Summer is wrapping up, and that means that Orlando's hot weather will soon be a thing of the past. Here are 10 perfect al fresco venues for your next jaunt to Orlando, along with some stories to help you get started planning.
1. 310 Park South
There are more than 40 wines by the glass on offer at this deceptively casual outdoor bistro in Winter Park. Notable dishes include crab cakes and a beef tenderloin flatbread.
2. Bice Ristorante
This restaurant at the Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando changes its menu with the seasons. The saffron risotto and potato gnocchi are especially recommended.
3. Citrus
Located appropriately enough on Orange Avenue, this stylish bistro offers up New American dishes with Southern flair. The Florida shrimp and goat-cheddar grits are to die for.
4. Hue
This Thornton Park eatery feels more like SoHo than Mickey Mouse. Attendees can get adventurous with dishes like the octopus ceviche, or play it a bit safe with Hue's prosciutto-wrapped lamb.
5. Luma on Park
Luma is known for its small plates like tomato soup with creme fraiche and dill oil, green garlic tagliatelle with pancetta and local shrimp, Maine lobster hush puppies, and lamb cappelletti with pea-shoot pesto and fava beans.
6. The Ravenous Pig
Aptly named for a restaurant that specializes in pub fare, this Winter Park eatery serves up English classics right alongside Floridian fare like tempura-battered lobster tacos. A wide selection of microbrews and wines by the glass is also available.
7. Rocco's Italian Grille
This is no ordinary red sauce joint! Rocco's is known for its small plates like gnocchi or its fritto misto, a crisp melange of shrimp, calamari and zucchini.
8. Seasons 52
This gorgeous waterfront bistro has a menu that changes weekly. Diners' past favorites have included rainbow trout and caramelized sea scallops.
9. Shipyard Emporium
This Winter Park mainstay is known for its upscale bar food. The B.O.A.T. sandwich -- bacon, onion, avocado, and tomato -- is a particular favorite among the regulars. In addition to its extensive wine list, the Shipyard Emporium features house-made beers as well as microwbrews from around the world.
10. Tutto Italia
Located within the park gates of the Epcot World Showcase, this eatery serves up regional Italian fare. You'll find everything here, from melon-wrapped prosciutto di Parma to Ligurian trofie pasta with basil pesto and white beans.
Source:
Gayot