacrawfish-filé gumbo as the standout. Andouille sausage is king; it’s in almost every dish. $-$$ CHINESE CUBAN

MING’S BISTRO

1212 Woodward St., Orlando 407-898-9672. This out-of-the way Mills 50 spot o ers dim sum worthy of San Francisco.. Feast on sesame balls, roast pork buns, shrimp dumplings and items you may not recognize (like chicken feet or jellyfish). In addition, a full menu of Hong Kong-style entrées o ers enticements—order the duck. $

%TASTE OF CHENGDU

2030 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-8391983; 4856 New Broad St., Orlando. 407-2864850. tasteofchengdufl.com Winner of Best Chinese from readers for 2020. Chef Xiong “Tiger” Tang puts his authentic spin on Sichuan dishes that include the sweat-inducing seasonings of his home country, with o erings like whole lobster with peppers, brisket in chili sauce, or tofu skin with chive sauce. Tang gets fresh peppers—called huajiao—from his brother in the Sichuan province. $$-$$$

CREATIVE/CONTEMPORARY

%LUKE’S KIT CHEN AND BAR

640 South Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-6742400. eatatlukes.com The barrel-aged and draft cocktails coming from the bar are outstanding: The on-tap Jaguar, consisting of Elyx vodka, Boomsma Beerenburger and Lindsay bitters, grapefruit, apple and lime is complex enough to occupy most of the evening and complements what Luke’s calls “classically inspired libations.” In the kitchen, the creative fare from Brandon McGlamery’s team ranges from bay scallops with watermelon, cilantro, spicy peanut and sesame, to pork steak with black-eyed peas, shishito, peach, and green tomato. McGlamery was a 2020 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. $$$ Ẃ

MRS. POTATO

4550 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando 407-2900991. mrspotato.net It sounds simple: grated potatoes, grilled into a saucer shape. But the Brazilian delicacy called a rosti potato originated in Switzerland, uses a national signature cheese (catupiri) developed by Italians and is way larger than you can imagine. The South American batata Suíça takes the idea of crisp hash browns and fills them with gooey, savory goodness like ham and cheese, beef strogano , or Bu alo chicken. Rafaela Cabede’s exemplary creations have been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. $-$$ %BLACK BEAN DELI

1346 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park; 1835 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-628-0294. blackbeandeli.com This family-run eatery, specializing in authentic Cuban comfort food, captured the critic's prize for Best Casual Dining in our 2020 Dining Awards The Cuban sandwich, media noche, shredded Havana pork, picadillo—and of course the black beans—are first rate, as are the empanadas. The creamy flan custard is a must-have to top o the meal. $

DESSERTS AND BAKERIES

BETTER THAN SEX

1905 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-761-8949. betterthansexorlando.com The atmosphere is decidedly sweet and sexy at this Ivanhoe Village spot. A steamy sample: Peanut Butter Perversion (peanut butter mousse on a chocolate chip cookie dough crust with salted chocolate bark). Or try the Lavender Lipstick, a honey-rimmed glass of Proseco dripping with lavender syrup. $$

%BUTTERMILK BAKERY

1198 Orange Ave., Winter Park 321-422-4015. buttermilk-bakery.com Winner of the 2020 award for Best Bakery from both dining critic and readers. Taissa Rebro , her brother Phillip and mom Lana bake everything that graces the ever-changing menu, from the sweet croissant tarts with plum or apricot, to orange-cardamom buns, to baked Basque peppers on house-made sourdough. Delectable tea cakes, cookies and scones also make regular appearances. $

%SISTER HONEY’S

247 E. Michigan St., Orlando 407-730-7315. sisterhoneys.com Evette Rahman, a 2020 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame, opened Sister Honey’s in 2012 and soon began winning ribbons and accolades for her baking. She captured the 2019 World Dessert Championship for her Razzleberry swirl Key lime pie stu ed cookie against more than 1,400 other competitors. She’s also won two World Dessert Championships as well as an American Pie Council Championship, and three years’ Best of Show at

KEY

%PRIMO

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-3934444. primorestaurant.com After winning the coveted James Beard Award, Chef Melissa Kelly opened the Grande Lakes Marriott branch of Primo. Recently renovated, the restaurant o ers some old classics and new favorites with an emphasis on traditional Italian flavors and seasonally-inspired dishes. The produce comes from Primo’s own garden. Kelly was inducted into our 2020 Dining Hall of Fame. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

Pricing:

$ Under $10 $$ $10-$15 $$$ $15-$25 $$$$ More than $25

Other Symbols:

% 2020 Dining Award winner  Reservations recommended Ẃ Extensive wine list Preferred Dining Partner

the APC National Pie Championships. What to try at this gem of a bakery? Start with the custardfilled coconut cake—a four-layer pistachio variant is killer—or a sweet and billowy lemon meringue pie.

