Hungry After a Day in Universal Orlando? Check Out These 7 Amazing Restaurants!

Hungry After a Day in Universal Orlando? Check Out These 7 Amazing Restaurants! 

 

Every tourist looking to have the best time in Orlando has got to make a day stop (or two) at their famed Universal Studios. We all know of its thrill rides and amazing tourist attractions, but another thing to look out for are all the good eats around the area. Here are the 7 Awesome restaurants in Orlando Near Universal Studios for everyone looking to have a great culinary experience this side of the Sunshine State.

Vivo Italian Kitchen

Serves: Italian, Pizza

6000 Universal Blvd, Ste 702, Orlando FL | (407) 224 2424

There are lots of Italian restaurants around the area if you’re looking for this type of food, but only a few stand out from the rest. Vivo Italian Kitchen proves its chops as one of the best Italian bistros in the city, and it just so happens it’s in the Universal Studios CityWalk. Seating is a bit of a challenge with its constant stream of patrons, but some customers recommend sitting at the bar if you’re in a small group and can’t find a table. Those who are looking for more authentic Italian cuisine will love their homemade pasta dishes and delicious breads.

The Cowfish® Sushi Burger Bar

Serves: Burgers, Sushi

6000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando FL | (407) 224 2691

Another CityWalk must-try is the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, which serves an array of unique dishes and drinks that would make your visit to Universal all the more special. Whether you’re a burger lover, more of a sushi enthusiast, or somewhere in between, you can definitely find a favorite dish in this restaurant. Some of their more remarkable selections include the Hillbilly BBQ Sushi, the Fusion Sandwich, the Elvis Burger, and the Rice Krispie Milkshake. Bored with all the run-of-the-mill restaurants and want to try something new for once? Cowfish will definitely not disappoint!

The Three Broomsticks

Serves: English, Continental

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando FL | (407) 363 8000

Many Harry Potter fans are excitedly making their way to Universal Studios because of its famed Harry Potter Theme Park. The Wizarding World experience does not stop with the rides and merchandise, however, because Harry Potter-themed dining is also offered in Universal CityWalk! Taken straight from the famed restaurant in fictional Hogsmeade (where a lot of scenes in the books and movies take place), The Three Broomsticks brings to you some of Harry Potter’s favorite foods, including the definitive Butterbeer which every self-respecting fan needs to try at least once. Not so much of an actual restaurant as it is a themed dining experience, the Three Broomsticks serves food at the counter and lets their patrons find their own tables in the pub. If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast going through their first walk around Hogsmeade, be sure to give the Three Broomsticks a try!

Border Grill Fresh-Mex

Serves: Mexican, Latin American

5695-A Vineland Rd, Orlando FL | (407) 352 0101

Another one of the awesome restaurants near Universal Studios is the Border Grill Fresh-Mex, which has attracted quite a number of patrons with its delicious array of Latin American dishes at an affordable price. If you’re looking for some cheap, filling eats without away from all the frills of CityWalk bistros, the Border Grill is a good place to visit. Customers swear by their Chicago Style Burrito, Enchiladas, and Flautas. While the restaurant is a hole-in-the-wall that doesn’t get a lot of front-line advertisement unlike the other restaurants in the area, its popularity guarantees a lot of patrons regularly occupying its limited seating space. If you’re coming by to eat in one of their busy days, be prepared to wait for a table to free up, or simply just get some of their awesome food to go.

Taboon Bistro

Serves: Middle Eastern, Halal

5911 Turkey Lake Rd, Suite 102, Orlando FL | (407) 720 7664

In search of some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine after a fun day at Universal? Taboon Bistro is a definite must-visit! You’ll find here some of Orlando’s best Shawarma, Falafel, Hummus, and Baba Ghanoush at a reasonable price. The servers are friendly and attentive, and the food served in large portions that don’t scrimp on their quality. One of Orlando’s hidden culinary gems, find Taboon Bistro in a plaza on Turkey Lake Rd., and be sure to look at the business signs to locate the establishment.

