Address	325 S. Orange Ave. Grand Bohemian Hotel
City	Orlando
Phone	407-581-4700
Price	$$$$
Scott's Review

The Boheme has grown into a more consistent fine dining experience but now is trying to position itself as more accessible. Try the Kessler calamari, a silly name for a delicious appetizer, and follow with the lamb duet or the Chilean sea bass. The kitchen also has a way with scallops.

A special treat about dinner here is that most nights there is entertainment in the rotunda just outside the dining room, and the music easily wafts in. If you arrive early, have a seat in the lounge, listen to the music, and enjoy the stories of the affable bartenders.

It should also be noted that the Boheme (and by the way it's pronounced boh-HEEM and not like the name of the Puccini opera) also serves a very nice Sunday jazz brunch.

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Address	5174 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
City	Orlando
Phone	407-292-0333
Price	$$
Scott's Review

Just a small mom-and-pop sushi place with good (if not traditionally authentic) sushi. Nigirizushi is expertly prepared. Be sure to try the Dr. Phillips roll (note: does not contain Dr. Phillips).

 

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Address	220 Brevard Ave.
City	Cocoa
Phone	321-639-8343
Price	$$$

Cafe Margaux, a French restaurant in Cocoa, is an odd little place with delicious food. It wants to be an elegant restaurant, but it isn't, at least not one along the lines of a Victoria & Albert's or a Venetian Room. Let's just say its chic on a shoestring. But if the decor is a bit florid, the food is decidedly upscale, not really classic French, but with French tones that enhance a creative style. The best of the entrees was the melange of fresh fish, offered each evening as a sampler of the three fish specials. When I visited, the chef had prepared poached salmon, snapper with a potato crust and blackened dolphin. My guest liked the dolphin best because the blackening seasonings were perfectly balanced with the mild taste of the fish, giving just a bit of cayenne spiciness. I liked the crispiness of the shredded potato crust on the snapper. This is the sister restaurant to Ulysses' Steakhouse, also wonderful.

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Address	Pointe Orlando 9101 International Drive
City	Orlando
Phone	407-370-4392
Price	$$$$
Scott's Review

One of Darden Restaurants’ most recent acquisitions, and easily their most upscale. The steaks here are very good, and the service is attentive if not downright solicitous. I had the Delmonico, basically a bone-in ribeye, that was had a flavorful, well-seasoned crust and beautiful red center. The higher fat content of the cut made it juicy and tender.
My companion chose the Kansas City sirloin, offered as a special on the night I visited. Also a bone-in cut, the steak had a characteristically coarser texture but was cooked just as perfectly as the other and was every bit as flavorful.

Atmosphere is clubby and posh.

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Address	4200 Conroy Road Mall at Millenia
City	Orlando
Phone	407-351-2210
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

But the menu at Millenia is identical to the one that has been so popular at the Pointe. It’s the atmosphere that is different. It’s still sufficiently upscale and appointed with such fineries as crisp white tablecloths and napkins. But whereas the International Drive restaurant has the decidedly masculine feel of a boardroom or exclusive country club the Millenia location is brighter, more modern and less, well, stuffy. Old money versus nouveau riche. The food is the same high quality as other CapGrilles, and service is just as forward.... Read more

Address	140 N. Orlando Ave.
City	Winter Park
Phone	407-513-4912
Price	$$
Scott's Review

Carmel Cafe, the newest of many restaurants to open along 17-92 in Winter Park, is a modern Mediterranean restaurant out of Tampa. It has sprung up in a former office building space that has been converted into a beautiful and comfortable eatery, with splashes of colorful art and dramatic lighting. It's an immediately likable ambience, comfortable and inviting. Carmel is also the latest to attempt to move the restaurant industry into the 21st Century with technology at the table, specifically the iPad as menu enhancement. I'm not opposed to the idea, and I like having information available to me, whether that comes from a live waiter or a device. Others have tried, including Terrace 390 in downtown Orlando, and the recently departed Truffles Grill, but both had limited success. Most of what I sampled, including a wide array of items on my first visit as part of a media dinner, was good and recommendable. All of it priced nicely, and even better, available in smaller portions instead of the typically American supersized servings (probably the most Mediterranean concept that's been incorporated)... Read more

Address	183 S. Orange Ave.
City	Orlando
Phone	407-985-5272
Price	$$
Scott's Review

Until very recently, this restaurant was known as Kasa, which did not focus on tacos. It did, however, specialize in small plates, but there wasn't anything about the experience I could recommend. I can recommend Chela. The food is good, the service is personable, and while the atmosphere is a bit cold and institutional it at least reflects the urban environment in which it is located.... Read more

Address	6967 Lake Nona Blvd.
City	Orlando
Phone	407-955-4340
Price	$$
Scott's Review

Another Lake Nona dining choice from Tavistock. Most items are "small plates" to encourage sharing. The lamb sliders are a standout. Note that service doesn't begin until 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.... Read more