EUROPEAN

%HOLLERBACH’S WILLOW

TREE CAFÉ

205 E. First St., Sanford 407-321-2204. willowtreecafe.com Our readers’ pick for Best German Restaurant in the 2020 Dining Awards, Hollerbach’s o ers a vast array of beers and such hefty food choices as the Schlachthaus Platte with its veal sausage, pork meatloaf and smoked pork loin. There are numerous varieties of schnitzel. $$-$$$$ 

FRENCH

%CHEZ VINCENT

533 W. New England Ave., Winter Park 407599-2929. chezvincent.com Chef Vincent Gagliano o ers a delicious array of French cuisine, including sautéed snails baked in a pu pastry with a Port wine sauce, and main courses of quail with a raspberry sauce, and rack of lamb in a blue cheese sauce. The Readers' Choice winner for Best French Restaurant in our 2020 Dining Awards. $$$ Ẃ

LE COQ AU VIN

4800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-851-6980. lecoqauvinrestaurant.com A local mainstay since 1976, this French restaurant presents classic cuisine like the signature coq au vin (chicken with burgundy sauce), roasted rack of lamb, seared scallops with crabmeat and bearnaise sauce, and beef Bourgignon. $$$ Ẃ

GREEK

THE GREEK CORNER

1600 N. Orange Ave, Orlando 407 228-0303. thegreekcorner.net This Ivanhoe Village favorite o ers an abundance of Greek specialties, ranging from lamb kebobs and chops to baked dishes like pastitsio and moussaka. For lunch, try the gyro or souvlaki. $-$$$

%TAVERNA OPA

Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-351-8660. tavernaoparestaurant.com This 13-year-old I-Drive mainstay captured the Greek and Late-Night Dining categories among readers in our latest dining poll. It’s a fun spot— there’s lively music, belly dancing, dancing among diners and napkin-throwing. But Taverna also pays attention to the menu, with selections like branzino (the European sea bass), slowroasted lamb, Nisiotiko (“the Greek paella’’), and moussaka. $$-$$$$ Ẃ INDIAN

AASHIRWAD INDIAN RESTAURANT

7000 S. Kirkman Road Orlando 407-370-9830 aashirwadrestaurant.com This I-Drive restaurant focuses on northern Indian dishes. The familiar favorites are all here—samosas, chicken tandoori, chicken tikka—as well as intriguing selections such as chicken shakuti (anise-flavored poultry cooked in coconut-based masala gravy). There are also a dozen vegetarian choices, from tadka daal (yellow lentils cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices) to methi malai mutter (green peas in a creamy gravy with fenugreek leaf). $$

BOMBAY STREET KITCHEN

6215 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando 407-240-5151. bombaykitchenorlando.com Bombay Street Kitchen does a masterful job of introducing diners to myriad o erings from the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and beyond in an approachable, a ordable and beautiful concept. The restaurant o ers guests the chance to explore beyond the familiar favorites, like curries. Go deeper with a variety of shareable plates—many vegetarian. What sets the concept apart? Scratch cooking and a commitment to using freshly-ground spice mixtures that are prepared in-house. Some of our favorites include the Chura Vada Pav (potato patty sliders with garlic-cilantro chutney) and the Street Special Dosa. $$

%TAMARIND

501 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 149, Winter Park 321-207-0760. tamarindfl.com Chef/owner Amit Kumar uses slow-roasted spices to create out-of-this-world flavors at this jewel, selected Best Indian cuisine by our readers in the 2020 Dining Awards. The Goan shrimp curry, vegetable biryani, Kashmiri aloo (potatoes in yogurt curry) , vegetable jalfrezi (vegetables, onion, pepper & curry sauce) and palak paneer (spinach and curd cheese) are standouts, as is the tandoori chicken. The vegetable samosas, pastries stu ed with potatoes and peas, are an ideal starter. $$-$$$

