The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Reviews Page 3

This is a service of The Villages Gourmet Club containing unbiased ratings by club members without any advertisements since 2006. Our purpose is to promote and celebrate good food and exceptional service at reasonable and fair prices. The prices stated in the description were accurate when the restaurant was added to the site; hyper-inflation has now caused them to be outdated, unfortunately. We now have relative meal cost denoted by to for each establishment. To read 2006-2022 reviews, position your cursor over "Older Review". Reload/Refresh the page or relaunch your browser if the older review box misbehaves. Now you can search our entire database, just click the Search Our Database button at the bottom of this window. Videos giving more particulars about the establishment are linked with a symbol. Just click on the symbol. Establishments with free WiFi are indicated with a sign. Those offering discounts to AARP members are shown with an symbol. Show your AARP membership card. Establishments that include Calorie Count for each item on their menu are noted with the symbol. And restaurants that offer a Gluten Free Menu are indicated with a sign. Only Club Members may submit a review. Where restaurants have been reviewed at least twice, their average rating is indicated by our STAR SYSTEM (for Quality, Service and Value totals), ranging from:

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3 Sisters Speakeasy, 226 Broadway Ave., Kissimmee, FL. 66.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-201-3270. (American) [L/D] Located in downtown Kissimmee at City Centre near Dakin Ave. Open 11 AM to Midnight daily, to 2 AM weekends, and Sunday it's Noon to 8 PM. No password required for entrance. Limited but interesting menu. Sandwiches include Pulled Pork, a Cuban, a Reuben, Angus Cheese Burger, Philly Cheesesteak and a Mahi Sandwich. Full dinners include Tossed Linguine in Sauce, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Center Cut Pork Chops, Argentinean Flank Steak and Herb Buttered Salmon. Entrées include two sides. Side Salads are extra. Flatbreads are also available. Appetizers like Chips and Dip, Fried Pickles, Chicken Quesadillas, Pot Stickers, Buffalo Wings, Chicken Strips, Calamari, Nachos and Firecracker Shrimp are offered. House Salad, Caesar Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Taco Salad and Cobb Salad make a meal also. Desserts include Brownie Sundae and Banana Foster Cheesecake. Sushi and Sashimi are available every night except Sunday and Monday. Musical entertainment on the patio Wednesday through Saturday night. Other events like Trivia on Tuesday at 8 PM and Antique Car Cruise-In on first Friday night held too. Full Bar. Happy Hour 4-7 PM weekdays. A half dozen beers are on tap, plus domestic and imported bottles as well. Gratuity is added for parties of 6 or more. Zachary Parsons, owner.

Older Review: (from Bruce W. 9/14) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Jackie N. 5/21) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

4 Rivers Smokehouse (Winter Park), 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL. 53.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-474-8377. (Barbecue) [L/D] Opened in November 2009. Opens 11 AM daily. Located on SR 426 about a ½ mile east of I-4 Exit #87 near Jackson Ave., one mile west of downtown and 5 blocks east of its original location. Classic dinners include 3 sides and biscuits with each meal. One of the few places that serves St. Louis Style Rib Dinner (½ Rack and Full Rack). Also on the dinner list is Signature Angus Brisket, Southern Pulled or Sliced Pork, Smokehouse Turkey, Prime Rib, ½ or Whole Smoked Chicken or Texas Sausage. Lighter meals are also offered like ½ Rack of St. Louis Ribs with just 2 sides is available. Sandwiches are also on the menu including 2 sides. French baguettes make them different. Custom offings like "Burnt End" and "Messy Pig" are also featured. Signature sauces are their specialty. 15 side dishes to choose from. You can also find Smoked Chicken Wings and Smoked Jalapenos, as well as BBQ Quesadillas. Desserts like Banana Dream Pudding and Chocolate Awesomeness defy the full stomach. Beer and Wine licensed here. Deli and bakery for take home choices like their biscuits. Open Christmas Day. 2010, 2011 & 2012 Foodie Reader's Choice winner for "Best Bar-B-Que Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted "Best Barbecue" and "Best Ribs" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey over the years. Voted Orlando's best BBQ by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Other locations include Middleton, in The Villages. John Rivers, owner.

31 (Supper Club), 31 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL. 71.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-275-1625. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [D] Located on SR 40, west of Beach St., a block before the bridge across the Halifax River. Opened on New Year's Eve in 2014. It's in an unmistakeable art-deco white building in sleepy downtown. The bar and dining room is right out of the Empire State Building lobby or luxury Ocean Liner lounge. The name, "31", might suggest the year 1931 and The Great Gatspy would be right at home here. "Knock-knock, Kevin sent me!"; consider it a 30's Speakeasy including deco-style chandeliers, cabaret tables for 4, full linen service, zebra striped chairs, signature chinaware, sparkling stemware, glowing table torches, Arts Décoratifs artwork, vested and bow tied waitstaff and patrons dressed to "The Nines" certain nights. Open from 4:30 PM to midnight or later, daily, except closed Sundays. The prices however are closer to 2031, than 1931. The menu includes "Teasers" for starters like Bistro Steak Skewers, Meatballs, Lobster Cake, Lollipop Lamb Chops, Raw Oysters, Escargot, Smoked Salmon, Goat Cheese and Peppers, Cheese Boards, Shrimp [4] Cocktail and Oysters Rockefeller. Spinach Salad, Classic Caesar Salad in two sizes, House Salad, Caprese and a Chopped Salad can be your second course. Soups available are du Jour, French Onion and Lobster Bisque. Entrées include Chicken Cordon Bleu Roulade, Monkfish Baked en Papillote, 12 oz. Double Bone Pork Chop, Scottish Salmon, Pork Osso Bucco, 12 oz. NY Strip Steak, 14 oz. Ribeye, 8 oz. Filet, Sea Bass, 11 oz. Bone In Filet, 24 oz. Porterhouse and a 31 oz. Prime Tomahawk Ribeye. There's a 12 or 16 oz. cut of Prime Rib on some Tuesdays. They also offer a Fresh Fish and Pasta Dish. You can also add Shrimp, Scallops, King Crab Oscar or Lobster Tail to any entrée. Various sauces are also available at extra cost. Side dishes are added like Saffron Rice, Steak Fries, Orzo Pasta, Asparagus, Creamed Spinach, Baked or Mashed Potato, Sweet Corn Soufflé, Beans and Bacon or Black Truffle Mac & Cheese with Bacon. For dessert you can find a Daily Special, Bread Pudding, Cheesecake or Crème Brûlée and an Ice Cream Sundae. 20 percent gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Reservations taken by phone and advised weekends and for shows. Of course they have two full bars with signature speakeasy cocktails like Bees Knees, Blood & Sand, the Bootlegger and even flaming Absinthe. Wine List is available too and Champagne is popular here. A separate alfresco Havana Bar and Lounge is connected outside primarily for cocktails. Ladies Night is Tuesday through Thursday in the Lounge. Entertainment in the main room ranges from Comedy Shows, Frank Sinatra Impersonations, Dueling Pianos, Period Costume Parties and other depression era activities. Some major shows have a cover charge. Music or shows start at 6 PM on Wednesday and Thursday and at 7 PM Friday and Saturday but quiet on Monday and Tuesday. Dance floor formed when not crowded. Dressy casual attire requested but jackets not required. Spats are optional. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Bill Jones, building owner and designer; Brady Privat, executive chef; Kevin Wakefield, owner.

310 Lakeside, 301 East Pine St., Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-373-0310. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened in 2008. Located on Pine St. in the back of the American Momentum Building overlooking Lake Eola. The name is 310 but address is 301. Hours are 11 AM to 2 AM daily. Sunday Brunch menu 10 AM to 3 PM. Offers the same menu as 310 Park South. Besides full and half size Salads like above, they offer Appetizers like Tomato Bruschetta, Boneless Buffalo Bites, Fried Calamari, Salmon Bites, Gator Tail, Zucchini Flatbread, Beef Tenderloin Flatbread, Tuna Kobachi, and Crab Cakes among others. Entrées include Beef, Fish, Chicken and Duck. For Pasta, they offer Fettuccine Carbonara, Linguine, Chicken Ravioli, Mushroom Ravioli, Chicken Picatta, Chicken Penne, Smoked Salmon Pappardelle and others. Some of the Sandwiches are Chicken Salad on a Whole Wheat Wrap, Grilled Chicken Muffaletta, Salmon Burger, Tuna Salad Melt and the featured Akaushi Burger. Children's menu offered. Wine list and full bar. Happy Hour all day Sunday and after 11 PM daily. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. Entertainment on Friday night here. Online and phone reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day. Joanne McMahon, owner, here and at 310 Park South (below).

310 Park South, 310 South Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-647-7277. (American) (Wine Bar) [L/D] In business since 1999. Located on Park Ave. just south of New England. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily. Bar stays open later. Sunday Brunch is served 10 AM to 2 PM only. Offers the same menu as 310 Lakeside. Full and half size salads include Garden and Caesar, Cobb Salad, Mediterranean Salad and one size fits all, Seafood Salad or Tuna Filet Salad. Dinner entrées include Fish & Chips, Chicken Tarragon, Chicken Roulade, Panned Seared Mahi, Roasted Duck, Grilled Salmon, New York Strip and 8 or 10 oz. Filer Mignon. Pasta dishes are also available. Sandwiches are also offered. There's a late night menu of appetizers, and sandwiches. Sunday Brunch 'til 2 PM here, ranges from French Toast to Steak & Eggs. Wine bar with selections by the bottle and glass. Happy Hour weekdays 4-7 PM at the full bar. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. Entertainment on Saturday night. Online and phone reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day. Joanne McMahon, owner, here and at 310 Lakeside (above).

347 Grille by Coach Shula (Lake Mary), 2974 International Parkway, Lake Mary, FL. 48.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-531-3567. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [B/L/D] Was called Shula's 347 Grill. Located at the Westin Hotel Orlando North, on International Parkway just north of H. E. Thomas Jr. Parkway (CR46A), near Exit 101 of I-4. Named after Hall of Fame Coach, Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history, with 347 victories; thus, the number. Open from 6:30 AM daily. Casual, energetic atmosphere. Serving Premium Black Angus Beef®. They're famous for the Shula Cut® Steaks, like the 8 oz. Filet Mignon, 14 oz. New York Strip or 16 oz. Cowboy Steak. Other signature items include Crab Cakes, Pan Seared Shrimp, Flat Iron Chimichurri, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Seared Ahi Tuna, Milanese Style Chicken and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. They are also known for the Angus Burgers including the Shula Burger, House of Blue, BBQ Burger, Wine Country Burger and the new French Onion Burger. Other sandwiches include a BLT, Chicken Sandwich, Smoked Turkey Ciabatta, Fish Sandwich and "The Pretzel". Salads are offered too, with Asian Chicken, Spinach, Wedge, Caesar and Tomato and Mozzarella Chop Salad being the most popular ones. Prices vary by season. Desserts include Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Cheesecake, Five Layer Carrot Cake and Dulce de Leche Cheesecake. Full bar with wine list. Corkage Fee: $20. Monthly wine tastings. Open Christmas Day. Online or phone reservations accepted. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Complimentary valet parking available. Franchised, with 34 locations, under different Shula names (10 called "347 Grill"), based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Bob Luckhart, executive chef here; the Westin Hotel operates this location.

7593 Chophouse, 7593 Gathering Way, Kissimmee, FL. 65.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-396-5273. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] At the Reunion Resort in Kissimmee. Open from 6 PM weekdays and 5 PM weekends. The menu includes starters like Onion Soup, Spinach Dip Mascarpone, Prosciutto and Artichokes, Bacon & Eggs, Shrimp Cocktail, Seared Crab Cakes and Raw Oysters. Salads include Strawberry Fields, Wedge, Caesar and Burrata Caprese Salad. For a-la-carte entrées you'll find Orecchiette Bolognese Pasta, Shrimp Scampi on Linguini, Half Roast Chicken, Cedar Plank Salmon and Steak Frites. For Pork, Lamb and Angus Beef they offer 14 oz. Pork Chop, Lamb Chop, 6 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 14 oz. NY Strip, 22 oz. Cowboy Ribeye and a 48 oz. Tomahawk Steak for Two. Side dishes like a Loaded Baked Potato. Sauces can be added like Apple Butter or Crab Oscar. Desserts like Crème Brûlée, NY Style Cheesecake, Brownie/Cookie, Apple Tart and Chocolate Earthquake Cake are on the list. Reservations taken by phone or online. Open Thanksgiving Day. Full bar with craft cocktails. A Bourbon Flight is offered. The Wine List offers Whites ($10-$15/gls.) and Reds ($10-$25/gls.). One of three restaurants in this Resort.

A Land Remembered, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL. 57.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-996-1956. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [D] Located near SR 528 Exit #2 in the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort. The restaurant pays homage to the 1984 bestselling novel by Patrick Smith. Open for dinner only from 5:30 PM. The restaurant specializes in Harris Ranch Natural Prime Black Angus Beef but limited seafood selections. Smart resort attire requested for their full linen service. For starters, they offer Brie and Portobello Mushroom, Prime Rib Sushi, Oysters Gruyere, Frog Legs, Crab Cake, Shrimp Cocktail, Ahi Tuna, Smoked Salmon Flatbread and Steak Tartare. They also offer a cold or hot sampler that serves 3 or 4 people. For soups they have Baked Onion, Gator Stew and Lobster Bisque. For meat entrées they offer Free Range Chicken, Skirt Steak, 12 and 24 oz. Prime Rib, Braised Short Ribs, 8 and 10 oz. Filet Mignon, 20 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye, Lamb Tequesta, 16 or 20 oz. New York Strip and a 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak. A 20 oz. Chateaubriand For Two is available. A 16 oz. Lobster Tail is on the menu. Surf and Turf combinations offered. Sauces add to the bill. Side dishes like Baked or Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, Creamed Spinach, Onion Rings, Collard Greens, etc. adds too. Salads like Wedge, Tomato, Caesar and Romaine add to the meal. Don't be surprised to see the butter pats in the shape of alligators. Full bar and a wide Wine List available. Online and phone reservations taken. Valet parking complimentary. Brett Beavers, executive chef; hotel owned.

Older Review: (from Bruce W. 8/15) Q=3 S=3 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Bob M. 9/16) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/16) Q=3 S=4 V=2 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Rocki B. 9/16) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Karen B. 9/17) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Christine H. 9/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ann P. 10/17) Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dan K. 2/18) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Walter P. 8/18) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Andrea Z. 9/18) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/19) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Pat M. 8/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Neal P. 9/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 9/23) Seven of us in our Gourmet Club group had dinner at A Land Remembered last night. It is a good hour's drive from The Villages. This is a fine dining restaurant that is named after the book by the same name. I had my usual Manhattan with Angel's Envy Bourbon ($25) and it was very good but compared to The Villages prices, about $10-$12 higher. I did not have an appetizer but the people who did, loved them. It was Local Shrimp and Maine Lobster Bisque, Grass Fed Lamb Chops, and Tuna and Bay Scallops Ceviche. I did not order off the Magic Dining Menu like many of the others so I was able to get one of the house specialties, the Chilean Sea Bass ($52) with Potato Bacon Pavé, Brussel Sprouts, Pine Nuts, Preserved Lemon, Caper Butter Sauce. It was excellent. I did not order a sharable side. I had a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($15). I also had the Bourbon Milk Chocolate Cake for dessert ($12.50) and a cup of Coffee ($4). Both were excellent. The service was excellent as well. Total for one person before t&t was $108.50. I truly enjoyed this restaurant and highly recommend it.
Q=5 S=5 V=2 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Diane B. 9/24) This was the best meal that I have had in a long time! Kareem, our server, was very attentive and even though the restaurant was full, we had no problems having a conversation. I had the $60 Magical Dining meal. I chose Smoked Bacon, Prime Rib and Whiskey Chocolate Cake. I was very full and took home enough for two more meals. I would recommend valet parking; restaurant gives you a voucher. They do have self parking but we had a long walk. Found out later there was a closer lot. Would definitely recommend especially for a special occasion.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Ace Cafe (Orlando), 100 W. Livingston St., Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-996-6686. (American) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Opened in mid-2017. Located on Livingston, between Garland and Orange, near Exit 83A of I-4. The building actually faces N. Garland Ave. and was a machinery supply company years ago. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM daily, except to 11 PM on weekends and from 10 AM on Sunday. Sunday Brunch (A-U-C-E or A-LA-CARTE) runs 10 AM to 2 PM. This modern multi-level diner has an industrial feel and caters to car and bike enthusiasts with parking lot scheduled events inviting Antiques, Hot Rods, Trucks, Vans, Smart Cars, Jeeps, Speed Vehicles, Hummers, VWs, Fords, Mopar, Corvettes, Civics, Porches, Teslas and of course Thursday's Biker Nite. "Hand crafted grub" is proclaimed. You'll find Burger Sliders, BBQ Sandwiches, Wings, Shrimp, Empanadas, Pork Tacos and Fish Tacos for starters. For entrées they serve multiple Burgers and Sandwiches plus, at dinner, Shrimp Scampi, Meatloaf, Chicken, Haddock and Sirloin Steak. They also have Fish & Chips. Kids Menu available. Soups and Salads are also on the menu. Desserts include Cheesecake, Brownie Cake, Bread Pudding and Key Lime Pie. Full bar with cocktail creations, Happy Hour 4-7 PM, with lots of Beers on tap as well as Wine and Cocktail List. Coffee and Ice Cream Bar and a Shake menus too. Special prices during off days. Frequent entertainment weekends. Voted "Best Happy Hour" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. This is the first of a new US chain of establishments. Licensed from the original location in London. James Foster, owner.

Acropolis Greek Taverna (Orlando), 390 N. Orange Ave., Ste. 110, Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-286-4008. (Greek) [L/D] Opened in November, 2024, replacing Dovecote Restaurant at the corner of N. Orange and W. Livingston, in downtown Orlando. "More Greek Food. More Greek Wine. More Greek Fun." It's an authentic Greek experience with music, dancing and "Opa!" Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily, but to 10 PM weekends. A 5,500 sq. ft. restaurant. Seats 248 guests inside, 60 outdoors and 40 in the lobby. On the menu you will find an Appetizer Sampler, Stuffed Mushrooms, Calamari, Octopus, Ouzo Mussels, Dolmades, Shrimp Tinos, Tzatziki, Tirosalata, Spanakopita and of course, Baba Ghanouj and Flaming (Opa!) Spanakopita. Specialties include Greek Meatballs, Acropolis Seafood Plate, Siros Salmon, Red Snapper, Athenian Fish Filet, Bronzini, Pasta Santorini, Chicken Rhodes, Steak or Chicken Kabob, Fried Kibbe, Lamb Rack, and favorites like Pastitsio and Mousaka. Other dishes include a Falafel Platter, Chicken Souvlaki and a Gyro Platter. Burgers and Sandwiches, plus a variety of Salads can also be ordered. You'll find Creamy Avgolemono Soup on the menu too. At lunch they have Lamb and Beef Gyros, Souvlaki, Chicken Shawarma and Falafel. Full bar, 50% off wine bottles on Wednesday 3-9 PM, Happy Hour weekdays 3-6 PM, Greek Night with music and dancing every Friday and Saturday night. 2 hours free parking in the City National Bank Parking Garage, on State Ln. Reservations online via Open Table and by phone accepted. This small chain has been in business since 2001. Other locations are in Atlanta, Tallahassee, Riverview and Tampa, Florida. Corporate owned.

Adam's Rib Company, 2111 NW 13th St., Gainesville, FL. 63.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-373-8882. (Barbecue) [B/L/D] Located on US 441 near SR 120. Opens at 7 AM daily, except 9 AM on Sunday. Closes at 9 PM. The usual items served for breakfast plus Biscuits and Gravy, Omelettes and Breakfast Sandwiches. For lunch and dinner they offer a Half Slab of Ribs, 2 side dishes, 2 pieces of Garlic Toast and Banana Pudding for one low price. Full Slab Dinner for Two is available. Rib Sandwiches, Pork Sandwiches, Chopped Pork Dinners and Beef Brisket Dinners are offered. Half Chicken Dinners, BBQ Chicken Salad and Smoked Turkey Dinners are also on their menu. You can also find Grouper Sandwiches and Shrimp Baskets. Angus Burgers are also popular. Ribs-To-Go range $in price. Various desserts like Pecan Pie, Fudge Brownies, Carrot Cake, Peach Cobbler and Hawaiian Cake with Cream Cheese are sold. No bar. Adam Brewer, owner.

Adega Gaúcha, 8204 Crystal Clear Lane, Orlando, FL. 57.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-250-4455. (Spanish) [L/D] Opened in August, 2021. Formerly Café Mineiro Brazilian Steakhouse. It's near the Florida Mall at US 441 and W. Sand Lake Rd. (CR 482). Hours are 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday for lunch, then dinner starting at 4:30 until 9 PM. Except Saturday and Sunday, Brunch is 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and dinner starting at 3:30 to 10 PM. A traditional Brazilian Steakhouse, the name means "Cowboy Winery" in Portuguese. You can have the Churrasco Experience (8 meats) or the Full Experience (12 meats) at, which also includes Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Beef Ribs and Lamb Chops and 3 side dishes. You can also order regular meals like Chicken Breast, Lamb Chops, Salmon, Picanha, Fish du Jour, 10 oz. Filet Mignon or the Gourmet Dinner. They also have appetizers like Crab Meat Cocktail, Grilled Bacon or Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail. At lunch the Full Experience is less than dinner and at Brunch it's less too but menu meals are the same price as at dinner time. Desserts are extra, like Caramel Flan and Lava Cake. Kids menu available. They have a bar food menu ranging in price. Full bar here. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Happy Hour, at the bar only, is 4:00-6:30 PM, weekdays only. Reservations online via Open Table and by phone accepted. (Jean) Ricardo Oliveira and Fabiano Borsato, owners.

Review: (from John O. 11/24) We had a party of four. Three of us had the full experience with the meat carved at table side and the Salad Bar. Our fourth person paid for the Salad Bar only. I have not been to a lot of these Brazilian style Steak Houses but this had an updated light interior that was busy but felt fresh. We were paraded a constant selection of Meats and Chicken. The Salad Bar was full and included the typical Salads, Cheeses, Breads, etc. Service was very attentive all around. Our total bill for 4 came to $257 without t&t. It did include 3 Soft Drinks and 3 Desserts.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Alpin (French) Bistro, 15 SW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL. 64.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-204-2873. (Cafe) (French) [D] Opened in November, 2016. Located on SW 2nd St. just off West University Ave.. Serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM, closes at Midnight or later. Saturday Crêpe Brunch served 11 AM to 4 PM. Closed all day Sunday and Monday. Decidedly French, offering Croque au Fromage, Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame. Le Ramequin [Swiss Cheese Quiche], Leek & Gruyere Tart and Quiche du Jour are offered daily. All are served with a side salad. They also have small dishes like Cheese Plates, Charcuteries, large Salads and Spanish influenced Tapas like Chorizo Iberico or French creations like La Terrine [Rabbit]. For dessert you can find Tartelette de Pommes [Apple Tart], Pear & Walnut Tart and Chocolate Mousse. Beer and wine licensed with Beer Cocktails, like a Panaché of Lager Beer and Lime Soda, plus Draft and Bottled Beer selections. 6 White Wines and 9 Red Wines, plus some Sparkling Wines, make up the Wine List. Occasional French accordion player and other jazz entertainment. Accepts reservations. Outdoor seating available. Romain Challandes and Sita Marlier-Fischman, owners.

Amelia's, 235 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL. 62.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-373-1919. (Italian) [L/D] Located in the Sun Center but directly behind the Hippodrome Theater in the historic district. Perfect location for dinner before or after the theater or movie. Fine Italian cuisine with influences from Florence served by knowledgeable wait staff in a cozy dining room. Chicken, Veal and Fish entrées prepared in the Continental style such as Pollo Marsala, Pollo Inverno with artichokes and white wine, Vitello Francese with lemon and butter, Vitello Sorrentino with eggplant and prosciutto, Snapper Napoli with garlic and Grouper Mugnala with olives, capers and white wine. Northern Italian specialties also featured. Main courses range from Pasta dishes, to Veal, to Seafood and Beef Combinations. A few specials are prepared every day to keep the menu new, like Salmon Andaluccia. Specialty desserts are offered too like Cannolis and Tiramisu. Casual attire acceptable. Reservations online via Open Table and by phone accepted. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Full bar. Varied wine list. Free parking one block east off SE 2nd St. and SE 4th Ave. Voted a "Top Restaurant" in the area by OpenTable members. Andy Fass, chef and owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/06) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Martin G. 3/07) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 12/07) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 1/09) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 1/12) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 10/15) Q=4 S=5 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Neal P. 12/21) Q=3 S=4 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.

American Social Bar & Kitchen (Orlando), 7335 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-454-9992. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened August, 2019, where Bar Louie was located. It's on "Restaurant Row" at Turkey Lake Rd. behind Chick-fil-A in the Rialto Plaza. Open from 11:30 AM to 11 PM daily but from 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Brunch served 11-2 on Saturday. Small chain of Florida Kitchen/Bar, also known as "AMSO" serving an eclectic menu. Large open area with tables and large circular booths. For dinner they offer "Social Bites", like Deviled Eggs, Pretzels, Avocado Toast with Egg, Black Truffle Garlic Fries and Goat Cheese Croquettes. Small Plates like Mac & Cheese, Chicken Quesadilla, Ropa Vieja Tacos and Crab Cakes are just a few on the list. Large Plates like Guava BBQ Chicken, Grilled Mahi, Cedar Plank Salmon and Steak Frites make a whole meal with the accompanying sides. Soups and Salads are on the menu. Sandwiches, like a Steak Sammy are available. East Coast Oysters are ½doz. or doz. West Coast Oysters are more. Peal and Eat Shrimp are offered by ½lb. and lb. A giant Seafood Platter with a 1 lb. Maine Lobster, 1 lb. P&E Shrimp and 6 each, East and West Coast Oysters and more at one price. Happy Hour (M-F: 4-7 PM and after 10 PM) has food items on it and reduced drink prices as well, like ½ off Wine. An "In & Out Lunch" is offered weekdays. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table. John Thomas, chef; Richard Rubits, general manager. Other locations are in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/21) Q=3 S=4 V=2 Total=9 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ken J. 12/21) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Amore Italian Ristorante, 2608 S. US 27, Suite 100, Clermont, FL. 34.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-227-2003. (Italian) [L/D] Opened August, 2022. Located about 1 mile south of SR 50 on US 27, near the Hope Center. Offers fine Italian dining in a warm clubby atmosphere on comfortable upholstered chairs. The menu is Pasta focused and the food is artfully presented. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM daily, to 10 PM weekends, but closed on Monday. Start with Calamari, Pizza Bruschetta, Shrimp Mediterrano, Fried Mozzarella, Meat Balls, Mussels, Clams or an Antipasti. A few Salads and Soups are available. Many Pasta dishes are offered with sauces like Bolognese, Marinara, Garlic and Oil, Meat Sauce, Alfredo, Alla Vodka or with Meatballs or Sausage. They make Baked Pasta dishes too, like Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Beef Cannelloni and a Taste of Italy Combo. 3 styles of Ravioli are on the menu, as well as 4 styles of Chicken. Grilled items include NY Strip Steak, a Ribeye, Grilled Fish du Jour and even Lamb Chops. Eggplant, Risotto, Pizza and Calzones are popular too. Shrimp Scampi, Fra Diavolo and Shrimp Adriatic are offered as are Mussels Pomodoro, Salmon Capri and a Seafood Medley. Kids menu available. Desserts include the usual Tiramisu, Cannoli, Cheesecake, Gelato and more French style Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Mousse. Special Valentine's Day menu offered. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. A lunch menu is offered with Paninis and Subs. Beer and wine licensed. Alda and Julian Serjani, chef and owners.

Review: (from Michael G. 7/24) Christopher was our server and was excellent. He explained the specials and took our drink orders. My wife had the Salmon ($27) and said it was great. I had Veal Parm. ($24) which was good. We also shared Mussels and they were excellent. Two glasses of wine, appetizer and 2 entrées was $88. Would return again for dinner.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Dawn G. 1/25) Clean, upscale ambience. Table seating was tight. Live sax player was too loud for conversation. Meatball appetizer and Bruschetta were good. Chicken Mushroom Salad for dinner was excellent. Chicken Piccata was very good. Alfredo was delicious. All food freshly prepared. House made Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse Cake were excellent. Total was $104 before t&t and included 1 glass wine, 2 apps, 2 dinners, premium side and 2 desserts. Brittany was our server. Gratuity added for parties over 6. One of the owners was also cleaning up and tending to patrons. Would highly recommend. Will be going again.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from James G. 4/25) As always - awesome Italian restaurant. Small place with warm atmosphere. Only issue is tight seating. Everything is fresh and made to order. Chris was our server and was very attentive. Appetizers included Meatballs, Antipasta and Mozzarella. Excellent. Three of us had Caesar Salads. Ask for Anchovies if you want them. Homemade dressing. I had Chicken French with a side of Penne Marinara. The best in the area. My wife had the Warm Chicken Salad. She raved about it. Friends had Chicken Marsala and Frutti Di Mare. They raved about it too. Dessert included Tiramisu, Chocolate Mousse Cake and Limoncello Cake. All were excellent. With three drinks before t&t our total was $230 (for four). Definitely will return. Will definitely return again.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Amura Japanese (Steak & Sushi) Restaurant, 7786 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 56.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-370-0007. (Asian) [L/D] Opened January, 2019. Also known as Amura Sushi. Right on "Restaurant Row" near Dr. Phillips Blvd., behind Panera Bread. Open daily from 11:30 AM, Sunday from Noon but Saturday only from 5:00 PM. Closed between 3 and 5 PM for a break, except on Sunday. Nicely decorated, popular restaurant with innovative presentation of food here. Plenty of Sushi, Sashimi and Rolls to order from, like California Roll, Tuna Roll, Godzilla Roll, Bubba Roll, Volcano Roll and Red Tuna Tataki Plate. Also Teppanyaki tables for 4, 6, 8 or 10 patrons. Full bar with specialty cocktails. Large Saki and Wine list. Happy Hour 5-7 PM. Full lunches are offered. Reservations accepteded. Dong Shin and Jung Lee, owners. Other locations are in Lake Mary and downtown.

Angelo's Pizzeria & Ristorante (Inverness), 301 W. Main St., Inverness, FL. 30.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-341-0056. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Located in the attractive white building on the SW corner of Main St. (SR44) and Seminole Ave. Open daily at 11 AM. They feature Pizzas, like the Super Supreme, Stuffed, Hawaiian, Carnivore Supreme, Sicilian, Bianco and the traditional New York City Style. Pizza Dough Rollos are their specialty like Sausage, Eggplant Parm. and Chicken Cutlet. You can find Lunch Baskets on their menu too, like Cod Fingers, Popcorn Shrimp, Chicken Tenders, Fried Calamari and Fritto Misto. A number of Sandwiches are offered for lunch like Burgers, Patty Melts, French Dip, Tuna Melt, Grilled Chicken, BLT, Grilled Chicken Panini and a Classic Club among others. Chicken Wings are also popular with 5 sauces. Appetizers include Garlic Knots, Fried Mozzarella, Fried Ravioli, Fried Calamari and Antipasto plus Angel Wings. You can find New York Cheese Steak, NY Strip Steak and Surf 'n Turf on the list. You will also find Tilapia Piccata, Stuffed Tilapia, Shrimp Scampi, Salmon Filet, and other seafood items. Baked Ziti or Ravioli, Spaghetti and Meat Balls, Penne with Sausage, Penne alla Vodka, Pomodoro Milanese, Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna and other pasta dishes are offered too. Early Bird and Sunday Lunch Specials served 11 AM - 5 PM Sundays and 3-5 PM all other days, include Penne Primavera, Baked Ravioli, Zucchini Parmigiana, Tilapia Piccata, Cod Fingers, Linguine with Clam Sauce or Meatball and Sausage, Eggplant or Chicken Parm., Chicken Francese, and an 8 oz. NY Strip. Desserts include Cheesecake, Cannoli and Tiramisu. Full bar. Reservations accepted by phone. Angelo and Karen Rizzolo, owners here and at their Crystal River location.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 4/15) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 8/17) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Anna's Polish Restaurant, 3586 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL. 63.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-657-0020. (Continental) (Eastern European) [D] Located about 3 miles east of downtown on CR 426, in the Winter Park Commerce Center Shopping Plaza, at the end of the building. Open from 4:30 to 9 PM weekdays except Monday and from 12 noon to 10 PM on Friday, Saturday and to only 8 PM on Sunday. Family owned business that opened in April, 2010. Authentic Polish meals served in a casual but lovely atmosphere. For appetizers, start with Pierogies, Potato Pancakes or Stuffed Cabbage. A combination appetizer including Sausage, Pierogies and Pancakes is available. Soups include a popular Red Borsch or White Borsch. For main dishes they feature Potato Pancakes, Pierogies, Hunter's Stew and Stuffed Cabbage (Golabki). Also, Beef Goulash, Pork Schnitzel, Silesian Dumplings with Pork, Cracovia Chicken Cutlet and Gypsy (Beef Filled) Potato Pancake are offered. The menu also has a Kielbasa Platter and a large Polish Platter Combination. Dinner salad is extra. A few side dishes like Finger Dumplings, Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Cabbage with Bacon and Dill are offered. Lunch items include a Cutlet Sandwich, Reuben, Chicken Sandwich or Kielbasa. Polish desserts are not forgotten with Apple Strudel, Nalesniki (Crepes) and Pychotka (Walnut Cake). Zywiec, Okocim Polish beers plus domestics and a few wines are offered also. Specials on Tuesday and Wednesday like 1/2 off your second entrée may be available. Reservations accepted and advised on weekends. Anna Eaves, chef and owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 1/12) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Antonio's Made in Italy Italian Restaurant, 22050 N. US 441, McIntosh, FL. 42.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-591-4141. (Italian) [L/D] Located just one mile north of the town of McIntosh, on the way to Micanopy in the Heritage Village. Formerly Roberto's Italian Eatery by the same owner. Opened in September, 2013. Hours are Noon to 9 PM, five days per week; closed on Monday and Tuesdays. Full linen service here. Start with an Antipasti like Clams & Mussels Alla Diavola, Cheese Burrata is the house specialty, Napolitano Caprese Salad or Shrimp Scampi. Pasta dishes start with Marinara, Fettuccine Alfredo, Lasagna, Penne Siciliana, Spaghetti Carbonara, Capellini Toscana or Gnocchis in a Butter Sauce. You can add Meatballs, Chicken or Shrimp to many of them. Gluten-free Pasta is available at extra charge. Chicken dishes include Parmigiana, Marsala and Saltimbocca. Veal is available too, including Marsala, Parmigiana, Saltimbocca as well as a Stuffed Veal Chop at Market Price. For seafood, they offer Cheese Ravioli and Shrimp, Spaghetti with Clams and Mussels, Salmon with Gorgonzola, Fettuccine Pescatori with Shrimp, Mussels, Clams and Calamari and a Grilled Swordfish at Market Price. Dessert is not forgotten with Cannolis, Tiramisu and Molten Lava Cake. Children's menu available. Now, full bar licensed. 2 for 1 Happy Hour on house wine and domestic beers before 6 PM. Bottled whites run $25 and bottled reds run $25-35. Italian Sodas and Cappuccino and Espresso offered too. Homemade Limoncello is offered and also sold by half bottle. Reservations accepted and required on weekends. Starting 2021, 18% gratuity added to ALL bills. Antonio Mazzella, of Ponza, Italy (former chef of Mom and Dad's in Lady Lake), owner.

Older Review: (from Sharon B. 3/14) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 5/16) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Cheryl L. 4/17) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from James D. 6/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 10/18) Q=4 S=4 V=2 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 10/18) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 6/21) Q=4 S=5 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Antonio's Ristorante (Upstairs), 611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL. 63.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-645-5523. (Italian) [L/D] Northern and coastal Italian creations since 1990. Open 11:30 AM to 2 PM weekdays for lunch, then 5 PM to 10 PM daily for dinner, except closed Sunday. Located on US 17/92 at S. Maitland Ave. The dining room is upstairs from the Market and Café and overlooks Lake Lily. Romantic setting. Appetizers include Bruschetta Romana, Stuffed Mushrooms, Fried Calamari, Beef Carpaccio, Antipasto, Buffalo Caprese, Mussels au Gratin and Crab Cakes. Pasta dishes include Potato Gnocchi, Pappardelle with Meat Sauce, Eggplant Involtini, Rigatoni with Chicken, Capellini d'Angelo, Spinach & Cheese Ravioli, Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne with Hot Sausage, Pappardelle with Salmon, Linguine with Clams and Lobster Ravioli. There's also Risotto with Mushroom and Squash and Risotto with Sausage. Pollo Picatta or Parmesan or Cacciatore, and Pollo Marsala or Involtini make up the poultry dishes. Beef Short Ribs, Veal Parmesan or Picatta, Veal Marsala, Leg of Lamb, Filet Mignon or New York Strip Steak and Stuffed Veal Chop are the meat offerings. There's also Wood Grilled Salmon, Zuppa di Pesce and a Fresh Fish of the Day at Market Prices for seafood items. Side dishes like Sautéed Spinach, Roasted Green Beans, Baked Tomatoes and Mac & Cheese are extra. Lunch items are similar fare at reduced prices. Summer menu offers 3 course dinners for one price per person with limited selections. A large wine list is available with bottles ranging $18-167 per bottle. Wine by the glass range $5-12 each. Full bar also. Happy Hour at the bar, 5-7 PM daily. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. for your own wine. Corkage Fee: $35/btl. for your own wine. Reservations accepted by phone or online. 2012 Foodie Critic's Choice for "Best Italian Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. R. Gregory Gentile, Victor Zollo and James Oyler, owners here and at Cafe d'Antonio in Celebration (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Yori O. 10/15) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Arabella's, 346 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven, FL. 71.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-863-293-1797. (Continental) (Italian) [L/D] Located in the Time Square Building under the clock, at Central and 4th St. SW, in historic downtown. A fine dining establishment, set with full linen service, open 11:30 AM to 2 PM for lunch, Tuesday through Friday, also 5:30 to 9:30 PM for dinner, except Sundays and Mondays when they are closed. This 5,000 sq. ft. restaurant has an old world elegant feel with exposed brick and can seat 157 inside and 50 outside. Start with appetizers like Fried Mozzarella with Marinara; Snails with Mushrooms, Bacon, Garlic in a Brandy White Wine Sauce; Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail; Mussels in Olive Oil, White Wine, Garlic and Marinara; Antipasto Misto; Fried Calamari with Spicy Marinara; or Caprese di Sorrento with Buffala Mozzarella. An Insalata di Cesare for two prepared tableside is extra. For pasta entrées they offer Fetuccine Alfredo; Half Moon Ravioli stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach; Hexagon Ravioli stuffed with Grilled Chicken and Garlic; Tortellacci di Zucca filled with Butternut Squash; Ravioli Gamberi stuffed with Shrimp and Scallops; or Ravioli ala Astice stuffed with Lobster Meat. All Pasta is fresh made. Seafood entrées include Linguini with Clams and Garlic; Scampi Fra' Diavolo over Fettuccini; Trancio di Salmone with Artichoke and White Wine; Shrimp and Scallops in Dijon Mustard over Linguini; or a Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes. The Sea Bass is available. Chicken dishes range from Piccata; Marsala; Saltimbocca; Fiorentina; to Mare e Monti (with Shrimp and Scallops). Veal dishes are similar, but add Toscana; Parmeggiana; Lombata (14 oz. Veal Chop); or Veal Arabella with Shrimp and Scallops in Saffron Wine Sauce. For beef, they offer Bistecca di Manzo (16 oz. Ribeye); a 9 oz. Filet Mignon with Brandy Green Peppercorn Cream Sauce; a 9 oz. Filet Mignon stuffed with Gorgonzola Cheese in a Port Wine Glaze; Steak Diana prepared tableside, Terre e Mare (6 oz. Filet and 3 Shrimp stuffed with Crab Meat); Lamb Chops in a Red Wine Rosemary Sauce; or the Chateaubriand in Brandy Sauce prepared tableside. Dinners include Bread, House Salad and a Sorbet. For dessert they feature Cherries Jubilee or Banans Foster prepared tableside for 2 people. They also offer Tiramisu; Torta di Ricotta; Crème Catalana; Crème Caramel; or Lava di Cioccolato. An Italian Cheese Plate is popular. They also offer "Tours of Italy" each week with specialty dishes prepared in the style of that one region of Italy. Holiday and Valentine's Day menus are limited and priced per person for 3 courses plus 20% gratuity. Lunch menu offered per dish. The Wine List has house selections per glass and bottle selections running $28-72 plus "Reserves" running up to Opus One at over $200. The "Avenue Bar" serves all cocktails in a comfortable atmosphere. 20% gratuity added for parties of 5 or more. Reservations taken by phone or online and encouraged. Free dinner on your birthday with prior registration. Voted a "Top Restaurant" in the area by OpenTable members. Thomas Brian Rich and chef, Franco Basalone, owners. They also own Bistro Pizza at number 326 for more casual meals.

Armando's (Restaurant), 463 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-951-8930. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Here since 2011. Right on the corner of New England and Hannibal Square, 3 blocks west of Park Ave. Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM or later on weekends. Attractive dining area outdoors. Start with antipasti like Calamari Fritti or Luciana, Caprese Salad, Cozze, Carpaccio Salmone, Polenta with Sausage, Prosciutto and Mozzarella or Mixed Deli Cuts and Vegetables. For your Second Plate they offer Chicken Parmigiana or Scarpariello, or Vesuvio, or Marsala, or di Tatiana. They also offer Veal Cacciatore, or Parmigiana, or Picata, or Milanese, or Saltimbocca. They also have Sautéed Shrimp and Scallops, Salmone Sorrentino and a Pork Loin Chop. Pasta courses include Spaghetti and Meatballs, Meat Lasagna, Stuffed Rolled Eggplant, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Ravioli with Mushrooms, Spaghetti Carbonara, Tortelloni stuffed with Pumpkin, Pappardelle alla Vodka or Bolognese or with Smoked Salmon, Orecchiette Baresi or with Sausage and Peppers, Rigatoni Siciliana or with Cheese, Spaghetti with Tuna, Ravioli stuffed with Lobster and Spaghetti alle Vongole. A dozen Pizzas on the menu. They offer lunch at reduced prices and a Sunday Brunch menu too. Full bar with popular cocktails in the $10-13 range. White and Red Wines by glass or $26-72/btl. for Whites and $26-180/btl. for Reds. Reservations by phone welcome. Another location is in College Park and Lake Nona. Armando and Karen Martorelli, owners.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 2/17) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Artisan's Table, 55 W. Church St., Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-730-7499. (American) (Vegetarian) [B/L/D] In business since March, 2014. Open from 10 AM weekdays, from 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday. Closes at 10 PM or later on weekends. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. Best described as a Gastro Pub, with a few meatless dishes. The creative chef changes the menu at whim. Let's take the appetizers; you might find Vegetable Hush Puppies, Fried Chick Peas, Ham, Peach & Brie Quesadilla, Baked Feta or Fried Green and Yellow Tomatoes being offered. Soup of the Day is offered. Main dishes include the Artisan Burger, Jerk Chicken, Seafood Arabiatta, Pan Roasted Scottish Salmon, Chipotle BBQ Lamb Shark, Seared Duck Breast and a New York Strip Steak. You can add a Salad or explore others. For dessert, indulge it Gelato, Sorbet, Hazelnut Affogato or Fruit Cobbler. Full bar with specialties like The Stalker, El Chupacabra, Shotgun Wedding and The Capybara. Wine List shows wines ranging $8-13 by the glass and $32-100 by the bottle. Beer List includes Funky Buddha and Goose Island Belgian Sour Ale. Drafts include Cigar City Jai Alai IPA. Lattes also created like Mexican Mocha. Breakfast and lunch items just as creative and seasonal. Reservations accepted by phone and online. Scott Copeland, chef; Troy Lee Kaleel, owner.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 9/16) Q=3 S=3 V=3 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.

Ataj Indian Restaurant, 2901 Parkway Blvd., Kissimmee, FL. 65.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-507-0072. (Indian) (Vegetarian) [L/D] Located off Bronson Memorial Hwy. US 193, near exit #65 of I-4. Open daily 11:30 AM to 3 PM for lunch and 5-10:30 PM for dinner. "A Taste of India" proclaimed. Nicely appointed dining room with dark wood tables. They offer a lunch buffet on weekdays but higher, Friday through Sunday until 3 PM. For dinner appetizers they offer a dozen items like Vegetable Samosa, Chicken Chili, Chicken Pakora and Lasoni Gobi and Colombi Ashari. A dozen Chicken entrées are offered, like Chicken Madras and Chicken Jalfrezi. A dozen Lamb enrtées are on the menu, like Lamb Korma and Lamb Boti Kabab, with Lamb Chop Masala. The Seafood items, like Fish Vindaloo and Goan Shrimp Curry are also offered. Biryani items, like Lamb, Shrimp or Chicken are available. Then there's 10 Tandoori oven items, like Tandoori Salmon and Seekh Kabab. A dozen Vegetarian items can be had. Various Naan Breads and Aloo Paratha Bread are offered too. Desserts include Pistachio Kulfi and Gulab Jamun and others. Beer and wine licensed. Outdoor seating available. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table. Houda Nor, owner.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 4/18) Q=3 S=3 V=3 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.

Aurora (at the Celeste), 4105 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL. 68.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-207-4700. (American) [B/L/D] Opened in October, 2020. Located in the new Celeste Hotel in the Waterford Lakes region of Orlando, near the UCF Campus. Very attractive contemporary décor with views to the patio. Airy dining room with tables and booths illuminated by dozens of hanging bulbs at night. Open 7 AM through 10 PM daily, later on weekends. They are into "Shareables" like Truffle Fries, Wagyu Beef Sliders, BBQ Kettle Chips, Parmesan Truffle Arancini, Heirloom Tomatoes, Alligator Empanadas, Chili Glazed Duck Wings, Celeste Crab Cake, and Seared Scallop. Not willing to share? They have full meals like Root Veggie Pavé, Black Garlic Pappardelle with Chicken, Pork Tenderloin, Wild Prawns & Grits, Grilled Salmon, and Marinated Stip Steak. All come with a side dish. For lighter meals they offer Chicken Sandwich, Burgers, BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich, and Steak & Cheese. Salads are extra with Chicken, Salmon Steak added. For dessert they have Key Lime Pie, Coconut Rice Pudding, and Warm Bread Pudding. Or go for the Supernova. Special menu for Mother's Day. Outdoor seating available. Full bar with craft cocktails available. Wine by the glass or $34-167/bottle. Happy Hour runs daily 4-6 PM with well drinks, Beer, and Craft Coctails or Wine by the glass reduced. A 3 Wine HH Flight is offered. Reservations are accepted by phone or online via Open Table. Mike Trudnak, executive chef; hotel owned.

AVA MediterrAegean (Restaurant), 290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-794-9896. (Continental) (Greek) [D] Opened on February 4, 2022. Located where Luma On Park did business for many years. Just what Winter Park craves. Hours are dinner only 5-11 PM daily, except closed Monday and Tuesday. The Lounge is open to members only to 1 AM. It features cuisine from the European countries on the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Casual elegance is the décor. The philosophie is to slow down and enjoy the ride while dining with friends. Appetizers include Marinated Olives, Hummus, Eggplant Caviar, Spanakopita, Potato Millefeuille, Crispy Zucchini, Keftedes Meatballs and Greek Spreads. Other starters include Flambéed Grilled Haloumi, Gemistes Vegetables, Beef Carpaccio and Truffle Pizza. Mediterr-Agean Rolls are Tabbouleh, Salmon or Spicy Tuna. For main dishes from the seas they offer Seafood Orzo, Grilled Octopus, King Salmon, Psarosoupa [Greek Bouillabaisse], Grilled Maine Lobster and a Spetsiota-Style Baked, Grilled or Salt Crusted Fish. For dishes from the land they offer Chicken Tagine, 8 oz. Filet Mignon, Duo of New Zealand Lamb and an 18 oz. Rib Eye. A-la-catre additions might be Sautéed Xorta [Greens], Byaldi [Vegetable Casserole], Sautéed Broccolini, Tabbouleh, Grilled Fennel or Crispy Marble Potatoes. A Garden or Greek Salad can also be added. They also offer a Raw Bar of items like Oysters, Ora King Salmon Tartare, Tuna Crudo, Maine Lobster Ceviche, Whole Dorade Sashimi or splurge with a Seafood Tower of Oysters, King Crab, Lobster, Uni, Langoustine, Salmon and Smoked Scallops. For dessert you can enjoy Sorbet, Ice Cream, Mille Feuille Tart, Yogurt & Figs or Chocolate Fondant. Coffee, Cappuccino, Latte, Espresso and a wide variety of Teas offered. Full Bar with specialty cocktails like Onassis Old Fashioned is available. Many Wines by the glass run $13-36 each, but most are $14-20/glass. A large selection of French White Wines run $90-1,000/btl. Domaine Leflaive Grand Cru White Burgundy [aka Chardonnay] comes in at $3,000/btl. French Red Wines run $80-1,000/btl. with a Domaine de La Romanée Conti, Grand Cru Red Burgundy [aka Pinot Noir] comes in at $7,000/btl. Stock may be limited! Greek ($60-130/btl.), Italian ($75-750/btl.) and Spanish ($75-1,400/btl.) Wines are on the list too. Domestic choices usually run $80-2,500/btl. with a 2012 "The Dom" Bubbly at $550/btl. and well-known Opus One at $1,000/btl. You certainly have choices here. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Reservations, highly advised, taken by phone or online. Members have priority. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Acclaimed, Keith Bombaugh, executive chef; MILA Group of Miami, owners.

BACÁN, 6100 Wave Hotel Drive, Orlando, FL. 67.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-675-2000. (Continental) (Spanish) [D] Quietly opened December, 2021. Pronounce "bah-KAHN", meaning "awesome". Located in the new and distinctive Lake Nona Wave Hotel. Warm wood walls accented by royal blue fabrics with a trendy theater-style kitchen, the 154-seat, 2,800 sq.ft. venue has a unique ambiance with eclectic influences, just like the shape of the hotel it's in. Dinner only. The cuisine is continental but with a decidedly South American accent. Hours are 6-10 PM, Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 PM on weekends. A place to splurge. Start with warm appetizers like Grilled Sweet Corn Ribs, Charred Baby Leek, Pork Belly with Kale and Mint, Smoked Scallops a la Plancha, Octopus with Argentinian Chimichurri, or cold ones like Steak Tartare, Lobster Tacos or Ceviche-Style Hamachi. You'll find main dishes like Grilled Baby Eggplant, Duck Breast, Grilled Short Ribs, Branzino a la Plancha or Poached Halibut on the menu. You can also expect to find a 12 oz. Duroc Pork Chop, 8 oz. Hanger Steak, 14 oz. NY Strip Loin or the 12 oz. Bone-In Filet. Other items include Bacán Burger, Roasted Florida Fish du Jour and Truffle Chicken 2 Ways. Salads are also available like Heirloom Tomatoes, Kale and Lime Salad or Kalera Baby Greens. After dinner enjoy sweets like Tres Leches Cake, Banana Cream Tarte, Pavloa [Coconut Ice Cream with Caramelized Pineapple] and Esfera de Chocolate. Full bar and Wine List. Whites run $48/btl. (Pinot Grigio) to $130/btl. (Calif. Sauv-Blanc) and Reds $45/btl. (Lambrusco) to $240/btl. (Caymus Cab-Sauv). Craft Coctails ($15-20) are very original, like the Smoked Don Juan, Parcha Sour, Guava Ginen, Cafecito and Above The Clouds. Smart casual attire requested. Watch for "Rosie", the Hotel Robot Waitress. Some outdoor seating available. Reservations are required. Charged Valet Parking too. Reservations online via Open Table or by phone are required. Guillaume Robin, Executive Chef; hotel owned.

Back Room Steakhouse, 1418 Rock Springs Rd., Apopka, FL. 40.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-880-7832. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] In business since 2012. Located about 2 miles north of US 441, near CR 435 and Welch Rd. next to Beef O'Brady's. Open Wednesday and Thursday, 4:30-10 PM, Friday and Saturday, 4:30-11 PM and Sunday 4-9 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Polished tables with linen napkins in a casual wood panelled setting. Specializes in Black Angus aged Steaks. 10 or 14 oz. New York Strip, 16 oz. Boneless Ribeye, 8 oz. Center Cut Filet Mignon and a 24 oz. Porthouse are their features. Sunday brings 10 oz. or 14 oz. Prime Rib to the menu. A ½ lb. Burger is also offered. Dinners come with two side dishes. You can also get a Roasted Vegetable Dinner, Grilled Chicken, Herb-Crusted Pork Chop, North Atlantic Salmon, Braised Australian Lamb Chop and Chilean Sea Bass. Pasta dishes are also on the menu. A number of appetizers are also offered. Desserts like Salted Caramel Panna Cotta, NY Style Cheesecake and Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake are available. Full bar with specialty cocktails. A wide variety of wine pours by the glass or bottle. There are premium wines that run $33-130/Bottle plus Craft Beers also. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. for your own wine. Reservations accepted and advised by phone or online via Open Table. Brent Johnson, chef; Ed Conlan, owner here and Beef O' Brady's next door.

Older Review: (from Lori S. 8/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Lori S. 9/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/20) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Peter S. 9/22) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bahama Breeze Island Grille (Altamonte Springs), 499 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL. 49.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-831-2929. (Caribbean) (Seafood) [L/D] Located in front of the Altamonte Mall at SR 436 and Palm Springs Dr., 1 mile east of Exit #92 of I-4. Opens at 11 AM daily. Just as much a drinking establishment as a dining venue, this chain of "Island Grilles" focuses on Caribbean cuisine and tropical drinks. Their best known elixirs are the Dark 'n Stormy (Rum and Ginger Beer), the Zombie (Meyer's Rum and Peach Schnapps), the Goombay Smash (Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum, Meyer's Dark Rum and fruit juices) and the Painkiller (Pusser's Dark Rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice). The food items are just as tempting but Mexican influenced flavors have crept into the blend in recent years. A variety of Tacos, Quesadillas, Empanadas, Tostones and American Style Chicken Wings, now join Coconut Shrimp Crab Stack, Yuca Fries and Jerk Chicken for appitizers. Entrées include Coconut Shrimp, Lobster and Shrimp Linguine, Seafood Paella, Key West Shrimp & Grits, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Baby Back Ribs, Marinated Ribeye Steak, Cuban Skirt Steak, plus Salmon, Tilapia, Covina or Tuna in 5 different styles. Lunch items include Burgers, Rice Bowls, Salads and Soups. For dessert they have Banana Nut Bread, Leche Cheesecake, Coconut Pineapple Cake and Key Lime Pie. Kid's menu available. Caribbean musical entertainment nightly from 5 PM. Reggae Party every Sunday 5-9 PM. Happy Hour (4-6 PM) and full bar, obviously. Voted 2015 "Best Caribbean" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. One of 37 locations nationwide, with 12 others in Florida, owned by Darden Restaurants.

BallyHoo Grill, 3700 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL. 63.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-373-0059. (American) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located 2 miles east off I-75, Exit 387, on SR 26 (W. University Ave.). Open from 11 AM daily. Very casual seafood/steak eatery with tropical atmosphere and an oak grill, since 1998. For starters there's Fried Green Tomatoes, Smoked Salmon Spread, Calamari, Buffalo or Teriyaki Wings, Mussels Diablo, Buffalo or Firecracker Shrimp, Mucho Nachos, Chicken or Steak Mudiga, Chicken or Steak Quesadillas and Oysters. A popular item is Table-side Guacamole. A variety of Flatbreads like Margherita, Blackened Chicken, Garlic Shrimp, Sicilian, or Mediterranean, all range $9-11 each. Pasta dishes are Pasta Bolognese, Linguini and Meatballs, Penne and Chicken, Shrimp Scampi and Linguini and Seafood Pescatore. Entrées include Half or Full Rack of St. Louis Ribs, Chicken Portobella, Tuscan Chicken, Snow Crab & Shrimp, Chicken & Rib Combo, Skirt Steak Carbone, Grilled, Blackened or Fried Shrimp, Cedar-Planked Salmon, Tilapia, 8 or 12 oz. Prime Rib, 14 oz. Ribeye, 6 or 9 oz. Filet Mignon, Stuffed Grouper and Steamed or Grilled Lobster at market prices. All these come with a veggie and choice of a side dish. Many sandwiches are also offered like Pulled Pork, to Corned Beef & Pastrami. Various Burgers are also on the menu from the BallyHoo Burger, to the Swamp Burger. They are famous for their four BallyHoo Challenges. They are Kobiyashi 10 All Beef Chili Dogs, The Captain Ahab's Six Fish Filets, the B.C.S. 3½ pounds of Pork Burrito and Mus-Champs 3 Pound Cheese Burger and Fries. Eat the Challenge ALONE in 30 minutes and the meal is free. Few succeed! Desserts range from Key Lime Pie, to Chocolate Turtle Brownie, to the popular Bananas Foster for Two. There's also a Sushi Bar. 18% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Reservations accepted. Free Lobster on your Birthday with online registration. Full bar. Happy Hour daily 2-7 PM and to 10 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday. Occasional entertainment inside, mostly weekdays. Outdoor seating available. Brad Bedson operating partner; Bill and Jackie Reichardt, owners.

Bangkok Square, 6500 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL. 62.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-375-4488. (Asian) [L/D] Located about 1 mile west of I-75 Exit 384 on SR 24 in the Kanapaha Station Shopping Plaza. Started in business February of 2014. Open 11 AM to 9:30 PM, except opens at noon on weekends. Authentic Thai food in an upscale, tastfully decorated, dining room with comfortable furnishings. The extensive menu is divided into Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Noodles and Rice, Traditional Thai Dishes Sautéed or Curried, Signature Dishes, and of course, Dessert. You may start with Egg Rolls, Spring Rolls, Beef Sa-Teh, Steamed Dumplings, Crab Rangoon, Curry Puffs, Crispy Tofu and Pot Stickers. There's also Fried Squid or Shrimp and an Appetizer Sampler. For Soups they offer Wonton, Vegetable, Seaweed, Crabmeat and a Seafood mix of Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels and Squid. Other Soups include Tom Kha (Coconut Soup) and Tom Yum (Hot & Sour) at varying prices. Large Salads include Nam (Ginger Pork), Larb Gai (Lime Chicken), Yum Tofu or Squid, Yum Beef, Woonsen or Duck and Yum Seafood. For Thai entrée bases they have Chicken, Pork, Tofu or Veggie, Beef, Shrimp or Squid, Chicken & Shrimp, Scallops or Seafood and Crispy Duck. These can be sautéed 11 different ways from mild to spicy or with 6 different curries. The menu indicates Mild, Medium or Hot spiceiness. The signature specialty list has Crispy Eggplant, Sizzling Chicken or Beef, Bangkok Fried Rice, Frog Legs, Tornado Shrimp, Siam Chicken or Shrimp, Shrimp & Chicken Penang, Bangkok Duck and a Snapper Lad Prig (Deep Fried) at market prices. The popular Pad Thai dishes are listed under Noodles and include Chicken, Pork, Veggie or Tofu Pad Thais, Beef, Shrimp or Squid Pad Thais, Chicken & Shrimp Pad Thai, Scallops or Seafood Pad Thai and Crispy Duck Pad Thai. Besides Pad Thai, these can also be prepared Pad Ba Mee (with Egg Noodles), Pad Kee Mao (with Drunken Noodles), Pad See Ew (with Rice Noodles and Veggies), Pad Woonsen (with Brown Sauce), plus Lad Nar (with Thai Gravy). If Noodles don't excite you you can have the above prepared as a Fried Rice, Pinapple Rice or Spicy Basil Rice. The combinations seem endless but the menu is very well layed out. Desserts range from Coconut Ice Cream, Lychees, Crispy Chips, Thai Donuts, Crunchy Bananas and Sticky Rice with Thai Custard. Macrobiotic food is also on the menu, like Sautéed Fish Filet with Ginger and Mushrooms. Lunch items are genearally less than dinner prices and end at 3 PM. The restaurant also hosts a Sushi Bar ranging from the usual Tuna, Escolar and Yellow Tail, to the more exotic Conch, Salmon Roe and Sea Urchin. Rolled Sushi available, while Specialty Rolls are offered too. A whole Sashimi Dinner is available and includes 20 pieces plus Steamed Rice. They'll make you a "Love Boat" to share at one price per couple. Beer and wine licensed. Thai Tea and Coffee avaialbe too. Reservations accepted. Phira Kiatwitt, Sukanda and Achanee Preechachaow, (former owners of Thai Ruby - Tampa, The Villages and Ocala), owners here.

Review: (from Jackie N. 3/23) Looking for a quick lunch before shopping in Gainesville, we chose Bangkok Square as it is just a few minutes from the I-75 exit and Trader Joes Shopping Center. I enjoyed the Crispy Duck with the apropos named Amazing Sauce (peanut sauce with coconut milk) served with Mixed Vegetables and Rice for $15. The Duck deboned and served in strips was done perfectly. My husband liked the Pork Pad Thai for $10. Both dishes came with a cup of Soup and a Veggie Egg Roll. The waitress gave us 2 small cups of delicious Coconut Ice Cream when giving us the bill. As we only had water to drink, our bill was $25 +t&t. We have a few favorite restaurants in Gainesville and have put this one at the top of our list. It's worth the 75 minute drive to get really good Thai food.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Barrels and Boards, 7965 SR 50 (Broad St.) Suite 500, Groveland, FL. 31.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-557-5007. (Brew Pub) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Opened in October, 2021. Located facing CR 565A at SR 50 next to Great Clips, 2 miles east of Groveland center in the Eagle Ridge Shoppes Plaza. Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM, but to midnight weekends and closed on Sunday and Monday. Plain interior, fun atmosphere. Serves higher end Wine and 3 dozen Craft Beers. For food they offer Smoked Fish Dip, Tortilla Dips and Charcuterie Boards ranging in price. They also make Sandwiches like Turkey, Chicken, Ham, Roast Beef, Pizza Sub and Italian. You can also "Build Your Own" at the same price. Fruit Bowls are available too. Kids menu offered also. Frequent entertainment keeps the place busy with Tuesday Family Music Bingo, Wednesday or Saturday Karaoke, Thursday Trivia and weekend musical entertainment. Beer and wine licensed. Some outdoor seating available. Scott and Suzanne Powers, owners.

Bass Champions Restaurant (and Lodge), 25011 E. Hwy. 314, Salt Springs, FL. 38.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-685-0000. (American) (Seafood) [D] Located in the Ocala National Forest on CR 314 about 3/4 miles south of US 19. Near Lake Kerr. Open since 2009. The restaurant is open daily except Sunday and Monday from 4 PM to 9 PM or 9:30 PM on weekends. Appetizers include Onion Rings, Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Green Beans, Cheese Sticks, Gator Tail, Conch Fritters, Jalapeno Poppers, plus Shrimp or Oyster Cocktails. Oyster Stew is always on the menu. For entrées they offer Stuffed Flounder, Grouper, Mahi, Gator Tail, Crab Cakes, Catfish, Oysters, Scallops, Frog Legs, Crab Legs, Fried Shrimp, even Lobster Tail. A Fisherman's Platter is popular. You can also find Marinated Chicken Breast, Pork Chops, NY Strip Steak and various combinations of Surf and Turf. Entrées include 2 sides. Specials are AUCE Fried or u-Peel Shrimp on Tuesday, Baby Back Ribs or AUCE Fish & Chips on Wednesday, Honey Baked Ham Steak or AUCE Buffet on Thursday, Prime Rib or AUCE Fish & Shrimp on Friday and Saturday. You can also find Burgers, Grilled Chicken Fried Fish and Grouper Sandwiches. Early Bird Menu runs to 6 PM, plus there's a Senior's Menu too. Desserts include Chocolate Peanut Butter or Key Lime Pie. Moderate prices. Beer and wine licensed. Reservations accepted. James Snowden and Dennis Sickle, owners.

Bay Street Bistro, 211 E. Bay St., Lakeland, FL. 71.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-863-683-4229. (French) (Italian) [D] Opened in July, 2015. Located downtown about two blocks north of Munn Park between Tennessee and Kentucky Avenues in the Studebaker Building. Open 5-9 PM, Tuesday through Saturday only. Full linen service. Quaint quiet bistro serving American, French and Italian semi-a-la-carte dishes. For appetizers you'll find Escargot, Bruschetta, Stuffed Portobello, Eggplant Rolletini and Baked Brie. They also have Mussels ala Crème. Soups include Tomato Bisque and Soup du Jour. For salads they offer House or Caesar and Poached Pear or Caprese. For seafood they have Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp and Capellini, Blue Crab and Salmon Cakes, Wild Salmon, Black Grouper, Sea Scallops, Chilean Sea Bass and Seafood Vol-Au-Vent. For landside items they offer Herb Chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Roast Duck Grand Marnier® or Confit, Pork Shank Osso Bucco, Filet Mignon, Beef Wellington, a 20 oz. Prime RibEye, Rack of Lamb and Veal Chop Marsala. All entrées come with Soup or Salad, a Starch and a Vegetable. Vegetarian items include Melanzane Primo or Pasta Primavera and come with a House Salad. Desserts du Jour offered daily. Beer and wine licensed. A large Wine List shows Chardonnays, Sauv. Blancs, Pinot Grigios, Pinot Noirs, Merlots, Cabernets, Red Blends and other noted imports. Outdoor seating available. Reservations are accepted by phone or online via Open Table and recommended on weekends. James Rawlins and Charles Mondale, owners.

Bayside Kraft Kitchen, 224 NW US Hwy. 19, Crystal River, FL. 48.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-228-4319. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Opened in late 2023 and replaces Charlie's Fish House Restaurant after 64 years in this location. Located on US 19 near NW 3rd Ave. overlooking Kings Bay. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM daily, to 9:30 PM on weekends. A nautical atmosphere here in a large open dining room. Specializes in Southern and Seafood dishes. A few spicy items dot the menu. Start off with Fried Brussels Sprouts, Whipped Feta, Pork Belly Bites, Oysters, Clams, Crab and Shrimp Cake or Tuna Crudo. For main dishes they offer Blackened Catfish, Shrimp & Grits, Crab Legs and a daily "Fresh Katch". Even Maine Lobster Tails are featured. On the meatier side you'll find a Smash Burger, Pork Chop, St. Louis Style Ribs, NY Strip Steak, plus a Demkota Farms Ribeye. A Wild Mushroom Pasta dish is offered too. Soups, like Corn Chowder, and Salads, like Burrata & Beets, can add to the meal or stand alone. Lunch items are similar with Hand-Held Sandwiches added. Desserts are numerous with Key Lime Pie, Triple Chocolate Tort, Guava Mango Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse and others tempting patrons. Kids menu available. Full bar here with Happy Hour (2-5 PM). The Wine List includes 3 types of Sparking Wine $11-80/btl., 10 Whites at $33-65/btl., and 17 Reds ranging $33-130/btl. are listed. Many are offered by the glass also, at $8-13/gls. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Great views of the water from the windows. Outdoor seating available too. Phone or online reservations via Open Table are suggested. Surcharge added for using credit cards. Richard Wiggins, chef; Mayur Patel, owner.

Review: (from Peggy R. 12/24) Had a very nice lunch at this beautiful waterfront restaurant. We ordered two appetizers, the Whipped Feta, a nice light cheese that came with absolutely delicious grilled bread, and the Fried Brussels Sprouts, perfectly crispy with a fantastic onion bacon jam. I had an Athens Salad with a Crab Cake. The Salad was fresh and very good. The Crab Cake was a little spicy for my taste but nicely made with very little filler. My husband had Crab Mac & Cheese, even more amazing than it sounds. With one Soda and one Coffee, it was $70.75 before t&t. We’re already planning a return visit.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Beach Ocala, 13201 W. Hwy. 326, Ocala, FL. 40.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-351-0371. (American) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Opened in 2012. Located between the burgs of Fellowship and Morriston, on the way to Williston, near the junction of Old Blitchton Rd. (N. US 27) and CR 326, the building faces US 27. Open daily 11:30 AM to 2 AM. Offers the usual Pub Grub of Burgers, Wings, Tacos and other items in a beach house atmosphere complete with a sand beach (but no water). You can find Maryland Crab Dip, a Ribeye Philly, Chicken Tenders, Beer Battered Cod, Quesadillas, Cuban Sandwiches, Asian Chicken Salad, Calamari, Shrimp Salad and Paninis. Most items are moderately priced. Lunch Specials weekdays. Full bar with lots of tropical drink choices, Tequila, Margaritas and cold beer. Orange Crush cocktails are popular here. Bingo, Trivia, Karaoke, DJ and musical entertainment throughout the week. Popular with bikers and equestrian types. Outdoor seating and porch setting available. Mary Self, owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 3/21) Q=3 S=3 V=3 Total=9 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bella Italia Ristorante, 13848 Tilden Rd., Suite #192, Winter Garden , FL. 46.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-347-3277. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] In business since June, 2016. Located 1 mile south of CR 429 (Daniel Webster Western Beltway) Exit #19, off Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Warmly decorated, comfortable dining area serving traditional Italian cuisine but made from family recipes. Lunch served 11 AM to 3 PM; then dinner 3 PM to 9 PM daily, closes later on weekends. Appetizers include Fried Mozzarella, Meatball Parmigiana, Bruschetta, Mussels Fra Diavolo, Clams Scampi, an Italian Flatbread, Fried Lobster Ravioli, Sautéed Shrimp and, of course, Antipasti Misto. A wide variety of Pastas and Sauces are on the menu including a Garden Salad. Baked Pastas like Lasagna, Ravioli or Zitta are offered. Many Chicken or Veal dishes offered. Eggplant dishes are popular. Grilled Trout, Baked Salmon, 12 oz. New York Strip Steak and Marinated Lamb Chops are on the Specialties List. Other Seafood dishes like Seafood Risotto, Shrimp Scampi or Key Lime Grouper are available. They make Pizza too, starting at 12 inch. Strombolis and Calzones are offered. For dessert you can get a Cannoli, Cheesecake, Tiramisu Crème Brûlée or Tartufo. Soups and large Salads are available also. A lunch menu brings Hot Sandwiches. Special menus for holidays. Beer and Wine licensed. Wine by the bottle runs $28-52. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. for your own wine. Reservations by phone accepted. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Outdoor seating and kids menu available. Chef Leonard and Dorina Kodra, owners.

Bella Tuscany Ristorante Italiano, 13424 Summerport Village Pkwy., Windermere, FL. 48.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-656-2355. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] aka Bella Tuscany Italian Restaurant. Opened in 2015. Located at the turn of Winter Garden Vineland Rd. (CR 535) at Ficquette Rd., just south of the Windermere High School, in the Horizons West part of Orange County. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily. Fine dining with full linen service in booths and open tables. Start your journey with appetizers like Polpetta Napoletana [Stuffed Meatball], Bruschetta, Mozzarella, Fried Calamari, Chicken Wings, Zucchini Chips, Mussels Pomodoro, Risotto Bites, or an Antipasto or Cheese Platter. They offer 3 Flatbreads. Pasta dishes range from Spaghetti & Meatballs or Eggplant Parmesan to Blue Cheese Fiocchi [Stuffed Pasta Purses]. Pizzas come in 10 or 16 inch sizes. A 4 Seasons Large Pizza is offered. For entrées they offer Chicken or Veal Parmesan or Saltimbocca, Chicken Francese, Mushroom Raviolis, Lamb Shank, Seafood & Saffron Risotto, Grilled Salmon, Beef Short Ribs, Sicilian Snapper and Shrimp, Grilled Ribeye and Filet Mignon. You can always add Crab Legs for extra charge. Many desserts like Cannoli, Pistachio Mousse and Opera Cake are here. Kids menu available. Full bar with craft cocktails like Homemade Sangria, Watermelon Mule, Espresso Martini and Smoked Negroni. Happy Hour before 7 PM. 700 bottle Wine List runs to $800/btl. Sommelier available. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. for your own wine that's not already on their Wine List. Outdoor seating is available. Occasional entertainment. Phone or online reservations via Open Table advised. Lourdes Sciortino, owner.

Older Review: (from Ken J. 8/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Neal P. 10/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Neal P. 2/22) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Sharon T. 11/22) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Beque Holic (Premium Korean Table BBQ), 3812 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL. 63.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-505-6534. (Asian) (Fondue) [L/D] Opened in late-2015. Located 2 miles east of I-75, Exit #387, in the Bartram Woods area of the city on SR 26 at SW 38th St., near Regal Cinemas. It's where Stonewood Tavern did business. Hours are 4 PM to midnight weekdays, 11:30 AM to midnight weekends but to 10 PM on Sunday. Contemporary décor with booths. Specializes in table-grilled Korean specialties. You make a selection and the raw food is brought to you to cook in the table-embedded Hot Pot. Items include Chicken Wings, Seasoned Squid, Teriyaki Chicken, Pork Belly, Pork Bulgogi, Spicy Chicken, Mixed Vegetables, Beef Brisket, Sliced Rib Eye Bulgogi, Pork Kalbi, Beef Tongue, Short Ribs, Short Ribs Kalbi, Yookhwoe, Rib Eye, Jumbo Shrimp and Roll Kalbi. There are Combos for two, for 4 and for 6 patrons. They also have selected assortments for "All You Can Eat" at 3 levels and prices may vary by time of day and children's age. Extra side dishes are extra. Desserts like Mochi are offered. Best New Restaurant Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Complimentary appetizers. Reservations accepted. Full bar with imported Asian beers. Happy Hour after 9 PM, except Sunday. Sanghun Shin, owner.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 3/19) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bern's Steak House, 1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL. 89.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-251-2421. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [D] In the premium steak business since 1956. A dining adventure. Filet Mignon 6 oz. to 12 oz., Strip Steak 8 oz. to 60 oz., Delmonico 8 oz. to 18 oz., Porterhouse 17 oz. to 36 oz. and T-Bone 15 oz. to 32 oz. are some of the dozens and dozens of steak offerings. Many Châteaubriand cuts also on the menu. 3 Lamb Chops, 4 or 6-Bone Rack of Lamb and 11 or 17 oz. Veal Strip are also offered. Charcoal Grilled Chicken, Chicken Bern and Roasted Duckling are some of the poultry items. Salmon, Snapper and Chargrilled Swordfish are some of the fish dishes. Jumbo Shrimp Scampi and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes are some of the shellfish offerings. All entrées include French Onion Soup or House Salad and Baked Potato or Vegetable Tasting. A Vegetarian Dish is available. Caviar also available. 12% gratuity added to every bill. Full bar and extremely extensive wine list explained by the sommelier. Over 6,800 wine selections and over 500,000 bottles in inventory. Corkage Fee: $75/btl. "Grand Award" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Tours of the kitchen and wine cellar available before being seated. The upstairs dessert room featuring Banana Cheese Pie is very popular also. Valet parking. Dressy casual. Reservations suggested. Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Jeannie Pierola, executive chef. Bern and son David Laxer, owners.

Older Review: (from David S. 2/11) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Charles K. 9/14) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Harry M. 10/15) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Sue S. 10/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from David G. 7/24) Great special occasion place with impeccable service. I had a 14 oz. Delmonico ($73) that was cooked perfectly and was delicious. My wife started with Escargot ($19), very unusual with a creamy green anise sauce, a very interesting dish that she loved and also had a 9 oz. Chateaubriand for One ($63) that was also perfect. Dinners were all served with French Onion Soup, an excellent loaded Baked Potato, piles of thin, crispy Onion Rings and Green Beans which were all great. Then there was a tour of the kitchen and immense wine cellar before going upstairs to the individual, private dessert rooms. We ordered Cafe con Leche ($7). It was fabulous. Plus French Silk Pie ($13) and Peanut Butter Truffle ($15), which were excellent. Totals before t&t were $136 for dinner and $35 for dessert. A totally great experience.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Louise G. 1/25) A long trip from The Villages, but worth it for a special occasion. We had the 10 oz. Strip Steak ($59) and the 9 oz. Chateaubriand. Both were cooked to perfection and were excellent, very tender Chateau and a very flavorful Strip. Both came with French Onion Soup, a large Salad with a choice of very interesting dressings, a loaded Baked Potato, piles of Fried Onion Strings and Green Beans. All were excellently prepared and even the Green Beans were not the usual but prepared with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic. We ordered a side of Brussels Sprouts that were not up to par and they removed them from the bill. Total before t&t was $125.50. We then enjoyed the dessert room where we had Peanut Butter Truffle ($15) and Hazelnut Chocolate Cake ($14), both accompanied with unique Ice Creams.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Better Than Sex (A Dessert Restaurant), 1905 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL. 54.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-761-8949. (American) (Cafe) [D] Opened in December, 2015. Near Exit #85 of I-4, on Orange, near the White Wolf Café at E. Vanderbilt St. in Ivanhoe Village. Open 6 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Sunday only. "This experience is all about you.", they claim. It's Valentine's Day here, everyday! Not exactly a full menu, they skip the appetizers and main courses and head right for the "naughty desserts". Very creative items offered. Here are some names, the descriptions are on the iPad menu: The Fever, Cookie Nookie Pie, Banana Bazooka, Peanut Butter Perversion, The Missionary Cup, Tongue Bath Truffle, Blueberry Birthday Suit, Popcorn Pimp Cheesecake, Italian Stalion, Three Way and the Morning After. They make some Wine Cocktails too that range in price. Beers and Coffees available also, have risqué names, like Gyration. They offer "drinks for virgins" also. Everything is decadent, sinful and gooey; made of cakes, tarts and tortes, turnovers, puddings, pastries, cookies, cheeses, brownies, fruit, ice cream and if you have a dirty mind, suggestively positioned on your plate sometimes too. All in good fun and nothing illegal, but not for diabetics, dieters or members of the clergy. Tables for 2 or 4 in a candle-lit intimate setting of plush red and gold, adorned with provocative artwork and chandeliers hanging above cubicles. Reservations taken and advised on weekends, 2 weeks in advance, by phone or online. Beer and wine licensed. Leonard (Len) and Danielle (Dani) Johnson, owners. The original location is in Key West and featured on CBS Sunday Morning.

BICE Ristorante, 5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL. 54.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-503-1415. (Italian) [D] Pronounced "BEE'-chay" and owned by the famous New York City Tuscan restaurant of the same name, that in 2013 offered a prix-fixe 25th anniversary dinner to loyal patrons at $2,013 each. This one is located at the luxury Lowes Portofino Bay Hotel, right on the recreated Portofino, Italy waterfront, where opera singers perform in the piazza every sunset. Open 5:30-10 PM daily. The cuisine is advertised as world class northern Italian since 1926. Full linen service in a refined dining room attracts locals and tourists alike. For Anitpasti they offer Bruschetta Classica [Grilled Ciabatta with Plum Tomatoes], Cozze al Vino Bianco [PEI Mussels in Chardonnay], Carpaccio di Manzo [Beef Tenderloin with Truffle Oil], Prosciutto di Parma [Parma Ham with Melon], La Caprese [Burrata Muzzarella Cheese & Tomatoes], Tarta di Tonno [Uncooked Ahi Tuna], Calamari con Gamberi [Fried Squid with Shrimp] and of course Antipasto all' Italiano con Salumi [Italian Cold Cuts and Cheeses]. For the Insalate course they have Insalata di Cesare [Caesar Salad], Insalatina Mista [Mixed Greens Salad], Tricolore di Indivia [3 Color Endive, Radicchio & Arugola Salad], Spinacciata con Formaggio di Capra [Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese], Insalata di Indivia Belga [Belgian Endive with Gorgonzola] and Insalata alla Romana [Rome Salad with Calamari]. The Primi Piatti [Pasta] course includes Penne all' Arrabbiata [Tube Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce], Bucatini all' Amatriciana [Tubular Pasta with a Tangy Pork Sauce], Pappardelle al Telefono [Flat Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce], Gnocchetti di Patate [Potato Dumplings with Diced Tomatoes], Linguine alle Vongole [Flat Pasta with Clams], Sacchetti con Pera [Satchel Pasta with Pear], Spaghetti alla Chitarra [String Pasta with Bolognese Sauce], Tortelloni Farciti [Stuffed Pocket Pasta with Ricotta], Fettuccine Fra Diavolo [Ribbon Pasta in a Spicy Sauce], Ravioli di Manzo [Beef Stuffed Pillow Pasta]. Most Pastas can be made with Whole Wheat or Gluten-free. There's also Risotto alla Milanese [Rice-sized Pasta Milan Style]. Soup is also offered. For the Secondi Piatti [Main Course] they have Zuppetta di Mare [Seafood Chowder], Salmone Atlantico Grigliato [Grilled Atlantic Salmon], Gamberi Saltati al Vino Bianco [Sautéed Shrimp in White Wine] and Pesce Spada alla Griglia [Grilled Swordfish]. For Carne they offer Scaloppine di Pollo al Marsala [Sautéed Sliced Chicken in Marsala Wine], Petto d' Anatra Arrosto [Roasted Duck Breast], Scaloppine di Vitello Piccata [Sautéed Sliced Veal in Lemon Caper Sauce], Carre' di Agnello Arrosto [Roasted Full Rack of Lamb in Port Wine], Filetto di Manzo alla Griglia [ 9 oz. Grilled Beef Tenderloin], Costoletta di Vitello [14 oz. Breaded Veal Chop] and Osso Buco di Vitello [Braised Veal Shank]. Add a Vegetable for extra charge. For Dolci, they have Gelati e Sorbetti [Ice Creams and Sorbets], Torta al Fromaggio [Amaretto Cheesecake], Cannolo alla Siciliana [Sicilian Cannoli], Tramisù [Coffee Cake], Cioccolatissimo [Chocolate Soufflé], Profiteroles Ripieni [Bavarian Cream Stuffed Puff Pastry] and Napoleone al Frutti [Berry Napoleon Pastry]. There is a charge for splitting a course. Balcony seating available. Kids menu. Full bar. Extensive Wine List with Whites by the glass and $30-125/bottle and Reds by the glass and $40-530/bottle, many of which are Italian. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Online or phone reservations suggested in season. Valet and validated parking available. One of 6 US and 10 International locations. Alessandro Lozzi, executive chef; Massimo Lanfranchi, general manager here; BICE Group owned.

Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, 8046 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL. 55.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-615-8888. (Seafood) [D] Located on "Restaurant Row" on Sand Lake Rd., in the Dellagio Town Center. Very large 11,000 square foot one-of-a-kind restaurant opened in December 2009. Open for dinner only from 5 PM, daily. Home of the Monday Night Lobster Special, they feature Oysters, Crabs and, of course, Whole Lobster. Starting at the appetizers, they offer Escargot, Crispy Calamari, Fried Buffalo Oysters, Crispy Alligator, Beef Satay, New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp, Lobster Mac-n-Cheese, Maryland Style Crab Cake, Grilled Oysters with Garlic and Butter and Blue Crab Ravigote, all at varying prices. There's also Shrimp, Tuna, Crab or Lobster Cocktails, Seafood Escabeche, and Sesame Seared Tuna. Big Bowls of Mussels, Clams or both can be had with White Wine Base or Red Wine, Tomato, Base. A variety of Raw Fresh Oysters is a menu in itself. They are Florida Gulf Point, Rhode Island Beavertail, Connecticut Blue Point or Mystic, Massachusetts Katama Bay or Wellfleets, Washington State Penn Cove or Totem Point and the Naked Cowboy from New York State. Steamed they're extra. Other shell creatures offered are 1 lb. Snow Crab Clusters, Jumbo King Crab Claws (½ lb. or 1 lb.), plus an assortment of Platters are offered. There's also Sushi with choices ranging in price. A dozen Sushi Rolls are offered from Philly Roll with Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Scallions and a Boiled Egg to Baked Krakatoa Roll of California King, Lobster, Surimi, Masago, and Spicy Mayo. Continue to the entrées on the menu starting at "Create Your Own Pasta Dish" with Chicken, Beef, Bay Scallops, Jumbo Shrimp, Sea Scallops, Lobster or a combination. You may choose most fish either grilled, broiled, fried, pan seared, blackened or New Orleans style blackened with Cajun spices. Some of the fish they serve are Scottish Salmon, Jumbo Sea Scallops, Gulf Mahi Mahi, Bahamian Yellowtail Snapper, Gulf Black Grouper, Caribbean Ahi Tuna, Chilean Sea Bass and 14 oz. Carolina Swordfish. There's also Bonner's Fish & Chips, Salmon Rockefeller, Mahi Piccata, Shrimp or Scallops Orleans, BBQ Scallops, Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna, Blue Crab Crusted Grouper, and Bahamian Yellowtail Snapper Cioppino Stew. Steak is not forgotten by offering 10 oz. Filet Mignons with various sauces, or Oscar Style with King Crab, and a 16 oz. Prime New York Strip. Surf & Turf Combinations for Shrimp, Scallops & Filet Mignon, to 6 oz. Lobster Tail & Filet Mignon, to Alaskan King Crab Legs & Filet Mignon. The crustacean menu starts with 6 oz. Tempura Lobster Tail, Cold Water Lobster Tail (6 oz. to 22 oz.), 2 lbs. Snow Crab Claws, 1 lb. Jumbo King Crab Leg and 1 lb. Jumbo Alaskan King Crab Claws. On to the Whole Lobster course, those rosy Homaridae run from the "quarters" (1½ lbs.), to the "jumbos" (3 lb.) and the "5 pounders". Larger ones by reservation, believe it or not. If that's past this month's budget, they have Roasted Airline Chicken. Side dishes like Fries, Green Beans, Grilled Asparagus or Sautéed Spinach will add extra. If that's not enough there's Bread Pudding, Key Lime Pie, Coconut Crème Brûlée, and "Ooey Gooey". The popular Monday Night Special offers a 1½ Pound Whole Lobster (plus side dishes). Full bar fixes any cocktail and the Wine List runs from $22 for White Zin to $395/btl. for a 2001 French Pauillac. Happy Hour before 7 PM applies to bar patrons only, not to dinner tables. Reservations taken and advised on Mondays and weekends by phone or online. Open on Christmas Day too. Outdoor seating available. Eric Enrique, new chef; Lance Fair, new owner in 2023.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/12) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Peter S. 9/21) Q=5 S=4 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Jackie N. 9/22) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bites & Bubbles (Restaurant & Bar), 1618 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-270-5085. (Continental) (French) [D] Moved here in June, 2021. Hours are 5:00-9:30 PM daily but closed Sundays. Located in Mills Park in the Mills50 neighborhood, just off N. Mills Ave. (enter at Nebraska St.), east of Exit #55 of I-4. Parking can be found across the street in the Fresh Market shopping center if none on the nearby streets. It pays homage to the mid-twentieth century Franco-American dining experience, in a nicely appointed but casual dining room, even playing background music of that decade. Julia Child was a culinary queen at the time and her influence is apparent. The dishes are aptly presented in their distintive "assiette, tasse or planche" for each course. Fresh American ingredients crafted with a French flare makes for elegant food. The dishes ranges from tapas (or Bites) to Prix-Fixe Dinners. Be prepared to study a large, ever-changing, menu that might be different than yesterdays. The idea is to tempt your mind, imagine the taste and satisfy your developed craving by having many Bites, not just one. A typical "carte du jour" might have Spicy Tuna Tartare, 5 Oysters or Steamed Mussels & Clams or Coquille St. Jacques [Bay Scallops], or Butter Poached Canadian Lobster Tail. Then there's Raclette Cheese Potatoes, Warm Goat Cheese, Saint André Triple Crême, Pâté with Onions, Italian Salami, International Cheese Plate or a French Charcuterie [Meat, Cheese & Fruit] Board. How about Canadian Foie Gras de Canard Cru [Duck Liver Pâté]. You might be presented with a list of two dozen Cheeses to choose from to get you salivating, like Port Salut. Others Bites include Hand-Cut Pommes Frites [French Fries], Olive Tapenade, Marinated Vegetables, Deviled Eggs, Pimento Cheese Dip, French Onion Soup, Roasted Beet Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Escargot, Chicken Kale Sausage, Fried Goat Cheese, Swiss Potatoes, Petite Veal Osso Bucco and La Belle Farms Foie Gras. For the plats principaux [main dishes], Gorgonzola Salami Burger, Burratino Floretta Mozzarella Salad, Fried Mozzarella Salad or Farmer Salad and even a Foie Gras Mousse Beef Burger might be found. Larger plats might be a Pastrami Sandwich, Elk Burger, Cauliflower Crust Pizza, Tarte au Poulet [Chicken Pot Pie], Mushroom Pizza, St. Louis BBQ Ribs, Lobster Macaroni & Cheese, Pan Seared Salmon Filet, Chilled Seafood [Shrimp, Oysters, Mussels, Tuna] Platter, Shrimp Champagne, Bœuf Bourguignon [Beef Stew] or the Cowboy Ribeye. The rotation of selection just goes on and on. There's even a Caviar Menu ranging from American Trout Eggs, to Imperial Russian Ossetra Sturgeon Caviar, or Snail Caviar. They also offer Monthly or Annual Wine Dinners like Bastille Day Dinner or Julia Child's Birthday Dinner are held. A Beer List might have local Crooked Can Kolsch or Swamp Ale IPA. Signature Cocktails like "Watermelon Daisy" and "Love You a Latte" are popular. The (mostly US) Wine List is varied, ranging by the glass and $36-$139/bottle for the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cab. Champagne bubbles? Of course! $36 corkage fee for your own wine. A roof-top area offers a bar & lounge for outdoor seating in nice weather. Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised weekends. Eddie Nickell (chef), and Nickolas Olivieri (host), owners.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 10/21) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Jackie N. 9/22) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (Orlando), 4151 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL. 53.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-352-0225. (American) (Brew Pub) [L/D] At the Mall at Millenia off I-4. Open 11 AM to Midnight or later. Features upscale casual food with a big choice on home made beers and ales. The food menu has over 100 items. Small dishes include Crispy Fried Artichokes, Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms, Gourmet Mac & Cheese and others are offered as appetizers. Various Deep Dish Pizzas are available. A number of specialty salads like Santa Fe Salad, Sesame Chicken Salad and Grilled Steak Salad please the ladies. Soups include Clam Chowder, Hearty Minestrone and Tuscan Tomato Bisque. Stuffed Potatoes can also be found on the menu. About 6 Angus Burger variations are listed as are a few Sandwiches. For entrées they have Chicken a la Fresca, Creole Tilapia, Maui Glazed Pork Chop, New Orleans Jambalaya, Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, Scampi Pasta, Grilled Pork Chops, Fresh Atlantic Salmon, Baby Back Pork Ribs, Flame-Broiled New York Strip, Texas-Style Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken, Shrimp or Salmon Teriyaki, Fish or Shrimp Tacos and even Old Fashioned Pot Roast, to name a few. Dessert creations include BJ's Famous Pizookie, Baked Beignet and Apple Berry Burst Crumble. Lunch specials start at a low price and dinner prices are very moderate. Kid's menu and gluten free choices are also offered. Being an award winning brewhouse, they make BJ's LightSwitch Lager, Pook's Pilsner, Brewhouse Blonde, Harvest Hefeweizen (wheat beer), Piranha Pale Ale, Jeremiah Red, Oasis Amber, Abbey Normal, Nit Wit Belgium, Oktoberfest, Pumkin Ale, Big Fish IPA, Nutty Brewnette, P.M. Porter, Tatonka Stout and BJ's Annual Grand Cru. Some are only available seasonally. A dozen Belgium bottled beers served here too. Full bar with happy hour. Specialty bar drinks such as Strawberry Splash, BJ's Original Margarita, Mango Mojito and BJ's Irish Root Beer are popular. A wide variety of wine by the bottle and by the glass is offered. Tuesday is Wine Night. Started as a California pizza place in 1978, this chain based in Huntington Beach, CA., now boasts over 100 locations in 13 states including 6 in Florida. Another BJ's is in Kissimmee and Gainesville (see that listing). Kelly Gilbert, general manager here.

