I'm sick of all those chained restaurants! Any unique awesome restaurants recommendations?

Question

Seriously, there are too many Red Lobsters, too many Ale houses, Smokey Bones, Olive Garden, Fridays, Cheesecake Factory.. okay, you know what I mean. I like to try something new but I am also afraid to go to restaurants that no one has mentioned before. If you have been to any unique restaurants and you loved it, please tell me! Thank you!

I thought it was obvious that I was addressing to Orlando since I posted this question under Orlando....

Answer 1

You can try Choo Choo Churros - it is an Argentinian steak house on Lake Underhill. The Provoleta is good and the Churrasco is to die for. Also try the Churros with dulce de leche for dessert - so good. I have never had better chicken dishes by the way - the napolitana is great. Empanadas are great and they have fresh baked bread. Atmosphere is rustic. The menu is a little pricey if you go full course but it is definately worth it. Closed on Sunday and Monday I think.

There is also Olympia - it is a Greek restaurant on east 50 (Colonial). They have all the typical greek fare and they have belly dancers on Friday and Saturday nights - which is a lot of fun. It is okay for the kids too - not too flashy or anything. Try the saganaki (not sure how to spell that) it is a fun and tastey appetizer. The spanikopita makes for a good entre. Moderately priced.

In college park on Edgewater there is Taste - it is a tapas style restaurant with really nice ambient lighting. The portions are small so it is fun to order a bunch and share with someone - this is a great date spot. They also have a nice wine list. Can be expensive.

Also in college park on Edgewater is Cristo's Cafe. This is a great place to get lunch or breakfast - the food is very good. It used to be owned by a greek family (same as Olympia I think) so there are some greek choices and then all of the standard cafe choices. The breakfast is good and there is seating outside but you have to get there early - if not you will have to wait but it is worth it. Pretty inexpensive.

Another great place is Amura - it is a sushi place downtown on Church Street. It is pricey but my friends and I agree it is exceptional sushi. Pricey. You can also try Saikyo on Aloma. It is very good too and a little less expensive. Slow service but great food.

Goodfellas on east 50 is the best pizza in Orlando. They also have great salads and main dishes. I think the pizza is the best thing they make though. Pretty inexpensive.

Last but not least is Il Pescatore - a very homestyle italian restaurant on Primose (I think - you may want to google it). The food here is good. I am Italian and I have liked every dish I have had here. The atmosphere is family style - no ambient lighting or anything. Good service and awesome food. Pretty inexpensive.

This should keep you busy for a while. Good luck and Buon Appetito!

Answer 2

I'm assuming that since you put this question under Orlando that you are in Orlando. Have you tried any of the restaurants in the hotels or tourist areas? The one's that come to mind pretty quickly are:

1. Ristorante Tuscany
Orlando World Center Marriott

2. Mikado's
Orlando World Center Marriott

3. Emeril's Restaurant Orlando
Universal Studios CityWalk

4. Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville
Universal Studios CityWalk

I'm not exactly sure what your price range is, but those four places are nice for a night out on the town.

Answer 3

FYI Season's 52 and Bahama Breeze are chain restaurants. The best of Orlando is TooJay's Deli on Colonial, Catfish Country in Saint Cloud (many celebrities have eaten here so don't blow it off because of the name) For upscale dining Fishbones (not Bone Fish Grill) on International Drive, Manuel's on the 28th downtown, and Hue in Thorton Park. For breakfast First Watch in Dr. Phillips is good. For cheap dining try Al's Pizza in Kissimmee it is on South John Young Parkway going out south of town. Also a personal favorite is Green House on OBT at 417 in Hunter's Creek for Chinese.

Answer 4

I agree too, but it depends on where you are. If we're not in the same area, it isn't going to help.

I live in Oklahoma and have two wonderful restaurants that are owned by brothers that come from Mexico. One is El Tapatio and the other is El Vaquero. They are wonderful mexican restaurants, not like your chain restaurants.

There's also Eskimo Joes and Joseppis. A hamburger place and an Italian restaurant.

Cherokee Strip Bar-b-que, Click's Steakhouse (the most wonderful steaks in the world), and Shortcakes (great for breakfast anytime, especially at 2 am). These are all wonderful restaurants in my area that are not restaurant chains. But, if you're not in my area, it isn't going to do you much good.

If you see a restaurant with a lot of cars and it isn't a chain, take a chance, it's probably really good.

Answer 5

Try Chatham's Place on Dr Phillip's Blvd, also Timpano's and Moonfish on Sandlake(Dr Phillips area). They are a little pricey, bit it's really worth it and you'll have great time guaranteed. At The Samba Room on Sandlake again, almost every night there is some kind of live entertainment, for example Fri nights there are free salsa lessons, etc.
Have fun ;-)

Answer 6

The best independent Italian restaurant I've found is on Primrose Dr 1/2 block south of Colonial Dr. Called "Il Pescatore". Everything is fresh made, warm ambiance, and just fabulous. Can dress casual, semi-formal, formal.

Answer 7

Key W. Kool's is really good- it is on the west side of Kissimmee- in the middle of toursit hell but not at all a tourist restaurant. Also good is Pacino's - the sister restaurant of Kool's- very good homemade food- OF Course- the best is Season's 52 in my opinion- in the Dr. Philips area

Answer 8

Not knowing where on earth you may be located it is impossible to make local suggestions but I would highly recommend looking in your nearby large urban areas for a fondue restaurant. Years ago in the NE Ohio area, there was a restaurant by the name of Fondue Affair and it was tremendous. There are fondue restaurants once again gaining in popularity. Typically, this is what you'll find:
Few tables, intimate dining - very romantic and typically, because they tend to be pricey, they are often lavishly decorated. Royal tableside treatment: First, there is a bubbling pot of fat or a steamy sauce to set your meat, shrimp, or chicken in to cook at your table, often with veggies, bread.... Afterwards, there is a dessert fondue with a bubbling pot of chocolate brought to the table with fresh fruit to dip. It is a splendid sensory experience, hovering over cooking meats and candies while you breathe in savory smells and sugary aromas. You can cap a perfect meal with the right complimentary wine too - a nice dry red for the meats and a sweet Ice wine or apertif for dessert. Ummmmm. Where's the nearest fondue????

Answer 9

If you want great food and even better atmosphere, try Bahama Breeze. They have palm trees everywhere and you can sit out on the patio and listen to steel drums play. The food is awesome, pretty much everything is made in house every day.
www.bahamabreeze.com

Answer 10

most of them suck go to turkish restaurant if u can find-- the best food on earth