and the best scones in town. 715 Bloom St., Celebration, 407-566-1866. $. Bar/Pub, Wine, Market, Coffee/Tea. SPOODLES A spirit of fun flavors this Mediterranean restaurant serving “the cuisine of the sun” from places such as Spain, Greece, Italy and Morocco (though the sun will be setting soon on Spoodles, as there are plans to replace it with Cat Cora’s new Kouzzina in fall of 2009). There’s an excellent variety of flatbreads, as well as inventive entrees like spice-crusted salmon with potato-fennel gratin and truffle oil, and braised lamb shank. Disney’s Boardwalk, Lake Buena Vista, 407-939-3463. $$$. Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Spanish. TODD ENGLISH’S BLUEZOO Prices won’t make celebrity chef Todd English’s place a weekly destination for most folks, but splurging whenever you can afford to is great way to feel like king of the sea. Ambience and service are pampering and not pretentious, and match up to slap-the-table delectables like the “miso-glazed Chilean sea bass” and “fish grilled simply.” Disney’s Dolphin Resort, Lake Buena Vista, 407939-3463. $$$$. Seafood. WOLFGANG PUCK CAFE With wild, colorful decor, Puck’s provides a playful atmosphere, surrounding you with tantalizing aromas of fire-roasted pizzas, pastas and grilled fare. But the cuisine ranges from delicious to mediocre, and the loud, bustling setting is not for everyone. Downtown Disney West Side, Lake Buena Vista, 407-9389653. $$. American, Café/Bistro, Pizza.
I-Drive/Universal A SLICE OF NEW YORK This pizzeria on Dr. Phillips is full of Italian-American specialties prepared by owners from Long Island. Although it’s not quite New York, it is a neighborhood spot not to be passed over, and they serve a pretty-close-to-authentic NYC slice. Fresh salads with homemade dressings and homemade pasta
★ AMURA SUSHI BAR & JAPANESE RESTAURANT See listing in Downtown region. 7786 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-3700007. $$$. Japanese/Sushi. ANATOLIA Anatolia’s kitchen take great pride in Turkey’s gastronomical heritage, offering a bill of fare that sets it apart from other restaurants straddling the line between Middle Eastern and Mediterranean. Sublime lamb stew, kebabs and calves’ liver are all stellar. Turkish coffee (or tea) with spectacular baklava is an absolute must. 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., 407-352-6766. $$. Turkish.
ANTONIO’S RISTORANTE AT SAND LAKE This sister restaurant to Antonio’s Cafe
dishes, including a family recipe for spaghetti and meatballs, can be delivered in the area. 5106 Dr. Phillips Blvd., 407-291-9349. $$. Italian, Pizza. AASHIRWAD It’s hard to beat the cost and variety of favorite dishes in the daily lunch buffet, even if it’s not a quick stop. Dinner is pleasant and highlights the Northern Indian cuisine, but this is a strip-mall eatery made for filling up on food, not atmosphere. 5748 International Drive, 407-370-9830. $$. Indian. AGAVE AZUL 4750 S. Kirkman Road, 407704-6930. $$. Mexican.
Downstairs offers Italian deli-style fare such as lasagne di vegetali, pizzas and calzones without the annoyance of shoppers browsing through the aisles for gourmet staples. 7559 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-363-9191. $$. Bar/Pub, Italian, Pizza. AYOTHAYA THAI CUISINE Forgive the anonymous décor and TV sets, and some pleasant surprises await in Ayothaya’s seemingly run-of-the-mill menu. The standard curries and soups are there, but a section of (pricey) fresh fish specialties are worth investigating. Don’t forget to ask about the specials. 7555 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-345-0040. $$. Seafood, Thai. B.B. KING’S 9101 International Drive, 407370-4550. $$. Southern. BEARD PAPA’S Osaka-based company’s first Florida outlet is a draw for Japanese tourists, but locals are also catching on. The preservative-free pastries come in three varieties – original vanilla, eclair and cookie; the whipped custard filling, not too sweet and made fresh daily, comes in vanilla, chocolate and a dailychanging “premium flavor” – caramel, green tea or the like. 4951 International Drive, 407-3522008. $. Sweets, Bakery.
- 38 -
BEEWON KOREAN CUISINE Unassuming Dr. Phillips eatery masters Korean cookery with a host of stews, noodles and barbecued offerings. Revel in the splendor of bibimbap, a delectable mélange served in a hot stone pot; luxuriate in the heady fumes of table-grilled bulgogi; and savor every salty bite of grilled mackerel. Seriously consider concluding with two scoops of red-bean ice cream. 5100 Dr. Phillips Blvd., 407-601-7788. $$. Korean. BELLA CAFE Tucked away in a Publix strip mall in MetroWest, Bella is worth seeking out. The upmarket salads and sandwiches aren’t super-creative, but they are put together with care and quality. The scrumptious, not-to-bemissed pot roast sandwich is like a portable Sunday dinner. 2447 S. Hiawassee Road, 407291-0134. $. Deli/Sandwiches.
BEST OF BRITISH SOCCER WORLD SPORTS BAR AND GRILL Decked out in soccer jerseys and memorabilia, this I-Drive haunt does its part to dispel myths of the unpalatability of English fare. Beef and ale pie, fish and chips and curries prepared by an Indian chef are more than worthy, and the chocolate profiteroles are bang-on, though patrons will need to suffer through iffy service and long waits. 8324 International Drive, 407-264-9189. $$. Bar/Pub, Brewpub. BICE The Portofino Bay Hotel’s latest restaurant plays it safe, serving luxe comfort food at (for Orlando) stratospheric prices. Both the menu and the wine list offer way too many choices, mostly delicious, but none surprising – except the desserts, which are not only unusual but brilliantly prepared. 5601 Universal Blvd., 407503-1415. $$$$. Continental, Italian. BONEFISH GRILL Yet another entry into the restaurant bazaar that is Sand Lake Road, Bonefish brings moderately priced seafood and a pleasant atmosphere to the table. The bar