Older Review: (from William M. 8/11) Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/11) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/11) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (Gainesville), 6611 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL. 64.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-331-8070. (American) (Brew Pub) [L/D] Filling the location previously occupied by Don Pablo's. On SR 26, just east of I-75 exit #387 at Oaks Mall. Open 11 AM to Midnight or later on weekends. Upscale casual is the niche they fill with a very large menu. Noted for their hand crafted beers from LightSwitch Lager to Tatonka Stout. You'll find over a dozen on tap and a few dozen by the bottle, both domestic and imported. Names like Pook's and Nit Wit make you wonder about their taste. Beer tasting events are held occasionally. They offer a half dozen soups every day, like Hearty Minestrone and Tuscan Tomato Bisque. Salads like Honey-Crisp Chicken Salad, BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad and BJ's Cobb Salad are some of those offered. 30 ounce Baked Potatoes are stuffed with various items like Chili and Cheese. Some of their entrées include Creole Tilapia, Chicken a la Fresca, Maui Glazed Pork Chop, Miso Salmon, Baby Back Ribs, Flame Broiled New York Strip Steak, Fish 'n Chips, Fish Tacos, Fried Shrimp, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, even Texas-Style Chicken Fried Steak and Old-Fashioned Pot Roast. Pasta dishes like Scampi Pasta, Angel Hair Toscana, Chicken Fettuccini, Grilled Chicken Pasta, New Orleans Jambalaya and even Spaghetti with a choice of sauce are offered. Small bites like Crispy Fried Artichokes, Mini Tacos, and Gourmet Mac & Cheese are listed too. Deep Dish Pizza is a salute to Chicago over New York. Gluten-free Pizza is also available. Kid's menu and daily specials make the choices wider. Red Velvet Pizookie, Apple Berry Burst Crumble and BJ's Baked Beignets are just a few of their tempting desserts. Homemade Root Beer as well as a vast array of specialty cocktails can be made from the full bar. A half dozen Mojitos are conjured at the busy bar. Lunch specials like Unlimited Soup and Salad are popular at noontime. Gourmet Burgers and many Sandwiches are often ordered for lunch too. The wine selection is as wide as the beer choices. Tuesday is Wine Night. Call ahead seating available. Started in 1978, this California chain now boasts over 100 locations in 13 states including 6 in Florida. Another BJ's is in Kissimmee and one in Orlando (see that listing).

Older Review: (from David L. 6/14) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 5/18) Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Black Pearl, 315 Main St., Dunedin, FL. 99.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-734-3463. (Continental) (French) [D] Located in the heart of downtown Dunedin, which is between Palm Harbor and Clearwater on the west coast of Florida. Parking on the street or behind the restaurant. Open for dinner only from 5 to 9 PM, or later, daily. "Dining is like a symphony" they say, and this popular fine dining establishment has a complete culinary orchestra to support that statement. Quiet, intimate, romantic, with attention to detail, service and flavor. The cuisine mixes New American with traditional French. Full linen service here, with appropriate table flourishes. Dressy casual attire recommended. Booths available upon request, far in advance. Start with Smoked Lump Crab Cake, Escargot en Croute, Wild Mushroom Tart, Maple Glazed Pork Belly, Foie Gras Paté, White Truffle Lobster Risotto or the Plate of Fromage et Charcuterie. A Black Pearl Salad or a Caesar Salad supply fresh greens before or after the meal. A Soup du Jour is also prepared. For entrées they offer Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast, Papardelle Bolognese, Maple Leaf Duckling, Chilean Sea Bass Lyonaise, New Zealand Rack of Lamb, 8 oz. Filet Mignon or White Truffle Lobster Risotto. You can also order a Vegetarian Plate or add a Poached Lobster Tail to most entrées. Specials are announced. All entrées come with the Black Pearl Salad course. For desserts you'll find Black Pearl Ice Cream, Falling White Chocolate Cake, Bananas Foster, Falling Hot Chocolate Cake and Tarte Tatin Pour Deux. Only Wine and Beer are served. Various Champagnes and other Sparkling Wines are featured by the splits or bottles. For fine wines, they offer 28 Whites and 55 Reds. Domestic and imported Beers are also popular with dinner. Reservations, by phone or online taken up to one month in advance. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Christopher Artrip, executive chef; Robert Parks, sous chef; Ronald Maupin, general manager; Zachary and Christina Feinstein, owners.

Black Prong Bar & Grill, 450 SE CR 337, Bronson, FL. 57.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-283-8700. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] In business since 2022. The name comes from sharp dark antlers. Located about 9 miles west of Williston, FL. on a County Road south of the County Seat of Levy County. It's in an Equestrian Center. Hours are 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 to 9 PM, daily except the kitchen is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Bar is open every day until 10 PM. Lunch is take-away to picnic tables. Dinner is sit down indoors with wait staff. The room is a combination dining room, lounge, bar and music hall. For appetizers they offer Fried Calamari, Brisket Tacos, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp or Chicken Wings. Salads and Soups include Mixed Green, Spinach and Panzanella, plus the Soup du Jour. For entrées they have Roasted Chicken Breast, 12 oz. Pork Chop, 6 oz. Baseball Wagyu Sirloin, 12 oz. NY Strip Steak, 6 oz. Black Angus Tenderlion with Shrimp and a Grilled Rack of Lamb. From the water they have Shrimp 'n Grits, North Atlantic Salmon, Snapper Piccata, Pan Seared Mahi, Bayou Redfish and Redfish Pontchartrain. Entrées come with side dishes. They also offer a Vegetarian Special and some Comfort Classics like a Crab Cake, Burger and Fries, Fish 'n Chips, Pasta Primavera and Chicken Parmesan. For dessert they offer a Flourless Chocolate Cake, NY Style Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse and Crème Brûlée. Plus Ice Cream can be added too. Full bar (to 10 PM) has craft cocktails like a Bourbon Apple Smash plus an array of Martinins are available. Limited Wine List by the glass or bottle runs to $89/btl. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. for your own wine. Live entertainment daily from 6 PM (from 5 PM on Sunday). Some Wednesdays are Comedy Lounge Night. Reservations by phone or online via Open Table are accepted. Reid Nagle, owner.

blu on the Avenue, 326 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-960-3778. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located across from the Park Plaza Gardens, just south of New England Ave. In business since 2013. Open for Sunday Brunch 10 AM to 2 PM, then to 11 PM for dinner; weekdays 11 AM to 11 PM, but later for drinks and Saturday 10 AM to 11 PM, but later for drinks. Bare tables with linen napkins. Start with Smoked Fish Dip, Baked Fontina, Crab Rangoon Flatbread, Beef Carpaccio, Wrapped Scallops, dozen Oysters on the Half Shell and a few others. For entrées they offer Faroe Island Salamon, Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Grouper Schnitzel. From the field they have Chicken Slatimbocca, Steak Tips or a Black Angus Filet. Shrimp ala Vodka Pasta and Sea Scallop Risotto round out the main courses. Sides are extra. They also have Sandwiches for lunch and dinner, like a Steak Burger or Lobster Grilled Chees. A half dozen Salads are offered. Sushi Rolls is also offered. Full bar and wine list. Happy Hour 4-7 PM weekdays, 12-4 PM weekends. A-la-carte Sunday Brunch is popular here. Outdoor seating available. BYOB with an appropriate Corkage Fee of $15. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Open Thanksgiving Day. A 310 Restaurant; Joanne McMahon, owner.

Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant, 12189 S. Williams St., Dunnellon, FL. 36.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-465-1635. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Located on US 41, south of town, on the north side of the Withlacoochee River. Right on the river where you can watch all the action. Open 11 AM to 9 PM or so, daily. They offer the typical Florida fare. River Boat Salad can be had with Chicken, Shrimp or Grouper added. Same goes for their Caesar Salad or House Salad. Lunch items served all day like Chili Dawg, Gator Dawg, Bratwurst, or Chicken Tenders. Burgers like a Spicy Ranch Cheeseburger can be had. Grouper Sandwich is Fried, Grilled or Blackened for you. Reuben or Philly Cheese Steak is popular. All come with Fries or Tator Tots. Basket meals are Clam Strips, Crab Cakes, Frog Legs, Fried Shrimp, Fried Grouper Fingers, or Fried Scallops and are offered with Slaw, Hushpuppies and Fries usually. Snow Crab Legs and Fried Oysters are offered at market prices. They also offer 2 pounds of Steamed Shrimp. Wings by the dozen or two dozen can be mild, medium or hot. A Super Grouper Platter is offered and the Anglers Delight (Oysters, Frog Legs, Shrimp, Scallops, Grouper Fingers, Calamari, Crab Cakes and 3 sides). Desserts include Key Lime Pie, Peanut Butter Pie, Cheesecake and Chocolate Cake. Kids menu too. Blue Gator Bites are popular appetizers, as are Poppers, Torpedo Shrimp and Sweet Corn Nuggets. Serving full bar. Live entertainment generally Thursday through Sunday in season. Outdoor seating with WiFi. Airboat and Singing River tours nearby. John Semmes, Ingrid Ellis and Robert & Dallise Jewett, owners.

Older Review: (from Tammy B. 7/18) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Eileen P. 1/20) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Blue Gill (Quality Foods), 1310 SW 13th St., Gainesville, FL. 61.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-872-5181. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] On the ground floor of the Shands parking garage. New venture by noted chef, Bert Gill. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, to 11 PM weekends and to 8 PM on Sundays. Very eclectic mix of food here. Southern all the way. Not many establishments would start their menu with Boiled Peanuts followed by Crispy Cauliflower but this restaurant has other culinary surprises too. For "Snacks" try Clam & Corn Fritters, Fried Green Tomatoes, Buttermilk Biscuits, Pimento Cheese, Sardines and the more normal sounding Crab & Scallop Cake. The Daily Soup available cup or bowl, plus Blue Crab & Corn Chowder with Country Ham. For Salads: Cucumber & Tomato, Black-Eyed Greek, A Wedge, Green or Caesar Salads are always in print. For entrées you can find "Sea": Florida Shrimp with Cheddar Grits, Fried Sheepshead with Mac 'N Cheese, Seared Tuna and Seafood and Rice Stew, to name just a few. Under "Chicken": Fried with Cucumber Salad, Stewed with Tomatillos, Roasted with Mac 'N Cheese or just the Livers with Bacon Dressing are your choices. Then comes "Cow": Oxtail Dinner with Black-Eyed Peas, maybe a Blue Gill Burger and Smoked Brisket with Gravy, or the sandwich size. Also "Pig": Country Fried with Biscuit & Gravy, Pork Shoulder with Scalloped Potatoes, Spare Ribs with Stewed Butterbeans, Country Ham with Mac 'N Cheese, Pork Chop with Green Peanut Succotash, Smoked Pork Belly with Red Beans & Sausage or the sandwich size. If that's not enough, for dessert they have Banana Bread with Chocolate Bourbon Mousse, Lemon Bars, Coconut Cream Cake and get this, Fried Pie. Lunch is similar, stick to the ribs food, with lots of sandwiches like Krab Sliders. Full bar. Tara and (Ro)Bert Gill, owners. Also owns Mildred's Big City Food and New Deal Café.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 2/15) Q=4 S=3 V=2 Total=9 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Blue Highway - A Pizzeria (Micanopy), 204 NE Hwy. 441, Micanopy, FL. 52.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-466-0062. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Open 11:30 to 9 PM daily, except Noon to 8 PM on Sunday. Long time restauranteur settled here to open a different kind of pizzeria. They offer sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, calzones and pizzas. For sandwiches they feature Boar's Head® cold cuts in their Roasted Turkey Club, Genoa Salami, Roast Beef, Chicken Rustico, Grilled Ham, Turkey Asiago, Caprese, Roasted Vegetable and Big Tuna Paninis, all the same price. Turkey, Tuscan Bean, Lamb and Chicken Piadine are their flatbread offerings, slightly high. For salads they have a Tossed, Caesar, Greek Style, Tuscan Bean and Mediterranean Styles at small and large. There are also Meatball, Sausage, Roasted Veggie and 4 Cheese Calzones. For pizza they offer thin or thick crust pies where you can create your own or choose from Margherita, Bianca, Abruzzese, Rustica, Greek, BBQ Chicken, Mushroom, Meat and even a Garlic/Clam Pizza all ranging in price depending on the crust. Gluten-free variety is also available. An Antipasti Plate and Shrimp Bruschetta are popular appetizers. Homemade desserts too. Soft drinks, Italian Sodas, Beer and Wine are on the beverage side of the menu. Call ahead for parties of 6 or more. Another location is in Newberry (Tioga Town Center), Florida (see that listing). Frank and Winny Ruffino, owners.

Older Review: (from Laurie M. 9/11) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Eric O. 3/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Blue Highway - A Pizzeria (Tioga), 13005 SW 1st Rd., Tioga (Newberry), FL. 67.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-505-6833. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Open 11:30 to 9 PM daily, to 10 PM weekends. Their newest location is in the Tioga Town Center. They offer Caprese, Roasted Vegetable, Turkey Asiago, Chicken Rustico and Grilled Ham & Cheese Panini Sandwiches are moderately priced. Calzones are also available. Other sandwiches include Roast Turkey Club, Big Tuna, the Gino and the Highway (Roast Beef), are popular. Salads include a Tossed, a Caesar, a Blue Highway, a Tuscan Bean and a Mediterranean Chopped. Their famous pizzas come in thin crust or Sicilian Style. Gluten-free variety, extra, is also available. One specialty is the Rustica Pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, roasted eggplant, garlic, kalamata olives and capers. For dessert you can fine Brownies, Cannolis and even Key Lime Pie. Soft drinks, Italian Sodas, Beer and Wine are offered. Happy Hour is 3-6 PM. Call ahead for parties of 6 or more. Another location is in Micanopy (see that listing). Frank and Winny Ruffino, owners.

Blue Water Bay (Melrose), 319 SR 26, Melrose, FL. 60.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-475-1928. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Opened in 2003, this is the original location, just 20 miles east of Gainesville. Daily 11 AM to 3 PM then 4 PM to 10 PM. Sunday Brunch served 10 AM to 3 PM. No service daily between 3 and 4 PM for menu change. Located just one block west of SR 21 in the blue roofed building. For dinner, start with Caramelized French Onion Soup or Homemade New England Clam Chowder for soup selections. Their claim to fame is Fried Shrimp (in Peanut Oil) at 12 and 20 pieces. Also popular is 1 Pound of Alaskan Snow Crab Legs or 2 Pounds. There's also Farm Raised Gator Tail. Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast, Seafood Pasta, 13 Fried Oysters and a combo of 8 oz. Ribeye and 6 Fried Shrimp are also served. Each comes with a veggie and starch. Side Mixed Green Salad or Side Caesar Salad are extra. Cajun specialties include Vegetable Gumbo, Chicken Gumbo, Seafood Gumbo and Crawfish Étouffée. Value Night is reduced price entrées on Monday, Prime Rib Night on Thursday, Gourmet Buffet 5-10 PM on Friday and Saturday and a Sunday Gourmet Buffet. Desserts include Sour Orange Pie, Key Lime Pie and Carrot Cake; also Cheesecake or Chocolate Kahlua Mousse Bombe. Sunday Brunch menu may include Marinated Shrimp ala Melrose, Seafood Quiche or Quiche Lorraine. Various Crêpes are offered, as are a variety of Benedicts. House brunch specialties include Poached Egg creations, Monte Cristos, Cajun Hash and Steak 'n Eggs all ranging in price. Many other items on the menu like sides of Cheese Grits, Sweet Potato Fries, Grilled Alligator Sausage, Andouille Sausage, Canadian Peameal Bacon and Southern Fried Grits with Crawfish. Noted for their wine list of about 850 or so by the bottle like an Argentinean Pino Grigio, Verget Macon Villages, Kistler Chardonnay, Delas Cotes du Rhone, Patz & Hall Pinot Noir and Gibson Barossa Valley Shiraz. Champagne selection ranges $15 to $200 and the reserve red wines top out at $750 per bottle. "Best of Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Full bar besides. No Corkage Fee. Reservations accepted and recommended. Leanne Diehl, wine director; (Clyde) Byron Terwillegar and John Middleton, owners. A second location is in Palatka (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 1/17) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Boathouse, 1620 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 61.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-939-2628. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened May, 2017. Located in Disney Springs at The Landing. Beautiful views of the lake and skyline, both daytime and at night. Don't be surprised to find large pleasure boats in the dining room. Full linen service here in the main dining area. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, 10 AM to 10 PM on Sunday, the menu changes to dinner at 4 PM. A Raw Bar of Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, Lump Crab and Avocado or Yellowfin Tuna Poke is in the huge building. Appetizers like Lobster Bisque, Chips and Dips, Clam Strips, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Steamed Clams, Coconut Shrimp, Chili Calamari and Angus Carpaccio can start the meal. Seafood like Cedar Planked Maine Salmon, Coriander-Seared Ahi Tuna and Red Grouper are featured. Other dining options include Pasta and Veggies, Roasted Chicken Breast, Shrimp and Andouille Mac & Cheese and Maine Lobster Tail Oscar are some of the other dishes. Grilled Mahi Tacos, a Shrimp Boil and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. NY Steak & Fries, Petite or Regular Filet Mignons, Boneless Ribeye, New York Strip and a Porterhouse are the offered Steaks. Sandwiches like the Club, Cheeseburger, Mahi and a Lobster Roll can also be ordered. Desserts are popular like the Turtle Pie. Kids menu offeres Burgers or Mac & Cheese. Full bar and a Wine List that runs $10-22/glass or $40-88/bottle. Cocktails offered too. Lunch menu varies little from dinner. Outdoor seating available. Boat rides are available too. Occasional entertainment. A Dockside Bar is popular. Smart casual attire requested. Corkage Fee: $30/btl. Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised. Voted Orlando's best Theme Park and Waterfront restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Robert Getchell II, executive chef here. Managed by the Gibsons Restaurant Group by Steven Schussler of Chicago and others.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 4/21) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from David G. 8/21) Q=3 S=5 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.

Boca (Kitchen, Wine Bar & Market), 358 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 54.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-636-7022. (American) (Seafood) [B/L/D] Aka: Boca Winter Park. Opened in July, 2021. Formerly Circa 1926. On Winter Park's main drag at E. Canton Ave. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, later on weekends and from 9:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday for Weekend Brunch until 4 PM. Casual restaurant with linen napkins on wood tables. Lives up to Winter Park's culinary expectations. Start with Parmesan Truffle or Zucchini Fries, Fried Green Tomatoes, Smoked Fish Dip, Grilled Oysters, Carne Asada Tacos to Share or Cheese & Charcuterie Sharing Board. Evening Main dishes include OMG Burger, Southern Burger, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Chef's Daily Creation, 60-Spiced Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Skirt Steak, Seared Ribeye and a Butcher Cut of the Day. On the water side, Sambuca PEI Mussels, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Yellowfin Tuna Poke Bowl, Lobster & Shrimp Bucatini, Bronzed Sea Scallops and a Market Fish. For lighter appetites they have 5 Flatbreads: Mozzarella/Parmesan, Bacon/Cheese, Brie/Apple, Sausage/Mozzarella and a Flat du Jour. Large Salads include Kipos, Grilled Caesar, Spinach/Goat Cheese and Chopped/Chicken. Add Chicken, Shrimp, Steak or Tuna to any Salad to make it a meal. Weekend Brunch or Weekday Lunch items might be a Panini, Bacon/Egg Platter, Grand Marnier French Toast, Corned Beef Hash, BBQ Pork Benedict, Cured Salmon Benedict or Steak & Grits. Flatbreads, Burgers and a Cubano are also offered. Desserts can't be missed with Guava Cheesecake, Chocolate Espresso Cake, Fruit Cobbler plus Specialty Coffees, Espressos, Lattes, and Cappuccinos completing the meal. Full Bar with craft Cocktails, like a Smoked Old Fashioned. The Wine List has pours at $8-$14 for Whites and $8-$20 for Reds; or $30-$100/btl. for Whites or Reds, like Amici Cellars Napa Cab. For celebrating, a Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut is offered. Personal wines welcomed with a $20 Corkage Fee per bottle. Buy a Beer for the kitchen help. [No, really!] Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised on weekends. Outdoor sidewalk seating is very pleasant. Entertainment on weekends. Alexis Martell, executive chef; Mark Kirke and Kim Moehler, et al., owners. Now part of Artistry Restaurants. Another Boca is in Sarasota.

(The) Boheme, 325 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL. 55.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-313-9000. (American) (Continental) [B/L/D] Dinner served from 5 PM daily. In the posh Westin Grand Bohemian Hotel. Red and black dining décor, bare marble-topped tables with red linen napkins. Comfortable, red leather chairs. Artwork dons the walls. A diverse selection of Nouvelle American cuisine with Pan-Asian and French influences. Award winning, well established restaurant. A typical meal would be Escargot "Pot au Feu" or Bourgogne, Arugula, Spinach & Orchid Salad, Roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Yukon Mashed Potatoes and ending with White Chocolate Lemon Tower or Apple Galette. Other a-la-carte entrées range in price. Entertainment often, usually piano, blues or jazz in the lounge. A light Lounge Menu is also available. Dressy casual. Elaborate Sunday Jazz Brunch (prix fixe including valet parking and mimosas) is popular. Online or phone reservations suggested. Open Thanksgiving Day for a 4-Course Dinner. Valet parking, validated with dinner. Full bar, wine list runs $34-$78 for Whites and $38 to $395 for Reds. The "Dom" is $268/btl. Cocktails are popular. Personal wines welcomed with a $30 Corkage Fee per bottle. Foodie Reader's Choice winner for "Best Hotel Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Magazine Critic's Pick. Laurent Hollaender, executive chef.

Older Review: (from Roberta M. 5/10) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/17) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

The Bohemian Lakeside Bar & Grill, 700 Bloom St., Celebration, FL. 58.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-566-6000. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [B/L/D] Formerly called The Plantation Room at the Celebration Hotel, now it's also known as the Lakeside Bar & Grill or Kessler Chophouse in the Bohemian Hotel Celebration. Breakfast served 6:30 to 11 AM; lunch 11 AM to 5 PM and dinner 5-10 PM. Tropical décor reminiscent of 19th century Florida. Main dishes like Grilled Salmon, Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, 12 oz. Center Cut New York Strip Steak, 8 oz. Filer Mignon, 16 oz. Bone-In Ribeye and New Zealand Rack of Lamb come with a starch and either Green Asparagus or Sautéed Baby Spinach. Other entrées are easier on the pocket with Tomato Risotto, Cast Iron Jambalaya, Chicken Linguini and a unique Meatloaf being offered. Sandwiches like Chicken and Caesar Wrap, Tuna Melt, New York Style Rueben plus Angus Burgers with Cheddar or Bleu and Bacon are also on the menu. Large salads are popular and soups like Chicken and Corn Chowder and She-Crab Bisque Soup are also offered. Breakfast items available. A Veranda Breakfast is offered. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Online and phone reservations accepted. Dressy casual. Piano bar adjacent. Full bar and wine list. Happy Hour 4-7 PM weekdays. Corkage Fee for your own wine: $25/btl. Jason Shenefield, chef; hotel owned.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/19) Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.

Boma - Flavors of Africa (Disney's Animal Kingdom), 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake (Orlando), FL. 55.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-WDW-DINE or 1-407-939-3463 or 1-407-938-3000. (Buffet) [B/D] Located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World. Open daily 7:30 to 11 AM for breakfast and 4:30 to 9:30 PM for dinner. This family restaurant serves only breakfast and dinner, 7 days per week, buffet-style. Adult dinner charge is fixed price and children is too. Adult breakfast charge is fixed and children is also. All are including tax and soft drink and are less off-season and weekdays. Gratuities not included. Season ticket holders are entitled to a 20% discount for their party. The menu changes daily. Multi-cultural flavors abound. Pods with helpful chefs segregate the food types. Such items as African Bread, Mixed Field Greens with dressing choice, Kool Staai, Fresh Fruit, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Chicken Salad, Moroccan Seafood Salad, Avocado, Grapefruit and Papaya Salad, and Watermelon Salad are some of the cold items. Soups such as Côte d'Ivoire Seafood Gumbo, Smoked Tomato, Creamy Carrot, Coconut Curry Seafood, Chicken Corn Porridge and Butternut Squash might me on the buffet. Other hot food may include Saffron Rice, Mac & Cheese, Sweet Potato Pancake, Pap (Corn or Vegetable Porridge), Braised Greens, Vegetable Lentil Kofta (Meatball), and FuFu (Sweet and White Potatoes). Main dishes could include Durban Spiced Roasted Chicken, Grilled Seafood, Malabu Pepper Steak, Roasted Meats, Bobotie (Minced Lamb and Beef Quiche), Chicken Pepper Pot, Curried Coconut Seafood Stew, Couscous Marrakech, and Vegetables on a Spear. If that's too adventuresome, there's always Spaghetti and Meatballs and Chicken Tenders. For dessert you may find Bread Pudding with Brandy, Fruit Cobbler, Cookies, Simba Paw Prints or Zebra Domes. For breakfast you can expect Pastries, Fresh Fruit, Juices, Cereals, Pancakes, Waffles, Omelets, Oatmeal, Potatoes, Sausage, Ham, Bacon, Eggs, Brioche, Pap (Corn or Vegetable Porridge), Bobotie, (Corn Beef), Breakfast Pizza, Cured Pork Loin, and Carved Ham or Turkey. In all, about 45 items are presented. African chants play while you dine. Reservations accepted. Full bar with wine, beer and cocktails. Owned and operated by Walt Disney World.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 8/12) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bombay Street Kitchen, 6215 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL. 59.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-240-5151. (Indian) [L/D] In business since March, 2021. Located on OBT (US 17/441) between W. Oak Ridge Rd. and W. Lancaster Rd., about 3 miles south of I-4, Exit #80. Hours are 11:30 AM to 3 PM for lunch, then 5 to 10 PM for dinner, every day. Don't let the name or the building exterior fool you. This venue serves high end Indian food in a clean setting with eclectic airy décor. They serve dishes from the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and beyond. Many vegetarian items are on their lists. You can find such items as Crispy Onion Fritters, Puffed Rice & Potatoes, Lentil Balls, Marinated Lamb, Fish Colombi and Tribal Chicken. Tandoor items like Chicken Tikka, Lamb Chops and Tandoori Pompano are popular. Vegetable, Chicken and Goat Biryani are offered here. Main dishes like Chicken or Paneer Kathi Roll are available. Marsala Dosa, Veggie Uttapam and "Gunpowder Ghee" Dosas are made too. Ten Vegetarian Curry dishes and ten Chicken, Goat, Shrimp, Fish Curry dishes are also popular. All served with Rice. You can also find some Manchurian, Schezwan and Himalayan items too. Naan and Roti Bread is offered, of course. Gola [Shaved Ice] creations and desserts like Mango Ice Cream, Gulab Jamun [Cheese Balls] and Malai Kulfi (Traditional Indian Ice Cream] are among them. The menu seems endless. Full bar featuring Bombay Gin Cocktails, what else? Phone reservations accepted but seldom needed. Earned Reader's Choice for Best Indian Restaurant from Orlando Magazine. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. Amit Kumar and Toramatie Loaknath, owners.

Older Review: (from Dennis C. 10/06) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Restaurant (Lake Nona), 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Orlando, FL. 67.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-313-2506. (Middle Eastern) [L/D] Opened in 2017. Opens 11 AM to 10 PM daily. A unique ethnic food experience. They offer a variety of authentic Turkish cuisines from many regions of Turkey. Named after the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. Döner Kebap is sliced lamb (aka Gyro in Greece), while Sis Kebap (aka Shish-kebab) is cubes of lamb and Kofte Kebap is ground lamb. Pirola (Lamb Chops), Karisik Izgara (Mixed Grill), Filet Mignon Sote (Beef Sauté), Tavuk Sote (Chicken Sauté), Hunkar Begendi (The Sultan's Delight) and even Moussaka (Greek Eggplant) are also on the menu. Other dishes include Sword Fish, Grilled Sea Bass, Salmon, Shrimp Casserole and even Dorado. Turkish Pitas, like pastry stuffed with Turkish Kasar Cheese or Sucuk Sausage are also specialties. Salads and appetizers for the lighter appetite are also available. Kazandibi (Milk Pudding), Kunefe (Shredded Wheat stuffed with cheese) and Sutlac (Baked Rice Pudding) are offered for dessert. Türk Kahvesi (famous Turkish Coffee) or Apple Tea finishes the meal. Full bar at this location. Large, 100+ item wine list with selections from US, France and many from Turkey adds to the decision time. Live music Thursday and Sunday at 7-9 PM. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Outdoor seating available. Online and phone reservations accepted. Reports are no separate checks for parties of 6 or more. Voted Orlando's best Middle Eastern restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Halil Ertane, executive chef; Christopher Southern, Mayer & Tammy Sexter, owners. Three other locations in the Orlando area.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/22) Q=5 S=3 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Restaurant (Orlando), 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL. 56.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-352-6766. (Middle Eastern) [L/D] It opened in August, 2012 here. Located in the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, Suite 108, off W. Sand Lake Road ("Restaurant Row") just west of I-4 Exit #74a. Open 11 AM to 10 PM. Serving dinner daily from 3-10 PM. A unique ethnic food experience. They offer a variety of authentic Turkish cuisines from many regions of Turkey. Named after the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. Döner Kebap is sliced lamb (aka Gyro in Greece), while Sis Kebap (aka Shish-kebab) is cubes of lamb and Kofte Kebap is ground lamb. Pirola (Lamb Chops), Karisik Izgara (Mixed Grill), Filet Mignon Sote (Beef Sauté), Tavuk Sote (Chicken Sauté), Hunkar Begendi (The Sultan's Delight) and even Moussaka (Greek Eggplant) are also on the menu. Other dishes include Sword Fish, Grilled Sea Bass, Salmon, Shrimp Casserole and even Dorado. Turkish Pitas, like pastry stuffed with Turkish Kasar Cheese or Sucuk Sausage are also specialties. Salads and appetizers for the lighter appetite are also available. Kazandibi (Milk Pudding), Kunefe (Shredded Wheat stuffed with cheese) and Sutlac (Baked Rice Pudding) are offered for dessert. Türk Kahvesi (famous Turkish Coffee) or Apple Tea finishes the meal. Full bar at this location. Large, 100+ item wine list with selections from US, France and many from Turkey adds to the decision time. Live music Thursday and Sunday at 7-9 PM. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Outdoor seating available. Online and phone reservations accepted. Reports are no separate checks for parties of 6 or more. Voted Orlando's best Middle Eastern restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Halil Ertane, executive chef; Christopher Southern, Mayer & Tammy Sexter, owners. Three other locations in the Orlando area.

Review: (from Michael G. 5/24) The restaurant has a very beautiful interior near the Dr. Phillips Center. It has the feel of a fine Turkish restaurant, which it is. I am a vegetarian and my wife is a pescatarian, so we don't order the normal items most people do. The menu had excellent vegetarian choices and the food was all well prepared, served fresh and hot. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. The owner visited every table asking how the experience was going. This is a very high end restaurant and for what we got, the price, about $70, was quite reasonable. I'd expect that, for non-vegetarian meals, the bill would be higher. We have been to many middle eastern and Turkish restaurants over the years and this matches the best we have been to.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Restaurant (Winter Garden), 16418 New Independence Pkwy., Winter Garden, FL. 49.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-554-2242. (Middle Eastern) [L/D] Opened in 2019, in Suite #140. Opens 11 AM to 10 PM daily. A unique ethnic food experience. They offer a variety of authentic Turkish cuisines from many regions of Turkey. Named after the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. Döner Kebap is sliced lamb (aka Gyro in Greece), while Sis Kebap (aka Shish-kebab) is cubes of lamb and Kofte Kebap is ground lamb. Pirola (Lamb Chops), Karisik Izgara (Mixed Grill), Filet Mignon Sote (Beef Sauté), Tavuk Sote (Chicken Sauté), Hunkar Begendi (The Sultan's Delight) and even Moussaka (Greek Eggplant) are also on the menu. Other dishes include Sword Fish, Grilled Sea Bass, Salmon, Shrimp Casserole and even Dorado. Turkish Pitas, like pastry stuffed with Turkish Kasar Cheese or Sucuk Sausage are also specialties. Salads and appetizers for the lighter appetite are also available. Kazandibi (Milk Pudding), Kunefe (Shredded Wheat stuffed with cheese) and Sutlac (Baked Rice Pudding) are offered for dessert. Türk Kahvesi (famous Turkish Coffee) or Apple Tea finishes the meal. Full bar at this location. Large, 100+ item wine list with selections from US, France and many from Turkey adds to the decision time. Live music Thursday and Sunday at 7-9 PM. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Outdoor seating available. Online and phone reservations accepted. Reports are no separate checks for parties of 6 or more. Voted Orlando's best Middle Eastern restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Halil Ertane, executive chef; Christopher Southern, Mayer & Tammy Sexter, owners. Three other locations in the Orlando area.

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Restaurant (Winter Park), 108 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 54.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-644-8609. (Middle Eastern) [L/D] Opened in 2009. Opens 11 AM to 10 PM daily. A unique ethnic food experience. They offer a variety of authentic Turkish cuisines from many regions of Turkey. Named after the strait that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. Döner Kebap is sliced lamb (aka Gyro in Greece), while Sis Kebap (aka Shish-kebab) is cubes of lamb and Kofte Kebap is ground lamb. Pirola (Lamb Chops), Karisik Izgara (Mixed Grill), Filet Mignon Sote (Beef Sauté), Tavuk Sote (Chicken Sauté), Hunkar Begendi (The Sultan's Delight) and even Moussaka (Greek Eggplant) are also on the menu. Other dishes include Sword Fish, Grilled Sea Bass, Salmon, Shrimp Casserole and even Dorado. Turkish Pitas, like pastry stuffed with Turkish Kasar Cheese or Sucuk Sausage are also specialties. Salads and appetizers for the lighter appetite are also available. Kazandibi (Milk Pudding), Kunefe (Shredded Wheat stuffed with cheese) and Sutlac (Baked Rice Pudding) are offered for dessert. Türk Kahvesi (famous Turkish Coffee) or Apple Tea finishes the meal. Full bar at this location. Large, 100+ item wine list with selections from US, France and many from Turkey adds to the decision time. Live music Thursday and Sunday at 7-9 PM. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Outdoor seating available. Online and phone reservations accepted. Reports are no separate checks for parties of 6 or more. Voted Orlando's best Middle Eastern restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Halil Ertane, executive chef; Christopher Southern, Mayer & Tammy Sexter, owners. Three other locations in the Orlando area.

Older Review: (from David S. 3/11) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 6/16) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Eileen P. 9/16) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 3/22) Q=4 S=4 V=2 Total=10 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Peggy R. 2/24) We started with Lavas (Hollow Bread) and two dips, Haydari which is yogurt-based and Muhammara, a red pepper puree. Both were very good. According to the menu the dips should have been $11.45 for two, but we were charged $8.50 each. I had the Shrimp Casserole, perfectly cooked shrimp in a lovely cream sauce with rice. My husband had Chicken Adana, skewers of ground chicken served with rice and vegetables. His seemed a little dry to me but he liked it. With one glass of Malbec and a large bottle of San Pellegrino, it was $90 before t&t.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 1/25) Our Gourmet Club Dine-Out group ate here on a Wednesday night. It was packed. Be sure to get a reservation. I had the Lavas Bread ($6) for an appetizer. It is huge, so I ended up taking most of it home with me. For my main course I had the Grilled Lamb Adana Kebap. It is freshly ground Lamb flavored with Red Bell Peppers and light Hot Peppers, sprinkled with seasonings and expertly chargrilled ($26). It came with Rice Pilaf, grilled and pickled Carrots, Red Onions, and Beets. I enjoyed it very much but it was more than I could eat, so I took over half of it home. For dessert I ordered the Pistachio Baklava ($8). Total of bill before t&t was $40. I thought this was a bargain! Overall, I enjoyed it very much and I will be back if ever in the Winter Park area. The only negative is that it is a solid hour plus from The Villages to get there.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Boston Lobster Feast (I-Drive), 8731 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 56.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-248-8606. (Buffet) (Seafood) [D] Open 4 to 10 PM daily but from 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Two locations in Orlando. This one is right on I-Drive near Austrian Row, 5 blocks north of the Orlando Convention Center. The other location is on US 192 in Kissimmee. Operated since 1991. Caters mainly to tourists. Like the name implies, Whole Maine Lobster is "their thing". Snow Crabs, Shrimp, Baked Fish, P.E.I. Mussels, Salmon, Seafood AuGratin, Scallops and other creatures from the sea featured on their Seafood Buffet. Roast Beef and London Broil also available. The "Feast" also includes New England and Manhattan Clam Chowders, Lobster Bisque, various salads, as well as Oysters & Clams on the Half Shell, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Oysters Rockefeller and Crab Cakes. Side dishes and desserts are included. Beverage is extra. Standard price per person is lower on weekdays before 5 PM and sometimes advertised with a coupon from the local newspaper or their website. Restrictions apply. Online and phone reservations accepted. Full bar. Jeff Hazell, owner.

Older Review: (from Walter P. 5/14) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Sharon B. 3/15) Q=1 S=2 V=1 Total=4 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Eileen P. 2/20) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Boston's Fish House, 6860 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL. 63.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-678-2107. (Seafood) [L/D] Open daily except Mondays from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. Located a few miles east of Winter Park on CR 426, just east of Semoran Blvd. (CR 436). A New England Seafood Shack noted for Homemade New England Style Clam Chowder, Sherried Lobster Bisque and Steamer Clams. Maine or Gulf Shrimp, Ipswich Clams, Canadian Sea Scallops and Oysters top the menu. Farm Raised Catfish, New England Haddock, Salmon Filet and Clam Strips can also be found on the menu. Seafood Platters come with 2 sides. Other meals range in price. Pasta and Sandwiches can also be ordered. Beer and wine is available. Nautical decor. Outdoor seating available. In business since 1988. Another location is in New Smyrna. 2011 Foodie Reader's Choice runner-up for "Best Seafood Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Stephan and Sharon Gresek, Mark DeGraff, owners.

Older Review: (from Rene B. 6/15) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

BoVine Steakhouse, 319 Park Ave. South, Winter Park, FL. 60.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-794-1850. (Steakhouse) [D] Opened June, 2020 after two years in the planning. In the same location as the famous Park Plaza Gardens was located on South Park near New England. Hours are 4-10 PM daily. It has brick walls and a dark trimmed "clubby interior". Full linen service here. Serving dinner every day and billed as THE high-end venue in Winter Park. Start with Salmon Tartar, Applewood Smoked Bacon, a Shrimp Cocktail, Prime Tartar or Cornbread Crabcakes. Two Soups are offered like the Onion Soup and the Lobster Bisque. For entrées you'll find Airline Chicken, Pork Chop, 4-bone Lamb Rack and a 12 oz. Veal Chop. Noted for their Beef from Linz Heritage Angus in Chicago, they have small and large cut Prime Rib, 8 oz. Wagyu Flat Iron Steak, 8 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 24 oz. Prime Porterhouse Steak, 22 oz. Bone-In Ribeye, 16 oz. Prime Strip Steak and a 22 oz. Dry Age Ribeye. For non=meat lovers they offer King Salmon, Chilean Sea Bass or Warm Water Lobster Tails. Even vegan items are listed, like Beyond Chili and Cauliflower Steak. Sides like Baked Yam, Yukon Mashed, Baked Idaho, Salted Fries, Creamed Spinach, Asparagus or Cauliflower au Gratin are extra. A Lobster Creamed Corn is $16 extra. Lighter appetites or second course, might like a Caesar, Wedge or Spinach Salad. Burrata is also available. Full bar and Wine List. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. Reservations online or by phone accepted. Same management as 310 restaurants and blu on the avenue. Tony Krueger, executive chef; Joanne McMahon (JM Hospitality), owner.

Briarpatch (Restaurant), 252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-628-8651. (American) (Breakfast) [B/L] Open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily, except from 8 AM on Sunday. Located on Park Avenue opposite the north corner of the park, at Garfield Ave. Specializes in creative breakfasts. Belgian Waffle, Buttered Pecan Waffle, Buttermilk Pancakes, French Toast, and Stuffed French Toast or Pancakes make up the heart of the menu. Then there's Egg Combination Breakfasts that range in price. Omelettes are on the menu like 3 Cheese, Gorgonzola, Western, Spinach 'n Sausage and others. Benedict creations are offered. They also have healthier items like Fruit Smoothie, Oatmeal, Yogurt and Fruit, Egg White Frittata and an Egg White Omelette. Sides, like Grits, Home Fries, Canadian Bacon, Fried Green Tomatoes and others can be added. For lunch, to 5 PM, they offer Burgers, Salads, and an array of Sandwiches like Turkey Club, Corned Beef Reuben, Grilled Cheese and Tomato, Grilled Chicken and Open Face Tuna Niçoise. Specialties include Uber Mac & Cheese with Ham, Southern Shrimp & Grits and Filet Mignon Quesadilla. A number of desserts like Pies and Cakes are also available. Beer and wine licensed. Outdoor seating available. Voted Orlando's best Breakfast restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. John and Celeste Pertz, owners.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 11/14) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 6/16) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Brio Italian Grille (Orlando), 4200 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL. 53.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-8909. (American) (Italian) [L/D] The parent company has filed for bankruptcy. Check before visiting this location. At the Mall at Millenia adjacent to The Cheesecake Factory. Previously called Brio Tuscan Grille. Features Italian cuisine specializing in the Tuscan region. Large selection of Italian and Mediterranean dishes plus daily specials. Items like Mushroom Ravioli & Brown Butter, Chicken 'Under The Brick', Mezza Lasagna and Tournedo Di Manzo are just some of the interesting dishes offered. Light snack menu between lunch and dinner hours available. Very popular restaurant with seating available in the air conditioned lobby of the mall as well as an outdoor terrace. Reservations suggested in the evening. Casual attire accepted. Open kitchen. Full bar with signature cocktails. Varied wine list ranging from $20-85 per bottle and $6-10 per glass. Free food, like a Filet or Crab and Shrimp Cake, on your birthday for being a Posta Toscana Club member. Open Christmas Day, 11 AM to 9 PM. Golden Spoon Award in 2011 from Florida Trend Magazine. One of a small chain of about 30 locations operated by Bravo! Development, Columbus Ohio. Joseph Sunseri, general manager here.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 6/08) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 2/09) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dan K. 7/09) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Carol L. 7/09) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Bridge (New York) Restaurant, 155 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, FL. 55.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-755-3300. (American) [L/D] Opened in January, 2021, straight from the best boroughs. Open daily 10 AM to 10 PM. Located one block east of N. Park Ave. in downtown Winter Park. The décor is modern with picture-less frames, heavy burgundy drapes, wood floor and black tables near a large bar. For lunch or dinner they have Salads, Quesadillas and Wraps and an array of appetizers from Mac & Cheese to a Cheese Plate. Soups are offered. For dinner you can find a few Italian dishes like Linguine Alfredo, Penne alla Vodka and Seafood Linguine. For entrées they offer Grilled Chicken Cubes, Finger Meatballs, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Grilled Salmon, Seafood Mix, Branzino, Filet Mignon Cubes, 6 oz. Filet Mignon, Lamb Chops and a Bridge Combo. They have lots of Burgers from the Sliders to the 24K Golden Angus. Sunday Brunch priced per item. Desserts, like New York Cheesecake or Crêpes and others are offered. Bar with craft mocktails at $9-10 each. Happy Hour runs 3-6 PM with Selected Mocktails, Beer and Wine. The Wine List runs to $148 for the well known Caymus Napa Cab. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Some outdoor seating. Reservations accepted for dinner. Siraj Aghayev of Queens and Ali Has of Brooklyn, owners.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Orlando), 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL. 53.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-903-0044. (Seafood) [L/D] Well known eatery located at the entrance to Universal CityWalk near the parking garage. Kitchen open daily from 11 AM to Midnight; but the bar one hour earlier and later. They are most famous for their Cajun Shrimp, Hush Puppies, Spinach Dip and Peel'n'Eat Shrimp for appetizers. For sandwiches they boast the Shrimp Po' Boy, among others, and for salads they're noted for the Pear & Berry Salad. The Cajun Coconut Shrimp, Crab Stuffed Shrimp and Sautéed Shrimp Scampi are the main dish crustacean favorites. Fish & Chips, Jambalaya and Baby Back Ribs are popular too. Forrest's Seafood Feast is featured. They are also noted for Grilled Salmon and Tilapia. Side salads add to the ticket. Mamma's Bread Pudding or Strawberry Shortcake finishes the meal. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. 10% off the food portion of the bill by showing your current AARP membership card. A chain of 38 tourist locations, some in Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan, with 6 others in Florida. Landry's Inc., owners.

Buca di Beppo (Orlando), 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL. 57.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-859-7844. (Italian) [L/D] Open weekdays from 11 AM to 10 PM but to 9 PM on Sunday. Located in the Florida Mall. Offers family style Italian dishes in large or small portions. Bruschetta, Mussels Marinara, Mozzarella Caprese, Stuffed Musrooms, Cheesy Bread Florentine and Fried Calamari are some of the popular antipasti dishes. Large Salads like Chopped Antipasto, Caesar, Apple Gorgonzola and "di Beppo 1893" with Pepperoni, Salami, Provolone, Feta, Olives and Mixed Greens, are on the menu. Entrées include Chicken, prepared Parmigiana, Glorioso, Marsala, Saltimbocca, Prosciutto Stuffed or Limone style, plus similar Veal dishes, Salmon Sorrento, Eggplant and even Chianti Braised Short Ribs. Pasta dishes include Penne San Remo, Arrabbiata or Basilica style, Shrimp Florentine or Fra Diavolo style, Spicy Rigatoni, Penne alla Vodka, Carbonara style with Chicken and Ziti with Chicken and Sausage. There's also good ole, Spaghetti with Meatballs and Baked Lasagna too. Side dishes are also available for sharing. Large Pizzas can also be ordered. For dessert, if there's still room, they offer Tiramisu, Chocolate Chip Cannoli, Double Dark Chocolate Cake and an Italian Creme Cake. Seating "in the kitchen" is sought after by faithful repeat patrons. A large selection of wine includes their popular Wicker Basket Chianti from single glass size to one and a half liter sized bottles. Full bar also. Gluten free items noted. Phone and online reservations accepted. Usually open on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Free birthday cake, on your birthday for making online reservations for 4 patrons on your day. Their online eClub provides discounts via email. A well known chain of about 90 locations in the US, 10 of them in Florida, plus a few in the U.K. Chris Bydlik, manager.

Older Review: (from David L. 3/13) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Bull and Bear (Steakhouse), 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL. 57.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-597-5500. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [D] Located in the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Hotel at Bonnet Creek right off I-4. Modeled after the New York City version by the same name. Open for dinner only from 6-10 PM daily. Elegant dining room with a club atmosphere with full linen service. Smart casual attire. Golf course views. Serves only Prime Grade Certified Angus Beef. A choice of 3 soups are offered Corn Soup, Jerusalem Artichoke Velvet and Lobster Bisque. For appetizers you can find Shrimp Cocktail, Beef Tartar, Tuna Tartar and a Shellfish Platter. Hot appetizers include Shrimp & Grits, Pasta Mousse and Escargot & Gnocchi. For main dishes they have Chicken Confit, Pan Roasted Salmon, Florida Swordfish, Chateaubriand, Colorado Lamb, Beef Short Rib, Veal Oscar, 8 oz. or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 15 oz. New York Sirloin, 16 oz. Delmonico Steak, Pan Roasted Dover Sole, a Prime Cut and Maine Lobster. Side dishes like Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables, Spinach, Asparagus or Lobster Mac & Cheese add $9-24 per serving. Salads like Wedge, Lobster Salad or Caesar add to the bill. Some items are prepared tableside. Desserts include Chocolate Soufflé, Waldorf Beignets, Cheesecake, Apple Galette and Crème Brûlée Flambé. Gratuity of 18% added for parties of 8 or more. Charge for sharing. Online and phone reservations accepted. Open Christmas Day 5-10 PM for a 4-course Holiday Dinner at prix fixe. Full bar and notable wine list. Corkage Fee: $50/btl. "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted "Best Business Dinner" and "Best Hotel Dinner" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Carlos Pereira, executive chef; hotel owned.

Bulla Gastrobar, 110 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL. 53.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-214-6120. (Spanish) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Opened in 2016. First of all, it's not "Bull-Ah", it's "Boo-Ya", meaning "buzzing with excitement". Best described as a tapas restaurant at a bar, the menu is very wide. It's located on Orange, at W. Morse, part of Lakeside Crossing Plaza. Open daily 11:30 AM to 10 PM, later on weekends but opens at 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Their dinner menu has Embutidos [Cured Meats] of various types and Quesos [Cheeses]. They have Small Plates like Andalusian Gazpacho Soup and Potato Tortilla, ranging up to Tuna Tartar and Grilled Octopus. You can also find Tosta de Setas, Canarian Cheese Dip, Roasted Oysters and Seared Ahi. For Large Plates they have Catalan Style Cannelloni, Truffle Carbonara, Salmon, Churrasco Moruno, Snapper & Quinoa, Arroz Caldoso, Lamb Chops and, of course, Paella. For dessert expect Copa, Churros, Torrija, Flan and Cremosos de Chocolate. For lunch they offer two Prix Fixe meals. For the First the choices are Garbanzo Frito, Ensalada de Espinacas, Croquetas de Jamón and others. The Second course you can choose Pollo Chilindrón, Pintxo & Tostada de Aguacate, Brioche de Verduras, Bulla Burger and others. The Third course is dessert, like Flan de Coco or Churros con Chocolate. Sunday 3-Course Brunch is Prix Fixe too. Various breakfast type items are added. Plus they have a larger A-La-Carte menu too. Bottomless (2½ hour) Sangria or Mimosas are offered. Full bar serving Sangria, Spanish Beer, plus Craft Beers, Cocktails, Wines by the glass and Wine by the bottle ($35-320/btl.). $20 Corkage Fee here. Spanish Sherries are also offered. Outdoor seating available. Reservations are accepted by phone or online via Open Table. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. A small chain of 7 locations based in Dural, FL. Felix Plasencia, chef here; Jose Santiago, partner; Carlos Centurion, owner.

Older Review: (from Tom B. 7/19) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Buster's Bistro, 300 Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL. 49.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-732-4316. (Brew Pub) (French) [L/D] Opened in 2013. Located downtown, at Sanford and E. 3rd St. Closed Monday and Tuesday and open 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday and 4-10 PM other days but to Midnight on weekends. Known for their multi-tap beer troff and Flemish food. Many Belgian brews on tap from Kwak to Dubbel to Tripel to Quad Ales. Even Cidre is on the handle. Bottled brews like Lambic and Stouts can be found too. Belgian Fries, (where French Fries were invented) are their claim to fame. For food you'll start with Tomato Bisque, Peeled, Carbonnade, Goulash or Curry Fries and the ultimate, Poutin. For main dishes you'll find a Classic Croque, Pita Shwoarma [Pork], ⅓lb. Burger, Boulettes [Belgian Meatballs], Belgian Goulash, Tikka Masala Curry, Flemish Cabonnade [Beer Stew], Vol-au-Vent [Chicken] and Steak & Fries. For dessert you'll enjoy Belgian Chocolate Mousse or Classic Belgian Waffles. Kids menu available. Brunch items include a Euro Breakfast Platter, Belgian Waffles, Belgian Crêpes, Smoked Jalapeño, Belgian Benedict, Pierogis, Cured Salmon or Croque Madame. Full bar makes creative cocktails especially with Beer. Entertainment on weekends. Even the French game of Pentaque is played. Robert Kennerney, new owner.

Byte Fragments & Spirits (A Modern Bistro), 145 N. Woodland Blvd., Deland, FL. 46.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-279-7527. (American) (Continental) [L/D] Located in downtown Deland, on the SE corner with E. Rich Ave., this restaurant and lounge started in October, 2013. Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, except for Brunch on Sundays opening at 9:30 AM, with unlimited Bloody Marys until 2 PM. Billed as an "upscale-casual eatery" with an eclectic mix of cuisines, especially French inspired. Start your meal with Manchego Mac 'n Cheddar, Sweet Potato Fries, Green Bean Fries, then there is Asian Shrimp Tempura, Fried Green Tomatoes, Ahi Tuna, Cheddar Pierogis, and Spiced Apple & Gorgonzola Flatbread, plus Baked Brie or Korean Pork Nachos. They offer a Tomato Bisque Soup and a Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Main dishes include Roasted Vegetable Orzo, Chicken Angel Hair Pasta, Byte Sirloin Steak, Fish & Chips, Pot au Feu, Coq au Vin, Duck Pot Pie, Tuscan Trout, Roasted Quail, Grilled Filet Medallions and Braised Rabbit Saddle. Lighter entrées include a Byte Burger, Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwich, Caprese Panini, Grilled Cheese & Fried Egg Sandwich, Portobello Burger, Roasted Beef Sandwich, California Chicken Panini, Blackened Fish Taco, "50/50 Burger" of Ground Beef and Ground Bacon and a Spiced Apple & Duck Panini. There's also Salads like Martha's Vineyard or Anaheim Shrimp Salad. Side dishes like Mashed Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts or Garlic Butter Green Beans, are extra. Brunch items range from Classic Breakfast, to Shrimp 'n Grits, to the Omelette of the Day. Desserts are popular here with Turtle Cheesecake, Flourless Chocolate Torte and Crème Brûlée, plus the famous Chocolate Trio with a beer or wine chaser. Kids menu available. Full bar offering cocktails, craft beers and fine wines. All day 2 for 1 Happy Hour daily. Reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day with a Buffet. Live entertainment in the lounge on weekends. Bill and Frank Jennings, owners here.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 5/18) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Café-Boutique Piano, 558 W. New England Ave. (Suite 135), Winter Park, FL. 54.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-637-2016. (Continental) [L/D] Opened August 4, 2022. Hours 11 AM to 10 PM daily, but closed on Mondays. Located in the Hannibal Square section of Winter Park across from Chez Vincent and Hannibal's On The Square at the corner. This 1,200 square foot restaurant adorned by local artwork created and for sale by the owner, will seat just 36 guests inside. "From the East to the West", it will feature European Continental cuisine. The atmosphere will have a decidedly Russian influence by featuring international Coffees and unique Desserts. 4 Pasta dishes, Teriyaki Chicken, Mussels in Cream Sauce, Baked Salmon, Pork Tenderloin, Baked Grouper, Braised Short Ribs and Beef Tenderloin are some of the entrées. You can find Greek, Chicken, Shrimp and Seafood Salads, a Cheese and Meat Board and even Bouillabaisse on the menu too. For daily Brunch they offer light items ranging in price. Desserts include Ice Cream, Fudge Cheesecake, Brownie and Crème Brûlée. Full bar with cocktails, plus Wine, Beer and Cider. Happy Hour, 3-5 PM. Musicians playing an antique piano will provide entertainment from 6:30 PM on Friday and Saturday only. Some outdoor seating on the sidewalk. Reservations suggested in the evening and especially on Piano Nights, via phone or Open Table. Polina Makhaev, manager/daughter; Andrei Makhaev and Larisa Makhaeva, owners.

Review: (from Rich C. 3/23) Always wanted to try this place ever since they opened. Josh was the bartender and only waiter. 6 patrons in the place at 4 PM on Sunday. Piano only on Friday and Saturday now. My better half had a Lemon Drop Martini ($12 -$3.60 on HH) and I had a Red Sangria ($11 -$3.30 on HH). Both were good. We split the Chicken Liver Pâté ($15). This was great. Very different and generous. Great Toast to spread the Pâté on. She had the Mussels with Gorgonzola Sauce ($25). Again very different and rich. I had a side Greek Salad ($6) that was very nice and the Grouper on Rice with Spinach Sauce and Roasted Sweet Peppers ($27). Again very different preparations. I think Josh forgot to put in my order for the Grouper because it took a while to arrive. He apologized. This is great food at Winter Park prices and the total was $89 before t&t. Still we give it 15 Stars. By 5:30 PM it got busy.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Café Margaux, 220 Brevard Ave., Cocoa, FL. 100.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-639-8343. (French) (Continental) [L/D] Located at the rear of the BellAir Courtyard in Cocoa Village. Open 11 AM to 3 PM for lunch, then 5 to 9:30 PM for dinner, six days per week. Closed all day Sunday. Well known here for fine dining and in business since 1995. Victorian décor. Appetizers include Roasted Portobello Mushroom, Duck Liver Pâté, Sautéed or Baked Snails, Baked Brie, Sautéed Jumbo Shrimp, Seared Sea Scallops, Lump Crab Cakes and others. Soups include their award winning Roasted Tomato and Basil Bisque or a daily offering. Classic Caesar Salad, Asian Style Salad or Spinach & Frisée. A House Salad is included with each entrée. Pasta dishes include Tenderloin Tips with Onions Over Radiatore Pasta, Fettuccine with Roasted Portobelo, Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes and Sautéed Shrimp & Scallops Over Angel Hair. Meat dishes offered are Pork Loin Stuffed with Pear, Brie & Walnuts, Lollipop Pork Chops Over Risotto, Prime Filet Mignon Tips Diane, Braised Veal Scallopini Over Risotto, Angus Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce, Herb Seared New Zealand Rack of Lamb and a Veal Rib Chop Over Risotto. A daily fish creation or Onion Encrusted Red Snapper, Phyllo Encased Salmon, Melange of Seafood and Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna represent the seafood available. Free Range Stuffed Chicken and Crisp Roasted Long Island Duckling are among other items on the menu. A Vegetarian Plate is also offered. Desserts might include Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Truffle Cake, Amaretto Almond Cake and Chambord Laced White Chocolate Gateau. Lunch items include Sandwiches, Soups, Crêpes, Crab Cakes, Omelettes, Tenderloin Skewer, and other items range in price. Extensive wine list and full bar compliment the meals. Inside and courtyard dining available. Six course dinners including wine are held on the first Thursday and Friday of each month and range in price per person. Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Special dinners on Xmas Eve and New Years Eve to 9 PM. Reservations are accepted and recommended. Alex & Pam Litras owners.

Café Tu Tu Tango, 8625 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 56.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-248-2222. (Spanish) [L/D] Opens at 11:30 AM daily. Located near the "Mercado" on I-Drive. A dining experience unlike any other. This restaurant offers a meal for the left side of your brain. Food and art together under one roof. Multi-ethnic cuisine. Primarily a Spanish tapas-style restaurant, you can find things like Lamb Chops, Salmon Skewers, Shrimp Spring Rolls, Picadillo and Cheese Empanadas, Mango Duck Quesadillas, Pork Potstickers and small Pizzas. Consider these all appetizer sized. Two or three choices are shared with friends with a bottle of their remarkable Sangria. Flan and Guava Cheesecake for dessert too. Children's menu available and families welcome. Nice selection of wine by the glass or bottle. Champagne by split or bottle too. No Corkage Fee charged for your own wine. Full bar. Cabaret Show every Friday night at 10:30 PM. From belly dancers to flamenco to break dancers to fire eaters to conga lines to hula hoop twirling, you never know what they will do next. A real party atmosphere. Can get very busy with tourists in season at night. 2008 winner for "Best Tapas" in the Orlando area by WESH-2 News A-List. 2008 winner for "Best Overall Restaurant" in Orlando by the Orlando Sentinel. Online or phone reservations accepted. Open on Christmas Day. One of a small chain of just 4 restaurants (2 in Florida and 2 in California) headquartered in Coconut Grove, FL.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 6/21) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Barry N. 8/22) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Peggy R. 8/24) Enjoyed our weekend brunch at this unique restaurant. It’s tapas-style, so food comes out as it’s ready. We ordered Tzatziki Dip ($9.50), Cuban Sliders ($12.75), Chili Udon Noodles ($7.75), Roasted Sweet Potatoes ($9.75) and Butter Chicken ($12.75). The Dip came with Pita and Crackers, all good. The Sliders were excellent, made with Garlic Bread rather than Cuban. The Noodles were a bit spicy for me but my husband liked them. The Sweet Potatoes were delicious but overpriced, and the Butter Chicken was quite good. A couple of notes – this place is very noisy, even when only half full. And we felt that requiring valet parking was obnoxious since the lot was also only half full and parking is right outside the door.
Q=5 S=4 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/10) Q=5 S=3 V=2 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Cala Bella, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL. 57.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-996-3663. (Italian) [D] The name translates to "Beautiful Cove or Creek". Located at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, off Universal Blvd. just north of Exit #2 of the Beachline Expressway, SR 528. Hours from 5:30 PM daily; lounge opens at 5 PM. Vaulted ceiling dining room with Italian artwork and marble topped tables with placemats. Dressy casual attire preferred. Start with Bruschetta, Clams, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, Fried Calamari, Pesara Mussels, Roasted Eggplant & Shrimp, Antipasto or Carpaccio. Piadina [Flatbreads] include Rustic [Tuscan Bean & Olive], Italian Sausage & Goat Cheese and Lobster & Smoked Mozzarella. Caesar Salad, Heirloom Tomato Salad and Arugula & Gorgonzola Salad provide greens. Tuscan Bean Soup and Baked Sausage & Onion Soup warm you up. Pasta dishes include Pasta con Polpette [Spaghetti & Meatballs], Orecchiette al Cappesante [Ear Shaped Pasta and Scallops], Penne al Gamberetti [Quill Shaped Pasta with Rock Shrimp], Linguini con Vongole [Flat Long Pasta with Clams] and Pappardelle al Bistecche [Flat Square Pasta with a 10 oz. Steak]. For Fish they offer Baked Scallops Napoli, Shrimp Genova, Atlantic Salmon, Sicilian Red Snapper and Seafood Pescatore. For Meat they have Chicken Cutlets, Asiago Chicken, Veal Marsala, Mediterranean Pork, Veal Piccata, Tuscan Veal Chop and Filet Mignon. You can add Lump Crab Meat or a Lobster Tail to any entrée. Side dishes like Risotto, Wild Mushrooms or Roasted Asparagus are extra. Typical Italian desserts offered including Chocolate Sabayon. Full bar and Wine List. Popular Piano Bar adjacent. Reservations taken and advised by phone or online. Valet parking. Dan Nester and Ricky Lopez, chefs; Andre Zuluaga, manager; resort owned.

Calabria Ristorante, 13900 CR 455, Clermont, FL. 40.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-656-5144. (Italian) [L/D] Located near Publix on CR 455, just north of SR 50. Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily (to 10 PM on weekends), except Sunday when they open at noon. Named after the southern region of Italy below Naples, commonly known as "the toe". New York Style 14", 16" or 18" Pizzas and basic Italian dishes like Eggplant, Chicken or Veal Parm., Lobster Ravioli, Penne alla Vodka, Stuffed Shells, Lasagna and Manicotti are offered. Dishes range in price. Marsala, Piccata, Francese and Calabria (with sherry) styles available. Calzones and Strombolis also on the menu. Appetizers include Fried Calamari, Tomato Bruschetta and Clams Possilipo. Espresso after the meal is popular. Tiramisu, Cannoli, Chocolate Mousse Cake and New York Style Cheesecake are some of the desserts offered here. Full bar now. Adriano Kadriu and Kujtim (Tim) Gjunkshi, owners.

Camille, 4962 New Broad St., Orlando, FL. 59.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-972-1822. (Asian) (French) [D] Opened mid-2023. Located in the Baldwin Park area of Orlando, north of the Orlando Executive Airport. Offers creative and unconventional spins on Vietnamese dishes, all punctuated with classical French flourishes. Very contemporary 2,500 s.f. atmosphere with soothing neutral surroundings. Open 5 to 10:30 PM daily except Sunday and Monday. No lunch served. Camille offers an intimate 8 seat, "Chef-to-Guest" experience. Featuring a seasonal, multi-course menu, the concept takes a modern approach to Vietnamese cuisine. For 1 to 8 guests at $180 per person in 2023. Wine pairing adds $80pp. Menu changes monthly and might include tastes of Tea Egg, Smoked Duck, Halibut, Blue Prawns, Pork Belly, Espuma of Phở, Lamb Chop, dessert and various light beverages. A 1 Star Rated Michelin Guide Restaurant. Full bar here and Wine List. Reservations required and accepted by phone or online. Chef Tung Phan, owner.

Canvas (Restaurant & Market), 13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando, FL. 71.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-313-7800. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Located at Lake Nona's newly developed Laureate Park Village Center, just southeast of OIA, this very large, 280 seat striking waterfront restaurant and marketplace serves a-la-carte priced American cuisine with Southern and Latin influences. It opened January 25, 2016. Hours are 11 AM - 10 PM daily except closes at 9 PM on Sunday and 11 PM weekends. Start with appetizers like Johnny Cakes, Marinated Burrata, Smoked Fish Dip, Calamari Fries, Mussels Tomatillo, Oak Charred Octopus, Apple Bourbon Braised Short Ribs, Snapper Ceviche, a Charcuterie Board and market priced items like Peel and Eat Shrimp, Oysters on the Half Shell or Baked Blue Crab. A few Flatbreads are offered too. For main dishes they offer Oven Roasted Mojo Chicken, Pan-Roasted Snapper, Cured Pork Shank, Chimichurri Hangar Steak, Shrimp Mofongo, Pan-Roasted Meyer Lemon Scallops and a Whole Roasted Fish of the Day at market price. Side dishes include Brussels Sprouts, Glazed Carrots, Collard Greens, Yucca Fries, Green Papaya Slaw or a House Salad. For lighter appetites they have Tuscan Kale Salad, Smoked Chicken Salad, Hanger Steak Wedge and Grilled Shrimp Louie as main dishes. Soups include Tomato Bisque and Minorcan Clam Chowder. They also provide Sandwiches like the Cuban, Short Rib & Brisket Burger, Shrimp & Oyster Po Boy and a Grouper Reuben. Finishing the meal, they offer desserts like Key Lime Pie, Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Spiced Chocolate Cream and an Apple Crisp. Full bar with creative cocktails like The Pink Flower. An extensive wine list offers 3 dozen wines by the glass (short or full pours). By the bottle their wines range $28-150, with Argentine Malbecs coming in at $52-56/bottle. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Reservations by phone or online suggested. Open Thanksgiving Day for dinner only. The market portion (open 9 AM - 7 PM) sells housewares, jewelry, books and even furnishings. Bryon Thoman, executive chef; Tavistock Restaurant Collection, developer and owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/18) Q=4 S=3 V=2 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 7/22) Q=3 S=3 V=1 Total=7 out of 15. Return=No.

Capa Steakhouse & Bar, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Orlando, FL. 58.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-313-7777. (Continental) (Spanish) [D] Opened in 2021. This is a family friendly restaurant. Upscale and dressy atmosphere however. Located inside the Walt Disney Resort (admission waived at the gate with dinner reservations) in the Four Seasons Resort on the 17th floor. Validated parking. Very contemporary décor. Open 5-10 PM daily. Artfully presented meals. They offer a Raw Bar with Oysters, Seared Tuna and a Shrimp Cocktail to start. Alverta, Ossetra and Beluga Caviar are featured too. Tapas include Olives, Medjool Dates, Pan de Cristal, Roasted Almonds and Olive Bread. Small Plates include Potato with Chipotle, Peppers with Chorizo, Fried Cauliflower and an Octopus creation. A number of Spanish dishes are offered like Jamon Iberico, Cured Meats and Cheeses as appetizers. A few Salads are available too. From the grill you'll find a 12 or 16 oz. Prime NY Strip, 8 or 12 oz. Prime Filet, 16 oz. Bone-In Ribeye, 32 oz. Porterhouse, 14 oz. Rack of Lamb, 1½ lb. Maine Lobster, 12 oz. Waygu Delmonico and even a World Waygu Flight Trio. You'll also find Free Range Chicken Breast, Calasparra Paella, Sofrito Calasparra Rice and Cobia. Items like Shrimp, Bleu Cheese, Beef Bone Marrow and Foie Gras can be added at an extra charge. Sauces are extra too. A-la-carte Vegetables like Corn, Fried Eggplant, Jumbo Asparagus, Mushrooms and Yukon Gold Potatoes can be added also. Desserts include Chocolate Churros, Olive Oil Cake, Banana Ice Crem and Delicia Exotica, plus Artisan Cheeses can be ordered. A lounge menu is offered for lighter fare. Kids menu features Chicken Fingers and Mac 'n Cheese. Occasional entertainment like a Spanish guitarist. Full bar with flights offered. Happy Hour specials. Large Wine List. Corkage Fee: $35/btl. for your own wine. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. A 1 Star Rated Michelin Guide Restaurant. Outdoor terrace seating available with a view of the Disney fireworks (generally Saturday, Sunday and holidays). Open Christmas Day and New Years Eve by reservation. Reservations highly advised. Malyna Si, chef; Four Seasons Resorts, owner.

The Capital Grille (I-Drive), 9101 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 59.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-370-4392. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Open 11:30 AM to 3 PM weekdays, then from 5 PM daily for dinner. Located at The Pointe Orlando near the Convention Center. Rich African mahogany paneling and warm soft lighting set the tone for this club-like up-scale steakhouse. Appetizers include Pan-Fried Calamari, Smoked Salmon, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster and Crab Cakes, Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell and even a Grand Plateau of Crab, Lobster, Shrimp and Oysters at a premium price. Soups include Clam Chowder and French Onion. Salads offered are Caesar, Fried Green Tomatoes, Spinach, Wedge with Bleu Cheese and Applewood Smoked Bacon, Chopped Salad and Mozzarella & Tomato. Seafood suggestions include Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon, Lobster and Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Grilled Swordfish, Sushi-Grade Sesame Seared Tuna and your choice of Broiled Fresh Lobster in the 2, 3 or 4 pound size, all at market prices. Chef suggestions include Roasted Chicken, Cedar Planked Salmon, Bone-In Sirloin, Sliced Filet Mignon with Wild Mushrooms, Porcini Rubbed Delmonico and Seared Tenderloin with Lobster Tails. Noted for their aged meat starting with Double Cut Lamb Rib Chops, 22 oz. Delmonico Steak, 10 oz. Filet Mignon, 14 oz. Sirloin, 14 oz. Steak au Poivre, Filet Oscar and their 24 oz. Porterhouse. All dinners are a-la-carte with sides of Creamed Corn, Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach, Au Gratin Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, Fries, French Green Beans, Asparagus or Oyster Mushrooms adding to the meal. There's even Lobster Mac 'n Cheese side. Desserts run the range of Fresh Berries in Cream to Coconut Cream Pie, to Flour-less Chocolate Espresso Cake to classic Crème Brûlée. Full bar and lounge. Wine list is a book unto itself with almost 500 selections and the cellar holding 5,000 bottle of wine. "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Wine List" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Two bottle maximum per table. Reservations taken by phone or online. Open Thanksgiving Day. Free Chocolate Espresso Cake on your birthday. Started in Providence, RI, this small chain of a few dozen locations is now part of the Darden Restaurant Group. Matthew Price, executive chef here; Souni Felipa, manager. Another location is at the Mall of Millenia (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Karen B. 8/17) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/17) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/20) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ken J. 9/21) Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 8/24) Seven of our Gourmet Club Group took advantage of the Magical Dining $60 menu. Our reservations were for 5 p.m. so we were immediately seated in a relatively private room. This was very nice as we could all carry on conversation during dinner. From beginning to end, this was an outstanding experience. I started with the Double Oaked & Rye Manhattan ($19) and it was the best I have ever had! I started with the Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese and Smoked Bacon for my appetizer. It was delicious! I had the 10 oz. Filet Mignon served with Sam's Mashed Potatoes and Creamy Spinach. Although I ordered my Steak Medium, it came out Medium Well. They quickly whisked it away and returned with a perfectly cooked Medium Steak. In the meantime, while I was waiting (a short time) they gave me a complimentary Shrimp Cocktail with huge Jumbo Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce. The vegetables were served "family style" and they would bring more upon request. The Basket of Bread for the table was a variety of breads that were also delicious. I had a glass of the Substance Col Val Cabernet ($12) with my meal. Finally, the dessert was a flourless Espresso Chocolate Cake. Needless to say, the majority of the meal went home with me where I had two more meals with the leftovers. Our server, Carrie, was exceptional! Total for my meal before t&t was $93. I will definitely be back!
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

The Capital Grille (Millenia), 4200 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL. 53.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-2210. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Took over the spot occupied by McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant on the north side of the Mall of Millenia at I-4 Exit #78. Opened April 18, 2013. This location is a little scaled down from the I-Drive restaurant but still very upscale. Open for lunch 11:30 AM to 4 PM, then dinner to 10 PM or later on weekends and to 9 PM on Sunday. Appetizer selections are Smoked Salmon, Lobster and Crab Cakes, Fresh Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail, Pan-Fried Calamari, Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella and Wagyu Beef Carpaccio. For main courses they usually offer Chicken Breast, Double Cut Lamb Rib Chops, Seared Tenderloin, 14 oz. New York Sirloin - plain or au poivre, Filet Mignon, 22 oz. Delmonico and a 24 oz. Porterhouse. For seafood they offer Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Citrus Glazed Salmon, Seared Tuna, Parmesan Crusted Sole, Broiled Fresh Lobster and a daily seafood feature. Side dishes are extra. Sandwiches like Lobster and Crab Burger, Wagyu Cheeseburger or Lamb Burger are also on the menu. Clam Chowder, French Onion Soup and various salads are at the top of the menu. At the bottom of the menu you'll find Cheesecake, Berries, Coconut Cream Pie, Hazelnut Cake and Classis Crème Brûlée. Full bar and lounge. Wine list is very varied with 350 selections here. "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Two bottle maximum per table. Outside seating available. Reservations taken by phone or online. Open Thanksgiving Day. Free Chocolate Espresso Cake on your birthday. Small chain of a few dozen locations is now part of the Darden Restaurant Group. Jason O'Neill, executive chef; Christy Tolbert, managing partner here.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from David G. 9/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Caribbean Jack's Restaurant & Bar, 721 Ballough Rd., Daytona Beach, FL. 70.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-523-3000. (American) (Caribbean) [L/D] Located on the west side of the Halifax River, about half way between the Oakridge Blvd. and Main St. bridges. Opens at 11 AM daily. A local favorite as well as a tourist haunt. Large deck is perfect for yacht watching. Famous for their Caribbean Fish Tacos and Bass Ale Battered Haddock. Fried Seafood Baskets include Shrimp, Fish, Scallops or a combination of all 3. Grouper, Mahi-Mahi and Yellowfin Tuna is usually available too. Sweet Jerked Ribs, Sweet and Sour Chicken and Jerk Chicken over Calypso Rice are tropical creations. There's also 12 oz. NY Strip Steak and a Surf and Turf with Crab Legs. They also make Shrimp Scampi, a Seafood Bowl, Pasta Alfredo, Crab Cakes and Alaskan Snow Crab Legs. Sandwiches like Po' Boys, Cubans, Grouper Reuben, Mahi BLT, Voo Doo Burger, Bamboo Burger and others are on the menu. Apple Pecan Spinach Salad, Coconut Crunchy Shrimp Salad as well as New England Clam Chowder and Conch Chowder are also offered. Popular desserts are Banana Foster and Key Lime Pie. Full bar with lots of rum drinks featured like a Rum Smuggler, plus Shark Attack, Golden Rita and Coconut Coladas. There's even a short but varied wine list. Entertainment nightly about 5 PM or 2 and 7 PM on weekends. Boat access available. Valet auto parking offered. Ray Graziotto and John Solomon, owners.

Catfish Country Restaurant, 2400 E. F. Griffin Rd., Bartow, FL. 77.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-863-646-6767. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Located where US 98 (Bartow Rd.), meets E.F. Griffin Rd. just south of CR 540A, half way between Lakeland and Bartow. Open 11 AM to 9 PM six days except from 3:30 PM on Saturday and to 9:30 on weekends and to 8:30 PM on Sunday. Closed all day Monday. A casual "seafood shack" lighted inside by neon advertising signs and spiced up with Cajun recipes. In business since 1984, specializing in Southern Style Seafood and noted for their hands-full of Peanuts, Hot Biscuits, Fried Pickles, Homemade Slaw and Fried Sweet Georgia Onions. Alligator Nuggets, Fried Okra, Crab Cakes, Frog Legs, King Crab, Grouper Fingers, Cheese Grits and Hush Puppies are some of the items you can find here. Specials might include Baked Grouper Creole or Chicken Parmigiana. All You Can Eat Specials like King Crab Legs or Fried Catfish offered on certain days. Beer and wine licensed. Nick Minadakis with Eleni and Bill Houvardas, owners.

Older Review: (from David L. 5/13) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Cedar's Restaurant, 7732 W. Sand Lake Dr., Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-6000. (Middle Eastern) [L/D] At Sand Lake Rd. and Dr. Phillips Blvd. on "Restaurant Row". Open daily 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM and to 11:30 PM on Saturday night. Orlando's family owned Lebanese restaurant. Appetizers include Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, Warak Inab, Mousaka and Lebneh. Also Fried Kibbeh, Falafel, Makanek, Sujouk and Safiha. Entrées include Mahashi Inab, Kafta Kaba, Shish Tawook, Quails and Rack of Lamb, all ranging in price. Seafood items include Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Snapper Filet, Samsk Marra and Sea Bass Filet ranging in price. A Lebanese Feast for groups of 4 or more depends on selections. Special creations include Baked Kibbeh, Bemieh, Moloukhieh and Cedar's Chicken all ranging in price. Shish Kebob probably the most well known dish. Desserts include Baklava, Knafe and Halawatel Jebneh. Ethnic entertainment like belly dancing on weekends. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Reservations accepted and suggested on weekends. 2009 & 2010 Foodie Reader's Choice winner and 2011 & 2012 Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Middle Eastern Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Full bar. Middle Eastern and domestic wines available. Charbel (Charles) Saab, owner.

Older Review: (from Eileen P. 4/18) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Cellar Restaurant, 220 Magnolia Ave., Daytona Beach, FL. 69.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-258-0011. (Continental) (Italian) [D] Open 5-10 PM daily, except closed Mondays. Located in the historic District of Daytona just off US 1. Housed in the former 1907 residence of President Warren G. Harding and now on the NRHP. Long time fine dining establishment with rich décor. The menu starts with appetizer items like Insalata Caprese, Carpaccio, Polenta con Salsiccia, Gamberi al Pesto and others. Pasta dishes range from Gnocchi Bolognese or Rucola, Rigatoni with Shrimp and Asparagus, Venezia Ravioli, to Fettuccine di Coniglo or Risotto with Shrimp and Peas. Main dishes include Scaloppine alla Veneto or Porcini, Osso Buco, Salmon with Fennel or with Mushrooms, Snapper with Artichokes, Pheasant and Duck Breast, Shrimp and Snapper Sautéed, Rack of Lamb, 8 oz. Filet Mignon in Barolo Wine and a 14 oz. Veal Chop. These all served with a chef's selection of the day. Tiramisu, Strudel and Tortes are offered for dessert. Reservations accepted and advised weekends either online or by phone. Also known for their extensive wine list starting with $26 bottles of Sicilian Pinot Grigio or Sonoma Chardonnay to $245 bottles of Napa Cabs, $375 bottles of Piemonte Nebbiolo and $390 bottles of Toscana Red Blend. A 1999 Chateau LaTour Pauillac Bordeaux ($480) and a 1995 Chateau Margaux Grand Cru Bordeaux ($1,250) can also be unlocked. No bar however. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Sam Moggio, executive chef and owner with wife Lina Moggio.

Charley's Steak House (Orlando), 8255 International Dr., Suite #100, Orlando, FL. 55.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-363-0228. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Operated in Florida since 1974. Located off I-Drive, next to Ripley's Believe It Or Not, near the Icon-Orlando. Open from 5 PM to 10:30 PM daily, later on weekends. But opens at 3 PM on Mother's Day, Valentines's Day and New Years Eve. Closed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgivings and Xmas. Beautifully appointed dining area. Full linen service. Serves only USDA Choice and some Prime cuts, fully aged. All entrées include House Salad and Garlic-Cheese Butter Bread. For starters they have Escargot Bourgogne, Florida Gator, Lobster Bisque, Portobella Mushroom Fondue, Steak Tartare, Fried Calamari, Sushi Grade Ahi, Shrimp Cocktail, Cedar Plank Crab Cakes, Bacon Wrapped Diver Scallops, Florida Stone Crab Claws and a Colossal Seafood Tower priced per person. They offer Fried Gulf Shrimp, North Atlantic Salmon, Atlantic Swordfish, Fried Shrimp and Crispy Fish, Pacific Yellowfin Tuna, Gulf Black Grouper, Mixed Seafood Grill and Chilean Sea Bass. One pound of Alaskan Red King Crab, plus Caribbean Lobster Tail are also available. From the Meat Dept. they sell Double Chicken Breast, Single and Double Pork Chops, 8, 12 or 20 oz. Filet Mignon, 20 oz. T-Bone Steak, 22 oz. Bone-In Kansas City Strip Steak, Colorado Tomahawk Lamb Chops, Angus Bone-In Ribeye, 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak, Blue Creek Bison Ribeye, American Wagu Beef and Charley's Ultimate Surf & Turf [50 oz. Porthouse + 1 lb. Lobster Tail] enough for two. All can be topped with various additions. A dozen side dishes like Sautéed Onions to Lobster Mac & Cheese, add for each serving. Larger Salads like Wedge, Beefsteak Tomatoes or Caesar are available. A Gluten-free menu is available. Full bar and endless (500+ item) Wine List. Cocktails like their Signature Martini or Woodford Cherry Sour are offered. A dozen local Beers are on tap. Wines by the glass available. Bottles run to $585/btl., while "The Dom" is $475/btl. but a bottle of Ch. Mouton Rothschild 2009 is $2,735. "Best of Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator Magazine. Corkage Fee: $50/btl. Online or phone reservations accepted and advised on weekends in season. Outdoor seating and complimentary valet parking available. A "Talk of the Town" restaurant. Not affiliated with a larger chain called O'Charley's. Other locations are in Tampa and Kissimmee. Jose Rodriguez, chef here.