IRISH

%RAGLAN ROAD IRISH PUB

AND RESTAURANT

Disney Springs, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-938-0300. raglanroadirishpub.com The good times roll with music, dancing and dazzling culinary creations from Chef Mark O’Neill. Let There Be No Rush Pork features 12-hour braised pork shoulder with caramelized apple puree, pickled mustard seeds and creamed cabbage with sage. Then there’s the Shepherd’s to Die For Pie with beef, lamb and and Irish peat-smoked mashed potatoes. Or try the Boaring Burger, boasting grilled wild boar, blue cheese, and port and pear chutney. The beer choices are extensive, including seven signature draughts made just for Raglan Road. $$$ Ẃ ITALIAN

CALA BELLA

Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-996-3663. calabellarestaurant. com Stimulating Italian fare, including great risotto and lamb chops, is served in a beautiful dining room at this sprawling hotel. The desserts are fabulous, too. $$$$ Ẃ

%FRANCESCO’S RISTORANTE

& PIZZERIA

400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-960-5533. francescos-rist.com A 2020 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. The pizza is primo at chef/owner Francesco Aiello’s restaurant, whether you choose the simple Margherita or load it with carne or vegetables. Other standouts include the spaghetti alla carbonara and the pollo Siciliano, a chicken breast sautéed in a mix of capers, artichokes and garlic and wine sauce. $$-$$$

%PRATO

124 N. Park Ave, Winter Park 407-262-0050 prato-wp.com From Luma executive chef Brandon McGlamery comes Prato, a trendy, communal spot with inventive o erings like mustard spaghettini, duck breast with pancetta and braised cabbage, filet mignon marsala, and some of the best pizzas around. McGlamery was a 2020 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. $$-$$$ Ẃ

THE MEATBALL STOPPE

7325 Lake Underhill Rd., Orlando 407-270-6505. themeatballstoppe.com Celebrate the spirit of Italian hospitality as this charming restaurant welcomes you as part of the family. O ering authentic Italian fare as well as interpretations of classics, every dish is based upon a family recipe. Try a meatball flight with a side of polenta for a flavorful experience; vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available. $$-$$$.

JAPANESE

%SEITO SUSHI

4898 New Broad St., Orlando 407-898-8801. seitosushi.com Voted Best Sushi and Best Japanese by readers in our 2020 Dining Awards. At Seito, owner Jason Chin and Executive Chef Huy Tin have elevated sushi and Pan-Asian dining to a delicious new level. The ramen bowls are slow-cooked, heady broths swimming with braised meats, eggs and superb noodles. Teriyaki chicken and bulgogi, grilled marinated Korean beef, also are winners. The chirashi items are beautiful arrangements of seasonal fish atop seasoned sushi rice—and some of the best plates in Orlando. Also, try the eel topped with charred Asian pear. $$-$$$. Ẃ

%SUSHI POP

310 W. Mitchell Hammock Road, Oviedo 407-542-5975; 115 E. Lyman Ave., Winter Park 321-203-2282. sushipoprestaurant.com Chef Chau Trinh is the Critic's Pick for Best Chef in our 2020 Dining Awards. His Oviedo version of Sushi Pop is a hip feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Giant screens play Japanese anime while waiters dressed in anime or glam-rock styles deliver eye-popping dishes like the Anaconda 2.0 roll, boasting avocado, eel and tempura shrimp. The Winter Park location has more restrained décor and a refined menu that o ers esoteric cold and hot tastings, such as octopus with Spanish Iberico ham lardo and sunchoke chimichurri. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

%SUSURU

8548 Palm Parkway, Orlando 407-778-4813. susuruorl.com The Critic’s Pick for Best (Hip) Japanese in our dining poll. Susuru is like a basement rec room in some Osaka suburban home, wood paneled and plastered with mid-century tin advertising signs, pop culture toys and sideshow trinkets. But with a full, open kitchen. Don’t try to imagine it, just experience this delightful izakaya in person. There are charcoal-grilled skewers of chicken bits from meatballs and wings to skin and knee cartilage; super crisp tori senbei (chicken thigh meat “chips”); grilled yellowtail collar; beautifully crafted rice bowls; and rich ramen with 12-hour tonkotsu bone broth or creamy chicken tori paitan. $$

