Address	611 S. Orlando Ave. (US Highway 17-92)
City	Maitland
Phone	407-645-1035
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

When Greg Gentile opened this massive two-story restaurant in a renovated family steakhouse, everyone thought he was crazy and that the place would close in one year. That was about two decades ago. Why did it succeed? Simple: good food, good service and an atmosphere for everyone; fine dining upstairs and a casual deli down.

The best dish I sampled is the anitra con rosmarino all'agrodolce, which I'm sure you know is roast duck. The duck meat, free of bones, was moist and tender. Spit roasting gives it a terrific flavor, but to enhance the taste, there's a wonderful sauce of balsamic vinegar, rosemary and maple syrup (yes, maple syrup). The syrup isn't overpowering and the flavors are just meant for each other.

The downstairs deli is a wonderful place for friends to meet. It's cramped, with tables set up throughout the market area, but it adds to the atmosphere.

... Read more

Address	140 Independence Lane
City	Maitland
Phone	407-960-5577
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

Albert Eugene DeSue, formerly chef at the now defunct Yuki Hana, has taken over kitchen duties at Boku Sushi & Grill, one of several restaurants at the new Maitland City Centre.... Read more

Address	933 S. Orlando Ave.
City	Mailtland
Phone	407-790-4345
Price	$$
Scott's Review

Brick & Spoon is a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, open only until 2 p.m. most days, 3 p.m. on weekends. The restaurant’s mission statement says that it wants to serve “unique meals with a spoonful of southern flair,” and the menu does have Louisianan touches here and there.... Read more

Address	1351 S. Orlando Ave.
City	Maitland
Phone	407-622-7663
Price	$$$

Additional location: Florida Mall, 8001 S. Oragne Blossom Trail, Orlando; 407-859-7844. This national chain was recently purchased by Orlando resident (and Planet Hollywood founder) Robert Earl, who is remaking the restaurant into a fun place for the family to dine. The menu has undergone a redo as well, with an eye toward freshness. For example, all sauces are made daily at each location. That's pretty impressive.

Portions are humongous, so have a little and save the rest for your next three meals.

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Address	1300 S. Orlando Ave.
City	Maitland
Phone	407-629-0054
Price	$$
Scott's Review

A recent addition to the area's only art movie house, Eden is an outdoor venue next to the theater. The menu is an odd mix but features some Austrian specialties. If you're up for a splurge, ask for a shot of pre-Prohibition bourbon.

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Address	400 S. Orlando Ave.
City	Maitland
Phone	407-960-5533
Price	$$
Scott's Review

The chef owner of the restaurant is Francesco Aiello (I love it -- a name that’s two-thirds vowels!), a native of Palermo, Sicily. He is not new to Central Florida kitchens; he’s been cooking here since 1998, most recently at Terra Mia in Lake Mary.... Read more

Address	1720 Fennell Street
City	Maitland
Phone	321-444-6331
Price	$$
Scott's Review

Fredster’s will find its audience in the many locals who crave a place to dine and dance – I’m frequently asked if there is such a place. The music, obviously, will change with the rotation of bands. It would be nice for the food and service to find their own consistent level.... Read more

Address	600 N. Lake Destiny Drive Sheraton Orlando North
City	Maitland
Phone	407-660-9000
Price	$$$
Scott's Review

It's necessary for a hotel like the Sheraton Orlando North to offer a restaurant for its guests, and this property has had a number of restaurants over the year (most notable was an Irish pub that did a pretty good job). This latest effort is one that locals will want to try, too, especially for the special of prime rib, a 16-ounce tender slab of meat for $14.95, quite a bargain. Be sure to try the empanadas, too.... Read more