Chart House (Daytona Beach), 1100 Marina Point Dr., Daytona Beach, FL. 71.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-255-9022. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Located on the west side of the river just south of E. Orange causeway, off Beach St. Open from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM daily. Situated off the Halifax River with views of the Marina and Intracoastal Waterway. The upscale menu changes frequently depending on what fish is in season. Appetizers range from Hummus Trio or Coconut Crunchy Shrimp to a Crab, Avocado & Mango Stack or Tuna Tartare. Oysters Rockefeller is also popular. Soups usually include their award winning Clam Chowder, Gazpacho and Lobster Bisque, or a sampling of all three. Seafood entrées include Coconut Crunchy Shrimp with Fried Rice, Shrimp & Artichoke Linguini, Baked Stuffed Shrimp, Shrimp Fresca with Crab Meat, Pan Seared Scallops, Shrimp Scampi, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Short Rib with Scallops or Salmon or a 7 oz. Lobster Tail. Signature fish creations include Miso Glazed Salmon, Stuffed Tilapia, Sweet & Spicy Swordfish, Gazpacho Grouper, Spiced Yellowfin Ahi, Parmesan Crusted Snapper, Macadamia Crusted Mahi and Seared Mahi topped with Lobster and Crab. For meat eaters, there's Chicken Romano, 10 or 16 oz. Prime Rib, 8 oz. Teriyaki Beef Medallions, 8 oz. Filet Mignon, Brandy Peppercorn Beef Medallions & Shrimp and at the top of the food chain is Filet Mignon or Prime Rib with a Cold Water Lobster Tail. Side dishes cost more. Salad Bar visit are extra. Their signature dessert is Hot Chocolate Lava Cake. Full bar and wine list. 18% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Phone and online reservations accepted and advised weekends. AARP members get a 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages. Open on Christmas Day. A chain of about 30 locations in 15 states with the most in California and Florida, owned and operated by Landry's Inc., of Houston, TX. Another location is in Tampa. Kris Dorough, director here with John Wilson, executive chef.

Chatham's Place Restaurant, 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL. 55.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-345-2992. (Continental) [D] Open from 5:30 PM daily except Sunday. Located just north of W. Sand Lake Rd. ("Restaurant Row"), opposite The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips. Opened in 1988, serving an eclectic fare in a romantic atmosphere. Start with Cream of Portobello or Lobster Bisque Soup. Appetizers include Calamari Fra Diablo, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, Tuna Tartare or Beef Carpaccio. For entrées they offer Spicy Chicken Louisiana Creole, Rigatoni Apalachicola, Breast of Duck, Florida Black Grouper, Shrimp Scampi, 6 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon and a Rack of Lamb. There's also a daily special or two. Side dishes are extra like Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Asparagus, Steamed Broccoli, Sautéed Spinach, Capellini with Haricot Verts or Rigatoni Original, all ranging in price. Salads are also available with Romaine, Tropical, Caprese and a House Special. Wines offered range from Italian Pinot Grigio, to Chassagne-Montrachet at $125. Reds range from a Spanish Temranillo to a Tuscan Brunello di Montalcino at $135. Wine by the glass ranges in price moderately. Champagne is also offered. Full bar with crafted cocktails. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. for your own wine. Rated "Extraordinary" by Zagat. Entertainment such as a classical harp, often provides the soft audio atmosphere. Voted 2012 "Best Kept Secret" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. 2012 Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Romantic Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Reservations accepted and advised weekends. Ignatio (Tony) Lopez, executive chef, owner.

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen (Brooksville), 12280 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL. 62.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-596-7094. (American) (Mexican) [L/D] Opened February, 2018. Located west of Brooksville and north of Spring Hill on SR 50, about 3 miles east of US 19. Previously called Cheddar's Casual Café until 2015, it's a casual, moderately priced, growing chain. Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, closes at 11 PM on weekends. A combination of American, Southern and Tex-Mex fare, all rolled into one. Inviting décor. Appetizers like Chips and Queso, Spinach Dip, Cheese Fries, Potato Skins, Onion Rings and Cheese Bites run $5-8 each. Steaks like 6/8 oz. Sirloin, 12 oz. Ribeye and 20 oz. Bone-In Ribeye are offered. Ribs are on the menu with Half and Full Rack. Chicken dishes include their popular Chicken Pot Pie, BBQ Chicken or Chicken Tenders, Grilled Chicken Alfredo, Lemon Pepper Chicken, Country Fried Chicken and Dijon Chicken. They also have Grilled or Cornmeal White Fish, Grilled Tilapia and Shrimp and Beer-Battered Fried Shrimp. They also offer meals inder 575 calories. Burgers and other Sandwiches, like Philly Cheesesteak, are available. Kids meals are offered. Desserts are on the menu too. Margaritas are popular and Wine is offered too. Full bar. Other locations are already in Sanford, Orlando and Lakeland (see below).

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen (Lakeland), 3411 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL. 75.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-863-647-2170. (American) (Mexican) [L/D] Opened March, 2016. Previously called Cheddar's Casual Café until 2015, it's a casual, moderately priced, growing chain. Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, except Sunday from 10:30 AM and closes at 11 PM on weekends. A combination of American, Southern and Tex-Mex fare, all rolled into one. Their menu starts with appetizers such as Onion Rings, Chips & Queso, Chicken Quesadilla, Chicken Tenders, Nachos, Texas Cheese Fries, Loaded Potato Skins and Santa Fe Spinach Dip. Classic entrées include Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken Tenders, Lemon Pepper Chicken, Grilled Chicken Alfredo, BBQ Chicken, Dijon Chicken and Mushrooms and Chicken Fried Steak. Seafood items include Fish Tacos, Grilled Tilapia and Shrimp, Grilled or Cornmealed Whitefish, Grilled Salmon, Beer battered Fried Shrimp and Blackened Redfish. You can also find Honey Glazed or Hickory Smoked Baby Back Ribs (half or full rack). A few Steaks are featured like the Top Sirloin Steak (6, 8 or 12 oz.) and the 20 oz. Ribeye. They also offer favorites like Veggie Plate, Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, Shepherd's Pie, Baked Spasagna®, Key West Chicken and Shrimp and New Orleans Pasta. Combos pair two items together. Lunch or lighter appetites can have Sandwiches, like Grilled Cheese, Philly Cheesesteak, Monte Cristo or Buffalo Chicken Wrapper among others. Various Burgers are available. House or Caesar Salads are extra, as are side dishes, like Broccoli Cheese Casserole abd Red Beans and Rice. Full Salads are offered. Desserts are popular too with Bread Pudding, Apple Pie A-La-Mode, Key Lime Pie, Sundaes and Shakes made from scratch. Lunch items are cheaper. Full bar featuring Cocktails and Margaritas. Kids menu available. Founded by Aubrey Good and Doug Rogers in 1979 in Arlington, TX. Now with 150 locations in 23 states, headquartered in Irving, TX. Other Florida locations are in Orlando, Tampa, Sanford, Daytona Beach and other potential cities, like Ocala. Matthew Ratliff, manager here. Another location is expected in Brooksville (see above).

Older Review: (from Rich C. 10/16) Q=3 S=5 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Cheers at Rainbow Springs, 19330 SW 83rd Place Rd., Dunnellon, FL. 40.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-460-1422. (American) (Southern) [L/D] Was originally called River Run at Rainbow Springs, then Franco's at River Run, it reopened January 5, 2023 as Cheers at Rainbow Springs with a new owner. Located on the west side of Rainbow Springs State Park, off US 41, just south of the Park Headquarters entrance. Open 11 AM - 8 PM daily, to 10 PM weekends, but closed on Tuesdays. Mostly Seafood and Cajun style dishes here. For starters try Spinach Dip, 5 Shrimp Cocktail and Crab Dip, Shrimp Creole, Jalapeño Dip or Southwest Egg Rolls. 2 Soups change daily. For dinner they have Garlic Butter Chicken, Pork and Chicken Creole, Shrimp Creole, 7 Shrimp Platter, Seabass, 10 oz. Prime Rib and Grouper. Most come with two sides. A few Burgers are offered. Sandwiches offered here include Grilled Cheese, Club, Ham/Turkey/Roast Beef, Grilled Chicken, Chicken Salad, Italian Style, Open Face Roast Beef, Corned Beef and Turkey/Bacon. Five Salads with add-ons extra. Desserts include Key Lime Pie, Cheesecake and Tiramisu. Full bar and cocktails. Music and dancing on weekends from 6:30 PM. Outdoor seating available. Marietta Fortuna, owner.

Cheesecake Factory (Orlando), 4200 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL. 53.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-226-0333. (American) (Continental) [L/D] Located at the main entrance of the Mall at Millenia and open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM, Sunday from 10 AM. Valet & self parking in the mall lot. Elaborate surroundings. A vast array of familiar and unfamiliar meals like Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, Herb Crusted Filet of Salmon, Crispy Spicy Beef, Shrimp Scampi and Pan Seared Albacore Tuna. Steaks include Steak Diane, Filet Mignon, Skirt Steak, Beef Ribs and Grilled Pork Chops, as well as Flat Iron Steak and Grilled Rib-Eye. Pastas include Arrabbiata, Carbonara, Marinara, Bolognese and Da Vinci styles. Sandwiches are also available like the Cuban, the Reuben, Crabcake, Shrimp & Bacon Club, California Cheesesteak, even a Grilled Cheese. Pizza, Burgers and Chicken dishes are also on the menu. Weight Management items also offered, like Pear and Endive Salad. Oddities like Pot Stickers, Snow Peas and Succotash add a surprising twist. Meals can range in price. Very large portions on many of their specialties. Sunday Brunch is very popular. Renowned for their famous cheesecakes including Godiva® Chocolate, Cherry, Snickers® Bar, Oreo® and Banana Cream. There's no end to the cheesecake flavors offered. Free Ice Cream dessert on your birthday. Large full bar featuring such concoctions as the Mosquito Bite and the Flying Gorilla. Even cold Apple Cider is available. Extensive wine list. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. Patio seating. Casual dress. Voted 2015 "Best Desserts" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. One of a large nationwide chain of over 200 locations, 16 of which are in Florida.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/09) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Francis M. 1/07) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dee O. 10/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Chef's Table At The Edgewater Hotel, 99 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL. 41.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-230-4837. (Continental) [D] Located in the historic Edgewater Hotel in downtown Winter Garden. Opens at 5:30 PM daily except Sunday and Monday when they are closed. Continental cuisine offered in a romantic atmosphere. Fine linen service. A prix fixe, 3 course menu might include Spring Mixed Salad or Foie Gras Crème Brûlée or Wild Mushroom Torte or Shrimp Grill for the first course; Grilled Rib Eye or Filet Mignon or Pork Tenderloin or Sesame Crusted Tuna, or Cajun Chicken Cassoulet, or Pan Seared Duck Breast for the main course and Chocolate Souffle or Berries Sauté or Banana Walnut Bread Pudding or Sorbet & Fruit for the last course. Wine pairing at extra per person, mating each course is offered. Vegan options available if you order ahead. A Five Cheese Course is also available. Reader's Choice winner for "Best Atmosphere" and Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Romantic Restaurant" in Orlando by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted winner for "Best Restaurant" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine readers. Voted a "Top Restaurant" in the area by OpenTable members. Full bar and extensive wine list. Corkage Fee: $30/btl. Voted "Best Place to Celebrate" by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Reservations accepted and advised on weekends. David Lampman, chef de cuisine; Crystal Womelsdorf, executive chef, Brent Slusher, manager; Laurie and Kevin Tarter, owners here and at The Tasting Room (see that listing). The owner's experience includes Victoria & Albert's (see that listing) and Arnaud's (New Orleans) restaurants.

Review: (from Mary Ann W. 11/24) Seating was in the rear room. Handicapped accessible. Delicious Mistletoe Mule ($14) and Local IPA ($9). 3 courses were $75, plus wine pairing at $35. The Mushroom & Chive Roulade was excellent, with Montpellier Pinot Noir, generous portion. Terrine De Poulet "OK". CT Pork Ribeye was delicious, generous serving. Braised Lamb Shank (+$5) was good. Fresh Tile Fish was moist, Hazelnut Brown Butter and Caviar Beurre Blanc, with Smashed Potatoes. Roasted Beets enhanced the presentation, tasty, but the Boccolini was undercooked and inedible. Fish paired well with Andre Brunel, Cotes Du Rhone Blanc. Best dessert was Gingerbread Bread Pudding, Poached Pear, Burnt Honey Thyme Ice Cream, with Quinta De La Rosa, Tawny Port. White Chocolate Crème Brûlée, Double Chocolate Cake. Vegan options available if ordered ahead.
Q=5 S=4 V=2 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Chez Paul (Epicurean Cuisine), 927 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, FL. 74.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-252-3588. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [D] Estabished in 1999, it's an iconic culinary venue with full linen service. Considered a special occasion, but family oriented, restaurant in costal Florida. Located 3 blocks east of US 1, right on the Halifax River at the Mason Ave. Bridge, just north of downtown. Serves French, Italian and other European cuisines. Hours are 5:30 to 10 PM, except closed Sunday and Monday. Open for occasional Sunday Brunch in season. Start your meal with Mezza Luna [Stuffed Ravioli], Mussels di Napoli, Amsterdam Carpaccio or Burgundy Region Escargot Champignon. For Soup, besides the du Jour selection, they have French Onion Soup. Salad choices include House, Elenor [Greens and Goat Cheese] and Classic Caesar for Two [prepared table-side]. For main dishes you'll see Chicken Marsala, German Pork Schnitzel, Café de Paris Filet Mignon, Steak au Poivre Vert, Veal Picatta and New Zealand Lamb Rack on the menu. For Seafood they have Shrimp Papa Paulo [Sautéed in Garlic], Coquille St. Jacques [Poached Sea Scallops] and Chilean Sea Bass [Pan Seared]. For carb lovers they offer Lasagna and Lobster Ravioli. Specials daily. Desserts include Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Cannoli and Tiramisu. Outdoor seating available on the upper deck facing the river. Full bar with Wine List. Reservations taken by phone and usually required. Paul Anthony Carpenella, former Daytona mayor, table greeter, chef and owner.

Chez Vincent, 533 West New England Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-599-2929. (Continental) (French) [L/D] Open 4:30 PM - 10 PM, except closed Monday and Tuesday. A few blocks west of Park Ave. in the revived Hannibal Square restaurant district. Intimate dining room. French cuisine served in a quiet atmosphere since 1997. Dinner entrées range in price. Paupiette de Poulet (Chicken Breast with Mushrooms) and Magret de Canard a l'Orange (Sautéed Duck in Orange Sauce) are just two of the items on the menu. Others include Filet de Chevreuil Montmorency (Venison in Port Wine), Carre d'Agneau au Bleu (Rack of Lamb with Blue Cheese Sauce) and Filet Mignon au Poivre (Beef Tenderloin with Cracked Black Pepper). For seafood they offer Truite aux Amandes (Sautéed Trout with Almonds), Merou a la Duxelle de Champignon (Sautéed Grouper with Mushrooms in a Cream Sauce), Coquilles St. Jacques (Sea Scallops Sautéed), Crevettes a l'Aneth (Gulf Shrimp in Dill Sauce), Saumon aux Framboises (Poached Salmon in a Sherry Raspberry Sauce) and Filet de Snapper (Steamed Snapper with a Seafood Fumet Sauce). 3 soups are offered each day including Soupe a l'Oignon (French Onion). Appetizers range from Moules (Mussels) to Escargot (Snails) to Grenouille (Frog Legs) to Caille (Quail). French desserts are available. A Prix Fixe Dinner with salad, choice of entrée and glass of wine priced per person. Dressy casual. White full linen service. Online or phone reservations accepted and advised on weekends. Full bar and nice wine list ranging $22-95 per bottle generally, but into the $100-300 range too. 15 wines by the glass offered. $25 Corkage Fee for your own wine. 2008 runner-up for "Best French Restaurant" in the Orlando area by WESH-2 News A-List. 2008, 2009, 2011 & 2012 Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best French Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. A graduate of Clermont Ferrand Culinary Academy in Moulins, France - Vincent and wife Teri Gagliano, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/13) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Chima Steakhouse (Orlando), 7830 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-404-6001. (Steakhouse) [D] Opened July, 2023. Right on "Restaurant Row", in the Plaza Venezia, where a Bonefish Grill was located, near Dr. Phillips Blvd. Hours are 5 to 10 PM daily, except 4 to 9 PM on Sunday. Full linen service in a contemporary atmosphere of grays, tans and blacks. It's a Brazilian Steakhouse with cowboys (gauchos) coming to your table with skewered meat. Prix Pixe dinner with Rodizio and Salad Bar or just the Salad Bar with Picanha, Salmon or Chicken on a Pineapple skewer, priced lower. Desserts and appetizers are extra. Full bar, extensive wine list from the Wine Vault. Reservations accepted and encouraged by phone. Valet parking available. One of 5 upscale steakhouses scattered in the eastern US. Another Florida location is in Ft. Lauderdale. Corporate owned.

Chop Block Grill, 691 S. Broad St., Brooksville, FL. 50.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-678-6767. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Estabished September, 2019. Located on US 41, near the US 98 intersection, in the Hernando Shopping Plaza, near Family Dollar. Contemporary décor with neutral colors and wood tables in many booths for 4 people. "Casual Urban Dining." Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Friday, 4 PM to 9 PM Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. For appetizers they offer Clam Chowder or French Onion Soup, Cuban Egg Rolls, Spanakopita, Fried Butterfly Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Seafood main dishes include 8 oz. Ginger Bourbon Salmon, 8 oz. Mahi Mahi with Rice, Lobster Roll, Fried Coconut Shrimp, 8 oz. Cajun Grouper, Twin 4 oz. Maine Lobster Tails and Salmon & Crab Roulade. Each comes with a side and small Caesar or Garden Salad. Vegetarian items include Veggies & Couscous, Teriyaki Veggie Stir Fry or Veggie Bolognese. Three Pasta dishes like Cajun Chicken or Cajun Shrimp Alfredo and Shrimp Scampi are on the menu also. But the loyal patrons come for the many featured Steaks. 8 or 12 oz. Loin Steaks, 10 or 14 oz. Prime NY Strip Steaks, 12 or 16 oz. Prime Ribeye and an 8 oz. Prime Filet Mignon are on the beef list. Alternately, a Bourbon Chicken, 14 oz. Pork Chop or Bourguignon Pork Tenderloin are the non-beef choices. Toppings, Sauces, Bacon, etc. add to the bill. Each grill item also comes semi-a-la-carte with a side and a small Salad. More sides are extra. Desserts vary and include Layer Cake Slices and Cheesecake. Lunch items are served only 'til 4 PM and include Sandwiches and Platters that run $8-14 each. A Plant Based Burger is offered, same as the ½ lb. beef version. Nice small wine selection runs $5-12/gl. with Whites $14-27/btl. and Reds $14-35/btl. Some are from Italy. A bottle of Lombardy Sparkling Pinot Bianco Brut is $75 for top shelf. Some Draft Beers. Beer and wine licensed only. Reservations by phone, highly recommended. Todd Smith and Eric Gallery, owners.

Christini's Ristorante Italiano, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL. 55.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-345-8770. (Continental) (Italian) [D] Located off "Restaurant Row". Open 6 PM to 11 PM. Open since 1984. Lavish interior. Black and white full linen service. Jackets required. One of Orlando's best known and expensive restaurants. Appetizers include Mozzarella Caprese, Prosciutto Melone, Melanzane Parmigiana, Funghi Ripieni, Calamari Fritti, Gamberoni [Shrimp] alla Venezia and Carpaccio de Manzo. Their only Soup is Pasta e Fagioli. Salads are Insalata Carpricciosa, Insalata Mista and Insalata con Funghi. For the Pasta Course they offer Spaghetti al Pomodoro, Ravioli Aurora, Fettuccine alla Christini, Linguini alla Primavera, Gnocchi Bolognese, Rigatoni alla Zozzona, Melanzane Parmigiana and Ravioli di Pesce. For seafood entrées they offer Shrimp alla Scampi, Aragosta [Lobster] Fra Diavolo, Spigola [Sea Bass] alla Christini, Lobster or Shrimp of the Day and Fish Filet of the Day, all at Market Prices. They also have Chicken Piccata, Chicken Formaggi, Chicken Marsala, Veal Piccata al Limone, Veal Marsala, Saltimboca, Veal with Mushrooms and Lobster Medallions and Prime Filet Mignon. The Osso Bucco d'Agnello (Lamb Shank) is featured. Side dishes are extra. Summer specials reduce the prices about $5/entrée. Desserts range from Sorbet and Gelato, to Cannoli to Tiramisu. A strolling accordionist adds to the Italian atmosphere. Complimentary valet parking. Full bar with extensive Wine List. "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Voted a "Top Restaurant" in the area by OpenTable members. In business 45 years, Chris Christini (RIP) and family, owners.

Older Review: (from Cheryl L. 7/17) Q=4 S=5 V=2 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from John O. 6/24) The décor of this restaurant is old dark wood Italian with the walls covered with pictures of celebrities that have eaten here. We started with appetizers of a trio of Calamari, Meatball and Penne Vodka Pasta. We also order Olives that are imported from the owner's farm in Greece. For entrées, we had Eggplant Parmigiana and Veal Piccata along with two sides of Pasta (not included). We finished with a piece of Chocolate Mousse Cake that we shared. The price with one glass of wine before t&t was $226. Being in business for 40 years this restaurant is in a class of its own. The service, food, décor was well above my expectations and would recommend for anyone celebrating a special occasion.
Q=5 S=5 V=3 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Christner's Prime Steak & Lobster, 729 Lee Rd., Orlando, FL. 59.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-645-4443. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Formerly called Del Frisco's and no longer licensed to use that name. An upscale elegant steakhouse, opened in 1993 as a family business. Opens at 5 PM daily, except closed Sundays. Located on SR 423, just west of I-4. Appetizers from Onion Rings and Shrimp Scampi to Fried Oysters and Shrimp Cocktail are popular. Dinner or Caesar Salad as well as a Lettuce Wedge are offered. Soups include Lobster Bisque. Lighter entrées are Shrimp Scampi, Fried Shrimp, and Salmon. In beef, 8 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 18 oz. Prime Bone-In Ribeye, Prime Strip, Porterhouse and Beef Wellington, are available. Other meat offerings include Prime Lamb Chop, Veal Porterhouse, and Osso Buco Veal Shank. Small beef portions like Filet Beef Tips and Governor's Filet are sold too. Vegetable portions are a-la-carte like Potatoes au Gratin, Pasta Frisco, Asparagus, Mushrooms and Creamed Corn. Piano lounge provides entertainment. Full bar and extensive Wine List. Corkage Fee: $35/btl. for your own wine. The Wine Room has 6,000 bottles of wine. Online and phone reservations accepted and advised. Free valet and self parking. Smart casual attire accepted; coat and tie optional. 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Foodie Reader's Choice winner for "Best Steakhouse" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted "Best Business Dinner" and "Best Steakhouse" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Zoli Davis, executive chef; Carole and David Christner, owners.

Older Review: (from Lori S. 12/19) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Chroma (Modern Bar + Kitchen), 6967 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL. 70.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-955-4340. (American) (Asian) [L/D] Opened in mid-2016. Located in the new Lake Nona area, this ultra-contemporary venue offers plenty of small bite plates. It's a social thing here too, so it can be noisy. Open weekdays from 11 AM and Saturday and Sunday from 3 PM and closes at 10 PM on Sunday or later on weekends. In the Sliders Dept. you can find a Cheeseburger, Chroma Burger, Pulled Pork Burger or a Lamb Burger. In the Rabbit Food Dept. you can find Local Greens, Chopped Heirloom Salad, Tuscan Kale and Quinos or Spinach & Charred Apple. The Seafood Dept. has Fish Tacos, Sautéed Mussels, Fish & Chips, Wild Tuna Poke, Florida Shrimp, Kung Pao Calamari and Crab & Artichoke Dip. The Meat Dept. has Baked Meatballs, Chicken Satay, Buffalo Chicken Wontons, Grilled Chicken Thighs, Corn-flaked Chicken Drumsticks, Florida Pork Ribs, Corned Beef Brisket Empanades, Lamb Ribs, Pork Belly Ramen Tonkotsu, Roasted Bone Marrow, Grilled NY Strip and a Skirt Steak. Vegetarian Dept. has Bourbon-Maple Sweet Potato, Snow Peas, Patatas Bravas, French Fries, Charred Shishito Peppers or Chilled Asparagus. In the Lost and Found Dept. you can discover Deviled Egg, Roasted Edamame, Fried Goat Cheese, Potato Gnocchi, Guava and Goat Cheese Flatbread, a Charcuterie Board and a Fromage Board to share. Not to be outdone, the Wholesale Dept. has meals for sharing for 4 patrons, like Spaghetti & Meatballs, Jambalaya, 20 ounces of Grilled Sirloin Steak and a 30 ounce Bone-In Grilled Ribeye. From the Sugar Pantry you can order Apple Crisp, Bead Pudding, Rum Spiked Fresh Berries, Key Lime Pie or a Pot de Crème au Chocolat. Specialty Sodas are $5 each, as are Lemonades and Iced Teas. Crafted Cocktails, like a Pineapple Caipirinha, run $9-12 each. About 2 dozen wines by the glass in 3/6/9 oz. pours or by bottles ($36-87/btl. for Whites) and ($36-125/btl. for Reds) are offered. Some are their own California label. Local and imported beers are available, as are flights for the undecided or ultra-thirsty. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Outdoor lounge available. Online or phone reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Jason Bergeron, chef. Part of the Tavistock Restaurant collection.

Ciao Italia, 6149 Westwood Blvd., Orlando, FL. 58.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-354-0770. (Italian) [D] In business since 1991. Located near Exit #1 of the SR-528 and I-Drive, not far from the Orange County Convention Center. Nicely appointed dining room in a run down plaza. Black and white or multi-color full linen service gives an upscale look to the interior. Open 5-10 PM daily. A wide variety of Italian specialties are offered in this long established restaurant. Soups include Pasta e Fagioli, Vegetable Chowder and Aragosta Lobster Bisque. The menu has Bruschetta, Insalata Caesar, Insalata dello Chef, Insalata Novella and Caprese. Involtine di Melenzane, Cozze, Calamari Saltati, Broccoli Rabe and Antipasto Italiano are offered. Over one dozen Pastas, like Lasagne, Rigatoni alla Siciliana, Fettuccine Alfredo, Linguine con Vongole and Ravioli de Pesce are just some that are on the menu. Main courses include Pollo al Limoncello di Casa,Vitello alla Marsala, Pork Chops, Salmon and Filetto are available. Specials are offered daily. Dessert list is creative. Beer and wine licensed. Specialty Italian wines are well paired with their food. Wines by the glass offered. Wine by the bottle run $36-140/btl. $25 Corkage Fee for personal wines allowed. Online or phone reservations accepted.Navarra family, owners.

Review: (from Neal P. 8/24) The restaurant is in a strip mall. Our waiter, Fabiano, suggested we drink the Mineral Water as the city water has a poor taste. On the Magical Dining $40 menu, we had the Bruschetta for the appetizer and it was fresh and had a flavorful taste. For the main course I had the Veal Piccata with the Mashed Potatoes and it had good taste and flavor. My date had the Sachetti al Filetto (Pasta and Filet). The meat was tough and the portion of the meat was very skimpy. For dessert I had the Ricotta Cheese Cake and my date had the Limoncello Cake both were homemade and tasted great. It was an hour drive from the Villages but would not return. The total bill before t&t was $88.
Q=3 S=4 V=1 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.

Cilantro (Indian Cuisine), 360 W. Plant St. (Suite #103), Winter Garden, FL. 41.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-395-3400. (Indian) [L/D] Opened in May, 2023. Located between the Plant St. Market and City Hall, entrance off S. Central Ave. in the back of that building. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM daily, except closed Monday and also closed 3:00 to 4:30 PM each day. Nicely decorated dining area. "Made-to-order dishes take a little time." Wide choice of regional Indian dishes here, especially vegetarian and vegan. For appetizers you will find Samosa, Masala Fries, Chicken Wings, Manchurian Momos, Tacos, Masala Papsdum and Garlic Edamame among others. For dinner, Navaratnam Korma, Palak Paneer, Methi Mutter Malai, Dal Tadka, Aloo Palak and Soya Chaap Bhuna are on the menu for vegetarian items. Then there's Lamb Chop Masala, Tikka Masala, Vindaloo, Bhuna, Saag, Kadai, Curry dishes and others. Butter Chicken is featured. Mumbai Sizzlers in an iron skillet are popular. So is Tandoori, like Tikka, Nawabi Chicken, Lamb Chops and Mixed Platters. Naan Bread and Biryani make up side dishes. Lunch items (ends at 3 PM) are similar but Bowls and Sandwiches are also available. Desserts include Gulab Jamun, Puddings and Rasmalai. Some outdoor seating available. Beer and wine licensed. Happy Hour is 50% off Beer and Wine by the bottle on Tuesday or $2 off by the glass, Wednesday through Friday evenings but before 6:30 PM. Indian Imported Beers are sold here too. Sangria and Mocktails are made. Kids menu available. Reservations taken by phone or on their website. Suresh Cherivirala, Vijay Ginda, Prasad Kasi, Kalyankar Tota and Chirag Patel, owners.

Review: (from Jackie N. 12/24) It's a modern Indian restaurant. The three of us shared 3 appetizers, 3 entrées and 2 desserts. The Samosas were good; the Garlic Edamame was exceptional but the Masala Papadum had too many Onions on it for our liking. Loved the Papadum however. The entrées included Palek Paneer (Creamed Spinach Puree with Indian Cottage Cheese), Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Tandoori. We put the Paneer and Tikka Masala over Rice and used the Naan Bread to scoop up the delicious leftover sauce. I was not surprised that the Chicken Tandoori was a little dry as it is rare that I get it served as moist as I would like. The Gulub Jamun desserts (Fried Doughnut hole served in Sugar Syrup flavored with Cardamom and Rose Water) and the Ras Malai (Cottage Cheese in a Sweet Milk Sauce flavored with Saffron and Cardamom) are two of the three Indian desserts that are the main reasons why I go out for Indian food. We can make our own Curries and Chicken Tikka Masala at home but too much work to make the desserts. Wish there was an Indian restaurant in The Villages. The bill was $80 before t&t.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Cintrón, 2441 NW 43rd St., Gainesville, FL. 66.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-505-3131. (Caribbean) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened in August, 2020. Located in the Thornebrook Villages Shopping Center, northwest of the city off NW 23rd Ave. in the Madison Park neighborhood. Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, later on weekends, except closed all day Sunday. Puerto Rican influenced Florida/Caribbean cuisine, attractively presented. Decidedly Latin atmosphere and flavors. Start with Truffle Queso Frito, Floribbean Eggrolls, Yuca-Crusted Calamari Frito, Ajonjoli Seared Tuna, Island Chicken Wings, Duck Stuffed Tostones or Shrimp & Passion Fruit Ceviche. For Sandwiches they offer a Grilled Chicken, Prime Beef Burger, Cuban Dip, Blackened Fish, or Tacos Borrachos [Fried Fish]. Seafood entrées include Scampi Pasta, Mango-Mustard Glazed Salmon or Shrimp Stuffed Yellow Tail Snapper. Also Mojo Roasted Chicken, Chuleta Kan Kan [Pork Chop], Churrasco Frittes and a 14 oz. Grilled Ribeye Steak can be ordered. Other lighter dishes include Cauliflower Wings, Corn Avocado, Mushroom Tacos, Veggie Burger and Truffle Mushroom Bolognese [Pasta with Mushroom Sauce]. Various Salads are offered. Soup is here too. For dessert you can choose from Helado [Ice Cream], Tropical Fruit Sorbet, Tierrita [Chocolate Mousse], Coconut Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches or Café Con Leche Crème Brûlée. Kids Menu runs Pasta to a mini Filet Mignon. Each comes with a side. Lunch items are the same price as dinner dishes. Full bar. Wines by the glass, or $29-66/bottle for Whites or $30-65/bottle for Reds. Specialty Cocktails like Daiquiris, Mai Tais, Margaritas, Martinis and Mojitos available. Happy Hour, at the bar only, runs 3-7 PM, Monday through Friday with discount on all Wine, Beers and Special Cocktails, plus Bar Snack Specials. Large outdoor seating available. Occasional Latin entertainment. Reservations accepted by phone. Francisco Carmona, Veronica, Wanda and Hector (chef) Cintrón, owners.

City Works Eatery & Pour House, 1486 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-801-3730. (Brew Pub) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Opened January, 2020. Located near the Orange Parking Garage and the NBA Store at the west end of Disney Springs. Open daily 11 AM to 11 PM, later on weekends. 8,600 sq. ft. here to roam around in. Padded booths and regular tables are scattered in this large space. They have ninety local, national and global beers on tap. That says it all! Bud Light? Of, course. Babycakes Oatmeal Stout? That too. Latrappe Quadrupel? All the way from Holland. A board announces the rotating brews. It's a typical tourist attraction, with touristy prices but the locals come here anyway. Start with Fried Pickles, Popcorn Chicken, Pretzel Bites or Cheese Curds for an appetizer. You can share Smoked Chicken Wings, Chicken Dip, Queso Dip, Kung Pao Cauliflower or Buffalo Shrimp. Chicken or Fish Tacos are here and so are Burgers, Wraps, Sliders and Pulled Sandwiches. For main entrées they offer Rigatoni, Southern, Smoked or Tex-Mex Mac 'n Cheese, Fish 'n Chips, 10 oz. Pork Chop, Smoked BBQ Ribs, Pan-Seared Salmon, or a Smoked BBQ Platter. For dessert you'll be tempted by Baked Cookie Dough or Peanut Butter Snickers® Pie. They offer a Brunch Menu on Saturday and Sunday before 3 PM, where items are reduced, like the 8 oz. NY Strip Steak with Eggs. Full bar, not just beer with a Happy Hour. Beer Flights are popular, however. Specialty Cocktails at Brunch or a Flight of 4 Mimosas are sold. Mules are popular. A Magnum of Bubbly and Juices for 3 or more people is offered. Limited Wines in bottles $30-46 each. Kids menu too. Heated outdoor seating available. Reservations accepted by phone or Open Table online. A small chain of 9 locations, out of Chicago, IL. run by Bottleneck Management Restaurant Group, owners.

Clermont Brewing Co., 750 W. Desoto St., Clermont, FL. 32.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-430-2337. (Brew Pub) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Open since May, 2019. a.k.a. the "CBC". Located one block south of Montrose, the main drag, in downtown Clermont. It's a 7,600 s.f. hall with warm surroundings. They open daily at 11:30 AM, until 10, 11 or 12. They make a few craft brews like Hefeweizen, Kolsch, Pale Ale, IPA, Amber, Oktoberfest, Wit, Milk Stout, Porter and others. For food they have Chips & Salsa, Hummus and Meatballs to start. For larger portions they make BBQ Pork or Mojo or Korean BBQ Street Tacos, Smoked Chicken Dip, Pork or Chicken Sliders and Mojo Pork Nachos. They also offer some Sushi dishes. Thin Crust Pizza is also popular, like the Margherita. Salads featured, in two sizes, are Brewster or Asian Chopped and Santa Fe or Strawberry Burrata. For dessert you'll see Gelato, Key Lime Cake and others. Full bar. Half Price Happy Hour is weekdays 3-6 PM. Craft cocktails are here too. Sangria, Margarita and Cider is offered. Wines by the glass and by the bottle at $20-62. Some Coravin pours kept fresh. They feature live music, trivia or karaoke every night except Quiet Monday. Outdoor covered porch seating for some outdoor entertainment. Picnic tables, hi-tops and couches too. TVs for the sports minded. David Earl and Darren Johnson, owners.

Clermont Oyster Bar, 1500 S. Hwy. 27, Clermont, FL. 33.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-242-2857. (Brew Pub) (Seafood) [L/D] Near the intersection of US 27 and SR 50 interchange, off Hooks Street and up E. Minnehaha Ave. It's attached to BonJorn Real Estate business. Limited parking. Hours are 11 AM to 11 PM daily, but only Noon to 9 PM on Sundays. A "hole in the wall" operation opened in 2009. Sit and watch the "shuckers". Today's prices on the blackboard. Start with Cheese Sticks, Fish Nuggets, Fried Pickles, Fish Dip, Clam Strips, Fried Mushrooms, Onion Petals, Hush Puppies, Fried Mac-N-Cheese Bites or an Appetizer Trio. Clam Chowder and Shrimp, Fish, Chicken or Ahi Salads are popular. 10 Wings with 6 Sauces are offered here. Then Steamed Clams, Fried or Steamed Shrimp, and Raw, Steamed or Fried Oysters are the mainstay here. Order them by the Half Dozen, Dozen or Bucketful. Baskets of White Fish, Shrimp, Clam Strips, Oysters or Chicken Tenders make a meal. Snow Crab Leg Clusters are sold here too. Tacos and Sandwiches are popular at lunch or dinner with White Fish, Fish Reuben, Oyster, Shrimp or Buffalo Chicken PoBoys served on Hoagie Rolls. Side dishes and a kids menu complete the long list. Meals served on trays or in paper-lined baskets. Beer and wine licensed. Mostly outdoor seating. Occasional live music and backyard games. Surcharge added for using credit cards. Joseph E. BonJorn, Joseph R. BonJorn and Erin Day, owners.

Review: (from Max C. 4/25) We had Fish Nuggets Appetizer, 6 Steamed Oysters, a Spicy Garlic Shrimp Plate and 3 Beers. Total was $54 plus tip for two. Definitely not Gourmet but really good Seafood and Cold Beer. Lots of fun. Don’t be surprised if you drive past the location, it is off the road just a bit and no big flashing sign.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Cocina 214, 151 E. Welbourne Ave., Winter Park, FL. 53.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-790-7997. (Mexican) [L/D] Located one block south of Morse Blvd. and one block east of S. Park Ave. Opens at 11 AM every day. Billed as a very contemporary Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant. The 214 is Dallas Texas' area code. The menu is extensive. A variety of Nachos, Quesadillas, Taquerias, Fajitas, Burritos, Enchiladas and other dishes jam the menu pages, like the Fried Rock Shrimp Tacos. Specialty dishes like Carne Asada, Pescado Rico, Corn-Crusted Mahi, Camarones Brochette and Cocina Aged NY Strip Steak. Sopas and Ensaladas are offered, like the Tuna Sashimi Salad. Lunch specials daily. Saturday and Sunday Brunch include types of Huevos. Full bar makes Margaritas, Caipirinhas, Mojitos and serves Mexican and domestic beers as well. Wine and champagne available too. Happy Hour 4:30 to 6:30 PM Monday through Thursday. 2012 Foodie Reader's Choice winner for "Best Overall Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted "Best Mexican Restaurant" and "Best Happy Hour" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. 20% gratuity added to parties of 12 or more. Russ Greer, owner.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 1/14) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Teruko O. 7/14) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 2/15) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Colorado Fondue Company, 1016 E. Semoran Blvd., Casselberry, FL. 56.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-767-8232. (Fondue) [D] Opens at 5:30 PM daily, except 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday.Located at the corner of SR 436 and Red Bug Lake Road in the Greater Market Plaza. Déor is reminiscent of a Colorado lodge, complete with moose head. Not a chain. Long established, relaxed atmosphere, restaurant offering combination dinners as well as individual entrée selections. Entrées include choice of side salad or soup, pasta, red-skinned potatoes, mixed vegetables and sauces. Cheese Fondue appetizers such as Cheddar Santa Fe, Four Corners, Fontina Tuscany, Alpine Swiss and Spinach and Artichoke Fonduta are offered. Entrées such as Vegetarian, Breast of Chicken, Chicken & Shrimp, Colorado Lodge Sirloin, Sirloin & Shrimp, Pork Tenderloin, Black Tiger Shrimp, Scallops & Shrimp, Filet Mignon or Sea Scallops are on the menu. Side additions from Edamame to Mushrooms to Filet Mignon Pieces are extra. Sharing fondue desserts such as Kahlua Milk Chocolate, Dark Raspberry Chocolate, Colorado Mudslide, Cookies & Cream, Amaretto White Chocolate and a few others are offered at the end of the meal. Combination dinners including salad and dessert with various main courses, available at varying prices per couple. Reservations accepted and advised on weekends. 18% suggested gratuity added to parties of 5 or more. Full bar and wine list. Blake Alders, owner.

Colorado's Prime Steak, 3863 S. Orlando Dr. (US 17/92), Sanford, FL. 53.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-324-1741. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Opened in 1995. Not a chain, locally owned. Located on US 17/92 just south of Lake Mary Blvd. Hours are workdays 11 AM to 9 PM, Saturday Noon to 10 PM, Sunday 4 to 9 PM. Warm casual décor with vinyl tablecloths. Let's start with appetizers like Potato Skins, Onion Rings, Fried Greens Tomatoes, Fried Mushrooms, Smoked Rib Basket, Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Wings or Skins+Wings+Ribs Combo. Sandwiches include Fried Chicken Breast, Teriyaki Chicken, Ham on Rye, Fish Filet, Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Po' Boy, Prime Rib and Single or Double Sirloin Burger. Each come with Fries. The main attraction is Beef, like 6 oz. Little Ribeye, 8/12/16 oz. Smoked Prime Rib, 10/14 oz. NY Strip Steak, 12 oz. Ribeye, Tenderloin Kebob, T-Bone, and an 8 oz. Filet Mignon. They also offer Grilled or Fried Fish Filet, 6/12 oz. Broiled Chicken Breasts, Grilled Roasted Pork Loin, Chicken Tenderloin, Half/Whole Rack Baby Back Ribs, Fettuccine with choice of Chicken/Steak/Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Grilled Salmon and Garlic Shrimp. All come with a Salad of choice, Vegetable Medley or Slaw and choice of a Starch. Kids menu available. Extras add to the bill. Large Salads like Wedge, BLT, Chicken Caesar, Pan Asian Chicken and others are on the menu. Soups like Spanish Onion, Potato Soup and Chili are offered. Full bar offers Cocktails, Draft Beer and Wines like Whites or Reds at $22-28/btl. and Mondavi House Wine by the glass. Happy Hour everyday until 7 PM is "Buy-One Get-One". Corkage Fee: $10/btl. for wines not already on their menu. Reservations accepted by phone. Note: Regardless of their name, the menu does NOT indicate that their beef is USDA Prime Grade but they DO reference "Colorado Beef". If concerned, inquire in the restaurant. Dwayne Pratt, owner.

Columbia Restaurant (Celebration), 649 Front St., Celebration, FL. 58.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-566-1506. (Caribbean) (Spanish) [L/D] The original location is in Ybor City (see that listing). This one is located in downtown Celebration since 1997 opposite Lake Rianhard. Open every day from 11:30 AM including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Start with a glass or whole pitcher of Mojitos or the Homemade Sangria or their famous 1905 Martini. Their "1905 Salad" is a legend and can accompany any entrée for an extra charge as a side salad. Many tapas are offered and include Queso Fundido (Cheese Dip), Espinaca y Garbanzos Burgos (Spinach and Beans), Coca de Langosta (Lobster Flatbread) and Gambas "Al Ajillo" (Shrimp). Full entrées include Mahi Mahi, Salmon, Shrimp, Cannelloni de Langosta, Snapper, Pompano, even Grouper. Cuban Veal is offered , as is Ropa Vieja, Palomilla, Roast Pork and Filet Steak Salteado. Other beef items include Filet Mignon or with Bacon or Flambéed Bourbon and a 16 oz. Delmonico Steak. Chicken dishes are also available. Perhaps the most sought after is Paella from Vegetarian Style, to Valenciana Style, to Marinera Style. Combination plates are offered too. For dessert you can choose from Churros, a Guava Turnover, Crema Catalana, Chocolate Cake, Key Lie Pie, Brazo Gitano and of course, Spanish Flan. Gluten Free items are shown on the menu. Children's menu available. Gift Shop and Cigar Store. Online or phone reservations accepted. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights from 8-12 PM in the Tapas Bar. Full bar and very large wine list, specializing in Spanish wines, is available. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award from Florida Trend Magazine. 7 locations across Florida. Still family owned and operated by Richard and Casey Gonzmart. Candido Ferreira, general manager here.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 7/13) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jackie N. 4/21) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City), 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL. 100.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-248-4961. (Caribbean) (Spanish) [L/D] This is the original location in Ybor City. Now with 6 other versions in Florida. Open 365 days a year from 11 AM. Authentic cuisine from Spain and Cuba. Elaborate historic Spanish decor. Tapas to full dinners are available. Paella a la Valencia, Red Snapper Alicante, Grouper a la Rusa, Pompano en Papillot as well as Shrimp Criollo are some of the seafood offerings. Pollo Riojana, Filet Mignon Columbia, Palaomilla, Roast Pork a la Cubana and Rack of Veal Leno Rodriguez are some of the meat entrées. Flan and Florida Key Lime Pie are typical of the desserts. Main dishes range in price. Full bar and extensive wine list with over 1000 selections. "Best of Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Gluten free items noted. Flamenco dancing and other entertainment every evening except Sunday with cover charge. Casual dress. Online or phone reservations accepted. Popular with tourists and for banquets, business dinners and lunches. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Geraldo Bayona, executive chef. Opened by Casimiro Hernandez in 1905 at this location. Still family operated.

Older Review: (from Dan K. 7/07) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rochelle B. 1/21) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from David G. 5/23) Four of us had lunch at this famous restaurant, unfortunately, it did not live up to its reputation. We were seated in about five minutes without a reservation. Service was prompt, knowledgeable and friendly. The provided hot Cuban Bread and homemade Butter was quite good. My wife had a cup of Caldo ($6) a Sausage and Bean Soup that was also very good, however her Cuban Sandwich ($14), claimed to be the original Cuban in Florida, was not up to par, many are better in The Villages area. I had the recommended Steak Salteado ($22), Filet Steak Tips with Chorizo, Onions and Potatoes in a brown gravy and Yellow Rice. I was just OK. Total before t&t was $42.
Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Donna B. 1/24) A dozen members of my book club visited Ybor City recently and had lunch at this restaurant. Almost everyone of us had the Half and Half Combo ($15): A choice of one half of their famous Cuban Sandwich and one half order of Columbia's Original "1905" Salad. We all agreed that the Cuban Sandwich was dry and the Salad (which was made at the table) was just OK. I had a cup of the Cuban Coffee. It was very strong. And, I split a Key Lime Pie with another person in the group ($10 per slice). Although it was very crowded, we were seated promptly and the service was very good. My bill before t&t was $26. When I return, I will order something different from the lunch menu. I would also like to try the dinner menu.
Q=3 S=4 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.

Conestogas Restaurant, 14920 Main St., Alachua, FL. 76.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-462-1294. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Area tradition since 1988. Located 16 miles north of Gainesville, near Exit 399 of I-75, right on Main St., 2 blocks south of US 441 in the cute town of Alachua. Opens at 11 AM daily except closed Sunday. Noted for their steaks. Best sellers, Conestoga Sirloin Lunch Cut, Junior Cut or Senior Cut, plus a Surf 'n Turf option tops their menu. A Tenderfoot Filet Mignon is on the list, as is a Ribeye Steak and a New York Strip. Other choices include a Sirloin Tips, Chicken and Tender Sirloin Tips Combo and Chicken, Shrimp and Sirloin Tips Combo. Fried Chicken, Liver and Onions, Marinated Chicken, Fried Whitefish, Chicken, Onions and Peppers, Country Fried Steak, Grilled Shrimp, Fried Shrimp and Suwannee Swai are also offered. All these come with two side dishes. Ground Beef Patties are also offered. Large salads are available too. Burgers and Hoagies are offered. Children's menu is available and Senior Citizen items are offered too. Ice Cream desserts are popular here. Beer and wine licensed. Daily Specials Hotline is 386-462-8133. Ricky, Donna and Melissa Robertson, owners.

Cook's Buffet, Café & Bakery, 704 N. Woodland Blvd., Deland, FL. 48.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-734-4339. (American) (Buffet) [L/D] Opened in April, 2011. Hours are 11 AM to 8:30 PM, 7 days per week. To 9 PM weekends. Located just north of Stetson University on US 92. Features a large Buffet and a 20 foot Salad Bar. Offers fresh vegetables, soups, nightly specials and homemade desserts. The Lunch Buffet with an entrée and vegetables is priced per person; with the salad bar it's extra. The Salad Bar alone is one price and add for a cup of soup. Dinner Buffet starts at 4 PM weekdays and 11 AM on Sundays and Holidays. It's one price for salads only, another for salads and vegetables, and another for the full buffet that includes a carved entrée like Ham, Turkey, Beef, Seafood, etc. Beverage and dessert are extra. Children under 10 are priced accordingly. For lunch you can also order off a menu that includes a Reuben, Grilled Chicken Pita, ½ Pound Cheeseburger or a Pulled Pork Sandwich, all with French Fries. You can also find Filet of Fish Sandwich, Grilled Cheese and Soup, Open Faced Pot Roast Sandwich or a Southwest Taco Salad. Homemade soups include Chicken Velvet, Red Velvet or a Soup du Jour. Inside and porch seating available. Vinyl tablecloths and linen napkins keep the place neat. Beer and wine available. Eat free during your birthday week, once a year, with 24 hour advance reservations, proper ID and three other full buffet purchases. Family run. Don Wilson, manager; Michael and Star Cook, owners.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant (Waterford Lakes), 529 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL. 65.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-374-2464. (American) (Wine Bar) [D] Opened April, 2014. A new dining concept in the Waterford Lakes Town Center, on CR 434 between the 408 East-West Expressway and E. Colonial Dr. (SR 50). This very large 10,000 s.f. restaurant with patio can handle 330 diners. Open 3-9 PM daily. Let's start with the wines, each of their own brand of 50 wines are available by the glass or bottle. For example: Blanc de Blanc Sparkling, Pinot Gris, Un-oaked Chardonnay, Lux Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Lux Pinot Noir, Malbec, Shiraz, Cab Sauvignon, Red Zin, and Lux Meritage. The full range goes from a White Zin to a Winemaker's Handcrafted Red Blend Reserve straight from the barrels. Fruit Wines, Ice Wines and Wine Cocktails are also available. Wine flights can also be ordered for a pairing of each course. $8 Corkage Fee allowed for your own wine or purchased in their adjacent Wine Shop. Fancy Cocktails and Craft Beers available. On to the food; appetizers like Chicken Potstickers, Asian Pork Belly Tostadas, Thai Lettuce Wraps, Blackened Ahi Tuna, a Cheese Plate and even an Appetizer Sampler can be assembled for the table. For entrées, they offer Fish & Chips, Jambalaya, Soy Ginger Salmon, Crab Cakes and Sea Scallops for example. Then there's Pretzel-Crusted Pork Medallions, Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, Churrasco Grilled Skirt Steak, Trio of Beef Medallions, 7/9 oz. Filet Mignon and a 14 oz. New York Strip. Crusted choices or Mushroom toppings are extra. Side dishes like Asian Slaw, Mary's Whipped Potatoes, Loaded Baked Potato and Roasted Veggies are extra too. They also have 5 Chicken dishes and 6 Pasta dishes. Burgers come in a wide variety. A half dozen Flatbreads and large Salads are available. Crab & Lobster Bisque is always available. Lunch size portions for some of their main dishes are offered. The "Life Balance" menu offers items under 600 calories. A dozen desserts keep some diners "Off Balance". A complete Gluten free menu is available too. Kids menu available. After dinner wines suggested always. Each menu item has a suggested bin number for easy pairing. This grape contract Canadian/US winery, not satisfied with just selling wine, is now an upscale casual dining chain with two dozen locations, mostly in the mid-west, each has a dining room, a full-service bar, a barrel-aging private room and a Napa-style wine tasting room with gift shop, all rolled into one large complex. The restaurants started in 2005 in Orland Park (Chicago), IL. They also offer Wine Tours and a Wine Club. Other Florida locations are in Tampa and I-Drive, Orlando. Reservations taken online and much advised. Tim Mahler, general manager here; corporate owned.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 10/14) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 2/18) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/21) Q=3 S=4 V=5 Total=12 out of 15. Return=No.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant (I-Drive), 8005 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 55.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-956-3400. (American) (Wine Bar) [B/L/D] Opened September, 2014. At the corner of I-Drive and W. Sand Lake Road (SR 482), just off Exit 74A of I-4 in the I-Shop Plaza. This huge, 12,400 square-foot location open 6:30 AM to 10 PM daily; later on weekends and can handle 340 patrons. This one serves breakfast too. Besides 50 styles of wine to have with your meal or take home (see above location), they offer a wide variety of food items like Asian Pork Belly Tostadas, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Southwest Egg Rolls, Chicken Potstickers, Stuffed Mushrooms, Calamari, Thai Lettuce Wraps, Crab Cakes, Drunken Shrimp, and other appetizers, or a 4 item sampler for a price. A number of Flatbreads like Italian Sausage & Ricotta are offered. For entrées you can find Fish & Chips, Jambalaya, Soy Ginger Salmon, Crab Cakes, Seafood Cannelloni, Pistachio Crusted Grouper, Sea Scallops and Blackened Ahi Tuna, to name the seafood dinners. Meat dinners include Pretzel-Crusted Pork Chop, Short Rib Risotto, Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, Churrasco, Beef Medallions and a 7 or 9 oz. Filet Mignon. Chicken is prepared 5 different ways from Chicken Piccata to Chicken Madeira. 6 Pasta dishes like Angel Hair Neopolitano and Gnocchi Carbonara are on the menu too. Burgers for lunch or dinner range in price for the Prime Rib Burger. Others offered, like a Chicken Sandwich. Large Salads are available. Combination deals make choosing a meal almost limitless. Kids, gluten-free and vegetarian food available too. Wine by the bottle is served from a unique table-top cooling dispenser and runs $23-30/bottle with their reserves running up to $48/bottle. In the retail store, all these wines are less for take home. $8 Corkage Fee allowed for your own wine or purchased in their adjacent Wine Shop. Full bar in addition to wine and beer. Reservations taken online and much advised. Another location is in Tampa. One of 16 restaurants headquartered near Chicago, IL. Cara Mahler, general manager here; corporate owned.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 1/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 2/15) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Copp Prohibition Grill, 7855 Gulf to Lake Hwy. (SR 44), Crystal River, FL. 45.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-228-8103. (Brew Pub) (Southern) [L/D] aka: "COPP Brewery, Winery & Prohibition Grill". Formerly Tug's Bar & Grill and Wet Willie's Lounge. Opened here in May, 2022, but in business since 2007. Located 1.5 miles east of Crystal River, on SR 44, 1 mile west of CR 486. Hours are Noon to 8 PM, Sunday; Noon to 9 PM, Wednesday and Thursday; Noon to 10 PM Friday and Saturday; closed on Monday and Tuesday. Beer garden, winery, 2 bars, event space, retail shop and restaurant all rolled into one 10,000 sq. ft. venue. Inviting interior serves Plates like Pretzel Bites, Potato Chips, Boiled Peanuts, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Fish Dip, Black Truffle Fries, Poke Stack, Key Lime Cevishe, Crawfish Nachos, Lobster Mac and Cheese and 6 Lamb Lollipops. Salad du Jour and Soup du Jour are Market Priced daily. Sandwiches with a Side include Chicken, BLT, Grilled Reuben, Fried Chicken and Belgian Waffle, Short Rib Burger and Prime Rib Sandwich. Sides include Fries, Veggie, Cornbread, Roasted Corn, Chips and Slaw. There's also Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Flank Steak Tacos and Fish du Jour Tacos. Kids menu offered includes Grilled Cheese and a 6 oz. Burger. For dessert try Sticky Toffee Pudding or the Sweet du Jour. Locally made Beers include a Cream Ale, Fruit Beer, IPA, Brown/Red Ale, English Bitter, Wheat Beer, Stout and other types. A 4-taste Beer Flight is available. Wines include Pinot Grigio, Sauv. Blanc, Reisling, Gerwirtz., Rose, Syrah, Zin., and others. A 4-taste Wine Flight is offered. Fran Copp, brewer and owner.

Corazón (by Baires), 8126 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407=573-6166. (Caribbean) (Spanish) [D] Opened in October, 2024. Located on I-Drive, 1 mi. north of the Convention Center, near W. Sand Lake Rd. inside Mango's Tropical Café. Hours are 5-11 PM, 4 days a week but closed Sunday through Tuesday. This upscale dinner club features primarily Argentine dishes and Latin music. It will take up about 8,000 sq. ft. of space in the building. The restaurant within the café is run by Baires Grill and will stay open late (until 11:30 on weekends). Appetizers include Tuna Tartare, Hamachi Crudo and a Charcuterie Board. Hot Appetizers offered are Meatballs Reggiano, Baked Brie, Empanadas, Shrimp Jalea and Calamari Kung Pao. Salads include a Cabernet Pear, Grilled Caesar and a Hallpa Salad. They also offer a Lobster Bisque. For main dishes you can find Iberico Mahi, Andean Branzino, Salmon ala Plancha, Pollo Panka, Pork Cotoletta, Bone-In Short Rib and for Beef they offer 12 oz. Angus Skirt Steak, 12 oz. Chateau Filet, 16 oz. Angus Ribeye and a 40 oz. Tomahawk carved table-side. They also offer a few Pastas like White Lasagna, Rigatoni Frutti di Mare and Ravioli or Fettuccini dishes. Side dishes add to the bill. Desserts might include Churros, 3 Layer Chocolate Cake, NY Style Cheesecake and The Fosters. Specialty Coffees are available too. Full bar with Artisan Cocktails. Happy Hour Wednesday through Friday 5-7 PM, at the bar only. Large Wine and Champagne List to choose from, including The Dom. Reservations by phone or online via Open Table are accepted and recommended weekends.

Corelli's Italian Restaurant, 1042 E. Hwy 50, Clermont, FL. 33.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-989-5924. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Opened June, 2013 and is popular with the locals. Located near SR50 and US27, between Pet Supermarket and K-Mart in the Clermont Regional Center. Purple booths and tables fill the dining room. The owners have more than 30 years experience in the restaurant business. Open 11 AM to 9 PM, five days a week. Closed Sunday and Monday. Appetizers like Garlic Rolls, Meatballs, Sausages, Fried Mozzarella, Fried Ravioli, Fried Calamari, Mussels Marinara and Chicken Wings, start the large menu. An Antipasta runs $13 for one person and $17 for two persons. Main dishes are items like Stuffed Shells, Ravioli, Tortellini, Spaghetti with Meatballs or Sausage, Manicotti, Cannelloni and Baked Ziti, plus Lasagna, Pasta ala Vodka, Fettuccine Carbonara, Fettuccine Alfredo, and a Tour of Sicily or Italy. Chicken can be had as Parmigiana, Marsala, Florentina, Francase or Piccata style. Then there's Sausage & Peppers, Veal Parmigiana, Veal Frances, Marsala or Piccata, plus items like Linguine with Clam Sauce, Shrimp Parmigiana, Fish Parmigiana, Mussels Marinara, Shrimp Scampi, Fish Francese and a Seafood Assortment called Fruitti di Mar. Eggplant Parmigiana or Rollatini are also on the menu. Main diahes usually come with House Salad, Garlic Rolls and a side of Pasta. Small and large Calzones are available, as are Subs. Their specialty is New York Style Pizza in 14", 16" or 18" sizes, plus each topping. White Pizza is also offered. Desserts include Zeppolis, Triamisu, Cannoli or New York Style Cheesecake. Imported or domestic Beer and House Wines are licensed here. $4 fee for sharing an entrée.. Reservations accepted for a party of 4 or more. David and Giuseppe Affrunti, owners.

Corky Bell's Seafood (and Steaks), 185 S. Hwy. 17, East Palatka, FL. 66.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-325-1094. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located at Gator Landing on the east side of the St. John's River. Open from 11 AM daily to 9 PM or later on weekends. Specializing in fresh seafood. "Corky's Platter For Two" contains Shrimp, Oysters, Scallops, Fish Filet, Deviled Crabs and Clam Strips. Other platters are available. Clam Strips, Deviled Crab, Crab Stuffed Bell Peppers, Shrimp Scampi, Sea Scallops, Soft Shelled Crab, Alaskan Crab Legs and even Lobster Tails are on the menu. Boiled Shrimp, Grilled Shrimp, Fried Oysters, Oyster Stew, Frog Legs, Crawfish and Gator Tail can also be found. Favorites include Salmon Patties, Flounder, Fish Filet, Cod, Catfish, Mahi-Mahi and Salmon. Steaks like New York Strip, Ribeye, Prime Rib and Baby Back Ribs are offered. Surf and Turf Combos are available too. Chicken, Shrimp or Scallop Alfredo Pasta dishes are made here too. Dinners include Hushpuppies and two sides. Appetizers include Fried Pickles, Calamari, Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeños and Conch Fritters, among others. Senior Citizen meals are offered at less than regular price. Lunch items run lower too. Children's menu also offered. For dessert, they have Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Carrot Cake and Chocolate Cake. Full bar here. Occasional entertainment. Large deck for outdoor seating. Charles (Corky) Bell, owner.

Older Review: (from Paula M. 8/15) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Karen B. 3/17) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Crab Plant, 201 NW 5th St., Crystal River, FL. 47.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-795-4700. (Seafood) [L/D] Located on Kings Bay at the west end of NW 5th St., a few blocks off SR44/US19/US98. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8:30 PM, closed Sunday and Monday. Plain dining area serving Stone, Snow and Blue Crabs in season. Open for lunch and dinner. Dinners come with two sides, like Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Fries, Hush Puppies, Cheese Grits, Baked Beans, Corn, Mixed Vegetables, House Salad and others. Entrées include Fried Clam Strips or Chicken Fingers, Fried Mullet, Grilled Chicken, Grilled or Fried Shrimp, Grilled Salmon, Bay Scallops, Duel Crab Cakes, Mahi Mahi, Fried or Gilled Grouper, A Trio Platter and the Captain's Platter. Desserts include Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie and New York Style Cheesecake. Draft Beer by the glass or Pitcher, plus premium bottled beer and Wines by the glass and bottle. They also have Steamed Plates like 1 dz. Little Neck or Top Neck Clams, Mussels, Crawfish, Shrimp, Snow Crabs, Dungeness Crab, King Crab, Blue Crabs, plus Stone Crabs [10/15 to 5/1 season]. You'll also find a Low Country Boil. You'll occasionally find specialties like Hog Fish, Flounder, Frogs Legs or Whole Lobster. For lunch or dinner, Sandwiches are popular like Smoked Sausage Hoagie, Fried Mullet, Gater Sausage, Chicken, Cheeseburger, Lobster Roll, Shrimp Po' Boy, Crab Cake, Mahi, Grouper and others, all range in price. Cups of Clam Chowder and Blue Crab Chowder are available too. House or Greek Salads are offered. Appetizers like Mullet Dip, Shrimp Dip, Buffalo or Garlic Shrimp and Fried Blue Claws can make its own meal. Kids menu available. Fish market attached and popular during Stone Crab Season (10/15 to 5/1). Now full bar here. Split plate charge. Cash only. ATM on premises. Outdoor seating available. Kelly and Candy Kofmehl, owners.

Cracker's Bar & Grill, 502 NW 6th St., Crystal River, FL. 48.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-795-3999. (American) (Southern) [L/D] Located northwest of town on US 19 next to the Best Western Motel. Open daily 11 AM to late. Closed Thanksgivings and Xmas. Noted for their large outdoor deck overlooking the Crystal River plus a large sports bar dining room. Chili and Clam Chowder are popular starters. Fish & Chips, Tuna Melt, Oyster Burger and Grouper Sandwiches are on the menu. Burgers and other hot sandwiches such as French Dip, Philly Cheese Steak, Pesto Chicken, Hot Turkey & Bacon and Reubens are offered. Dinners include fried, sautéed or grilled Shrimp, Scallops, Oysters, Grouper Fingers or Chicken Tenders. You can also find Baby Back Ribs, Ribeye and Sirloin Steaks on the menu. Large Salads are also available. Moderate prices. Full bars inside and out. The deck is popular for cool drinks on a hot day. David and Joseph Garrick, owners.

Older Review: (from Larry W. 1/13) Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Terry W. 3/18) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Crafted, 801 W. Montrose St., Clermont, FL. 34.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-394-7777. (American) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Formerly called The Southern On 8th Kitchen and Bar, 801 City Grill and before that Sunset Grill, it re-opened as Crafted in January, 2025. New chef, new menu, new prices, new décor but same owner. Located in downtown Clermont. Hours are 5-9 PM most days, to 10 PM weekends, 10 AM to 2 PM for Sunday Brunch, then 5-8 PM Sundays for dinner, but closed all day Monday. An inviting atmosphere in a large building with outdoor seating in the backyard. For starters you'll find Reposado Tequila Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Cocktail, Beef Carpaccio, Scallops Ceviche, Steak Tartar, Poached Lobster plus Oysters On The Half Shell in season. Entrées include Smoked Chicken, Spiced Lamb Rack, 6-8-10 oz. Prime Beef Filet, 14 oz. Prime NY Strip Steak, 14 oz. Prime Ribeye, 22 oz. Bone-In Prime Cowboy Ribeye, 32 oz. Prime Tomahawk Steak, plus Wagyu grades, like 6 oz. A-5 Japanese Wagyu Filet, 14 oz. Prime American Wagyu NY Strip or the Ribeye Cut. On the seafood side you'll find Snapper, King Crab, Ahi Tuna and Scallops. Vegetarian items like White Bean Cassoulet and Curry Stew are also offered. Side dishes, like Fingerling Potatoes, Carrots, Cauliflower, Mac 'n Cheese or Brussels Sprouts are extra, as are 3 added sauces. Soups and Salads are also on the menu, like Mushroom or Lobster Bisque and a Wedge or Heirloom Tomatoes. Full bar and interesting wine list. Craft cocktails are made here, like a Peachy Keene. Open Table or phone reservations taken. Maslowski Matt, new executive chef; Vatsal Patel, owner.

Review: (from Mike G. 1/25) The restaurant has been remodeled and painted and it is now an upscale Steakhouse. There were only 8 patrons in the restaurant because everyone thinks the restaurant is closed. Décor was nice and fresh. Service was excellent and Kiley was very attentive. Food was excellent. We enjoyed Tuna, Rack of Lamb and two of us had Snapper. Drinks were excellent as well. Looking forward to going back and hopefully they will start to market the restaurant better to get more business.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

cress Restaurant, 103 W. Indiana Ave., Deland, FL. 47.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-734-3740. (Asian) (Continental) [D] Opened August, 2008. Opens at 5:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday only. Closed Sunday and Monday. An upscale elegant bistro in downtown Deland serving European, Indian and Far East dishes. Derived its name from an edible garnish. Main dishes like Pan Roasted Chicken, Braised Leg of Lamb, Glazed Pork Chop, Herb-Crusted Florida Fish, Wild Boar Tenderloin, Wagyu Beef Ribeye and others can be found on their Winter Menu; while Jumbo Shrimp 'n Grits, Penne Provençal, New England Sea Scallops, Free Range Poussin, Fresh Fish du Jour or Osso Buco, might be found on their Spring Menu. Curry dishes from India or Indonesia, like Hyderabadi Eggplant & Peanut Curry, Tikka Masala Curry with Chicken or Rendang Curry with Lamb are often on the menu too. Small plate offerings like Steamed Clams, Lamb Ribs, Crab Cake or Escargot are available. Salads like Caprese, Wedge or Seasonal, are offered. A Soft Taco or Charcuterie Plate is offered for two. A wide variety of wine is offered by the glass. Bottles run $24-210 each. Champagne also available. Occasional Prix Fixe 3-Course Menu is offered too. Chef's Table events are also scheduled. Outdoor seating is available. Owner/chef is a 2011 James Beard nominee for "Best Chef South". 2012 Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Overall Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Reservations taken by phone or online. Tom Brandt, owner.

Review: (from Neal P. 7/23) Our server was Erin. Two of us had the Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad with the homemade local honey and Dijon dressing. It was very tasty and good. For the main entrée we had the Gnocchi Bolognese. It was very good and there were some small pieces of meat in the sauce. The third person in our party had the Garlic and Rosemary Filet with the Potatoes Au Gratin and Brussels Sprouts. She could not taste the blue cheese whipped creme fraiche. It is about an hour and 15 minute ride from The Villages. The meal for the 3 guests totaled $103 before t&t.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Walter P. 7/23) Erin, our server, was outstanding in every way. All four of us were there for the $35, fix prix Bite30 special. Two of us had the Leg of Lamb, which was cooked as a Pot Roast, but very tasty. The other couple enjoyed the Curry Dish. Two had Escargots for appetizer and two had Soup. Desserts were excellent and plentiful. All of the staff worked well together and were attentive to our needs. Most seating was table for 2, with a couple of larger tables. With all having two beer/wine each our bill for 2 came to $106 before t&t. Very nice experience and worth the drive to this cute town of Deland. Plan to make reservations and be on time! We got a call within 10 minutes of our reservation to confirm that we were in fact going to be on time.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Crimson Tavern, 7499 Augusta National Dr., Orlando, FL. 63.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-851-9000. (American) [L/D] Opened in May, 2013. Located in the Orlando Airport Marriott Lakeside Hotel, just north of the International Airport, off S. Semoran and T.G. Lee Boulevards. Hours are 11 AM to Midnight daily, dinner being served 5-11 PM. Billed as an "American Gastro Pub" serving snacks, light meals and full dinners in an austere, lunch room setting. Many ingredients come from the large Chef's Garden on the property. Casual attire. For light meals at dinner they offer A-La-Carte Table Snacks like Corn Bread, Hummus, Warm Pretzel, Cheese Fries, Hush Puppies, Meatballs, Duck Empanada, Mussel Pot, Burrata Ceviche and a Seafood Cocktail. There's also a Meat & Cheese Board Array. For entrées they have a Ramen Bowl, Chicken Pot Pie, Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Smoked Pork Porterhouse, Lobster Fettuccine, Daily Fish, Crab Stuffed Grouper and a New York Strip Steak. For large Salads they list a Farmhouse, Wedge and Kale Caesar. Desserts served include House Donuts, Cheesecake, Key Lime Tart and a Chocolate Torte. They also feature a British Ice Cream Sundae called a Knickerbocker in 3 different flavors. Full bar and Wine List with Whites by the glass or $28-50/bottle and Reds by the glass or $32-120/bottle. Craft beers are available. Lunch items add Sandwiches and Salads. A Bar Menu shows Burgers, Street Tacos and a Pressed Cuban, among others. Weekly BBQ is held outside. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Outdoor seating available. Validated parking. Reservations taken by phone. Caesar Acevedo, executive chef; hotel owned.

The Crooked Spoon (A Gastro Pub), 200 Citrus Tower Blvd., Clermont, FL. 31.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-404-7808. (American) (Italian) [L/D] Opened September 11, 2013, in the shadow of the Citrus Tower in the former Friendly's Restaurant building at US 27 and Grand Highway. Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily, but to 8 PM on Sunday and Mondays. Formerly a Food Truck business by the same name, this restauranteur wants to take root rather than wear out tires. A Gastro Pub which means creative sandwiches and burgers with unique ingredients. On the menu will be "The Smoked Spoon Burger" of Angus Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sweet Onion Marmalade and Chipotle Aioli on a toasted Brioche Bun. Also the "420 Burger" of Angus Beef, Honey Mustard Aioli, Candied Bacon, Swiss, Fried Panko Crusted Onion Ring and Pineapple Relish on the same bun. The "Bistro Ham Sandwich" will feature Black Forest Ham with Marinated Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, Brie and Bistro Spread Aioli served on toasted Sourdough Bread. There's also a "Cranberry Turkey Sandwich" made with Cranberry Chutney, Swiss, Wilted Onions and Sage Aioli on toasted Artisanal Multigrain Bread. A favorite is Mac 'n Cheese created with 6 kinds of cheese (Provolone, Asiago, Parmesan, Fontana, Swiss and Gorgonzola), Bacon, Roasted Red and Yellow Peppers, Basil and topped with Bread Crumbs. All come with signature chips. Full bar license. Craft beers are offered too. Chef Steve and Rebecca Saelg, former food truck operators, owners.

Older Review: (from Dan G. 10/13) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rochelle B. 4/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/21) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dennis C. 1/22) Q=5 S=5 V=3 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Peggy R. 4/23) Saturday night, the place was noisy but not full. Server Meagan was excellent; she recommended the 420 Burger and the 6-Cheese Macaroni & Cheese. We started with the delicious Balsamic Bacon Bleu Cheese Chips for the table. My husband had the Burger, which he said was good but not exceptional and the decadent Mac & Cheese as a side (+$7.50). I had the Grouper Reuben, very nicely done if quite messy, and upgraded to Sweet Potato Fries (+$3.50). With a glass of wine and a non-alcoholic beer, it was $78 before t&t. Creative menu and everything executed well. We’ll be back.
Q=5 S=5 V=3 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar, 9101 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 59.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-226-1600. (Caribbean) (Spanish) [D] Located on I-Drive near the Wonder Works at Pointe Orlando not far from the convention center. Dinner hours 5-11 PM except to 10 PM in the summer. Bar closes at 2 AM. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Upscale casual dress code. It's a cavernous two story restaurant, bar and entertainment complex. Full bar with "Caippy Hour" 5-7 PM weekdays offering $5 Caipirinhas and $4 Wine, Sangria and Coronas. Specializes in dozens of Rums, some up to 25 years old. Latin Floor Show 4 times per night, every 45 minutes, starting at 8 PM. For "Aperitivos" there's Black Bean Soup, Cuban Salad, Barrio Chino Chicken Wings, Mariquitas Cubanas, various Empanadas, Arepa (Corn Cake) Rellena, Levanta Muerto Seafood Soup and Cuba Libre Chicharrones. For entrées they offer Vegetarian Ravioles al Pesto Casero, Citrus Grilled Brick Chicken, Suntanned Mango Glazed Salmon, Pompano a la Plancha, 12 oz. New York Strip Steak plus Plato Gaucho Mixed Grill for two or more. There's also traditional Cuban dishes like a Cuban Pressed Sandwich, Arroz con Pollo, Ropa Vieja, Lechón Asado Pulled Pork, Vaca Frita Flank Steak, Churrasco Skirt Steak a la Cubana and the prized dish, Seafood Paella, of course. Sides of Black Beans and Rice, Fried Plantains, Chino-Cubano Rice or Mashed Garlic Boniato Potatoes can add to the meal. They also offer many Spanish Style Tapas like Yuca Fries, Tostones, Malanga Fritters, Plantains with Guacamole Dip, Escabéche Salad, Papas Rellenas, Cuban Spring Rolls, Croquetas, Camagüey Meatballs, Crispy Shrimp & Sea Scallops, Grilled Octopus and Steamed Mussels, all one price for any two Tapas. You can also find Crab or Shrimp Ceviches. It wouldn't be a full meal without authentic desserts like Dulce de Leche, Tres Leches, Banana Bread Pudding, Rice Pudding, Chocolate Torte and the traditional Cuban Flan, all ranging in price. Various Latin Style Coffees are made. Spanish Sherries and Portugese Ports, plus Rum Pours, to Pyrat West Indies Rum, can make a rich dessert in itself. Also dozens of Mojitos, Caipirinhas and Cuba Lirbres can start or end a meal too. They also offer "15 Tastes of Cuba" prix fixe meal priced per person. Salsa/Merengue/Bachata DJ and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights is popular with tourists and local latinos alike. The second floor has a Sultry "Go-Go" Lounge too. Online and phone reservations accepted and advised in season. Validated free ramp garage parking. Valet parking optional. Small chain of 4 locations based in Philadelphia, PA. Nationally known chef, Guillermo Pernot, corporate partner. Alan Sommerman, manager here.

Older Review: (from Nanci C. 5/14) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/14) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Debonair Supper Club, 183 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL. 55.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-960-9446. (American) (Continental) [D] Opened in January, 2024. Hours are 6 PM to 2 AM daily. This new supper club creates a one-of-a-kind experience bringing together dining, mixology, art and entertainment in one large, 6,300 sq. ft., location. Avant garde décor, distintive archway and wild accents grab your attention here. Comfortable lounge seating with striking colors at marble tables. Even the glasware is different. Everything is artfully presented. This was formerly Chela Tequila and Tacos on Orange at E. Church St. The limited menu changes frequently but might include a Mac 'n Cheese Ball, Oysters, Fondue or Caviar to start, Civiche, Chicken Sausage, Covina, Scallops, Wolf Fish, Lobster Tail, Stuffed Squash, Roasted Cornish Game Hen, 4 oz. Filet Mignon, 12 oz. NY Strip, 36 oz. Australian Wagyu Tomahawk, and a 20 oz. Japanese Wagyu Chateaubriand, are typical entrées. Desserts might include a Ruby Torte and Crème Brûlée. Prix Fixe complete dinners are sometimes offered, otherwise food is a-la-carte priced. "Service fee" (not Gratuity) of 20% added to all checks. A large Champagne List goes to $600/btl. for The Dom and $1,500/btl. for Salon Blanc de Blanc. Wines by the glass run $15, to over $200/gls. Custom Cocktails are also available. Happy Hour at the bar. Some outdoor seating available. Light entertainment nightly. Dress code here. VIP membership available. Reservations by phone or online via Open Table are accepted and recommended weekends. Thomas Wilkinson and Alejandro Uzcategui, executive chefs; Ovais Jalil, owner.

Review: (from Stefano M. 2/25) Eclectic and gourmet menu options like Ceviche served over a pot filled with dry ice so that the smoke covers the table. Décor is Art Nouveaux. We had Fried Green Tomato Napoleon that was outstanding, Bone Marrow, Wild Mushroon Risotto and Creamed Corn with Caviar, Truffle and Gold Leaf. Paired that with a bottle of Belle Glos Pinot Noir ($100). Our total bill came to $318. Server was Derick.
Q=4 S=5 V=2 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

deep blu Seafood Grille, 14651 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, FL. 64.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-390-2420. (Continental) (Seafood) [D] Located in the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort off Buena Vista Dr. near Exit #67 of I-4. Opens at 5:30 PM daily. Dressy casual attire preferred. This award winning restaurant with comfortable surroundings, features a Raw Bar and Fresh Sushi, along with seafood entrées and steaks. The menu is a-la-carte and changes seasonally. You'll often find four types of Fresh Oysters at the Raw Bar. For appetizers, they feature Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque, Sweet Corn & Crab Chowder, Calamari Fries, Steamed PEI Mussels, Seared Ahi Tuna, Jumbo Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, Ahi Tuna Poke, Seared Scallop & Pork Belly and deep blu Crab Cake. For Salads, Baby Romaine Hearts or Kale Salad represent "the greens". Land-side main dishes might be Joyce Farms Chicken Breast, Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs, Charleston Chop Lamb, 6 or 8 oz. Filet Mignon, 14 oz. New York Strip or a 16 oz. Delmonico Steak. Many sauces are included, as well as sides at added cost, like Tiger Shrimp, Scallops or 8 oz. Lobster Tail. Local fish is featured like Florida Golden Tile Fish, Key Largo Rudderfish and Clearwater Red Snapper. Other seafood items include Seafood Cioppino, Cedar Baked Chilean Sea Bass, Hawaiian Moonfish, Seared Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass and Cast Iron Seared Scallops. Many fish filets can be blackened, baked or seared as ordered. Any meal can add a side dish like Truffle Scented Grilled Asparagus, Edamame, Whipped Potatoes, Roasted Foraged Mushrooms, Crisp Brussels Sprouts and deep blu Mac 'n Cheese. Then there's the Sushi Menu with the usual California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll and Cilantro Roll, among others, to the Combo of Assorted Nigiri. Full bar offers signature cocktails with Florida names like Ponce de Leon and St. Augustine. Mocktails also available. Wines by the glass range from Alamos Malbec, to Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon. By the bottle, wines run $32 to $250 each for the top P-J Champagne. Whiskey Straights run up to Johnnie Walker Blue. A half dozen Sakes are also offered. Live entertainment in Bar-1521. Parties of 6 or more have 18% gratuity added to the bill. Open Thanksgiving and Christmas Day for Prix Fixe Holiday Dinner. Reservations taken and advised during season and weekends, by phone or online. Voted "Best Restaurant" and "Best Service" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Geoffrey Gable, chef de cuisine; Andrew Edwards, executive chef; Amine Kais, general manager; Wyndham owned.

Older Review: (from Sharon S. 9/15) Q=4 S=3 V=2 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Peter S. 9/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, 9150 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 56.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-5074. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [D] Opened August 15, 2015. Located near Pointe Orlando on I-Drive near the convention centers. Del Frisco's bought this 18,500 s.f., 2-story building for $8.7 million in 2014. It formerly housed a Houlihan's and a Sizzler restaurant. Hours are 5 PM to 10 PM for dinner daily (to only 9 PM on Sunday but opens at 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday). Business, semi-formal or dressy casual attire requested. They recently re-branding their name to add "Double Eagle". Their 20 year claim to fame is their USDA Prime Steaks. White full linen service here in a remade 2-story dining establishment. For starters you may find Shrimp Cocktail, Marinated Shrimp Plate or Shrimp Remoulade, Crab Cake, Tuna Tartare, Steak Tartare, Escargot, Calamari, Braised Short Rib Dumplings, Carpaccio or Raw Oysters too,. For Seafood entrées they offer Bay of Fundy Salmon Filet, Crab Cakes, Sesame Seared Tuna and Seared Chilean Sea Bass. There's also a Broiled Lobster Tail at market price. But the heart of the menu is beef, like 8 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 16 oz. Prime Strip, 16 or 22 oz. Bone-In Prime Ribeye, 16 oz. Bone-In Filet and a 32 oz. Prime Porterhouse. You can also find Twin 8 oz. Lamb Chops or 14 oz. Veal Chop. At the top end they might offer a 32 oz. Wagyu Longbone. Other selections might include Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast, Prime Braised Short Rib and Red Wine Demi-Glaze Filet Medallions. Soups, like Turtle or Lobster Bisque are additional. And Salads like Blue Cheese Wedge, Caesar or Beefsteak Tomatoes add to the bill. Side dishes include Baked Potato, Onion Rings, Brussels Sprouts, Potatoes au Gratin, Chateau Potatoes, Sautéed Mushrooms, Asparagus or Spinach Supreme at extra charge. Lobster Mac 'n Cheese side adds too. Lunch items include Prime Cheeseburgers, Steak Sandwich, Lobster Roll, Chicken Avocado Wrap or various Salads are offered. Desserts are also available like Sorbet, Banana Bread Pudding, Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Buttercake and Lemon Cake. A bar menu is also offered at varying prices. Full bar and Wine List of 1200 labels. Sommeliers can assist in wine selections. Craft and Draft Beers sold too. Cocktails available. They sometimes offer a "Summer Prime Pair" of Salad, Appetizer, 8 oz. Filet and Side Dish at prix fixe per person. Outdoor seating available. Reservations taken by phone or online. "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. 1,200 Wine selections. Corkage Fee: $30/btl. One of the Texas-based chain of just 12 locations in the largest US cities. Greg Thompson, executive chef; Dominick Delledera, general manager; corporate owned.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/15) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jackie N. 9/18) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse, 6115 Westwood Blvd., Orlando, FL. 58.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-226-2662. (Italian) (Steakhouse) [D] Opened in April, 2011, near Seaworld, at the corner of Westwood Blvd. and I-Drive, just off the 528 and exit 72 of I-4. Opens at 4 PM weekdays, 1 PM on Saturday and 12 noon on Sunday. Primarily a steakhouse but pasta dishes are also offered within the wide array of Italian meals served in large portions. Start with Clam Chowder or Zuppa di Stracciatella and appetizers like Garlic Cheese Bread, Portobella Parmigiana, Bruschetta Pomodoro, Fried Mozzarella, Fried Calamari, Sautéed Escarole or Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail. Gorgonzola Wedge Salad, Tomato & Mozzarella, Chicken Caesar or an Antipasto for Two are offered for Insalata. Steaks featured start with 16 oz. Sliced Angus Sirloin, 9 oz. Beef Tournedos with Mushrooms or Marsala, 16 oz. New York Sirloin Strip, 9 oz. Center Cut Filet Mignon, 14 oz. Bone-In Filet and end with a Chef's Mixed Grill at Market Price. They're famous 24 oz. Delmonico Angus Choice Rib-Eye Steak is featured. They also offer your choice of Pasta with Marinara, Pomodoro or Vodka Sauce, Ravioli, Tortellini Agio Olio, One Pound of Lasagna, Linguine with Clam Sauce, or Fettuccine Alfredo. As for Chicken dishes they offer Chicken Prosciutto, Utica Style Chicken Riggies, Chicken Marsala or Chicken Sinatra. Seafood items include Shrimp Scampi or Frutti de Mare. Veal is also on the menu as Parmigiana or Marsala. Desserts include Cannoli, Amaretto Cheesecake, Cappuccino Pie, Tiramisu, or Tartufo. Kids menu also available ranging in price. Gluten free information available on their website. Full bar with wine list. Corkage Fee: $10/btl. for your own wine. Reservations accepted and advised during conventions and tourist season. One of a small chain of just 5 restaurants, 4 of which are in upstate New York, based in Utica, NY. Not affiliated with the Delmonico Restaurant in New York City where the Delmonico Steak was first offered in the 1840s.

Dempsey's Steak House, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, FL. 66.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-907-4574. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Open at 6 PM daily. This is one of the dining rooms of the Saddlebrook Golf Resort. The menu features Chops and Steaks such as a 10 oz Traditional Filet Mignon or the 14 oz Bone-In Filet Mignon, a 22 oz. Black Angus Cowboy Steak, a 14 oz. New York Strip, a 26 oz. Porterhouse Steak or a Center Cut 14 oz. Pork Chop. Seafood specialties include Pan Seared Wild Salmon, Key West Shrimp Scampi, Sesame Seared Tuna, Gulf Snapper and Chilean Sea Bass. Cold Water Lobster is also available at market prices. Lighter chicken and pasta dishes are also on the menu such as Roasted Half Chicken, Scallop Linguine and Pasta Bolognese. Meals are a-la-carte with vegetables (enough for two) priced per serving. Celebrated table side Caesar Salad is extra per person. Soups and appetizers are also offered. Full bar. Occasional entertainment in the adjacent lounge. Online or phone reservations accepted. 18% suggested gratuity added to every check. Daniel Desmond, executive chef. Resort operated. Casual attire appropriate. Complimentary valet parking.

(The) Depot Sports Bar & Pizzeria, 22060 N. US 441, Macintosh, FL. 45.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-591-0145. (Pizza) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Sometimes referenced in Micanopy, FL. Open Noon to 8 PM daily, to 10 PM weekends, except closed Mondays. Located in an 1881 railroad station and noted for their Beer and Pizza. They offer lighter items like a Caesar or House Salad, a Depot Sampler of Fried Ravioli, Mac 'n Cheese, Mozzarella sticks with a side of Marinara Sauce or 10 Chicken Wings. Sandwiches include a Ham 'n Swiss, Meatball Sub, Sausage & Peppers, a BLT and a Caprese. For Pizza they have Cheese, Veggie, BBQ Chicken, White and a Meatlovers. Extra toppings run extra. They also have Calzones. Local craft Beers and Wines by the glass are offered. Desserts, like Italian Cannoli or Red Velvet Cheesecake are also on the menu. Outdoor seating available. Owned by Antonio Mazzella of the famed Antonio's Restaurant next door (see that listing).

