Address	1255 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
City	Lake Buena Vista
Phone	407-934-1609
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin opened its new companion hotel, the Swan Reserve, in November. It’s distinguished from the two larger resorts – it sits separated across Epcot Resort Boulevard – with a more modern glass-and-steel design and the absence of frighteningly large creatures on its roof. With the new hotel comes another signature restaurant, Amare, to join the likes of Todd English’s bluezoo, Kimonos and Shula’s Steak House.... Read more

Address	1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
City	Lake Buena Vista
Phone	407-828-2828
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

The menu, under the direction of chef Venoy Rogers III, offers an array of choices, including Small Bites that that would suit a group that wanted to share a meal tapas style, and Provisions that offer more substantial meals. (The Small Bites Tour gets you three appetizers for just $25.) Both categories have varied selections but most of them proudly proclaim local ingredients: Canaveral shrimp, Florida corn, Kissimmee mushrooms and such. The location might give some people pause, but this is some of the best food in town. ... Read more

Address	Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Walt Disney World
City	Lake Buena Vista
Phone	407-939-3463
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

Artist Point is a large dining room with a ceiling that soars three or four floors. The decor matches the timber lodge feel of the hotel and features a two-story painting of the American Northwest. Huge cast-iron chandeliers comprising smaller lanterns cast a milky glow. Large windows offer a view of the hotel's courtyard, where water falls over big boulders on its way to the lake (apparently through the swimming pool). And every hour on the hour a geyser faithfully erupts in the distance.

As fancy as lodge dining gets. Start with the Northwest salmon sampler or the smoked tomato and basil soup. The trout is terrific and so is the pork chop. For dessert, choose the apple tart or the bread pudding -- it's a toss-up.

... Read more

Address	8849 International Drive
City	Orlando
Phone	407-248-2499
Price	$$$

It will be interesting to see if Darden keeps backing this Islands concept, which for some reason has never quite caught on with the dining public. For the most part, the food is good  and the restaurants are attractive and lively, often with entertainment. And they’re a favorite outdoor dining destination for locals.

As for the food, my companion out-ordered me with tortilla soup and a ropa Joe sandwich. The soup had layer upon layer of textures and tastes, with pliant avocado cubes, chicken and strips of tortillas.

The sandwich was, as the name might suggest, a version of the classic ropa vieja specialty of shredded beef served on a Cuban roll. Lots of well-seasoned meat, some cheese, peppers and onions livened it up.

For my starter course, I chose a special of ahi tuna ceviche, which featured tiny cubes of tuna dressed with citrus juices served atop a platform supported by watercress. The watercress was more annoying than helpful. It was wadded onto the plate in long stems, and every time I tried to fork a little watercress with some tuna, a long vine would trail behind.

For my entree, I had another special of... Read more

Address	1620 Buena Vista Dr.
City	Lake Buena Vista
Phone	407-939-DINE
Price	$$$$
Scott's Review

I don’t think I’d fully appreciated what a beautiful and elaborate space the Boathouse of Disney Springs is. From its expansive bar, the multiple dining rooms and the satellite open-air lounge that sits over the lagoon, it is a well-polished collection of woods, brass and early-nautical decor – even a full-size vintage Chris Craft boat – with the white tableclothed elegance of a yacht club. I wish the food rose to the same level.... Read more

Address	4600 N. World Drive
City	Lake Buena Vista
Phone	407-939-3463
Price	$$$$
Scott's Review

After more than a dozen years at the top, literally and figuratively, California Grill is still one the Central Florida’s best restaurants. Much of the concept of California Grill has not changed over the years, and the menu still features, as it has for much of the time, flatbreads and sushi as well as more traditional appetizers. The menu supposedly changes daily, though with three weeks separating my two most recent visits, I noticed most of the changes were in the wording and ranking of ingredients rather than completely different entries.

Service is impeccable and exemplary of the best that Disney can offer. The wine list focuses, as it should, on California and other American cuvees.

The pork tenderloin remains a favorite, but the filet mignon is a contender for best entrée. Sushi from master chef Yoshi is a treat.

Of course the best feature remains the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. And at the appropriate hour the lights dim slightly and the music that accompanies the Magic Kingdom's fireworks display plays in the restaurant. It’s one of the best shows in town.

... Read more

Address	10100 Dream Tree Blvd.
City	Lake Buena Vista
Phone	407-313-7777
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

Address	4401 Floridian Way
City	Orlando
Phone	407-939-3463
Price	$$$$
Scott's Review

Now under the direction of Dominique Filoni, this Grand Floridian upscaler has better food than ever. Erich Herbitshek’s desserts alone are worth the drive. ... Read more