LATIN/SPANISH

%JALEO

Disney Springs 321-348-3211. jaleo.com The Critic's Pick for Best Overall Restaurant in our 2020 Dining Awards. Renowned Chef (and culinary humanitarian) José Andrés has brought the talents of his culinary team to town, and the results are mouthwatering. The restaurant is purely Spanish— timeless dishes given a modern twist. Basque and Asturian cheeses; mini-burgers made from Iberico pork and bacon, and 45-day aged Angus ribeye served with wood-smoked Spanish piquillo peppers (chuletas de cordero) are just some of the delights. The chicken fritters (croquetas de pollo) are crisp little tubes of pulled chicken and bechamel, served on a gold-rimmed red cushion. Bold splashes of red and yellow, a massive photo of a bullfighter’s suit of lights and a lakeside patio make for an exciting space to enjoy this Spanish treasure. $$-$$$$Ẃ

%TAPA TORO

8441 International Dr., Orlando 407-226-2929 tapatoro.restaurant  Voted Best Spanish Restaurant and Best Happy Hour by readers in our 2020 Dining Awards. Paella is a big deal here—the varieties include seafood, beef and mushroom, chicken and lamb, and vegetarian. There's a seemingly endless lineup of tapas as well, from pork belly and lamb sliders, to Spanish frittata and crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce. $$-$$$ Ẃ MEXICAN

%COCINA 214

151 E. Welbourne Ave., Winter Park 407-7907997. cocina214.com Winner of Best Appetizers among readers in our 2020 Dining Awards Poll. Cocina's extensive menu includes entrees like achiote rotisserie chicken and corn-crusted mahi, as well as a variety of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and flautas. And the annual Running of the Chihuahas each May is a hoot. $$$ Ẃ

%REYES MEZCALERIA

821 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-868-9007. reyesmex.com Winner of both the critic's and readers' awards for Best Mexican in our 2020 Dining Awards. Chef Wendy Lopez’s creations are magnificent revelations, highlighting Michoacán and other regions of Mexico. $$-$$$ 

SANDWICHES

%BAD AS’S SANDWICH

207 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando 407-757-7191; badasssandwiches.com Winner of the Readers' Choice Award for Best Sandwiches in our 2020 dining poll. John Collazo’s sandwich shops are required stops if you’re looking for terrific, boldly flavored combinations in handhelds. Try the signature Bad As’s sandwich with its stack of well-seasoned beef, pork, chicken, Havarti cheese, pickled onions and garlic aioli. A frequent special is the Capone, a mouthwatering Italian collection of mortadella, capocollo, ham, chorizo, Fontina cheese and basil-manchego aioli. Servings are large—and multi-napkin juicy. $-$$

POM POM’S TEAHOUSE & SANDWICHERIA

67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-894-0865. pompoms-teahouse.com  This Milk District favorite o ers two dozen inventive pressed sandwiches and an array of salads. Try the Fu Man Chu sandwich, a wild combination of Asian-spiced pulled pork, goat cheese and ginger-cranberry chutney. The Billy Chang features smoked brisket, blue cheese, strawberry jelly and red onions. $

%STASIO’S ITALIAN DELI & MARKET

210 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-277-7755. Voted Best Deli by our readers in the 2020 Dining Awards poll. Maria and Louie Palo and children Al, Diana and Michael operate this Milk District standout, o ering imported pastas, Mulino Bianco cookies, sweet salciccia sausage and a host of other treats. The deli case holds family recipes like chicken pesto meatballs and fresh-baked lasagna, while popular sandwiches include the superb eggplant Parmigiana and “The Stasio” of prosciutto, capocollo, soppresata and fresh mozzarella. $-$$ SEAFOOD

BIG FIN SEAFOOD KITCHEN

8046 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-615-8888. bigfinseafood.com Located on Restaurant Row in the Dr. Phillips area, this family-owned and operated spot o ers the freshest seafood presented in both classic and innovative ways. Impeccable service and a robust beverage program enhance the menu beautifully. Tuck into favorite dishes like seafood ciopinno or macadamia crusted mahi, or opt for classic cold preparations such as freshly shucked oysters or jumbo shrimp or crab cocktail. $$$$ Ẃ

THE OSPREY

4899 New Broad St., Orlando 407-960-7700. theospreyorlando.com This Baldwin Park mainstay recently changed its focus to seafood. Menu o erings include sunburst trout with hoppin' john, cioppino, whole grilled branzino, fish and chips, and blue crab hush puppies. Non-seafood items include the Tavern Burger and Josper-roasted chicken. $$$-$$$$ 