Dim Sum House (Asian Cuisine), 2440 E. SR 50, Clermont, FL. 35.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-404-8352. (Asian) [L/D] Opened in April, 2024. Located in the University Village Plaza where Mesa21 did business, behind Waffle House, 2 miles east of US 27. Hours are 11 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch daily, then 5-9 PM for dinner daily but to 9:30 PM on weekends. Dim Sum, meaning "Touch the Heart" in Cantonese, is like Chinese Tapas, many small dishes of food brought by you. They are priced by the size like Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, Special and Kitchen Special. For Steamed items you might be offered Beef Ball, Sticky Rice, Bean Curd Roll, Taro Dumpling, Park & Shrimp Dumpling, Shanghai Dumpling, Shrimp Dumpling, Malaysian Sponge Cake, Seafood Sui Mai, even Chicken Feet. For Buns, you might choose Custard Cream Buns, BBQ or BBOQ Pork Buns, Baked Pineapple Buns or Charcoal & Egg Yolk Buns. Under Congee [Savory Rice Porrige], you'll find Plain, Minced Beef, Fish, Lobster & Clam and a Pork & Egg Congee. A few Rice Rolls are available too. Many Pan or Deep Fried items include Turnip Cake, Taro Cake, Shrimp Balls, Sticky Pork Dumpling and Stuffed Eggplant. Baked items include Egg Tart, BBO Pork Puff and others. Kitchen Special dishes are ordered off the menu with an appropriate prep time, like BBO Pork, Salt & Pepper Calamari, Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce Noodles, Rice Noodles, even Jelly Fish Head Salad. An All Day Menu, priced per item, offers more traditional Soups like Wonton, Egg Drop, Hot & Sour, Seafood Tofu, Chicken Corn, plus Cantonese Seaweed Soup. Traditional Hot Pots like Sizzling Shrimp, Chicken or Seafood, plus Cantonese Eight Treasures or a Spicy Fish with Eggplant Clay Pot are on the menu. Seafood meals are Cashew Shrimp, Sweet & Sour Shrimp, Szechuan Scallops, Fish in Garlic Sauce, Scallops and Shrimp in Wine Sauce plus the popular Spicy Kung Po Shrimp are offered here. Many Beef dishes like Hunan Beef, Mongolian Beef, Black Pepper Beef, Beef with Broccoli and XO Beef Short Ribs are just a few. Chicken, Pork and Vegetable dishes make the list very long and varied. Noodles, Lo-Meins, Rices and Stews are available too. Probably the most featured item is Hong Kong Style Roast Duck. Over 15 Lunch Specials are available before 2:30 PM. For dessert they offer Red Bean Coconut Cake, Black Sesame Cake and Mango Pudding. Reservations accepted. Liquor license applied for. Carolyn Liu and Junyang Zhao, owners here and at YH Seafood Clubhouse and the Yummy House chain.

Review: (from Cathy S. 4/24) If you are interested in trying the Dim Sum (lunch only), this is worth the drive. Otherwise, there are comparable Asian food restaurants in and near The Villages. My Magnolian Beef dish and the Hot and Sour Soup were fine and the Egg Roll was very good. It recently opened and it was very busy for lunch on a Friday. The lunch specials are a good value.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from David G. 5/24) Our Dine Out Group of eight enjoyed an unusual dinner here as this is not the typical Chinese restaurant and not a typical Dim Sum house either, as Dim Sum is ordered off the menu here not from carts and there is a more typical menu offered too, although everything is a bit different (for the most part, better) than usual. We shared Deep Fried Shrimp Balls ($7.75), Baked BBQ Pork Puff ($6.25) and BBQ Pork Fried Rice ($10.99) and everything was good. We also sampled everyone else's choices from the large lazy susan in the center of the table and except for the overly "orangey" Orange Chicken, everything was quite good. Total before t&t was $25. After dinner, we all enjoyed delicious Ice Cream next door at Bruster's.
Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 5/24) Long drive but worth it. Took 85 minutes from Spanish Springs area. Hard to find place near a day care school. No Dim Sum on carts during dinner hour, but you can order them from a small menu. The font was too small to read, so we opted for the regular larger dinner menu. Chris took good care of us. Nice large chopsticks provided. No bar yet, so we had Soft Drinks ($3 ea.). The Iced Tea was unusual. She had the Honey Walnut Shrimp ($18), much like at the Yummy House in Ocala. I had the popular Sweet and Sour Shrimp ($18). We both ordered a White Rice Bowl ($1 ea.) since they don't make Fried Rice as a side. Odd! Our meals were very good. We shared them with our dining mates. The Hot Pot, Beef and Dim Sum items were enjoyed too. The Orange Chicken, not so much; flavorful but too sweet. Food arrives when it's ready. Our total came to $44 before t&t. Will try Dim Sum lunch if we are in the area again. This is a place for sharing food. This is a hit.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ken J. 5/24) Our dining-out group of 7 enjoyed an interesting and delicious meal. While we were the least conversant of our group regarding Dim Sum dining, our meals were enjoyable. Started with Crispy Egg Rolls. I enjoyed the Cantonese Eight Treasures Hot Pot and my partner enjoyed Beef with Broccoli We both opted for a White Rice Side bowl. Meals were served when ready and we shared with the rest of our party. The food was hot, good portions and enjoyable. No bar yet so we drank Water and Iced Tea which was very interesting! Total before t&t was $44. We combined the trip to Clermont with other shopping stops so the drive was adequate.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) District (Eatery and Tap & Barrel), 112 W. 2nd St., Sanford, FL. 53.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-330-2730. (American) (Brew Pub) [L/D] Opened in March, 2017. Located on West Second near S. Oak Ave., 4 blocks east of US17/92 (French Ave.). Open daily 11 AM to 9 PM or later except from 5-9 PM on Saturday, to 3 PM only on Sunday and closed on Monday. Usually the kitchen is closed between 3 and 4 PM for menu change. Rustic dining room and an industrial bar make up this gastro pub. They offer items like Green Eggs and Ham, a Chicken Dip, Tuna Tacos and Mussels to start. Dinner might include Shrimp 'n Grits, Boursin Ricotta Gnocchi, Mahi Mahi, Braised Short Ribs and Filet Mignon. The chef's specialty is Bourbon Bone-In Pork Chop. The dinners are semi-a-la-carte and no substitutions are entertained. Side Salads, like Caesar or Soup, like Cream of Mushroom can be added. For dessert you'll find Nona's Chocolate Cake and a New York Cheesecake. For lunch the menu also has a BLT Salad, Grilled Panini Pastrami, Sausage Hoagie, Black Angus Burger, Tuna Tacos and others. Bottled and Craft Beers like Floridian Wheat Ale are available. Wines range $20-36/btl. A full bar can make cocktails like the Sanford Smash and Avalon 212. Happy Hour is 4-7 PM. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. for your own wine. Sunday Brunch offered. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Reservations are accepted by phone or online. Entertainment provided on weekends. Not connected to The District Gastro Bar in Orlando. Charles Stafford, bar tender; Chris Mullen, chef; Brad Plummer and Anne McNamara, owners.

(The) District Gastro Bar (and Social Eating House), 532 W. Church St., Orlando, FL. 54.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-704-7913. (American) (Brew Pub) [L/D] Opened in 2019. Located on W. Church, near Division St., around the corner from the Amway Center, just west of I-4 and 4 blocks north of the East-West Expressway in the Parramore District. It's in a 6,000 sq. ft. structure built in 1922. Open 11 AM to 10 PM, later on weekends. This will be an evening watering hole as well as serving fine food like Mussels in Saffron Broth, Marinated Flank Steak, Baked Salmon, Panco Crusted Chicken Sandwich, Jalapeño Oysters, Porchetta Sandwiches, Oxtail Empanada, Cerviche, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Salsa Taco, Dry Rub BBQ or Garlic Parmesan Wings and Sautéed Snapper. Full bar with specialty cocktails. Inside and outside dining available. Parking lot for patrons. Occasional entertainment. Timothy Green and K.C. Preston, owners. Not affiliated with other venues in neighboring counties with The District in their name.

DOMU (East End), 3201 Corrine St., Orlando, FL. 58.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-960-1228. (Asian) [D] Originated here in Audubon Park in 2016, it's now catering to locals and travelers who know where to find the place at the back of the East End Market in the Audubon/Baldwin Park area of Orlando. It's a few blocks north of SR 50 (E. Colonial Dr.) and a few blocks east of N. Mills Ave. and I-4. Opens at 5 PM daily. May soon be open for lunch again - call. May close for private events, so call ahead, especially on Sunday and Monday. Domu is Japanese slang for "A Dream Come True!" It's an eclectic modern Asian gastro bar serving home-made Ramen, Small Plate Tastes, Crafted Bowls, Custom Cocktails, Sake, Wine and Beers. They are famous for Ramen creations like Richie Rich, Tokyo, Uni Mazemen, Chuka and more. Plus favorites like Black or Spicy Tonkotsu and Yuzu Chicken. Of course you can add items to your bowls too for a small extra charge. Small plates at dinner include Tako, Truffle Burrata and Domu Chicken Wings. Pigs In A Blanket and Krabby Patty Buns are offered. Rice Bowls with Chashu or Tuna are available. Vegetable dishes are popular with Vegan/Veggie Patrons. Soft Serve Ice Cream is offered. Full bar with fancy cocktails featured. Crafted Cocktails. Japanese Whisky and Sake make for difficult choices or wild guesses. Short Wine List. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. Happy Hour is 5:00-6:30 daily and all night Tuesday and offers reduced basic drinks. Outdoor seating available. Usually a wait for tables on weekends. First come first served only. Also table for 6 is maximum. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Another location is at 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Orlando and a new one in Jacksonville. Johnny and Jimmy Tung, with Sean "Sonny" Nguyen, chef and owner.

Dragonfly Sushi & Sake Co., 201 SE 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL. 65.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-371-3359. (Asian) [L/D] Open from 11:30 AM Thursday & Friday only. Open 5 PM to 10 PM (or later) all other days. Lunch two days per week, dinner 7 days per week. Located in the historic downtown section, just one block from "The Hipp". A sophisticated, trendy and popular gathering place especially after 8 PM for "cocktails and details". Earlier in the evening it is a more refined dining atmosphere. "Izakaya" is the concept of sharing appetizer-sized dishes, complimented by servings of sake or other cocktails. Cold dishes might include Ceviche, Summer Rolls, Beef Lettuce Wrap, Seafood Salad, Sunomono (Conch, Octopus, etc.), Tataki (Seared Tuna) and Grilled Salmon Salad, among others. Hot dishes offered include Sake Seared Mussels and Clams, Stir-Fry Scallops, Yaki Soba, Warm Spinach & Shiitake Miso Salad, Short Ribs, Edamame, Soft Shell Crab, Dumplings, Katsu, Tenderloin Negimaki, Coconut Encrusted Shrimp, Tempura and Grilled Scallops, Shrimp, Chicken or Beef Skewers. The wait staff can help the party design the shared dinner. Traditional Fresh Sushi is also offered like Salmon, Yellow Tail or Albacore Tuna, Crab, Mackeral, Eel, Sea Urchin, Izumi Dai (Tilapia) and Escolar Sashimi (White Tuna). Many Sushi Specialties concocted. Six luscious desserts plus a variety of Asian teas finish the meal. Online and phone reservations accepted for weekdays. 18% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more and no more than 6 separate checks per table. No reservations taken for Friday or Saturday evenings. Full bar with a wide variety of Sake. Martini List available. Wines by the glass are offered. Happy Hour (5-7 PM) at the bar. A second location is in Orlando. Ray Leung, executive chef; Hirofumi Leung and Song Kim, owners.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 10/14) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi, 7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL. 55.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-370-3359. (Asian) [D] Same owners as above in Gainesville with a slightly different restaurant name. Located on "Restaurant Row" off Sand Lake Road. Open from 5-10 PM daily, later on weekends. They describe the setting as "Modern Izakaya", meaning a contemporary Japanese Pub. Sushi, Sashimi and Robatayaki Grill using Bincho-Tan charcoal at 1000°F, are served tapas style. Sharing is encouraged. They focus on Sensual, Spiritual and Savory elements. Cold seasonal dishes like Fatty Tuna, Wahoo, Loch Duart Salmon, Long Island Flounder, Wagyu (Beef), Tako (Octopus) and Scallops are offered, or higher prices for the premium Tuna. Hot grilled dishes like Chicken Meatball, Scallops, Pork Cheeks, Australian Lamb Chops, Mackerel, Beef Tongue and Crispy Pigs Ears are on the menu. Regular Robata Grill items include Chicken Wings/Breast/Thigh, Beef Tongue, Rib Eye, Lamb Chop, Spare Ribs, King Crab, Yellowtail, Codfish, Short Ribs, Shrimp and other meat and seafood selections are listed. But there's also a 6.5 oz. Wagyu Tenderloin too. Sashimi items like Amber Jack, Yellowtail, Tuna, Salmon and others are offered. Or you can let the chef pick 5, 7 or even 21 pieces for you at stepped prices. Maki (Rolls) are also made like California, Florida, Princess and many others. Specialty Rolls like Lobster, Godzilla and Volcanoare popular. Soups, Noodle Dishes and Salads are offered. Full bar specializing in Sake. Happy Hour in the bar, lounge and patio only, 5-7 PM daily. It includes drink specials and food items at reduced prices. Large selection of Japanese Beers too. Wine list runs up to $120/bottle. Small Corkage Fee for your own wine. Outdoor seating. Reservations accepted by phone or Open Table online. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Austin Boyd and David Song, chefs here.

Older Review: (from Paula M. 7/14) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Drifters Riverfront Bar & Grill, 55716 Front St., Astor, FL. 40.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-759-2802. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] For years this was Williams Landing, then named as the Blackwater Inn, now it's Drifters Riverfront. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM; Sunday to 8 PM; closed Monday and Tuesday. Full bar stays open to later. Located on the west bank of the St. Johns River just off SR 40, a few miles east of US 19. Appetizers like Wings, Onion Rings, Cheese Fries, Fried Pickles, Okra, Green Beans, Banana Peppers and Mushrooms, Potato Skins, Nachos, Gater Tail and Fish Dip can be had. Chicken, Fish, Mahi, Rueben, Grilled Cheese, Cuban, Philly Cheesesteak, Po' Boy and French Dip Sandwiches and Wraps are popular. Fried Shrimp, Fish & Chips, Fried Clams, Grouper Fingers and Fried Chicken Baskets are on the menu. At Market Price you'll find 1 lb. Crab Legs, ½ or full lb. Peel & Eat Shrimp, Oysters, Catfish and Mussels on the menu too. A Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner and a 14 oz. Prime Rib dinner are offered too. Sides like Mac 'n Cheese, Collard Greens and Sweet Potato Fries are popular additions. Wednesday Special of Goulash, Thursday Special Chicken Pot Pie, Friday Special Prime Rib and Weekend Special Oysters Rockefeller, as well as ½ and Full Rack St. Louis Ribs are offered too. Cocktail Specials from the bar are varied. Entertainment on Saturdays 4-8 PM is scheduled. New owner: Mechele McHenry of Palm Coast, since 2021.

Review: (from Peggy R. 6/23) What a nice surprise this restaurant was. We stopped for lunch on our way home from St. Augustine and weren’t expecting much from the looks of the outside Server, Kaley, was excellent. I had the French Dip with Mac 'n Cheese. The Sandwich was very good; the Mac 'n Cheese, so good it’s worth a trip to Astor for that alone. My husband had their enormous Fish Sandwich and Fries. He took half of the Fish out of the roll and took home enough Fish for a second meal. With a Soda and Coffee, it was $36.40 before t&t.
Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Dunedin Brewery, 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL. 99.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-736-0606. (Brew Pub) (Mexican) [L/D] Open from 11 AM daily, to 11 PM on Sunday through Tuesday and even later on weekends. Located 3 blocks north of Main St., just west of City Hall. It's the oldest micro brewery in Florida; it has a Scottish theme like the rest of the town. They make an American IPA, Bohemian Pilsner, Blonde Pilsner, Honey Beer and Oatmeal IPA in limited quantities seasonally and a Gold Ale, Wheat Ale, Red Ale, Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Stout and Fruit Ale on a regular basis. For food, they offer Tacos and Burritos like Fish Tacos, Black Bean Tacos or Smoked Blackened Chicken Burrito, plus Wraps and Sandwiches like Pulled Pork Sliders, Mahi Wrap or a Pub Burger. Small dishes like Hand Cut Fries, Onion Rings, Fried Cheese Curds, Loaded Nachos, Wings, Chicken Tenders and a Caesar Salad are also on the menu. Chips and Dip are also offered as a snack. Besides beer, their focus is on music with entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 8 PM. Jam Sessions are held on Wednesdays too. Brewery Tours are $5 including samples. Beer and wine only here. Trace Caley and Richard Crance, brewmasters; Michael L.and Michael N. Bryant, owners.

Eagles Nest Café (at Grand Lake Golf Course), 18545 NW 45th Avenue Rd., Citra, FL. 47.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-591-2768. (American) (Cafe) [B/L/D] Located off US 441, half way between McIntosh and Reddick on Orange Lake at the Grand Lake Golf Course. Opened January 12, 2013. Hours are 8 AM to 7 PM daily, except to 5 PM on Sunday and to 8 PM on Friday and Saturday. Some of their items are ½ lb. Hot Dogs, 4-Way Chili, Roast Beef & Swiss on a Challuh Roll, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Fish 'n Chips, Shrimp & Chips, Grilled Mahi Mahi, Shrimp Alfredo, Chicken and Waffles and Jambalaya. Lunch specials offered. Sunday is Fried Chicken Special at Noon, Monday is Wing Night with 50¢ Wings, Tuesday is Mexican Night, Wednesday is Pasta Night, Thursday is Seafood Night and Friday and Saturday is Prime Rib Night. Outdoor seating available. Beer and wine offered. Developer owned.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 2/15) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Earls Kitchen + Bar (Orlando), 4200 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL. 53.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-345-8260. (American) [L/D] Opened Sept. 21, 2016. Located at the Mall at Millenia, 2nd floor, where the Blue Martini did business for a few years. Opens at 11:30 AM daily. Seats 350 patrons. Features an American menu with international overtones. Start with Italian Bread, Garlic or Truffle Fries, Crispy Ribs, Tuna Poke, Spinach and Cheese Dip, American or Korean Hot Wings or California or Dynamite Rolls. There's Fettuccini Alfredo, and Hunan Kung Pao which can add various ingredients; so can Bibimbap Rice Bowls. There's also Chicken Curry. Main dishes include Rack of BBQ Ribs, Cajun Chicken, Atlantic Salmon, Steak & Sushi and a Ribs & Cajun Chicken Combo. Black Angus Steaks include an 8 oz. Sirloin, a 10 oz. NY Strip, a 6 oz. Filet and a 16 oz. Ribeye. Additions to the steak are extra. On the lighter side they offer various Burgers and Sandwiches like Fish Tacos or Cajun Chicken Cheddar Sandwich. Salads like a Caesar or Field Greens, and the Kale Salad are on the menu. Soups include Clam Chowder or Tortilla. A Soup, Salad and Bread Combo is moderately priced. Brunch on the weekends includes Sourdough French Toast, Croque Madame, Virginia Ham Benny, Spicy Sausage and Mushroom Hash or Steak & Eggs. Desserts range in price. Full bar with cocktails, draft beers and wines by the glass start or bottles. Happy Hour 3-6 PM and 9-12 MN. $25 corkage fee for your own wine. Outside seating available. Reservations accepted. Simon Zanotto, executive chef here. This is one of 68 chain locations in North America, based in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Another location is in Miami.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood (Orlando), 7488 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-355-3011. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Located on "Restaurant Row" where Timpano's Chophouse did business in this 8,000 s.f. location. Open daily 4-11 PM or later on weekends. Sophisticated environment with the sounds of jazz in the air. Full linen service with wait staff in pure white coats. Another new luxury venture for the Specialty Restaurant Group (Season's 52, Capital Grille, Yard House, etc.) of the Darden (Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Longhorn, etc.) chain. In direct competition to Mitchell's Fish Market and Bonefish Grill. Start with iced shellfish tempters like Gulf Shrimp Cocktail, Jumbo Lump Crab, Yellowtail Sashimi or Half Dozen Oysters at the market price. Appetizers include Pot Stickers, Batter-fried Oysters, Kung Pao Calamari, Truffled Steak and Lobster Tartare, Lump Crab Cake and Maine Lobster Tacos, among others. Soups include Maine Lobster & Shrimp Bisque with Cognac or Crab & Corn Chowder. Side salads like Fuji Apple, Iceberg BLT or Caesar Salad adds to the meal; while an Heirloom Tomato or Wild Mushroom Salad, adds more. The seafood offerings start with a Crab, Shrimp and Avocado Chop, Scottish Salmon, North Atlantic Lemon Sole, Georges Bank Scallops, Louisiana Red Fish, Pacific Swordfish, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Pacific Ahi Tuna, Alaskan Halibut, plus a variety of market priced fish like Fish du Jour, Chilean Sea Bass and Cold Water Lobster Tails. Hand Cut Steaks offered include an 8 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 16 oz. Prime New York Strip, 22 oz. Prime Ribeye and various "Surf 'n Turf" combinations are on the menu. A Double Breast of Pan Roasted Chicken is offered. Side dishes like Broccolini, Sugar Snaps, Baby Beets, Sautéed Spinach, Sweet Corn, Rice, au Gratin Potatoes, Baked Potato, Fries and Truffled Mac 'n Cheese add extra per serving. "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. An extensive (200) Wine List starts at $35/bottle for the St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc and tops off at $220/bottle for the Silver Oak Napa Cab. About a third are offered by the glass. Happy Hour held in the V Lounge 4-7 PM with snacks and reduced priced drinks. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Occasional jazz entertainment is expected in the lounge. Reservations accepted by phone or online. A Darden venue with about a dozen national sites open now, with second Florida location in Tampa, FL. Matt Schmalle, chef; Tom Costello, manager here.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Sharon S. 9/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/16) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from David A. 12/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Lori S. 4/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Lisa S. 11/24) What an incredible anniversary dining experience. Kyle and Ty made our evening so enjoyable by making sure we had everything we needed. The food was exactly what we ordered and made many trips to our table, yet they were not annoying by any means. They each made several recommendations to make our experience even better. We each ordered the 10 oz. Filet, an order of Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Carrots to share. The Steaks hardly needed a knife as they were so tender and cooked perfect. The table had rose petals on it and a card thanking us for choosing to celebrate our special evening with them. We also each received a plate of delightful desserts with "Happy Anniversary" on the plate and a card reading "You and I are like champagne and caviar. The perfect pair, darling." Total food and drinks before t&t was $177.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 3/25) It was noted during our last meeting that Eddie V’s restaurant was the only one, out of a thousand listed on our group's website, that had never been rated below 15 (the highest rating possible). This piqued our curiosity and our group of nine decided to dine there recently to see if it lived up to its stellar reputation. I am thrilled to report that it did and exceeded our expectations! What an exceptional dining experience! The service, ambiance, and most importantly, the food was outstanding. Two others and I indulged in the 24-Karat Cocktail, made with Belvedere Vodka, Grand Marnier, Peach Liqueur, Raspberries, Ferrari Brut Rose, and a Gold Sugar Rim ($17). We unanimously agreed it was the best cocktail we had ever had in any restaurant! Several of us ordered the Georges Bank Scallops ($47) with Citrus, Marcona Almonds and Brown Butter, which were cooked to perfection. As self-proclaimed Scallops snobs, impressing us is no easy feat, but they surpassed our expectations! The Scallops were large and perfectly seared and cooked. The accompaniments and sides were enough for 2-4 people to share. I had the Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cashews ($15) and they were delicious! I also had a glass of the Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc with my meal ($10). From start to finish, our dining experience was wonderful and we all agreed that it was worth the 1 1/2-hour drive from The Villages. We look forward to returning! My total bill before tip was $95.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

The Edison, 1500 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-560-9288. (American) [L/D] Opened January 4, 2018. Located in Disney Springs at The Landing, where the old Adventure Club stood, this 1900s period electric company power plant boasts 35 ft. high ceilings. The décor is considered "Industrial Gothic". Think "Steam Punk" meets "Electric Plant". Hours are 11:30 AM to 1 AM daily, to 2 AM on weekends. It offers American food and varied adult entertainment. Areas inside will be called The Radio Room, The Tesla Lounge, The Patent Office, The Telegraph Lounge and the Ember Parlour. A Tower of Light outside will attract curious visitors and diners. The dinner menu offers "Nibbles" like Deviled Eggs, Candied Bacon, a Corn Dog, Electri-Fries, Lamb Meatballs, Ahi Tuna Poke and Fried Calamari. For main dishes they have Gooey Grilled Cheese with Soup, "The Edison" Beef Mix, Old Fashioned Meatloaf & Gravy, Crispy Fried Chicken, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Scottish Salmon, Tamarind Spare Ribs, NY Strip Steak and a featured Prime Rib. Some come with a Potato or Slaw. Other sides include Butter Mashed, Mushrooms, Fries, Asparagus and Creamed Spinach. For dessert you can choose from Ice Creams or Sherbets, Key Lime Pie, a Banana Split, Apple Cobbler, Chocolate Mile-High Cake, Black Cherry Cream and a Lollipop Tree made of Cheesecake. Teas, Coffees and Espressos available. For lunch you can discover additional items like a Turkey Club, Lamb Burger, Beef Burger and a Cuban Sandwich. For lunch and dinner you can slim down to Entrée Salads like House, Lettuce Wedges or Greek. Add Chicken or Shrimp extra. A full bar makes Crafted Cocktails like "Time Turner", "Electric Mule" or "City of Light". Mocktails are available for the designated driver. A wide variety of Draught Beers and Wines are offered. The vast Wine List starts at $40/btl. and tops off at $1,200 for the 2006 "Dom". Absinthe isn't hidden either at $14/shot. With entertainment such as a Burlesque Review, Roaring 20s Show, Blues Bands and even Circus Side Shows, the themed venue will target older fans of nostalgia rather than young families and millennials. Thursday through Saturday night, after 10 PM, there is a $10pp cover charge and it's 21 and over only. Smart casual attire requested. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised. Patina Restaurant Group of California, operator. Patrick Finneran, executive chef here. A sister location is in downtown Los Angeles.

Eleven (at the Reunion Resort), 7593 Gathering Dr., Kissimmee, FL. 57.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-662-1170; 1-844-993-9430. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Located on the 11th floor of the Reunion Resort near Exit #60 of I-4 and SR 429, about 5 miles south of Celebration, FL. This is Reunion's flagship restaurant, taking over the entire rooftop of "The Grande", with the bar at one end and the open kitchen at the other. Refined placemat table settings with contemporary décor. Smart casual attire appropriate. Hours: 6-10 PM, Wednesday through Saturday. Bar opens at 5:30 PM. For starters they offer Fried Calamari, Escargot, Wonton Wrapped Shrimp, Braised Beef Short Rib Sliders and Beer Battered Lobster Tail. For Soups they have French Onion & Shallot and Lobster Bisque. In the Salad department a Caesar, Arugula & Fig and a Caprese are listed. For Entrées they offer Summer Vegetable Risotto, 12 oz. Marinated Pork Chop, Chicken Oscar, Pan Seared Salmon, Seared Duck Breast, Double Cut Hoisin Lamb Chops and Pistachio Crusted Red Snapper. But their showcase is beef: a 10 oz. Hangar Steak, an 8 oz. Filet Mignon, a 16 oz. Bone-In Ribeye and a 12 oz. Prime New York Strip are featured. Plus, to splurge, you can add various rubs or even a Lobster Tail to any item. Sides are a-la-carte, like Baked Idaho Potato, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Baked Potato, Grilled Asparagus, Creamed Spinach, Broccolini or Wild Mushrooms. Of course there's also a side of Lobster Mac 'n Cheese. Desserts like Dark Chocolate Cake Wedge, Blackberry Swirled Cheesecake, Blackberry & Mango Bread Pudding, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Torte and, of course, Crème Brûlée are offered. Kids menu items are offered, and the ½ Filet Mignon is for "The Prince". Full bar with crafted cocktails and a moderate Wine List. Select Whites range $36-48/bottle. Select Reds range $32-52/bottle. There's also Reserve Wines (mostly Californian) that range $36-110/bottle for Whites and $45-220/bottle for Reds. A popular Brazin Old Vine Lodi Zin is $40/bottle. The "Dom" is $280/bottle here. Corkage Fee for personal wines allowed. An array of after dinner drinks are available and beers both domestic and imports. Terrace seating available with a "View Menu" of Tapas. Nightly Disney fireworks at sundown are visible 6 miles away. Free self and valet parking available. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Open Thanksgiving and Christmas with special menus. Reservations taken by phone or online. Guy Johnson, executive chef; resort owned.

(The) Elk House Eatery, 6357 Hwy. A1A South, St. Augustine, FL. 97.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-904-342-7639. (American) (Seafood) [D] Opened in 2016. Located on A1A, about 5 miles south of St. Augustine, near Crescent Beach just north of SR 206 Causeway. Billed as an up-scale bistro rather than an "eatery". Open 5-9 PM, Tuesday through Sunday; closed on Monday. Casual atmosphere in an A-Frame building with a creative kitchen. They offer many shareables like: Fried Pickles, Hummus Platter, Wings, Cheese Curds, Poutine, Ahi Tuna Tartare, Crab Cakes, Seafood Nachos, Grilled Sea Scallops, Crab Dip, and others. For entrées they have Fried Chicken, Eggplant Ziti Gratin, Jumbo Fried Shrimp, Rainbow Trout, Chili Shrimp & Grits, Scottish Salmon Filet, 14 oz. Top Sirloin, Sea Scallops, Seafood Cioppino, Sliced Duck Breast, Fried Snapper, Seared Ahi Tuna and the chef's favorite, Twin 4 oz. Elk Medallions. They also offer 2 doz. Maine Mussels, 1 doz. Cherrystone Clams, Baked Oysters, Raw or Steamed Gulf Oysters or Peel & Eat Shrimp. Entrée Salads include Caesar, Elk House, or Cobb Salad. Soup du Jour is prepared daily. Specials like Sautéed Elk Tips, Marinated Tomahawk Pork Chop, 8 oz. Filet, Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp, Pork Osso Bucco, Maine Lobster or a 21 oz. Bone-In Prime NY Strip Steak might be added to the menu. Beer and interesting Wine List available. Dustin Daily, chef. Charles Searleman and Trilani Delavarre, owners. Walk-in only.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Embers Wood Grill, 3545 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL. 60.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-380-0901. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Located east of Exits 382 and 384 of I-75, on SR 121, just south of SW Archer Rd. (SR 24). Open from 5 PM daily except closed Sunday. Specializing in 100% Prime Beef cooked over a real wood grill. Fine dining with full linen service. Starting with appetizers such as Crispy Calamari, Confit of Wild Mushroom Strudel, Crispy Florida Gator Tail, Sun Dried Tomato Flatbread, Sweet & Spicy Calamari, White Wine Escargot or Grilled Colossal Shrimp and Diver Scallop Skewer. Follow it with Blue Crab Bisque, Rocket with Baby Arugula, Fire Grilled Caesar Salad or Organic Spinach with Crispy Applewood Bacon. Seafood selections will include Citron King Salmon, Black Grouper, Diver Scallops, Yellow Fin Tuna, Chilian Sea Bass, Florida Snapper or Gulf of Mexico Cobia when available. Prime beef cuts include a 6 or 10 oz. Filet Mignon, 10 oz. Filet Morgan, 22 oz. Porterhouse, 12 oz. New York Strip au Poivre, 14 or 22 oz. Hand Trimmed Ribeye or Surf and Turf [6 oz. Filet and King Crab]. Toppings add to the bill. Other choices are Red King Crab, Stuffed Organic Chicken, Long Island Duck Breast, Truffle Penne Pasta, Organic Pork Tenderloin, Blue Cheese Lamb Chops, Braised Lamb Shank and Braised Beef Short Ribs. A choice of 10 side dishes come with the entrées. Desserts run the gamut of Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies and Milk, to Chocolate and Port for Two. A "Chef's Table" can also be arranged for a private party with wine pairings. Very extensive wine list boasts 30 vintage cabs alone. Other wines range $24-380 per bottle. Corkage Fee: $15. Multiple winner of the Wine Spectator magazine's "Award for Excellence" in restaurant wine selection. Outdoor courtyard available. Occasional live jazz. Phone reservations recommended. Now also Spark, a gastropub within the main restaurant (see that listing). Ryan Todd, Charles Allen and Briton Dumas (chef), owners.

Older Review: (from Charles K. 10/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Neal P. 3/25) Looks like the old fashioned steak house. Our server was Eric. The bread basket had 4 types of bread including sour dough, focaccia, bleu cheese and plain. I had the 6 oz. Filet with Wild Mushrooms and Vidalia Onions as sides and my significant other had the Grilled Caesar Salad and the 6 oz. Filet with Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce. Both steaks were cooked to perfection. The meals were excellent. Our bill total was $87 before t&t.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Walter P. 9/10) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Enzian Theater & Eden Restaurant, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL. 53.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-629-1088. (American) [L/D] A unique non-profit movie theater, restaurant and bar, all rolled into one, since 1985. It offers mainly independent, cult classics, children's, musicals, award winners, vintage and foreign films on a big screen (both digital and 35mm projected). The current show and coming attractions are listed on their website or by recorded message at 1-407-629-0054. Tickets in advance on their website or in person at their box office, but not by phone. Tickets are generally higher for evening shows; less for students, seniors, military and matinee shows. Their special screening room is set with about 90 tables for 2 or 4 people sharing the table, encouraging conversation with others. Show times generally 3:45 PM, 6:30 PM and 9:15 PM. Table service for food and drink starts 30 minutes before the show. Tables are first come first served except for club members and non-members line up 45-60 minutes prior to the weekend shows for the best tables. The Eden Restaurant offers Caesar, Wedge, Spinach/Cranberry and Granny Smith Apple Salads. Tofu or Chicken can be added for extra charge. Sandwiches like Grilled Cheese, Turkey Wrap, Portobello Mushroom, Grilled Chicken Avocado, Pulled Pork, Salmon or Turkey Burgers are available. White, Margherita and Pepperoni Pizzas are moderately priced. Large Plate meals include Meatloaf, Cheese Ravioli, Chicken & Fries, Pesto Prosciutto Pasta, 3 Meat Tacos and Chicken Alfredo are offered. Desserts are offered like Chocolate Chip Cookies, White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Cinnamon Doughnuts are available. The menu changes seasonally. Sure, Popcorn and Kettle Corn are available too. A full bar is available with Martinis, Cosmos and other cocktails available. A large assortment of Beers and Ciders offered including draft brews. A wide selection of wine is offered, many by the glass and bottles running $24-52 each. Even champagne is popped here. Drink specials daily. No minimums, just the movie admission. Special events like the Academy Awards® Viewing Party are offered free of admission. A Florida Film Fest is held each April. "Popcorn Flicks in the Park" are offered outdoors for free with lawn seating where food is available too. Other events, like a Jewish Film Festival, held throughout the year. "Film - Food - Friends" is their motto. Parking can be challenging during show changes; arrive early. Philip & Sigrid Tiedtke, Jeffrey Schenck, Roger Thompson and Henry Maldonado (president), owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/12) Q=3 S=3 V=3 Total=9 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 8/12) Q=4 S=3 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 11/17) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Enzo's On The Lake, 1130 S. Hwy. 17, Longwood, FL. 57.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-834-9872. (Italian) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Located on US 17/92 just south of SR 434 on Lake Fairy. Long established upscale restaurant, since 1980. Open for lunch Fridays only 11:30 AM to 2 PM; dinner nightly except Sunday and Monday, 6-10 PM only. Located in a converted Italian Villa style home right on the lake and decorated in a European style. The romantic setting is a favorite for weddings. Meals are served on full linen service covered tables and on ornate fine china. The menu changes frequently to satisfy their loyal customers and may include these items. For appetizers you may find Bruschetta, Porcini Style Shitake, Cozze, Thin Sliced Filet di Manzo, Grilled Shrimp al Diavola and Antipasto della Casa. For soups they offer Italian Wedding Soup and a Soup Of The Day offered. Insalatina della Casa or Caesar Salads are on the menu. Pasta course might include Spaghetti Carbonara, Chicken Stuffed Ravioli, Pappardelle alla Farnese, Ricciarelle Carprese, Penne Vodka, Penne Burratina, Bucatini alla Enzo, Linguine e Vongole and Fettuccine with Lobster and Shrimp. Main courses offered might be Pollo Porcini, Veal Scaloppine Limone, Veal Scaloppine Fantasia, Shrimp Fiorentina, Black Angus Beef with Shitake, Grilled Lamb Chops, Tenderloin Formaggio and Zuppa de Pesce. Some meals prepared table-side. Desserts might include the popular Tiramisu or Chocolate Soufflé. Private Wine Dinners are held occasionally including paired wines. Full bar with notable cocktail creations and an interesting wine list. No Corkage Fee for your own wine. Reservations suggested. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. John Khalil, owner.

Older Review: (from Larry W. 8/13) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Eola Wine Company (Orlando), 430 East Central Blvd., Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-481-9100. (Cafe) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Located near Lake Eola at Central Blvd. and Osceola Ave., not far from Exit #10C of SR 408, in the Thornton Park area. Open for brunch at Noon on Saturday and Sunday only; all other days it opens at 4 PM for dinner. Wine store, wine bar and restaurant rolled into one. Over 70 wines by the 6 oz. pour, plus 30 craft beers are on the menu. Wine Flights of 2 oz. pours of 4 wines, or bubbly, are popular. They offer many Flatbreads like Pepperoni, Roasted Chicken, Duck, Pulled Pork, Buffalo Chicken and 3 Cheeses, among others. They also have Wraps like Steak and Veggie Wraps, plus Tacos. For lighter meals they offer Marinated Olives, Bruschetta, Roasted Chicken Salad, Baked Brie and Rock Shrimp Salad. Cheese Plates go good with wine. Desserts to pair with the sweeter wines include Chocolate Spoon Cake, Cheesecake and a Chocolate Trifle, which it's not. Weekend Brunch has Bagel Sandwiches, Quiche and Flatbreads. Outside seating available. No hard liquor here. Paul and Ashley Emery, owners.

Estefan Kitchen (Orlando), 3269 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee, FL. 52.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-828-0999. (Caribbean) (Spanish) [D] Opened in June, 2019. Located in the brand new Sunset Walk shopping village off US 192, just east of the SR 429 Toll Road. Open 4-9 PM, but to 11 PM weekends, Saturday 2-11 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 2 PM for Brunch, then 2 -9 PM for Sunday dinner. Closed on Monday. A project of well known Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Complete with Latin music, dancing and Cuban food, the venue has elaborate attractive décor. For appetizers they have Mini Cuban Sandwich, Bacon Wrapped Plantains, Baked Empanadas, Mojo Marinated Pork Bites, Crispy Calamari or a Sampler Platter. For main dishes they offer Ropa Vieja, Lechon Asada [Cuban Roasted Pork], Vaca Frita [Shredded Beef], Palomilla Steak and Cuban Churrasco Steak. For Chicken dishes they have Mojo Marinated Chicken Breast and Chicken and Rice Asopao. For Seafood you'll find a Catch of the Day (MP), Criollo Seafood Pasta and a Seafood Paella for Two. Rice dishes include Chino Cubano or Vegetarian Paella. Other Vegetarian dishes are Lentil Stew and Vegan Ropa Vieja. Salads are available. Desserts include Tres Leche, Flan, Shaved Ice and Chocolate Lava Cake. Some patrons just come for drinks and entertainment shows. Sunday Brunch includes breakfast-style items. Full Bar with various Mojitos or Margaritas offered by the glass or pitcher. Sangria is also popular. Wines run to $110/btl. Happy Hour. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more.. Live entertainment at Brunch, Saturday Lunch and most nights at 5 and 7 PM. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table and highly recommended on weekends. Some outdoor seating available. Emilio Estefan of Miami Beach, listed owner.

Older Review: (from Bob M. 10/09) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from James D. 3/10) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/10) Q=3 S=1 V=2 Total=6 out of 15. Return=No.

Everglades Restaurant, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 58.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-996-9840. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [D] Located on I-Drive at Convention Way across from the Orange County Convention Center near Exit #1 of SR 528 in the Rosen Center Hotel. Opens for dinner only, at 5:30 PM. Resort casual attire. Full linen service. An upscale tropical atmosphere permeates the dining room fixtures in contrast to the baby and mama manatee hanging sculpture and staring critter mural. The food has decidedly Florida flavors in the cuisine. Start with such items as Hummus and Croutons, Boca Chica Mushrooms, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Florida Rock Shrimp, Smoked Scallops, Crab Cake or Shrimp Cocktail. There's also a Triple Sampler. For soups they offer French Onion, Lobster Bisque and their house specialty, Alligator Chowder. Entrée specialties are Potato Gnocchi with Chicken or Shrimp, Venison Steak, Buffalo Tenderloin, and a 5 or 8 oz. Filet Topped with Lump Crabmeat. Other carne selections include Free Range Chicken, New York Strip Steak, 8 oz. Angus Filet, Black Angus Rib Eye, T-Bone Lamb Chop and an 18 oz. T-Bone Steak, all grilled to order. For pisces selections they have Smoked Salmon, Grilled Swordfish, Pan Seared Snapper, Broiled Florida Grouper, Chilean Sea Bass and Red Curry Seafood Stew. Sides like Baked Sweet Potato, Sautéed Mushrooms and Fresh Asparagus add to the bill, as do salads. Desserts like Pecan Tuile, Chocolate Marquise, Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Mocha Cappuccino Mousse and Guava Flan are on the sweets menu. Full bar and Wine List with a dozen selections available by the glass. Some organic selections are featured too. Corkage Fee for your own wine. A monthly 3-course Dinner Special is sometimes offered that might include a Garden Greens, 6 oz. Buffalo Tenderloin and Blueberry Sabayon Shot or paired with 3 wines. Then there's Vine and Dine wine pairing, five course, dinners offered occasionally with a knowledgable wine speaker. Beware, the reception starts at 7 PM but the food arrives about 8:30 PM. A typical dinner includes Greens Salad/Chardonnay, Smoked Salmon/Pinot Noir, Sorbet/Sauv. Blanc, Grilled Venison/Syrah Blend and a Chocolate Dessert/Port Style Cab., as an example. Complimentary valet parking. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Reservations accepted. A lavish Thanksgiving Day Buffet in the ballroom is offered 11 AM to 7 PM. Michael Rumplik, executive chef; Fred Vlachos, head chef; hotel owned.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/15) Q=5 S=2 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Fat Tuscan Café, 725 NE 1st St., Gainesville, FL. 63.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-505-5648. (Italian) (Cafe) [L/D] Opened October, 2008 in a 100 year old historic Vidal residence. Located just east of N. Main St. about 8 blocks north of downtown at NE 1st St. and NE 8th Ave. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM for lunch and now Wednesday to Saturday, 5-10 PM for dinner. Closed all day Sunday (except read below) and Monday, as well as Tuesday night too. A relaxing Italian atmosphere with a torch-lit Tuscan garden out back. L'antipasto choices are Bruschetta, Head of Roasted Garlic, Hot Artichoke Dip, Hummus with Spiced Olives, Tuna Tartar and an Italian Meat and Cheese Platter, all at $7-9 each. L'insalata offerings are (House) Mista, Spinach, Niçoise, Caprese, Tropical or a Grilled Chicken Salad at $5-13 each. As in the Italian tradition, a basket of Focaccia Bread is $4. La Prima Piatta items are Stuffed Shells, Spaghetti with Giant Meatballs or Mediterranean Angel Hair with Artichokes. La Secunda Piatta choices are Chicken Piccata or Shrimp & Polenta. Prima or Seconda entrées are served with a side salad and Focaccia bread. Specials like Lasagna Bolognese, Pan Seared Pork Chop, and others change frequently. Homemade soups are also available daily. Il dolce can vary but usually include Biscotti, Macaroons, Plum Galettes, Pound Cake with Fruit Compote, Banana Layer Cake and other baked Italian desserts. The luncheon menu offers the same salads plus sandwiches like Turkey Baguette, Greek Panini, Ham & Cheese Panini and Grilled Vegetable Ciabatta. Cappuccino, Espresso and a French Press offered after the meal. Wine and beer sold here with Happy Hour reductions and wine specials Friday night 5-9 PM. Imported Italian beer and wine, as well as Sangria, Mimosas and Bellinis are featured. Friday night entertainment usually starts at 6:30 PM. Cooking classes are offered here. Bakery items for sale too. Candlelight dinners monthly on the last Sunday of the month by limited reservation and consists of a 5 course meal at prix fixe per person. Corkage Fee is just $8 per bottle. Off street parking available. Outdoor garden seating is popular in spring and fall. Reservations accepted. James and Michelle Reeves, owners.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 4/12) Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Feather & Quill (Restaurant & Craft Cocktail Bar), 4757 The Grove, Suite 100, Windermere, FL. 50.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-217-5891. (American) (Wine Bar) [D] Opened May, 2020. Located near S. Apopka Vineland Rd. (CR 435) and Conroy Windermere Rd. in The Grove where Dexter's did business at Suite 100. Open 4 PM to 10 PM, to 11 PM on weekends. Closed on Sunday and Monday. Unusual inviting décor with semi-enclosed booths and sit-up tables. POSH yet comfortable Speakeasy environment. Serves dishes with a Mediterranean flare. For starters you can find Warm Nuts & Olives, She Crab Soup, Taiwanese Fried Beech Mushrooms, Bone Marrow Croquettes, Ratatouille Fritters, P.E.I. Mussels, Ravioli, Beef Tartare, Crab Cakes, a Cheese or Charcuterie Board or Foie Gras & Scallops. Hand-held items range from Tartine on Sourdough, Grilled Chicken Breast, Brisket Burger, to Fried Fish Sandwich or Lamb Reuben. Five Pizzas are offered. Large Salads with Parmesan, Chicken or Salmon are on the menu. For main dishes they have Pork Sugo, Lamb Bolognese, Pork Chop, Fresh Catch, Seared Scallops, Lamb Shank, Cured Duck with Polenta and 8 oz. Filet Mignon or 12 oz. Ribeye. For desserts you can find German Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, Lemon Bar Pie or Frangelico Basque Cheesecake. A Sunday Brunch (11 AM to 2:30 PM) has items like Burrata, Bread Pudding French Toast, Slice of Quiche, Fried Chicken, Gravlax Tartine, 8 oz. Burger, Eggs Benedict, Brunch Pizza, Shrimp & Grits, and others. Full bar with craft cocktails and Draft Beers, offered. A limited selection of Wine by the glass, or bottle. Happy Hour runs Wednesday to Saturday 4-7 PM, also Friday and Saturday 10-11 PM for night caps. Discounts on some cocktails, wine and beer. For Sunday Brunch they offer Bloody Mary Specialties or Bottomless Mimosas or Sangrias. Occasional entertainment. Some covered outdoor seating is available. Touchless pay system. Brian Buttner and Jonathan Canonaco, owners.

Fiddler's Green (Irish Pub and Eatery), 544 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-645-2050. (Irish) [L/D] At N. Orange Ave. Opens 11:30 AM every day, 'til the wee hours, except 11 AM on Sunday to midnight. Established here in 1996. Traditional Irish meals like Guinness Wings, Smoked Salmon, Galway Mussels, Hen In A Pot, Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Fish and Chips, Ballymaloe Chicken, Irish Stew, Bangers and Mash, Shannon Salmon, Roast Aylesbury Duck, Gaelic Steak, can all be had with the usual Boxty Potatoes on the side. Blackberry or Apple Crumble end the meal. Dozens of Irish Beers and Ciders are available by the bottle or on tap including Boddington's Cream Ale and Guinness Stout. Irish Whiskeys and 10-15 year old Scotches are available too. Sunday Brunch runs 11 AM to 1:30 PM. Happy Hour 4-7 PM weekdays. Entertainment Thursday to Saturday from Rock Music to Irish Folk Songs. See their entertainment schedule for details. Donal O'Brien, owner.

Fig's Prime, 1188 Commerce Park Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL. 47.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-960-1300. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Open since September, 2017. Located near I-4 Exit 94 at SR 434. Open for lunch and dinner but closes between 3 and 5 PM between menus. Cold appetizers include Beef Carpaccio, Sliced Ahi Tuna, Truffle Mozzarella Burrata, Crab Stack and Charcuterie. Hot appetizers include Beef Empanadas, Goat Cheese Croquettes, Calamari, Steamed Clams or Mussels and Pan Seared Diver Scallops. A House Flatbread is featured. For entrées you can find Pappardelle au Duxelle, Chicken Rebosado, Short Ribs Ravioli, Chicken Aubergine, Pork Tenderloin, Veal Scallopine, Grilled Salmon, Paella, Shrimp and Scallops, Rack of Lamb and Seafood Zuppa. Steaks are featured with 8 oz. Prime Sirloin, 9 oz. Filet, 14 oz. Prime NY Strip and 20 oz. Prime Ribeye. All entrées include a starch and vegetables. Salad choices are offered. House Soup is available. Lunch items like entrées and Burgers are on the menu. Reservations accepted. Brenda Figueroa and chef Victor Gonzalez, owners.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/21) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Peter S. 9/22) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 9/22) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Karen C. 8/24) We went for Magical Dining. My daughter ordered the Goat Cheese Croquettes, Beef Bourguignon and the Limoncello Cheesecake. She found the Croquettes to be not hot enough, but they were delicious. The Beef Bourguignon had really good saffron rice, but the beef was really tough and overcooked, Also, she couldn’t taste the red wine that she was expecting it to have that. The Limoncello was pretty good. The Filet was a large portion with nice flavor. The Mashed Potatoes had no flavor or seasoning at all and the Asparagus was good. I had the Tiramisu. It was OK. The meals were $40 each. I don’t think I would return to this restaurant.
Q=3 S=4 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.

Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse, 9801 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 58.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-345-4570. (Italian) (Steakhouse) [D] Located in the Hyatt Regency Orlando (formerly the Peabody Orlando Hotel and was called the Capriccio Grill) on I-Drive near the Orange County Convention Center. Open for dinner only, 6-10 PM. Smart casual attire requested. Start with Fresh Oysters, Crispy Ravioli, Crispy Fritto Misto, Beef Carpaccio, Ahi Tuna, Blue Crab Cake, or a sampling of four. Minestrone and Lobster Shrimp Bisque are the soups they offer. For entrées they start with Grilled Tofu for vegetarians, Chicken Française, Chicken Parmesan, Marinated Atlantic Salmon, Chicken Marsala, Striped Bass, Veal Marsala, Blackened Yellow Tail Snapper, Miso Glazed Alaskan Halibut, Veal Osso Buco to a 1 lb. South Atlantic Lobster Tail. Noted for their Creekstone Farms steaks, they have 12 oz. Black Angus Prime Rib, 14 oz. Pork Ribeye, a Mixed Grill, 8 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 6 oz. Petit Filet with Diver Scallops, 16 oz. Veal Porterhouse, 16 oz. New York Strip, 16 oz. Colorado Lamb Chops, 20 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye Cowboy Cut and a 12 oz. Wagyu Strip Steak. Sauces for the meats additional. Side dishes like Risotto, Baked Potato, Asparagus or Creamed Spinach add too, generally. Pasta dishes are on the menu too like Tagliolini with Mushrooms, Pasta Bolognese, Pasta Vongole and Pappardelle Pescatore. Small Pizzas are also available. Salads range from a Chopped, Caesar or Wedge to the Caprese. Noticeably, but understandably, missing from their menu is duck! Desserts like Tiramisu, Berry Tart, Bread Pudding Soufflé and Hot Godiva Chocolate Cake are available. Cheese Plates are also available at varying prices. Popular with the ladies are Dessert Shooters. Gluten free items noted on the menu. Specialty Coffees are offered. Full bar and extensive Wine List. Wines by the glass available for whites or reds. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. for your own wine. 18% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Online and phone reservations taken for regular dinners. Open for Thanksgiving and Christmas Brunch 11 AM to 4 PM at prix fixe. Cory Crawford, executive chef; hotel owned.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (Orlando), 1562 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL. 58.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-581-9861. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Opened in August, 2014. Located in The Market at Mills Park on US 17/92, near Nebraska St. a few blocks south of the Orlando Museum of Art. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM, later on weekends. Stone and warm wood décor adorns this upscale steakhouse. The wood fired grill is the hub of the restaurant where steaks are their specialty. A 12 oz. Aspen Sirloin, 12 oz. Pepper Crusted Sirloin, 12 oz. Chile Rubbed Delmonico, 14 oz. Ribeye, Bleu Cheese Filet, 14 oz. New York Strip, Filet & Shrimp, 12 or 16 oz. cut of Herb Roasted Prime Rib and the 7 or 9 oz. Filet Mignon. At the top of the food chain is the 7 oz. Filet with an 8 oz. Lobster Tail. Other specialties are Chicken Pasta, Cilantro Grilled Chicken Breast, Meatloaf, Coconut Shrimp, Pecan Crusted Trout, Wood Grilled or Sesame Encrusted Salmon, Baby Back Ribs and Parmesan Encrusted Flounder. Lighter dishes include a Durango, Smokehouse or Cheese Burger, French Dip and a Steak Sandwich. Side dishes like Mushrooms, Mixed Veggies, Green Beans, Fries and other Potatoes, additional. Side Salads add to the bill. Main Salads like Fried Chicken Salad, Crab Cake Salad and Shrimp & Strawberry Salad can make a meal too. Appetizers like Onion Rings, Chicken Wings, Quesadillas, Lobster Spinach Queso, Seared Ahi Tuna and Crab Cakes help curb your appetite. For dessert you can enjoy a Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, Warm Chocolate Brownie, Big Daddy Chocolate Cake, Carrot Cake or Key Lime Pie, all priced alike. Similar items are offered at lunch. Kids menu. Reservations accepted. Full bar with spectacular bottle display. Wine List. Corkage Fee: $10/btl. This is the first location in Florida for the chain of 3 dozen locations based in Charlotte, NC. Joseph Mead, chef; Oscar Padro, manager here.

FishBones (Lake Mary), 7005 CR 46A, Lake Mary, FL. 49.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-581-3474 or 1-407-581-2399. (Seafood) [D] Open 5 PM - 10:30 PM daily. Located off Exit 101A, just west of Interstate 4, north of Heathrow, Fl. Attractive stone, marble, tile and warm wood interior, with a large aquarium for the focal point. As the name implies, fresh fish such as Wild Scottish Salmon, Red Snapper, Chilean Sea Bass, Swordfish, Peruvian Rainbow Trout and 2 pound Live Maine Lobster are available. Much shellfish and aged steaks also offered such as 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 18 oz. New York Strip Steak, Aged Rib Eye Steak, 16 oz. Prime Rib. Pork Chops, Lamb Chops, Chicken and Florida Duck also offered. Mirin-Wasabi Glazed Black Cod, Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi, Marinated Yellowfin Ahi Tuna, Cajun Blackened Grouper and Pacific Blue Marlin are the restaurant's specialties. Sushi is also on the menu. Finish off with Key Lime Pie, Baklava Amaretto Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake or King Midas Carrot Cake. Entrées range in price. Special coffees and teas offered. Reservations accepted. Full bar. Very large wine list. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Corkage Fee: $15. A "Talk of the Town" restaurant. Voted 2012 "Best Seafood Restaurant" and "Best Outdoor Dining" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Another location is in Orlando at 6707 Sand Lake Rd. (1-407-352-0135). A. J. Beaulieu, executive chef. Mary Varouh, operating partner here.

Flagler Fish Company Restaurant, 180 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, FL. 80.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-439-0000. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Open daily except Sunday, 11 AM to 9 PM, except Friday from 10 AM. Located two blocks from the ocean and one block south of Moody Blvd. (Hwy. 100) opposite the Farmers Market. Started in 2004. Located in the fish store, you can select your lunch or dinner from the display case if you'd like. They use an unusual pricing method here. Typically, all fish selling raw for under $12/lb. will cost about $13 for lunch and about $17 for dinner. Fish selling raw for $12-18/lb. will cost about $15 for lunch and $19 for dinner. Over $18/lb., lunch would be $19 and dinner $23. These exclude Lobster and Crab, which are priced separately. These choices can be Seared, Blackened, Grilled, Sautéed or even Steamed. Each includes two sides like Asiago Potatoes, Fries, Cole Slaw, Fried Noodles, Sautéed Spinach, Sautéed Mushrooms, Green Beans, Steamed Asparagus, Bliss Potato Salad, House Salad, Caesar Salad, Seaweed Salad, even Savory Grits. They also offer Prime Filet Mignon, New York Strip and Ribeye Steak at market prices. Chicken, Pork and Portobello Mushroom lunches are higher at dinner. They also offer Burgers and Pastas. Cuban Sandwiches, Wraps and Fish Sandwiches can also be found. Lobster Bisque is popular, as is Fish Chowder. Fish Tacos are on the menu too. Steamed Mussels, Ipswich Clams, Crabcakes, Seared Tuna, even Belly Clams or Oyster Baskets are offered here. Various desserts are featured. Kids menu also. Beer and wine available. Chris and Carolyn Casper, owners.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (Orlando), 8030 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL. 56.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-352-5706. (Steakhouse) (Wine Bar) [D] Upscale Steak and Wine Restaurant. Dressy casual. Open daily at 4 PM daily. Locate on "Restaurant Row" about half way between S. Apopka Vineland Rd. and Dr. Phillips Blvd. They feature all Corn-Fed Prime Grade Beef. Some appetizers offered are Sweet Chili Calamari, Carpaccio, Baked Brie, Mushroom Ravioli and Lump Crab Cake. Featured entrées are Chicken Breast, Petit and Regular Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Rib Eye, Peppercorn Steak, pork Chop and Prime Rib on Sundays. Fish lovers will find Scottish Salmon, Pacific Swordfish, Alaskan King Crab Legs and North Atlantic Lobster Tails. Side dishes are extra. A few Small Plates include Seared Ahi Tuna, New Bedford Scallops, Braised Short Ribs and Skewered Shrimp. Gluten free information available. Full bar and extensive Wine List. They have five cocktails, 5 wines by the glass and 5 appetizers served at the bar only from 5-7 PM. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. for your own wine. No Fee on Wednesdays. Golden Spoon Award in 2011 from Florida Trend magazine. Winner 2012 Foodie Critic Award for "Best Chain Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Online and phone reservations recommended. Open Thanksgiving Day at 11 AM with a Special Turkey Dinner. One of a nationwide chain owned by Bloomin' Brands, Inc. Hugh Holland, head chef; Jennifer Koran, operating partner. Another location is in Winter Park.

Older Review: (from Dan G. 9/17) Q=4 S=5 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Nancy B. 11/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (Winter Park), 933 North Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-699-9463. (Steakhouse) (Wine Bar) [D] Open daily at 4 PM. North of Winter Park Village Shops. Upscale steak and chop house. All corn fed USDA Prime cuts. Filet Mignon, Prime Ribeye, New York Strip, Prime Rib and Peppercorn Steak make up the beef offerings. Lamb, Veal and Chicken also available. Crab & Shrimp Scampi, New Zealand Salmon, Petrale Sole, Tuna, Scallops, Alaskan King Crab Legs and Australian Lobster Tails can also be found on the menu. Five Prime Premium Burgers can also be ordered. Generally a-la-carte pricing with a variety of sides. Gluten free information available. Dressy casual. Online or phone reservations suggested. Open Thanksgiving Day at 11 AM with a Special Turkey Dinner. Full bar. Large wine selection. Many wines available by the glass also. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. for your own wine. No Fee on Wednesdays. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Golden Spoon Award in 2011 from Florida Trend magazine. Winner 2012 Foodie Critic Award for "Best Chain Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. One of a nationwide chain owned by Bloomin' Brands, Inc. Al Romeo, operating partner here. Another is at 8030 Via Dellagio Way in Orlando.

Older Review: (from Larry W. 3/13) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from David G. 9/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Florida Avenue Brewing Co., 2029 Arrowgrass Dr., Wesley Chapel, FL. 69.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-452-6333. (American) (Brew Pub) [L/D] "Thirst no more!" Located a mile and a half east of Exit No. 275 of I-75 on SR 56, opposite the Race Trac Gas Station. It opened in 2019 at this location but brewing on Florida Ave. since 2010. It's a family friendly taproom with lawn games and video or pinball games to occupy the young. Tours, Walk-In Beer Cave, a variety of seating arrangements and an outdoor Beer Garden makes this place different than other cozier traditional Brew Pubs. Open daily 11 AM to 10 PM, later on weekends, 'til 9 PM on Sunday. They have a dozen ciders, beers and ales on tap like "Homemade Apple Pie Cider", "Scorched Earth Stout", "Rollin Dirty Red Ale", "Private Browser IPA", Fluffernutter Spread Stout", "Hazelnut Spread Porter", "Tangerine Splash Wheat Beer", "Luminescence Hazy IPA", "Dead Parrot Lager" and our favorite name, "You're My Boy, Blue". There's a wide variety of local brews to choose from. Full bar offered too, with craft cocktails. Wines are in 6 and 9 oz. pours plus bottles too. Happy Hour runs 3-5:30 PM weekdays for $2 off prices. For Small Plates you'll find Buffalo Cauliflower, Cheese Curds, Pimento Cheese Dip, Shrimp Ceviche, Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Six Wings, and Szechwan Sesame Seared Ahi. Flatbreads, like Argentine Hanger Steak. Various Tacos are moderately each. Sandwiches are popular, like a Pimento Grilled Cheese or various Burgers, and are priced accordingly. For full entrées they offer Bibimbap [Korean Rice/Meat] Bowl, Featured Fish and Chips, Smoked Gouda Lobster Mac and Cheese and a New York Strip with Potatoes. You can also find Salads like Caesar, Blue and Wedge. French Onion Soup is popular too. Desserts like Ice Cream, Cookies 'n Cream, Churros with Nutella®, Key West Lime Pie and Chocolate Cake are offered. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table and highly recommended on weekends. Kid's menu available. Joe Redner owner.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 6/21) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Florida Cracker Feed Lot, 522 N. Market Blvd., Webster, FL. 30.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-569-8020. (Breakfast) (Southern) [B/L] Located at Webster's Sumter County Farmer's Market on CR 471 (not the County Fair Grounds). Opened in April, 2023. This used to be the Speckled Butterbean Restaurant then Farmer's Market Restaurant. Hours are 7 AM to 2:30 PM daily except closed Wednesday. Specials posted daily. From the menu, you can order Shrimp & Grits, Chicken and Waffles, Corned Beef Hash, Cristo Sandwich and Fried Steak & Eggs. They also have Clay Sink Fry Baskets of Catfish, Gator, Shrimp or Chicken. Also Brisket Burrito, Sausage Burrito, Kielbasa and Chicken Livers are listed. You'll also find Chicken dishes and Omelettes, Biscuits and Gravy, Pancakes, French Toast and Waffles for breakfast. Plus they have Sandwiches for lunch, like Sloppy Joes. Rockers on the porch in case you have to wait to get in on the weekend. Beer and wine licensed, now. Kids menu available. Ethan and Blair Hensley, owners here, at Lunch On Limoges and the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar in Homosasa.

Review: (from Walter P. 9/23) Four of us made the 40 minute trip to this restaurant on a Sunday. At 11 am, the place was crowded but we were seated immediately. Excellent and speedy service. My Chicken Liver breakfast was not good. Deep fried, overcooked Chicken Liver, Country Style Potatoes were burned on one side and raw on the other side with 2 Eggs over and a Biscuit. Others had Corned Beef Hash (fair), Omelette, (good), Biscuits and Gravy (good), two orders of Cheese Grits were cold, but were quickly replaced with hot Grits. Restaurant is in the middle of a stock yard where cattle and other livestock are auctioned and a large outdoor market is set up during the week. Not worth the trip. Our Liver & Eggs and Biscuits & Gravy with Coffee was $27.61. They comped the Grits, even though they gave us hot Grits. Will not return.
Q=2 S=4 V=4 Total=10 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Judy H. 2/24) It has extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items. Fried Gizzards, Fried Liver Platter, Shrimp & Grits, Wild Caught Gator, Catfish as entrées or combined with eggs are offered. I had the Cow Poke Burrito: slow cooked Brisket, Eggs, Onions, Bell Peppers, Jack & Cheddar Cheese rolled in a flour Tortilla garnished with Tomatoes and Green Onions. I'd give it a ten! Huge - enough for two, arrived at a good temperature, good Tortilla (not thick or tough). Came with a side of Sour Cream and Salsa. Brisket was tender and tasty Restaurant is bright and clean. They also have a gift shop. Bloody Mary and Mimosas are available. My meal was $17.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Florida Cracker Monkey Bar, 5297 South Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL. 49.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-765-4167. (Pizza) [L/D] Open daily 11 AM to 11 PM. Closed Mondays. Located at the Homosassa Riverside Resort on the Homosassa River in Homosassa off US19/98. Formerly called the Riverside Crab House (follow those old signs), it was rebuilt and opened in February, 2020. It's a two story deck with a view of the famous Monkey Island where live monkeys play. The seafood menu has been eliminated and the establishment is mainly a bar with just Pizzas, Flatbreads and Salads available. 10" Personal (or Shared) Stone Baked Pizzas start at a base price (Cheese) and toppings add extra. Eight kitchen creations, like Buffalo Chicken or Shrimp/Tomato/Spinach Pizzas are available. Flatbreads are moderately priced. Salads, like Chopped Chicken BBQ Salad are on the menu. You can also find appetizers like Garlic Knots, Pretzels, Chicken Dip, Spicy Shrimp and Hot Blue Crab Dip on the short menu card as you walk in. Order at the bar, runners call your name for delivery. Full bar with creative craft Cocktails, a dozen draft Beers and some Wine can be had too. Beverage service is in plastic cups, food served on a metal oven pie plate or on paper plates. Ice cream available for kids and adults. Outdoor seating under cover or at umbrella tables, predominates. Manatees frequent the water here in winter. Live entertainment on weekends. Frequent fishing tournaments from here. Very busy on weekends; limited parking. The Florida Cracker Kitchen, across the street serves breakfast and lunch only. Reservations accepted for groups. Ethan and Blair Hensley, owners here, at Lunch On Limoges and at the Florida Cracker Feed Lot in Webster.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 5/22) =2 S=3 V=2 Total=7 out of 15. Return=No.

Flyers Cafe, 18651 N. US 301, Citra, FL. 38.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-595-2233. (Cafe) (Italian) [B/L] Opened in June, 2024. Named for the Philadelphia Hockey Team. Open 7 AM to 3 PM, Wednesday through Sunday only. Located in the Longo Plaza on US 301, near the Orange Shop, replacing Ted's Restaurant. Cozy warm atmosphere. Made from scratch Italian homestyle meals plus Smoked BBQ is the focus here. Menu changes often. The usual breakfast items are served here. But you might find Cheese Tortellini, Shrimp Linguine, Baked Manicotti, Stuffed Shells, Lasagna, Linguine with Clam Sauce, Italian Sausage and Peppers, Fresh Oysters, Baklava, Cheesesteaks, Burgers, Fried Catfish, Chicken Francaise, Chicken Marsala, Maple Ham, Stuffed Meatloaf, BBQ Pork Butt, NY Strip, Pepper and Ribeye Steaks, Ropa Vieja, Stuffed Poblanos, Chinese Sweet and Sour Shrimp, Beef Lo Mein, Chicken Wings, Turkey Wings, Maryland Crab Cakes, Crabmeat Stuffed Shrimp, Buffalo Shrimp, Escargot Stuffed Mushroom Caps, Swedish Meatballs, Stuffed Peppers, Pulled Pork, Short Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Lamb Chops, Indian Butter Chicken, Cheesy Brussels Sprouts, Conch Fritters, French Onion Soup, Oysters Rockefeller, Corn on the Cob, Garlic Fries, Sweet Tacos and many more eclectic offerings served for lunch. Blueberry Cheesecake or Homemade Cannolis might be for dessert that day. Rolls come from Liscio's Bakery in Philadelphia. Beer and wine licensed. Michele Valadez and Mark Hurst of Belleview, owners.

Fogo de Chão Churrascaria, 8282 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 55.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-370-0711. (Steakhouse) [L/D] Pronounced "Fo-go dee shoun". Located on I-Drive across from the Wyndham Orlando Resort, just south of W. Sand Lake Rd. at I-4 Exit #74A. Large, 12,000 s.f., traditional Brazilian Steakhouse with full linen service. Open Noon to 3 PM for lunch, then 5-10 PM for dinner. Prix Fixe lunch is priced per person (higher on Sunday before 3 PM) and dinner is offered daily. That includes the 30 item Salad Bar. Salad Bar only is less per person for lunch (including Sundays) and also for dinner. Children 7-12 years old are half price. Gauchos bring 2 cuts of Top Sirloin, Bottom Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Rib Eye, Grilled Chicken, Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Pork Loin, Lamb and Sausage. Side dishes are included too. A half dozen desserts are seldom ordered by the full diners. Full bar makes Brazilian Caipirinhas and other cocktails. The Wine List received Wine Spectator magazine's "Award of Excellence" since 2002. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Online and phone reservations taken. Open Christmas and Thanksgiving 12- 9 PM for their Holiday Feast. A chain of two dozen locations across the US and Brazil.

Ford's Garage (Kissimmee), 3210 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee, FL. 52.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-815-3673. (American) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Opened in April, 2019. Located in the brand new Sunset Walk shopping village off US 192, just east of the SR 429 Toll Road. Paying homage to Henry himself, a Model T Ford hangs from the ceiling of this 7,500 s.f. garage and Ford memorabilia is displayed inside the glass roll-up garage doored restaurant. "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said: Faster Horses.", Henry quipped. TVs over the bar for the easily distracted. Bathrooms are an attraction for auto-nerds and All Girls Garage fans. A Ford auto (A or T) sits outside too. Hours are 11 AM to 11 PM or later on weekends from 10 AM on Sunday. Family oriented. Food served in paper-lined reusable baskets, but no "core charge" added. The menu is covered with kitschy names for the food. Start your engines with Edsel's Hot Pretzels, Deep Fried Dill Pickle Planks, Chili Cheese Fries, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Firestone Fried Shrimp, Nachos, Jumbo Piston Onion Rings, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, Ahi Poke Stack or Classic Wings. Soups are Baked Potato, Chili or French Onion. Salads like Caesar, Chop-Chop, Berries and Gorgonzola, Grilled Chicken Cobb or Southwest Salmon. Branded-Bun Burgers are the big thing. The Black Angus Standard is popular, the Signature runs higher, the Black-n-Bleu is a bit more, the Estate Burger is extra, while the Model-A runs at the high end. Other variations run moderately. Then there's an "Assembly Line" where you can "build to order". Not into Burgers, they have Pulled Pork Sandwich, Mama Ford's Meatloaf, Fish 'n Chips, Chicken Henry and Chili Garlic Salmon. They also put together various Mac 'n Cheese Combos that are popular. Sides like Coleslaw, Side Salad, Broccoli, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Fries/Mashed/Tots and more are available. For the sweet tooth, they offer Chocolate Bumpy Cake, Brownie Sundae, Rum Cake, Funnel Cake and Key Lime Pie. Shakes and Floats keep the Soda Jerk busy. Fancy Cocktails are offered, Wines, Mules and Beers are moderately priced. A whole array of imported and domestic Bottled Beers can make the decision seem endless, like the Victory Brewing Co. Golden Monkey at 9.5% ABV! Happy Hour runs 11 AM to 7 PM weekdays. Two full bars and outdoor seating are available. Reservations available by phone or online. This is one of seven locations, started in 2012, now based in Tampa, FL. and licensed by The Ford Motor Company. Another location is in Lakeland, Gainesville and in Wesley Chapel, off I-75, exit 275.

Four Flamingos (A Richard Blias Florida Kitchen), 1 Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL. 61.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-239-3854. (American) (Seafood) [D] Opened in December, 2021. Located in the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, just northeast of Disney Springs off I-4, Exit #68. Open 5-10 PM daily, for dinner only. It replaces Hemingway's. Smart casual dress code here. An upscale tourist-driven dining adventure with a focus on Florida cuisine by noted chef Richard Blias. Linen napkins on wood tables. Large view windows near the bar. Start with items like Scallop Ceviche, Crab & Avocado, Florida Shrimp with Guava Sauce, Oysters with Pineapple, Cachapa & Osetra Caviar or a Smorgasbord Platter to share. Next course includes Charred Broccolini, Ham & Cheese Croquettes, Oxtail & Foie Gras Empanada, Hearts of Palm Caesar Salad, Beet & Tangerine Salad, Coconut Shrimp Toast, Pork Belly, Ribeye Pinchos, Steamed Mussels or Crab Cake. No Soups are offered. Main dishes are Cauliflower Steak, Mojo Grilled Chicken, Florida Seafood "Moqueca", Lobster Bucatini, Fish Beurre Blanc, Bacon-Wrapped Filet, Crab Raviolo, Ahi Tuna Steak, 16 oz. Swordfish, Surf & Turf [Lobster Tail & Filet ] and a 30 oz. Ribeye. You can also order a Whole Florida Fish For Two, and Half or Whole Lobster at market prices. Sauces and side dishes are extra. Desserts are tempting with Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Banana Marquis, Cuban Espresso Panna Cotta and Coconut Rum Trifle on the list. Kids Menu available, like Grilled Cheese. Full bar with Specialty Cocktails and Drafts, featured. Varied Wine List with Whites and Reds by the glass, Bubbles too. By the bottle you can choose Still Whites at $50-$165/bottle and Reds at $54-$510/bottle for Opus One Cab. The Dom is $340/bottle. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Complimentary valet and distant self-park for restaurant patrons. Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised. Richard Blias, executive chef; Shelby Farrell, chef de cuisine and Frances Santiago, manager.

Francesco's Ristorante & Pizzeria (Maitland), 400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL. 53.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-960-5533. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Located on US 17/92 between Ventis and Packwood Avenues. Opened in mid-2012. Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM (11 PM weekends), except closed Sundays. Dinner starts at 5 PM. All a-la-carte dishes with a decidedly Sicilian slant. Antipasti items are Crostini di Pollo, Melanzane Parmigiana, Calamari Fritti, Sautéed Calamari, Gamberoni Siciliana and Antipasto Italiano. Salads are House, Caesar, Wedge, Caprese, Carciofi and Prosciutto Mozzarella. Various Paninis are offered. Pasta dishes include "Create Your Own", Gnocchi Siciliana, Penne Puttanesca, Lasagna Bolognese, Whole Wheat, Carbonara and Penne Palermitana. Main dishes offered are Pollo Parmigiana, Pollo Arrosto, Pollo Cacciatore, Vitello Parmigiana, Vitello Siciliano, Salmone Bruschetta and Grigliata di Gamberoni e Calamari. Flatbreads are also on the menu, so are Calzones, and 13 inch Pizzas, priced depending on toppings. Italian desserts, like Cassata al Forno Cake or Sfogliatelle are offered. Lunch items are available. Sparkling, white and red wines are available on the list and range from $24 for Torre di Luna Italian Pinot Grigio, to $120 for Joseph Phelps Napa Cab. However, most are in the $20-30 range and many are offered by the glass, especially the Italian imports. Beer and wine only here. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. Online and phone reservations accepted. Voted 2013 "Best Neighborhood Eateries" by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Skipper Rawls, John Maciewicz and Chef Francesco Aiello, owners.

Fred's Market Restaurant (Plant City), 1407 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL. 81.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-752-7763. (Buffet) (Southern) [B/L/D] Open 6 AM to 9 PM, six days a week and from 8 AM on Sunday. Fred's Market (a.k.a. Fred's Southern Kitchen) is located a few blocks south of Baker St. (US 92), over the tracks, just east of S. Alexander St. (SR 39A) at the Farmer's Market. "Slow food, FAST!" Started in 1954 in Plant City, the Johnson family have four locations now and a large following. They offer a full Southern Buffet that might feature Beef Tips, Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken and Dumplings, Meatloaf, Lasagna, Roast Pork, Country Fried Steak, Roast Turkey, Baked Chicken, Smoken Sirloin, BBQ Pulled Pork and Roast Pork. The menu rotates daily. Full Buffets are offered at lunch and dinner (after 5 PM and all day Sunday). Seniors get a $1 discount and children another dollar or two depending on age. The "One Trip" Buffet version is offered at lunch and dinner and the "Salad Only" Buffet version is less. There's also Vegetarian Buffet; and a Breakfast Buffet starting at 6 AM (Sunday from 8 AM) offered on weekdays and weekends. Kid's menu, too. No bar. Soft drinks are refillable. 18% gratuites added for parties of 12 or more. Other locations are in Lakeland at 2120 Harden Blvd., Riverview at 6501 US 301 and Lake Mary at 835 Currency Cir. The Winter Haven location is now closed. Fred and Tammy Johnson, owners.

Older Review: (from Bruce W. 5/15) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Freezer (Tiki Bar), 5590 S. Boulevard Dr., Homosassa, FL. 51.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-628-2452. (Seafood) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Also known as The Freezer of Homosassa and The Cedar Key Fish & Crab Co., but it's nowhere near Cedar Key, FL. Located south of the Homosassa Riverside Resort on the Boulevard Drive and just north of S. Mason Creek Rd., west of town. Open daily Noon to 9 PM and later on weekends. Fish store turned restaurant. This "dive" is popular with the locals, families, tourists and bikers as well. Wait in line, order your meal at the bar service window and pick a table, inside or out (smoking permitted outside). The menu is simple. Blue Crabs and Stone Crab Claws are market priced daily. Also offered are 1 lb. Northern Snow Crab Legs with Slaw, 2.5 lbs. of Boiled Peel-&-Eat Shrimp, Tilapia with Garlic Toast, Hot Dogs with Chips and Clam Chowder. What the locals cherish is the Smoked Mullet Dip or Smoked Salmon Dip. All prices include tax. Florida Stone Crab season runs October 15 to May 1. Price per pound varies yearly. Very popular place during Florida Crabbing season. 2-4 PM is the slowest time of day when the wait is tolerable. Grilled Steaks added on Wednesdays. Beer and wine offered. Styrofoam china. Cash only. Accessible by water. DBA, Cedar Key Fish & Crab of Homosassa, John and Joanne Lawson, owners.

(The) French Café, 16412 New Independence Pkwy., Ste. 140, Winter Garden, FL. 49.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-500-4050. (Cafe) (French) [B/L/D] Opened December, 2018. Located east of Exit #15 of SR 429 (Daniel Webster Beltway), in the Hamlin Town Center at Shoreside Way entrance. Open every day, 7 AM through 9 PM. Primarily a French bakery but they make items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The décor is bright and modern, not old world. For breakfast they offer Salmon, American or Tortilla Omelets. Quiches are Lorraine, Spinach, Salmon or Provençal. They have 4 Sweet Crêpes too. The rest of the day they have Savory Crêpes like Alpine, Ham & Cheese, Veggie and Smoked Salmon. Sandwiches include Croque Monsieur or Madame, Italian, Parisian, Provençal, Chicken Salad, Ham & Cheese, BLT and of course, Alsacian. Salads include Tuna, Veggie, Toscana and Chicken Salad. They also offer Soup du Jour. For Dessert their case is full of French Pastries, Croissants, Tartes and Cakes. They sell wine and beer also. Outdoor seating available. Happy Hour is 5-7 PM with reduced specials. François Paille from Alsace, France, chef; Ramgopal Atmakuri, owner.

Fresco Cucina Italiana, 7721 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-363-5775. (Italian) (Seafood) [L/D] In business since 2008. Opened here in 2014 and is popular with locals and tourists. Located behind the Drury Inn & Suites in the Bayhill Plaza, off "Restaurant Row", near the large Fitness Center. Open Noon to 9 PM weekdays, 5-9 PM on Saturday and closed on Sunday. Some outdoor seating available. Full linen service at night. For appetizers you'll find Bruschetta, Burrata, Aracine Siciliane [Risotto], Caprese, Clams Oreganata, Carpaccio, Calamari, Fritto Misto, Mussels, Stuffed Mushrooms, Antipasto and even a Lobster Appetizer. Soup du Jour and Chicken Soup always offered. Caesar, Fresco, Grilled Chicken, Panzanella, Greens and Goat Cheese and a Della Casa Salads on the list. Ten types of Wood Fired Pizzas are available, from Bianca to Quattro Formaggi [Cheese] or Stagioni [Prosciutto]. Various Pastas like Baked Ziti, Bucatini Carbonara or Amatriciana, Gnocchi Caprese, Lasagna, Linguine alla Vongole [Clams], Lobster Ravioli, Pappardelle Bolognese, Orecchiette and many Pastas shapes with Marinara, Pomodoro, Alfredo, Vodka or Arrabbiata Sauces are offered. Entrés include Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Marsala, Piccata or Saltimbocca, plus Veal Cutlets similar preparations, Grouper, Salmon, Shrimp and others make a big menu even larger. Zuppa di Pesce [Seafood Stew] is popular here, as is Chicken Artichokes. Kid's menu available. Lunch menu includes Paninis and Pastas. Desserts include Limoncello Cake or Flute, Ricotta or New York or Red Velvet or Chocolate Skyscraper Cheesecake, Torta della Nonna and of course, Connolis and Tiramisu. Reservations recommended weekends. Full bar with a Wine List. Craft cocktails available. $10 Corkage Fee for your own wine. Occasional entertainment. Scialoia family, owners.

Review: (from Sandra M. 3/25) We were looking for a place to eat on the way home from MCO airport. Very popular place. At 7:15 PM on a Wednesday night, it was full but we were seated in a booth rather quickly. Our server, Irnzen, was great. All food was served in a timely manner and was hot and delicious. She had great recommendations. Family recipes here. We ordered a bottle of Fransican Cab ($38). We were served delicious hot Bread with the wine. I ordered Fiocchetti Pear Pasta in a delicious Vodka Sauce ($23) and loved it. Hubby had Arrabbiata Pasta ($18), also served hot and delicious and just spicy enough for him. For dessert, we shared Tiramasu ($10) that was very good and large enough to satisfy both of us. Our total bill was $89 before t&t.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Friar Tuck (English Café), 601 Cagan Park Ave., Suite 401, Clermont, FL. 47.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-404-6818. (British) (Cafe) [B/L/D] Opened January, 2017. Located about 14 miles south of SR 50, off US 27, just north of SR 192 (Bronson Hwy.) in south Clermont. It's in Suite #401 now, Town Center at Cagan Crossings, around the corner from the original location. Hours are 10 AM to 10 PM weekdays, to 11:30 PM weekends, but only from 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday, closing at 6 PM on Sunday. Now closed all day Monday too. Full English Breakfast served Saturday and Sunday to 11 AM. An English Roast is served starting at 2 PM on Sundays. For breakfast you'll find Crumpets and Jam, Sausage Roll, Scotch Eggs, Beans on Toast, Corned Beef Hash and Two Eggs, The American Breakfast, Quiche and The Full Breakfast. For lunch and supper, they offer Sarnies, Wraps, Salads and Cheese and Onion Pasty, Cornish Pasty, Cottage Pie, Chicken Pies and a Steak and Mushroom Pie. You can also get Emily's Tour of England. Favorites like Mushy Peas, Bangers, Toasties and Flip Flops are also on the menu. Desserts include Ice Cream, Bread Pudding and the Daily "Fav". Reservations by phone accepted. Outdoor seating available. Packaged imported food items are for sale too. Full bar now but Ginger Beer is popular too. Proper British Tea is served of course. Kids menu available. Rebecca Roland from Nottingham, England, owner.

Front Porch Restaurant & Pie Shop, 12039 N. Florida Ave., Dunnellon, FL. 36.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-489-4708. (American) (Cafe) [B/L/D] In business since 1986. Open 7 AM to 8:30 PM daily except closed Monday. Located right on US 41S, just 1 mile south of downtown Dunnellon over the bridge. The house numbers are confusing, so go over the river and railroad and you'll see it. Locals refer to it as "the hole in the wall". Sea Salt and Everglades Cactus Dust are already on every table. Specializes in Southern Down Home Cookin'. Popular dishes are the Southern Style Pot Roast and the Fried or Broiled Tilapia. You can also find a Half Fried Chicken, Fried Fish and Gator and a BBQ Pork Sandwich with Fries and Claw. Even a fat Hot Dog is available. So is Grilled Pork Chops, Chopped Steak, Ham Steak and an Open Faced Roast Beef Sandwich. More noted for their pies made by Gail. The Lemon Meringue sells the fastest, followed by the Coconut Cream, Chocolate Cream, Banana Cream, Pecan, Blueberry, Apple, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Cherry and Key Lime flavors, among others. Written up in Southern Living Magazine, years back. No bar. 3% surcharge added for using credit cards. Mike and Melissa Gray, owners.

Older Review: (from Mike M. 12/08) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 4/09) Q=5 S=3 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/11) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 6/20) Q=3 S=5 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Garlic, 556 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL. 72.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-424-6660. (Italian) [D] Located on E. 3rd Ave. about 1 mile after the South Causeway Bridge (SR 44, Route A1A) at S. Cooper Street. In business since 2003. Opens at 4 PM daily. Very unique interior plus outdoor seating. Noted for Tuscan food with the aroma and distinctive taste of, your guessed it, garlic (they sell 1,000 pounds/month). Appetizers include Zuppa de Garlic, Tomato Basil Bruschetta, Classic Caprese, Crab Cakes, Eggplant Tower, Calamari, Garlic and Sambucca Mussels, Clams Bianco, Sicilian Lamb and others. The Pasta course includes Pasta Pomodoro, Pasta Puttanesca, Quattro Cheese Manicotti, Eggplant Parmigiano with Linguine, Prosciutto and Pea Tortellini, Ravioli Bolognese, Spunititori Italiano (Meats with Rigatoni) and Filet Mignon Pappardelle. Chicken dishes include Piccata, Roulade, Marsala, Parmigiano or Alfredo. You can find Bocce Ball (16 oz. Meatball), Pork Osso Buco, Surf and Turf, Veal Piccata or Oscar, Roasted Duck, Char-Grilled 8 oz. Filet Mignon, Filet Oscar and Garlic Rack of Lamb on the menu. For Seafood they have Shrimp & Scallop Scampi, Seafood Cannelloni, Seafood Italiano, Cioppino and Chilean Sea Bass Francese. An imported Il Forno oven prepares specials like Roasted Veggies or Tomatos appetizer, Roasted Olives & Crostini appetizer, Salmon Filet entrée, Pepper Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon, 16 oz. NY Strip Steak and a 32 oz. Bone-In Ribeye. Caesar, Spinach, Italian, or the Grant Salad are extra. Children's menu available. The Bar has a Tapas menu. Extensive Wine List runs $12-295/bottle, with many Italian imports noted. Wines by the glass are available. Best time to arrive is 8 PM. No rezies or call ahead taken. Entertainment most nights in season. Featured on the Travel Channel. No more than 2 separate checks per table. Michael Perri, executive chef; Peter Puzzo, general manager; Jeff and Paige Gehris, owners.

