Bosphorous Orlando
Address7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.
CityOrlando
Phone407-352-6766
Price$$
Scott's Review
Originally called Anatolia, but now owned by the same folks who have the very good Bosphorous on Park Avenue. The menu combines Lebanese and Turkish traditions, the former for the wonderful array of appetizers and the latter for the meaty entrees. Hot appetizers included arnavut cigeri, which sounds so much better than fried calves liver. This featured little bite-sized chunks garnished with tomatoes and raw onions; and icli kofte, an egg-shaped patty fashioned out of cracked wheat and filled with ground lamb. All of it was delicious -- even the liver.

For my entree I had the mixed grill, an ample sampling of meats, each available also as a single entree, that could easily serve two people. It had adana kebab, seasoned ground lamb formed around a skewer; lamb shish kebab, cubes of tender meat; lamb chops, just in case you didn’t have enough lamb before; dana kebab, cubes of grilled beef; and tavuk kebab, which would be chicken. All were well seasoned and delicious, and were accompanied by rice, a medley of grilled vegetables and small, skinless baked potato. You could make a feast of vegetarian options here.
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BoVine
Address319 S. Park Ave.
CityWinter Park
Phone407-794-1850
Price$$$$
Scott's Review
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BurgerFi
Address538 Park Ave. S.
CityWinter Park
Phone407-622-2010
Price$
Scott's Review
BurgerFi joins other mid-level burger joints such as Five Guys and Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries. I call them mid-level because they rise above the likes of McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s, but they aren’t in the upscale category, such as you’d find at Fleming’s or Morton’s. BurgerFi is certainly closer to the fast-fooders in its operation. It’s actually a fast-casual restaurant, one where you order at a counter and then take a seat to have your food delivered when ready. My burger was not very satisfying, and I had issues with the service. BurgerFi needs work.... Read more
Café De France
Address526 Park Ave. S.
CityWinter Park
Phone407-647-1869
Price$$$

Cafe de France is one of the long mainstays of Park Avenue, lasting through its slump in the '90s and into the avenue's current revival as one of the area's premier dining destinations. Locals love the quintness of its small dining room and the charm of its hostess and owner, Dominique Gutierrez

A renovation a few years ago converted the spot into a sophisticated bistro. The menu is less traditional French, but has some good points. Osso buco (hello? Italian!) was good, but the chef did a better job with the fish of the day. Calamari with fried potatoes was the best starter, and clafoutis a sweet end.

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Cafe Margaux
Address220 Brevard Ave.
CityCocoa
Phone321-639-8343
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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Cafe Trastevere
Address825 N. Magnolia Ave
CityOrlando
Phone407-839-0235
Price$$
Scott's Review
Small eatery in a former house (built before central air conditioning, apparently). The cuisine isn't trail-blazing, but good basic dishes may be had. Go on a cool day.... Read more
Canvas
Address13615 Sachs Ave.
CityOrlando
Phone407-313-7800
Price$$$
Scott's Review
Lakeside dining from the Tavistock Restaurant Group. Most people head to the outdoor deck, but there's a much better dining experience to be had at the food counter overlooking the cooks at the grill.... Read more
Capa at the Four Seasons
Address10100 Dream Tree Blvd.
CityLake Buena Vista
Phone407-313-7777
Price$$$$
Scott's Review
Despite the Four Seasons Resort location, this signature restaurant is not white-glove elegant, another indication that type of fine dining is fading. But the food here is excellent, and the surroundings are stylishly artistic. Out on the balcony you you watch fireworks every night.... Read more