%REEL FISH COASTAL KITCHEN

1234 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-5433474. reelfishcoastal.com Winner of Best Seafood among readers in our 2020 Dining Awards poll. At Reel Fish, restaurant veteran Fred Thimm takes an upscale fish camp vibe and runs with it. The restaurant’s takes on “fish camp classics’’—fried shrimp, scallops, oysters or fish—are flawlessly cooked, with a slightly salted batter. The Low Country Boil dazzles with wild-caught Florida shrimp, scallops, snow crab, mussels, Andouille, redskin potatoes, corn on the cobb, and charred okra. For strarters, try the fish dip, flaked trout mixed with matchsticks of green apple. $$-$$$ 

SOUL FOOD

NIKKI’S PLACE

742 Carter St., Orlando, 407-425-5301. nikkisplace.net Southern cuisine is the name of the game at this Parramore mainstay, where Chef Nick Aiken Jr. has been serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1999. Customers love the scratch dishes and reasonable prices, as well as the myriad of menu choices, including meatloaf, smothered beef liver and onions, beef stew, fried catfish and chitterlings with rice. $-$$

KEY

Pricing:

$ Under $10 $$ $10-$15 $$$ $15-$25 $$$$ More than $25

Other Symbols:

% 2020 Dining Award winner  Reservations recommended Ẃ Extensive wine list Preferred Dining Partner

SHANTELL’S JUST UNTIL...

503 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-878-7785. shantellsinsanford.com  Shantell Williams cooks up a wide array of soul food at her eatery, along with a big side of welcoming charm. The fried chicken is the best around (try it on a Belgian wa e) and the hot wings carry plenty of spice. Other favorites: jerk chicken (or shrimp) and rice, and the Mac a Bella—a marinated, grilled portabello mushroom topped with mac-ncheese. On Wednesday evenings, Williams hosts a “Talking Taboo’’ discussion, where patrons discuss everything from politics to race relations. $-$$

STEAK HOUSES

%CHRISTNER’S PRIME

STEAK & LOBSTER

729 Lee Road, Orlando 407-645-4443. christnersprimesteakand-lobster.com  Year in and year out, readers pick Christner’s as the city’s best steak house: They were tops once again in our 2020 Dining Awards poll, and also captured the Best Old Favorite category. Owners Carole, David and Alice Christner serve USDA Prime, cornfed Midwestern beef and Australian cold-water lobster tails in a masculine, woodsy atmosphere. There’s also a 6,500-bottle wine cellar and an extensive single-malt scotch collection. $$$ Ẃ

A LAND REMEMBERED

Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 866-996-9939. landrememberedrestaurant.com Themed around Patrick Smith’s novel of the same name, which chronicles a Central Florida family’s experiences around the time of the Civil War, A Land Remembered serves a menu centered on steaks from the Harris Ranch. $$-$$$$ Ẃ

%THE VENETIAN CHOP HOUSE

Caribe Royale Resort, 8101 World Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-238-8060. cariberoyale.com Winner of our 2020 Readers’ Choice award for Most Romantic Restaurant. A top-end, fine-dining experience within a hotel, the Venetian is full of deep tones, cut crystal and a replica of Tempietto de San Pietro in the corner. Among the dishes are bison short ribs, Norwegian salmon and a selection of gourmet burgers. $$-$$$ Ẃ

JACK'S PLACE

Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr., Orlando 407-996-1787. jacksplacerestaurant.com Sample steaks and seafood while surrounded by the world’s largest collection of autographed caricatures of stars and dignitaries.. $$-$$$$ Ẃ THAI

%ORCHID THAI CUISINE

305 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-331-1400; 1210 S. International Pkwy., Lake Mary, 407878-2988. enjoyorchidthai.com Our Readers’ Choice winner for Best Thai in the 2020 Dining Awards. Specialties include mussels in lemongrass ginger broth, thai coconut soup, a wide selection of curries, duck basil, and tilapia sautéed in basil, tamarind and ginger. $$