Garlic and Ginger, 5847 SW 75th St., Gainesville, FL. 62.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-371-5911. (Asian) [L/D] Located west of I-75, Exit 384, at Archer Rd. (SR 24) and Tower Rd. in the Tower Square Shopping Plaza. Open 7 days, 11 AM to 10 PM or later on weekends. Open since April, 2011. A Korean restaurant serving familiar and authentic creations of southeast Asia in large portions on stone dishes. Appetizers include Edamame (Boiled Soy Beans), Gyoza (7 Deep Fried Dumplings), Potato Korokke (5 Potato Croquettes), Calamari, Shrimp or Vegetable Tempura (Battered and Fried) and Jumbo Shumai (Shrimp Dumpling), plus Korean or Haemul Pancake. Authentic Korean BBQ (on the patio) includes Chadolbaegi (Beef Rib-Eye BBQ), Pork Bulgogi (Spicy Marinated Sizzling Sliced Pork), Beef Bulgogi (Sweet Marinated Sizzling Sliced Beef), Galbi (Marinated Sizzling Short Rib) and Samgyupsal (Pork Belly BBQ). They also offer traditional Hot Pot Stews for two, like Yuksu Bulgogi (Beef and Mushrooms), Budae Jun-gol (Sausage, Ham & Pork), Gobchang Jun-gol (Spicy Tripe), Haemul Jun-gol (Seafood) and Kimchi Jun-gol (Pork), all are for two people. An Octopus Jun-gol is offered for two also. Specialty dishes are Pork Katsu (Fried Pork) and Tofu or Beef Jab-chae (Sweet Potato Noodles). Seafood Paradise Special (Stir-Fry Seafood), Squid Platter Special, Baby Octopus Special and Flaming Pig Special, all for two people. Oyster Bosam (Pork with Raw Oysters) and Haemul Jjim (Spicy Seafood) are for two people, respectively. There's also Gobchang Special for two. Grilled Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel or Yellow Croaker dinners are available. Noodle Dishes like Ja-jang-myeon or Jam-bbong are offered. A traditional Japanese Tempura Udon Noodle Soup (with Shrimp) is on the menu. There's also a few Bokkeumbab (Fried Rice) and popular Bibimbap Rice dishes available. Lunch items include Chicken Teriyaki, Tempora Udon, and a few others from the dinner menu. They serve Mochi, Red Bean or Green Tea Ice Creams for dessert. Full bar. Bekseju Korean Rice Wine, Maehwasu Plum Wine or Bokbunjaju Black Raspberry Wine are served. Asahi and Kirin beers, as well as domestics are also offered. Korean Soju (Rice Vodka) is available too. Reservations accepted. Sang Shin, owner.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 1/20) Q=2 S=4 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.

Garp & Fuss, 348 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 54.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-255-2059. (American) (Cafe) [D] Opened January, 2018, then closed for a few months in 2024, it's now reopened again. Located in the Hidden Garden where The Bistro on Park Avenue once did business, back off the main street. It's a very inviting atmosphere. Open 4-11 PM weekdays, except closed Monday. 11 AM to 1 AM weekends and 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday. The names, Garp and Fuss are references to family members. On the Bar Menu you can find such oddities as Boiled Peanuts, Butternut Squash and Apple Soup, Dos Tacos, Buffalo Cauliflower, Flatbreads, "Garp" [Chicago Italian Beef], "Fuss" [Fried Chicken], a House or Farmhouse Burger, El Cubano, Banhi Mi [Roasted Pork] and Wings (5/10/15). You might also have Romaine and Cabbage Salad or Blue Caesar Salad. Also on the menu is Butternut Squash Ravioli and Chicken Schnitzel. Full bar with crafty cocktails. Reservations accepted. Liz Zucco, chef; Nikki, Rene and Karen Nielsen, owners.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 12/19) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Barry N. 12/24) We dined during happy hour when appetizers are half price. We shared 3 appetizers and left more than full. The Mangia Meatball, larger than a baseball, is still our all time favorite restaurant Meatball. The Mussels, served in a ginger garlic cilantro and spicy coconut broth were plentiful and the sauce so good that after eating the soaked grilled ciabatta I drank the broth using mussel shells. The Chicken Wings tossed in a garlic parmesan sauce was literally "finger licking good". Our bill came to $25.50 before t&t. Our friends also enjoyed the Mangia Meatball and ordered from the regular menu the French Onion Soup and the Boozy Burger (perfectly done Burger topped with thick cut bacon, beer battered onion rings, cheddar cheese and a bourbon BBQ sauce). Our friend, who dislikes spicy foods, felt the sauce was too spicy and the waitress, without hesitation, took it back and returned with a new Burger without the sauce. They enjoyed all 3 dishes and said that the French Onion Soup was the best they ever had (and we've had many French Onion Soups with them). Their bill was $38 before t&t. This remains one of our favorite "go to" restaurants when visiting Winter Park.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Glory Days Grill (Lecanto), 3148 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy., Lecanto, FL. 44.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-352-1314. (American) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Opened April, 2024. Located in the Walmart Plaza, on CR 486 near CR 491 (W. Lecanto Hwy.), north of Lecanto, just south of Beverly Hills, FL. Hours are 3-11 PM daily, to midnight on weekends but opens at 11 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. More TVs than you can watch at one time. This Sports Bar caters to families interested in watching "the game" will chowing down on typical bar food. A vast trio of menus offers items of Salads, like Chicken Caesar or Cobb; Soups, like Clam Chowder; Starters, like featured Buffalo Wings, Fried Pickles or Buffalo Chicken Dip; Burgers, like Swill Mushroom Onion Burger; Favorites, like Baby Back Ribs or Fried Shrimp; and Steaks, like T-Bone or Ribeye. Desserts include a Warm Cookie Sundae and their popular Bourbon Butter Cake. The choices seem endless. Lots of NA drinks like Lemonade, as well as a full bar with Happy Hour all day. A 24 oz. Margarita is featured here. Daily Specials include Burger Monday, Endless Boneless Tuesday, Triple Crown Wednesday, Filet Medalians Thursday and Fish Fry Friday. Covered outdoor seating available. Corn Hole games out front. Reservations taken for team parties or call ahead for regular patrons. One of about 3 dozen locations, mostly in Maryland, Virginia and Florida. Another is near Brooksville, FL. Steve Day, managing partner here.

Gorkhali Kitchen, 10044 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL. 72.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-388-6404. (Asian) (Indian) [L/D] Opened in July, 2022. Located in the Cross Creek Center, near Kinnan St., 1.6 miles east of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. where Saffron Indian Cuisine once did business. Hours are 11 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch, then 5 to 9:30 PM for dinner, closed on Tuesday. "Gorkhali" refers to the Nepali Kingdom. This award winning restaurant offers Nepalese cuisine with Indian and Himalayan dishes listed. Unpretentious dining space with colorful table cloths. It's a piece of Kathmandu City right in Florida. Appetizers include Vegetable Samosa or Pakora [Fritters], Gabi Manchurian [Fried Cauliflower], Tandoori Chicken Wings, Fried Okra and Paneer [Stir Fried Chicken]. Himalayan Soups like Aloo Bodi Tama [Potato Soup] and Kwati [Nepalese Bean Soup] are available. Small plates include Chatamari [Pizza], Fried Rice, Fried Goat Meat, Chicken Choila [Marinated and Grilled], Chow Mein, Wo [Black Pancakes] and Basantapur [Chicken or Goat Skewers]. Dishes from the Tandoor include Paneer Tikka, Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Shrimp or Mixed Grill, Lamb Chops and Seekh Kabob [Minced Chicken]. Other Chicken dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, Chicken Saag, Himalayan Jimbu Chicken and Chicken Vindaloo. Many Vegetable and Curry Goat dishes are offered too. Most served with Basmati Rice. Of course, Naan Bread and Roti is available. Desserts include Rasbari [Milk Balls], Rabri [Pudding] and Nepalese Kheer [Rice Pudding]. A multi-course Himalayan Thaali [Meal] is featured with either Vegetables, Chicken or Goat dishes. Kids menu available. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Beer and wine licensed. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. Reservations accepted. Rajesh Pathak, Menora Panthi, Reena Widdoes and Poonam Gurung, owners.

(The) Great Catch (by Taste of Boston), 5039 1st St., Zephyrhills, FL. 60.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-782-7770. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Located five blocks west of US 301, right off SR 54. Take Old 5th Ave (at 2nd St.) to get to 1st St. It's behind Bob's Auto Repair. Open daily 11 AM to 8 PM and to 9 PM weekends. Here since 2014. Formerly called Maine-ly New England Restaurant. The décor is "Florida Fish Camp" but it's not on the water. Air conditioned interior and a large pario with bar for outdoor dining and entertainment. They offer a wide variety of seafood. For appetizers they have Sweet Potato or Cajun Fries with Syrup, Onion Rings, Fried Pickles, 6 pc. Mozzarella Sticks with Sauce, Fried Mushrooms, Fried Plantains, Fried Calamari with Sauce, Maryland Crab Cake Bites and Maine Steamers. They also have Boneless Chicken Wings (8oz. or 16oz.). You'll find French Onion Soup, New England Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque in two sizes. For entrées they offer Shrimp Scampi on Linguine or Casserole, Grilled or Blackened Shrimp or Basa, Lump Carb Cake, Boston Scrod, Baked Sea Scallop Casserole, and a Seafood Casserole. All come with two side dishes. A larger "Fried Menu" offers baskets or dinners of Chicken Tenders, Clam Strips, Calamari, Basa Fillet, Black Tiger Shrimp, Atlantic Haddock, Buffalo, Kickin' or Coconut Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Sea Scallops, "2 Way" (choose two above), plus a Large Fisherman's Platter. In addition, Whole Belly Ipswich Clams are market priced in season. The baskets come with Fries and Slaw, the dinners with two other sides. They also offer Sandwiches for lunch or dinner, like Shrimp or Oyster Po' Boys, Mahi Fish Taco, Fried Basa, Fried Haddock with Cheese and a Maryland Crab Cake Sandwich. Red Grouper and Clam Rolls at market prices. Burgers, Philly Cheese Steak, Grilled Chicken, Grilled Cheese and Nathan's Hot Dogs are available for the non-swimmers. For land-lovers they offer a 10 oz. NY Strip Steak with Grilled Onions. Specials like Burgers on Monday, Senior Special on Tuesday and Wednesday and A-U-C-E Fish Fry on Friday fill the week. Snow Crabs and Lobster Rolls can also be found. Kids Menu available daily. On Thursday, kids eat free. They offer beer and wine, as well as soft drinks. Entertainment on weekends. Another location is in Land O' Lakes. George Illes, owner.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 8/17) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Great Outdoors Restaurant, 65 N. Main St., High Springs, FL. 81.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-454-1288. (American) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located in the heart of beautiful High Springs in the 100 year old Opera House at US 27/41 and CR 20, between US 441 and the railroad tracks. Been a restaurant or café for many years. Woody and warm décor inside the old building with a beautiful inverted canoe. Open 11 AM to 9 PM or later daily except Monday. The Tavern portion stays open to 11 PM or later. Menu changes from lunch to dinner at 4 PM. Start with their Boston Clam Chowder, Onion Gratinée or Soup du Jour. A full pound of P.E.I. Mussels makes an appetizer or dinner. Fried Green Tomatoes, Conch Fritters, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Calamari or Fire Cracker Chicken Wings are all popular starters too. The Meat Department offers Chicken Oscar, Root Beer Pork Chop, a 14 oz. Boneless Rib Eye, a 14 oz. 2" thick New York Strip, an 8 oz. Filet Mignon or 24 oz. Bone-In Delmonico. Steaks can be topped with Lump Crab in Cognac Cream, Bleu Cheese & Applewood Bacon or Mushroom, Peppers and Burgundy Onions for extra charge. The Fish Department makes it easy by suggesting Pan Roasted, Deep Fried, Grilled or Cajun Spiced fish choice that usually include Fish Tacos, Redfish and Mahi-Mahi. All dinners come with starch and vegetable or salad. Pasta dishes include Pasta Primavera, Dukes' Mac 'n Cheese, Clams Casino and Pasta Seafood. House Specialties run the gamut from Southern Fried Chicken Platter, to Shrimp 'n Grits, to a Captain's Fish Platter, to Racks of Dry Rubbed Ribs. Burgers and Sandwiches are popular at lunch. A Bison Burger is offered. Large Salads also available. Kids menu offered. Desserts include such items as Bread Pudding, Chocolate Cake, Caramel Crunch Cake, Chocolate Mousse, Gluten Free Nut Torta, Key Lime Pie and New York Cheesecake. A nice variety of wines are offered including the more obscure Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Red Zin, Unoaked Chardonnay, Rosé and Meritage. Martini list and specialty drinks, like the Green Lantern, are offered, as is private label beers and ales, like "Naked Ed's" (a local resident). Happy Hour in the full bar Spring House Tavern is 2-6 PM weekdays. 2016 Winner Golden Spoon Award by the Florida Trend Magazine. Patio dining with live free entertainment every night except Monday and Tuesday. Reservations accepted and recommended. Taylor Dukes, chef; Elena Wilson, manager; Carol Doherty, general manager; Bob (and Karen) Bentz, owners since 2008.

(The) Greek Corner, 1600 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL. 57.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-228-0303. (Greek) [L/D] Located in Ivanhoe Village, on North Orange at Ivanhoe Blvd. a few blocks south of E. Princeton St. (SR 438) just east off I-4. In business since 2005. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, except 12 Noon to 8 PM on Sunday. Indoor and outdoor seating for lunch and dinner daily. Appetizers start with Melitzanosalata (Eggplant and Red Pepper on a Pita), Taramosalata (Red Caviar and Olive Oil on a Pita), Spanikopita (Spinach and Feta Cheese in Phyllo Dough), Dolmathakia (Rice in Grape Leaves) and Fried Mozzarella Sticks. There's also Baked Feta and Saganaki (Flamed Kasseri Cheese). Combo Platters are also available for groups. Salads like Greek, Aegean, Farmer, Spinach, Gyro, and Chicken Salad Bengal are offered. Dinner items include Chicken Oreganato, Pastitsio, Gyro Plate, Moussaka, Sirloin Tips, Chicken Francaise or Marsala, Beef Kebob, Shrimp Santorini, Baked Stuffed or Sautéed Shrimp, Braised Lamb Chunks, Greek Style Salmon, Stuffed Chicken, Lamb Kebob, Sirloin a la Sparta, Broiled Whole Snapper and Filet Mignon Olympus, among others. There's also Lemon Oregano Lamb Chops featured. Dinners include Soup or Salad, Roasted Potato or Rice and a Vegetable. There's also Sandwiches like a BLT, Tuna Salad, Veggie Souvlaki, Crab Cake, Chicken, Sausage or Pork Souvlaki and a Gyro in Pita, among others. They come with Salad, Rice or Fries. Greek Pizzas are also on the menu. Italian Style Pasta dishes are there too. Burgers are also on the list. Soups include Avgolemono. Desserts include Rizogalo (Greek Rice Pudding), Baklava and Galaktoboureko. Beer and wine licensed. Voted 2015 "Best Greek" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Voted Orlando's best Greek restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Demetrios Tsafonias, owner.

Older Review: (from Kathleen Q. 5/15) Q=1 S=1 V=1 Total=3 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Duane R. 5/15) Q=2 S=1 V=1 Total=4 out of 15. Return=No.

Green Door on 8th, 14148 8th St., Dade City, FL. 49.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-437-5335. (Cafe) (Southern) [L/D] Located one block west of 7th Street at Meridian Ave. Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily, except closed all day Monday and open 10 AM to 2 PM only on Sunday for Brunch. Formerly where Orleans City Market, Rebecca's At City Market and City Market Bistro all did business before 2017. This one opened July, 2018. Cute, friendly Southern Café for lunch or light dinner. Their specialties are Red Beans and Rice, Crawfish Étouffée, Cigar City Gumbo, Jambalaya, Mac 'n Cheese and the 8th Street Shrimp and Grits. Sandwiches like a Chicken Salad Wrap, Turkey BLT, Ham Hottie, Fried Green Tomato Ciabatta, Chicken Swiss Ciabatta, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp Po'Boy, Roast Beef Cheddar Melt, an American Burger or a Muffuletta will all take you to 'Weeziana for a while. Large Salads are offered. Appetizers like Chips with Kumquat Salsa, Blu Cheese & Chips, Smoked Gouda, Onion Rings and of course Fried Green Tomatoes will give you a southern drawl! Full bar with cocktails, wine and beer. Outdoor seating available. Family run. Greg and Lindsey Fowler, owners.

Grille At Riverview, 101 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL. 72.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-428-1865. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located just south of the North Causeway Bridge on the island side. Overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. Open 11:30 AM to 3 PM for lunch, then 4 PM to 10 PM for dinner. Sunday Brunch served 10:30 AM to 3 PM. Enclosed dining room with river views, as well as the shaded Key West Deck for outdoor seating. Soups include Clam Chowder and French Onion. Appetizers on the list include Escargot Parisian, Calamari Parmesan, Tsunami Shrimp, Pernod Mussels, Shrimp Cocktail and Buffalo Mozzarella. There's also Plantain Crusted Crab Cakes, Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna, Spinach and Crab Dip Casserole, Pancetta Sea Scallops and Steak Tartare. A Shrimp and Sesame Tuna Platter and a Mixed Appetizer For Four, tops off the appetizer list. For entrées they offer Blackened Chicken Penne, Chicken Francese, Bone-In Pork Chop, Citrus Balsamic Roasted Chicken, Rainbow Trout Amandine, Char Sui Atlantic Salmon, Capellini Del Mar, Blackened Mahi-Mahi, 12 oz. Corn Fed Prime Rib, Chateau Filet Napoleon, Raspberry Glazed Mahi-Mahi, Bacon Wrapped Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Maple Leaf Duck Breast, 8 oz. Grilled Filet Mignon, Macadamia Crusted Grouper, Java Crusted Tuna, Grilled NY Strip Steak, Oscar Style Grouper and New Zealand Rack of Lamb. All dinners are a-la-carte with side dishes like Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Spinach, Sautéed Mushrooms, Asparagus and others. Salads range from Caesar to Queen Anne's Spinach. Specials nightly. Desserts include Raspberry Sorbet, Vanilla Crème Brûlée, Brownie Delight, Key Lime Pie, Turtle Pie, Coconut Tres Leche, Chocolate Pots de Crème, Fried Cheesecake or Profiterole. There's also a Mixed Dessert Platter for 4 to 6 people. Early Bird specials offered 4:30 to 6 PM weekdays only and include items like Fish & Chips, Chopped Sirloin Steak, Shrimp Scampi, Herb Crusted Salmon Salad, and others with a complimentary glass of wine, beer or cocktail. Lunch menu ranges from Cheeseburgers, to a BLT, to French Dip, to Chicken & Smoked Gouda Panini, to Open Faced Crab Club, to a Salmon BLT plus others. A 20% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Reservations accepted and advised in season. Full bar and wine list that ranges $20-86 per bottle plus 1998 "Dom Perignon" at $230 per bottle. A selected number of fine wines by the glass. Happy Hour on Friday only from 4 to 7 PM with reduced prices. Roby and Beau Robertson, owners.

Older Review: (from Ira F. 12/11) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

GrillSmith (Wesley Chapel), 2000 Piazza Ave., (SR 56 at Bruce B. Downs Blvd.), Wesley Chapel, FL. 69.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-907-1900. (American) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Opened here in late 2008. Located in the Shoppes at Wiregrass, at SR 56 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd., 2 miles east of I-75, Exit 275. This is now referred to as "New Tampa". Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM daily, except Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM. Family oriented new chain self described as "New American Cuisine". However many of their dishes (and drinks) originated in other parts of the world. Part of their menu is billed as "Fitness Plates" with dishes such as Sundried-Tomato Chicken, Avocado Salmon, Grilled Shrimp Skewers and Catch of the Day. Steakburgers with Cheese, Portobello Caprino or Black & Bleu get a side dish. Tilapia, Grilled Chicken Breast or Signature Steak Sandwiches also get a side dish. Pastas like Lillian's Braised Beef, Chicken Penne Alfredo, Bowtie Shrimp or signature Stoli Ravioli dishes are offered. Salads are extra. Main dishes include Grilled Wild Mushroom Meatloaf, Chicken Portobello Stack, Oak Barrel or Mediterranean Salmon, Baby Back Ribs or signature Lemon Feta Chicken include two sides. Steak Specialties include Double Cut Pork Chops, Chimichurri Steak, 6 or 9 oz. Filet Mignon, 16 oz. Rib-Eye and 8 or 12 oz. Center-Cut Sirloin Steaks come with two side dishes. Desserts include Chocolate Decadence Cake. Large Salads include Bourbon Salmon Salad, Chicken Caesar or Seared Ahi Tuna. Tortilla Pizzas and small plates such as Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Spicy Thai Shrimp, Smoked Salmon Bruchetta and signature Mandarin Lettuce Wraps are here. Full bar and limited wine list. House Wines and Martinis are by the glass during Happy Hour (daily 4-7 PM but 3 PM to close on Sunday and Wednesday for some reason). Premium Wines run up to $149 per bottle. Sparkling White or Remy Red Sangrias are offered. Large selection of unusual imported beers, like the St. Bernardus ABT Beer (10.5% alcohol), Margaritas, Mojitos and Martinis are available. Sunday Brunch (11 AM - 3 PM) menu include combination meals. Special deals frequently offered. Takeout available too. 18% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Ross Hughes, executive chef; Braden Hart, managing partner here now. Corporate owned, just 5 locations, based in Tampa, FL., started in 2004. CEO is Mark Johnson, originator of The Melting Pot.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 2/18) Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Guru Restaurant, 2400 S. US 27 (Suite 101), Clermont, FL. 33.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-241-9884. (Indian) (Vegetarian) [L/D] Located in the Clermont Hills Terrace, across from T.J. Maxx, just south of SR 50. Opens daily at 11:30 AM. Closes at 7 PM on Sunday. Opened August, 2014, but began in 1990. Authentic Indian cuisine and décor. Start with 4 varieties of Nana Bread. Appetizers include Kabobs, Soups and Platters. Many Chicken entrée styles like Tikka, Korma, Hyderabadi, Madras, Saag Wala, Jai Frezi and Bhuna are offered. Lamb and Beef dishes like Vindaloo, Rogan Josh, Korma, Bhuna and Saag Wala are also on the menu. They also offer Biryani Specialties in Chicken, Lamb, Beef and Shrimp. Many Vegetarian items also available, like Bombay Aloo, Masala Dal, Paneer Makhni, Chana Punjabi and Bhindi Masala. A Fish Curry dish is popular. Full linen service. Kids menu available. Beer and wine licensed. Uday Kadam, general manager and chef; wife, Pamela Carver, owner.

Older Review: (from Frank K. 8/16) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 8/16) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 6/24) A delicious meal tonight with my Dine-Out Group here. If you love the flavors and spices of India like Cardamom, Turmeric, Ginger, Cumin, Cinnamon, Fennel and Cloves and you enjoy a little heat with your meal, this is the place. I had one of their most popular dishes, the Butter Chicken ($24), cooked in creamy tomato sauce and the Onion Garlic Naan Bread ($4.50). Others had the Lamb Vindaloo and the Shrimp Masala which I tasted and enjoyed as well. A couple of us had the Mango Ice Cream or the Pistachio Ice Cream ($9) for dessert. A welcome relief from the spicy meals that range from Mild to Fire! I recommend you stick to the Mild or Medium. The owner will come out and check on you frequently. Very good service! Thumbs up for this restaurant! Total for my bill that included an entrée, side order of Naan, a generous glass (11 ounces) of Merlot ($10) and dessert was $51.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Neal P. 6/24) Our server was Uday K. We ordered the plain Naan and Lentil Soup for a starter. The Soup was very good and had great flavor. For the main course we split the Tiki Masala. It had good taste and spice. We ordered the mild spice but there are 3 levels of spice available. For dessert we had the Rice Pudding and the Peshawari Naan (with raisins and almonds) and both were delicious. The owner came out several times to make sure we were happy and the food tasted good. Our bill was $53 before t&t.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ (Orlando), 7858 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-613-5056. (Asian) (Fondue) [L/D] Opened in October, 2016. Located on Turkey Lake Rd. just north of Sand Lake Rd. in the "Restaurant Row" part of Orlando, west of Exit 74A of I-4. Gyu-Kaku, meaning "Horn of the Bull", is better known as "Yakiniku" (Barbecue) in Japan. Open 11:30 AM to 10 PM or later on weekends. Menu changes from lunch to dinner at 3 PM. Mix Japanese food with a Mini Table Grill, with a downdraft system, and you have a very popular "Cook-It-Yourself BBQ". It's an Asian twist on Fondue, without the cheese. The menu combinations seem endless. BBQ "courses" (combos) include a few sartarters, 6 BBQ items and a dessert. Basic orders are for couples like Meat Lovers for 2, Gyu-Kaku for 2, Samurai for 4 or Shogun for 6. All include Rice or Soup. There are also seasonal items like the 8 oz. Skirt Steak, 3½ oz. Wagyu Steak and 3½ oz. Harami plus 3½ oz. Hangar plus 3½ oz. Yaki-Shabu Beef Combo. You can also find a-la-carte items like Beef Shoulder, Lamb, Zabuton, Lobster Tail or Chateaubriand to cook. There's also portions of Chicken, Pork, Pork Sausage, Garlic Shrimp, NY Steak, Beef Filet, Salmon, Sirloin, Hangar, Duck Breast, Kalbi Short Rib, Beef Tongue, Toro Beef, Lamb Chops, Kobe Short Rib, Kobe NY Steak and many others on the menu. Rice and Noodle sides are available. Vegetables, like Spinach or Zucchini are available, when you order a-la-carte. Appetizers, like Miso Chicken Wings are offered. Food and Beverage Happy Hour runs daytime to 5 PM and nighttime after 9 PM, where most items, including Beer and Sake, are reduced by a dollar or two. Six desserts are offered, like S'mores. Kids menu available. Beer and wine licensed. Importend Japanese Beer, like Kirin, Asahi, Sapporo, Ginga Kogen or Echigo Koshihikari Rice Beer orby the pitcher. Glasses and bottles of American Wine and Japanese Sake are here. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. of Wine or Sake. Japanese Soda is also on hand. Reservations by phone or online accepted. A large chain of over 650 locations worldwide, in 11 countries, with the original site in Los Angeles in 1996. Over 30 locations are in the USA, mostly in California, Hawai and New York. Arthur Devine and Yutaro Iwamura, owners here.

(The) H Cuisine, 7512 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL. 56.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-930-3020. (Middle Eastern) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Opened in July, 2018. Located in Suite #80, near keke's Breakfast Café, at Della Dr. In the Restaurant Row area of Orlando. Sometimes called The H Orlando. It's described as casual elegant but without linen service. Comfortable seating; unusual post modern décor and varied menu. They boast food from 70 different countries. Open kitchen. Hours are 11:30 AM to 10 PM daily, to Midnight weekends. Closed between 3 and 5 PM for menu change. Appetizers include Charcuterie and Cheese, Turkish Salad, Tulum Salad, Burrata, Baby Artichoke, Belgium Endive, Sweetbreads, Steak Tartare with Bone Marrow or Grilled Octopus. For entrées they start with Robespierre, Grilled Scottish King Salmon, Papperdelle, Grilled Filet of Barnzino, Strozzapreti [Pasta], Prime NY Sirloin Steak, Lokum [Tenderloin], Duck, 20 oz. Bone-In Ribeye, Chateau Filet for Two, Kafes for Two [Rack of Lamb], 32 oz. Porterhouse for Two, 45 oz. Tomahawk for Two and ends with Osso Buco for Two [Veal Shank Specialty]. Sides like Roasted Potatoes or Grilled Mushrooms are extra. Full bar. Wine List shows Whites and Reds by the glass or bottle. Turkish Coffee, Cappucino, Latte and Espresso offered. Watch for flaming wheels of Parmesan Cheese in the dining room. Valet parking available. Reservations by phone or online accepted. Tolga Mutlu, Executive Chef; Ahmet Ozhamurkar and Fuat Hasoglu, owners.

Hagan O'Reilly's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 16112 Marsh Rd., Winter Garden, FL. 43.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-905-4782. (Irish) [L/D] Open daily at 11 AM. Away from the center of town. Take the Florida Turnpike to Exit 272; drive east on SR 50 (W. Colonial Dr.) about 2 miles; turn right on Avalon Rd.; go south on Avalon about 3 miles; turn right on Marsh Rd. then left into the Avamar Crossing Shopping Center. A true Irish Pub with over 50 bottle beers plus Guinness, Murphy's, Harp, Smithwick's and Magner's (Cider) on tap, as well as Boddington's, Newcastle Brown, Stella Artois, German Paulaner Hefe Weizen Beer and popular US brands also. The menu includes such British and Irish favorites as Fish 'n Chips, Shepherd's Pie, Bangers 'n Mash, Corned Beef 'n Cabbage and Egan's Irish Stew. There's more American style, and pricier, items here too, like 8 oz. Filet Mignon, Rack o' Lamb, Rib Eye, Stuffed Pork Chop, Seared Salmon and Half Roasted Chicken. Early Bird Specials offered, like Salisbury Steak, Potato Crusted Whitefish, Emerald Chicken or Grilled Apple Pork Chop are served before 6 PM weekdays. Seasonal specials are added frequently. Traditional Irish Potato Leek Soup is also popular. Salads and lighter items like Shrimp Skewer or Donegal Crab Cakes are on the menu also. Sandwiches are offered for lunchtime. Three small private rooms for parties of 8-14 can be reserved. One even has a fireplace. Large outdoor patio seating also. Games such as darts make this a true pub experience. Dark oak trimmed but well lit interior. Traditional Irish music inside, four nights a week (Wednesday through Saturday) starting at 7:15 PM, except 6 PM on Friday. Entertainment outdoors too. Huge St. Patty's Day Party but it's also celebrated on the 17th of every month here. Two full bars whip up Irish Coffees with any one of their 12 premium Irish Whiskeys. Over 30 wines are offered also. Happy hour 4 to 7 PM. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Theresa Reeder, manager; Dave and Mary Claire Miller, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 11/09) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Haile Village Bistro, 5323 SW 91st Ter., Gainesville, FL. 65.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-378-0721. (British) (Middle Eastern) [B/L/D] Quaint café located at the Village Center of Haile Plantation, just west of I-75, exit #384, off Archer Rd. Open for breakfast daily from 7 AM and lunch from 11 AM to 5 PM, then dinner until 9:30 PM or later on weekends. They offer Breakfast Sandwiches, Fruit, Muffins, Bagels and Cereal for breakfast. Lunch brings Philly Cheese Steaks, Pesto Grilled Chicken, Chicken Parm., Reuben, Italian Sausage, Burgers, Clubs, BLT, Wraps and large salads. For dinner, appetizers include Coconut Shrimp, Fried Calamari, Crab Cakes, Tabbouli, Hummus and Soup. For entrées they offer Bangers and Mash, Shepherd's Pie, Steak and Mushroom Pie, Fish and Chips, Sabzie (Slow Cooked Beef), Chicken Curry, Chicken, Swordfish or Shish Kabobs, Fessenjan (Chicken Breast), Atlantic Salmon and Bourbon Glazed Rib Eye. You can also find pasta dishes like Fettuccini Alfredo, Fettuccini Frangelica, Baked Penne, Lasagna, Chicken Parm. and Spaghetti Marinara or with Meat Sauce, are offered. Soup or a side salad are extra. Large salads and sandwiches are also available during the evening. Occasional Persian and Turkish dishes offered as specials. The dessert case is very tempting. Reservations accepted. Entertainment, weekends. Full bar and wine list. Outdoor seating available. Abbas (Jayne) Yazdi and Jennifer Nanson, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 2/16) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

hamilton's Kitchen (at The Alfond Inn), 300 East New England Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-998-8089. (American) (Seafood) [B/L/D] Located 3 blocks east of Park Ave. in downtown Winter Park in the Alfond Inn on the grounds of Rollins College. Opened in August 2013. Hours are 7 AM to 10 PM daily, except closes at 9 PM Sunday. Breakfast served to 11 AM, then lunch to 2 PM and dinner served from 5 PM. Offers a wide selection of fresh preparations in a contemporary setting. To start you will find Slow Roasted Pork Belly with Apples or Peaches, Roasted Corn Soup, Cucumber Salad, Beef & Pork Meatballs, Truffle Oil Mac 'n Cheese, Grilled Flatbread, Beets with Goat Cheese, Watermelon Salad, Crab Salad Cheese Selections, Shrimp 'n Grits and Spanish Iberico Ham. On to the entrées, you will see Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Pan Seared Salmon, Half Roast Chicken, Braised Short Ribs, Pan Seared Trout, Braised Lamb and Risotto, Pork Schnitzel, Seared Scallops and Pasta, Steak und Frites, Poached Snapper and a Grilled Rib Eye. Most come with a green and starch but you can also addVeggies, Asparagus, Sweet Potato, Red Bliss, Cheese Fries, Salmon Fritters or Mac 'n Cheese (all extra). A 4-Course Prix Fixe Tasting Menu is also available (choice of 4 entrées) with or without 2 glasses of paired wines. Lunch items are similar with items like Fish Tacos and Shrimp 'n Grits plus Pressed BLT and Creekstone Cheeseburger added. Breakfast items range from a Ham and Cheddar Croissant to a full Farmers Breakfast of Eggs, Sausage, Potatoes and an English Muffin. Outside seating available. Full bar and Wine List offered. https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Bichara+Blvd+%26+Main+St,+Lady+Lake,+FL+32159/7721+Turkey+Lake+Rd,+Orlando,+FL+32819/@28.6965073,-82.0261653,10z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m19!4m18!1m10!1m1!1s0x88e7c680d2d96c6b:0x2fc4aa639d0c40dd!2m2!1d-81.9480855!2d28.9422052!3m4!1m2!1d-81.8876384!2d28.7999853!3s0x88e7eaa024294f0f:0xdda420984c16c454!1m5!1m1!1s0x88e77f00a2018237:0xd98b7c48ceb5a04a!2m2!1d-81.4761445!2d28.452792!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQwNi4wIKXMDSoJLDEwMjExNDUzSAFQAw%3D%3D Reservations accepted by phone and online. Open Thanksgiving Day with seatings at Noon and 3 PM at prix fixe. Jason Klingensmith, executive chef; Jesse Martinez, general manager, hotel owned.

(The) Hampton Social (Orlando), 9101 International Dr. (Suite 1200), Orlando, FL. 55.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-689-800-6760. (Pizza) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened in February, 2021. Located where Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar did business for 12 years at Pointe Orlando on I-Drive. This small Chicago based chain is themed after The Hamptons on Long Island, but with understated seafaring décor. Open 3 PM to 10 PM or longer hours on weekends. Lunch menu ends at 3 PM; Saturday and Sunday Brunch menu runs 10 AM to 3 PM. Their motto is: "Rosé all day!". Pizzas will be on the menu, as well as Small Plates, Burgers and a Seared Ahi Tuna Sandwich. For entrées you'll find items like Shrimp Tacos, Fish & Chips, Pasta Rossa, Tuna & Avocado, Parmesan Trout, Shelter Island Salmon, Scottish Salmon, Thai Curry Shrimp, Crab Cakes, Scallop Risotto, Lemon Roasted Chicken, Steak Frites, Skirt Steak, Pan Seared Snapper, Petite Filet and a Catch Of The Day at market price. Sides are extra, like Salad, Fries, Squash, Mashed Potatoes and others. Large Salads are available. A Tomato Bisque and a New England Clam Chowder are featured too. Seafood Bar of Oysters, Chilled Peel & Eat Shrimp, Smoked Trout Dip and Yellowtail Poke are offered. Full bar with specialty cocktails in a glass or big seashell. Wines by the glass available. They specialize in Rosé Wines (glass and bottle). A "Frosé" listed. Happy Hour is weekdays 3-6 PM on limited selections. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Daily entertainment. Kids menu offered. Reservations accepted. Some outdoor seating available. Created by Brad Parker. Based in Chicago, IL.; another location is in Naples, Florida.

Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant, 8255 International Drive, (Suite 136), Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-363-7200. (Asian) [L/D] Open 11:30 AM to 2 PM for lunch, then 5 to 10:30 PM for dinner, daily except closed Monday. Located on I-Drive near Charley's Steak House, not far from the Icon-Orlando. Noted for their Kyoto style food since 2012. You can start off with any of 3 soups, like Osumashi or Red Soy Bean. Then there's 3 dozen appetizers like Boiled Spinach Salad, Dashimaki Tamago Egg Omelette, Deep Fried Calamari Specialty, Buta Kakuni Cooked Pork Cubes or Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab. Entrées are varied like Grilled Salted Salmon or Tile Fish, Fried Lobster Tail, Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Gyu Katsu Deep Fried Beef, various Wafu Steaks, especially the popular "Ninniku" Garlic Steak, plus Hot Pots like Sukiyaki or Yosenabe. There is also Ishiyaki, Una-Jyu Grilled Eel, Yaki Onigiri Sea Urchin, plus many Noodle dishes. The selection seems endless. Lunch menu adds Ramen Noodle dishes. Beer, Wine and Sake available. Futoshi Kishimoto, owner.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 3/16) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Hangry Bison, 480 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL. 51.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-677-5000. (American) [L/D] Opened in 2018. It's "Hangry", not "Hungry", meaning "irritable because of hunger". Located in the Winter Park Village, near the Regal Movie Theaters. Open from 11 AM to 10 PM daily, to Midnight on weekends. It's all about Burgers. You can build your own here. Bourbon and Beer go good with Burgers too. They have a Grilled Portobello Burger, Spicy Italian Sausage Patty Burger, Grilled Chicken Breast Burger, Salmon Burger, Turkey and Bacon Burger, Short Ribs Burger, Bison Burger, Bison Bleu Cheese Burger and a Burger of the Week on the list. Big Salads are popular with the ladies like California Cobb, Greek, Roasted Beets and Bourbon Chicken Salad. You can add appetizers like Truffle Fries, Onion Rings, Fried Green Tomatoes, Pretzels and Beer Cheese, Caprese Flatbread, Jalapeños, Calamari, Bourbon Wings or Pork Rinds. For the daring, they offer a huge Food Fight Burger. Accolades come with the complete devouring of it. Desserts are also offered. Kids menu is available. Full bar with crafted Cocktails and Beer Flights too. Wine runs $8-16/glass. Happy Hour 4-7 PM, Monday-Thursday and 4-6 PM, on Friday. Reduced Whiskeys on Wednesdays. Entertainment on Thursday evenings. Outdoor seating. Phone reservations accepted. Another location is now in Winter Garden. Joseph and Sharon Liguori, owners.

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille (Gainesville), 110 SE 1st St., Gainesville, FL. 62.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-372-1555. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily. Located in the historic downtown section at the corner of "1st and 1st". A New Orleans style restaurant with Big Easy decor. From Red Beans & Rice to Filet Mignon, this restaurant has a wide variety of New Orleans style food. Mahi Crabmeat Almondine, Pecan Crusted Catfish, Crab Cakes, Shrimp and Scallop Evangeline, Shrimp Scampi, Sautéed Chicken Jolié Blonde, plus more Cajun style entrées like Jambalaya, Crawfish or Shrimp Étouffée, Shrimp and Grits or Red Beans and Rice with Smoked Andouille. Soups include Gumbo and Clam Chowder daily. More traditional Chicken, Pork and Steaks are also on the menu. Mahi Sandwiches, Angus Burgers and Oyster Po' Boys make up the lighter portion side of the menu. Early bird specials (4-6 PM) and Happy Hour 2-7 PM too at the full bar. Harry's Hurricane is as popular here as the original in New Orleans. Sign up for their birthday and anniversary discount club. Nice wine selection too. $15 Corkage Fee charged for your own wine. Specials often added to the list. $10 Coupon offered on your birthday for eClub members. Call ahead seating available, which is very effective on Friday nights. One of a small chain of 5 restaurants, started in 1987, headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. Rudy Mraovich, general manager here.

Older Review: (from Ken J. 4/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant, 3340 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka, FL. 44.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-865-6100. (Asian) [L/D] In business since 2003. Located on SR 436 in the Forest City area, across from the Highland Memorial Garden Cemetery in a small green and tan building. Open daily from 11 AM, except closed Sundays. You can expect many fresh Sushi items like Futo Maki, Sanshoku Maki, Chirashi Sushi to Sashimi plus combinations of both. Love Boats for Two are here. Other items like Saba Shioyaki, Pork Shogayaki and Yakiniku Kaldi are offered. There are also popular Teriyaki and Tempura dishes. Also frequently ordered are Katsu dishes. Bento Boxes are also on the menu too. A Hatsuhana Favorite Dinner Special or Tarako Meshi are offered. Some items can be adjusted for spiciness. Vegetarian items are offered too. And kids menu available. Lunch menu has similar offerings. They have two dozen appetizers like Edamame, Gyoza and Kimchee. Spicy Octopus in a Bowl is not often found in restaurants but is here. California Rolls, Udon and Mussels are regular items too. Beer and wine licensed. Masahiko and Myung Ikemoto, owners.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 10/14) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

HAVEN Kitchen, 6100 Wave Hotel Drive, Orlando, FL. 67.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-675-2000. (American) [B/L/D] Alternate address: 6722 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. Quietly opened January, 2022. Hours daily are 6:30 AM to 10 AM for breakfast, then 11 AM to 2 PM for lunch, then 5:30 to 9 PM for dinner. This more health-conscious restaurant is located on the pool level of the unique and futuristic Lake Nona WAVE Hotel. No relation to the HAVEN Restaurant in Tampa. For Not-So-Healthy appetizers they have Fried Calamari, Smoked Chicken Wings, Muhammara [Charred Red Pepper Dip], Roasted Scallops, Crispy Baby Artichoke, Grilled Octopus and Poached Florida Shrimp In A Box. The Healthy Section has Burrata and Lobster, Pickled Beet Root, Radicchio and Watercress, Baby Kalera Greens and Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho Soup. For mains they offer Gemelli Pasta, Roasted Chicken, Branzino a la Plancha, Crispy Cod, Chicken Sandwich and a HAVEN Burger. Lunch items are similar but add Fish Tacos and a Cubano Sandwich. For breakfast you can order the Croque Madame, Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Pastrami Hash, Buttermilk Pancakes or a Whole Grain Waffle. For dessert you'll find Key Lime Tart, Cherry Clafouti and Carrot Cake. DJ some nights at the pool. Full bar and Wine List. Unique Cocktails like Aphrodite's Chariot and Throwing Stones will make you wonder how it's made. Outdoor seating available. Reservations online via Open Table or by phone are suggested on weekends. Hotel owned.

Hawkers (Windermere), 9100 Conroy Windermere Rd., Windermere, FL. 50.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-583-6334. (Asian) (Vegetarian) [L/D] Opened April, 2018. Located at Suite 110 of The Grove at Conroy Rd. and S. Apopka Vineland Rd. (SR 435). Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, to 11 PM on weekends. You'll find food from Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, China and India here among others. Much of it is considered "street food" in those countries which should not detract from its quality. Most items range $5-11 each. For small plates you'll find traditional Spring Rolls, Summer Rolls, Chicken Egg Rolls, Hot Chicken Baos, and Pork Belly Baos too. Dim Sum items include Golden or Sichuan Wontons and Yi-Yi's Chicken Dumplings. You can also find their featured Street Skewers, Siu Yoke, Char Siu, Coconut Shrimp, Hawkers and Korean Wings. Lighter items include Edamame, 5 Spice Green Beans, Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad, Hawker's Delight, Tofu Bites and Viet Bún Salad. Rice and Curry dishes plus Noodle Bowls are made here too. Popular dishes include Pad Thai and Roti Canai. Donuts and Cinnamon Roti are the sweet endings. A Brunch menu is offered here 11 AM to 3 PM Saturdays and Sundays. Family meals are available too. Vegetarian and Vegan options noted. Full bar with cocktails. Happy Hour Specials, 3-6 PM. No Corkage Fee for your own wine on Wednesday; otherwise $25/btl. Outdoor seating available. One of a dozen locations throughout southeastern US states. Another is in the Mills 50 region of Orlando. Voted Orlando's best Chinese restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Gerson Quiliche, executive chef; George Vavalides, general manager; Latifa Hawkes, owner.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 4/21) Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Hellas Restaurant, 785 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL. 93.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-943-2400. (Greek) [L/D] Located in the middle of the tourist section of the Sponge Docks. Opened in 1970, this authentic Greek restaurant and bakery serves well known meat and fish dishes from the Greek Isles. Specialties include Spanakopita, Tiropita, Mousaka, Pastisio and Dolmades. Other selections include Roast Leg of Lamb, Chicken, Pork or Lamb Shish Ke Bob, Lamb Chops as well as Lamb Shank. Seafood offerings include such fish as Grouper, Salmon and Flounder. Kalamari, Marithes, Octopus, Shrimp, Scallops and other fin and shellfish are also available. Greek Salad, Gyros and Souvlaki are well known specialties. A vast selection of Greek and Italian Pastries such as Baklava are available from the large bakery/cafe portion of the restaurant. They are also known for their numerous cheesecakes. Open Thanksgiving Day. Full bar. Nick Karterouliotis, owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/08) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 11/08) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from E. Jane H. 3/13) Q=4 S=4 V=2 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 12/13) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 7/24) Four of us took a day trip to Tarpon Springs with the goal of eating here. I have been looking for a great Greek restaurant near The Villages with no luck. We went on a Friday for a 12 noon reservation. We were seated promptly. The atmosphere is loud and very Greek. But the food was worth it. To satisfy my cravings for Greek everything, I ordered the Combination Platter ($28). It included Gyro meat, Dolmades, Mousaka, Pastitsio, and Tzatziki Sauce. It also came with a large Potato Quarter, Rice, and Green Beans (the Greek kind with Tomatoes and Onions). Since the combo platter did not come with Spanakopita, I ordered it on the side ($16). Bread with Olive Oil and Oregano was served to the table as well. The food was delicious! I knew that I would be taking most of it home with me so the server brought lots of boxes and two bags of ice for my cooler back in the car. The combo platter ended up feeding me four meals total over the course of two days! Total for the meal before t&t was $44. There is an enormous bakery attached to the restaurant with every imaginable dessert. I love Baklava so I bought a small tray with 12 pieces ($20). The service was very good. It's too bad that it is an hour and 45 minutes from The Villages or I would eat there every week. It is that good! Opa!
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Hemisphere (Steak & Seafood) Restaurant 9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd. at OIA, Orlando, FL. 64.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-825-1234. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [B/D] Opened in 1992. Located on the top 2 floors of the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the Orlando International Airport. Breakfast hours are 5:30 to 11 AM daily, to Noon on weekends; dinner hours are 5:00 to 10 PM, Tuesday through Saturday only. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full linen service with spectacular views of the airport grounds and runways. Start with a Flatbread, Calamari, Shrimp or Blue Crab Cake. There's also Crawfish Chowder, Romaine Lettuce, Iceberg & Bibb, Arugula & Berries and Tomato Salads. Many of their main dishes are locally sourced. For seafood they offer Loch Duart Salmon, Scallops, Black Grouper, Swordfish or Whole Yellow Tail Snapper. For landfood they offer Poussin Chicken, Pork Chops, 14 oz. NY Strip, 8 oz. Filet Mignon or 6 oz. Filet Mignon with Scallops and a 10 oz. Wagyu Ribeye. There's also vegetarian items like Risotto or Whole Wheat Penne. Side dishes like Potatoes, Rice, Corn, Mushrooms, Asparagus, Spinach or Green Beans add to the bill. For dessert they have a Chocolate Espresso Tower, Key Lime Pie, Peach Pie, Melon Shortcake or Crème Brûlée. There's also a Cheese Platter. Their Breakfast Buffet is popular. Full bar. Wines by the glass or bottle offered. Featured monthly wines are available. Their wine list ranges $49 to $266/bottle. The "Dom" is $330. They also offer splits for some labels. Winner of the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Reservations by phone or online, suggested. Hyatt Hotel chain, owners.

Hillstone, 215 South Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL. 59.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-740-4005. (American) (Wine Bar) [L/D] On US 17/92 between SR 426 and W. Morse Blvd. Formerly called Houston's but the menu and ownership is the same. Very contemporary decor. Soup changes daily. Burgers and Sandwiches plus Salads are at the beginning of the menu. Full entrées such as Rotisserie Chicken, Hawaiian Rib Eye, Barbecue Ribs, Double Cut Pork Chops, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Roasted Prime Rib. A Center Cut Filet is offered. Desserts like Warm 5 Nut Brownie, Apple Cobbler and Key Lime Pie are available. Many cocktail and wine selections. Full bar. Many patrons sit at the bar for their meals. No Corkage Fee here per table on your first bottle with dinner; then $15/bottle thereafter. 2010 & 2011 Foodie Reader's Choice runner-up for "Best Power Lunch" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted "Best Outdoor Dining" and "Best View" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey for many years. One of a few dozen locations nationwide, in upscale suburbs, owned by the Hillstone Restaurant Group of Beverly Hills, CA. Michael Cook, executive chef; Cindy Wathen, general manager here.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 8/17) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colleen C. 11/17) Q=5 S=5 V=3 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Iavarone's Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 W. Humphrey St., Tampa, FL. 84.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-932-5241. (Italian) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located at N. Himes Ave., a few blocks south of W. Busch Blvd. (SR 580) and 2 miles west of I-275 (Exit 50) in the Carrollwood neighborhood. Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday 11:30 AM to 4 PM. Dinner offered from 4 PM to 9:30 PM (or later on weekends). Closed Monday. In business since 1948 and at this location for many years. Very inviting and upscale atmosphere with full linen service. Start the meal with such items as Meatballs, Escargot, Mozzarella Marinara, "Bada-Bing" Shrimp, Calamari or Crab Cocktail. Onion Soup au Gratin is popular here. House or Caesar Salads are offered. Pasta dishes include Linguine with Marinara Sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo and Penne Iavarone. Chicken or Shrimp can be added. There's also Lasagna, Crab Enchilado and Pasta Crabmeat ranging $13-20 including soup or salad. Chicken Marsala, Chicken Milano, Chicken Scaloppine and Veal Scaloppine including soup or salad are on the list. Seafood dishes include Steelhead Salmon, Ahi Tuna and Single or Twin Lobster Tails at market prices. However, their specialties are beef cuts like 12 oz. Center Cut Sirloin, 8, 12 or 16 oz. Prime Rib, 7 or 10 oz. Filet Mignon, 14 oz. New York Strip, or a 14 oz. Ribeye. Surf & Turf combinations are available at market prices. There's also a Petite Filet Benevento or a Chateaubriand. A 12 oz. Pork Chop is also on the menu. All meat dishes include a side dish and soup or salad. Children's menu offered also. Desserts include New York Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Cannoli, Crème Brûlée, or Chocolate Cake. Lunch items are smaller portions of dinner entrées at reduced prices, plus they offer sandwiches like Cheeseburgers, Steak Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich and a Tilapia Sandwich including a side dish. A large selection of about 40 wines are available, about half offered by the glass. Full bar with cocktail creations made to order. Happy Hour 4-7 PM. Roof-top bar available for cigar and martini indulging. Reservations accepted and advise. Iavarone family (Carmine, Rico, Barbara and Carmine Jr.), owners.

Older Review: (from Bonnie W. 3/12) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Il Mulino New York Trattoria, 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 61.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-934-1199. (Italian) (Seafood) [D] Located in the Disney World Swan Resort near EPCOT, this beautiful dining room is one of Disney's fine dining experiences. Licensed recipes the famous Greenwich Village restaurant in New York City, the name means "The Mill". It offers placemat, less-formal, settings on dark wood tables in an open kitchen atmosphere (360° Views #19 & #20). The restaurant is open 5-11 PM daily; the adjacent lounge opens at 3:30 PM. The menu focuses on Abruzzo style cuisine. For Antipasti [Before the Pasta Course] they offer Arancini [Rice Balls with Spicy Marinara], Parmigiano Reggiano [Italian Hard Cheese for 2], Prosciutto & Melone [Cured Ham & Melon], Polpette al Forno [Baked Meatballs], Gamberi con Fagioli [Sautéed Shrimp with Beans], Cozze o Vongole [Mussels or Clams], Gamberi al Mulino [House Shrimp Cocktail], Calamari Fritti [Fried Squid] and Insaccati Misti [Mixed Sausage and Meat Plate for 2]. You can also find Carpaccio. For Salads they have Caesar, House and Caprese. Soups include Ministrone or Tortellini. The Pasta Course has Penne Rigate, Pappardelle, Spaghetti Carbonara, Tortellini alla Panna, Manicotti, Rigatoni with Mushrooms, Gnocchi Bolognese, Linguine with Clams and Spaghetti al Frutti de Mare [Seafood Marinara Pasta]. Half portions of Pasta also available. Risotto with Mushrooms or Seafood. For Chicken they offer Fra Diavolo [Spicy Sauce] or Parmigiana [Cheese Covered]. For Fish they offer Gamberi Francese [Battered Shrimp in White Wine], Salmone [Salmon in Garlic & Olive Oil] and Cernia [Grouper with Pancetta]. For Meat they offer Costolette di Maiale [Pork Chop with Mushroom Sauce], Vitello Parmigiana [Breaded Veal with Mozzarella], Saltimbocca [Sautéed Veal with Prosciutto], Costoletta di Vitello [Veal Chop with Sage] and Costoletta di Vitello Milanese [Milan Style Breaded Veal Chop]. For Steaks they offer 14 oz. Ribeye and 10 oz. Beef Tenderloin with Onions or Mushrooms. Side dishes like Spinach, Broccoli, Potatoes, Peas or Garlic Bread add to the bill. You can also find Pizzas. Family Style (4 or more persons) meals are also available at reduced prices. For dessert they tempt you with Mixed Berries, Sorbetti or Gelato, Italian Cheesecake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Tartufo and, of course, Tiramisu. Children's menu available. Full bar and seemingly endless Wine List. "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. House Wines and Selects are offered by the glass. Whites by the bottle range from $30, and Reds $34 and up. Some imported Tuscany wines run $150-350/bottle; Private Selection $150-360/bottle and rarer French Bordeauxs $300-1,200/bottle. Some half bottles and magnums are also carried. A Tuscany jerobaum [3 L.] is on the list. Cocktails are popular. Beer offered too. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Although families are welcome, many parents take advantage of complimentary 2 hour child sitting at Camp Dolphin nearby. Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evening. Valet and validated parking available. Reservations taken by phone up to 180 days in advance or online. Christopher McDonough, executive chef; hotel owned.

Il Pescatore, 651 Primrose Dr., Orlando, FL. 57.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-896-6763. (Italian) (Seafood) [L/D] In business since April, 2005. Located on Primrose, just south of E. Colonial Dr. (SR 50), 3 blocks west of Maguire Blvd. Hours are from 11 AM daily to 9:30 PM weekdays and to 10 PM on Friday, closed on Sunday. The name means "The Fisherman". Warm family operated Italian Restaurant in the Asian section (Colonialtown) of Orlando where the interior walls are murals of scenes in Italy. They offer the usual appetizers plus items like Garlic Bread, Mushrooms Sautéed in Olive Oil, Caponata Siciliana, Sautéed Mussels in Marinara Sauce or White Wine and even Smelt. About 16 pasta dishes like Penne/Spaghetti/Linguine a la Carbonara/Marinara/Bolognese/Salsiccia/Aglio & Olio, Ravioli, Tortellini, Fettuccini Alfredo and more. About 9 baked dishes like Lasagna, Eggplant, Giro della Sicilia and others are on the menu. Half dozen Chicken dishes are offered, while Veal dishes are there too. Seafood creations like Shrimp Cioppino and Snapper Genovese, all on the menu, like Zuppa di Mare Trapanese. House Specialties include Tortellino di Steffano [Creamy Meat Sauce], Pollo di Stefano [with Prosciutto and White Wine] and Veal with Jumbo Shrimp and Mozzarella. Side of Pasta Marinara usually comes with meat or fish items. Soup du Jour, Pizzas, Calzones, Strombolis and large Salads are on the list too. For dessert they have Tiramisu, Cheesecake, Cannoli, Torta de Nonna, Limoncello Gelato and Dessert du Jour. Lunch items are lower prices. Beer and wine licensed. Just $8 Corkage Fee for your own wine. Online or phone reservations accepted. Sharing a dish charge is extra. Dritan Qerushi, owner.

Isan Zaap (Thai Cafe), 4693 Gardens Park Blvd., Suite 113, Orlando, FL. 53.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-203-1868. (Asian) [L/D] In business since May, 2022. Located off Millenia Blvd. in the Gardens on Millenia Plaza, between I-4 (Exit 78) and the John Young Parkway (CR 423). It replaces Thai Express. Open 11:30 AM to 10 PM, daily. Nicely decorated cafe serving moderately priced Thai cuisine in an artful manner. "We're crazy about Isan Food". Isan is the northeastern region of Thailand. For appetizers you can find Chicken Satay, Isan Sausage, Chicken Wings, Fish or Shrimp Cakes, Spring Rolls, Gyoza and Fried Tofu. "Design Your Own" Salads include Greens with Larb [Minced Pork], Nam Tok [Marinated Pork], Fish Filet Salads, Pork Liver or spicy items like Shrimp in Fish Sauce or Spiced Seafood Salad. They are famous for Papaya Salads that can include Crab, Sausage, Seafood, Shrimp, Pork Rinds and other additions. Pots of Soup are offered like Spicy Sour, Seafood, Coconut Milk, Beef, Chicken and Pork. Grilled dishes are featured and include Pork Neck, Crying Tiger [Beef], Moo Ping [Pork Skewer], Chicken or Squid. For main dishes you'll, of course, find Pad Thai plus Pad Se-Ew, Pad Kee Mao, Fried Rice and a number of Stir-Fried dishes like Vegetables, Garlic & Pepper and Cashew Nuts. Curry flavors range from Red to Green to Panang Curry. They accomodate any range of spiciness requested. A few Chef Specials like Lemon Steamed Fish are featured daily. Desserts are offered here like Durian or Custard Sticky Rice, Khanom Tuay [Pudding] and Bualoy Taro [Taro Pearl Ball]. Beer and wine licensed with Singha Beer featured plus Juices like Coconut, Rosera and Longan listed too. Outdoor seating available. 18% service charge added for parties of 6 or more. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. Patsawee Mungpet and Ponprapa Tunseeprasert, owners.

Older Review: (from Rochelle B. 7/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dan K. 7/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Islands Dining Room (at Loews Royal Pacific Resort), 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL. 54.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-503-3463. (Asian) [B/D] Located near Universal Orlando in the Loews Royal Pacific Resort off Exit 74A of I-4. The room is an Indonesian style restaurant but the food is Pan-Asian. Hours are 7-11 AM for breakfast and 6-10 PM for dinner. No lunch served. Frequented mostly by the hotel guests. Start with Krab Rangoon, Wok Rib, Banh Mi or Salt & Pepper Calamari. For main wok dishes there's Broccoli Lo Mein, Thai Curry Chicken, Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry and Shrimp Pad Thai. Specials of the house include Singapore Soba Noodle Broth, General Tso's Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp, Mongolian Beef, Seafood Bird's Nest, Cashew Crusted Salmon, Char Sui Pulled Pork and Korean Bulgogi Ribeye. Smaller side dishes include Beef Satay, Chicken Sui Mai, Spring Rolls and Steamed Pork Dumplings. Large Salads and Thai Crab & Corn Soup or Vietnamese Phở Beef Noodle Soup can also be added to your meal. Desserts include Sorbets, Pies, Cakes, Parfaits or a Jumbo Pineapple Doughnut. Full bar with exotic cocktails like a South Pacific, Boragora, and a Piña Colada and a Wine List by the glass or bottle. You can even do a Flaming Golden Monkey to share with your table mates. They also offer a Wok Experience on select nights, 6-9 PM. Kids menu available. Online or phone reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day 11 AM to 9 PM or Christmas Day 11 AM to 8 PM, for a Buffet. Corporate owned.

Ivy House Restaurant (Williston), 106 NW Main St., Williston, FL. 50.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-528-5410. (American) (Southern) [L/D] Located just north of Noble Ave. on US 27/41 at NW 1st Ave. Open for dinner on Thursday through Saturday only from 5-8 PM and for lunch daily from 11 AM to 2 PM. Reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day by reservation only 11 AM to 4 PM. Many small dining rooms decorated in very feminine Victorian decor. The rooms are also scattered with items from the gift shop upstairs. The ultimate in comfort food for the soul. Down-home Southern Style food including Fried Green Tomatoes, BBQ Shrimp 'n Grits, Southern Fried Shrimp or Scallops, Porterhouse Pork Chops, Baked Crispy Chicken, as well as Filet Mignon are offered. Entrées range from the Hamburger Steak to the Big South Sampler of Delmonico Steak, Fried Grouper and Fried Shrimp with a Baked Potato, Vegetables and Cornbread. Garden Salads included with entrées. Lunch dishes are lower. Homemade desserts are popular. Fried Cheesecake is a specialty. No bar. Opened in 1993. A second location is open in Ocala (see that listing). Marjorie (Mimi) Hale & Evelyn Nussel, owners.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 10/07) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 1/16) Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=No.

Jack's Place (at the Rosen Plaza Hotel), 9700 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 59.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-996-1787. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] In the Rosen Plaza Hotel (lobby level) next to the Convention Center. Jack Rosen did caricatures of famous people, hundreds are on display in this elegant but clubby restaurant. Full linen service. Dressy casual attire requested. Patroned by conventioneers and locals alike. Dinner only, open 5-9 PM daily, but closed Monday and Tuesday. Their "All Season Menu" has appetizers like Escargot en Croûte, Spicy Shrimp & Grits, Sesame Crusted Tuna, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Pan Seared Crab Cake or Appetizer Platter that serves 4. On the Seafood List is Loch Duarte Salmon, Local Black Drumm Fish, 6 oz. Buffalo Tenderloin, ½ lb. Lobster Tail, Sesame Crusted Tuna, Boat Scallops in Red Curry Sauce and Cedar Plank Sea Bass. On the Grill List is 6 or 8 oz. Filet Mignon, 20 oz. Ribeye, 12 oz. Prime New York Strip Steak, 6 oz. Filet with a ½ lb. Lobster Tail and the Double Lobster Tails. Specialties of the house include Scaloppini of Chicken, Prime New York Steak Bites, Chicken & Kale Ravioli and a 4-Bone Rack of Lamb. They also offer a 3-Course Prix Fixe dinner per person with some course choices. Their "Summer Grill and Chill Menu" offers a Summer Salad where you can add Shrimp, Salmon or 6 oz. Filet Mignon. There's also the 6 oz. Filet with the ½ lb. Lobster Tail. The "Chill" part includes a glass of House Red or White Wine with the summer meals. Desserts like Triple Berry Cheesecake, Key Lime Crème Brûlée and Junior's Cheesecake are offered. Premium Wines and mostly $40-60/bottle ranging up to $172. Full bar of course. Online coupon offers 25% discount on food portions off-season. $25 Corkage Fee for your own wine. Reservations recommended by phone or online. Complimentary valet or self parking too. Joshua Squires, general manager; Michael McMullen, executive chef; hotel owned.

Jaleo (by José Andrés), 1482 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-348-3211. (Spanish) [L/D] Opened officially on March 17, 2019. Located in Disney Springs near The Edison, this large restaurant is the brainchild of Chef José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup of Washington, D.C. Jaleo is pronounced "ha-LAY-oh" and is Spanish for "party" or "cheering". Vibrant colors for décor. It's the 5th in the chain. Prices here vary widely from other more established locations, like Washington DC and Las Vegas. Hours here are 11:30 Am to 11:00 PM daily. Under "Enjoy Your Meal" they offer Pan de Cristal con Tomate [Crispy Bread with Tomatoes], Plato de Queso Manchego Pasamontes [Manchego Cheese Plate], Anchoas Don Bocarte [Don Bocarte Anchovies], Paletilla Ibérica de Bellota [Cured Ham Shoulder] and Jamón Ibérico de Bellota Cortado a Mano [Cured Ham Carved by Hand]. For Embutidos [Sausages] they offer Jamón Serrano [Cured Serrano Ham], Chorizo Ibérico de Bellota [Acorn Fed Pork Sausage], Salchichón Ibérico de Bellota [Iberian Sausage], Lomo Ibérico de Bellota [Cured Pork Loin Sausage] and Selección de Ibéricos [Selection of Cured Iberian Meats]. For Quesos (Cheeses) you'll find various selections with your choice of three or five. Specialties include Ensaladilla Rusa [Russian Potato Salad], Coca con Erizos de Mar [Bread with Sea Urchin], Ostras [5 Oysters with Lemon], José's Egg Taco [Egg and Caviar] and Gambas Frescas al Ajillo Como en Zahara [Peel and Eat Shrimp Tableside]. Two Soups, like Gazpacho Estilo Algeciras [Chilled Spanish Soup] and Sopa de Pescado [Seafood Soup] are available. A number of Salads like Ensalada Verde con Tomates Cherry, Cebolla, Aceitunas y Pipirrana [Mixed Greens with Cherry Tomatoes, Onions and Olives], Manzanas con Hinojo y Queso Manchego [Sliced Apples and Fennel with Cheese], Ensalada de Remolacha con Cítricos [Red Beets, Citrus and Cheese Salad], Ensalada de Coles de Bruselas con Albaricoques, Manzanas y Jamón Serrano [Warm Brussels Sprouts with Apricot and Serrano Ham], Ensalada Campera [Country Salad], Ensalada de Pulpo [Octopus Salad] and others are offered. A few Vegetable Plates are available. Fried items like Berenjenas a la Malagueña con Miel [Eggplant with Honey], Chistorra Envuelta en Patata Frita [Spicy Chorizo Wrapped Potatoes], Patatas Bravas [Spicy Potatoes], Dátiles con Tocino [Fried Bacon Wrapped Dates], Croquetas de Pollo [Chicken Fritters], Croquetas de Setas y Queso de Cabra [Mushroom and Goat Cheese Fritters] are offered. For main courses they have Gambas al Ajillo [Garlic Shrimp], Vieiras con Salsa de Piñones [Seared Scallops and Pine Nuts], Rossejat [Paella of Shrimp and Squid], Pulpo a la Gallega [Boiled Octopus with Potatoes], Puntillitas Salteadas con Alubias [Cádiz Baby Squid with White Beans], Salmon con Pure de Manzanas [Salmon with Apple Purée] and Mero con Pisto [Grouper with Stewed Vegetables] on the Seafood side. Plus Ibérico de Bellota Mini Hamburguesa [Mini Pork Burger], Solomillo al Cabrales [Ibérico Tenderloin with Blue Cheese Sauce], Conejo en Salmorejo con Puré de Albaricoques [Canary Islands Rabbit Confit with Apricot Purée], Pato a la Plancha con Setas [Grilled Duck Breast with Mushrooms and Orange], Butifarra Casera con Mongetes [Pork Sausage and White Beans], Pollo a la Brasa [Chicken with Garlic Sauce], Lomo de Buey con Piquillos [Grilled Hanger Steak with Piquillo Peppers], Chuletas de Cordero con Miel y Tomero [Grilled Lamb Chops with Honey Allioli] and Bikini de Jamón con Queso Manchego [Pressed Serrano Ham and Cheese Sandwich] are on the Meat side. Of course they make Paella daily. They have six varieties, each serve two people like Arroz de Verduras de Temporada [Veggie Paella], Arroz de Pollo y Setas Silvestres [Rice and Chicken with Mushrooms], Paella Valenciana [Rice with Chicken, Rabbit and Beans], Arroz Mixto [Rice with Ribs, Sausage, Chicken, Shrimp and Squid], Arroz a Banda con Gambas [Rice with Shrimp and Calamari] and Arroz a Banda con Bogavante [Rice with Lobster and Squid]. There are Large Plates for two people also. Tasting Menus for a variety of Tapas. Desserts range from Olive Oil Ice Cream to Torta Pascualete [Easter Cake for 4-6]. The menu seems endless with about 65 choices. Kids menu available. Full bar with Wine Pitchers, Homemade Sangrias, Spanish Beer, Vermouths, Flights of Wine, plus a limited choice of Wine by the glass or bottle (about 150) including Spanish Premiums. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Reservations advised. Rodolfo Guzman and Justin DePhillips, chefs; Gary Evans and Kimberly Grant, owners.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 9/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Review: (from Barry N. 9/23) We go here every year for Magical Dining, not only to support Jose Andres and his World Central Kitchen but because the food is different, interesting and delicious. We had the 4 dish Magical Dining menu for $40 each. We shared the Chicken Fritters starter, the Sautéed Spinach appetizer, the Shrimp sautéed with garlic main course and the Spanish Custard with Catalan Cream and Oranges. We ordered Patatas Bravos which we became addicted to over the summer in Barcelona and a Cheese appetizer and a Paella main dish. We enjoyed all the dishes and the service was excellent, considering how crowded the restaurant was. We go here often even when it is not Magical Dining month. Our meal was $90 before t&t.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Joe's Crab Shack (Orlando), 8400 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 54.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-352-2928. (Seafood) [L/D] Open daily from 11 AM. It's a big shack near the beach, or so it seems. Also known as Eat At Joe's. Lots of crustacean is offered here, especially Crabs and Shrimp. The Crab Cakes, Crab Dip, Crab Salad, Crab Nachos, Crab Boil and Crab In A Bucket are certain to make you a little more (or less) crabby! The menu also contains Popcorn Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Shrimp Salad and Shrimp Cocktail to make you feel more "shellfish" with others. Clam Chowder is a favorite, except with the clams. A completely fun atmosphere abounds. 10% off food portion of the bill by showing your current AARP membership card. Free appetizer on your birthday for Joe's Catch Club members. Full bar is busy making pink, green or blue cocktails for the adventuresome. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, this chain was once owned by Carlton Restaurants (T.G.I.Fridays) but is now part of Landry's Restaurants chain.

Joe's Family Restaurant, 1754 US Hwy. 41, Inverness, FL. 33.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-419-4807. (American) (Breakfast) [B/L] Founded in 1995 by Joe Kozevski. Located on US 41, 1.3 miles north of downtown Inverness, near the Roller Barn. Moved here from W. Main St. in 2024. Open daily 7 AM to 3 PM, but closed on Wednesday. For breakfast you'll find Biscuits & Gravy, Corned Beef Hash, Country Fried Steak and a Redneck Benedict, among other items, like Bagel Sandwiches, Croissant Egg Sandwich, Sausage Sandwich and a Monte Cristo. Of course, French Toast, Eggs, Omelets and stacks of Pancakes are served here. Daytime Burgers, and Rueben, BLT, Egg Salad, Chicken Philly, Gyro, French Dip, Cuban, Grilled Cheese, Tuna Salad and Club Sandwiches are listed. Appetizers, Soups and Salads can be had too. Larger meals like Chicken Strips, Chopped Steak, Liver & Onions, Meatloaf, Country Fried Steak and even Grilled Salmon can be ordered. Kids menu available. Some outdoor seating available. Reservations for groups accepted. Joanna Kozevski, owner.

Juliette Falls Restaurant, 6933 SW 179th Ave. Rd., Dunnellon, FL. 40.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-522-0309. (American) (Seafood) [B/L/D] Formerly called Romeo's Restaurant. And aka: Juliette Falls Golf Club. Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Located in the Juliette Falls Golf and Spa Community, off Rainbow Springs Blvd. (Hwy. 40) before reaching US41. Typical entrées include Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Mallard Duck Breast, Jumbo Sea Scallops, Black Grouper, Chilean Sea Bass and Chicken Roulade. Other items might include Shrimp and Grits, Grilled Snapper, Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, Grouper Piccata, Backed Haddock, Mussels and Clams in Garlic Sauce, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Tuscan Chicken, Stuffed Pork Chop, BBQ Ribs, 10 oz. Sirloin or Rib Eye Steak and the Signature Monthly Prime Rib cut 8-20 oz. size. Breakfast and lunch items range in price. First Friday is Prime Rib Night 4-8 PM. Reservations accepted. Full bar and wine selection. Developer owned.

Justins Caribbean Fusion Restaurant, 6700 Conroy Windermere Rd., Suite 120, Orlando, FL. 53.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-866-0270. (Caribbean) [D] Opened in December, 2019. Located near the Turnpike in the Shoppes at Winder Oaks across from the Windermere Business Center at Turkey Lake Rd. Open Wednesday through Sunday 4-9 PM; but Noon 'til 5 PM on Sunday. Open late on Saturday night. It's a tour of the islands with intense flavors and styles, especially Jamaican and Haitian. Start your meal with Root Vegetable Akra and Salsa, Green Plantain Cups, 4 Conch Fritters, Fritay Chicken Fingers, 3 Jerk Chicken Drumsticks or Jerk Chicken Wings. For entrées they have Curry or Jerk Chicken, Chicken Kreyol, Griot, Fried Goat, Grilled Salmon, Oxtail or Conch de Province. A Whole Fish is also offered at Market Price. All these come with Fried Plantains and a choice of Rice. Lighter appetites will enjoy a variety of Hamburgers or BBQ Pork Burger or an Open Faced Mahi Sandwich. Salads like a House or Caribbean add to your meal. Caribbean desserts offered. Kids menu available too. Full bar with tropical cocktails. Happy Hour 4-7 PM daily. Reservations by phone accepted. Dannie and Williere Justin, owners.

Kabooki Sushi (East Orlando), 3122 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL. 57.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-228-3839. (Asian) [D] Opened in 2013. Located in Colonial Town Center neighborhood, on SR 50, near Maguire Blvd. north of the Orlando Executive Airport. Upscale authentic Japanese cuisine with creative and artistic influences of Asia and Europe combined. Full linen service here. Attractive contemporary décor. The name comes form the famous Japanese Artistic Dance-Drama style, but usually spelled "Kabuki". It originated in the Edo Period. Open 5-10 PM, to Midnight or later on weekends. Start with familiar Miso Soup daily or a Ramen Special on Sunday only. You can nibble on Edamame [5 flavors], Wakame, Brussels Sprouts, Shishito Peppers or Booki Salad. "Cold Tastings" include Leche de Tigre [Salmon], Shiromi Kilwin [Raw White Fish], Hamachi Carpaccio [Yellowtail] and Maguro Truffle [Tuna]. "Hot Tastings" include Tempura [Shrimp], Rock Shrimp, "One Up" [Mushrooms], Ebi Gyoza [Dumpling with Mushrooms], Yuca Fritters, Nabe [Mushrooms] or [Pork Jowl], St Louis Ribs and Kama [Hamachi Collar]. Nigiri or Sashimi creations include Ell, Scallop, Yellowtail, Salmon and Shrimp. Veggies like Avocado, Takuwan [Pickled Radish], or Kampyo [Pickled Gord] are available. Some Caviar is offered like Salmon, Flying Fish or Smelt Roes. Chef Assortments of Veggie, Nigiri or Sashimi is also available. Sushi Rolls are the most popular like Spicy Tuna, "Chill" [Salmon], "Booki Booki" [Tempora Shrimp], "Tom Yum" [Panko Shrimp], "Zen" [Smoked Salmon], "Hawaii XO" [Yellowtail], "Ghost" [Tempura Eel], "Akami Unagi" [Spicy Tuna], "Hokkaido" [Lump Crab], "Double Tekka" [Spicy Tuna] and "LV" [Lump Crab with Asparagus]. Homemade Sweets include Chocolate Lava Cake, Carrot Cake and Cheesecake. Full bar now offering crafted Cocktails like "Shen's Garden". Many Sakes are offered as well as Asian Beers and Whiskies. A Sake Flight and a Japanese Whisky Flight is offered. An admirable Wine List runs $45-$150/btl. for Whites and $55-$1800/btl. for Reds, like Opus One. Even Rosés and Champagne are on the list. The "Dom" is $550 here. Many premium stills by the glass also listed. The Coravin Wine System is used here. Happy Hour 5-7 PM weekdays. Limited outdoor seating available. Voted Orlando's best Local Chef, best Splurge and best Sushi restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Gratuity automatically added to the bill for parties of 6 or more. Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised on weekends. Henry Moso, executive chef; Sengphet Phimmasone, owner. Another location (West Orlando) is now located on Turkey Lake Rd.

Kabooki Sushi (West Orlando), 7705 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-776-2001. (Asian) [D] Aka: "Kabooki Sushi Sand Lake" but it's not on Sand Lake Rd. Opened in 2019. Located near "Restaurant Row" near Sand Lake on Turkey Lake Rd., in the Bayhill Plaza, behind the Drury Inn. Linen napkins on wood tables here. Attractive contemporary casual décor. Upscale authentic Japanese cuisine with creative and artistic influences of Asia and Europe combined. The name comes form the famous Japanese Artistic Dance-Drama style, but usually spelled "Kabuki", which originated in the Edo Period. Open 5-10 PM, to 11 PM on weekends. Start with familiar Miso Soup daily or a Ramen Special on Sunday only. You can nibble on Edamame [5 flavors], Wakame, Brussels Sprouts, Shishito Peppers or Booki Salad. "Cold Tastings" include Leche de Tigre [Salmon], Shiromi Kilwin [Raw White Fish], Hamachi Carpaccio [Yellowtail] and Maguro Truffle [Tuna]. "Hot Tastings" include Tempura [Shrimp], Rock Shrimp, "One Up" [Mushrooms], Ebi Gyoza [Dumpling with Mushrooms], Yuca Fritters, Nabe [Mushrooms] or [Pork Jowl], St Louis Ribs and Kama [Hamachi Collar]. Nigiri or Sashimi creations include Ell, Scallop, Yellowtail, Salmon and Shrimp. Veggies like Avocado, Takuwan [Pickled Radish], or Kampyo [Pickled Gord] are available. Some Caviar is offered like Salmon, Flying Fish or Smelt Roes. Chef Assortments of Veggie, Nigiri or Sashimi is also available. Sushi Rolls are the most popular like Spicy Tuna, "Chill" [Salmon], "Booki Booki" [Tempora Shrimp], "Tom Yum" [Panko Shrimp], "Zen" [Smoked Salmon], "Hawaii XO" [Yellowtail], "Ghost" [Tempura Eel], "Akami Unagi" [Spicy Tuna], "Hokkaido" [Lump Crab], "Double Tekka" [Spicy Tuna] and "LV" [Lump Crab with Asparagus]. Homemade Sweets include Chocolate Lava Cake, Carrot Cake and Cheesecake. Full bar now offering crafted Cocktails like "Shen's Garden". Many Sakes are offered as well as Asian Beers and Whiskies. A Sake Flight and a Japanese Whisky Flight is offered. An admirable Wine List runs $45-$150/btl. for Whites and $55-$1800/btl. for Reds, like Opus One. Even Rosés and Champagne are on the list. The "Dom" is $550 here. Many premium stills by the glass also listed. The Coravin Wine System is used here. Happy Hour 5-7 PM weekdays. Large outdoor seating area available. Gratuity automatically added to the bill for parties of 6 or more. Valet or Self Parking available. Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised on weekends. Voted Orlando's best Local Chef, best Splurge and best Sushi restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Henry Moso, executive chef; Sengphet Phimmasone, owner. Another, original, location (East Orlando) is located on E. Colonial Dr. at Maguire Blvd.

kadence, 1809 Winter Park Rd., Orlando, FL. 58.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-203-4448. (Asian) [L/D] Opened in October, 2017. Located one block off Corrine Dr., on Winter Park Rd. next to the ABC store in the Audubon Park area of Orlando. It's a Sushi and Sake Bar that is difficult to get into. Why so hard to dine here? The restaurant only holds 9 patrons. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesday to Saturday they offer an Omakase-Style (Chef's Choice) Sushi Tasting dinner menu at 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM only, online reservations recommended. Lunch (before 5 PM) is Soup, 10-Piece Sushi Tasting and Dessert, while dinner is 18-Piece Sushi and Sashimi Tasting. Sunday is a 7-course Kappo-Style Tasting by online reservation only. Reservations are prepaid and non-refundable. Beer and wine licensed. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. A 1 Star Rated Michelin Guide Restaurant. Chefs, Lordfer Lalicon, Jennifer Bañagale and Mark Berdin are also owners here and former founders of Kappo.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 8/18) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 12/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Kafé Kokopelli, 37940 Live Oak Ave., Dade City, FL. 49.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-523-0055. (Southern) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Long established here since 2005. Located one block east of 7th St. and one block north of Meridian Ave. (SR 52). Open from 11 AM daily, 7 days a week. Sunday 'til 6:30 PM only. Dinner hour starts at 4 PM. Kokopelli is an ancient Indian legend representing happiness and joy. A unique setting, originally a Ford Model T showroom and repair shop, this old garage is now a fresh ingredient eatery, popular with locals and visitors. The Stag Bar is a centerpiece of various dining areas, complete with a warming fireplace. Their regular dinner menu includes such items as Eggplant Parmesan to Meatball Arrabiata, Stuffed Meatloaf to Chicken Marsala, and Cajun Pasta Alfredo to Lobster Ravioli. Seafood meals include Butter Pan-Fried Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Seared Atlantic Salmon, Florida Black Grouper and Rosted Rack of Lamb. For meats they have Slow-Roasted Prime Rib at 12 oz. or 16 oz. A 16 oz. Ribeye runs is offered, the 8 oz. Filet Mignon is popular and the 14 oz. New York Strip is featured too. All regular meals come with Potato or Vegetable and Soup or Salad. A side dish of Mac 'n Cheese, Rice, Sautéed Mushrooms or Steamed Broccoli are extra but are enough for two. Appetizers include Fried Green Tomatoes, Almond Crusted Fried Brie, Battered Gator Tail, Ahi Tuna, Fried Calamari and even Moules. Full Sandwiches are also offered at dinner. During the Kumquat Festival (last Saturday in January), special drinks, like Kumquat Colada and Kumquat Punch are available, as is Kumquat Glazed Chicken, Salmon, Pork Chop and Shrimp entrées. For dessert they feature Ice Cream Sundaes, Mama's Apple Crisp a la Mode, Key Lime Pie, Raspberry Truffle, Flourless Gluten-free Chocolate Cake, Death by Chocolate or their famous Bananas Foster. They are noted for their She-Crab Bisque and their famous Kokopelli Salad Dressing which are all available for take-home. Espresso, Cappuccino or Gourmet Coffee are also offered. 18% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Reservations accepted most days. Always open for Mother's Day, Valentine's and New Years Eve too, even if they fall on Sunday or Monday. Special Lunches include two item choice: Cup of Soup (like Red Pepper Tomato, Beer Cheese, Ministrone or She Crab), Small Salad (like Baby Greens or Caesar), Small Appetizer (like Gator Bites, Fried Brie or Fried Green Tomatoes) or Half Sandwich (like a Cuban, Grilled Cheese, Ruben, Club, BLT, Buffalo Chicken and others). Various Burgers, Salads, Full-Sized Sandwiches and even full entrées can be had at lunch. Nice selection of desserts. Vegetarian/Vegan items offered. Full bar featuring Margaritas, Martinis, Homemade Sangria, Rum Runners, plus Single Malts, Ports and other after dinner drinks. Wines run $15-48 per bottle and many are available by the glass. Occasional table-side magic on Tuesday and Saturday after 6:30 PM. Outdoor deck dining next to their private parking. Andrea Carter, manager; Larry Hersch and Steve Queen, owners since 2013.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 1/12) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dennis C. 4/12) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 10/12) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 3/13) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Al B. 4/17) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 4/21) Q=5 S=5 V=3 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dennis C. 2/22) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rochelle B. 2/22) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 1/24) We were here during the huge Kumquat Festival. We had reservations at 4 PM. Drinks at the bar for four (my treat) was $43 including tax and 20% gratuity already added. At dinner we had a Lemon Drop Martini ($8), water, Lamb Chops ($29) and Veal Marsala ($21). The Lamb Chops were fatty and just OK. The Veal was tasty and covered in Marsala Sauce. Nice flavor. We shared a Caramel Coffee ($8). Melissa was an OK server. Total before t&t was $66. No auto gratuity this time. We do like it here.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Max C. 4/25) Ruben Sandwich, Patty Melt, Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Brunch Burger. Everything was great. $20 per meal, including drinks.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Kane's Cattle Co. (Steakhouse), 508 N Citrus Ave., Crystal River, FL. 47.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-794-6721. (American) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Opened in December, 2019. Located where Hardwood Smokehouse once did business, one block south of US 19/98, near NE 5th Street, parking behind the building. Western decorated. Open 11 AM to 8 PM weekdays and to 9 PM on weekends but closed Sunday and Monday. Creative large menu of beef, surf, turf and pasta items. You can start with a Full Caesar, Wedge or Greek Salad. A Chicken Spinach Salad is also offered as a meal. French Onion or Soup du Jour are available. Flatbreads like Greek, Short Rib, Alfredo Steak or Buffalo Chicken are on the menu. Many appetizers like Burrata Caprese, Shrimp Cocktail, Calamari, Coconut Shrimp, Oscar Crostini, Duck Wings, Steak Quesadilla, Baked Brie and a Butcher Block Medley of Meats can get you started. The main event is Steak (with 2 sides included) like 6 or 10 oz. Sirloin, NY Strip, 12 oz. Ribeye, 6 or 8 oz. Filet Mignon, plus the piéce de resistance, a 40 oz. Tomahawk Steak for Two with 4 sides. Top off that Steak with Mushrooms, Onions, Feta, Garlic Butter, Shrimp, Oscar or "Smother It" are extra. A Prime Rib ($ MP) is offered on Thursday nights only, starting at 5 PM. All their beef is local Florida raised. For Seafood you can find 8 oz. Salmon, 10 oz. Snapper, Shrimp, Crab Cakes or 8 oz. Gulf Black Grouper. Then there's Twin 6 oz. Pork Chops, a Half Roast Chicken and Half Roast Duck. Again two sides (including half-sized Salads) come with those meals also. Alfredo Pasta, Mussels Diablo, Linguine with Clams and Lobster Mac 'n Cheese complete the entrées. Desserts are not left out with Orange Dream Swirl, Chocolate Cake and a "Dessert of the Month" ($ MP) on the list. Specials announced daily, like Pork Tenderloin or Stone Crabs. Milkshakes, Beer, Wine, Sangria and Cocktails from a full bar are liquid libations here. Kids menu available and even includes Steak Medallions with Fries. Lunch menu adds Sandwiches with one side. Sushi is now available on Wednesday nights. Reservations advised weekends. Some outdoor seating available. Morgan Cook and Kason Sundberg, owners.

Karling's Inn, 4640 US 17N, DeLeon Springs, FL. 50.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-985-5535. (German) [D] Located a few blocks south of the center of town on North Woodland Blvd. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday 5-9 PM. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Looking like an Alpine Chalet, this restaurant has been here for over two decades. Decidedly German food with American additions. Appetizers include Stuffed Mushrooms, Escargot Brucettas, Angels On Horseback, Celery Cake and Mushroom Crusted Scallops. Favorite main dishes include Chicken Schnitzel, Jaeger Schnitzel, Crisp Roasted Duck Montmorency and Beef Stroganoff. Other offerings include Eggplant Florentine, Pork Tenderloin Scalloppini Royal, Tilapia Almandine, Florida Grouper, Rainbow Trout, Maryland Lump Crab Cake and Veal Scaloppini Imperial. Other top end entrées include Fried Rock Lobster Tail and 9 oz. Black Angus Filet Mignon. Bavarian Sauerbraten only served during the third week of the month. Lunch hour options are Bavarian Sausage, Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Veal Cannelloni and Schnitzel Turkey Salad, as well as Bavarian Chopped Steak, Liver 'n Onions and Holstein Schnitzel. Sunday Brunch offers Monte Carlo Omelet, Chicken Marsala, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, German Apple Pancake and Cinnamon French Toast. Noted desserts include Bavarian Snowballs, Apple Strudel, Lily's Becher, Bavarian Cream Puff and others. Beer and wine offered. Reservations accepted. Bujar Buza and Agim Molla, owners.