Pio Pio

Serves: Peruvian, Colombian

5752 International Dr, Orlando FL | (407) 248 6424

Another culinary experience you absolutely cannot miss is Pio Pio, a Peruvian/Colombian restaurant in Orlando near Universal Studios, along International Drive. After a day of riding roller coasters and enjoying themed attractions, kick back and relax with their authentic Peruvian/Colombian cuisine that doesn’t fail to impress. Must tries include the Red Snapper, the ½ Rotisserie Chicken with jalapeno green sauce, and the Bandeja Paisa. The space is rather small for the large number of patrons it attracts on a regular basis, so be prepared to wait for a table to become available when coming there to eat. They do takeouts, though, so if you’re just there for the good food you can take some to-go and bring them back to your hotel!

Kim Wu

Serves: Chinese

4904 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando FL | (407) 293 0752

The final entry to this list of impressive restaurants near Universal Studios in Orlando is Kim Wu, a Chinese bistro just north of the city’s famed theme park. Those craving for some good honey walnut shrimp, pork chops, sesame chicken, orange chicken, and pan-friend noodles after a day of thrill rides would find this place a godsend. Sworn by its patrons as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city, swing by Kim Wu for your dose of Chinese comfort food whenever you’re around the area!

Orlando FL, by virtue of its thriving economy and diverse demographic, offers some of the most exciting culinary experiences this side of North America. You can find food from just about every country and culture in the city, and coupled with a great day at Universal Orlando, the experience is something every tourist must have at least once. These are only 7 of the best restaurants near Universal Orlando, and there are more for you to find in the best town in the Sunshine State. Don’t miss out on their amazing food the next time you give Florida a visit!

If you would like your business featured, have an event to submit or would like to gain community exposure for your business, Email us: info@explore407.com or call 407-230-6836.

http://explore407.com

 

Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Orlando

Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Orlando

 

Orlando FL houses some of the best entertainment establishments in the state, which would mean you can only expect the finest of food as well. Those looking to check out the top 10 seafood restaurants in Orlando should check out this list before they brave the entire city in search for good cuisine.

Boston’s Fish House

6860 Aloma Ave., Winter Park FL | (407) 678 1207

A strong favorite in Winter Park for over two decades since 1988, Boston’s Fish House serves only the best of New England seafood cuisine. With its great service and affordable pricing, there’s no wonder about the considerable following the restaurant has gathered over the years. W+inner of several accolades, including Best Seafood by City Search, Trip Advisor, and Where the Locals Eat.

NORMAN’S Restaurant

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando FL | (407) 393 4333

Experience a twist on fine dining with Chef Norman Van Aken’s “New World Cuisine”. Essentially Van Aken’s coined term for his unique, delicious blend of Caribbean, Latin American, Asian, and Southern ingredients, New World Cuisine has become a remarkable part of Orlando’s high end dining culture. While Norman’s serves a wide variety of foods from steak to soufflés, one should always make space for excellent seafood menu as well.

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen

8046 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando FL | (407) 615 8888

Widely lauded as one of the best seafood places in the city, Big Fin Seafood Kitchen boasts a large, 11,000 sq. ft. restaurant space that can house the largest dining groups on a regular basis. Open every day at 5 pm, you can get the widest variety of seafood choices from crab claws (in season from Oct. 15 to May 15) to lobsters. Enjoy two full service bars and an outdoor patio, which serves everything from sushi, freshly caught seafood, to even steaks and pasta dishes.

Goodrich Seafood Restaurant and Oyster House

253 River Road, Oak Hill FL | (386) 345-3397

Goodrich Seafood Restaurant and Oyster House is a local staple that is right next to the Canaveral National Seashore, and specializes in serving freshly caught seafood that changes daily depending on what’s available in the locale. Recommended by Chef Norman Van Aken of The Ritz-Carlton himself, discerning diners should find the time to sample their po’boys if they ever swing by. The Goodrich Seafood Restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Flying Fish Cafe

2102 N. Epcot Resorts Blvd., Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Orlando FL | (407) 939 3463

Disney’s line of fine dining restaurants set a high bar for individual establishments to stand out, and the Flying Fish Cafe has done so with, well, flying colors. The excellent service and ambiance only serve to highlight the brilliant cuisine, which includes a savory selection of seafood dishes. Gushing reviews from restaurant diners abound, which stands to attest the fine blend of attentive service and great cooking that this Disney restaurant offers. Make sure to check for reservations and follow the dress code when planning a signature dining experience in one of Orlando’s best seafood restaurants.