THAI BLOSSOM

99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407-905-9917. mythaiblossom.com  Located in downtown Winter Garden's historic Edgewater Hotel, Thai Blossom o ers an extensive selection of curries, fried rice and noodle dishes, plus delectables like Thai basil duck, ginger red snapper, garlic shrimp and squid, mussels in green curry, and a whole deep-fried soft shell crab served as an appetizer with sweet and sour sauce. $$

VEGETARIAN

%ETHOS VEGAN KITCHEN

601-B New York Ave., Winter Park 407-228-3898. ethosvegankitchen.com Winner of the Critic's Pick for Best Plant-Based Restaurant in our 2020 Dining Awards. Kelly and Laina Shockley have run Ethos since 2007, keeping to their socially conscious menu of no animal products, dairy, honey or eggs. The comfort food fare makes even carnivores comfortable. Chef Kelly's talents show in a beautiful baked calzone crust surrounding tofu ricotta, or wheat and shiitake mushroom powder "chicken'' and caramelized onion that fills a flaky empanada. There's also sausage made from wheat gluten; a Philly cheesesteak-like seitan sandwich; and tofu in place of chicken in a coconut curry wrap. $-$$

MARKET ON SOUTH

2603 E. South St., Orlando 407-613-5968. marketonsouth.com  If you turn up your nose at the thought of “plantbased dining,’’ then you’ve never eaten at this popular spot beside the 408. Not to be missed: Chef Shaun Noonan’s Carolina BBQ pulled jackfruit or Celine Duvoisin’s much-in-demand doughnuts (“100% egg-free and dairy-free and not healthy at all’’). $-$$

VIETNAMESE

PHO 88 VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

730 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-897-3488. pho88orlando.com  The specialty here is pho—broth, noodles and meat—with choices seemingly endless (11 variations of beef noodle soup alone). Other menu items include beef stew, stir-fried noodle dishes, and the banh mi Vietnamese sub. $-$$ %VIET-NOMZ

7581 University Blvd, Winter Park, 407-6366069; 11798 E Colonial, Orlando, 407- 601-4113. vietnomzfl.com  The brainchild of friends Mike Cho, Phillip Nguyen and Chris Chen was voted Best Vietnamese by our readers in the 2020 Dining Awards poll. Promoting a modern take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine and street fare, Viet-Nomz o ers an abundance of pho noodle soup and entrée bowls, including “What the Pho?!” with chicken pho broth, chicken, eye round, beef balls and vegetables. Other notables: Vietnamese street tacos, and wings with a fish sauce glaze.

WINE BARS AND LOUNGES

THE ATTIC DOOR 

28 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden. 407-750-7063 jrsatticdoor.com This eclectic spot proclaims itself“the swankiest little wine bar and live music venue around.’’ Relax wth a glass of wine in one of the mismatched chairs or leather sofas amid the funky array of lamps and tables. The evening menu includes steak pot pie anda smoked salmon flatbread. There's traditional afternoon tea service on Saturday and Sunday, with fresh-baked scones, finger sandwiches and desserts. $-$$

BÖSENDORFER LOUNGE 

The Grand Bohemian Hotel, 325 S. Orange Ave., Downtown Orlando 407-313-9000. grandbohemianhotel.com Black marble, red stone and mirrors, plus an Imperial Grand Bösendorfer piano, create an edgy and upscale environment for martinis, indulgent nibbles, casual power meetings and entertainment. $-$$

THE VINEYARD WINE COMPANY 

1140 Town Park Ave., Suite 1260, Lake Mary 407-833-WINE. thevineyardwinecompany.com With a variety of tapas, lunch and dinner entrées, desserts, and platters to accompany your wine, this spot is more than just a lounge. Sit back with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying the live music Tuesday through Saturday. $-$$

THE WINE ROOM 

270 Park Avenue South, Winter Park 407-696-WINE. thewineroomonline.com Warm and inviting, The Wine Room o ers hundreds of wines. Dozens are available as 1- to 3-oz. samples paid for through a debit system. Selections can be enjoyed along with hand-crafted meats and cheeses, as well as "Small Plates" selections. Voted Best Wine Bar and Best Wine List by readers in our 2020 Dining Awards. $-$$

ON THE TOWN

CALENDAR • WORLD OF GOOD • RSVP

COURTESY CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO PAGE 172

MOONLIGHT STROLL

Take a walk among the moon and stars and 30-plus other fantastical, hand-constructed lanterns at the Asian Lantern Festival, which runs through Jan. 16 at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford.