Windermere Restaurant Row, Orlando, FL

Windermere has long been one of the premier Orlando, FL area’s most popular destinations. The Windermere area is steeped in history and close to all Orlando theme parks, world class dining, shopping, and exclusive golf courses. One of the most popular Windermere venues is Restaurant Row, an eclectic collection of eateries from fine dining to fast food. Restaurant Row, although nearby is actually in the Dr. Phillips area of Orlando.

2. Christini's Ristorante Italiano http://www.christinis.com/
Upscale Italian restaurant where spending over $200 on two is not unheard of. Last I saw, jacket was required here. Proposed to my wife here; it remains a nice memory to her. Located in Dr. Phillips Marketplace on Dr. Phillips Blvd.

3. Mortons The Steakhouse http://www.mortons.com/
This is the upscale steakhouse chain whose Orlando location received the 2006 Orlando Foodie Award for Best High End Steakhouse (Critic's Choice). Located in Dr. Phillips Marketplace on the very south side which faces Sand Lake Rd. and is near the Office Depot.

4. Bonefish Grill http://www.bonefishgrill.com/
A seafood chain (last I heard it was owned by Outback) with other locations in Florida. It has a nice interior and is a lively place. I would not call the food "exceptional", but for an "upscale" type restaurant it is a good value. I like the "Bang Bang Shrimp", which is an appetizer, but can be turned into a meal. Located on Sand Lake Rd. by Little Sand Lake, right by the Barnes and Noble bookstore.

5. Amura Sushi
An upscale sushi place with several locations in the Orlando area, and has won awards for "Best Sushi" by the Orlando Sentinel. On Sand Lake Rd. between Bonefish Grill and Roy's.

6. Roy's http://www.roysrestaurant.com/
A branch of the international chain founded by chef Roy Yamaguchi, which specializes in "Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine" inspired by the flavors of Hawaii he remembered from his youth, and is known for its pan-Asian cuisine. Previously was Orlando Leisure Magazine's pick for the "Best of Restaurant Row." I had the best ribs I remember having here. Located on Sand Lake Rd.

7. Cedar's Restaurant http://www.cedarsoforlando.com/
A Lebanese restaurant (the Bible refers to "the cedars of Lebanon") with outdoor seating overlooking Little Sand Lake as well as indoor seating. On Saturday night they have belly dancing there. On Sand Lake Rd. near Seasons 52.

8. Seasons 52 http://www.seasons52.com/
This is a new Darden Restaurant Group chain (others include Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Bahama Breeze) which is more upscale than their usual chains. The name refers to their using seasonal menus, and they also advertise that their entrees are all under 500 calories. Won Foodie award for "Most Romantic in Orlando" from the Orlando Sentinel readers. On Sand Lake Rd. (coming from International Drive, take a left at the Dr. Phillips Blvd light and it is directly in front of you).

9. The Samba Room http://www.sambaroom.net/
Located in the parking lot of Plaza Venezia (where the Publix is, but this is on the far east of the parking lot, away from Publix, by Timpano Chophouse), this is an upscale Latin flavored place as the name suggests.

10. Timpano Chophouse http://www.timpanochophouse.net/
This is an upscale steakhouse located next to The Samba Room at the east end of the Plaza Venezia parking lot on Sand Lake Rd. According to its website, it is trying to recreate the feel of the "big city" steakhouse. It also features The Starlight Lounge.

11. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse http://www.ruthschris.com/
One of three Orlando locations of the noted steakhouse chain, which also now has its headquarters in the Orlando area. Located in The Fountains at Bay Hill on the northside of Sand Lake Rd.; Ruth's Chris is at the very eastern end of The Fountains.

12. MoonFish Restaurant http://www.fishfusion.com/
Having perhaps the most interesting exterior of all the restaurants in Restaurant Row (it has a fake waterfall on the exterior of the restaurant), MoonFish Restaurant is a seafood restaurant with an Asian themed accent. It serves what it calls "Fish Fusion" cuisine. The butterflied shrimp was a popular entree when my family went a few years ago. Located on Sand Lake Rd. in The Fountains at Bay Hill on the east end.

13. The Melting Pot http://www.meltingpot.com/Orlando/home.html
One of three locations of the national fondue serving restaurant chain in Orlando. Located in The Fountains at Bay Hill on Sand Lake Rd.

14. Jeffrey's Restaurant and Piano Bar http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/dining/orl-dining0807apr0...
Another fine dining restaurant in The Fountains at Bay Hill on Sand Lake Road, to the right of Moe's (the Tex-Mex eatery). Haven't eaten there, but did see the inside and the menu; it has entrees in the high $20's and $30's, with one "mixer" entree about $55. Opened in 2006. The above web page has a dining review of this establishment.

15. Ayothaya Thai Cuisine http://www.ayothayathaicuisineoforlando.com/
A Thai restaurant in The Fountains of Bay Hill on Sand Lake Rd., which advertises its "Award Winning Ayothaya Pad Thai" noodle dish.

16. Antonio's Ristorante http://www.antoniosonline.com/AntoniosSandLake.asp
Part of a local Italian upscale restaurant chain (the original is Antonio's La Fiamma in Maitland), this is located on the second floor of The Fountains at Bay Hill on Sand Lake Rd.

17. Carrino's Lakefront Restaurant http://www.carinos.com/
Family style Italian restaurant in Plaza Venezia, to the left of Publix, on Sand Lake Road. Menu's are at the above webpage (the street address they have is wrong, though; they say its on Turkey Lake Rd., which it isn't).

18. Vines Grille & Wine Bar Vines Grille & Wine Bar, Orlando, Florida

19. Ocean Prime - Orlando http://orlando.ocean-prime.com/

20. Bravo Italian   http://www.bravoitalian.com/

21. J Alexander's Orlando http://www.jalexanders.com/

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