Katch Twenty Two Restaurant, 2924 West Gulf to Lake Hwy. (SR 44), Lecanto, FL. 40.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-746-6691. (Seafood) (Spanish) [D] Undergoing a major rebuild. Call for re-opening date. Opened late September, 2016; newly remodeled. Located where the Rusty Duck did business for many years. Exactly 25 miles west of I-75, on SR 44, on the south side of the Highway at Redwood Ter. Open daily 4:30 to 9 PM, except closed Tuesday. For starters you can find Creamy Onion & Bacon Soup or a Spinach a& Tomato Salad with Feta or a Caesar Salad. Appetizers include a Roasted Beet Stack, Shrimp Chorizo Fritters, Pork Belly, Grilled Shrimp, Braised Beef Short Rib Empanada, Crudo (Raw) Fish, Lobster and Scallop Ravioli and Maryland Crab Cake. For entrées they offer Capellini Primavera, Roasted Free Range Chicken, Mojo Pork Tenderloin, Blackened Mahi Mahi or Salmon, Seared Snapper, Braised Short Ribs, Maryland Style Crab Cake, Grilled Grouper, Bone-In Ribeye, Filet of Beef and a Seafood Paella. A Fish of the Day is on the menu. Add 5 Jumbo Shrimp to your meal for an extra charge. In the dessert department you can order Fried Johnny Cakes with Cinnamon Sugar, Ice Cream Dish, Key Lime Pie, Crème Brûlée or a Hazelnut Chocolate Torte. Beer and wine licensed with White Wines by the glass or $24-48/bottle and Red Wines by the glass or $24-79/bottle. Phone reservations accepted. Chef Richard Wiggins, owner.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 3/17) Q=3 S=3 V=3 Total=9 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Stephanie C. 6/17) Q=4 S=5 V=2 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Edward C. 6/17) Q=4 S=5 V=2 Total=11 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Cassie S. 6/17) Q=4 S=5 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 2/18) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Karl M. 2/18) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Eileen R. 4/18) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Peggy R. 3/22) Q=4 S=4 V=2 Total=10 out of 15. Return=No.

Kawa Sushi House, 109 Courthouse Sq., Inverness, FL. 30.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-765-3337. (Asian) [L/D] Opened October, 2018. Nicely decorated with Asian image collages on the walls and Japanese lanterns hanging from above. Seats 45 patrons. Dishes are artfully presented here too. Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM weekdays, but closed all day Sunday and between 3 and 4:30 PM weekdays for menu change. Saturday open 2-10 PM strait through. Located where the Deco Café did business near the courthouse. Traditional Japanese food served here from a very large menu. Appetizers, like Gyoza. Kitchen prepared items include Chicken & Vegetable Tempura, Breaded Shrimp with Broccoli, Katsu dishes, Teriyaki meals and many others. Noodle and Rice dishes, like Yaki Soba and Seafood Udon Soup. Single Raw Sushi Rolls and Single Cooked Rolls are offered. Other Cooked Rolls, like Rock 'n Shrimp are available. Raw Special Rolls, like the Dragon are on the list. Many House Special Rolls, like Dancing Salmon are there too. Sushi & Sashimi Dinner for One (13 items) is available; Sushi Dinner for Two (20 items) is higher, and with Sashimi for Two (28 items) is higher yet. They also have Salads, Soups and Poke Bowls. For dessert you'll find Fried Ice Cream, Fried Cheese Cake and a Fried Banana. Various Lunch Bento Boxes are offered before 3 PM. Beer and wine licensed. Outdoor seating available. Reservations by phone accepted and recommended on weekends. Dustin Brown, manager; Julie and Da Lin, operators; Hsiuling Chen, owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/19) Q=5 S=3 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

keke's Breakfast Cafe (Orlando), 7512 Doctor Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL. 56.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-354-1440. (Breakfast) (Cafe) [B/L] Located on Dr. Phillips at The Market Place, just north of "Restaurant Row", near Exit 74A of I-4. Open 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, every day except Thanksgivings and Xmas. The quintessential breakfast spot. Very busy on weekends. Start with 11 varieties of Waffles, from a plain Belgium Waffle, to their popular Blueberry Waffle, to their colossal Banana Split Waffle. Then there's Pancakes, from plain Buttermilk, to Pecan Pancakes, to the popular Florida Style. French Toast and Stuffed French Toast selections are also featured. There's Omelets too, like Cheese, Greek, Bar-B-Que, and a dozen more. Eggs, Bacon, Sausage and Home Fries seem ordinary by comparison. For lunch they offer a dozen Paninis like Italian Chicken, or the Cheese Steak. Burgers, Wraps, Sandwiches and Salads are also available. A Side Order and Substitution list allow you to design your own meal. Voted "Best Breakfast" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. This small Florida chain, based in Orlando of just 8 locations, has caught on fast and competes with First Watch of Bradenton, FL. No bar. Keith & Kevin Mahen, owners.

Knife and Spoon, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL. 57.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-393-4333. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] This was the location of Norman's for many years. Opened mid-2020 near the John Young Pwy. and SR 417. Located in the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes Resort, dinner is served 5:30 to 10 PM Wednesday through Sunday only. Valet parking. Business Casual attire required. You might start with a Cheese Board of Artisan Cheese. Appetizers include Diver Scallops, King Crab Scampi or Asian Chili Lobster. Simple a-la-carte dishes include Goat Cheese Mezzaluna, Buctatini [Squid Ink Pasta with Clams], Pappardelle Bolognese and Jumbo Lump Crab Creole. Pan prepared 14 oz. Flat Iron Steak and a 10 oz. Filet Steak are on the list too. Oven items include Whole Free Range Chicken and Rack of Lamb. A Whole Oven Baked Fish is Market Priced. From the broiler they have 32 oz. Bone-In NY Strip, a 32 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye and Market Priced shareable cuts priced by aging. Side dishes range from Espelette Frites, Potato Purée, Tempura Onion Rings, Charred Cauliflower, Johnny Mac 'n Cheese, Kimchi Creamed Spinach, Avocado Fries, Wild Mushrooms to Caviar Potato Pave. A-la-carte Salads like Wedge, Caesar, Heirloom Tomato, Fresh Garden and a Beet Salad add to the meal. An impressive Wine List offers Whites and Reds by the glass. By the bottle you'll find Whites ranging $50-$860 and Reds $50-$3,000 for the 2016 Petrus Pomerol Bordeaux. The "Dom" is $455/btl. Magnums of some are offered too. $28 Corkage Fee is charged. Outdoor dining available. Full bar with creative cocktails. Parties of 6 or more incur a 20% gratuity. Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised. Open Christmas Day by reservation only. Tyler Kineman, executive chef; hotel owned.

Kobé (Ichiban) Japanese Steakhouse (I-Drive), 8148 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-203-2803. (Asian) (Steakhouse) [D] Located on the west side of I-Drive next to the Best Western near Exit 74A (West Sand Lake Rd.) of I-4. Open 5-10:30 PM daily but the bar opens at 4:30 PM. Noted for their Teppanyaki Grill Experience with master, knife-twirling chefs, featuring grilled dinners of Vegetables or Tofu, 6 oz. Chicken, 6 oz. Teriyaki Marinated Chicken, 6 oz. Sirloin or 6 oz. Filet Mignon. Various combinations are available. There's also Lobster Tail. One with 4 oz. Wagyu available too. Fried Rice, Soup, Salad and Sauces included at the Teppanyaki Table Experience. Sushi, Sushi Rolls and Sashimi is offered. You can also order Orange Roughy, Halibut, Teppan Shrimp, Teppan Scallops or Tiger Prawns. An Early Bird menu is offered Sunday through Thursday 5-6 PM only. Kids menu available. Full bar with Exotic Cocktails, Sake, Wine & Beer. Happy Hour 5-6 PM and 9-10:30 PM daily. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more on on busy days like Mother's Day. Sharing charge. Reservations accepted by phone at 1-407-862-6099 and online. Gluten and Dairy-Free meals prepared in the kitchen. Corkage Fee of $10 for your wine NOT on their list. Voted "Best Japanese Restaurant" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. A local chain since 1984, with 9 locations near Orlando and 3 near Tampa. All owned by Chau Nguyen.

Korea House II, 4501 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL. 58.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-896-5994. (Asian) [L/D] Also known as Korea House Colonial Town. Located on SR 50, halfway between Maguire and N. Semoran Blvds., just north of the Executive Airport. In business since 1982. Open 11:30 AM to 10 PM daily, from Noon on weekends, except closed all day Monday. Offers a variety of authentic Korean dishes and BBQ. Appetizers include Egg Drop or Miso Soups, Pan-fried Tofu, Stir-fried Clear Noodles, Steamed Tofu, Pan-fried Dumpling, Korean Roll, Korean Rice & Fish Cakes, Kimchi Pancake with Pork and Seafood Pancake. For entrées they offer Beef or Seafood Topped Noodles, Wheat Noodles and Cold Beef Soup, Sweet & Sour Beef or Pork, Sweet & Sour Spicy Chicken Breast, Stir Fried Spicy Shrimp or Seafood & Beef, Sweet & Sour Spicy Shrimp and Stir-fried Clear Noodles with Beef & Seafood in a Spicy Mustard Sauce. Korean BBQ items are also popular like Sizzling Sliced Marinated Pork, Chicken or Beef, Sizzling Beef and Sizzling Beef Short Ribs. All come with White Rice and sides. Lunch Specials offered. Korean Beer and Wine available, as well as Sake. Reservations accepted. The original location is in Longwood. Won and Ki Soo Choi, head chef and owners.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 12/15) Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Kres Chophouse, 17 W. Church St., Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-447-7950. (Steakhouse) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Perhaps by plan, this restaurant is located on the old 1935 Kress building in downtown Orlando, 2 blocks east of I-4 at Church and Orange Aves. The prices however are no longer five and dime. Open for lunch weekdays 11:30 AM to 5 PM; then for dinner daily except Sunday from 5 PM to Midnight. Source. Service. Style. is their motto. An eclectic collection of fine meats and seafood served in a contemporary setting that is long and narrow but with a 22 foot ceiling. For appetizers they offer Wild Mushroom & Chèvre Arrancini, Aegean Style Lamb Ribs, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, Calamari Vesuvio, Quad Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Steak Tartare, Blackened Sea Scallops and Oysters Rockefeller. Seafood dishes come with Tuxedo Orzo and Broccolini and include Sterling Salmon, Atlantic Swordfish, Caribbean Yellow Fin Tuna, Atlantic Covina and Australian Lobster Tail priced accordingly. Featured dishes are Citrus Chicken, Tenderloin Medallions, Braised Wagyu Cheeks, Prime Top Sirloin Diane and a Mixed Grill. Each come with a starch and vegetable. Prime Steaks and Chops are Omaha Angus Beef Prime Grade. They include 18 oz. Ribeye, 8 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon and 16 oz. Prime New York Cut. There's also 14 oz. Duet of Pork Chops and a Colorado Rack of Lamb. Side dishes offered are extra but serve two patrons. House, Spinach, Caesar, Caprese and Wedge Salads are available. Lobster Bisque is a popular starter too. Lunch items, offered to 5 PM, include Sandwiches, Large Salads, and reduced priced dinner entrées. The menu changes frequently. Wine list available. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Full bar. Happy Hour weekdays 4-7 PM. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Discounted valet parking after 6 PM. Robert Yeager, owner.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (Orlando), 11579 Regency Village Dr., Orlando, FL. 59.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-401-6777. (Asian) [L/D] Opened September, 2022. AKA: just "Kura Sushi". Located off Daryl Carter Pkwy. at Vineland Pointe, south of I-4, near the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. Hours are 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM, daily, later on weekends. New concept that touts "Authentic Japanese Cuisine, Always Fresh, Premier Ingredients, Fun for all, and a Creative Menu", not to mention the delivery method. It's a high tech blending of Horn and Hardart Automat, Conveyor Belt Cafeteria, Arcade Games and Dim Sum, all rolled into one big tasty Sushi Roll. Order on the touch screen, wait a few minutes and your food arrives on the upper conveyor. Hungry? Can't wait to eat? Grab any covered plate passing by on the lower conveyor. Your used plates go into the dirty dish slot and the computer keeps track of your bill by the plate size/color. Items start at low prices. Ordered food stops at your station on the upper belt in a few minutes. 15 plates and you win a prize. Here's what they offer: Over 30 Nigiri items (like Hokkaido Scallop or Spanish Mackerel), over 20 Rolls (like Tekka Maki or Red Dragon), 15 Seaweed Rolls (like Spicy Yellowtail Hand Roll), 15 Soy Paper Rolls (like Negitoro Hand Roll), 10 Gunkan (like Real Crab Gunkan), plus Hot or Cold Sides (like Garlic Fried Rice or Edemame). Sushi averters can find Miso Soup, Udon Bowls or Ramen Noodle dishes too. Vegetarian and gluten-free items noted. Allergy alerts are flagged. A dozen desserts are made (like Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream). Seems to be no end to the FOOD PARADE. Full bar licensed here. Various Saki offered too. Robots deliver beverages. Popular place. Expect to wait for a table, except in odd off-hours. Download their app to your smart phone, request "waitlist" and get a text when a table is open. May take hours on weekends. Started in 2008, now 500 locations in Japan, Taiwan and the USA, with another in Waterford Lakes Town Center at 521 N. Alafaya Trl. Corporate owned out of Irvine, California.

La Luce, 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln., Orlando, FL. 56.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-597-3600. (Continental) (Italian) [D] Pronounced "La Loo-chay", meaning "the light". Located in the Hotel Hilton Orlando at Bonnet Creek, not far from Disney Epcot. Opens daily at 6 PM. But closed Wednesday. Fine dining by Donna Scala in a resort setting, amongst artwork, since 2009. Full linen service; dressy casual attire. Appetizers include Pancetta, Fried Olives, Saffron Rice Fritters, Tricolor Bruschetta, Octopus Soppessata, Fritto Misto and Carpaccio. For salads they offer Mixed Greens with Apple, Roasted Cauliflower, Barbabietole (Roasted Beets) and Caesar. First courses may be Ravioli Pesto, Farfalle with Mushrooms, Sagne Torte (Cauliflower), Orecchiette alla Lina, Straccetti con Polpette (Meatballs) and Ricotta Gnocchi. Second course offerings might include Braciola (Rolled Beef), Half Chicken, Seared Salmon, Grilled Pork Chop and Bistecca Tagliata (Ribeye Steak). Pizza is also on the menu with Margherita Style, Bianca, Italian Sausage and Prosciutto with Cheese varieties. Side dishes like Sautéed Spinach, Tuscan Beans, Brussels Sprouts and Mashed Potatoes add to the bill. A number of Italian desserts like Tiramisu, Bostini Trifle, Polenta Cake and assorted Gelati are offered or a Trio is available. The Wine List includes vintage and non-vintage selections from Italy and California, especially Napa. Bottles run $30-400 each and many offered by the glass. Full bar with a sample cocktail list. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. $20 Corkage Fee for your own wine. Wine Spectator magazine "Award of Excellence" and Critic's Choice Foodie Award for Best Hotel Restaurant by the Orlando Sentinel. Reservations accepted and recommended in season, by phone and online. Open Thanksgiving and Christmas Day plus New Years Eve with a shortened menu. Offers a traditional "Feast of the Seven Fishes" on Christmas Eve, at a la carte prices. Owned by the hotel.

Lam's Garden Restaurant, 2505 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL. 57.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-896-0370. (Asian) [L/D] It's been here many years. Located in the Coytown Plaza near N. Bumby Ave. Attractive décor with glass covered linen table cloths. Open 11 AM to 9:30 PM daily, but to 10:30 PM on weekends. Their special combination plates are popular, like Double Fried Pork, Kung Bo Chicken and Buddha's Delight. Chef's Specials like Clams or Oysters with Black Bean Sauce, Roast Duck and Lobster with Ginger Scallions are offered. They also offer the usual Chicken, Beef, Pork, Shrimp and Vegetable Chinese dishes found in other Asian restaurants. Sha Cha Beef, Hunan Fish and others are spicy dishes. Bourbon Chicken, Peking Pork Chop and Walnut Shrimp are not found elsewhere usually. Their elegant dinners are Seven Stars or Ying Yuen Steak are both priced for two. They offer Hong Kong style Dim Sum on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations accepted. Beer and wine only. Jun Gang-Kai with Chu Wah and Chu Haing Mark, owners here.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 8/16) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Landry's Seafood (House), 8800 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL. 61.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-827-6466. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Located near I-4 at Exit #68, just off SR535, 2 miles east of EPCOT. Hours are: weekdays 3-10 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 AM to 10 PM. Weekend lunch ends at 3 PM. Mostly full linen service at dinner. A Sunset Dining Menu with 3 seafood choices is available 3-5 PM daily, except holidays. The chain prides itself on their Fresh Catch prepared "Gulf Coast Style" usually offering Atlantic Salmon, Wild Alaska Salmon, Redfish, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Farmed Tilapia and Chilean Sea Bass (all broiled or grilled) when they are in season. Start with 6 Oysters Rockefeller or a Dozen Oysters on the Half Shell. Other appetizers include Fried Zucchini, Firecracker Shrimp, New Orleans Crawfish Bread, Fried Calamari, Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms, Crab/Spinach/Artichoke Dip, Shrimp Cocktail, Blue Crab Cake, Oyster Bar Trash (Mix) and others. There's also Clam Chowder and Gumbo by the Cup or Bowl full. Getting to the specialty entrées, you'll find Southern Fried Fish, IPA Fish & Chips, Tilapia Pontchartrain, Cedar Planked Salmon, Stuffed Flounder, Crab Stuffed Mahi and Parmesan Crusted Snapper Hemingway. For Shellfish you can have Crawfish Étouffée, Coconut Shrimp, NOLA BBQ Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Seafood Stuffed Shrimp, Shrimp en Brochette, Blue Crab Cake with BBQ Shrimp, Seared Scallops, Lobster Tail, Snow Crab, Alaskan King Crab and a Seafood Feast For Two. Various toppings are offered like Firecracker Shrimp, Lump Crab Meat, Étouffée or Melissa. For landlovers, there's Chicken & Mushrooms, Top Sirloin, Rib Eye and Filet Mignon. You can also find Pasta dishes. All entrées come with a Salad Bowl. Sides are extra, like Hush Puppies, Garlic Spinach and Dirty Rice. You can also find a Cheddar Burger, a Po-Boy and a Crispy Fish Sandwich. Weekend lunch offers many of the same dishes at lower prices. Desserts include Crème Brûlée, Key Lime Pie, Praline Cheesecake, Cinnamon Bread Pudding, Bananas Foster, Double Chocolate Cake or 3 Mini Samplers. Kids menu. Full bar with exotic cocktails and an extensive Wine List runnung $21-$150/bottle. Bar Only Happy Hour 3-6 PM weekdays and 12-4 PM weekends. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. 10% off food portion of the bill by showing your current AARP membership card. Reservations are taken by phone or online. Originated in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1947. Corporate owned, one of over 400 locations under various names, worldwide but only 18 Landry's in the US.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, 8019 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy. (US 192), Kissimmee, FL. 62.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-689-288-4418. (American) [L/D] Opened July, 2023. Located on US 192 just east of SR 429 (Central Florida Expressway), near Portillo's. Opens at 11 AM weekdays, 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday for weekly brunch. Closes late. Colorado mountain lodge décor with open beam ceilings, stonework and a fireplace. You can expect American "elevated" comfort food here. Items like TV Dinners, Burgers, Bowls, Salads, Sandwiches, Soups and Small Plates make up a very large menu. Items like Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Meatloaf, Salisbury Steak, Wings, Calamari, Cheese Enchiladas and Chicken Pot Pie satisfies anyone's quest. Bacon plays a part in many items. For dessert you'll find Banana Pudding, Butter Cake and Apple-Huckleberry Open Faced Pie. Kids menu available. Full bar with Happy Hour. Beer Club for the thirsty regular patrons. Outdoor seating available. Pet friendly on the patio with a $5 "Pup Menu". Reservations by phone accepted. A growing chain of about 50 locations in just 8 states, many in California, with a second Florida location in Boca Raton. Chris Simms, founder; headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA.

Le Café de Paris, 5170 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL. 51.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-293-2326. (French) (Cafe) [B/L/D] Located in the Grand Oaks Shopping Center off Conroy Road. Open daily 9 AM to 8 PM but from 8 AM weekdays and closed Sundays. This small French Café offers breakfast items like Plain, Almond or Chocolate Croissants and Raison Rolls, as well as Eggs, Omelets, Quiches, Bacon and Sausage. For lunch they have soup, like Tomato Basil, and French, Vosgienne or Paris Salads. For lunch or dinner they offer sandwiches like Croque Monsieur or Madame, Tuna or Chicken Pan Bagna, Le Parisien with Brie, Metz's with Ham, Fleury's with Dry Sausage, Turkey Panini and, oddly, a Cuban Sandwich. They're all served with chips or a small salad. For dessert, there's Napoleons, Eclairs and a Pear Almond Tart. Various European coffees are on the menu also. Wine and beer offered too. Le français est parlé. Claude and Chantal Wolff, owners.

Les Chefs de France (Epcot), 1839 Avenue of the Stars, Lake Buena Vista, FL. 65.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-WDW-DINE or 1-407-939-3463. (French) [L/D] Pronounced: lay-chef-deh-frahns. Located in the France Pavilion in Epcot-Walt Disney World. Open daily 12 noon to 3 PM for lunch and 5 to 9 PM for dinner. This restaurant is patterned after a Parisian Brasserie. Crisp white full linen service and elegant surroundings make this a favorite for food connoisseurs. Unhurried service. All a-la-carte offerings. Start out with Assiette de Fromages (Cheese Plate Assortment), Tartare de Saumon (Raw Smoked Salmon), Tarte à la Tomate et Fromage de Chèvre (Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart), Cassolette d'Escargots de Bourgogne (Baked Burgundy Style Snails), Bisque de Homard (Lobster Bisque), Salade de Chèvre Chaud (Baked Goat Cheese Salad) or Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée (French Onion Soup with Cheese). Dinner main dishes may include Canard au Miel (Roasted Duck with Honey), Demi Poulet Fermier (Half Free Range Chicken), Filet de Bœuf Grillé (Grilled Beef Tenderloin), Gratin de Macaroni (Baked Macaroni & Cheese), Jarret d'Agneau (Braised Lamb), Noix de Saint Jacques (Sautéed Scallops), Thon Poêlé (Seared Tuna) and Plat de Côte de Bœuf (Braised Beef Ribs). For dessert they have Crème Brûlée (Sugared Egg Custard), Crêpe a la Pomme et Cannelle (Pancake with Cinnamon Apples) and Profiteroles au Chocolat (Puff Pastry with Ice Cream and Chocolate Syrup) all. Lunch items are lower. Selections change seasonally. Prix Fixe dinners also available with limited choices. Disney Dining Experience (now called Tables in Wonderland) for 20% discount, eligible except holidays. Full bar and extensive wine list, many from France like Les Abeilles Côtes du Rhône or Hubert Brochard Sancerre. Even Orangina, the French orange soft drink, is on the menu. Children's menu available, of course. Admission to WDW required by ticket or yearly pass. Reservations accepted and mostly required except in the off-season and now taken up to 180 days in advance. Cancelation policy applies. 2010 & 2011 Foodie Reader's Choice runner-up for "Best French Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Jerome Bocuse, owner.

Older Review: (from Daniel G. 10/09) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Lilac (Restaurant), 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL. 86.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-221-4600. (Continental) [D] In business since July, 2022. Located in the Tampa EDITION Hotel, at S. Nebraska Ave., near Exit #7 of the Selmon Expressway (SR-618). Open daily except Sunday and Monday, 5 to 10 PM. Exquisitely decorated dining room in warm brown and green shades, leafy plants and long golden window drapes. Each table is candle lit and glassware preset. Dress code for fine dining. Some dishes prepared table-side. Greek and French influences noted in the preparations. Price for the prix fixe four course dinners runs about $140pp or more on holidays, plus $75pp for wine pairing. Start with hors d'oeuvres for the table like Milk Bread, Fried Ravioli, Chilled Maine Lobster, Smoked Grouper Feuillantine and Chicken Liver Mousse. A Caviar Service is offered (at a supplement charge). Appetizer selections might include Rotisserie Red Beet, Seared Scallop, Shrimp Plancha, Pork Belly & Spanish Octopus dish, Tuna Tartare or Seared Fois Gras (at a supplement charge). For your entrée choice you may find King Salmon with Crab, Duck au Poivre [Confit], Herb Crusted Lamb Chop, Spanakopita Cannelloni, Short Rib Rotisserie or Côte de Boeuf (at a suplement charge). Desserts might list Cheesecake, Olive Oil Cake, Bombboloni [Apple and Calvados], Cheese Plate or Chocolate Walnut Crémeux [Sponge Cake, Ganache & Gelato]. A Chocolate Soufflé for two may be substituted. Full bar with crafted cocktails. Champagne by the glass is offered, even the Dom Brute by the glass is on the list. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. A 1 Star Rated Michelin Guide Restaurant. Reservations by phone or online via Open Table are accepted and advised weekends. Open Thanksgiving and Christmas Day with reservations for their holiday meal. John Fraser and Joshua Werksman, chefs. Hotel owned.

Linda's La Cantina Steakhouse, 4721 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL. 58.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-894-4491. (American) (Steakhouse) [D] In business since 1947. On the north side of the Executive Airport, at the corner of E. Colonial and Lake Baldwin Ln., across from Sweet Tomatoes. Open from 4 PM daily except closed Mondays year round and Sundays after Father's Day until October. Noted for their steaks for over 65 years. They range from 19 oz. Chopped Sirloin; 4 oz. Filet Mignon; 8 oz., 12 oz. or 18 oz. Top Sirloin; 14 oz. New York Strip; 16 oz. Ribeye; 16 oz. or 24 oz. T-Bone; 18 oz. New York Strip; 12 oz. Filer Mignon; and the 32 oz. House Special Large T-Bone. A Mini Surf and Turf is a 4 oz. Filet with a half order of Snapper and 6 Fried Shrimp, while the Large Surf and Turf doubles the portions of each. All are USDA Choice grade meat. Other menu items include Spaghetti; Chicken Veal, or Eggplant Parmesan; Manicotti; Hawaiian Chicken; Dozen Fried Shrimp; Cajun Shrimp Pasta; 12 oz. Blackened Red Snapper; Buttered Sautéed Shrimp; and an 8 oz. Yellow Fin Tuna. All dinners come with a House Salad and a starch or vegetable. A few choice appetizers are offered like Baked French Onion Soup; Shrimp Cocktail; Bourbon Bite; or Coconut Shrimp. Children's menu available. Senior get 12% discount on request before 6 PM. Reservations accepted. Full bar with wine list. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. for your own wine. Voted "Best Old Favorite" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey for many years. Voted Orlando's best Steakhouse restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Karen Hart, Debra Tassoni and Lorie Coley, current owners.

Liquid Ginger, 101 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL. 64.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-371-2323. (Asian) [L/D] Open from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM weekdays for lunch and from 5 PM to 10 PM daily for dinner, except Sunday from 12 noon to 10 PM. Located right behind the Hippodrome State Theater near Amelia's Italian Restaurant. Parking available near the restaurants. A Pan Asian Grille and Tea House. An eclectic collection of Thai, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Vietnamese, Malaysian and other Asian flavors. Décor is contemporary and serene with black lacquer furnishings. Their appetizers can be ordered as a-la-carte "tapas". They include Mussels with Coconut Cream, Ginger Scallops, Five-Spice Crispy Chicken, Asian Calamari, Saigon Spring Rolls, Crispy Kabayaki Eel, Garlic Eggplant, Korean Potstickers, Crispy Soft Shell Crab, Buddha Rolls, Stir-Fry Spinach, and Satay Chicken, price depending on your selection. For Soups, they offer Miso (Soybean) or Tom Yum Goong (Shrimp) and for Salads, Wakame (seaweed) or Field Greens if ordered a-la-carte. Dinners are complete and include soup, salad, entrée, side dish, rice and dessert. And the two sections of the dinner menu are Sauté and Grille. For the Sauté Menu, Yellow Fin Tuna with Sweet Chili, Shrimp and Scallops with Shitake, Mahi-Mahi with Spicy Sesame, Ginger-Teriyaki Salmon, Pan-Seared Hawaiian Escolar, Crispy Lime Tilapia, Spicy Creamed Shrimp, and Ginger Shrimp are just some of the seafood offerings. Also on the Sauté Menu is Crispy Lime Chicken, Stir-Fry Udon Noodles with Chicken or Beef, Ginger Beef, Korean Chicken or Beef Bulgogi (pepper paste and onion), Pad Thai Noodles with Chicken, Beef or Shrimp, Coconut Curry Chicken, Thai Red Curry Chicken, Garlic Spicy Chicken and less adventuresome, Basil Chicken. A Coconut Pasta dish is offered. On the Grille Menu they offer Thai Lime and Coconut Chicken, Grilled Salmon with Ginger Glaze, Korean Spiced Rib-Eye Steak, Beef or Chicken with Sweet Soy, and Strip Loin Beef with dipping sauces are . At the top end, they offer Grilled New Zealand Lamb Rack (with Garam Marsala), 8 oz. Ginger Angus Filet Mignon and Grilled Twin Lobster Tails. For vegetarians, a wide selection of Tofu, Vegetables or Noodle dishes are available. A wide variety of teas, including rare types like Hibiscus Flower, Tung Ting Oolong, Pu-Erh, Gen Mai, Rose Flower, Plum and even Chrysanthemum, as well as the more familiar Chamomile, Jasmine, Ginseng, Green and Black Teas, all offered. Smart casual attire; relaxed, slow-paced service. Full bar with fancy cocktails and cold or warm sake. Happy Hour from 5 to 7 PM. 18% gratuity added for parties of eight or more. Phone reservations accepted. Larry Lam, owner. Another location is planned for Celebration Pointe in 2018.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 6/11) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 1/13) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from EJ H. 1/13) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Living Room On Main Restaurant and Lounge, 497 Main St., Dunedin, FL. 99.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-736-5202. (Continental) (Spanish) [L/D] Opened in 2009. Located at the east end of downtown Dunedin at the corner of Main, Highland and Virginia Streets. Open daily from 11 AM, except Sunday is 10 AM to 9 PM. Homey atmosphere. Primarily tapas style menu where you'll find Tomato Bisque Soup, plus a daily selection every day. For starters you may choose Pomme Frites, Jamaican Veggie Pie, Mango & Brie Quesadilla, Mediterranean Plate, Black & Blue Nachos, Artichoke & Spinach Dip, Beef Tartare or a Cheese Plate. They have a few Flatbreads too. There's also Shrimp Tempura, Shrimp & Taro Corn Dogs and Garlic Calamari. Salads are available, like Quinoa or Parma Ham Wrapped Grilled Hearts of Romaine. Chicken Empanadas, Chicken Drummettes, Chicken Satay and Macadamia Chicken Breast make up the "Pollo Game". The red meat side has Beef Poutine, Korean BBQ Beef Lettuce Wraps, Kobe Beef Sliders, 6 oz. Angus Beef Filet, Jambalaya Andouille Skewers, Mojo Pork Tamale, Hoisin Glazed Pork Shanks, BBQ Short Ribs and a Steak & Scallop Brochette; plus Grilled Lamb Chops and Lamb Tajine. For seafood you'll find Miso & Ginger Grilled Salmon Tacos, P.E.I. Mussels Tajine, Bayou Shrimp, Lobster & Avocado Cones, Seared Salmon, Seafood Tajine and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. There's also a Lobster Carbonara Specialty. Many gluten free items offered. Mary Margaret Marquis is their featured dessert. Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso made to order. Occasional Gluten Free Wine Dinners at a prix fixe. Dog friendly patio. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Full bar and 2-for-1 Happy Hour before 7 PM. Reduced price bottled wine on Mondays. Weekend Brunch offered 10 AM to 3 PM. Entertainment in the lounge almost every night. Tony Bruno, chef; John and Leta Johnson, owners.

Llama Restaurant, 415 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, FL. 93.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-904-819-1760. (Continental) (Spanish) [D] In business since 2016. Located right on US A1A, about a half mile south of the Bridge of Lions, on Anastasia Island. Limited hours are Tuesday through Thursday 5-8 PM, to 8:30 PM weekends, closed Sunday and Monday. "Eat - Drink - Discover". Unique and warm décor fill the small casual, candle lit, bistro with a beer and wine bar. Generally tables for 2 or 4 only. Romantic ambience with artistic and exotic presentation for this seldom-seen authentic Peruvian cuisine. Portions are small; flavors are large. Each dish presented, is greeted with: "Oh, what's this?" Don't be surprised if your food is served under glass, on a rock, in a pot, on a stump, in a box, or on a broken plate. For appetizers they serve Yucas Huanchaina [Yucca with Amarillo Pepper Cream Sauce], Mango Ceviche [Vegan], Ocopa [Huacatay], Ceviche Lima [Corvina and Lime], Ceviche Amazonico [Arapaima], Pulpo [Octopus Carpaccio], Ceviche Nikkei [Salmon with Chalaca Sauce] and Anticuchos [Smoked Marinated Beef with Corn] ceremoniously revealed. For main dishes (some with choices as noted) you'll find Veggie Saltado [Stir Fry with Rice and Potatoes], Quinotto [Risotto-Style Quinoa] with Mushrooms/Seafood, Ceviche Classico [Corvina Ceviche], Paiche Amazonico [Amazonian Arapaima], Tallarines Verdes [Peruvian Pesto Pasta] with Braised Pork Belly/Steak, Cordero Cusqueño [Andean-Style Roasted Rack of Lamb] and Mar y Tierra [Surf and Turf] topped with Grilled Hanger Steak/Lomo Saltado. For dessert South American creations like Algarrobina Custard [Black Carob] with a Spun Sugar Crown, Sacred Valley [Quillabamba Cacoa], Crema Volteada [Crème Caramel] and Alfajores Affogato [Dulce de Leche]. For drinks they offer 5 different Mimosas, 5 Sparking Wines, a variety of White Wine by the glass/bottle, Red Wine and Draft Beer. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Even Passion Fruit Juice and Andean Corn "NA Beer" is available. A Tasting Menu (without/with Wine pairing) is sometimes seasonally offered by reservation (6 course: or 13 course). Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised. Marcel Vizcarra Butron, Le Cordon Bleu chef and owner.

London House, 8000 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL. 56.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-743-2525. (British) (Continental) [D] What used to be a very private club, its two dining rooms are open to the public, since May, 2022. Then closed for a while and now new owners. It's located where the plush Urbain40 was located in Dellagio Town Center on Restaurant Row. The London House Restaurant is open 5 to 10 PM, Tuesday through Saturday only. Closed Sunday and Monday. The Cocktail Lounge is open 5 PM to 11:30 PM or to 2 AM on weekends. Happy Hour runs 5-7 PM. Children with parents/guardians seated until 7 PM only. Dress code enforced: Business Attire, Business Casual, Formal or Elegant Fun-wear accepted. No beachwear or baseball caps, etc. The décor is opulent and the service impecable. Membership ($950/pp/yr. and called "Keyholders") allows exclusive access, special events and seating preferences. Doorman, host/hostess, concierge, butler, sommelier and valet parking available. London House starter courses include Raw Oysters, Scotch Egg, Croquettes, Foie Gras Mousse, Prawns, Baked Oysters, Ribeye Tartare and a Charcuterie and Cheese Board. Indian Tandoor dishes include Chicken Tikka, Paneer Cheese Tikka, Wild Snapper Tikka and Lamb Sheekh Kebab. Soups include Soup du Jour and Lobster Bisque. Salads are Caesar, House and Fig & Beetroot. For main dishes you will find Tikka Masala, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Black Truffle Risotto (29), Pork Belly, Beer Battered Lobster Tail, Diver Scallops, Pan Roasted Duck Breast, Lamb Rack, Table-side Served Sole and Prime Beef Wellington. Entrées include appropriate accompaniments. Beef from the Sottish Highlands are offered as 14 oz. Angus Bone-In NY Strip, 10 oz. Angus Filet, 16 oz. Angus Ribeye and Matsusaka A5 Wagyu are offered. You can always add Peppercorn Crust, Blue Stilton Cheese, 3 Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Seared Foie and White or Black Truffles. Added side dishes like Brussels Sprouts, Grilled Asparagus, Sautéed Broccolini, Sweet Potato Fries, Sautéed Foraged Mushrooms and others are extra per portion. For dessert you can find Lavender Sorbet, Bread and Butter Pudding, Chocolate English Custard, Chocolate Fondant and others. Various Sorbets and Ice Creams (like Madagascan Bourbon Vanilla) are offered at 3 tastes for one price. Not full yet? You can start or end your meal with Caviar from Golden Kaliga, Oscietra, to '00 Beluga. Comprehensive Wine List is available. Piano lounge and weekend entertainment in part of the club. Full bar with Happy Hour and Wine List. Phone or online reservations for London House via Open Table required for non-members. Outdoor seating available. Smoking lounge outdoors. Richard Guttman, Ignacio del Valle and Eduardo Pajon, new owners.

LongHorn Steakhouse (OIA), 5440 Gateway Village Circle, Orlando, FL. 62.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-538-2082. (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located just north of the Orlando International Airport, BeachLine Expressway Exit 11, off S. Semoran Blvd. (CR 436) and Frontage Rd. Opens at 11 AM daily. Noted for their Top Sirloin Steak made 5 different ways: Bacon-Wrapped, Bacon-Wrapped Bourbon, Garlic-Herb Crusted, Mushroom Bordelaise or "Loaded". 6 oz., 8 oz. and 10 oz. sizes offered. Chop Steak, 9 oz. Bone-In Sirloin, 11 and 14 oz. New York Strips, 16 oz. Fire-Grilled T-Bone, a 7 or 9 oz. Flo's Filet and an 18 oz. Outlaw Ribeye. A 20 oz. Porterhouse is offered. 7 and 10 oz. Salmon, Fried or Grilled Shrimp and Grilled Rainbow Trout are also offered. Many meals are combinations of both steaks and seafood. They have meals noted under 500 calories too. Gluten free information available on their website. Deemed an Allergy-Friendly Restaurant Chain. 18% gratuity added to parties of 8 or more. Full bar with limited wines. Call ahead seating. John Rucker, managing partner. One of a growing popular chain of nearly 300 locations now owned by Darden Restaurants of Orlando. Another LongHorn location is in Lady Lake (see that listing).

Older Review: (from David L. 1/12) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Lugo's Grill, 20583 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon, FL. 35.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-465-1212. (Caribbean) (Seafood) [D] In business since 2020. Located on CR 40, just 1 door west of US 41, in downtown Dunnellon. Hours are 11 AM to 7 PM daily but 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Sunday and closed Mondays. Warm cozy environment with carpet and tile floors. Focuses on authentic Cuban dishes. For appetizers they offer Garlic Knots, Fried Yucca, Plantains, Tostones, and Ham Croquettes. The specialty is Cuban Sandwiches and other Roasted Pork Sandwiches for lunch or dinner. A Pan con Bistec [Steak Sandwich] and a Fish Sandwich are also on the menu. The Fish can be Fried, Grilled or Blackened. Salads are also offered. For dinners, they have a Fried Shrimp Dinner, Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken, Fish Dinner, Pescado Escabelle, Palomilla Steak, Puerco a la Barbacoa, Pollo Relleno, Shrimp with Yellow Rice and Ropa Vieja, among others. A Lobster & Shrimp Creole dish is featured. Kids menu available. Cash only. ATM on site. Parking in the rear. Some outdoor seating available. No bar. Soft drinks only. Carlos Lugo, owner.

Luke's Kitchen and Bar, 640 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL. 52.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-674-2400. (American) (Seafood) [D] Opened December, 2016. Located on US 17/92, one mile east of I-4, near Maitland Ave. Open 5-9 PM daily, later on weekends. Modern casual atmosphere. Classic American cuisine. For starters they have items like Deviled Eggs and Bacon, Crab Cake, Shrimp Cocktail, Peel and Eat Shrimp and Yellowfin Tuna. For Soups you can find Sweet Corn, Chicken and Vegetables, Shrimp and Lobster, as well as French Onion. From the Smokebox you'll find Smoked Fish Dip, Shishito Peppers, Roasted Okra and Roasted Oysters. They have Red Snapper, Diver Scallops, Yellowfin and Lobster Louie type Ceviches. Salad plates are available. For entrées they offer Mussels, Spit-Fired Chicken, BBQ Spare Ribs, Salmon, Peppered Prime Rib, Swordfish, Panko encrusted Snapper, Crab Cakes and Filet Mignon. Side dishes add to the bill. Sandwiches can be had like Portobello, Chicken Burger, Cheeseburger, Au Poivre Burger, French Dip and Mahi Mahi. Desserts include a German Chocolate Cake. An Oyster Bar is varied priced each depending on origin and season. A Wine List ranges $22-90/btl. for Whites and $30-95/btl. for Reds. Draft and Craft Beers available. Cocktails are offered too. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. Online and phone reservations accepted. Brandon McGlamery, chef and partner; Random Burnett, partner.

Lunch On Limoges, 14139 7th St., Dade City, FL. 50.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-567-5685. (Cafe) (Southern) L. Located in the small town of Dade City on 7th inside the historic department store amid a gift shop atmosphere. Open 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM only. Closed, Sundays, holidays and in the summer, Mondays also. Very popular with the ladies for their décor, eclectic fashion shopping and fine china. Pecan Chicken, Crab Cakes, Poached Salmon, Athens Grouper, Low Country Shrimp, Pork Schnitzel, Mediterranean Eggplant, Greek Salad and Tuscan Shrimp are typical of the items on the lunch menu that range on price. Entrées change seasonally and come with a side dish. Noted for their Fruit Muffins. Desserts are also popular. A $12pp food minimum is required. Reservations accepted and recommended weekends. Dressy casual attire with beer and wine only. Skip Mize (chef) and Ethan and Blair Hensley, owners.

Maggiano's Little Italy (Orlando), 9101 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 59.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-241-8650. (Italian) [L/D] Located on I-Drive at Pointe Orlando. Open from 11:30 AM to 10 PM daily, except from Noon on Sunday. Dine with your large family or at tables for 2 or 4, on an a-la-carte menu. Chef favorites are Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Chicken Parmesan, Crab & Shrimp Cannelloni or their famous Rigatoni 'D' ®. Other pasta dishes include Chicken & Truffle Tortelloni, Gnocchi & Italian Sausage, Chicken & Spinach Manicotti, Rustic Chicken & Shrimp, Linguine di Mare, Crab & Shrimp Tropheo, and Lobster Carbonara. More classic pastas include Spaghetti Marinara or Meat Sauce, Spaghetti with a Meatball, Bowtie Aglio, Mom's Marinara or Meat Sauce Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Four Cheese Ravioli, Baked Rigatoni Pomodoro, Fettuccine Alfredo and Eggplant Parmesan. They also offer Chicken 5 different ways: Parmesan, Piccata, Marsala, Francese and Saltimbocca. Veal varieties of those run higher. Seared Pork Scaloppine and Beef Tenderloin Medallions are offered. Near the top of the menu are a 9 oz. Center Cut Filet Mignon, a 16 oz. Prime Delmonico Steak, a 16 oz. Prime New York Steak and a Surf & Turf. Seafood is also offered Italian Style too with Linguine & Clams in Red or White Clam Sauce, Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Shrimp Scampi, Lemon Grilled or Balsamic Glazed Salmon, Lobster Baked Tilapia, Salmon Oscar, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and Twin Lobster Tails are there too. Side dishes like Crispy Red, Garlic Mashed or Fontina Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach, Broccolini, Green Beans, Asparagus or a side of pasta, all add to the meal. Famous for desserts, they offer Crème Brûlée, Nonna's Toasted Pound Cake, NY Style Cheesecake, Apple Crostada, Tiramiisu, Profiteroles, and Chocolate Zuccotto Cake. Or you can have a Mini Dessert Sampler. For Family Style dining, for 4 or more, they offer an appetizer/salad/pasta/cookies dinner at $24 per person. Or choose appetizer/salad/entrée/dessert dinner at prix fixe per person. Children's prices are lower. Full bar available with a wide ranging Wine List or their own house wine. Bellinis and after dinner coffees are a specialty. Happy Hour from 3-6 PM. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Lunch selections are similar to dinner choices at the same prices. Also caters to meetings and banquets. Phone and online reservations accepted and advised during conventions. Open Thanksgiving Day for a Family Style 4-Course Dinner. Delfino Netto, executive chef; Michael Marsico, general manager. A chain of 45 locations in 21 states, owned by Brinker International, usually placed at upscale malls.

Older Review: (from Ken J. 12/19) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Mallie Kyla's Café, 510 E. Liberty St., Brooksville, FL. 51.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-796-7174. (Cafe) L. Open Monday through Saturday form 11 AM to 3 PM only. Closed Sunday. In business since 1996. Named after the owner's grandmother. Cute, comfortable seating. The house specialties are Quiche of the Day, Hawkins House Salad Plate, Chicken Salad Wrap with Soup or a Stuffed Avocado. Large Salads such as Southern Cobb, Maille's Garden, Fajita Chicken, Greek or Southern Spinach are offered daily. Sandwiches on the menu include Fresh Chicken or Tuna Salad, Ham and Swiss, Oven Roasted Turkey, Roast Beef, Florida Reuben, Beef Crunch and Gobbler Sandwich. Side dishes come with the sandwiches. A daily Soup is offered also. Specials change every day and listed on the blackboard. They make their own dressings here and have them for sale too. Desserts are not to be missed like Mallie Princess Cake, Chocolate Turtle Cake, Mile High Apple Pie, Cream Cheese Brownies, Coconut Silk Pie and Pumpkin Pie. Two-time Reader's Choice winner of Southern Living Magazine "Best Small Town Restaurant". No bar. Reservations accepted. A second location is now located in a portion of the American Eagle Antique Mall in Dade City, Florida. Larie DeWitt Hensley, owner.

Mama Della's Ristorante, 5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL. 54.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-503-3463. (Italian) (Vegetarian) [D] Opens at 5:00 PM daily. Smart casual attire appreciated. Validated parking. Located just outside the Universal Studios theme park, in the picturesque Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, near Vineland Rd. and S. Kirkman Rd., not far from the I-4 and Turnpike interchange. Dark wood trims old world wall coverings in the attractive Tuscan dining room. Full linen service here. They specialize in classic Italian recipes. Primi Piatti appetizers like Pasta e Fagioli Soup, Tonno Crudo (Ahi Tuna), Caprese Salad, Bruschetta Caprese, Fried Calamari, Rissoto with Shrimp, Cozze (Mussels) Posillipo, Gamberi Scampi, Antipasto, Insalata for Two and Caesar for Two are on the menu. For Piatto Principale dishes they offer Cheese Ravioli, Melanzane (Eggplant) Rollatini, Chicken Carbonara, Rigatoni with Lamb, Grilled Salmon, Grilled Mahi Mahi, Sea Bass Filet, Veal Marsala and Rib Eye Beef. More traditional pastas include Fettuccine Alfredo, Spaghetti with Pork, Chicken Parmigiano on Cappellini and Lasagna. Their menu also points to totally vegetarian items like Pasta Primavera, Risotto and Mushrooms, Spaghetti Marinara and Rigatoni with Eggplant, as well as appetizer choices. For dessert they have Molten Chocolate Cake plus Tiramisu, Rhum Baba, Panna Cotta and Cheesecake. Full bar and interesting Wine List with wines by the glass. Most are $30-40/bottle but a few like Joseph Phelps Meritage run over $300. Vintage years are not shown on the list, unfortunately. $18 Corkage Fee for your own vino. Italian cocktails like Tuscan Lemonade are offered. Strolling musicians entertain the tourists and locals. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Online and phone reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day 11 AM to 7 PM for a Holiday Buffet. Joseph Cournoyer-Burnett, chef d'cuisine; hotel owned.

Mama's Greek Cuisine, 735 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL. 93.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-944-4408. (Greek) [L/D] Open 11 am to 10 pm daily. Located in the rear of the Sponge Exchange on Dodecanese Blvd. but it actually faces Athens Street. "Where Locals Meet To Eat" is what they advertise. Although it caters to tourists, this establishment often welcomes many residents too. Souvlaki (Marinated Pork), Keftedes (Meatballs), Domades (Ground Beef in Grape Leaves), Mousaka (Ground Beef and Eggplant), Pastitso (Greek Lasagna) and Spanokpita (Spinach Pie) are just some of the authentic Greek dishes served here. Seafood is also popular serving Shrimp, Octopus, Squid, Grouper and Codfish too. Lamb items such as Shish Kabob and Rack of Lamb can also be ordered. Makaronda Pasta is also offered. Entrées range in price up to the Rack of Lamb, Lithrini and other specials of the day. Entertainment on weekends. In business since 1978. Full bar including Greek wines. Angelis & Georgia Memisakis, owners.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 6/08) Q=5 S=3 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Mangoni (Italian Market Pizza), 251 Tremaine St., Winter Garden, FL. 41.2 mile drive from The Villages. . (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Opened April 18, 2022. Located one block off Plant St. in downtown. Nice setting, European feel, simple menu. Hours are 11 AM-10 PM, later on weekends and to only 9 PM on Sunday. Order at the counter, food is delivered. Start with sharing a Charcuterie Board. They are noted for their dozen Pizzas depending on your toppings, like Margherita, Alfredo or Brisket. Or you can design your own. They also make Salads like Italian, Spring Mix or Arugula. Or you can design your own. Many desserts and Gelato to choose from he the case. Full bar and Wine List. Cocktails are available. Happy Hour 11 AM to 5 PM Monday through Thursday. Large outdoor seating area available. Italian Market included. Chris Atmadjian and Lyndsey Jamison-Koenig, chefs; Joseph Johnson, manager; Jonathan and Oliver Pluvinet, owners.

Mango's Tropical Cafe (Orlando), 8126 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-673-4422. (Caribbean) (Spanish) [L/D] Opened in October, 2015. Located on I-Drive, 1 mi. north of the Convention Center, near W. Sand Lake Rd., where a T.G.I. Fridays once did business. A very large 55,000 s.f. building having a "Dinner and Show" format. It features live bands with tropical, scantily-clad dancers and audience participation. Salsa, Samba and Conga dances fill the colorful entertainment area. Elaborate shows at 7 PM and Midnight. For dinner (6:30 PM), items like Pork Loin, BBQ Ribs, Tilapia Picatta, Churrasco Steak, Shrimp al Ajillo, to Filet Mignon will be offered. Open for lunch too. Family friendly before 9 PM. Full bar. Sells many fancy tropical drinks like Caipirnhas, Mojitos and Daiquiris. Happy Hour 4-6 PM. 17-20% voluntary gratuity added to the bill. Reservations taken and highly recommended. Voted "Best Entertainment Restaurant" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. The original, and well-known, Mango's is in South Beach, Miami.

Maraya at Sabrina's Restaurant, 8100 Crystal Clear Lane, Orlando, FL. 57.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-856-8155. (Middle Eastern) [L/D] Located near South O.B.T. and W. Sand Lake Rd., it's best approached from the Florida Mall. Open 11 AM to 2 PM for lunch and 2 to 10 PM for dinner; to 11 PM on weekends. In business since 2007. Billed as a Mediterranean restaurant, the establishment features Middle-Eastern and Lebanese cuisine. Appetizers include Falafel, Kibbeh, Dubrovnik Shrimp, Fried Calamari, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Babaghanoush and Tabouleh Salad, to name a few. A few Italian dishes are available, like Eggplant Parmigiana, Fettucinni al Pesto, Lasagna Della Casa and Spaghetti Bolognese. For entrées they offer Mediterranean Chicken with a Garlic Glaze, Chicken Kebab, Fried Red Snapper, Fish Parisienne, Beef Kabab, Kefta and Roasted Rack of Lamb. Desserts available include Baklava, Kenafa, Tiramisu and Chocolate Cake. Some Kosher items are here. Hookah Terrace for smokers. Full bar with Martinis, Daiquiris, Margaritas and a Wine List. Turkish Coffee also available. Edwin Ayache, Ghassan and Violette Haddad, owners.

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante, 1560 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-560-8466. (Italian) [L/D] Opened first week of January, 2018. Located in Disney Springs in The Edison complex. A trattoria in a 1930's abandoned airline terminal, featuring old air travel memorabilia and maps. The dining room will feature a 50-foot ceiling showcasing Lake Buena Vists views. Hours are 11:30 AM to 10 PM daily, but to 11 PM weekends. Mostly Sicilian recipes abound here. For antipasti and appetizers they have Zuppa di Ricotta, Melanzane Parmigiana, Caciocavallo Fritto, Arancini di Carne, Pantesca, Calamari, Tonno Agrodolce and Gamberetti to start. Insalate include Arance e Finocchio, Barbabietole and Pugliese. The pasta course includes Rigatoni alla Norma, N'Casciata al Forno, Nodini 'Arriminati, Spaghetti alla Chitarra and Busiate con Granchio. Then there's the main course of Melanzane, Petto di Pollo or Nodino de Vitello. Or you could go with Spada [Swordfish], Braciola di Maiale [Rolled Beef], Tonno [Ahi Tuna], Bistecca [Rib Eye] and Filetto [8 oz. Filet]. These come with Potatoes and Fried Veggies. For dessert, indulge on Cannoli, Gelato, Cassata Siciliana, Torta or Affogato di Vesuvio. Coffee, Tea or Cappuccino available. There's also Cheese and Meat Plates. Lunch items are similar slightly lower prices. Full bar makes crafted cocktails like Nigroni Classico, Italian Margarita and a Jet Plane. Draft Beer is offered. Mocktails are available. Wine, especially Italian, offered by the glass and bin stock at $40-250/btl. Unusual Sicilian Wines run $40-120/btl. A few Italian Tuscan classics run to $490/btl. Family friendly. Phone or online reservations via Open Table highly advised. Open Thanksgiving Day. Weekend Brunch to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Theo Schoeneggar, executive chef; Justin Jaret, asst. general manager; Patina Restaurant Group, owners.

Market To Table, 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL. 41.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-395-9871. (American) [L/D] Opened October, 2016. Located in the rear of the Roper Building, the entrance is on W. Tremaine St. between Lakeview Ave. and Boyd St. across from the new parking garage. It was formerly the site of al Fresco Restaurant. Open daily except Monday, Tuesday and Sunday from 5-9 PM, plus Saturday hours 11 AM to 2 PM, then closed 3 hours until dinner. For dinner appetizers you can find Sautéed Clams, Beef Satay, Seared Scallops, Wianno Oysters, Haney & Pecan Feta Crostini, Ahi Tuna, Seafood Tower, P.E.I. Mussels and a Charcuterie Board. Salads include Caesar, Market and Iceberg Wedge. Soup is usually Tomato Basil Cream Soup. Entrées include Seared Chicken Breast, Pork Loin, Braised Short Ribs, Seared Yellow Tail Snapper, Lamb Shank and Filet Mignon. Entrée prices vary. For dessert you can find Chocolate Timbale, Bread Pudding and a Raspberry Macaroon. A Bento Box is also offered at Saturday lunch, as are Sandwiches and Burgers. Full bar and Wine List. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. Online or phone reservations accepted. Best New Restaurant Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Ryan Freelove, chef and owner.

Mark's Prime Steakhouse (Gainesville), 201 SE 2nd Ave., Gainesville, FL. 62.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-336-0077. (Steakhouse) [D] Open daily except Sundays from 5 PM. Online or phone reservations accepted and recommended on weekends. Also known as "Mark's U. S. Prime" since 2002. Located in the historic downtown area in Union Street Station. "Steaks with passion" is their motto. This restaurant offers the finest prime beef and freshest seafood. Filet, NY Strip, Delmonico, Ribeye, Sirloin, Veal and Lamb Chops as well as Surf 'n Turf are typical meat offerings. Some seafood specialties include Crab Bisque, Grouper Santa Fe, Pistachio Encrusted Tuna, Crab Cakes and Chilean Sea Bass. Crème Brûlée and Chocolate Paradise are two of their desserts. This establishment also features a wood fired grill for cooking. All offerings are priced a-la-carte. Extensive fine wine list and full bar. Corkage Fee: $20. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Happy Hour 5-7 PM daily except Sunday. Piano bar lounge. Online or phone reservations accepted and highly recommended on weekends. William Scheel, Louis Saig and George McCoy, proprietors; Ben Pratt, general manager. Mark's Prime is also located in downtown Ocala (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Rich C. 2/08) Q=5 S=5 V=3 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Marlow's Tavern (I-Drive), 9101 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 57.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-3627. (American) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Located at Pointe Orlando. Opened in 2012. Operates 11:30 AM daily 'til late. A chain that tries to be a neighborhood tavern with a clubby atmosphere. For starters you can find Parmesan Fries, Asparagus Fries, Kettle Chips, Smoked Trout Dip, Hot & Sweet Wings, Shrimp & Crab Nacho Plate and Ahi Tuna Poke among others. For Salads they have a Tavern or Caesar Salad, Chopped Chicken Salad, Asian Chicken Salad, Black and Blue Steak Salad and Tuna Niçoise Salad. For Burgers they offer 7 types, like Veggie to Marlow Melt. Their favorites are Grilled Chicken Stack, Grilled Chicken Pappardelle, Shrimp and Grits, Crispy Mongolian Trout, Grilled Atlantic Salmon and Grilled Center Cut Filet. Other items include a Chicken Wrap, Fish Tacos, Chicken Panini and Prime Rib French Dip. Side dishes are extra. Kids menu too. Full bar. Large selection of local Beers and a Wine List. No Corkage Fee with dinner. Happy Hour: 3-7 PM daily. Outdoor seating available. Reservations taken by phone or online. One of two dozen locations in Georgia and Florida, based in Atlanta since 2004 where they are very popular. Another is in Winter Park and Oviedo. Corporate owned. John Metz, CEO and co-founder; Mike Reedy, general manager here.

Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls (Orlando), 2 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL. 55.4 mile drive from The Villages. . (Breakfast) (Seafood) [B/L/D] Opening 2024. Located downtown Orlando at Central Ave. The restaurant name says it all. They have Classic Lobster Roll, Connecticut Lobster Roll, Lobster Salad Roll, Lobster BLT Roll, Shrimp Roll, sometimes Crab Roll and the Bar Harbour (50% extra large). Plus they offer Lobster Bisque, New England Clam Chowder and a Soup du Jour. Sides include Potato Salad, Cole Slaw and Tater Tots. They also have breakfast items too like Muffins and Pastries. Maine Whoopie Pies for dessert. Order at the counter; served in paper lined baskets. Kids menu available. No bar. Other Florida locations include St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Ft. Myers, Miami plus dozens of others scattered throughout the USA. Started in 2014 by Dan Beck. Franchise operation of 30+ locations based in Annapolis, MD.

(A) Matter of Taste, 14121 7th St., Dade City, FL. 49.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-567-5100. (Cafe) (Southern) [L] Located on the main drag downtown between Pasco Ave. and Church Ave. Been here since 1990. Open 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM weekdays. Closed weekends. Specializes in Tampa cuisine. For appetizers you'll find Ybor City Deviled Crab, Cheese Fries, Onion Rings, Fried Mushrooms, Greek Pizza, Tomato Bread, Friend Green Tomatoes, Chicken Nuggets and a Sampler Plate of the above. Soups change daily. Various Pineapple Boats, like Chicken or Tuna Salad, are popular, as are Large Salads like Iceberg Wedge, Stuffed Tomato, Greek, Fish 'n Greens, Spinach, Chef or a California Cool Plate. Sandwiches include Country Fried Chicken, Cuban, Turkey 'n Swiss, Tuna Melt, Greek Gyro, Chicken Salad, Pulled Pork, Meatloaf, BLT, Reuben and a Triple-Decker Club. Various Burgers offered and include a Tex-Mex version and a BBQ Ranch with Bacon. Dual Tacos like Veggie, Chicken, Pork, Shrimp or Fish are available. Same goes for Burritos. Hot lunches include Fried Shrimp, Fried Chicken, Quiche of the Day, Meatloaf Platter, Stir Fries, Cuban Roast Pork, Shrimp 'n Grits, Grilled Apollonia, Fish 'n Grits, Creole Shrimp and Fish Charmagne. Desserts like Coconut Cream Pie, Beignets, West Indies Bread Pudding and Molten Chocolate Cake. Kids menu too. Soft drinks and Iced Teas are offered. Beer and wine licensed. Jim and Carole Hendry, owners.

Matthew's Steakhouse, 360 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL. 41.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-520-7511. (Steakhouse) [D] Located in downtown Winter Garden, this 2,000 sq. ft. restaurant seating about 68 patrons officially opened January 19, 2018. Open 5-10 PM daily except Monday. Contemporary décor with multi-colored splash mural, light wood floor, white, high-backed, chairs and black tablecloths. A blue-lit bar is the center of attention, as is the open kitchen, all surrounded by family hospitality. A few Italian and German dishes are included in the predominantly beef menu. Appetizers, like Eggplant Parmigiano, Grilled Asparagus, Tomato Mozzarella, Tomato Goat Cheese Carpaccio and Grilled Artichoke Hearts start the menu. Soups are French Onion, Vegetarian Potato, Tomato and Goulash. Salads like Garden, Chicken Salad and Tomato Avocado are offered. Angus Beef is their specialty. A Shrimp & Chicken Skewer, Shrimp & Steak Skewer or Mixed Steak Skewer starts the list. Then a 6/8/10 oz. Filet Mignon, an 8/10/12 oz. New York Strip, an 8/10 oz. Pepper Steak, a 16 oz. Ribeye and an 18 oz. Porterhouse, finish it. A few Pork, Seafood and Chicken dishes are alternatives, like the Pork Chops and Pork Tenderloin. A Grilled Seafood dish is market priced. All are served with a Side Salad and Starch. For dessert you will get a choice of Ice Creams, Chocolate Cake, German Style Yogurt or German Cheesecake. Domestic and imported Beers, Seasonal Drafts and a few German Drafts are available. Wine by the glass and $30-100/btl. No cocktails served. Reservations required. The Winter family, of Heilshronn, Germany, owners here and at the 269 West Wine Lounge in Ocoee (see that listing).

Maxine's On Shine, 337 N. Shine Ave., Orlando, FL. 55.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-743-4481. (American) (Italian) [L/D] Opened in 2012. Reservation line: 1-407-743-4227. Located near Thornton Park off E. Livingston St. a few blocks south of E. Colonial (SR 50) and the Downtown YMCA, a block east of N. Mills Ave. Street parking can be challenging. The building dates to 1947. Hippie vibe venue. Open for brunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM and dinner Wednesday through Saturday, 5-9 PM. No dinner Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. An eclectic collection of selections that defies a single nationality. Start with Bruschetta, Drunken Mussels, Calamari, Fruit Medley or Lobster Ravioli Taster. Other patrons like to start with a Cheese and Fruit Board priced per person. Various Salads like Caprese, Wedge or Caesar are offered. Two house soups are available daily. Most popular item is the Brisket Burger but a Chicken Salad Sandwich is also on the menu. Pasta dishes are Skillet Lasagna, Chicken and Penne or Lobster Ravioli Entrée. Specials like Broiled Grouper and an 8 oz. Harris Ranch Steak are available too. Other items on the menu range in price. Desserts include Flan, Peanut Butter Mousse Pie and a Cheesecake du Jour. Brunch items are lower. A wine list that ranges $18-110/bottle plus bubbly at $30-175/bottle is offered. Owner was a wine salesman. Beer selection is wide too, including local Florida brews. Entertainment most nights from 7 PM including musicians and singers. Outdoor seating available. Private room in back, "The Stiletto Lounge", for about 8 is available too. Outside seating in the courtyard plus tables on the sidewalk allow for a big crowd. 4% surcharge added for using credit cards. 20% gratuity for parties of 8 or more. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. (Limit 2) Reservations accepted. Voted "Best Neighborhood Restaurant" and "Best Kept Secret" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey for many years. Voted Orlando's best wait staff by the readers of Orlando Weekly. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Dani Tin, manager; George Vogelbacher, executive chef; Shelley Maxine and Kirt Earhart, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/13) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 11/13) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Charles K. 10/21) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: ;(from Colene M. 10/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 6/24) Trip to the airport to pick up a friend and Bite-30 promotion going on, we made reservations for 7:30 PM on a Friday. Still busy, but they had a table for us 3 available inside. The side parking lot is now a covered eating area. We had 1 Seafood Chowder (enjoyable), 2 Caprese Salads (very different), 1 Duck Confit (flavorful) and 2 Thee Meatloafs (tasty and large) for mains. For dessert we had 2 Caramel Cheesecakes and 1 Choco Mousse (all delicious). Ashley was our pretty waitress. She had a lot of tables. Maxine and Kirt BOTH stopped at our table and sat and chatted for a few minutes. We brought our own wine and shared it with them. This is what keeps customers coming back besides good food and fair prices. It's a friendly place; you are part of the family. Took home half the Meatloaf meals. Very eclectic interior and fun atmosphere here. Our total for three 3-course meals and two beers was only $113 before t&t. 4% added for credit card use however. We'll be back for Magical Dining. We love it here.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Melting Pot (Restaurant Row), 7549 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-903-1100. (Fondue) [D] Located on "Restaurant Row", less than a mile west of Exit 74A of I-4. Been here since 2011. Open daily from 5-10 PM, later on weekends and from Noon on Saturday and Sunday. Like fishing for your dinner if you're not careful. Boiling pots are provided for dipping or cooking your food. There's the 6 popular Cheese (Bread & Vegetable) Fondues of Cheddar, Fiesta (Beer and Jalapeño added), Wisconsin Trio, Spinach Artichoke, Classic Alpine or French Onion Gruyère. For entrées you can choose cooking in Bouillon Style (N/C), Mojo Style, Coq au Vin Style or Bourguignonne Style. Once that's decided you can choose your dinner from Spinach & Artichoke Ravioli, Andouille Sausage, Wild Mushrooms, Breast of Chicken, Chicken Pot Stickers, Pacific Shrimp, Key West Shrimp, Teriyaki Sirloin, Memphis-Style BBQ Pork Medallion, Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna, Honey Orange Duck Breast, Salmon, Angus Beef Sirloin, Filet Mignon and Bacon Salt & Cracked Pepper Filet. Add a Lobster Tail is extra. There's also 4 course combinations like "Land & Sea" or "Orlando Fusion", that also include a Chocolate Pot for dessert. The "Classic Combo" includes 1 Cheese Fondue shared, Salads, combination of Angus Sirloin, Pork, Shrimp, Chicken and Teriyaki Sirloin, plus a Chocolate Pot to share in the end priced per person. Separately, the Dessert Fondue (9 Styles) priced per person. A "Limited Time Menu" appears seasonally for the 4 course experience. Full bar. Wine List runs $28 all the way to $635/bottle. Corkage Fee: $10/btl. Reservations accepted by phone. Six Chocolate Covered Strawberries free on your birthday for Online Club members. A franchise chain of over 135 locations in the US, Canada and Mexico; 18 are in Florida. Another nearby location is in Longwood. This one owned by Mark Patrick Conway and Eric Deigan of North Carolina.

Meza (Mediterranean Grill), 1780 Jake St., Orlando, FL. 59.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-440-3603. (Greek) (Middle Eastern) [L/D] Opened July, 2018. Located in the Baldwin Park area just off New Broad St., one block from the lake. Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM. The dishes are mostly Lebanese and Greek. The menu starts with cold appetizers like Hummus, Falafel, Labneh, Tzatziki, Dolmades and Baba Ghannouj and Mousaka. Also a Shrimp Cocktail is offered. Hot appetizers include Arnabeet, Arayess, Cheese Burak, Spinach Fatayer, Kibbeh, Wings and Fried Halloumi. There are "shareables" too. Entrées include Gyro Platter, Chicken Kabobs, Kafta Kabobs, Meza Eggplant, Meza Okra, Farrouj Mishwee (Chicken), Beef Kabobs, Salmon, Lamb Kabobs, Filet Mignon and Lamb Chops. There's also Combo Kabobs and Mixed Grill. All are served with Rice and Vegetables. Side dishes, like Olives and Turnips or Chick Peas, add to the bill. For dessert you can find Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, Red Velvet Fusion Cake, Tiramisu and Baklava. Veggie Platers are available. Sandwiches like Falafel, Kafta, Hamburger, Chicken Taouk, Gyro and Greek Chicken are offered. A half dozen Salads are sold here. Soups, like Lentil and Greek Chicken Orzo are offered. Lunch items are at reduced prices. Sunday Brunch offers breakfast items as well. Turkish Coffee is popular here. Full bar here. Reservations by phone accepted. Outdoor seating available. Nazih Sebaali, owner.

Mia's Italian Kitchen, 8717 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-601-7130. (Italian) [L/D] Opened March, 2019. Located on I-Drive near Austrian Row behind Boston Lobster Feast where Don Pablo's Tex-Mex Restaurant once stood. It has unique and whimsical décor. They serve authentic Northern and regional Italian food. They also specialize in "All You Can Consume Meals", like AUCE Weekend Brunch and Dinner. Bottomless Bloody Mary or Mimosa too. Start with Salumi e Formaggi. Other starters are Warm Olives, Ministrone, Egg Raviolo, Zucchini Fries, Gnocchi, Caprese Salad or Beef Carpaccio. Salads like Arugula, Caesar, Spinach and Cobb are offered. Various Pasta dishes like Rigatoni, Fettuccine, Spaghetti and Fra Diavolo styles. Brick Oven Pan Pizzas are also popular because they are thick and square shaped. Sandwiches like Meatball, Burger, Chicken Parm. Hoagie, Italian Grinder and others are available each. Entrées are Chicken Piccata, Chicken Cacciatore, Eggplant Parmigiana, Chicken Parmigiana, Mussels alla Birra, Braciole di Manzo, Veal Marsala, Chargrilled Branzino and Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Desserts are on the menu. Specialty Coffees available. Lunch Menu available too. They have a Late Night Menu also. 2-4-1 Lounge Happy Hour, full bar and Wine List. Cocktails offered. Wines by the glass are sold. Homemade Sangria is available. No Corkage Fee for your own wine. Richie Vazquez, chief chef. One of two locations, the other in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. Corporate owned, based in Duluth, GA.

Mildred's Big City Food, 3445 W. University Ave., Gainesville, FL. 66.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-371-1711. (American) [L/D] At the west end of the Westgate Regency Shopping Plaza. Open daily from 11 AM to 3:30 PM for lunch and again 5 to 10 PM for dinner. Now closed Sundays. Concentrates on local produce and fresh ingredients. Specialties include Pumpkin Bisque Soup, Blue Crab Cakes Appetizer, Braised Oxtail and Pan-Seared Duck Breast are well known. Other items on the menu include Grilled Pork Chop, Swordfish or Black Angus NY Strip Steak ranging in price. Also Pan-Seared Cobia, Gulf Grouper or Red Snapper are available. Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, Ginger-Cured Salmon and Sauteed Monkfish are offered. Interesting appetizers like Crispy Calamari, PEI Mussel Fritter and Mildred's Duck Terrine are on the menu. Sunday's Supper include Quiche, Pecan Encrusted Chicken, Seared Tuna or Paprika-Rubbed Pork Chop plus lighter items like Sandwiches and Burgers are sold here. sDesserts are a big thing here with a wide selection. Dressy casual. Full bar with noted wine list. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. with dinner Sunday through Wednesday. Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted a "Top Restaurant" in the area by OpenTable members. Reservations suggested by phone or online via Open Table. Tara and chef, Robert (Bert) Gill, owners. Also owns New Deal Café (see that listing) and Blue Gill (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 1/14) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Miller's Ale House (Orlando Airport), 6141 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL. 64.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-856-7045. (American) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Open daily at 11 AM, to usually 2 AM. Located right on SR 436, a mile north of the Orlando Airport. Burgers, Sandwiches and Fajitas are popular here, as are Steaks, like the 12 oz. Choice RibEye, 12 oz. NY Strip, 20 oz. Porterhouse, 8 oz. Filet Mignon, sometimes a Flat Iron Steak plus seafood like Fish & Chips, 35 Fried Shrimp, Fried Clams, Salmon, Grouper, Mahi Piccata and a Seafood, Lobster and Clam Bake Special. They also feature Baby Back Ribs, Oriental Chicken, Breaded Pork Medallions, Osso Buco and a southern Jambalaya. As for pasta they offer Cajun Chicken Pasta, 35 Shrimp Scampi and Seafood Mac & Cheese. There's also Chicken Parmesan with Linguine. Burgers run the gamot of the Basic, to the Bistro, to the British, to even a Turkey Burger. Their version of Sliders are also featured. Other sandwiches include Tuna Salad, Prime Rib, BBQ Pulled Pork and Fish Tacos, to name a few. Famous for their Wings and Zingers® too. Full bar with drink specials every day. Large screen TVs are everywhere. There is also an outside veranda dining with a seperate bar. Voted 2012 "Best Sports Bar" by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. One of 67 locations in mostly Florida. Another is in Ocala. Headquartered in Jupiter, Florida. Founded by Jack & Claire Miller in 1988. Matt Robb, general manager here.

Older Review: (from David L. 9/11) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Miller's Ale House (Gainesville), 3950 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL. 60.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-371-0818. (American) (Sports Bar) [L/D] Open daily at 11 AM, to usually 2 AM. Located right on Archer Rd. a few hundred feet east off I-75 Exit #384. The sign says Gainesville Ale House. Zingers® are their Chicken Wings trademark for an appetizer or a meal with a few sauces to choose from. Also popular are Baby Back Ribs, Breaded Pork Medallions, Jambalaya and Osso Buco. Pizzas ranging in price by size and Pasta are featured too. Steaks like the 12 oz. Ribeye, to the NY Strip, to the 8 oz. Filet Mignon, to the 20 oz. Porterhouse can be had. Lots of Soups and Salads too. Desserts like Buried Treasure and Chocolate Pounder are available. Full central bar. Outside eating and drinking area. One of 67 locations in mostly Florida. Another is in Ocala. Headquartered in Jupiter, Florida. Founded by Jack & Claire Miller in 1988. Mike Winter, general manager here.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 12/13) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Ming's Bistro, 1212 Woodward St., Orlando, FL. 56.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-898-9672. (Asian) (Seafood) [L/D] Located a block north of E. Colonial Blvd., just east of N. Mills Ave. in "Asian Town". Open daily 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Plainly decorated, popular local restaurant. Most of the food is served Dim Sum, small portions from a wheeled cart that makes the rounds in the dining room. The menu card is in 3 languages: English, Vietnamese and Chinese. They feature Asian prepared seafood. You can find such items as Wonton Noodle Soup, Roast Duck Soup, Peking Duck Soup, Rice Congee Porridge, Shrimp Fried Rice, Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice, Chinese Broccoli, Pork Spring Rolls, Pork Spare Ribs, Roast Pork Slices, Steamed BBQ Pork, Fried Shrimp Balls, Fried Sesame Balls, Stuffed Bean Curd Rolls, Shrimp Lo Main, Shrimp with Candied Walnuts, Shrimp Wrapped in Rice Noodles, Shrimp with Eggplant, Shrimp Jalapeño and Seafood Dumplings. For the more adventuresome there's Filet of Fish in Black Bean Sauce, Fried Taro Dumplings, Fried Garlic Chive Dumplings, Fried Squid, Turnip Dumplings, Pork Siu Mai, Beef Balls, Beef Chow Fun, Ginger Tripe, Shark Fin Dumplings, Fried Crab Fingers and even Fried Chicken Feet. Salt & Pepper Lobster is a featured dish. For dessert you can find Egg Custard Tarts. Beer and wine licensed. Recently changed hands, now owned by Yan Chee Chan, Melinda Leung and Ray Sykes of Tasty Wok.

Older Review: (from Duane R. 5/15) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jackie N. 4/18) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Mise en Place, 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL. 87.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-254-5373. (Continental) (French) [L/D] Located just outside downtown Tampa, near S. Hyde Park Ave. off the Selmon Expressway (Exit #5). The University of Tampa is across the street. You can also enter at W. Grand Central Ave. where there is parking. In business since 1986; it is well established. The name means implementation in French and pronounced "mees-on'-plass". Open Tuesday through Friday 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch and 5:30 PM to 10 PM or later, daily for dinner, except closed Sunday and Monday. Billing itself as Modern American cuisine, it is decidedly French and Continental in scope with dressy attire suggested. Lunch Sandwiches are available and entrées run higher. At dinner, "First Courses", like Tuna Carpaccio, Oysters, Soups, or Charcuterie Plate are offered. "Second Courses", like Pizza, Caesar Salad, Chicken Liver Pâté, Foie Gras or Kobe Oxtail Poutine are offered too. "Entrées" include Harissa Crusted Tofu, Pan Seared Chicken, Grilled Norwegian Salmon, Seared Duck Breast or Red Snapper, Pan Seared Tuna, Grilled Hanger Steak, Sous Vide Venison, Rack of Lamb or Filet of Beef and include an accompaniment. Side dishes, like Mac 'n Cheese or Brussels Sprouts are also available at extra charge. Then there's a "Cheese Course" offering a dozen Cow, Sheep or Goat Cheeses. Desserts like Toffee Mousse, Mascarpone Cheesecake or Pistachio Polenta add another course and $ to the meal. They also offer a "Tasting Menu" of 5 courses and higher for selected wines paired with each course. After dinner drinks are available and Wine seems endless on the 18 page list starting with House Wines. Full bottles go up to $480/btl. for Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 2008 Red Blend. A well known Rodney Strong Symmetry Blend is $90. Corkage Fee: $30/btl. Full bar where Cocktails and Beers offered. Split plate charges at both lunch and dinner. 20% gratuity for parties of 5 or more. Reservations accepted by phone or through Open Table online. Full linen service. Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Maryann Ferenc, manager and co-owner; Marty Blitz, chef and co-owner.

Momiji Japanese Restaurant, 24400 SR 44, Eustis, FL. 32.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-357-2285. (Asian) [L/D] Opened in 2016. Located north of the town of Sorrento, FL., at the Sorrento Hills Villages Shopping Center at the corner of CR 437 and SR 44, near Publix. Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM daily, to 11 PM Friday and Saturday but closed between 3 and 4 PM weekdays. Saturday and Sunday they are open Noon through closing. Momiji is the Japanese Maple Tree. Traditional Japanese meals plus a Sushi Station. All items are artfully presented. Hibachi Lunches are offered. Bento Boxes are popular. The Sushi and Sashimi Bar at lunch is available. At dinner Bento Boxes are popular. Chef's Special Rolls, like Moon Walk Roll, are on the menu. Other Rolls are available. Noodle dishes,like Nabe Yaki Udon, are offered. Katsu dinners are featured also. Naruto Specials like Spicy Tuna is listed. Hibachi dinners range in price. Others like Teriyaki dishes are varied. Desserts are offered. Full bar with Cocktails and Wine, Beer and Sake. Ri Chen and Jialing Jiang owners.

MomoYaki, 3100 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL. 61.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-384-3733. (Asian) [L/D] Located behind Crispers off SW 34th St. south of Archer Rd. Open 7 days per week, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch, from 5 PM for dinner except Saturday and Sunday they open at noon. A family owned restaurant offering Japanese and Korean cuisine. No MSG used and high quality sushi is sold. Appetizers include Hiyayakko (Tofu), Gyoza Dumpling (Pork and Veggie), Mozzarella Tempura, Calamari, Egg and Spring Rolls, Krab Rangoon, Tuna Tataki and a Sushi Sampler, all range in price. Sushi items are available. Teriyaki entrées include Beef, Chicken, Salmon, Tofu and Tempeh. Katsu items include Chicken, Pork or Fish. Tempura meals are Seafood, Shrimp and Veggie ones too. Donburi items include Chicken or Pork Katsudon and Chicken or Beef Oyakodon. Popular Bento Boxes are offered. Yaki Udon Noodle dishes are Tofu, Tempeh, Chicken, Beef and Shrimp. Yaki Soba Noodle are similar at the same prices. Korean dishes include Hui-Dup-Bap (Raw Fish), Jjam Ppong (Spicy Seafood Soup), Bibimbap (Beef), Nang Myun (Cold Broth), Boolgogi (Marinated Beef), Galbi (Short Ribs), Oh Jing uh Bokkeum (Pork), Kampungi (Fried Chicken) and Tangsuyuk (Fried Pork) all ranging in price. Miso Soup and Ginger Salad accompanies your entrée. Noodle and Rice Bowls are offered also. Kids menu available. Weekly specials are listed here. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Imported Sake, Beer and Wine are on the menu. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Kyungog and Chihong Yun, owners.

(The) Monroe, 448 N. Terry Ave., Orlando, FL. 56.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-734-2103. (American) (Southern) [L/D] Opened in early May, 2021. New restaurant on the ground floor of the new Julian Apartments at Creative Village (480 N. Terry Ave.), south of W. Colonial, just east of N. Paramore Ave. between W. Amelia and W. Livingston Streets, two blocks west of I-4. Use the Union/West Parking Garage on Federal St. Coffee Shop open 8 AM to 4 PM. Dining room open 11 AM - 3 PM, then 5-10 PM for dinner. Classy classic comfort food like Fried Chicken, Grits and Burgers. Start with items like Pastrami Corndogs, White Bean Hummus, Buffalo Chicken Dip, a Cheese Plate or a Charcuterie Board. Fried Chicken is their thing, so you can buy the Whole Bird or the Leg, the Thigh, a Wing or the Breast and assemble one yourself, piece by piece. A Fried Chicken Plate is 4 pieces, 2 sides and a Biscuit. They also have Hot Chicken Sandwich, Monroe Burger, Country Pork & Beef Ragu, Chicken Noodle Soup, Blackened Catfish, a Ham Chop, Royal Red Shrimp or Beef Short Rib "Salisbury Steak". Salads come in two sizes, like Florida Peach Salad or Caesar Salad. Small Plates like Roasted Cauliflower & Carrots, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Grilled St. Louis Ribs, Low Country Ceviche and Grilled Mushrooms can lighten your meal. You can even find Mac 'n Cheese, BBQ Beans or Watermelon Basil Salad on the menu too. Full bar. Happy Hour 5-10 PM. Crafted Cocktails are available. Wines by the glass and bottle for Whites and Reds are listed. Laurent Perrier Champagne is $214/bottle. Other bubbly run $40-126/bottle. Reservations accepted by phone or through Open Table online. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Josh Oakley, chef; Jason Chin, owner.

Morimoto Asia, 1600 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-939-6686. (Asian) [L/D] Located on the island (The Landing) at Disney Springs in the "Springs Bottling Co." building. Hours are 11:30 AM to Midnight, daily, or even later on weekends. Opened September, 2015. Striking Asian contemporary décor with long glass chandeliers hanging over round carved wooden booths with wood surface tables and an exhibition kitchen, all in a two level building. The second level has a Sushi Bar and Lounge with outdoor seating for cocktails. The vast menu has Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean and Indonesian specialties and starts with such items as Edamame, Krab Rangoon, Five Spice Wings, Tuna Pizza, Rock Shrimp Tempura and others. They have Dim Sum on their menu like Vegetable or Pork Egg Roll, Sesame Balls, Kakuni Pork Bao, Chicken Dumplings, Shrimp Har-Gao and others. Sushi Rolls range from Vegetable Roll, to California Roll, to Spicy Tuna Roll, to Spider (Soft Shell Crab) Roll, and more. Miso Soup or Hot & Sour Soup are an added course. Sushi and Sashimi Combos are priced in steps, with two "tower" variations at about $100 and $200, enough for 3 or 6 people. Vegetarian entrées include Steamed Veggies, Szechuan Long Beans, Sautéed Chinese Vegetables, and a Veggie Tofu Medley. For main courses you can find Kung Pao Chicken, Orange Chicken, LA BBQ Kalbi, Wok Fry Shrimp, Braised Black Cod, Black Pepper Steak, Sweet and Sour Crispy Branzino Bass, Lobster Chow Fun, 10 oz. Filet Mignon or 16 oz. Rib Eye Steak. They are noted for Pork Ribs too. Noodle and Rice dishes like Egg Fried Rice, Veggie, Chicken or Beef Lo Mein, or Pad Thai versions, to Duck Ramen or Chashu Pork Ramen, to Duck Nasi Goreng and Morimoto Buri-Bop, plus a few others. The featured dish is Morimoto Peking Duck. Lunch menu is similar with a modest reduction in portion size and price. Full bar with exotic Cocktails, Wine List and featured Sakes too. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Various desserts are creative too. Origami kids menu. Chinese New Year dinner and Valentine Day dinner offered. Reservations suggested in season, by phone or online. Masaharu Morimoto, master chef; Patina Restaurant Group of New York City, owners.

Older Review: (from Karen B. 9/16) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/16) Q=4 S=4 V=2 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Morton's The Steakhouse (Orlando), 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL. 55.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-248-3485. (Steakhouse) [D] Located in the Marketplace on Dr. Phillips Blvd. just north of W. Sand Lake Rd. ("Restaurant Row"). Dining room opens at 5:30 PM daily. The Bar is open ½ hour earlier. Considered by some as THE steak place serving only prime grade beef with white full linen service. They'll even bring you the raw meat so you can see what you'll be getting. The cuts range from Filet Mignon, Porterhouse, New York Strip, Bone-In Ribeye, Prime Rib (weekends only) and some are even available as Double Cuts also. Away from the beef, they offer Chicken Christopher, Chilean Sea Bass, Salmon Filet, Lump Crab Cakes, Shrimp Alexander, Lobster Tail and Whole Lobster. All meals are a-la-carte, so Steamed Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Creamed Spinach, Sautéed Mushrooms, Baked Idaho Potato, Lyonnaise or Mashed Potatoes and Onion Rings are all extra charge. Generally entrée prices range widely in price. Many appetizers and salads are available too. Desserts run the gamut from Cheesecake to Carrot Cake to Double Chocolate Mousse to Key Lime Pie, etc. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Wine list is extensive, including Pouilly-Fumé, Cotes du Rhone, Sterling Napa Chardonnay and Marques de Riscal - Reserva - Rioja, to name a few. About 18 of them by the glass. Champagne, of course. Sommelier, indeed. Tuxedos, why not. Full bar with creative cocktail menu. Corkage Fee: Up to $50/btl. Reservations accepted by phone or online and highly advised. Open Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Steakhouse" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Now 75 restaurants in this upscale chain that started in Chicago in 1978 by Arnie Morton soon after he found the best Burger in the world. Nicki Kern, general manager here.

Older Review: (from Lori S. 8/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Mr. Dunderbak's, 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL. 76.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-977-4104. (German) (Vegetarian) [L/D] Located on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. between I-75 (Exit 270) and I-275 (Exit 53) near the Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club in the middle of a small strip mall. Open Sunday, Noon to 7 PM; Monday, 4-11 PM and all other days, 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM or later. In business since 1974. It offers 55 draft beers (imports and locals) and over 400 bottle beers. If you're looking for Smuttynose, Saint Somewhere or Piwo Grodziskie, they're bound to have it. The large menu offers classic sandwiches like Liverwurst and Onion, German Bologna or Leberkase. The house dinner specialties include Pierogies, Wiener Schnitzel, Zigeliner Schnitzel and Venison Sausage. Paprika Gulasch and other specials, offered on weekends. Karl Gier's Sausage is featured. American sandwiches also available. The menu is vast and include soups and salads and many side dishes too. A few vegetarian items are on the menu. Beer and wine only. Live entertainment weekends. Kids menu. 16% gratuity added for parties of 9 or more. They also have a European Market Store. Another location is in Daytona. James and Christina Ellis, owners.