Roy’s

7760 W Sand Lake Rd., Orlando FL | (407) 352 4844

Those looking to experience the best of Hawaiian fusion cuisine should definitely check out Roy’s, a chain of high-end fusion dining with a popular branch in Orlando, Florida. The local menu features a specialized selection of Hawaiian fusion seafood from Roy’s Original Blackened Island Ahi to Hibachi Grilled Salmon.        Always open from 5PM onwards (check website for closing hours), but be sure to come by during their Aloha Hour which is from 4:30 to 7:00 PM (Late Night Aloha Hour is 9PM to closing).

Little New Orleans Kitchen and Oyster Bar

9741 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando FL | (407) 438 6990

In the mood for some New Orleans style cuisine with a casual ambiance? This charming little restaurant serves only the best Creole and Cajun seafood in the city, with dishes ranging from your good ol’ Gumbo to crawfish plates to their specialty Jambalaya. Visitors and locals alike flock to this restaurant to feast on delicious seafood at an affordable price and laid-back atmosphere. Open from lunchtime to 10PM (11PM on Fridays and Saturdays), be sure to give this restaurant a try when you’re around the area.

Deep Blu Seafood Grille

14651 Chelonia Pkwy, Orlando FL | (407) 390 2420

This hidden Orlando gem is a great addition to any tourist’s dining list. Deep Blu’s menu changes on a daily basis, entirely dependent on local farmers’ produce and all the freshest catch, to ensure that they serve diners with only best quality seafood. Choose from a wide range of dishes from their signature Deep Blu Crab Cake to the locally-available Port Canaveral Golden Tile (Grilled, Blackened, Cedar Baked, or Seared--your pick). Aside from these, several of Deep Blu’s dishes are prepared gluten free as well.

Ocean Prime Orlando

7339 W Sand Lake Rd., Orlando FL | (407) 781 4880

The Ocean Prime Orlando offers an upscale dining experience for visitors with discerning tastes. A wide selection of wines and excellent steaks attract any passing tourist or even the most knowledgeable residents in the city, but their seafood menu is quite remarkable as well. Check out their Surf and Turf Sundays, and a gluten-free menu is also available for anyone with special dining preferences. Open from 5PM onwards (check website for closing hours depending on days of the week).

High Tide Harry’s

4645 South Semoran Blvd., Orlando FL | (407) 273 4422

HighTide Harry’s offers a great selection of fresh, savory seafood dishes at an affordable price for those looking to dine in a casual, laid back ambiance. Be sure to try their signature dish, the Deadly Catch, which is a 1lb Red King Crab and 1lb Oplio Snow Crab, with green beans, corn on the cob, and Harry’s Hushpuppies with cinnamon butter on the side. Drop by for Happy Hour too, which is from Sundays to Tuesdays and Wednesdays to Saturdays from 3 PM to 7 PM, and drink your Draft to a 32 oz fishbowl (which would be a ball to drink from) for just an additional $1!

Winter Park Fish Company

761 Orange Ave., Winter Park, FL

This casual, counter-serve restaurant-slash-eatery is committed to sustainable practices, which means you can have your delicious seafood dishes without the guilt from Winter Park Fish Co.’s own, well-managed facilities sourcing from only the best, most ethical fisheries in the locale. Expect the folks to be lining up at the doors for this popular eating spot, which attests to just how delicious (and affordable) the food in this place will be. If you’re in the Winter Park area, be sure to brave the crowd and drop by this trendy place at least once!

Are you an excited tourist looking to sample only the finest of Orlando’s cuisine? Or a longtime resident wanting to expand your horizons with some of Orlando’s best seafood restaurants? The selections listed above are guaranteed to never disappoint, regardless of price range and ambiance preferences, so do yourself a favor and check one of them out tonight!

Living in Orlando definitely has its perks, from excellent job opportunities, great entertainment establishments, to delicious food from all over the world. Visit Explore407.com if you would like to more about the charming, trendy city that is Orlando FL.

If you would like your business featured, have an event to submit or would like to gain community exposure for your business, Email us: info@explore407.com or call 407-230-6836.