Mr. Han's Restaurant (and Night Club), 6944 NW 10th Pl., Gainesville, FL. 64.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-331-6400. (Asian) [L/D] Located near Exit #387 of I-75, off NW 69th Ter. and SR 26 (W. Newberry Rd.). Across the street from La Quinta Inn on the 2nd floor. Well known Chinese restaurant, in an unlikely location, since 2005. Bills themselves as the #1 Chinese Restaurant in Gainesville. Family friendly. Open daily from 11:30 AM. Full linen service here. They offer a vast selection of Cantonese, Peking, Szechuan and Hunan cuisine as well as Hong Kong Style Dim Sum. The "Gourmet Menu" starts with large bowls of Phoenix & Dragon, Chicken & Sweet Corn, Sizzling or Hot & Sour Soups. Egg Drop, Wonton and Hot and Sour Soups always available. There's also a daily soup made. Appetizers include Egg Roll, Fried Wonton, Shrimp Toast, Fried or Steamed Meat Dumplings, Fried Shrimp Cake, Bar-B-Q Pork, Fantail Shrimp or a Pu-Pu Platter for 2, among others. Specialties include Szechuan or Nanking Pork, Chicken/Pork/Beef Combo Mu Shi, Spicy, Silver Dollar, Weeping Willow or Shredded Chicken, Szechuan Shrimp, Hot Shrimp, Signature Sautéed Shrimp or Shrimp with Chinese Vegetables or Black Bean Sauce, Chinese Style Prime Steak or Seafood Combo are on the menu. You can also order Traditional Peking Duck or South African Lobster Tail. With 24 hour notice, they will fix Beggar's Chicken. Their regular menu items include all the familiar items like Mu-Shi Pork, Sweet and Sour Pork, Sliced Pork and Szechuan Shredded Pork. Similar preparations for Chicken, Beef and Seafood, like Sweet and Sour Fish Filet, Chicken with Hausin Sauce, Sliced Beef with Oyster Sauce, Hunan Beef, Beef with Snow Peas, Hunan or Szechuan Style Lamb, Crispy Duck and House Special Steak, are offered. Vegetable dishes, Bean Curd dishes, Rice dishes and Noodle dishes, as well as Chow Meins and Chop Suey, are also on the menu. Dim Sum is popular here at lunch hour. Even Chinese desserts, like Toffee Apples or Bananas are on the menu. First floor "Night Club" now used for banquets. Full bar with exotic cocktails. Reservations accepted. Jui and Wen Han, owners.

Older Review: (from Sharon B. 8/13) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Muse Bar + Bistro, 2385 South US 27, Clermont, FL. 33.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-227-3020. (American) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Opened in October, 2022. Located just south of SR 50, off US 27, in the Clermont Landing Shopping Center near the Dollar Tree, where World of Beer (Clermont) did business. Open 11 AM to 10 PM most days, Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM, but Monday, 11 AM to 8 PM, is community fixed meal day and you pay what you can for a 3 course meal with beverage, like Bread/Butter, House Salad, Shepherd's Pie and a Chocolate Brownie! Charity donations also accepted. Chef driven creative food here in a casual atmosphere, with a community involved business fighting hunger in Central Florida. Regular menu appetizers include Smoked Fish Dip, Crispy Pork Belly, Prime Beef Carpaccio, Ahi Tuna Poke and two Charcuterie Boards. For entrées they offer Fried Chicken, Grilled Mushroom Alfredo, Rock Shrimp & Grits, Wagyu Steak Frites, Braised Pork Ribs, Pan Seared Salmon, a 12 oz. Durok Pork Chop and a 12 or 16 oz. Aged Ribeye. All come with an appropriate side dish. They have Hand-Helds too, like a Fried Chicken Sandwich, Short Rib/Brisket Burger and Fish Tacos. Those also come with a side. Salads are popular with a House Local Greens, Greek, Wedge and Falafel. Desserts include a Brownie or Chocolate Chip Cookie, In-House Ice Cream, Mango Upside Down Cake and a Seasonal item. A Kid's menu, like Mac 'n Cheese, is available. Soups are available too, including Lobster Bisque and a Seasonal one. An "Amuse Bouche" to start the meal is always a delight. Portions are manageable here. Wines from Caymus of Napa Valley are featured on the large Wine List. Beer is offered also. $10/btl. Corkage Fee charged for your own wine. Barista made Coffee and other drinks are available. Large covered outdoor heated seating available. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table. Bob Statler, chef; Jennifer Cichoracki, Jennifer Powers and Aaron Straub, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 11/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Walt L. 1/23) First, it's a little hard to find in the parking lot. Our server was Jenny. This was a special Italian Wine Pairing Fixed Price Dinner. Champagne, Chardonnay, Merlot and a Sweet Dessert Wine included. The Charcuterie Board was good, Caprese Salad was good but skimpy on the Balsamic, the Risotto not so good (congealed, pasty, little flavor) and the Tiramisu was good. A commercial with every wine of course. Wines were decent but didn't buy any bottles. Should have taken the order sheet so I could name the winery here. There were some interesting items on the menu that I hope to return and try. About half the seating is outside. Dinner was $49.99 pp.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Neal P. 1/23) We went for dinner. I had the Pulled Pork Sandwich which was excellent and my guest had the 8 oz Prime Rib which she thought was tough. She mentioned it to the staff and they apologized. They did comp. her dessert which was the Chocolate Cake which was excellent. The chef also sent over an order of Corn Fritters which were great. My Pork Sandwich was $15 before t&t and my guest's Prime Rib was $22. We would return but she would not order the Prime Rib.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Walt L. 2/23) We were interested in trying the top item on their menu, a 30-day Dry Aged Ribeye. First this was Saturday evening. The place was fairly empty. We sat outside at a high top. My date ordered a mixed drink. We were told they don't serve hard liquor. Hello, "Bar" is in the restaurant's name! On the table there was a special Valentine's Day fixed price menu. Asked the waitress if that was available this Saturday. She didn't know. Later she returned and said it was. I ordered my planned Dry Aged Steak. She said that was no longer available. First item on what appeared to be an unused clean paper menu. It could have been crossed out. She could have mentioned that when we sat down too. I reluctantly went with a 30-day Wet Aged Filet. On the table there was a tent card with two specials. My date ordered one of those. The waitress came back shortly and said that was not available. At this point alarm bells were going off. The restaurant does not have its act together. We told the waitress we changed our minds and were leaving. Very disappointed. We went across the street and had a great Indian dinner.
S=1. Return=No.

Review: (from Rich C. 2/23) Our Gourmet Team of 8 decided on the new Sunday Brunch here. We arrived before 12 noon and chose to sit outside. We brought 2 bottles of wine with us. Kimberly, our friendly server, brought us all water on her inquiring. She also brought 8 champagne flutes. We all shared the bottle of Peach Bellini. Later she brought wine glasses for the Australian Red Wine we brought. Very good service by her. The Sunday Brunch menu was new for them and the restaurant got busy by 1 PM. My better half ordered the Steak and Eggs with Grits ($16) and I had the Chicken and Waffles with Potatoes ($16). They were served on oven-warmed plates. Two or more of us complained that the food was cold. Two plates went back to the kitchen immediately. Then the runner brought back the same Eggs and Grits. We had to explain that all 3 items were cold, not just the Steak. They remade the 2 dishes and it came out OK. One other person said his food was just luke warm. Mine, out last, was very hot. I had to sip some water after having a piece of chicken. Obviously the kitchen had a hard time getting 8 meals completed at the same time. We would have accepted one meal at a time, hot. The food quality is good but our rating of 2 for Service is the fault of the kitchen and not our server. They comped the $10/btl. corkage charges. Our total was just $32 before t&t.
Q=4 S=2 V=4 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Mystic Fish Seafood Grill and Bar, 3253 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, FL. 95.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-771-1800. (Continental) (Seafood) [D] Open since 2001. Located on CR 752 between East Lake Rd. and US 19. Opens at 4:30 PM daily. Serves seafood and sometimes Duck, Buffalo and other unusual fare like Hogfish. Soups include Lobster Bisque and Bermuda Fish Chowder. Appetizers or small plates include P.E.I. Mussels and Escargot, Crab Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms and Togorashi Seared Blue Fin Tuna. Early Bird Complete Dinners before 5:15 PM daily, such as Lump Crab Cake, Cornbread Stuffed Pork Chop, Kona Crusted Salmon, Shrimp and Pasta, Chicken Boca Grande or Braised Boneless Short Ribs are offered. All include Mystic Salad or Soup du Jour, a vegetable, a starch and the chef's selected dessert. Other Early Bird Complete Dinners might include Mangrove Snapper Piccata, Seared Sea Scallops, Bouillabaisse and Filet Mignon. Full sized entrées include 6 oz. Iowa Beef Tenderloin, Mystic Paella, Choice Rib Eye, Bronzed Chilean Sea Bass, Center Cut New York Strip, New Zealand Rack of Lamb and "Chicken-Size" (1¼ lb.) Maine Lobster. Also, offered at market price, you can find Alaskan Red King Crab Legs or Colorado Bison being featured. Other daily specials might be Pan Seared Pork Chop, Seared Shrimp & Scallops, Cilantro Crusted Swordfish, Panko Crusted Hogfish and Oven Roasted Mangrove Snapper. Menu changes often. Desserts include Crème Brûlée, Banana Caramel Cheesecake, Key Lime Panna Cotta and White Chocolate Bread Pudding. Split plate charge for all meals. Reservations, by phone or online, accepted and advised. Special meals on Xmas Eve and New Years Eve by reservation. Full bar featuring Single Malt Scotches and Ports. Wines by the glass available. Bottled wines run $20 to $60. Happy Hour 4:30-6:30 PM daily with special priced house wines, reduced well drinks and beer prices. Sister restaurant to Guppy's On The Beach and E&E Steakout Grill. Chef Doug Bebell and Eugen Fuhrmann, owners.

Nagoya Sushi (Orlando), 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, FL. 55.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-248-8558. (Asian) [L/D] Opened March, 2017. Located in the Dr. Phillips Market Place (Suite #66) off Sand Lake Rd. on "Restaurant Row". Hidden in the alleyway next to a water fountain. A casual but modern Japanese style restaurant. Open Noon to 3 PM for lunch, then 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM for dinner. Closed Mondays. Sushi and Sashimi vary in price, while full entrées are priced moderately including Soup and Salad. Maki Rolls are available, while Cooked Maki Rolls are offered too. Temaki Hand Rolls are on the list. They also have Tempura dishes prepared in the kitchen with Soup, Salad and Rice. Bento Boxes are popular. Boats for two/four people are priced accordingly. Their claim to fame are Chef Special Rolls like Dragon, Ecstacy, Hop Hop, many more, up to Samba Roll. Lunch items are at reduced prices. Sushi Bar for watching. Outdoor seating available. Beer and wine licensed. Jenny Tay and Alexia Lu, owners.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 8/22) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Nami (Japanese Restaurant), 6004 Artist Ave., Orlando, FL. 67.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-395-4857. (Asian) [D] Opened in the summer of 2023. Open from 5:00 PM daily, but closed Monday and Tuesday. Nami, a new Japanese-inspired concept from Tavistock's related Tavistock Restaurant Collection, is now open at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, adjacent the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden. Tuna, Salmon, Spicy Hamachi, Halibut, Chilean Sea Bass and even Whole Lobster are on the seafood side. Crispy Pork Katsu, Rib Eye, Lamb Chops and even Wagyu is on the meat side. Vegetables added as the side dishes. A release for the new restaurant also mentions an "intimate and exclusive 10-seat Omakase Counter that will offer a modern approach to the traditional chef-curated experience," among other highlights. Omakase means "Chef's Choice." Full bar here. A wide Wine List with 20+ by the glass and dozens of Rosés, Whites and Reds by the bottle. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Reservations are required and are available by phone or at Open Table. Charged Valet Parking too. Christopher Bugeya, general manager; Jason Beliveau, chef de cuisine. Hotel owned.

(The) Nauti Lobstah, 311 S. Forest Ave., Apopka, FL. 39.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-889-7980. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Opened October, 2021. Located one block north of the Main Street Bridge in downtown Apopka, where The Catfish Place did business for 38 years. It retains many of the old menu items, like their Cole Slaw. Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM daily, to 8:30 PM weekends, but closed Sunday and Monday. It's a former railroad depot building. They offer "New England fare from Oystahs, to Lobstahs to Steamahs and more". Start with Fried Calamari, 1 lb. Steamed Little Neck Clams, Peel & Eat or Citrus Style Shrimp Cocktail, 1 lb. Black Mussels, Crab Cakes, Gloucester Steamed Clams, or a dozen Oysters, Fried, Casino or Raw. For Hand Helds they offer Fried Oyster Po' Boy, Crab Cake Sandwich and Maine or Connecticut Style Lobster Rolls. Most come with a side dish. For main dishes they have Crusted Flounder or Cod, Grilled Boneless Pork Loin, Grilled Mahi, Linguini with Clams, Cedar Smoked Grilled Salmon, Crusted Jumbo Sea Scallops, Crab Cakes, Dozen Fried Ipswich Whole Belly Clams, 9 oz. Grilled New York Sirloin Steak or a 6 oz. Filet Mignon. They come with a choice of a side dish. Add a 7 oz. Maine Lobster Tail to your meal for an extra charge. Of course you can order a 1½ lb. Lobster dinner or Twin 7 oz. Maine Tails at Market Price. Catfish is still on the menu like A-Y-C-E Boneless Catfish. Platters are popular too. Even Frog Legs, Fried Shrimp, Grouper and Stuffed Flounder can be found. Many more items on the vast menu. For dessert you can have Bread Pudding, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie or Key Lime Pie. Note that all prices here are subject to Market Price variations. Ask the cost before ordering. Full bar with a cocktail list. BYOB not offered. First come - first served seating. Some covered outdoor seating. Mike Rumplik, chef, with wife, Cara and friend, Christine Gonzalez, owners.

Older Review: (from Hank G. 4/22) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Eileen P. 9/22) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Peggy R. 7/23) The place was completely full by 5 pm on Saturday night but they were managing the crowd and service very well I had Lobster Bisque and the Connecticut-Style Lobster Roll, both generous portions. My husband had New England Clam Chowder and Linguini with Shrimp. Each entrée came with two sides – we had their Homemade Chips, Sweet Potato Fries, and Sweet Potato Casserole. We added an order of ten Hush Puppies for the table. Dessert, Bread Pudding for him, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie for me, was included in the Bite30 promo. Too much food, but everything was outstanding. With one glass of delicious Red Sangria, it was $84.25 before t&t.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from David S. 9/23) Five of us ordered from the Magical Dining $40 Menu. The Steamed Oysters and Shrimp Cocktail appetizers were good. The Crab Stuffed Mushrooms were outstanding; the Lobster Bisque, not so much. Four of us had the 6-oz Filet which was excellent and came with a Salad and two Sides. I had the 1 lb. Boiled Maine Lobster and it was great. We had generous helpings of Creamed Spinach and Mashed Potatoes. Desserts were good size and yummy (Key Lime or Chocolate Peanut Butter served in a small mason jar). Meghan was our attentive server, but all staff work cooperatively. By 5 p.m. on a Friday the restaurant was full and quite noisy. We will happily return as the food, presentation and service made for a wonderful Magical Dining experience.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from David G. 9/23) Our Gourmet Club Dine-Out Group enjoyed the Magical Dining menu tonight. Megan was our friendly and attentive server. I had a large bowl of Lobster Bisque, delicious with a nice smoky and sherry kick. Then a 1 lb. Boiled Lobster with Hush Puppies, nicely presented with lemon and butter. My wife had excellent Crab Stuffed Mushrooms and some of the best Scallops we've ever had with Hush Puppies and Sweet Potato Casserole. We both had their "Deconstructed" Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie served in a jar that was also very good. Dinner was an excellent bargain at $40 each and would have been a still reasonable $56 without the Magical Dining discount. Everyone else also enjoyed their meals.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 12/23) Without a doubt, the BEST restaurant I've been to in or around The Villages. Six Gourmet Club members had dinner here recently. Several of us took advantage of the "Nauti December 3-course Menu" (Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays) for $35 with your choice of one of 10 different appetizers, 8 entrées (with 2 sides included), and 4 desserts! I had the Lobster Bisque for my appetizer and it was delicious! My entrée was the 1 lb. Lobster with Lemon and Drawn Butter, also delicious. My two sides were Cheese Grits (OK but nothing special) and the Creamed Spinach (perfect!). For dessert I had the Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. I also had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with the meal. My total bill was $53 before tip. I also liked the fact that they bring the credit card machine to your table for your bill. Your card never leaves your sight! This place is a bargain and the food superb! It's a shame that's it's an hour away in Apopka, otherwise I'd eat there every week!
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from MaryAnn S. 6/24) Our neighborhood group of 8 were seated at 5 PM with Noelle as our server. We all chose from the Bite-30 menu which is $35pp. My appetizer was a House Salad, my spouse had Canadian Black Mussels (about 8 in herbed garlic butter). My main course was Baked Salmon topped with Jumbo Lump Crab meat and he had a warm Lobster Roll. They were both delicious and came with two sides (Rice and Squash Ratatouille, warm homemade Potato Chips and Creamed Spinach). For dessert, we chose Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie — each in a jar. The servings of everything were generous and enjoyable. The special Bite-30 Menu has a choice of 8 appetizers, 8 entrées and 4 desserts. The service was great and several employees other than Noelle checked on us, too. The restaurant was very busy and quite noisy. Everyone in our group liked their selections and would definitely recommend dining here. Too bad it is more than an hour drive to Apopka and parking is limited when the venue is busy.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 6/24) I love this place! Seven of us in our Dine Out Group took advantage of the Bite 30 promotion. They don't take reservations but we were seated promptly at our 6:00 PM agreed upon meeting time. For a fixed price of $35, you could select from eight appetizers, eight entrées with two sides, and four desserts. This is similar to the Magical Dining Promotion in the fall. Several of us opted for the $5 extra upcharge for a 1 lb. Lobster, for a total of $40. I had the Clams Casino appetizer which was very good, the upgrade 1 lb. Lobster that they cracked for us in the kitchen, Cheese Grits and Creamed Spinach sides (both were good), and the deconstructed Key Lime Pie for dessert (that was also very good). I also had a glass of the Josh Chardonnay ($11). The service was very good and they put us at a round table so everyone could easily hear and engage in conversation. Total bill before t&t was $51. This is one of my favorite restaurants. Unfortunately, it is an hour away from The Villages so I don't go often. But, I will return!
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 9/24) Six of us drove in a van for Magical Dining @ $40pp. We had the two Lobster Rolls, one cold, one warm and sides. They were mostly claw meat which was tasty. The Chips were just OK. Nice Large Shrimp Cocktail and Raw Oysters to start and Dessert Jars to finish. Service by Noel was great. We had a nice meal. Our friend seemed to struggle with his 1 lb. Whole Lobster, but said it was good. Total without our cocktails and t&t was $80. Big regular menu here.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Roy J. 9/24) The regular menu offers a wide variety of options and they are also participating in the Magical Dining for $40. We ordered the Cracker Crusted Floundah from the regular menu. Presentation was nice, fish was prepared well. The sides were Sweet Cole Slaw, and Sweet Potato Casserole. Both were okay. The Calamari and New England Claim Chowder were good. We enjoyed adult beverages at a reasonable price. One member of our party wasn't satisfied with the "cook" of their steak and the staff went above and beyond to please him including brining the chef to the table. It is a bit of a drive but we would go again. Very casual, friendly folks, reasonable prices. Total before t&t was $70.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

NILE Ethiopian Restaurant, 7048 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 54.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-354-0026. (Middle Eastern) [D] Open from 5 PM until 11 PM daily, except Saturday and Sunday it's Noon to Midnight. Located on I-Drive near Carrier Dr. near Exits #74 & #75 of I-4. Opened December 2006. Ethiopia is a country sandwiched between Sudan, Kenya and Somalia in east Africa, near, but never touching, the Red Sea. Their food is unique and many mid-easterners cherish it. For poultry they offer Doro Wat (Chicken in Red Pepper Sauce) or Doro Alicha (Chicken Stewed in Spices). Many beef items include Beef Tibs, Beef Jerky Aware Tibs Fitfit, Beef Zilzil Tibs, Short Ribs Godin Tibs, Beef Gored, Beef Key Wat, Beef Alicha, and Steak Tartare. Many Vegetarian items are available like Kik Alicha (Split Peas), Misir Wat (Red Lentils), Gomen (Collard Greens), Tikel Gomen. Specials include the Mucow Special (Beef), Taste of the Nile (Vegetarian) and the Chef's Special Combination (Chicken, Beef and Vegetables), all at one price for two people. Appetizers include Tomato Fitfit, Azifa (Lentils), Sambusa (Pastry Filled with Vegetables or Beef). Everything is served with Injera Bread instead of utensils. Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony is very popular. Beer and wine available. Abera Gonetse, owner.

Older Review: (from Eileen P. 10/15) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Karen B. 5/16) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Nineteen 61, 1212 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL. 73.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-863-688-1961. (Caribbean) (Spanish) [L/D] Open since October, 2015. Located about 15 blocks south of downtown on SR 37, Florida Ave. at Belmar St. Closed on Sunday and Monday all day. Open 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch and 5 to 9 PM for dinner, five other days. Smart casual dining, on bare wood tables, specializes in Latin Cuisine. Start with Empanada de Carne, Croquetas, Pato Duck Confit, Pan con Queso, Pulpo (Octopus) or a Charcuterie Plate to share. A 1961 House Salad is offered and a Garbanzo & Chorizo Soup is also on the list. Limited entrées include a Hamburguesa, Ropa Vieja, Corvina en Sudado, a 10 oz. Prime Hanger Steak, Florida Beef Filet, Scallops & Lobster and Paella Mariscos. Side dishes like Yuca Chips, Rice, Sweet Plantains, Black Beans or Vegetables of the day are all additional. Desserts include Crema Catalana, Cheesecake and Key Lime Pie. Lunch items add such items as a Cuban Sandwich and Serrano con Queso among others. Beer and wine only. Outdoor patio seating available. Reservations accepted and advised on weekends. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Marcos Fernandez, chef and owner.

Noble Crust (Deep South Italian), 28330 Paseo Dr. (Suite #190), Wesley Chapel, FL. 69.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-703-2602. (Italian) (Southern) [L/D] Opened in June, 2017. New and popular concept in casual Italian and Southern Regional food with a seasonal menu change. "Seasonal Italian - Southern Soul". Located in The Shoppes at Wiregrass on Willet Way near Panera Bread. Open Monday through Thursday 4-10 PM, Friday 11:30 AM to 11 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 11 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM. For appetizers you'll find Garlic Knots, Parmesan Truffle Fries, Crispy Chicken Wings, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Shrimp and Calamari, Spicy Fried Green Tomatoes, Ricotta Gnocchi, Meatballs, and a Soup. Main dishes include Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Parmesan, Shrimp and Grits, Southern Fried Chicken, 7 oz. Gorgonzola Beef Filet, and Bistro Sirloin Steak. Pasta dishes are Rigatoni, Bucatini with Sauce or Meatballs and a Farro Bowl. A number of Sandwiches and Side Dishes are on the menu too. Pizzas are popular with Pepperoni, Noble Pig Sausage, Pear & Burrata, Bacon Jam, Meatball, Margherita, Bianca and The Works Pizzas. Specials like 7 oz. Filet with Shrimp Mac 'n Cheese may be offered. Desserts include Lemon Buttermilk Pie, Peanut Butter Pie and Warm Chocolate Budino. AUCE Fried Chicken is offered on Tuesdays and Sunday Supper after 4 PM also offered. Happy Hour is Tuesday to Friday 4-7 PM. Half off some wines on Wednesdays. Full bar with cocktails, wine and beer. Kids menu available. Limited outdoor seating. Reservations accepted and advised at their busy times. Two other Florida locations are open in St. Pete and Tampa. Jeff Strouse, proprietor here. Founded by Tim Curci, founder of Bonefish Grill and Hops Grill and Bar.

Older Review: (from Tom B. 12/21) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rocky B. 12/21) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Nona Blue Modern Tavern (Orlando), 9685 Lake Nona Villages Place, Orlando, FL. 66.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-313-0027. (American) [L/D] Open since 2013. Located just off N. Narcoossee Rd., south of Dowden Rd. from the 528 (Beachline Exit #13) or the 417 (Greenway Exit #24), due east of OIA airport. Kitchen hours are 11 AM to 11 PM daily, later on weekends and 10:30 AM to 10 PM on Sunday. Sunday Brunch is 10:30 AM to 3 PM. They have a wide menu starting with "Shareables" like Salsa & Chips, Kettle Chips, Meatloaf Sliders, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Italian Meatballs, Buffalo Drums, Smoked Salmon Dip, Chicken Tenders, Grilled Artichokes, Firecracker Shrimp, Fried Calamari, PEI Mussels and Seared Ahi Tuna. They have 4 Flatbreads, like Margherita or Prosciutto. Baja or San Francisco Tacos are available. "Handwiches" range from a Veggie Burger, American Burgers, Chicken Breast, Club, Blackened Mahi to a BLT Grilled Cheese. For main dishes they offer Steak Frites, Pork Chop, North Atlantic Salmon, Baby Back Ribs, Polynesian Ribs, Ahi Tuna Steak, 14 oz. NY Strip and an 8 oz. Filet Mignon. All are semi-a-la-carte, usually with a starch. They also have "Blue Plates" like a Penne Pasta Bowl, Lemon Chicken, English Fish 'n Chips, 5-Meat Meatloaf, Lobster Mac 'n Cheese, North Atlantic Sea Scallops and Roasted Prime Rib after 4 PM. Salads, from House or Caesar or Greek, to Chicken Salad or Steak or Ahi are available. For Sunday Brunch they have breakfast items like French Toast, to Quiche, to Steak 'n Egg Sandwich, to Eggs & Lobster Benedict. Desserts like Banoffee (Banana-Toffee) Pie, Carrot Cake, Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, White Chocolate Cheesecake and Key Lime Pie end the menu. Full bar with crafted cocktails. Large Wine List with Whites and Reds sold by glass or bottle. Sangria is also available. 16 local Beers on draft. Whisky Shots are offered. Happy Hour is 3:30 to 6:30 PM weekdays. Corkage Fee: Free. Late night items at reduced prices. Kids menu available. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table. Cliff Bona and Joe Davi, owners. A second location is in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Norman's, 7924 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL. 55.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-754-1025. (Continental) (Seafood) [D] Opened in February, 2023 and replaces BRAVO. Located on "Restaurant Row" in Orlando, off Sand Lake Road. Open 5-11 PM, daily. The bar is open from 4:30 PM. Operated by Norman Van Aken with "New World Cuisine", artfully presented. There is a main dining room and two private dining rooms. Full linen service here. There is also a "Patio" with small plates, like Charcuterie Boards, Tapas and Caviar, plus wine and cocktails. The seasonal menu might start with House Salad, Melon Salad, Seafood Tiradito, Pressed Pork Belly, Brazilian Shrimp and Mussel Chowder, Yuca Stuffed Shrimp, Blue Crab Beignets and other appetizers are offered. Main dishes include Pad Thai, Roasted Pork Tenderloin, BBQ Veal Chop, Diver Sea Scallops, Yellowtail Snapper and of course Sofrito Rubbed Filet Mignon, ranging in price. A 6 oz. Wagyu Steak is available. For dessert you'll find Key Lime Tart, Tres Leches Cake, Dedo de Chocolate and Havanas Bananas. A very large Wine List and Cocktail menu is available. The Wine Cellar is visible in the dining room. Reservations accepted and advised by phone or online. Valet parking available. Yusuf Yildiz, general manager and wine director; Carlos Robles Molina, chef de cuisine; Norman Van Aken, founder and owner, along with Thomas Wood, Jr. in Miami.

North Italia (Orlando), 7335 W. Sand Lake Rd., Suite #143, Orlando, FL. 55.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-226-0675. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Opened November, 2021. Located on Restaurant Row, in the location vacated by J. Alexander's Restaurant in 2013. It's next door to Ocean Prime. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, 'til 11 PM on weekends. There is a Weekend Brunch, 10 AM to 4 PM. The menu changes to dinner at 4 PM, but the prices are the same all day. Consider it "Upscale Casual". Think Tapas, Italian Style. Southern food with a northern name. You can choose from small plates like Bread & Olive Oil, Zucca Chips, Prosciutto Bruschetta, Italian Meatballs, Burrata di Stagione, Sicilian Short Rib Ragu, Crispy Calamari, Wild Shrimp Scampi, or Beef Carpaccio. Salads Like Caesar, Arugula & Avocado, Seasonal Vegetable, and Tuscan Kale are some of the greens offered. Pizzas range from Margherita to Spicy Pepperoni. They are noted for their Pasta dishes like Spaghetti & Meatballs, Burrata Tortelloni, Chicken Pesto, Strozzapreti, Glazed Short Rib Cavatelli, Chicken Parmesan, Squid Ink Mafaldine, Roasted Salmon, Diver Scallops, Braised Short Rib, Wagyu Skirt Steak and Grilled Beef Tenderloin. Sandwiches are available too like Chicken Parm., Meatball, Burger and Spicy Italian Grinder. A Chef Board is offered. Fancy desserts like Hazelnut Torta are listed. Cappuccino and other Coffeesare available. Kids menu is available. Full bar with crafted cocktails like an Italian Spritzer, Milano Mule, Italian Gentleman, Grapefruit Martini, and others or some by the pitcher. Wines run $9-18 per glass or $36-72 per bottle. Happy Hour at the bar only. This chain with 26 locations, mostly in the west, is part of the Cheesecake Factory Enterprise, out of Calabasas, CA. Other Florida locations include Miami and Dadeland.

Northwest Grille, 5115 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL. 69.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-376-0500. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Located a few miles east of Exit #390, I-75. Open for lunch and dinner daily. In business since 1996. Large selection of seafood, steak and poultry. Steak & chicken specialties include Stuffed Chicken, Chicken Française, Blackened, Grilled or Gorgonzola Crusted 12 oz. NY Strip Steaks, 8 oz. Sirloin, 10 oz. Top Sirloin and 8 oz. Filet Mignon are here. Also Combos of Soft Shell Crab, Snow Crab or Fried Shrimp with NY Strip and Lobster Tail & Filet Combo range in price. Other specialties include Pan Seared Mahi, Salmon Florentine, Grilled Tuna with Thai Peanut Glaze, Roast Duckling, Drunken Grouper and Shrimp Scampi. All You Can Eat Fish & Chips and Pasta Dishes also available. Live Lobster featured on Friday & Saturday. Other specials served daily. Full bar and wine list. Corkage Fee: $10/btl. Happy hour 3-7 PM daily. Phone reservations accepted. Katie Kelly, general manager; Chris Fennell, chef and owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 4/09) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 4/09) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 5/15) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 2/20) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 5/21) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dennis C. 6/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 6/23) We had dinner here at 5 PM with friends. It's our favorite place for affordable meals in Gainesville. The four of us had Key Lime Tini ($9), 2 Bud Lite Drafts ($4 ea.), and 2 Manhattan on the Rocks ($10 ea.) We also brought our own special Wine for celebration ($10 corkage). We shared Stuffed Mushrooms ($13) and Crab Fondue ($13). Both were wonderful. The for entrées we chose St. Augustine Special ($18), Chicken & Shrimp Teriyaki ($18), full portion of Fried Oysters ($23) and a Ribeye Steak, Baked Potato and Caesar Salad ($25.50). Service by Brianne and "Bow Tie". Everything was great. Friendly accommodating staff, fast food delivery, wine friendly policy. Total was $160 for four before t&t.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from David G. 3/25) We enjoyed our lunch here, which is primarily a seafood restaurant, not a typical "grill". We both enjoyed the St. Augustine Shrimp ($18), one with very good Mashed Potatoes, the other with good Cheese Grits. There were 10 lightly breaded delicious Shrimp in our orders, a very nice lunch. Very fast a pleasant service from our server, Jessica. Total before t&t was $36.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Nouvelle Cuisine, 10531 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, FL. 63.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-686-6860. (Continental) (French) [D] In business since November, 1999. Two miles west of the Suncoast Parkway about 70 minutes from The Villages. Located about 5 buildings west of Mariner Blvd. The location is unassuming. Open daily for dinner 5 to 9 PM, to 8 PM Sundays, except closed Mondays. Full linen service, table lamps on each table. Specializing in the unique cuisine of Belgium and northern France. A taste of Bruges, Belgium and influences of Normandie and Pas-de-Calais, France prevail. Comfortably decorated dining room with full linen service. Appetizers include French Onion Soup au Gratin, Seafood Crêpes, Frog Legs or Shrimp in Garlic Butter and Escargot Bourgogne. Entrées include Chicken dishes with Port Wine or Belgium Sauces, Long Island Duck with Blackberry Sauce, Quail with Taragon Sauce, Pork Tenderloin with Bordelaise Sauce, Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce, Veal a la Blue with Roquefort Sauce and even Chateaubriand for two. Seafood entrées offered include Filet of Salmon with Muscadet Sauce, Dover Sole Meuniere, Lotte Monk Fish with Curry Sauce, Shrimp with Green Peppercorn Sauce, Lake Victoria Perch with Dijon Mustard Sauce and even Coquilles St. Jacques with Leek Sauce. Their signature Rack of Lamb or Elk Chop, occasionally available. All dinners served semi-a-la-carte and include salad, fresh vegetables and specialty Gratin Dauphinois ("Gra-tahn Doe-feen-wahz"). Wine list, beer list (including Belgium beers) and homemade dessert list. Long list of Beers and Wines. $25 Corkage Fee for your own wine. 18% gratuity added to parties of 6 or more. Usually closed first part of July or end of May for vacation. Call for exact dates. Reservations accepted and advised. Belgium Chef Jan Kinds and wife Isabelle Roos, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/10) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 8/11) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 12/13) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 7/17) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 7/20) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 12/23) Our favorite restaurant in Florida. Just 1 hour drive from Wildwood. Open the door to Europe. Still cozy and comfortable inside. We had crisp Salads to start. Escargot Bourgogne to share and for entrées, the Veal a la Blue and Pork Tenderloin. Each come with 3 sides (Green Beans, Carrots and Gratin Dauphinois). Our friends had similar meals and enjoyed theirs. We each bought a nice bottle of Côte du Rhone ($35 each). We also had a slice of Cheesecake, we all shared. Angela helped Isabelle serve us. Very attentive. Total for two of us (1 appetizer, 2 salads, 2 entrées, 1 dessert, 1 bottle of wine) was about $136 before t&t. Was busy on a Wednesday night at 6:30 PM when we left. We'll be back.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 6/24) Doors open exactly at 5 PM. Our 5 PM reservation got us the table for 6 in the middle of the room. We're here on Father's Day with 4 friends. We split the checks, 3 on the first and 3 on the second. Isabelle suggested some premium wines and we chose the Chateauneuf du Pape at $75/btl. It was wonderful. We started with Escargot and the Seafood Crêpe. 2 House Salads and a bowl of Carrot Soup were enjoyed too. Two of us had the Duck Breast with Potatoes au Gratin and Carrots. Small portions but good. One had the Scallops. We shared a Crème Brûlée. Everything was memorable. Well established place here with the owner and two helpers in the front of the house. They seem to know every customer. Closest thing to being in Europe. Checks are hand written. Total for 3 people and the wine was $210 before t&t. Gratuity was NOT automatically included. By the time we left all but 2 tables were occupied.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

oak (Original American Kitchen), 15 SE 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL. 64.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-519-4979. (Brew Pub) (Southern) [L/D] Opened April 2, 2015. OAK stands for "Original American Kitchen". Located on SE 1st Ave., downtown, where Samba Cantina and Ichiban Sushi did business, between Emilliano's and Harry's. Hours are 11 AM to 2 AM daily. Trimmed with brick and oak on the interior. 16 self-serve beer and whiskey taps make this a cushie drinking lounge with a creative kitchen. Start with homemade Cornbread for the table. Main dishes, called "Evening Plates", include a Bone-In Pork Chop, Pot Roasted Ribeye, Red Eye Gravy Shrimp 'n Grits, Citrus Seared Salmon, 3 Cheese Macaroni, Airline Chicken and Waffle, Southern Short Ribs, Baked Chicken, Kentucky Hot Brown (BBQ Pork/Bacon/Cheese/Tomatoes) and even a Crawfish Gumbo. Lighter items include a Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup, Stuffed Onion Ring, Crab Cake, Loaded Potato Wedges, Fish & Chips and, of course, Wings. Hand-held items are moderately priced and include Lamb Belly Sliders, Crab Cake BLT Sliders, Fried Green Tomato Sliders, ½lb. Burger, Smoked Pork Burger, BBQ Brisket and an array of 3 of the first Sliders mentioned. Even lighter fare includes Caesar Salad, Farm Salad, Summer Salad and a "Feel Good" Salad of Kale and Salmon. Side dishes can be added, like Mac 'n Cheese, Southern Greens, Mashed or Fried Sweets, Baby Carrots, Southern Potato Salad, Onion Petals, Gouda Grits and Blackened Wedges. Desserts are not to be missed like Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate 'n Oreo Mousse, Layered Cheesecake Cup, the Stuffed Pie Trio with 3 fillings and the ever popular, Fried Twinkie®. Full bar. Happy Hour is 4-7 PM. Crafted cocktails like the Southern Gentleman, Mint Julep and Sweet Georgia Peach show the direction of the alcohol flow. Or load up a swipe card and self-pour more than a dozen craft beers or 2 Southern whiskies. Reservations accepted and advised by phone or online. A 101 Management restaurant; Prodesky family, owners.

Oceanaire Seafood Room, 9101 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 59.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-363-4801. (Seafood) [D] Located in the heart of the tourist district at Pointe Orlando, not far from the Convention Center. Open weekdays and Sundays 5-10 PM, weekends 5-11 PM. Offers fresh seafood still swimming as it's delivered to the restaurant, in an upscale atmosphere with upscale a-la-carte pricing. Specials daily. An Oyster Bar is noted for a half dozen different types from British Columbia, Washington State, California, Prince Edward Island and Massachusetts. Appetizers offered include Escargots Bourgogne, Fried Calamari, Shrimp and Grits, Oysters Rockefeller, Steamed P.E.I. Mussels Mariniere and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. Their New England Clam Chowder is well known. Salads include Caesar, Iceberg Wedge, Herb Goat Cheese & Strawberry Salad and Italian White Anchovy Salad. For main dishes they offer Fish & Chips, "Fin & Shell" Fish Stew, Baked Stuffed Flounder, Shrimp Scampi, Fried Jumbo Shrimp, Black and Bleu Panamanian Mahi Mahi, Grilled Steak and Shrimp, Baked Stuffed Shrimp, Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes, and a Seafood Mixed Grill at the top end. Fresh Catch might include Grilled Alaskan Coho Salmon, Seared Caribbean Triggerfish "Louie", Grilled New England Jumbo Sea Scallops, and Macadamia Crusted Alaskan Halibut. Some fish can be Grilled or Broiled like Ecuadorian Swordfish or Wahoo or Whole Florida Yellow Tail Snapper. Lobsters are always a favorite here from the "chicken" (1.5 lb. size) and to the one stuffed with Lump Crabmeat. If you're not a seafood lover, they have those bases covered too, starting with Roasted Chicken Chop, 16 oz. Pork Chop, 6 or 10 oz. Filet Mignon, 16 oz. New York Strip, and a 20 oz. Bone-In Ribeye. Side dishes like Mashed Yukon Gold or Au Gratin Potatoes, Creamed Corn, Steamed Asparagus or Broccoli adds to the bill. Desserts range from sinful to opulent and include Flaming Baked Alaska here. Well stocked Wine Cellar offers Champagnes ($66-395 per bottle), Whites ($40-132 per bottle) and Reds ($35-303 per bottle). Dozens by the glass also. Happy Hour 5-7 PM Monday through Friday in the bar and they run drink specials. Free valet parking if desired. 10% off the food portion of the bill by showing your current AARP membership card. Open Christmas Day 2-9 PM. Online or phone reservations highly recommended. 2011 & 2012 Critic's Choice winner for "Best Seafood" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Golden Spoon Award in 2011 from Florida Trend Magazine. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. A small chain of a dozen locations in the biggest US cities, owned by Landry's Restaurants Inc..Jairo Mejia of El Salvador, executive chef; Engelbert Colon, general manager.

Review: (from Dee S. 2/25) Our server was Rita, on Valentine's Day. The manager also stopped by our table to convey greetings. She paced our meal beautifully. We began with Blue Point Oysters. Both of us chose Chilean Sea Bass, a favorite of ours. The preparation was simple and the Fish was light and flaky. The entrée was served with Broccolini. We also chose Shrimp Fried Rice for a side. While I enjoyed it, it did not live up to my husband’s expectations. The servings were plentiful. We chose to share the Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake for dessert. The serving was so generous we brought more than half home. With a glass of Wine the check was under $200 with tip. This is a definite return restaurant for us.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Ocean Prime (Orlando), 7339 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL. 55.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-781-4880. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Open daily except holidays from 5 PM. Located on SR 482 ("Restaurant Row") half way between Dr. Phillips Blvd. and I-4, near Turkey Lake Rd. at "The Rialto". Opened in November, 2008, this is now one of Orlando's landmark premium restaurants. Elegant supper club atmosphere with exemplary service and full linen service. A few private rooms make this a large venue. The a-la-carte menu is predominantly seafood, with steaks and cocktails supplementing the meal. Appetizers range in price and include a Cheddar Fondue, Prime Beef Carpaccio, Goat Cheese Ravioli and Oysters Rockefeller. Feature appetizer is Colossal Shrimp Saute. Broiled fresh fish range in price and include Mountain Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Black Grouper, Swordfish, Halibut, Chilean Sea Bass and Australian Lobster Tail. Sauces are extra. Prime steaks range higher and include 7 or 10 oz. Filet Mignon, 12 oz. Rack of Lamb, 14 oz. NY Strip, 16 oz. Kansas City Strip, 18 oz. Ribeye and a 22 oz. Portly Porterhouse. Add Jumbo Lump Crabmeat with Béarnaise Sauce with extra charge. The chef specials being offered, ranging in price, include Amish Chicken, Seared Tuna, Sea Scallops, Blackened Snapper and Lump Crab Cakes. Feature entrée is Ginger Salmon. Ten styles of potatoes are extra, as are vegetables also extra. Five varieties of salads, such as Crisp Wedge of Iceberg add to the bill. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Almost 50 wines by the glass or basic cocktails are offered. Their mostly US wine list boasts about 100 labels starting at $36/bottle. A bottle of "The Dom" runs $280 here. No Corkage Fee on the first bottle of your own wine, then $20/btl. for the second. Louis XIII Cognac ($120) can complete the meal. Full bar too. Complimentary valet parking. Live piano music Tuesday through Saturday from 6:30 PM. Online or phone reservations highly recommended. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted "Best Seafood" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Nicholas Pratt, executive chef; Jennifer Hasness, dining room manager; Michael Kopoian, general manager and operating partner. One of a dozen in this chain of Cameron Mitchell restaurants, headquartered in Columbus, OH. Another location is in Tampa, FL.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/15) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Coleen M. 9/18) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Old City House Inn (& Restaurant), 115 Cordova St., St. Augustine, FL. 92.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-904-826-0113. (Continental) [L/D] Located in the heart of the historic old city, 2 blocks from the square, on Cordova St. just south of the Casa Monica Hotel in the shadow of the old Alcazar Hotel. Built in 1873, this (ghostly) inn operates as a 7 room B&B and award winning public restaurant for lunch and dinner. Hours are from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch and 5:30 to 9 PM for dinner. Full linen service is offered in the cozy, comfortable dining room. The menu is mainly a-la-carte. For dinner appetizers, they offer Serrano Ham with Arugula, Grilled Sea Scallop and Shrimp, Pork Carpaccio, Pork & Chicken Pistachio Mousse, Pan Seared Ahi Tuna and Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail. Soups of the Day may include Crab Bisque. The Salad course can be a House Salad, Aged Prosciutto and Melon or a Tri-Colore Salad. Main dishes range from Vegetable Lasagna, Parmesan Chicken Milanese, Goat Cheese Crusted Pork Tenderloin or Seafood Cioppino, to Beef Tenderloin, Boneless New Zealand Lamb, Trout or Herb Crusted Chilean Sea Bass and all include a side salad. The lunch menu ranges in price for various "Bites", to some of the dinner appetizers and salads. Daily dessert offerings. Full bar with ample Wine List. Outdoor seating available. Reservations accepted and advised. James and Ilse Philcox, owners.

Older Review: (from Duane R. 6/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Old Jailhouse Restaurant, 113 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL. 53.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-548-6964. (Southern) [L/D]. Opened in February, 2019. Located on Palmetto next to the old Fire House, off 1st St. It's in an 1890s building that was a livery, a blacksmith shop and the County Jail, among other things. Open 6 days for dinner from 5 PM and 3 days for lunch from 11:30 AM to 2 PM on Thursday and Friday but straight through 11:30 AM to 11 PM on Saturday. Closed all day Sunday. "Sunbelt Smile Cuisine" and minimalist décor in places but "behind bars" in others. For starters you can find Cream of Celery Soup, Caesar Salad, Brussels Sprouts and Okra, Jailhouse Fries, Chicken Wings, Roasted Cauliflower, Heirloom Tomatoes, Pork Belly and others. For entrées they have a Chicken Tenderloin Sandwich, Chicken Tenders Sandwich or Salad, Portobello Sandwich, 10 oz. Angus Burger, Grilled Half Chicken, Creole Lamb, Fire Grilled Steak, Sun Belt Cioppino and Shrimp and Sausage. For lunch they have items ranging in price. Pecan Brownie is a popular dessert. Kids menu too. Full bar here. Wine by the glass for White or Red. Cocktails offered too. Sheriff, Anthony and Maria Sirica, law enforcers and owners.

Review: (from Peggy R. 4/23) Came for lunch. Fun atmosphere and great food. We dined in a jail cell. They only have a few items on the lunch menu but serve dinner all day. We enjoyed the Potato Croquettes appetizer, stuffed with Goat Cheese, lightly breaded and fried. I had the Chicken Gnocchi, which was absolutely delicious and easily enough for 3-4 people to share. My husband had the Belly Up Burger – a beef burger with pork belly and gouda. It was also good, but not in the same league as the Gnocchi. With a soda and coffee, it was $62 before t&t. Expensive lunch but worth it.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, 601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd., DeLeon Springs, FL. 52.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-985-5644. (Fondue) (Grill) [B/L] Previously known as Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House, now shortened somewhat. Open daily except Thanksgivings and Xmas. Weekdays 9 AM to 2 PM; Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. No seating after 2 PM. Located inside the DeLeon Springs State Park. Located off US 17 about 7 miles north of DeLand, FL. $4-6 per car park admission collected at the gate. Opened in 1961 and popular ever since. Often referred to as "that pancake place in the park". A unique "griddle house", located in an 1830's sugar mill, where patrons cook their own meals. The tables are equipped with an electric griddle where customers can customize their pancakes and other grilled food. The restaurant supplies pitchers of homemade stone ground or unbleached white pancake batter. Blueberries, bananas, peanut butter, pecans, chocolate chips, apples and apple sauce are sold for filling or topping your own creation. Real maple syrup offered. Other items available are eggs, ham, bacon, sausage and homemade bread. Design your own breakfast. Sandwiches and salads are also available during lunch time. Juice and coffee offered for beverages. Base price is per person. Side orders for meat, eggs, fruit etc. range in price. Sandwiches and Salads are offered; Paninis here too. The park offers natural 72 degree springs where large fish and manatees can often be seen in the winter. Boat tours of the Spring Garden Run are offered every hour until 1 PM. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats can also be rented. The park is especially beautiful in the early spring. Reservations for parties of 10 or more on a space-available basis. 18% gratuity added to all bills. Typically, 1/4 to 1 hour wait on weekdays; 1 to 2 hour wait on weekends in winter. Hostess is at the checkout counter. Inquire at the gate what the wait time is before paying the entry fee. Best time is at opening hour or after 1 PM. No bar. 2010 Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Breakfast" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Guest Services Management of Fairfax, VA., new operator.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 4/08) Q=5 S=4 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Gloria K. 1/09) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Orchid Thai Cuisine, 305 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-331-1400. (Asian) [L/D] Opened in 2007. Located on the park side of Park Avenue, up near Garfied Avenue, next to Shoooz. Open daily 11 AM to 9 PM, later on weekends. Full linen service here in a small intimate, yet colorful setting. You'll find Spring Rolls, Beef Jerky, Golden Purses, Chicken Satay, Curry Puff, Softshell Crab Mango and others on the menu for appetizers. Tom Kha [Thai Coconut] and Tom Yum [Lemongrass] Soups are offered. Entrées include Garlic Shrimp, Ginger Chicken, Short Ribs, Duck Basil, Snapper, Bangkok Salmon, Param Chicken and a Spiced Tilapia dish. Many Curry dishes are available too. Of course, Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Basil Fried Rice and Sautéed Vegetables are on the menu. So are Salads like Salmon Ginger, Thai Beef and a Lettuce Wrap. Order your meal, Mild, Medium or Spicy. In addition, many Sushi items are offered like, Maki Rolls, Sashimi and Nigiri items. Takes phone reservations. Some outdoor seating available. 20% gratuity added for parties of 5 or more. Wine list with Beers also. Sanyarak and Sumalee Manatad, owners. Another location is in Lake Mary.

Review: (from Jackie N. 2/25) This Thai restaurant always seemed to be full whenever we passed it on Winter Park's main street, so we were excited when we saw a few empty tables for an early dinner. We shared a soup, 2 appetizers and an entrée. The Lemongrass Tom Yum Soup was very spicy, though I requested medium spice. The Satay Chicken was a little on the dry side and the peanut sauce was a bit too thin. The Summer Rolls, similar to Vietnamese Summer Rolls, were much smaller and didn't have much of a taste. My husband enjoyed the Pad Thai. The service was great and the restaurant was full when we were ready to leave. Our bill was $42 before t&t. If there weren't so many great restaurants in Winter Park that we want to go back to or haven't tried yet, we would give Orchid Thai another try. So no, we will not go back any time soon.
Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=No.

(The) Original Goomba's Pizzeria, 2395 S. US 27, Clermont, FL. 33.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-989-4403. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Opened September, 2017. Formerly located on SR 50 and known as Goomba's Brick Oven Pizza or just Goomba's, now located near the Epic Theaters at South US 27 and Steve's Rd., in a spot once occupied by Oven Fired Pizza. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, or later on weekends. Not nearly the fun spot it used to be. Now more Pizza oriented. Appetizers like a dozen Garlic Knots, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, 10 Wings, Antipasto Flatbread, Caprese Salad, Fried Calamari, Fried Mozzarella, Fried Ravioli, Meatballs or Fried Mushrooms are offered. For dinner they have Cheese Ravioli, Stuffed Shells, Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne Vodka, Eggplant Parm., Chicken and Broccoli, Chicken Parm., Francese, Marsala or Melanzana, Lobster Ravioli and Veal Parm. or Marsala. Cheese Calzone, Supreme Calzones, Veggie, Beef Wellington, Sicilian or Chicken Goombolis are also offered. 10, 16 and 20 inch Pizzas are appropriately priced. Kids menu available. Desserts like Cannoli, Brownie, Shortcake, Limoncello Cake, Tiramisu and NY Cheesecake range moderately. Italian Cookies are also popular. Early Bird Menu offered. Daily specials posted. Beer and Wine licensed. Happy Hour 4-7 PM daily. Show your Villages ID, get 10% off your check. Changed ownership in October, 2023. Joao Biundini, Fred Lima, Silvana Silva and Fabricio Scarpelli, new owners.

Orochi Ramen, 781 E. SR 50, Clermont, FL. 33.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-404-7389. (Asian) [L/D] Opened in May, 2023. Located in a shopping plaza with Key Foods, near McDonald's, just west of US 27. Open 12 Noon to 9 PM, but only 'til 8 PM on Sunday and closed all day Monday. It's not just a Noodle Shop, they prepare other Japanese items too. The menu is fully described for you. Simple dining area. For Ramen dishes they feature Tonkotsu or Tantanman [Both Pork Broth], Miso [Pork & Chicken Broth], Birra [Beef Broth], Tori Paitan [Chicken Broth] and Oxtail Ramen. Vegan Ramen has no meat. Rice Bowls are popular and include Pork Chashu, Chicken Karaage and a Tofu Bowl. Add-ons are extra. They also have small plates like Gyoza [Pork Pot Stickers], Fried Pork Eggrolls, Takoyaki [Fried Octopus Balls], Shrimp Tempura, Crispy Chicken Wings, Chicharron [Deep Fried Pork Belly], Yaki Onigiri Chazuke [Grilled Rice Balls], Edamame [Boiled Soy Beans], Chicken Karaage [Fried Chicken with Garlic], Seaweed Salad and Kimchi Cucumber. For dessert you'll see Japanese Cheesecake, Taro Cream Cheese Gyoza and the most popular item, Soft Serve Ice Cream. Kids menu available. Now beer and wine licensed. They offer Vietnamese and Thai Teas, Lemonade and Soft Drinks too. Very popular place. Michael Diep, owner.

Oscar Penn's, 207 N. Apopka Ave., Inverness, FL. 31.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-419-6354. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Opened late September, 2018. Located where the McLeod House Bistro did business for a number of years. "An eating and gathering place", now. The name refers to Oscar Penn McLeod [1899-1947], previous owner of this 1915 home with his wife and 12 children. It's 2 blocks north of the courthouse. Hours are 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. First course choices are Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Feta Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Figs, Heirloom Tomato Caprese, Mahi Mango Ceviche and New Zealand Lamb Carpaccio, Seared Ahi with Wasabi or Lobster & Chive Deviled Eggs and Dungeness Crab Cakes. For a-la-carte entrées you can choose from Chicken Piccata or Roast Pork Loin, Venison Meatloaf, Pan-Seared Long Island Duck Breast, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Maker's Mark® Glazed Wild Salmon, Roast Prime Rib, Seared 8 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, Prime-Cut 14 oz. Delmonico Steak, 24 oz. Porterhouse Steak and Macadamia Crusted Grouper or Wild Fish of the Day (both Market Priced). A Vegetarian selection of Paella Primavera, Penne Pesto Alfredo or Ratatouille Stuffed Portobello Mushroom are available too. Side dishes are Sautéed Garlic Spinach, Roasted Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Southern-Style Green Beans, Baked Cheese Cavatappi and Roasted Asparagus. They also have lighter meals like Asian Chicken Salad, Grapefruit Avocado Salad, Caesar Salad and Thai Sliced Steak Salad. A favored Soup is the popular She Crab. The restaurant also serves Sushi. At lunch, Appetizers, Salads and Sandwiches fill the, like the Blackened Mahi Mahi BLT. For dessert you can find Mini Cannolis, Triple Fudge Brownie, Carrot Cake or Key Lime Pie. Menus change seasonally. Beer and wine licensed. Sterling Vintner's® or Beringer® brand house wines. Wines by the bottle run $24-95/bottle, plus occasional featured wine. Sake is also available. Corkage Fee is $15/bottle.. Phone reservations accepted. Jason Counsil, owner.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 10/18) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Maria K. 10/18) Q=3 S=3 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Walter P. 11/18) Q=4 S=2 V=1 Total=7 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 11/18) Q=2 S=4 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Shirley F. 11/18) Q=3 S=2 V=2 Total=7 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 11/21) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Donna B. 8/23) Seven of us from our Gourmet Club Dine-Out Group had dinner here. It is a very nice historical house converted to a restaurant a 45 minute drive from The Villages. We were seated promptly at 5 PM in a private room. It was very nice for conversation. They only serve beer and wine, so no pre-dinner cocktail for me. David, our server was very attentive and accommodating. Several of us had a cup of the She Crab Soup ($6.25) before dinner and all agreed it was delicious! I had the Seafood Risotto ($36) which was sautéed lobster, scallops and shrimp on a bed of risotto with diced tomatoes and spinach in a creamy parmesan sauce. It was very good. Several ordered the house specialty which was Prime Rib. But be forewarned, all Prime Rib comes out medium rare, so if you like your steaks on the medium side you should order the Filet or Delmonico. Total of my bill before tip was $55.39. This included the soup, entrée, and a glass of wine. Overall a very good experience and I will be back.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Judy H. 8/23) A group of seven had an early dinner on a Friday night. It is noted for the Prime Rib, only available on the week-ends. It’s recommended, if you aren’t dining early to reserve your Prime Rib before arriving. They have a full menu of seafood, beef, chicken, and vegetarian selections. I had a cup of She Crab Soup ($6.25). It was excellent with good amount of crab bits. My husband ordered the Prime Rib ($34), it was a thick 16 oz cut and nicely marbled. All cuts are medium rare. I ordered the Chilean Sea Bass ($44), served over a bed of seasoned rice. It was a very generous portion. Unfortunately, it smelled and tasted fishy. Another diner in our group had the same reaction. There was no difficulty returning it. I chose the Prime Rib which was tender and nicely seasoned. It came with a Caesar Salad. Other sides were $10 extra. For dessert we shared a Warm Brownie ($11). I had a Capo Zafferano Cab ($7). The restaurant is a converted historical home. We enjoyed having a private room. They only serve beer and wine, but had a nice wine list. Our server, David, was very helpful answering questions and being attentive.
Q=4 S=4 V=1 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Shelley C. 3/24) Absolutely one of the best meals I have eaten since moving to the area 5 years ago. Fabulous old house bullt in 1915. Just so much history. Very Southern décor. They gave us a small but private room. Service was wonderful. I had a nice pour of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It was very good. I ordered the Chicken Piccata with a Mashed Potatoes and the sauce was lemony and served with plenty of capers. My husband had the Pork Chop which was cooked perfectly! The side was a White Bean and Rice dish which was different and very good. With a side of Asparagus we were full. We were extremely satisfied. Our food was seasoned just right. We also had an appetizer of Figs Wrapped in Bacon with a sprinkle of Feta. Delectable. Our bill with wine, appetizer, 2 entrées and a side was $126. Superb meal.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Neal P. 3/24) Our waiter was David K. The food was excellent, as was the service. We were is a small private dining room nicely decorated. I had the Chicken Piccata with the Smashed Potatoes. The sauce was very lemony with lots of capers. My significant other started with the Caesar Salad and had the Filet for the main course. The Steak was cooked perfectly. Out total for two was $71 before t&t. Excellent dinner experience.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Osphere (Grill & Bar), 407 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL. 55.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-203-4527. (Asian) (American) [L/D] In business since January, 2020. Located on the south side of Lake Eola in the Thornton Park area of downtown Orlando. Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM daily. Saturday and Sunday Brunch served 11 AM to 3 PM. Full bar. Happy Hour 4-6 PM daily. Offering lakeside dining in downtown. Start with Pan Seared Scallops, Meatballs, Calamari, Chicken Wings or a Dip Trio as an appetizer. Sandwiches include Burgers, Fried Snapper, French Dip or Crispy Chicken. Pasta dishes include Smoked Fettuccini, Mushroom Alfredo and Lobster Linguini. For main dishes you can find Pan Seared Chicken, Bone-In Pork Chop, Pan Seared Scallop Risotto, Grilled Salmon, Fried Snapper, a Rib-Eye, a Hawaiian Rib-Eye, NY Strip and a Filet Mignon. House, Kale, Asian, Tuna and Caesar Salads are popular at lunchtime. Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Rolls are on the menu too. Desserts include Hot Fudge Sundae, Five Nut Brownie, Key Lime Pie and Apple Walnut Pie. Kids menu available. Weekend Brunch brings French Toast, Pancakes, Omelets, Steak and Eggs, Chicken and Waffles plus a number of Benedicts. Large Bar with Craft Cocktails and a Wine List is offered also. Large outside seating area with views available. Oudom Ketsatha, chef and owner.

Review: (from Robert D. 6/24) I was very satisfied with my Bite-30 prix fixe dinner here. I planned ahead to order the Hawaiian Rib Eye. I also selected the Grilled Shrimp Wedge Salad and the Apple Pie dessert. All 3 were excellent. The Salad was like a Shrimp Louie Salad and the dessert was a deconstructed Apple Pie with a smattering of mixed nuts and fruits. The view from my table, on the Lake Eola waterfront, was awesome at 7 PM. Service was prompt and correct. My Hawaiian Rib Eye was cooked medium as ordered. It was big, thick, tender and juicy, and served with a Loaded Baked Potato and over Broccolini. The ambience was beautiful, with Bossa Nova music playing – that is to say, Brazilians, who know something about Steaks, are in the kitchen. My Steak tasted as if it was marinated in Shoju Sauce and Pineapple Juice. The cost was $35, $3 less than the regular price for the Steak alone. The patio where I dined was beautiful, but for a housefly or two, which could have been shooed by a noisy fan. Before dinner I enjoyed an excellent red wine flight at the nearby Eola Wine Company.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Osprey Tavern, 4899 New Broad St., Orlando, FL. 59.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-960-7700. (American) (Continental) [D] Opened March, 2015. Located in the Baldwin Park area of Orlando, an upscale neighborhood, not far from Publix at the corner of Jake St. Hours are 5-10 PM, to 11 PM weekends, closed on Monday, except for Sunday Brunch 11 AM to 3 PM only. Contemporary large dining area with bare maple tables and an open kitchen. The menu runs from a Hot Dog to a Ribeye. They specialize in fresh Oysters by the ½ or full dozen. Plates to share with dinner mates include a Cheese Board, a Charcuterie or 1 oz. American Caviar Service. Appetizers include Parker House Rolls, a Tavern Salad, Falafel, Lamb Ribs, Seafood Conserva (Wild Mussels), Beef Deckle Sliders, Lime Cured Hamachi, Charred Peel & Eat Shrimp and Foie Torchon. For main dishes you will find a Tavern Dog, Peas & Carrots Agnolotti, Fish & Chips, Trout, Pork Porchetta, Beef Ribeye, Whole Roasted Organic Chicken For Two and a 32 oz. Bone-In Short Rib For Two. They also have 3 kinds of Pizza, Ham & Cheese, Heirloom Tomato and a BLT. Desserts include Blueberry Buckle, Chocolate Layer Cake, Ice Cream Sundae and Tea & Honey. Full bar with specialty cocktails like the Tavern Julep are offered. Wine List has wine by the glass, for white or red. Bottles run $26-95 for white and $30-145 for red. Craft beers are also featured. Happy Hour 5-7 PM weekdays. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. Brunch specialties include Pastries, Waffle, Canadian Bacon Benedict, Fried Chicken Sandwich and Coffee Rubbed Pork Belly, among others. Outdoor seating available. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Jessi Lalomia, general manager; Michael Cooper, executive chef; Jason Chin, owner here and at Seito Sushi across the street.

Otto's High Dive, 2304 E. Robinson St., Orlando, FL. 56.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-231-7902. (Caribbean) [L/D] In business since November, 2022. Located on E. Robinson, near N. Bumby, halfway between N. Mills Ave. and the Orlando Executive Airport at Maguire Blvd. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 4 PM to Midnight, Sundays, 11 AM to 4 PM for brunch, then 4 PM to 10 PM for dinner. It's billed as a Neighborhood Rum Bar. It serves authentic Cuban food in the Milk District of Orlando. In a brick building, decorated with small tile on the walls and floor, greenery on the ceiling, it gives a feeling of Old Havana yet in a modern setting. A few booths can be reserved, but most are tables for 2 or 4 patrons with cane chairs. The menu is somewhat limited with Baked or Raw Oysters with various sauces offered at the top. Then Cold Plates like Ceviche [Tuna], Crudo [King Fish], Shrimp Cocktail, Hearts of Palm Salad and a Crab Salad on the list too. For Hot Plates you'll see Mojo Chicken, "Old Clothes" [Mushrooms], Ropa Vieja [Braised Short Ribs], Pulpo [Charred Octopus], Ribeye Steak, Poached Lobster and Media Noche [Mojo Pork, Ham and Swiss Cheese]. Side dishes of Rice, Beans, Bread and Plantain Chips can be ordered. Also featured are Pastel de Carne [Meat Pies], Refugiado [Guava and Cheese], Rollo de Queso [Cheese Roll] and Pastelito de Manzana [Apple Pastry]. A Coffee and Dessert menu is available. You'll find Cuban Coffee and Orange Tres Leches or Cuban Flan there. An "Abundancia" meal for the whole table includes a pitcher of Daiquiris and family-style mult-course hot food offerings and is featured at a prix-fixe of about $300. So is "Torre del Mar" with a dozen Oysters, Crudo, Crab Salad, Ceviche, Shrimp Cocktail and more for the whole table. Full bar featuring a vast array of rum drinks. The fancy cocktails are presented in unusual glasses, jars, mugs or hollow coconuts appropriately garnished in tropical flowers or garnish. The Daiquiri Cocktail and Cuba Libre are famous here. Frozen drinks are made too. Fine Wines (mostly Spanish, Chilean and Portugese) are listed on the menu and run $40-68/btl. or by the glass. Happy Hour weekdays 5-7 PM. "Booz-Free" drinks available. Active bar scene for drop-ins. Covered outdoor seating available. All orders add an 18% automatic gratuity unless you "opt out" before the bill is presented. Phone or online reservations via RESY taken. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. Giovani Fernandez and Elsie Sabatino, owners.

Paddlefish (Restaurant), 1670 N. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-934-2628. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Located in Disney Springs, close to the Marketplace. Use the Lime Parking area. It was formerly Fulton's Crab House, reopened in March, 2017 and is a modern made steamboat sitting on the shore of Lake Buena Vista. It's a building, not a real floating boat, however. It offers tourists and locals some very varied seafood. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 11 PM or later on weekends. For dinner starters you can find Fried Green Tomatoes, Kurobuta Pork Belly and Egg, Beef Skewers, Crab Fries, Charred Octopus, Maine Mussels, Calamari, Lobster Corn Dogs and a Crab Cake. They also offer chilled or raw seafood like Crab Ceviche, Ahi Poke, Shrimp Cocktail, 6 Fresh Oysters, Lobster Guacamole for 4 and a Tower of Crab, Shrimp, Oysters and Ahi for 4. For main dishes they have Catfish, Clams Sofrito, Fish & Chips, Shrimp and Grits, Salmon, Jambalaya, Scallops, Black Cod en Papillote, Hawaiian Opah, Cioppino and Sea Bass. For land-lovers they offer Roots & Shoots Vegetarian Meal, a 9 oz. Burger, Half Chicken, Pork Osso Bucco, Pork Chop with Apple Sauce, a 10 oz. Filet Mignon and a 12 oz. Prime Strip Steak. Side dishes are extra like Sweet Potato Fries, Red Bliss Potatoes, Maque Choux, French Fries, Green Beans with Ginger, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts and everyone's favorite, Mac 'n Cheese. They also have Crab and Lobster dishes at Market Prices. They also serve Seafood Boils ranging in price. Most items are also served for lunch at the same prices but they add a few Sandwiches like Chicken Salad, Fish, Clam Roll, Crab BLT and a 1¼ lb. Maine Lobster served in a Lobster Roll. Kids menu ranges from the Hot Dog to the Filet Skewers. For dessert, you can binge on Strawberry Shortcake, Carrot Cake, Key Lime Pie, Flourless Chocolate Cake, a Brownie Milkshake and a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart. Sunday Brunch adds a few breakfast items. Full bar with cocktails and wine by the glass. An impressive Wine List runs $36-180/btl. for Whites and $38-450/btl. for Reds. The "Dom" is $450/btl. Corkage Fee: $30/btl. A Sunset Rooftop Menu is a limited version of above, at the same prices. The Rooftop Deck offers live music every Friday and Saturday, 9-12 PM. Online or phone reservations accepted. Open Christmas Day with limited menu. Best New Restaurant Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted "Best Seafood" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Mark Boor, executive chef; operated by the Levy GP Corp. of Chicago.

Pannullo's Italian Restaurant, 216 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 59.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-629-7270. (Italian) [L/D] Opened in 1993, in a building that used to be a Rexall Drug Store back in 1937. Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM daily, later on weekends. For pasta they offer Spaghetti Marinara, Stuffed Shells, Manicotti, Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce, Fettucini Alfredo or Carbonara, Tortellini Carbonara, Linguini with Clam or Carbonara Sauce, Penne Tufo, Pasta Primavera, Ravioli Terracina, and Lobster Stuffed Ravioli, among others. Eggplant Parmigiana is offered. Chicken Parmigiana, Pesto, Franco, Florentino, Piccata, Marsala, Coppertino, Sorrento or Gorgonzola are on the list. Similar Veal dishes are offered. They also offer Grilled Pork Chop, Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Alfredo, Orange Roughy, Grilled Salmon Piccata, Grilled Mahi, Frutti di Mare, Scallops Carbonara, Shrimp Sangenaro and a 12 oz. New York Steak all come with a House Salad. Desserts include Cannoli, Tiramisu and Chocolate Corruption. Wine List offers many by the glass and bottles to $79. Beer also available. Thursdays, no Corkage Fee for BYOB. Lunch items are similar at reduced prices. Outdoor seating available. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Michael Schwartz and Richard Pannullo, owners.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 2/07) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Wayne M. 2/11) Q=3 S=3 V=1 Total=7 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/13) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Walter P. 1/16) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Stu R. 2/18) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 2/18) Q=3 S=4 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Walter P. 3/19) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Arlene P. 10/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Jackie N. 11/24) Great décor and atmosphere; felt like we were in an Italian village. For our appetizer we shared the Stuffed Mushrooms and used the Garlic Bread to dip in the leftover melted cheese. My husband liked the very moist Chicken Romano. I ordered the Eggplant Rollatini that was recommended by my sister-in-law and also by our excellent waitress, Sharon. Although I didn't find it as tasty as my sister-in-laws, it was a close second due to the quantity of cheese and sauce topping the dish. The dishes were so plentiful that we didn't have room for dessert and took half the dinners home. Total cost without drinks was $54. We hope to get back to Brooksville to walk the Mermaid trail, historical trail and mural walk and have other entrées at Papa Joe's.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Papa Llama, 2840 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando, FL. 57.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-706-9463. (Spanish) [D] In business since September, 2020. Located near the Dollar Tree at Curry Ford and Primrose, 10 blocks south of the 408. Hours are 6 to 10 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. An adventure in Latin American dining. This unique restaurant offers Peruvian food and drink. The name is pronounced "Papa Yamma" and means "Dad Calls". Offering a prix-fixe five course dinner certain evenings or a-la-carte meals weekdays in a sparsely but trendy and neatly decorated dining area. Tapas and main dishes like Olives, Ensalada, Pollo a la Plancha, Beef Fat Chaufa, Squid Chicharrón, Skirt Steak, Crispy Calamari, Pappardelle Pasta, Picarones and Wild Mushrooms can be ordered and shared with table mates. Beer and Wine licensed. Limited Happy Hour is 5-6 PM. They specialize in natural Wine by the glass plus imported Beers. Wines by the bottle run to $160 each. Sparkling Botanicals also available. 20% automatic gratuity is added to the bill. Phone or online reservations via RESY are requested. A 1 Star Rated Michelin Guide Restaurant. Kevin and Maria Ruiz, owners.

Paramount Grill, 12 SW 1st Ave., Gainesville, FL. 64.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-378-3398. (American) (Continental) [L/D] Located in downtown Gainesville at Main and South 1st. Open for lunch Monday through Friday 11 AM to 2 PM. Dinner served nightly from 5 PM. Sunday Brunch offered 10 AM to 3 PM. Blonde wood and white full linen service have a brightening effect on the dining room. A very eclectic mix of American cuisine offered by this well regarded restaurant for many years. Menu changes frequently. Appetizers include Warm Chipotle Pepper with Goat Cheese, Cashew Crusted Crab Cakes, Toasted Panna Rustica, Rosemary and Smoked Gouda Fondue, Baby Spinach Caesar Salad and Artisan Greens Salad. The daily soup varies depending on size. Main dishes include Stir Fried Spicy Madras Curried Tofu, Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Sea Scallops and Shrimp Sautée, Grilled Duck Breast, Braised Buffalo Short Ribs, Blackened Red Grouper, Grilled Wild Sockeye Salmon and Pan Roasted Barrel Cut Angus Filet. Lunch offerings are offered weekdays. Sunday Brunch Omelets are made. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Reservations accepted. Impressive beer and wine lists. Wines by the bottle range $28 to $150 and by the glass. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Clif Nelson, chef and owner.

(The) Park Avenue Tavern (Winter Park), 558 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-972-1469. (American) [L/D] Opened in March, 2023. This New York City original is now also in Hanibal Square where Dexter's did business for many years at Pennsylvania and New England. It's not on Park Avenue however, but 4 blocks west. aka "PAT". Fits right into Winter Park atmosphere. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 10 PM and later on weekends. Plus, Tuesday 3-10 PM and closed on Monday. Warm clubby décor here. Start with things like Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Hummus, Cajun Shrimp Tacos, Burrata, Mac 'n Cheese, Steamed Mussels and several Flatbreads. Three Burgers are available. Sandwiches like Smoked Turkey, Banh Mi, Chicken and a Pastrami Reuben are offered. A Tomato Bacon Bisque Soup is on the list and Salads like Caesar, Cobb, Spinach, Watermelon and Tavern are made too. For main dishes you can find Quinoa Grain Bowl, Orecchiette Pasta, Fish & Chips, Roasted Salmon, Pork Medallions, Roasted Chicken, Steak Frites and a 14 oz. NY Strip Steak. Sides add to the bill. Desserts like Gelato, NY Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet and a Seasonal Dessertare on the menu. Full bar with crafted cocktails offered. Spiked Root Beer Float, Irish Coffee and Espresso Martini are also available. Wines with 5 & 8 oz. pours are offered. Whites by the bottle run $40-95, Reds run $50-150 and "The Dom" is $300/btl. A Sunday Brunch will range in price per entrée. Reservations by phone accepted. Shane Herbert, general manager. Corporate owned by IGC Hospitality, New York, NY.

Parts of Paris (French Casual Café), 146 4th Ave. North, Safety Harbor, FL. 97.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-797-7979. (Continental) (French) [D] Located in downtown Safety Harbor, one block north of Main St. just east of Clearwater. This intimate bistro boasts classic French cuisine, fine wine and is locally known as "POP". It's set in a restored 1936 Florida bungalow on a residential street. The setting is reminiscent of Rue Cler in Paris. The Blue-White-Red Flag of France is displayed everywhere. Hours are 5-9 PM daily, to 10 PM weekends but only Noon to 7 PM on Sunday. The bar opens at 3 PM, six days a week but from Noon on Sunday. A Sunday Brunch is offered Noon to 4 PM with limited main entrées and breakfast items on a mixed menu. Full linen service inside, casual porch seating outside. Appetizers discounted on Mondays. For starters they offer Les Fromage [Cheese Plate], Crêpe Salée [Savory Crêpe], Escargot with Gruyére, Steak Tartare, Caille [Grilled Quail], Poitrine de Porc [Pork Belly], Charcuterie [Cured Meat Plate] or Foie Gras [Duck Liver Spread]. Salads include Slade Maison [House Salad] or Chevre Chaud [Hot Goat Cheese on Greens]. For Soups they have Soupe à l'Oignon [French Onion Soup], Chaudrée de Crabe [Crab Chowder], plus Os à Moelle Rôti [Roasted Bone Marrow] or Homard Meuniére [5 oz. Lobster Tail with Butter and Lemon Sauce]. For the main course they offer Moules Frites [Steamed Mussels with Fries], Longe de Porc [Pork Loin], Canard Confit [Slow Cooked Duck], Bœuf Bourguignon [Beef Stew], Steak Frites [Sliced NY Strip with Fries], Cassoulet de Canard [Duck Casserole], Filet [Beef Filet], Carré d'Agneau [Rack of Lamb], plus Bouillabaisse [Seafood Stew] and Poisson de Jour [Fish of the Day], both at Market Price. They also offer a Vegetarian Plate. A number of side dishes like Haricot Verts, Wilted Spinach or Brussels Sprouts, plus Potatoes, like Lyonnaise, Pommes Frites or Gratin are available. Desserts finish the meal like Mousse au Chocolat [Chocolate Pudding], Truffes au Chocolat [Chocolate Truffles], Crème Brûlée [Egg Custard], Crêpe Nutella [Crépe with Hazelnut Spread], Crêpe Suzette [Crêpe with Orange Sauce and Grand Marnier], or Baies et Crème Glacée [Berries and Ice Cream]. Les Fromage [Cheese Plate] and a Dessert Sampler is also offered. Various Coffees are available. Full bar with hand-crafted cocktails running each. Extensive Wine List includes Champagne by the glass or bottle ($24-84) starting the list. Whites run $22-80/bottle and Reds $27-89/bottle for the French Margaux blend. After the meal drinks like Sauternes, Ports, Calvados, Armagnac and Pernod are featured. Reservations, by phone or online taken. "Best New Restaurant" Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Ryan Steffensmeier chef; Bjorn Orrung, owner.

Peach Valley Café (Ormond Beach), 185 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL. 72.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-615-0096. (Breakfast) (Cafe) [B/L] Located on SR 40, in the Granada Shopping Plaza, just one block off the beach. Similar to First Watch The Daytime Café, this restaurant is open 7 AM to 2:30 PM, except weekends to 3:30 PM. They offer many Egg dishes, Benedicts and Omelets. Quiche of the Day is offered. A Breakfast Wrap and a Café Croissant is available. Specials include Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffle, French Toast, Stuffed French Toast and specialties like Biscuits and Sausage Gravy and Smoked Salmon and Bagel. Lunch adds a daily soup, salads that range in price, sandwiches like Philly Cheese Steak, Patty Melt, French Dip, Fish Sandwich and a Half Pond Burger. Wraps are also on the menu. Classics like Chicken Pot Pie, Blackened Chicken Pasta and Shrimp & Grits are featured. Desserts include Gourmet Cookies, Chocolate Brownie Sundae and, of course, Peach Cobbler. No bar. One of just 5 locations in central Florida, owned by the Stonewood Grill & Tavern chain of restaurants. Another one is planned for The Villages and Mount Dora.

Older Review: (from Ira F. 11/12) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Stephen H. 1/15) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rollie W. 2/15) Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from James D. 1/16) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 8/17) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Pepe's Cantina (Winter Park), 433 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, FL. 54.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-972-4881. (Mexican) [L/D] Opened in 2009. It's located in western Winter Park between N. Virginia and E. Hannibal Square. Pepe's has mostly outdoor covered and uncovered sidewalk seating with a few indoor tables and parking on the street or in a free outdoor lot a block away. Hours are 11:30 AM to 9 PM, but to 10 PM on weekends. Menu runs the gamut of authentic Mexican food from appetizers, like Queso Fundido, to Burgers, to Enchiladas, to Quesadillas, to Chimichangas, to Fajitas. There are Tacos too and XXL Burritos. Main dishes like Chicken and Mushrooms, Chile Rellenos, Colorado Pork Stew, Carnitas Verde, Baja Steak, Shrimp Diablo, Carne Asada, Fish Veracruz, and Churrasco all range in price. Soups and Salads are available too. Desserts like Flan, Sopaipilla, Churros, Tres Leches, Fried Ice Cream and Cheesecake are offered. Lunch items slightly less. Sunday Brunch to 3 PM, brings unlimited drinks and a limited food menu. Full bar here. Frozen or Rocks Margaritas are popular, as is Sangria. Craft Cocktails are made, Bottled Beer is available, Drafts too, Wine by the glass. Tequila Shots are popular. Rotating Drink Specials daily. Limited Happy Hour, M-F until 6 PM. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table. Other Pepe locations are in DeBary and Clermont. Franklin Chavez-Reyes and Stuart Kirban, owners.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 5/22) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Peperoncino Cucina, 7988 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando, FL. 56.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-440-2856. (Italian) [L/D] Located off West Sand Lake Road ("Restaurant Row"), 1 mile west of I-4, Exit 74A. Opened in January, 2012. Open for lunch from Noon to 4 PM daily, except Sunday Brunch is Noon to 5 PM. Dinner hours are 5 PM to 10 PM, except on Sunday when it closes at 8 PM. No service from 4-5 PM, six days per week. Authentic regional Italian fare and the menu changes daily. Antipasto dishes might include Misto, Sautée ai Frutti di Mare, Prosciutto e Burratina, Calamari Fritti, Pecorino Fritto, Piccolini and Arancini Vari. First Plates include Lasagna, Fiocchi, Pasta Regina, Pasta Bolognese, Risotto ai Frutti di Mare, Ravioli di Vitello e Manzo, Porcini e Salsiccia, Cozze alla Tarantina and Risotto del Giardino. Second Plates include Osso Buco di Maiale, Boscaiola con Gamberi, Cotoletta di Pollo al Cartoccio, Snapper alla Puttanesca, Cartoccio ai Frutti di Mare and Bistecca Marinata. Desserts range from a variety of Sorbets, to Flute Limoncello, Torta della Nonna, Cheesecake, Amaretto Cake, Black Forest Cake, Coppa Stracciatela, Tiramisu, Profiterol and a Bomba. Lunch items range in price and include Paninis and Pasta dishes. Gluten free pastas available. There's a bar menu too. Monday special is dinner for two including house wine is offered. Beer and wine only, with the emphasis on Italian brews and vinos that range $30-150/bottle. Happy Hour 5-7 PM weekdays at the bar and on the patio with house wine. Voted 2013 "Best Neighborhood Eateries" and "Best Italian" by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Reservations accepted. Valet parking available. Italian Marketplace inside. Barbara Alfano, chef and owner.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 7/22) Q=3 S=1 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.

P. F. Chang's China Bistro (Orlando), 4200 Conroy Rd., Orlando, FL. 53.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-345-2888. (Asian) [L/D] At the Mall at Millenia. This location serves the central Orlando metropolitan area. Entrées range in price. Philip's Better Lemon Chicken, Mu Shu Pork, Kung Pao Chicken, Oolong Marinated Sea Bass and Ground Chicken and Eggplant are just some of the unusual creations. Noodle bowls, Meins and Rice dishes also available. Free Small Plate, Dim Sum or dessert on your birthday for Preferred Club members. Gluten free information available on their website. Casual dress. Full bar. Reservations accepted. One of a large nationwide chain. 2008 & 2009 Foodie Reader's Choice winner and 2010 & 2011 Foodie Reader's Choice runner-up for "Best Chinese Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted 2015 "Best Chinese" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Another location is in Winter Park (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Jim C. 8/07) Q=2 S=2 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Paula M. 12/09) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 4/14) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Pharmacy, 8060 Via Delaggio Way, Orlando, FL. 56.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-985-2972. (American) (Spanish) [D] Located on "Restaurant Row" off W. Sand Lake Rd., at the west end of Delaggio Plaza, about 1 mile west of I-4, Exit 74A. Opened in February, 2013. Open for dinner only from 5 PM to late night. Closed Sunday. It's a Yuppie Bar; it's a Gastro Pub; it's a Speakeasy. It's all rolled into one trendy venue. Crafted cocktails, designer dishes and tempting tapas are on their limited menu. Elixers like Michter's Rye Whiskey Sours, Blonde Manhattan, Airmail, Richie's Turn, Perigordian Sidecar, Mum's Jalopies and Alipus Smash are just some of the concocted cocktails in their apothecary. Their pharmacy menu is just as off-beat. There's Nana's Meatball Soup, Clams Arrabbiata, Greenhouse Caesar Salad,, Gremolata Hand Cut Fries, Roasted Beef Marrow, Cheese Fondue, Cape Canaveral Rock Shrimp, Foie Gras Torchon and Cowart Ranch Wagyu Burger. For main dishes there's Egg Tagliatelle Bolognese, Seafood Paella, Duck Confit Cassoulet, Double Cut Pork Chop, Tarragon Ribeye and Whole Roasted "Thymed" Chicken for 2. Pizza Specialties are Neapolitan Style in either Margharita, Bianco or Sausage topped. Dessert names are just as interesting with Blueberry Buckle, Texas Lemon Tart, Hot Fudge Sundae and their own Crème Brûlée being offered. Full bar, obviously, with wine and beer. Valet parking available. Voted 2013 "Best New Restaurant" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Dominick Tardugno, bar manager. Run by Loren Falsone and Tyler Brassil.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 5/14) Q=3 S=2 V=1 Total=6 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/18) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Pine Street Pub, 108 N. Pine St., Inverness, FL. 30.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-341-0100. (American) (Beer Pub) [L/D] Opened October, 2013. Located in town, one block north of Old Main St. on Pine Street. Open from 11 AM, 7 days per week, "until the last friend leaves" (about 10 PM). Seats only 25 patrons. Typical pub fare in various portions, with Wings (8/12/16/30), Smothered Taters or Nachos, Chips & Dip, Italian Beef Sliders or Reuben Sliders, Fish & Chips and Rib Tips for their "Grub". Various Sandwiches and Burgers range in price for the ½lb. Burger to the large Reuben. Various Flatbreads are popular. Soups and Salads are offered. A Combo runs is available. Bread Pudding is a favorite. At least 22 craft beers are on tap, like Double Black, Smithwick, Milk Stout and Southern Grit. They rotate beers like Florida Cracker, Wittekerke, Snake Dog, Fat Tire, UFO and Swamphead's Big Nose. The ABV ranges 2.5 to 10.5% (like Imperial Stout). Wine Down Wednesday offers 2 for 1 wine all day. 2016 Winner of "Taste of Inverness" award. Occasional entertainment, especially weekends. Patio outdoor seating available. Tattooed people welcome here. Kemper Willcut, manager; Lou Ann Jacobs owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 4/21) Q=3 S=3 V=4 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Pinery, 295 NE Ivanhoe Blvd. Suite A, Orlando, FL. 57.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-377-7576. (American) (Continental) [D] Opened June 21, 2021. It's located in the new Lake House Apartment Complex on Ivanhoe Blvd. off N. Orange Ave. near the Lake Ivanhoe Boat Ramp. Hours are 4 PM to 10 PM, later on weekends, to 9 PM on Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday. This upscale restaurant fits right in with the luxury apartments in the area called Ivanhoe Village. It's between Exits #84 and #85 of I-4. It's on a site that was once a pineapple farm, thus the stylized logo. The 150 seat, 4,000+ s.f., restaurant features Florida Fresh Cuisine. Some dishes, you'll notice, are prepared at your table. They start with "Social Eats" which seems to mean appetizers like Smoked Peanut Soup, Roasted Corn Fritters, Smoked Fish Dip, Shrimp Ceviche, Clams from Cedar Key, FL., 8 Smoked Chicken Wings and Florida Fish Tacos. There's also "The Pinery Platter" of Hummus, Cheese, Sausage and Veggies on a Half or Full Board. You'll find Fried Chicken, Brisket and Brioche, Real or Beyond Burger, Grouper Rachel or Soft Shell Crab. For bigger meals they have Shrimp 'n Grits, Roasted Chicken Split, Frenched Pork Chop, Tableside Prepared Seafood Stew, Scottish Salmon, Braised Short Ribs, Tableside Prepared Florida Grouper and Tableside Prepared 6 or 8 oz. Prime Filet of Beef. Side dishes are extra. Adding bread to your meal is extra. Salads with Iceberg, Beets, Romaine or Watermelon are available. For dessert it's own menu lists such items like Pot de Crème, Hummingbird Cake, Loaded Sundae, or Sour Orange Pie. Kids menu available. full bar and Wine List. Wines run $7-20/glass or $25-270/bottle. Crafted Cocktails are made here. Taittinger Brut Bubbly is an even $100/bottle. Drafts are $8/glass. Happy Hour 4-6 PM. Reservations accepted. Operated by Full Circle Hospitality. Steve Mattix, chef; Robert Finfrock nd Carol Holloday operators.

Review: (from Colene M. 6/23) Long ride and only got lost once but we were a little early for the reservation but seated immediately. We ordered off the "Bite 30" menu (all but one person). My husband ordered a glass of Pinot Noir ($17). He also ordered the Salmon Cakes for a first course and it came with three plus dipping sauces he said were good. I ordered the Zucchini Fries that also came with a dipping sauce and they were good too. We waited an extremely long time for our main courses and when they came, my husband ordered the Blue Crab Baked Mac and I had the Floribbean Chicken. Both were good but not outstanding. We both had the Bread Pudding for dessert. Our bill before t&t was $87. It was VERY noisey in there and for that reason along with the lower quality of food offered in the Bite 30 menu, we won't return. My husband ordered Coffee to drink with his dessert but it came after he had finished. It is not the place to try to have a conversation as it was way too loud in there.
Q=3 S=3 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.

Pollos Pio Pio, 5752 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 53.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-248-6424. (Spanish) [L/D] Open daily from 11 AM. At I-Drive and S. Kirkman Rd. (CR 435). (At 5803 Precision Dr.) Specializing in Peruvian and Columbian cuisine. Main dishes include Quarter or Half Pollo a la Brasa (Rotisserie Chicken), Carne a la Pancha con Cebella (Grilled Steak with Onions), Chuleta de Cerdo (Pork Chops), Pechuga Apanada (Breaded Chicken Breast), Lomo de Cerdo Apanado (Breaded Pork Loin) and Churrasco a la Plancha (Grilled Skirt Steak), all ranging in price with Rice and Beans, Plantains or Cassava (Yuka). Combination Plates are for two or four people. They also offer Peruvian Fried Rice, Fillet of Tilapia, Bandeja Paisa (Sausage and Eggs) and Red Snapper. Kids meals available too. Desserts include Tres Leches, Vanilla Flan, Guava or Mango Cheesecake or Crème Brûlée, all at the same price. Lunch items are similar at slightly reduced prices. Tropical juices like Papaya, Guava, Mango, Naranjilla or Sour Sop are offered. Beer, wine and homemade sangria offered too. One of a small chain in Florida called Pio Pio. This one owned by Juan Isaza and Olga Raad.

Pomodoro Café, 9200 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL. 66.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-380-9886. (Italian) [L/D] Located just east of I-75 Exit #390, at 92 Ct., near Shands Hospital. Opens at 11 AM daily, 7 days per week. Dinners can start with Fritto Misto or Cioppino. Classic style dishes of Chicken or Veal include Piccata, Calbrese, Marsala, Santa Monica, Romano and Parmigiana are offered. They have all the usual and unusual pasta dishes like Fettuccini Alfredo, Ravioli Marinara, Linguine Viareggina, Shrimp and Chicken Carbonara, Risotto alla Pescatora, Eggplant Parmigiana, Penne la Chepe, Capellini Casa Nostra, Spaghetti Bolognese and of course Mamma's Lasagna all ranging in price. Salads are also available like Bistecca, Pollo Mediterraneo, Salmon, Caesar and even a Thai Shrimp Salad. Beef dishes include Skirt Steak, Angus Ribeye or a Mixed Grill. Seafood is not forgotten either with Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Shrimp - Scallops - Crab Meat Over Fusilli and Salmon la Griglia. Smaller entrées are offered in the lower price range. Pizza also available in either 10", 14" or 18" size. Lots of sinful desserts like Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Flan, Cannoli and even someone's Italian Wedding Cake! Specials are offered daily. Join their Email Club and get a $10 Gift Certificate in the mail. Wine and beer available. Happy Hour weekdays before 7 PM. Paul D'Alto, owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 2/10) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Mike G. 7/24) Very nice Southern Italian restaurant in north Gainesville. Good ambiance in a Shopping Center very close to Santa Fe College and UF Health Springdale. First rate Italian food, including Pizza. Beautiful selection of Italian deserts. We attended with 2 children who had the Chocolate Cake and Flan and loved them. Staff was very attentive to special requests. Portions were very large but good quality; not a restaurant to visit when you are on a diet.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Prato, 124 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-262-0050. (Italian) [L/D] Located on the north end of trendy Park Ave. next to Kilwin's near Morse Blvd. Opened in November, 2011. Open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 AM to 3 PM; then again, for dinner from 5:30 PM daily, seven days a week. Specializes in Italian dishes cooked in an Acunto wood-burning oven from Naples, Italy. Offers fresh local produce and farmed meats. Start with Chicken Liver Toscana, Marinated Beets, Crescenza Cheese Crostini, Prosciutto, Red Snapper Crudo or Pretzel-Crusted Calamari. Oak Roasted Tomato Soup, Escarole Caesar, Heirloom Tomato Caprese and Campagna Salads are offered. Pasta entrées include Bolognese Bigoli, Rigatoni Amatriciana, Spinach Cavatelli, Shrimp Ravioli or Egg Pappardelle, all at small or large portions. There's also Saffron Conchiglie small or large servings. Meat and fish dishes offered are Braised Beef Short Rib, Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken, Pork Chop, Idaho Trout and Veal Scallopini. Many styles of Pizza are on the menu. Side dishes like Red Wine Marinated Olives, Roasted Butternut Squash, Meatballs or PEI Mussels in Garlic are also available. Lunch items are similar at slightly reduced prices. Many Italian wines are offered by the glass or by the bottle ($24-90). Full bar offers imported Italian Birra and cocktails like Homemade Lemoncellos and Bellinis. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. for your own wine. Voted 2015 "Best Italian" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Voted a "Top Restaurant" in the area by OpenTable members. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted Orlando's best restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Reservations are taken by phone or online. Brandon McGlamery, executive chef; Brian France, Lesa Kennedy and Random Burnett, owners.

Older Review: (from Neal P. 6/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Sherrie K. 7/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 4/18) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Raglan Road (Irish Pub & Restaurant), 1620 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-938-0300. (Brew Pub) (Irish) [L/D] Located in Disney Springs. Touristy, yet fun. Opened in 2005. An authentic Irish Pub (built in Ireland and shipped here) featuring food and entertainment combined. Open daily 11 AM to 1:30 AM. Lunch served to 3 PM, then dinner to 11 PM, bar menu continues to closing, brunch menu Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 3 PM. Live music starts at 4 PM daily and the Irish Dancers Show runs hourly 5-10 PM, plus Noon to 3 PM during weekend brunch. A wide variety of Irish, British, American and European entrées like Sirloin Burger, Risotto, Beef Stew, Shepherd's Pie, Fish 'n Chips, Bangers 'n Mash, Pork Schnitzel, Roast Chicken, Glazed Ham, Seafood Chowder, Lamb Shank, Mixed Grill and so much more. Appetizers include Liver Pâté, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Tart, Battered Cocktail Sausage, Mussels, Irish Smoked Salmon, Shrimp & Garlic, Baby Back Ribs, Baked Haddock, Scallops and a few others hard to pronounce but large enough to share. A few large salads like Caesar or Veggie styles are available. Side dishes are extra. The menu changes little for lunch. Desserts include Bread Pudding, Lemon Curd Tart, a Black Forest creation and many others. Kid's menu offered too. Of course there's many brews on tap like Guinness Stout or Blonde Larger, Harp Larger, Kilkenny Irish Cream, Smithwick's Ale, Magner's Cider and crafts like Raglan Road Stout or IPA and McGargles Red or Pale Ale. Lots by the bottle too like Hefeweizens, Ommegang, Youngs Double Chocolate Stout and McChouffe Strong Brown Ale from Belgium. Many Scotch and Irish Whiskies might cause you to "call a cab". They have that wine too. Top it all off with an Irish Coffee and you're a "goner" for sure. Reservations by phone or online accepted and strongly advised. Open Thanksgiving and Christmas Day for special dinner or regular menu. Voted 2015 "Best Entertainment" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Mark O'Neill, executive chef; locally owned.

Older Review: (from Duane R. 5/15) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 4/18) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Ravello, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Orlando, FL. 57.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-313-7777. (Italian) [B/D] Opened August, 2014. Named after the picturesque town overlooking Amalfi on the Med. Located on the first floor of the new Four Seasons Restort at Walt Disney World in Golden Oak, off SR 535, just north of EPCOT. Open for breakfast 6:30 AM to 11 AM, then for dinner 5:30 to 10 PM. Smart casual attire suggested. Like all Four Seasons Resorts the décor is very tastefully done, but this restaurant is quite contemporary and sterile for its class. Capa Restaurant, upstairs, is their flagship dining experience. Start with Per il Tavolo [For the Table], they offer Tomato & Mozzarella Focaccia, Meat Stuffed Olives, Garlic Bruschetta, Braised Short Ribs, Grilled Shrimp, Seared Sea Scallops and Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie Selection. For Antipasti they have Insalata Rustica [Salami, Kale and Arugula], Insalata Mista [Mixed Greens], Caesar Salad, Fabrizio's Cozze [Mussels with Tomatoes], Tuna Tartare [Raw Tuna with Fennel], Pomodoro e Burrata [Tomatoes & Creamed Mozzarella] and Carpaccio [Cured Beef]. For the Pasta course they list Spinach Gnocchi [Spinach Flavored Potato Dumpling with a White Cream Sauce], Pappardelle Bolognese [Pasta Squares with Meat Sauce], Ravioli [Veal Filled Pillow Pasta], Stozzapreti [Rolled Pasta with Braised Lamb], Open Faced Ravioli [with Shrimp and Lobster Limoncello Sauce], plus a Risotto of the day at Market Price. For main dishes they have ½ Grilled Chicken, Pan Seared Tuna, Branzino [European Sea Bass Pan Seared with Garlic], Anatra [Pan Seared Duck Breast], Grouper, Agnello [Grilled Lamb Chops] and Manzo [16 oz. Prime Rib]. Most main dishes come with a vegetable and starch, or you can add Asparagus, Eggplant, Potatoes or Wild Mushrooms are extra. Pizzas are also available and popular with families. Desserts include Gelati and Sorbetti, Torta al Barbera [Ricotta Cheesecake], Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Tortoni Cake and Italian Cookies. Kids menu available. Full bar and Wine List with Whites and Reds. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Breakfast offers a Bakery Breakfast, Continental Breakfast or full Buffet Breakfast. A-la-carte Breakfast also available. Goofey frequents this restaurant in the earlier hours. Demonstration kitchen for groups. Outdoor seating available. Roof-top bar open late. Valet parking. Reservations taken by phone or online. Open Thanksgiving Day 2-8 PM for lavish Buffet. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Fabrizio Schenardi, executive chef; Stephen Wancha, director; corporate owned.

The Ravenous Pig, 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-628-2333. (Southern) (Wine Bar) [D] Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday at 5 PM daily. Closed Monday, Thanksgivings and New Year's Days. Located on Orange between Orlando and Denning. Don't let the name fool you. It's not a BBQ Shack. They refer to themselves as an "American Gastro Pub" and the interior is an upscale copper and brick dining area. For starters you might find Rabbit Paté, Grilled Octopus or Southern Fried Chicken Livers ranging in price at the top of the list. Entrées may include Black Cod, Red Snapper, Sockeye Salmon, Black Angus Flat Iron Steak, Ribeye or a Pork Chop. Lighter fare such as Shrimp and Grits, Lobster Tacos and Crab Hush Puppies are usually ordered as appetizers. 7 dollar desserts include Blackberry Crisp, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Apricot-Almond Tart or Plum Upside-Down Cake. Lunch items may include Oyster 'n Shrimp Po' Boy, Cuban Sandwich, Salmon BLT, Grilled Ham 'n Cheese or a Pub Burger. Full bar and a wine list that ranges $32 to $200 per bottle. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. for your own wine. Micro brewery beers like Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale are also available. Occasional Special Sunday Brunch at $29 per person, or a Lamb Roast is offered in the season. Online or phone reservations accepted and recommended on weekends. Open on Christmas Day. 2009, 2010 & 2011 Critic's Choice winner for "Best Overall Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted 2015 "Best Restaurant Most Worth The Wait" by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Reservations accepted. James (Hyde Park's Culinary Institute of America trained) and wife, Julie Petrakis, chef and owners.

Older Review: (from Roberta M. 5/10) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ken J. 8/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 5/12) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Red Mule Pub, 1208 S. Broad St., Brooksville, FL. 52.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-796-9650. (American) [L/D] Located on US 41 near SR 50 (Cortez Blvd.) at the north end of the South Plaza. The "Sandwich Emporium". A cozy business since 1977. Open 11 AM to 8 PM daily, except Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM only. Specializes in piled high sandwiches and known for their Romanian Pastrami and Chicago Style Vienna Corned Beef. Some of their offerings include Corned Beef, Pastrami, Kosher Bologna, Turkey, Salami, Beef & Bird, Roast Beef, Kielbasi, Ham, Grilled Chicken and Liverwurst, all ranging in price. They also have Shrimp Salad, Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad and French Dip. Rye, Pumpernickel, Whole Wheat, White, Italian and Onion Rolls available. Chocolate Fudge Brownie, plus Turtle or Cappuccino Cheesecake are favorite desserts. Draft or bottle beer and wine available. Les Jinkens, owner.

Older Review: (from Tom B. 3/18) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Red Rice Kitchen, 3316 SW 35th Blvd., Gainesville, FL. 61.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-505-3396. (Asian) [L/D] Opened in August, 2018. Located off SW Archer Rd. (SR 24), one mile east of I-75 (Exit #384), opposite the KFC on 35th Blvd. Hours are 11:30 AM to 9 PM daily. It specializes in Pan-Asian (Vietnamese, Thai, Korean and Japanese) cuisines in an attractive simple Asian décored dining area and front patio. Many vegetarian options here from their vast multi-page binder menu. For appetizers they have four Fresh Rolls and Chicken Wings in 10 flavors. Then there's Pot Stickers, Thai Seafood Rangoon, Pork Fried Wontons, Dumplings, Bang Bang Shrimp, Crispy Vegetable Rolls and even a Sampler Platter for Two. Soups are on the menu with Beef, Thai Tom Yum, Coconut Tom Kha, Seafood Wonton and Vegetable Soups offered. Crispy Tofu is also on the list. Specials include five versions of Teriyaki and Korean Fried Chicken. Rice dishes are popular with Thai Pineapple, Coconut, Kimchi, Garlic, Thai Basil and Vegetarian Fried Rice varieties offered, plus their signature Red Rice Fried Rice. 13 Soup entrées are available, plus Clay Pot and Cast Iron Skillet dishes like Bo Luc Lac. Various Wok dishes can be made and many Curry versions are available too. A vast assortment of Vegetarian dishes are on their own pages. Special meals like Coconut Sticky Rice with Chicken Wings or Saigon Style Grilled Pork with Spring Rolls are featured. A long list of side dishes can be added to the meal. Seating for groups available. Outdoor seating available too. Beer and wine licensed, with Italian Sodas also offered. Ice Cream, Tea Crème Brûlée, and Sticky Rice with Mango featured for dessert. Reservations accepted on their website or by phone. Van (Ken) Nguyen and Thanh Vo, owners.

Review: (from Mike G. 10/24) We were in Gainesville and found this little gem of a restaurant near Butler Plaza. It is Vietnamese/Thai place and has a big choice of dishes from both cultures, with a separate, large, Vegetarian menu. Small but well appointed restaurant. My wife had Coconut Shrimp Soup and Summer Rolls and I had Vegetable Dumplings and Thai Basil Tofu Fried Rice. We both had drinks. All very authentic and better by far than any similar fare near The Villages. This place is worth a visit if you find yourself near Gainesville and hanker for Asian food. We were served by Thanh, who was knowledgeable, very fast and pleasant. Our total bill was $53.54.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Jackie N. 12/24) We were enticed to go to this restaurant after reading the previous review but were very disappointed. We shared the following 3 dishes: Vietnamese Traditional Rolls, Thai Coconut TomKha Soup with Shrimp and Traditional Pad Thai with Chicken. The Soup was flavorful and delicious but was a small portion for the price. The Summer Rolls were tasteless as was the Peanut Sauce that went with it. The Pad Thai was also tasteless despite being served with too many peanuts on the side. The waiter was nice, the restaurant small with little ambiance except for the interesting light fixtures. Our bill was $31.65 before t&t. As there are so many really good Asian restaurants in Gainesville we would not return to Red Rice Kitchen.
Q=2 S=4 V=1 Total=7 out of 15. Return=No.

ReD Sea (Restaurant and Lounge), 274 W. SR 434, Longwood, FL. 59.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-571-9187. (Greek) (Middle Eastern) [L/D] Opened June, 2023. Located on SR 434, just west of S. Ronald Regan Blvd. in the West Lake Plaza. Vibrant social and ethnic atmosphere in a lounge setting. Hours are Noon to Midnight or to 2 AM weekends, except Sunday to only 9 PM. Closed all day Tuesday. It offers many Eastern Mediterranean cuisines especially Halal, Arab, Egyptian and Greek. You'll find the usual Middle Eastern appetizers like Baba Ghanoush, Hummus, Warak, Labneh, Moussaka, Tabbouleh, Fattouch and many Salads. Soups are available too. Fried Kibbeh, Falafel, Chicken Liver, Spring Rolls and Qallaya are also offered warm. For entrées you'll choose from Kafta Kabob, Farrouj [Grilled Chicken], Shish Kabob, Swish Tawook, Beef or Chicken on Rice, Red Snapper, Shrimp Scampi, Kafta with Tomato or Tahini, Mixed Grill and of course, Rack of Lamb. Specialties include Mansaf [Lamb], Koshary, Makloubeh, Stuffed Chicken and Egyptian Molokhia. For lunch they offer many Sandwiches like Beef or Chicken Shawarma, Shish Tawook [Cubed Chicken Breast] and others. Lunch Buffet served on weekends 11 AM to 3 PM. Many sweet dessert offerings like Baklava and Rice Pudding are featured. Beer and Wine licensed. Happy Hour Specials. Mocktails and Teas featured. Entertainment weekends. Open late. A Hooka area is included. Ample covered outdoor seating. Reservations accepted. Sameer Suhail and Anas Hashem, owners.

Red Wing Restaurant, 12500 South SR 33, Groveland, FL. 32.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-429-2997. (American) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Open 11 AM - 2 PM for lunch; and 4:30 PM - 8 PM for dinner, except closed on Sunday and Monday. Located in a building that's been a restaurant since 1948. About 2 miles south of SR 50, on SR 33. Unique breakfast and lunches as well as steak and seafood meals at dinner. Billed as "The Best Little Steak House in Groveland", it's hard to dispute since it's probably the only one! This unpretentious restaurant serves such exotic meat as Venison, Wild Boar, Elk, Bison, Duck, Ostrich, Quail and Gator. Entrées are semi-a-la-carte. Steaks are 28 day aged, hand cut, USDA Choice Angus Beef and include Top Sirloin, NY Strip, Rib Eye and on Friday and Saturdays, 12 or 16 oz. Prime Rib. Snow Crab Legs, Tilapia, Frog Legs, Shrimp, Whole Catfish, Gator Tail and Pasta dishes are also available. Fried Quail is offered as a Wednesday "All You Can Eat" Deal plus other Specials on weekdays. Large wine list and many imported and domestic beers. $12 Corkage Fee for your own wine. Noted for their homemade cobblers. Noted for their Burgers too. Kids menu available. Michael Wahl, chef; Patrick Borsey, owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 12/07) Q=4 S=5 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from James D. 8/11) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Eileen P. 3/16) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Walter P. 9/17) Q=3 S=2 V=2 Total=7 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Ann P. 1/18) Q=2 S=2 V=3 Total=7 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Charles K. 1/22) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 5/23) Have not been here for years. We remember it being more upscale. It's very casual now. Our Dine-Out Team was in the south room at a table for 8. Great place for us. The A-U-C-E Quail Special was ordered by one person and enjoyed. The Pork Chop, not so much. My better half had the Country Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Salad. She liked it. I had the NY Strip Steak with Potatoes and Salad. Just average. We shared a Cherry Cobbler. Service by Dianna was great. Corkage charge was waived for two wines. Total with tax was $55 before t&t.
Q=3 S=5 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Redlight Redlight, 2810 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL. 58.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-893-9832. (Brew Pub) [D] Opened in 2016. Located on Corrine Dr. near Winter Park Rd. in the Audubon Park area of Orlando. It's in the long strip mall. Open 3 PM to 2 AM most weekdays; Noon to Midnight on Friday and Saturday; Noon to 8 PM on Sunday; and closed all day Tuesday. Kitchen open 5-9 PM (except Monday and Tuesday), plus Sunday Brunch. If you have tattoos and purple hair, you'll fit right into this energetic young hipster crowd. This may be the largest assortment of draught, canned and bottled beer arrays in Florida. Craft beer specialists, they can pinpoint your taste down to a flight of beers, pils, ales, sours, meads, porters, stouts or ciders to try. For food, you might find Tomato Salad, Fried Green Olives, Hush Puppies, Fried Deviled Eggs, Steamed Mussels, Pierogis, Baked Potato, Cheese Plate, Shrimp & Beans, Mac 'n Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, Braised Sausage, Fried Chicken, Lamb Stew, Wolf Fish or Schnitzel on the menu. Many vegetarian items are offered. Some wine available too. Outdoor seating available. Happy Hour. Food trucks appear in the parking lot occasionally. Frequent entertainment and festivals. Jes Tantalo, chef; Brent Hernandez, owner.

Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen and Bar, 1234 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, FL. 58.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-543-3474. (Seafood) (Southern) [D] Located where Ravenous Pig did business until December, 2016. Opened in January, 2017. Open daily from 5 PM, except closed Monday. Fish still flopping is their aim. Start with Fish Chowder, Smoked Fish Dip, Fried Calamari, Kale and Artichoke Dip, Fried Green Tomatoes, PEI Mussels, Grilled Octopus, or Fried Tuna Roll. Salads like Caesar, Greek or Shrimp creations can make a second course. For main dishes they offer Pan Fried Chicken, Pecan Crusted Trout, Shrimp & Grits, Grilled Hanger Steak or Grilled Atlantic Salmon. Plus they have a Broiled Seafood Platter, Linguini and Clam Sauce or a Low Country Boil that serves two. They also have Fried Seafood like Fried Fish, Shrimp, Scallops, Oysters, plus a Double Combo or Triple Combo. For lighter appetites they have Fish Tacos, Beef Burger, Fried Fish plus a Shrimp or Oyster Po' Boy. Side dishes like Fries, Okra, Beans, Coleslaw or Grits add to the bill. They also have a Raw Bar. They make a "Blackboard Special", daily. Kids menu available. Bread Pudding is on the dessert list. Full bar with Craft Beers and extensive Wine List with Whites $27-99/btl. and Reds $28-110/btl. No Corkage Fee with dinner. Happy Hour, 4-7 PM in the bar or patio only. Valet parking available. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table and advised weekends. Michael Zajac and Michael Huffler, chefs; Fred Thimm, owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 6/18) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Relax Grill (At Lake Eola), 211 Eola Parkway, Orlando, FL. 55.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-425-8440. (American) (Greek) [L/D] Just northeast of downtown Orlando. Open 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily, later on weekends. Located in the shadow of the Fifth Third Bank near the corner of E. Robinson St. and N. Rosalind Ave., right on Lake Eola, next to the Swan Boats. Appetizers like Fried Zuckes, Feta Bruschetta, Fried Mushrooms, Spinach Dip, Fried Calamari, Peel & Eat Shrimp and a 7-Layer Dip are offered. A Fried Shrimp Basket, Fish Sandwich, Fish 'n Chips, Mahi, Grouper, Tilapia or Snapper Sandwich are on the menu. Entrées like Grilled Tilapia, Chicken Kabob, Hawaiian Chicken, Grilled Shrimp, Red Snapper Filet, Blackened Mahi, Grilled Grouper and a Shrimp & Scallop dish all come with a Greek Salad, Seasoned Rice, Grilled Veggies and Pita Bread. They also have a half dozen Stir Fry dishes, a half dozen large Salads, plus lighter items like a BLT, Gyro, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Cheeseburger, Philly Cheesesteak and a Steak Pita. Lunch specials are available. Large outdoor seating area. Entertainment evenings. Full bar. Happy Hour weekdays. Wine Down Sundays 6-9 PM. 18% gratuity added for parties of 5 or more, or on "event days". 12% gratuity added to To-Go orders. Payment by credit card or debit card subject to additional surcharge. Ivy Crowell, owner.

Rivership Barbara Lee, 433 North Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL. 53.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-888-235-1266, 1-321-441-3030. (American) [L/D] Cruises formerly operated as The Rivership Romance, now The Barbara Lee, is operated by the St. Johns Rivership Company. Meal, Entertainment & Cruise with narration during daylight hours. Dock is off W. Seminole Blvd., just north of town. Ship sails the St. John's River from Lake Monroe.
3 Hour Lunch Cruises are usually Wednesday and Saturday: 11 AM to 2 PM; Sunday: 12 to 3 PM.
4 Hour Lunch Cruises are usually Thursday: 11 AM to 3 PM.
3½ Hour Moonlight Dining & Dancing Cruise is Saturday: 7:30 to 11 PM.
Special Event Cruises on some Sundays: 4 to 6:30 PM. Call for schedule. All prices plus a port fee, gratuities and sales tax. Advance reservations and payment are required. The 105 foot air-conditioned stern wheeler, built in 1986, holds almost 200 for meal seating. Group discounts for 25 or more. Bar beverages, taxes, gratuities and $2.50 port fee are extra. Entrées that might be available include Salmon Filet, Prime Rib, Chicken St. Johns, Vegetable Lasagna, or other seasonal dishes. Vegetables, salad, rolls and dessert are included with full linen service. Full cash bar with wine selections. Phone reservations required. William and Deborah Maloney, owners.

Rocca, 323 W. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL. 86.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-906-5445. (Italian) [D] In business since July, 2019. Located in The Heights District, on W. Palm Ave. junction of Market St., near N. Massachusetts Ave., 3 blocks west of N. Tampa St. Hours are 5 to 9 PM weekdays, to 10 PM weekends but closed on Monday. Artfully presented Italian a-la-carte dishes made with fresh ingredients. Starters might include Beet & Pear Salad, Broccolini, Steak Tartare, Pork Arrosticini, Tuna Carpaccio and others. Bread is an extra charge. A Mozzarella Cart is featured. Kaluga Caviar Service is offered. For the Pasta course you'll find Veal Raviolini, Salmon Agnolotti, Gnocchi, Tagliolini and Spaghetti al Limone. You'll find Dry Aged Rohan Duck, Pesche alla Ligure [Fish] or Dry Aged Bistecca [Beef] to share. Some require a 30 minute wait. Dessert time brings Pistachio or Cinnamon Gelato, Lemon Tart, Olive Oil Cake, Hazelnut Panna Cotta or Burnt Cheesecake. A private dining "Conetta" experience is offered here for up to 16 patrons with a room minimum charge. Full bar. Numerous wines by the glass. Vast Italian Wine List generally runs $50-$1750/btl. for a vintage Barolo. Corkage Fee: $40/btl. for your own wine. Limit two. A 1 Star Rated Michelin Guide Restaurant. Reservations online via RESY and by phone are accepted and advised weekends. Eat at the bar meal service available for walk-ins. Valet and free parking available. Nick Orr, chef de cuisine; James Murray, Nicholas Reader and Bryce Bonsack, executive chef and owners.

Rocco's Café (and Pizzeria), 6612 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Crystal River, FL. 44.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-563-0442. (Italian) [L/D] Located past Lecanto, about 2 miles before Crystal River on SR 44 in the Bella Vista Plaza across from the liquor store. Open daily 11 AM to 9 PM, later on weekends but from 12 Noon on Sunday. This traditional Italian restaurant with pleasant décor has been serving family recipe dishes for many years now on a mostly a-la-carte menu. Start with Garlic Bread, Fried Mozzarella Sticks or Fresca, Fried Calamari, Mussels ala Rocco (in Marinara or White Wine), or Antipasti Rustico. The usual Pasta dishes are offered and include Penne ala Vodka, Fettucini Alfredo, Pasta with Pesto or Broccoli, al Pomodoro in White Wine Garlic Sauce, Pasta with Meatballs or Sausage, Tortellini or Gnocchi Bolognese, plus Penne ala Pavarotti or Rustiche. There's also baked dishes like Manicotti, Stuffed Shells and Ravioli, Meat or Eggplant Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana, Baked Ziti Siciliana or Eggplant Rollatini. Chicken dishes include Parmigiana, Francese, Marsala, Milanese, Piccata, Carbonara or Florentine. Then there's Chicken Diane or Chicken Cardinale. Similar Veal dishes are offered. Prime Rib, Osso Bucco, Rack of Lamb, plus a dish called Belagio are offered. Seafood dishes include Linguine with White or Red Clam Sauce, Lobster Ravioli, Calamari Arrabbiata, Salmon Milanese, Shrimp Scampi, Grouper Francese, Stuffed Grouper and Zuppa di Pesce, among others. Personal 10" Pizzas or Supreme are listed. Large Pizzas run more. Lunch portions generally less. Italian desserts and Espresso and Cappuccino offered too. Shared portions are extra. Gratuity of 20% added for parties of 8 or more. Reservations accepted. Patio dining. Occasional entertainment with cover charge. Children's menu. Beer and wine plus full bar. Joe Salimeni and Steve Ditria, owners.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 12/14) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Rocco's Italian Grille & Bar, 400 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL. 59.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-644-7770. (Italian) [L/D] Located on US 17/92, next to El Bodegón Tapas & Wine, two blocks north of W. Fairbanks Ave. Lunch is served noon to 2:30 PM weekdays and dinner from 5:00 PM. Closed Sundays. An upscale and romantic Italian Cafe with epicurean cuisine. Start with Sausage Filled Mushroom Caps, an Assorted Appetizer, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, Fritto Misto, Flambéed Shrimp, or Caprese Salad. House or Caesar Salads are offered. Primi Piatti (First Course) include Papardelle with Pesto, Fettuccine Pomodoro, Rigatoni alla Zozzana (with Sausage), Spaghetti Amatriciana (with Pork), Fettuccine Bolognese, Spaghetti Carbonara, Lasagna Bolognese, Gnocchi Trentina, Linguine with Clam Sauce, Totelloni with Smoked Ham and Green Peas, Papardelle with Shrimp, Scallops and Lobster, Linguine with Seafood and a Risotto of the Day. Main dishes include Chicken Milanese, Herb Marinated Chicken, Chicken with Prosciutto, Veal Scaloppini with Artichokes or Roasted Peppers, Large Grilled Marinated Prawns, Veal Chop Milanese, Veal Chop in Cognac Sauce, Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola, and Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops. Side dishes of Roasted Potatoes, Vegetables, Sautéed Spinach, Grilled Eggplant or Asparagus are extra. Desserts like a Mini Cannoli, Cheesecake and a La Bomba, end the meal. Lunch items like Paninis, Pasta and main dishes are offered. Happy Hour 5-7 PM, weeknights. Wines by the glass is available. Selections by the bottle run $32-360 per bottle. Vini Dolce, Grappa and Cognac are also offered after dinner. Full Bar. Jazz music in the bar from 6:30 PM weekends. Reservation accepted by phone or online. Voted "Best Italian" by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Rocco Potami, chef and Keith Lehmann, owners.

Review: (from Neal P. 8/24) We went there for the Magical Dining Menu. Persio was our waiter. We had the Caprese for an appetizer and it did not have any flavor. For the main course my date had the Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes and the portion was very skimpy. The Magical Dining Menu said there was a Veal Chop option but he said there was none available. I had the Veal Parmigiano with Spaghetti and it was OK. For dessert I had the Gelatto with Espresso and my date had the Chocolate Cake both of which were good. The cost of the meal was $80 before t&t. We got there when the restaurant opened and we were the first customers. When we left an hour and a half later still no customers. The restaurant was not worth the one hour drive each way.
Q=2 S=3 V=1 Total=6 out of 15. Return=No.

Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar (Orlando), 7468 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-226-0550. (Mexican) [L/D] Opened in August, 2012. Located on "Restaurant Row" just east of Dr. Phillips Blvd. where the Samba Room was once located. Open daily, 11 AM to 11 PM or later on weekends. Obviously specializes in handmade Tacos but other Mexican items are offered too in a creative manner. In-house Flour Tortillas are filled with Chicken, Pork, Spicy Beef, Spicy Sausage, Shrimp, Grilled Steak, Fish or Vegan and priced for each one. Full triple Taco meals like Chile Rellenos, Carnitas Style Pork, BBQ Glazed Pork Belly, and California Fish Tacos are made of Corn Tortillas or Gluten-free. They offer combinations too, like the Gaucho Platter. Enchiladas are popular like Rojas, Verdes or Vegetarian. Sizzling Molcajetes can be had with Carne, Surf & Turf or Seafood (for One or Two). House Specials like Wet Burrito, Chimichanga, Grilled Chicken, Pollo al Carbon, or Bistec con Avocado Fries are available. Burgers are also offered with Fries for the "gringos" in your party. Large Salads like Mixta, Con Kale y Queso, or Quinoa Bowl are on the list. Many appetizers called Antojitos and Botanas and can make a Tapas Style meal. Guacamole & Chips is a favorite item here. Side dishes like Planrains run extra. Desserts include Tres Leches Cake, Chocolate Brownie Sundae and Churros. Lunch items are priced the same as dinner. Weekend Brunch at 11 AM adds Egg dishes like Huevos Rancheros Divorciados. Valet and lot parking out front. Full bar that boasts over 400 different Tequilas and of course Margaritas galore. You can even "Tequila Dance" on top of the bar. Happy Hour 4-7 PM daily with a few reduced priced drinks and food items, but at the bar only. Corkage Fee: $25/btl.Open Table online or phone reservations accepted and advised weekends. DJ entertainment nightly keeps the noise level high. Outdoor seating is available with a view of the lake. Kenneth Stevens, executive chef here. A small chain of 8 locations in major cities in Florida founded by Rocco Mangel of West Palm Beach, FL.

Older Review: (from Dee O. 5/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Leo M. 11/16) Q=5 S=3 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Rooster & the Till, 6500 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL. 82.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-374-8940. (Continental) [D] In business since 2013. Located in the Seminole Heights area north of Tampa, a few blocks north of US 92, use Exit #48 off I-275. Open for dinner only, 5 to 9 PM, to 9:30 PM on weekends and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Large U-shaped bar, surrounded by bare tables, plus the "Kitchen Counter" seating on barstools (up to 2 patrons only). Casual, modern, open-space dining area. The name refers to the wild roosters in Ybor City and the soil that brings fresh vegetables to the kitchen. Best described as Mediterranean cuisine, it's artfully presented and offered here. The limited a-la-carte menu may have Mushrooms & Caviar Hand Rolls, Sourdough Fondue, Tuna Crudo, "Panzanella" Salad, Cobia, Pork Cheeks, Potato Pierogies or Grilled Romano Beans listed. Others might be Frittelli "Cacio e Pepe" [Cheese and Pepper], Potato Crusted Fish, Fazzoletti Nero [Sheet Pasta], Gnocchi [Lump Pasta], Seared Foie Gras [Goose Liver Pâté] or 16 oz. Bone-In Short Rib at the top end. Desserts might include a Cheese Duo, Rhubarb & Strawberries or Black Sesame Ice Cream. A Special 6-Course (Full Party) Prix Fixe Tasting Menu is offered at $135pp, plus $55pp for Wine Pairing. Special Guest Chef Dinners are announced monthly. Now full bar. Wine List by the glass or bottle shows Whites at $55-350/btl. and Reds at $55-500/btl. Creative cocktails available. Mocktails are made here too. Happy Hour Specials on Wednesday through Saturday on some food and drink 5-6:30 PM, but only at the bar. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Tock. Some outdoor seating available on first come first served basis. No cash accepted, except for tips. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. Golden Spoon Award recipient. Karlyn Muzik, general manager; Martin DeJesus, executive chef; Ferrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez and Chon Nguyen, owners.

Root & Branch Bistro & Bar, 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr., Suite #102 Clermont, FL. 34.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-708-4529. (American) (Continental) [D] Opened October, 2018. Located east of US 27, off SR 50, near Home Depot in the Oakley Plaza. No more lunch hours. Hours are 4-9 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 10 AM to 2 PM on Sunday. Brunch with Mimosas served Sunday only. It's a "Farm-to-Table" modern concept of "light portion / heavy quality" food. It's best described as "New American". Full linen service on the tables. Small plates include Bread, Butternut Squash Soup, Fried Brussels Sprouts, Pimento Cheese Hush Puppies, Truffle Fries, Award-Winning Fried Green Tomatoes, Mussels Frites, Meat & Cheese Board and Crab Cakes. Garden items include Baby Wedge, Farm House Salad, Kale Caesar or a Beet Salad. For Sandwiches you'll find Fried Chicken on Challah, Meatball Hoagie, Bacon-Beef Burger and a Lobster Roll. For entrées they have Seasonal Carbonara, Parisian Gnocchi, Trout, Shrimp & Grits, Half Roast Chicken, Pork Chop, Rack of Lamb and Steak Frites. For desserts you can enjoy Key Lime Bar, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Bread Pudding or Crème Brûlée. Kids menu available. Early Bird Specials 4-5:30 PM weekdays. Wednesday is Prime Rib Night. Thursdays 50% off Burgers. Saturday and Sunday, kids eat free. Full bar. Draft Beer, Cider, Champagne, Wine and Cocktails, like Sangria, made from them are offered. Wine by the glass or $28-125/bottle, like a South African Cab. or Bordeaux Blanc. Happy Hour 4-6 PM with Drafts, Sangria, Highballs, Select Wines, House Cocktails and 20% off Small Plates. Everyone gets 50% off Bottled Wines on Wednesdays. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Call ahead as the restaurant closes for private events occasionally. 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more may be added. Reservations accepted and advised weekends. Jeff Wilkowski, general manager; Chef, AJ (Albert) and Dana Kraft, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 10/21) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 7/22) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 7/22) Q=4 S=3 V=2 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.

Review: (from Ken J. 2/25) This quaint little Bistro & Bar has black linen tablecloths and a modern decorating flair. We were in Clermont for errands and decided to check this place out. The Bistro was hosting a large private group of about 25+ people, so we sought to place our food order quickly. George, our server, was a bit slow to greet us, but he made up for the delay. We both ordered Smash Burgers which were excellent. Both were served with Kettle Chips. We both decided that another trip here for dinner was needed to get a better opinion. We will return. Total was $38 before t&t. No drinks for us, just water.
Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Russell's On Lake Ivanhoe, 1414 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL. 57.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-601-3508. (American) (Continental) [D] Opened here on September 18, 2020. Located near Exit 85 of I-4, on N. Orange near Ivanhoe Blvd., right on Lake Ivanhoe. Beautiful setting with lake views. Upscale casual dining room with full linen service. Open from 5-9 PM daily except later on weekends. Dinner starts at 5 PM; Brunch offered 10 AM to 3 PM Saturday and Sunday. Appetizers include Clams, Salmon Gravlax, Calamari, Roasted Beets, Beef Carpaccio, Tuna Tartare, Charcuterie Board, and Scallop & Shrimp Ceviche. For entrées you can choose Royale Cheese Burger, Chicken Kiev, Double Pork Chop, Shrimp Linguine, Grilled Lamb Chops, Wild Salmon, Grilled Swordfish, Crispy Duck Confit, 8 oz. Beef Tenderloin, Chilean Sea Bass and a 16 oz. Ribeye. All come with two sides. Side House Salad, Table-Side Caesar Salad, Wedge Salad and Viet Spring Roll Salad can make a meal for the weight conscious. Soup of the day is offered. Desserts like the Chocolate Volcano are available. Weekend Bruch [10 AM - 3 PM], like the New England Lobster Rolls are on the list. Full bar with a Wine List ($32-150/btl.). Happy Hour is daily except Saturday, 4:30-6:30 PM, at the bar only with featured Cocktails and some Beers reduced price. Normally Craft Cocktails are premium priced. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Some outdoor seating available in good weather. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table. Emmanuel Clement, chef; Lindsay Skillman, general manager; Philippe Villain and Kevin O'Donnell, owners here and at Big Fin Seafood Kitchen (see that listing).

RusTeak Restaurant & Wine Bar (Ocoee), 1681 Amazing Way, Ocoee, FL. 44.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-614-5624. (American) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Sometimes seen as Rus Teak. Opened in October, 2012 then moved here in 2023. Near Exit #267B of the Turnpike, off Maguire Rd. and Tomyn Blvd., half mile south of SR50. Open daily except Sunday from 11:30 AM to 11 PM. For starters they have Garlic Lime & Herb Edamame, Spinach Crab Dip, Hummus, Dip and Pitas, Pan Roasted Mussels, Crab Cake, Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna plus a Cheese Plate to share. For salads you can count on large Wedge Salad, Grilled Mahi Salad, Greek Salad, Shrimp Salad, Summertime Salad, Steak Salad and a Scallop Salad. Soups rotate daily. In the Flatbread Dept. you can find Garlic Bianca, Zucchini, Tuscan Steak, Turkey Pear & Boursin and a Shrimp & Corn Flat. Burgers range from the Smoked Gouda Burger to the Kobe Burger. Entrées include Key Lime Chicken, Shrimp Risotto, Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Mahi, Grilled Mahi over Vegetable-Potato Hash, Twin Crab Cakes, Salmon Oscar, Pan Seared Snapper Filet, Seared Scallops, 6 oz. Flat Iron topped with Crab Meat, 10 oz. NY Strip, 6 oz. Center Cut Filet and Spring Rack of Lamb. All are served with a side salad. The Pasta Dept. offers Grilled Chicken over Fettuccine, Potato Gnocchis and Miso Glazed Snapper over Fusilli Pasta. Sandwiches range from Gouda/Chicken/Bacon to their Lobster Roll. Desserts might include Carrot Cake or Tiramisu. Food and drinks specials nearly every day. Full bar here. Happy Hour runs 4-7 PM and 10-11 PM Monday through Saturday. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Half Price bottled wine (under $50) on Mondays. Live music on Mondays 6-9 PM too. 20% service charge added for groups of 6 or more. Takes reservations by phone. Another location is now in Thornton Park. See below. Michael Antol and Danny Otero, chefs; Brian Buttner, owner.

Older Review: (from Ralph M. 9/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

RusTeak Restaurant & Wine Bar (Thornton Park), 101 S. Eola Dr., Orlando, FL. 55.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-601-5219. (American) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Sometimes seen as Rus Teak. Opened July 17, 2021. Located in the 101 Building, east of I-4 and north of the East-West Expressway (SR 408) Exit #118. Open from 11 AM Tuesday through Sunday, Sunday it's 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM and closed all day Monday. Saturday and Sunday Brunch ends at 2:30 PM. For appetizers they have Edamame, Pretzel Rolls, Kung Pao Cauliflower, Tomato Jam Jar, Shrimp, Bacon and Corn Frietters, Pan Roasted Mussels, Ahi Tuna, plus a Cheese Plate to share. For Salads they offer 3 choices. Soups include Mushroom Brie Bisque and Soup du Jour. In the Handheld Dept. you can find a Chicken Salad Sandwich, Swiss, Provolone or Bleu Burger, BLT, Chicken Breast, Pastrami, and Fresh Catch. These come with a side dish like Fries or Small Salad. For entrées they sell a Veggie Dish, Pan Seared Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Cous Cous, Panko Crusted Mahi, and Grilled Sirloin Steak. They also have a Market Priced Steak du Jour. Desserts include Bread Pudding, Reese's Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cake and Lemon Blueberry Cake. Some outdoor seating available. Full bar here. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Reservations online via RESY and by phone are accepted. Brian Buttner and Jonathan Canonaco, owners.

Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill, 937 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL. 93.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-934-4047. (Seafood) [L/D] Opened in June, 2005. Located at the end of Dodecanese in the Sponge Dock area. Named after the 60 lb. Gag Grouper sport fish, called a "Rusty Belly". Opens at 11 AM daily. Closed Mondays mid-April 'til December. Large waterfront restaurant and Tiki Bar specializing in fresh seafood. Raw Oysters, Onion Straws, Feta Artichoke Dip, Smoked Fish Dip, Calamari, Crab Cakes, Mussels, Fried Shrimp and Chicken Wings are on the appetizer list. For dinner they have Fried Mullet, Fried Scallops, Fried Cod, 3 Crab Cakes, Fried, Grilled or Blackened Shrimp, Fried Oysters, Whole Belly Ipswich Clams, Grilled, Fried or Blackened Tilapia or Mahi or G, F or B Grouper, Fried Trio, Fried Platter and A-U-C-E Shrimp. A full or half Bucket of Steamed Clams, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Steamed Seafood Pot with Corn and Potatoes, Snow Crab Cluster, Rock Shrimp and Stone Crab Claws are on the menu too. Pastas like Shrimp 'n Grits Linguine and Middle Necks, Linguine with Chicken or Shrimp and a Blue Crab Meat Linguine can also be had. Specialties include Trio Skewers of Shrimp, Scallops and Mahi or Tilapia or Grouper and a 16 oz. Steak, among others. Side dishes like Hushpuppies, Fries, Baked Potato, Cheese Grits or Beans 'n Rice, are offered. Kids menu available. Sandwiches like Burgers, Crab Cake and Po' Boys are offered too. Soups are popular like Crab Corn Chowder, Stone Crab Bisque and Seafood Gumbo. Their Tiki Bar offers beer, wine and cocktails with Happy Hour 4-7 PM daily. Live music on weekends. Reservations accepted by phone. John and Julie Russell, owners.

Older Review: (from Rochelle B. 12/20) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

The Rusty Pelican, 2425 North Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL. 93.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-281-1943. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Open Monday through Saturday for lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM, and daily including Sunday for dinner from 5 to 10 PM, plus Sunday Champagne Brunch from 9:30 AM to 2 PM. Located near the Tampa Airport just off the Courtney Campbell Causeway behind the Shriner's Children's Hospital. 25 years in business. View of Tampa Bay enhances the décor of the dining area. The menu is primarily Continental selections such as Veal Oscar, Seared Sesame Ahi and Steak Diane. Other offerings include NY Strip Steak, Petite and Full Cut Filet Mignon, Gorgonzola Strip, Top Sirloin, Herb Crusted Lamb Chop, Grilled Duck Breast and Bourbon Street Chicken. Seafood offerings include Shrimp & Chicken Oreganato, Seafood Fettuccine, Blackened Swordfish, Beggars Salmon, Rocky Point Grouper, Shrimp Scampi Rustico and Mixed Seafood Grill. Lobster entrées are also available. All dinners include a potato or rice. Clam Chowder or Salad are an additional charge. The Sunday Champagne Brunch offers Omelet and Carving Stations, plus Casseroles, Seafood, Pastries, Breakfast Favorites and Desserts at prix fixe per person.10% off food portion of the bill by showing your current AARP membership card. Reservations accepted. Full bar and Wine List. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Piano entertainment in the lounge from 6 PM. Tallichet family of Anaheim, CA., owners here and the Miami location. Part of the Landry Restaurants chain.

Older Review: (from Walter P. 1/10) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from William S. 9/12) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Neal P. 9/21) Q=4 S=3 V=1 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/22) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 8/14) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Norman P. 8/14) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 8/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Bob M. 9/16) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Lori S. 10/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Lori S. 10/20) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Salt Shack (Clermont), 846 W. Osceola St., Clermont, FL. 32.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-562-7840. (Caribbean) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened in February, 2024. "Stay Salty!". Located on the southern shore of Lake Minneola next to the city park's fishing pier, at the base of 8th Street, north of historic downtown Clermont in a building once occupied by Lilly's On The Lake. This 6,800 s.f. restuarant has a menu similar to the first location in Tampa. You'll find Conch Fritters, Wings, Smoked Fish Spread and Calamari as appetizers; Lobster Bisque and Conch Chowder for the Soups; Fish, Crab, Chicken Sandwiches and Burgers for the Handhelds; Fish Tacos; Shrimp and Crab Cake Baskets and a Catch of the Day Fish on the menu. Clams and Oysters are offered too. A Chimichurri Steak and Coconut Curried Shrimp are popular here. Kids menu available. Outdoor seating available. Full bar with Caribbean Cocktails. Robert and William Curtis with Graeme Fraser and Brian Storman, owners.

Saltgrass Steak House (Orlando), 8850 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL. 61.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-560-0440. (Steakhouse) [D] Opened September, 2018. Located near I-4 Exit #68 and SR 535 on Vineland Ave. not far from Disney's Springs. Next to Landry's Seafood House. Generally open 3-10 PM daily but from Noon on Saturday and Sunday. Very TEXAS atmosphere. Start off with Fried Mushrooms, Cheese Fries, Artichoke & Spinach Dip, Queso Fresco, Shrimp and Chicken Enbrochette, Seafood Fondeaux, Range Rattlers or Crab Cakes. They specialize in Certified Black Angus Steaks, like 8 or 10 oz. Top Sirloin, 14 oz. Plain or Smoked Pork Chop, 6 or 9 oz. Filet, 12 or 16 oz. Ribeye, 8 or 10 oz. Sirloin Steak and Gulf Shrimp, 12 oz. New York Strip, 6 oz. Smothered Filet, 17 oz. Texas T-Bone, 12 oz. New York Strip with Peppercorn Sauce, 10 oz. Ribeye with Grilled Shrimp and a 22 oz. Porterhouse. They also have various Shrimp dishes or Plain or Oscar Salmon and Blackened Redfish. You can also find Chicken dishes on the menu range in price. Also offered are Vaquero Tacos, Plain, Classic, Western Chopped Steak, Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ Baby Back Ribs and Ribs and Shrimp. All these are served with a side dish and your choice of Soup, Garden or Caesar Salad. A Wedge Salad may be substituted for $3 extra. Various steak toppings range $3-7 each. For lighter appetites they have a ½lb. Cheeseburger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich and a ½lb. Brisket Burger. Large Salads and Soup & Salad are offered. 10% discount for AARP and AAA verified members. Full bar and Wine List. Happy Hour Monday - Friday 3-6 PM. Part of the Landry family of restaurants, based in Houston, TX. with dozens of locations in Texas and one other in Pensacola, Florida.

Salty Dogs (Steamer & Bar), 107 Courthouse Sq., Inverness, FL. 30.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-419-4673. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened in January, 2022. Hours are 11 AM to 11 PM, later on weekends but to 9 PM on Sunday and closed all day Monday. Right next to Kawa Sushi in front of the courthouse. Large open casual area with smaller tables and long hi-tops, decorated with pirate flags. For appetizers they have Lobster Bisque and Caribbean Fish Dip. You can expect an array of Seafood entrées like 20 Cedar Key Clams with Garlic or Cajun Sauce, 1 lb. Steamed Jumbo Shrimp, 2 Alaskan Snow Crab Clusters, Cajun Crawfish, Steamed Mussels, all ranging in price. Other items include Roast Prime Rib, Pastrami & Cheddar, Jerk Chicken, Cajun Shrimp, Corned Beef Reuben, Turkey, Cajun Chicken Wrap, Grilled Cheese, BLT, Pork or Burger Wrap and Sloppy Joe Sandwiches. You can also find Brunswick Stew here. It wouldn't be called "Salty Dogs" if they didn't have a variety of ¼ lb. Hot Dogs. They can be Beer-Steamed too. On the more healthy side are various Salads like Caesar, Crab Salad and a Romaine Wedge. Stuffed Baked Potatoes are popular too. Specials change daily, including dinners like Meatloaf and a ½ Rack of Dry Rubbed Baby Back Ribs. Some items served on paper-lined baskets, others on plates. Full bar featuring Sangria, Beer, Wine, Vodkas, Tequilas, Whiskeys and Rums. Plus outdoor sidewalk seating too. Robert and Cecil Everett, owners here and at the Fisherman's Cove Restaurant (see that listing) east of Inverness.

Review: (from Rich C. 5/23) More of a Sports Bar with tables and hi-tops. Lisa was our great server. We had a Sangria ($7) and a Lemon Drop ($6.50). We shared 20 Garlic Clams ($17) and had a huge Baked Potato of Cauliflower, Broccoli and Cheese ($7), plus a Prime Rib Sandwich with Potato Salad and Garden Salad ($15). We thought the food very tasty, generous and resonable. Just the music was not to our liking. Next time we sit on the sidewalk. Total before t&t was $52.50.
Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from David G. 7/23) About 16 of us came for dinner, we were seated at tables for four. Kaela was the only overworked server and service was very slow. Almost an hour before our order was taken and our order came out after tables that came 15 minutes after us. I had a delicious Baby Back Rib Sandwich with good Coleslaw and excellent au Gratin Potatoes. My wife had the also excellent Prime Rib Sandwich with the same Potatoes. Both also came with good Coleslaw and a good Salad. Total before t&t was $30.
Q=5 S=2 V=5 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Jan T. 5/24) First time here. Made reservations. Requested a low top table. We're seated immediately upon arrival. Restaurant was not busy at 6 PM. That changed quickly. Within a half hour this place was jumping. Basically a sports bar and got noisy inside. Good food. Understaffed servers here. Noah had too many tables to be attentive. I had a Side Salad ($8) and the Loaded Baked Potato ($8). The Salad was very nice and pretty large. The Baked Potato was huge. My husband had the special of the evening, Prime Rib with a huge Baked Potato and Vegetables with Cheese Sauce ($29). All of our choices were enjoyed and with two Soft Drinks ($3.29 ea.), our bill came to $52 before t&t. I like this place, but quite a distance from The Villages. Outside, weather permitting, will be my choice of seating if we come back here.
Q=4 S=3 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Sam Snead's Tavern (Maitland), 1801 Maitland Blvd., Maitland, FL. 50.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-622-8800. (Continental) [L/D] The Pine St. location is closed. This location is near Riverside Acres on Rt. 414 at the RDV SportsPlex. Sophisticated golf theme restaurant serving Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Fish & Chips, Chicken Marsala and Shrimp and Lobster Capellini. Grilled dishes include Fresh Mahi-Mahi, Shrimp Carolina, Florida Grouper, Atlantic Salmon as well as 10 oz. Top Sirloin, Center Cut Pork Chop, 14 oz. Ribeye Steak and Filet Mignon. Flat breads also available. Full bar. Corkage Fee: $10/btl.. $15 money saving coupon is available at restaurant.com. Restrictions apply. 2010 Foodie Reader's Choice runner-up for "Best Power Lunch" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. One of a dozen locations, mostly in Florida, operated by the Pike Corp. of Windermere, FL.

Santiago's Bodega (Altamonte Springs), 1185 Springs Centre S. Blvd., Altamonte Springs, FL. 48.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-960-2605. (Greek) (Spanish) [L/D] Opened November, 2015. Located off CR 434 just west of Douglas Ave. and I-4 Exit 400. They have Spicy Shrimp Bisque, French Onion, Spicy Lentil or a Cold Gazpacho Soup. For Salads they offer a Wege, Spinach, Greek or Avocado & Pear Salad. For Cold Tapas you'll see Tomato & Basil Bruschetta, Green Beans, Hummus Trio, Mozzarella Burrata, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, Beef Carpaccio, Yellowfin Tuna Ceviche, Charcuterie Plate, and a Cheese Board. For Hot Tapas you can have Puff Pastry Portobello, Mini Quesadillas, Patatas Bravas, Bacon & Basil Wrapped Mushrooms, Spanakopita, Croquettes, Brussels Sprouts, Pinchos Morunos, Chicken Skewers, Lamb Patties, Shrimp & Chorizo, Wrapped Dates, Flaming Saganaki, Beef Short Ribs, Seared Beef Tenderloin, and Petite Rack of Lamb. They have a few Daily Specials too. Desserts offered on its own menu. Many great Tapas for sharing. Outdoor seating. Full bar with Cocktails, Beer, Wine (Glass and Bottle) and Sangria. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. Happy Hour 3-6 PM. Reservations are accepted by phone. Voted Orlando's best Tapas and Brunch restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Jason Dugan, owner. Another location is in Key West and one in Orlando.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 3/21) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Santiago's Bodega (Orlando), 802 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL. 57.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-412-6979. (Greek) (Spanish) [L/D] Opened July, 2013. Located on Virginia Dr. between I-4 and N. Mills Ave. (US17/92), about 10 blocks north of E. Colonial Dr. (SR 50), between downtown and Florida Hospital. Open 11 AM to 2 AM daily, except from 10 AM on weekends. A tapas restaurant and bar featuring small plate meals. Soups include Spicy Shrimp Bisque, French Onion, Spicy Lentil and Mushroom. Cold Tapas like Tomato & Basil Bruschetta, Green Beans, Chilled Asparagus, Shrimp, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, Pâté, Mozzarella Burrata, Cheese Plate, Beef Carpaccio and Yellow Fin Ceviche are offered. Hot Tapas like Patatras Bravas (Spicy Potatoes), Camembert, Mini-Quesadillas, Bacon Wrapped Mushrooms, Spanakopita, Croquettes, Pinchos Morunos (Pork Skewers), Roman Meatballs, Chicken Skewers, Dates, Shrimp & Chorizo, Lamb Patties, Beef Short Ribs, Grouper, Saganaki and Beef Tenderloin, all range in price. There's even a Maine Lobster Tapa. Bread Service is an additional cost. Salads are also available like a Wedge, Spring Mix, Spinach, Greek and Avocado and Pear. Desserts like Crêpes and Chocolate Cake finish the meal. Outdoor seating. Full bar with cocktails, beer, wine and sangria. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. Reservations are accepted by phone. Voted "Best Brunch" and "Best Late Night Dinner" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Voted Orlando's best Tapas and Brunch restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Jason Dugan, owner. Another location is in Key West and one in Altamonte Springs.

Older Review: (from James D. 1/14) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 6/16) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Frank K. 12/16) Q=5 S=5 V=3 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Santorini Restaurant, 111 Geneva Ave., Oviedo, FL. 64.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-765-8247. (Greek) [B/L/D] Opens at 11 AM weekdays, 9 AM on Saturday and Sunday for breakfast but closed all day Monday. Located in the Oviedo Shopping Plaza off Geneva Ave. Various appetizers and Avgolemono Soup start the menu. Spanakopita, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Stuffed Eggplant, Pastichio and Moussaka are the most popular items here. Half or Whole Baked Chicken, Chicken Paidakia, Stuffed Chicken Breast and Chicken Kabobs are some of the poultry dishes offered. Lamb Kabob, Lamb Chops and Leg of Lamb are typical Greek dishes too. Garides Scharas, Shrimp Kebob and Shrimp Santorini are tasty seafood items. Of course, Greek Salad is featured on the menu also. Pitas and Gyros are offered as well. Kid's menu available for little ones. For dessert they have Baklava, Saragli, Kataifi, Floyeres and others. Beer and wine available. Petraq and Zhaneta Strakosha, owners.

Older Review: (from Ira F. 11/11) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Satchel's Pizza, 1800 NE 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL. 65.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-335-7272. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Pizza for hippies since March, 2003. A most eclectic and awe inspiring establishment, featuring unusual pizza dishes, entertainment and a gift shop all rolled into a maze of dining areas. Open Tuesday through Saturday only from 11AM to 10 PM. Located off NE Waldo Rd. near the Veterinary College, about 2 miles northeast of downtown. The menu starts off with the "Satch Salad" including everything green and red leafy stuff and a few items thrown in such as cuques, apples, red onions, tomatoes, almonds, walnut or pecans plus romano cheese and, of course, sunflower seeds. A small "Satch" feeds 2-4 hippies, a large "Satch" feeds 4-8 flower children. It's all about the pizza here so a 14" Medium Cheese can feed 2 or 3 with extra per topping and an 18" Large Cheese can feed 3-5 with extra per topping. Special deals for 4 toppings are the Medium Mama or the Large Mama pies. The toppings run the gamut from broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms for the modern beatnik, to anchovies, artichoke hearts, pineapple and spinach for the hipster, to bacon, ham, sausage, pepperoni and meatballs for the carnivorous, to feta, ricotta and mozzarella for the hitch-hikers from Wisconsin. They also have two dairy-free cheese options for the vegans in the joint. A Pesto Pie with 3 toppings is also vegan friendly. Want something different, they'll make a Medium Millet & Flax Pizza plus each extra topping. If flat pizza is not your style, then choose The Deep Dish (when they're not busy), which includes 3 toppings and extra cheese. Pizza By The Slice (a New York thing) is also available. If pizza is too ordinary for you, you can order an "Addictive" Calzone. The Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese Roll-up is available, The Hot Rope with spicy sausage, green peppers, onions, and those twin cheeses is offered. There's also a PB&J, which has nothing to do with kid food but contains pepperoni, beef and jalapeno peppers; thus its name. Go for the Steak and Cheese, The Mama Calzone with 4 ingredients or The Major. A side of pizza sauce comes with the Calzone to add to the sloppiness. Sorry, no Brownies for dessert but Vanilla or Chocolate Cannolis are available. Philosophical advise on the back of every menu. Various entertainment presented about 6-9 PM from folk, blue grass, and acoustic, to belly dancing (with her belly, not on your belly) or just someone babbling poetry at the open mike. Dine amidst psychedelic colors, hubcaps, boccie courts, flower gardens, "water features", rust or in an old 1965 Ford Falcon Van. The Gift Shop has tons of junk to unload on you. Wine and beer only here. Swamphead BigNose IPA and Hefeweizen, along with a few others on draft are offered to those of the Age of Aquarius. Champagne available to make the place more classy looking. Corkage Fee: $8 per bottle (empty or full). No "plastic" payment allowed here. Cash only or visit the ATM card shredder on premises. No separate checks for parties of 8 or more (a silly rule) and 18% gratuity added (whether you like the service or not). Stephen (Satchel) and Caroline Raye, owners and charity supporters.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/13) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Seafood Seller and Café (Crystal River), 300 SE US Hwy. 19 (Ste. 300), Crystal River, FL. 47.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-228-4936. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] aka: "Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller and Café". It's Mardi Gras every day here. Opened in 2017. Located in the strip mall with Save alot, a few blocks south of SR 44. Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM, Sunday; 11 AM to 9 PM, Tuesday through Thursday; 11 AM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday; closed on Monday. New Orleans Cajun Style food served in a lively atmosphere. Start with Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Pickles, Blue Crab Balls, Gator Bites or Ribs, Smoked Fish Dip, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, Blackened Ahi, Crawfish & Alligator Mac and Cheese, or Blue Crab Claws. Soups include Seafood Gumbo, Yankee Chowder and French Onion Soup. Po' Boys are popular, like Shrimp, Crawfish or Oyster. Black Angus Burgers, Chicken are other choices. French Dip, Grouper Sandwich and Fish or Shrimp Tacos are also on the menu. For Shellfish they have Beer Steamed Shrimp, Cedar Key Little Neck Clams, Oysters, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels and King or Snow Crab Legs. For entrées they have Jambalaya, Crawfish Étouffée, Ten Shrimp, Catfish, Flounder, Stuffed Shrimp, Shrimp 'n Grits, Shrimp Scampi, Mahi, NY Strip Steak, Fried Oysters, Fresh Florida Grouper and Sea Scallops. Salads are available as a main or as an added side. Kids menu available. Full bar with Beer and Wine List. A retail counter sells fresh catch to cook at home. Jimmy Stoltz, owner. Another location is now in Ocala (see that listing).

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill (Altamonte Springs), 463 E. Altamonte Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL. 49.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-767-1252. (American) (Continental) [L/D] Weekdays lunch served: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM; Dinner: 5 PM - 10 PM. Saturday & Sunday open 11:30 AM right through 10:00 PM. Located at Altamonte Dr. near Palm Springs Dr. at the Altamonte Mall, just east of I-4 on CR 436. Every item on their seasonally inspired menu contains less than 475 calories and is nutritionally balanced. Dishes such as Grilled Venison Chop, Pork Tenderloin Skillet, BBQ-Glazed Turkey Breast Skewer, Cedar Plank Atlantic Salmon, Sesame Crusted Tuna, Spicy Chipotle Shrimp, Pacific Halibut and Oak-Grilled Boneless Ruby Red Trout are just some of the healthful main dishes on the menu. Entrées range in price. Flatbreads are also available for even lighter choices. Soups and fresh salads are also favored. Mini-desserts such as Tiramisu, Carrot Cake and Key Lime Pie help push you past your calorie limit. Nutritional information available to patrons. The focus is on fresh seasonal ingredients as opposed to purveyor's mass market items. Piano entertainment nightly. Full bar and large creative global wine list of about 140 selections, half of which are available by the glass. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Free valet parking. Online or phone reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day for a prix fixe dinner. Casual attire. Patio dining available. Foodie Reader's Choice winner for "Best Chain Restaurant", "Best Wine List" and "Best Overall Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Winner Most Popular Restaurant in Orlando by Zagat. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted "Best Healthy Selections" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. An elite chain of just 40 locations operated by Darden Restaurants of Orlando. Michael Jong, general manager and Jeff Lavine, executive chef here. Julian Koerner, managing partner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 7/08) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 11/08) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 6/11) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Judy H. 11/13) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 2/15) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Bob M. 3/16) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dan K. 4/16) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Michael P. 9/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 4/18) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/21) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from David G. 8/23) This was a Magical Dining outing for our Gourmet Club group. $40 set price for four courses. Started with a shared Pepperoni Flatbread with roasted tomatoes. It was excellent. Next we each had a fabulous Corn & Bacon Chowder, it was sweet and among the best I've ever had. Main courses were an 8 oz. Filet ($5 upcharge from the 6 oz.), perfectly cooked with Mascarpone Risotto and Mashed Potatoes and Scallops with Asparagus and the same Risotto. Everything was delicious, but the Scallops could have used a sauce. We also shared a Crab Polenta side dish($8.50 extra) that was great and could have been a main course. We finished with two of their mini desserts, Raspberry Cannoli and Oatmeal Cookie. Everyone else also enjoyed their meals and several (including us) brough home leftovers. Total before t&t was $93.50.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Colene M. 3/24) We always come to Season's 52 for our anniversary. This was year 58! We were seated immediately and the hostess put a lovely sign on our table saying, "Happy Anniversary". Our server, Ashton E. took real good care of us. My husband ordered an 9 oz Cab ($14) and I ordered a Pinot Grigio ($15) We also both ordered a cup of the Mushroom Bisque Soup ($7 ea). We also ordered the Oak Grilled Filet Mignon ($33.50 ea). Mine was perfectly done at Medium Rare and my husband said his was just slightly overdone but not bad. They were so good. It came with Mashed Potatoes and Broccolini (which I thought wasn't quite done). Because it was our anniversary, they gave us two of the mini deserts free. They were great. Our total bill before t&t was $114.
Q=5 S=5 V=3 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Neal P. 9/24) Went for Magical Dining. Arielis P. was our server. We started off with the Roasted Tomato Flatbread which was for 2 and was excellent. We also tried the Pepperoni Flatbread which was excellent as well. I had the Squash Soup which tasted wonderful and my significant other and her daughter had the Lobster Bisque ($1 up charge) which was good. I had the 6 oz. Filet with Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Green Beans and the taste was excellent. My significant other's daughter had the Grilled Scallops and the taste was wonderful. For dessert, there was mini glasses to choose from. I had the Belgium Chocolate and one had the S'mores and the other had the Pecan Pie. The total before t&t for three was $126.50.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill (Orlando), 7700 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-354-5212. (American) (Continental) [L/D] Open daily 11:30 AM - 10 PM, and later on weekends. Located at the Plaza Venezia on "Restaurant Row", just west of I-4. The building is set back from the road at the south end of Dr. Phillips Blvd. Opened in 2008. Every item on their seasonal menu is under 475 calories. The menu changes every quarter with weekly specials on the sideboard. Dishes such as Maple Leaf Farms Sesame Duck, Maui Tuna Crunch, Lemongrass Salmon, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Penne, Wood Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Lamb Chops and 11 oz. Piedmontese Bone-In Strip Steak might be on the menu. Other dishes such as Cedar Plank Atlantic Salmon, Grilled Rack of New Zealand Lamb, Caramelized Sea Scallops and Char Crust Filet Mignon are year round favorites. Winter specials might include New Zealand Venison Chop or Blackened Mahi-Mahi. Entrées range in price with Asian-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass at the high end. Lunch selections feature Flatbreads like Artichoke & Goat Cheese, Garlic Chicken, Spicy Chipotle Shrimp or Steak & Cremini Mushroom. Small salads like Kalymnos Greek or Organic Baby Spinach with Gorgonzola are available, along with entrée salads like Sesame Duck Salad, BBQ Chicken Salad and Lemongrass Salmon Salad. PEI Mussels with zesty marinara sauce is popular too. Oak Fired Western Buffalo Burger is just one of the sandwich choices. Desserts are popular "Mini-Indulgences" like Mocha Macchiato, Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, Pecan Pie with Vanilla Mousse, Tropical Fruit Cheesecake, Belgium Chocolate Rocky Road and Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli. 100 international wines; 60 of which can be ordered by the glass are on the menu. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Online or phone reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day for a prix fixe dinner. Casual attire. Lake view patio dining at this location. Complimentary valet parking. Live entertainment nightly. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted "Best Healthy Selections" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. A slowly growing chain of just 40 locations in mostly Florida, California and Georgia since 2003, operated by Darden Restaurants of Orlando. Clifford Pleau is the company's Culinary Director. Steven Pham, managing partner here.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 1/13) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 1/14) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Larry W. 9/14) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 7/15) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Robert F. 5/16) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 8/17) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/19) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 4/22) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Karen C. 8/24) I had a Filet and Mashed Potatoes with Asparagus. It was absolutely tender and delicious. The appetizer was a Flatbread with roasted tomatoes and basil. Huge portions and very good. And the Smores dessert was wonderful. Service was great. The meal was $40 on Visit Orlando Magical Dining. Definitely will return.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Deanna S. 3/25) This is always a favorite of ours and today they did not disappoint! We began with Espresso Martinis and shared the Chicken Pesto Flatbread. For the main course, I chose the Sea Scallops served with Risotto and Asparagus. Approximately 7 Scallops, very generous. My husband enjoyed the Grilled Halibut. With our dinners we each enjoyed a 6 oz. glass of French Rosé. The entire meal was $160 including gratuity.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill (Tampa), 204 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, FL. 90.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-286-1152. (American) (Continental) [L/D] Open daily 11:30 AM - 10 PM, except closed between 2:30 and 4:00 PM on weekdays only. Located by WestShore Plaza at exit #40 of I-275. This location opened February 15, 2010. Every item on their seasonal menu is nutritionally balanced and fresh. Dishes such as Cedar Plank Atlantic Salmon, Grilled Rack of New Zealand Lamb, Caramelized Sea Scallops and Char Crust Filet Mignon are year round favorites. Winter specials might include New Zealand Venison Chop or Blackened Mahi-Mahi. Entrées range in price. Lunch selections feature Spicy Chicken Chile Relleno, Mediterranean Shrimp Salad, Gib's Fish Sandwich, BBQ Grilled Chicken Salad and Oak Fired Western Buffalo Burger. The aim here is high quality, nutritionally balanced meals of 475 calories or less. Wide selection of 100 international wines; 60 of which can be ordered by the glass. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Indulgences after the meal include Key Lime Pie, Mocha Macchiato, Pecan Pie, Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake, Mango Cheesecake and Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, to name a few. Free valet parking. Online or phone reservations accepted. Open Thanksgiving Day for a prix fixe dinner. Casual attire. Piano bar nightly at this location. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. A slowly growing chain of just 40 locations in mostly Florida, California and Georgia since 2003, operated by Darden Restaurants of Orlando. David Valentine, managing partner. Robert Mitchell, executive chef here.

Sebastian Alexander, 7300 SW 35th Way, Gainesville, FL. 60.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-372-1458. (Continental) (French) [D] Opened April 12, 2019. Located in the private Gainesville Country Club, off I-75, Exit #382, west on SW Williston Rd. (CR 121), entrance about 500 feet west of the Circle K. Open for public dinner Friday and Saturday only 6-10 PM by reservation only, jackets for the gentlemen please. Plus public Sunday 3 course brunch 11 AM to 4 PM at a fixed price. Closed to the public on weekdays. The four course dinner is Prix Fixe per person. Optional Wine Pairing is extra per person extra. It might include hors d'œuvres like Asparagus and Crab Meat, Chicken Pâté, Sautéed Frog Legs Provençal, Smoked Duck Leg or Shrimp and Sea Scallops Tortilla. Then, a Salad or Soup of the Day. Main course may include Norwegian Salmon Steak, Flounder Viennoise, Rib Eye Steak, Blackened Sea Scallops or Organic Chicken. Each comes with a starch and vegetable. Desserts offered might be Feuilletés (Puff Pastry), Orange Crème Brûlée or Chocolate Lava Cake. The selections each day are limited. Full bar and very extensive Wine List. Reservations online via Open Table or by phone are required. Live music for dining. Dominique Fortin, executive chef here; country club owned.

Seito Sushi (Baldwin Park), 4898 New Broad St., Orlando, FL. 59.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-898-8801. (Asian) [L/D] Located on New Braod St. near Prospect Ave. not far from Baldwin Lake., north of SR 50. Open for lunch 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM weekdays, Noon to 3 PM on Saturday and Sunday, then again 5 PM to 10 PM for dinner, to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Closed for about 2 hours between meals. Upscale contemporary traditional Asian fare concetrating on Sushi items. Small cold plates like Ume-Boshi Ceviche (Scallops/Shrimp/Squid/Mussels), Tuna Tataki and Shigoku Oysters, mix with the hot plates like Edamame, Beef Gyoza, Shrimp Gyoza and BBQ Calamari. There's also a Kobe Wagyu Ishiyaki. Sahimi like House Cured Salmon and Seared Hamachi are available. 10 fin fish, 9 shellfish and 6 roe style Nigiri Sushi or Sashimi are offered too. Chef combinations can be created also. Makimono Rolls, with names like Spiny Lobster, Mando Tango, Popeye, Seito, Ichiban, Kodiak, Beauty and the Beast, Corona and the New Brunswick are on the menu too. For traditional entrées (soup included) they offer Chicken Teriyaki, Pork Tonkatsu, Nabeyaki Udon Soup, Bul Go Gi Angus Beef and Branzino Sea Bass, among others. Soups include Miso and Salads include House, Gomae Spinach, Seaweed Deluxe, and Sunomono, among others. Lunch items include Bento Boxes, Yakisoba Needles and Sizzling Stone (Bi Bim Bop) Bowl. Sushi Combinations available for lunch. Full bar here. Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 PM with generally money off most drinks. Large Wine List by the glass and $22-89/bottle for Whites and $25-68/bottle for Reds. Another location is in the Sand Lake area. Voted "Best Sushi" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey for many years. Jason Chin, owner here and at the Osprey Tavern across the street.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 11/14) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 4/16) Q=3 S=4 V=5 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Seito Sushi (Restaurant Row), 8031 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-248-8888. (Asian) [D] Located in the Phillips Crossing Plaza, near Whole Foods, at Sand Lake and Turkey Lake Roads, on "Restaurant Row", west of Exit # 74A of I-4. Open for dinner only, 5 PM to 10 PM, to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Upscale contemporary traditional Asian fare concetrating on mainly Japanese items. The menu is similar but not the same as the Baldwin Park location, with varying prices too. Small plates like Harumaki, Edamame, Beef Gyoza, BBQ Calamari, Mixed Tempura, Sea Bass Gyoza, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Korean Short Ribs, Tuna Kobachi and others are featured. There's also a Kobe Wagyu Ishiyaki. 13 fin fish (including "Fatty Tuna"), 5 shellfish and 6 roe style Nigiri Sushi or Sashimi at $3-8 each are offered too. Chef combinations can be created also. Makimono Rolls, with names like Sunset, Torchamaki, Ichiban, Yellow Fever, Godzilla, TNT Crunch, Beauty and the Beast, Yaki Maki, Corona and the Distinguished Gentleman are on the menu too. For traditional entrées (soup included) they offer Chicken Teriyaki, Tempura Udon Soup, Duck Ramen Noodles, Bul Go Gi Angus Beef, Shrimp Tempura, 10 oz. Wafu Steak and Branzino Sea Bass, among others. Soups include Miso and Salads include House, Seaweed Deluxe, and Tuna Salad, among others. Full bar here. Happy Hour 5:00-6:30 PM with generally money off most drinks. Large Wine List by the glass and $22-89/bottle for Whites and $25-68/bottle for Reds. Reservations accepted by phone or on their website. Another location is in the Baldwin Park area. Eric and Jennifer Springer, owners here.

(The) Shamrock Inn, 8343 E. Orange Ave., Floral City, FL. 35.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-726-6414. (American) (Southern) [B/L/D] Located 6 miles south of Inverness off US 41 in "beautiful downtown Floral City", at Orange and Great Oaks Dr., near the library. In business since June, 2000. Open roughly 7-11 AM for breakfast, 11-4 for lunch and 4-10 PM for dinner. A popular stop for bikers. Wood paneled interior, cluttered walls and stuck in time. Large bar with a few drafts. Green vinyl tablecloths cover the long tables. Despite it's name, it offers only a few Irish dishes, except on St. Patrick's Day, but leans more to Southern or German roots. They offer 5 Burgers, 2 Hogies, plus Sandwiches like Grilled Cheese, Grilled Ham and Cheese, BLT,, Rueben, Patty Melt, Fish, Roast Beef, Country Fried Steak, Corned Beef and Blackened Chicken Breast, among others. Fries can be added for extra charge. Chicken Wings run 12/18/30/50/100 quantity for large parties or large appetites. Dinner Plates of Chopped Steak, Catfish, Fried Shrimp, Seafood Platter, 10/12/16 oz. Ribeye are at the top end of the menu. They come with a choice of Potato. Various large Salads are offered, including "Create-Your-Own". Side orders like Onion Rings, Slaw, Fried Pickles or Mushrooms, Hush Puppies, Corn Fritters, Spinach Dip and more. Friday and Saturday features 12/16 oz. Prime Rib Dinner or a PR Sandwich. For dessert they usually have a selection of Pies. Sunday brings Shepards Pie or French Dip. Breakfast items include Eggs, Omelets, Pancakes and Skillet dishes. Draft and bottled beer (mostly domestic) and a few Wines, including German imports, are served here. Halloween and St. Patrick's Day celebrations. $10 minimum on "plastic" credit card. Entertainment weekly. Karaoke on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 7-10 PM. Jazz Night on Saturday 7-10 PM. Reservations for groups taken by phone. Outdoor seating available. Wolfgang (Wolfy) Schwickerath, owner here.

Sharks Underwater Grill and Bar, 7007 SeaWorld Dr., Orlando, FL. 59.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-545-5550. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened in 2002 to a big fanfare. It's inside the Sea World Theme Park. Open daily. The unique environment puts you underwater where sharks and other saltwater fish swim by. Very popular with families. The restaurant is located on the far side of the park from the main entrance, near the Roller Coaster and Shark Encounter feature. Reservations are taken at the restaurant podium only, not by phone or online. They open at 10 AM and book up quickly. Lunch and dinner menu is the same. They offer appetizers like Coconut Chicken Tenders, Lobster Bisque, Grilled Lamb Chops and a Caprese Salad. For entrées they have a large Caesar Salad, Roasted Chicken Breast, Roasted Salmon, Pan Seared Scallops, Shrimp Tempura, Kobe Beef Sliders and an 8 oz. Filet Mignon. For dessert you can find Cannoli Cake, White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake and a Chocolate Cake Confusion. Full bar with creative cocktails. Wine list featuring wines from France and California. No Shark meat on the menu but there is a Mako Margarita from the bar. Kid's menu also available. NOTE: Participates in Visit Orlando Magical Dining (August/September each year) where park admission is NOT required. Limited prepaid Magical Dining online reservations are available, but sell out quickly in August. Sea World Orlando, owner.

Review: (from Jackie N. 9/23) We went here to take advantage of Magical Dining and being able to spend the rest of the evening in Sea World after finishing our meal, without having to pay for admission to the park. We were going with no great expectations of having a gourmet meal but we were pleasantly surprised how good the meal was. We had 3 courses for $40 per person. The first course was the Lamb Chops appetizer that were 3 nice sized Chops that were done perfectly and Roasted Potatoes with a Greek Tsatziki Sauce. Our second course was an 8 oz. grilled Filet Mignon with a Cabernet Demi Sauce, which was also done perfectly served with Mashed Potatoes and a medley of Season Vegetables. For dessert I had the Cannoli Cake (yellow cake with orange cream cheese and chocolate chips and a filled cannoli). My husband had the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. The desserts were delicious and so rich we couldn't finish them after the huge meal that we had. We didn't have any drinks and our bill was $80 plus t&t and well worth the price. We enjoyed watching the sharks and other fish swimming in the huge fish tank in front of us while we were eating. We had dinner from 3:30 to 5:00 and we spent the rest of the evening seeing the animal shows and attractions in the park until 9:00 PM. Would go back for a meal if we found ourselves going to Sea World.
Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Neal P. 9/23) We were in the last group of the day at 4 PM. It is about 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the restaurant. We were not happy with the seating. I made the reservation 3 weeks in advance and they had no assigned table for us (party of 6) and sat us across from the shark after we protested and the restaurant was almost empty. We went for the Magical Dining menu. I had the Lamb Chops with the Tsatziki Sauce and the Roasted Potatoes for my appetizer and they were excellent. My guest had the Lobster Bisque and she said it also was excellent. We both had the 8 oz. Filet with the Mashed Potatoes and assorted Vegetables and they were cooked as ordered. For dessert, I had the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheese Cake and it was great and my guest had Cannoli Cake which she said was good. We finished dinner just in time to see the last Orca Whale show since the park closed at 6 PM. The total bill was $86 before t&t.
Q=4 S=3 V=5 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Shōgun Japanese Steakhouse, 6327 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 54.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-352-1607. (Asian) [D] Opened in 2014. Located in the Rosen Inn on I-Drive, near Exit #75 of I-4. Hours are 5:30 to 9:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday only. Closed Monday and Tuesday. It offers the typical teppanyaki table entertainment with sudden outbursts and flying food! The grill dinner includes Vegetables, Fried Rice, Soup and Salad. You can choose from Tofu, Teriyaki Chicken, Calamari, NY Strip Steak, Shrimp, Salmon, Filet Mignon or Lobster. They also offer Chef's Specialty Combos for Chicken & Shrimp to Filet Mignon & Lobster. They also offer Nigiri and Sashimi at $6-8 each too. Sushi Rolls run $7-14 each. Dessert like Cheesecake is offered. Kid's menu available. Full bar with a cocktail list. Happy Hour is 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the bar only. Wines available by glass and $25-45/bottle. Reservations online via Open Table and by phone are both accepted. Rosen Hotels, owner.

Shula's Steak House (Gainesville), 1174 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL. 62.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-384-3460. (American) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located in the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, at SR 121 and Hull Rd., a few blocks north of SW Archer Rd. (SR 24). Opened in 2016. The "American Steak House - Still Undefeated." Famous for Black Angus Beef. Hours are 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily, except to 10:30 PM weekends. Lunch ends at 2 PM and dinner starts at 5:30 PM. Full linen service with attractive highback upholstered chairs. Start with French Onion Soup, Lobster Bisque, Bacon Strips, Mushroom Ravioli, Calamari Fries, Shrimp Cocktail, Blackened Scallops, BBQ Shrimp, Blackened Tenderloin Tips, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake or a Shellfish Trio. Four Salads are offered like House, Caesar, Wedge or Burrata. Entrées include French Cut Chicken Breast, Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Steak Mary Ann [Filet Mignon in Cognac], Filet Mignon Oscar, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Double Cut Lamb Chops, a Mixed Grill of Filet and 2 Seafood Choices, Twin Lobster Tails and Surf and Turf. Their well-known Shula Cut® Premium Black Angus offers 6/8/12 oz. Filet Mignon, 12/16 oz. New York Strip, 20 oz. Kansas City Strip, 14/22 oz. Rib Eye and 24/48 oz. Porterhouse. A Lobster Tail can be added at extra charge. Toppings range are additional. A dozen side dishes are extra. Full bar making cocktails like Hail Bloody Mary or a Dirty Martini. Wines by the glass available. A full Wine List is available too. Wine Spectator Magazine's Award of Excellence winner. No Corkage Fee with dinner. There's also Bar, Lunch, Tailgate and Game Day Menus also. A "No Name Lounge" is popular during games. A Valentine Special is offered at prix fixe. Online or phone reservations accepted. Started in 1989 in Miami Lakes, FL. by NFL coaching legend, Don Shula, this is one of ten locations in the US.

Simply Capri (Ristorante), 114 Ruby Red Pl., Winter Garden, FL. 57.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-783-7700. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Opened in late 2023. Located in the Flamingo Crossings Plaza of Horizon West, Orlando. Hours are 12 Noon to 3:30 PM for lunch, then 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM for dinner daily. Contemporary and artfully decorated dining area with unique lighting. The food of the Amalfi Coast is featured. You can start with Mozzarella items, AntiPasti appetizers, Soups, Salads, then a Pasta Course or main course of such items like Halibut alla Carlina, Branzino Sea Bass, Pollo al Funghi, Bistecca al Ferri (14 oz. Black Angus NY Strip), Bistecca alla Nerano (Skirt Steak) or Filetto al Ferri (8 oz. Beef Tenderloin). Pizzas are also popular. Side dishes are extra. For dessert they offer Gelato, Limoncello Sponge Cake, Cannoli and Tiramisu. White, Red, Rosé and Sparking Wines by the glass or by the bottle at $40-80 for Whites and $50-320 for Reds. Full bar here. Kids menu available. Lunch items are limited. A Sunday Supper menu is featured. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Limited outdoor seating. Fortunato (Nick) Valenti and Landey Strongin owners.

Sixty Vines (Winter Park), 110 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL. 59.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-410-8005. (American) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Opened March, 2020. Located in the Lakeside Crossing Shopping Center at the corner of South Orlando and Beachview Aves., where Kona Grill was located. Hours are 11 AM to 10 PM daily, but to 9 PM Sunday. Seating is at long community tables or more private ones, if you prefer. To start they offer a Cheese Plate or Salumi & Cheese Plate. Shared Plates or Salads are available. Five Pizzas are offered. Pasta Dishes in two sizes like Tonnarelli are on the menu. Entrées include a Half Chicken, "The Cab" Burger, Pork Chop, Rainbow Trout, Salmon Brochette, 6 oz. Filet and an 8 oz. Wagyu Strip Steak. Side dishes run extra. Specialty Coffees are sold. Desserts like Deviled Affogato are on the list. Brunch menu offered on weekends. As the name implies, they have 60 wines on tap. Wines by the 2.5/5.0/8.0 pours by the glass or $68-270/bottle are offered. Other White Wines like Lunardi Pinot Grigio to Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc and Reds from Portillo Malbec, to a Napa Valley "Caravan" Cab. Suav. Plus premium wines run up to $370 for a French Hermitage but a Brown Estate Red Zin runs $90/bottle and an Italian Barolo is $305/bottle. However they sometimes advertise 50% off all bottled wine. Full bar here too. Outdoor patio seating available. Reservations accepted. Corporate owned. One of just 4 locations, based in Dallas, TX. A new location at 7760 W. Sand Lake Rd. in Orlando is due to open in 2024.

Review: (from Jan T. 5/23) Many wonderful choices of wine here. Hence, the name of the restaurant. Different size pours available. Modern decor in a very large room. We had excellent food and service. We had a variety of their food and shared them, since we were a party of 12 celebrating a High School graduation. Some of the dishes we had were:Fried Chicken & Caviar ($19), Crispy Zucchini ($12), Burrata ($16), Brussels Sprouts ($12), Shrimp & Smoked Bacon Pizza ($18), Fig and Prosciutto Pizza ($17), Spicy Sausage Pizza ($16), Campanelle Pasta with shrimp, garlic, tomato, basil, white wine sauce ($18) and Cali Chicken Chop Salad ($18). Again, the food was delicious. Portions were plentiful. We did not pay the bill. This was a very nice experience here. I wish it was closer to The Villages.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

SOCO (Thornton Park), 629 E Central Blvd., Orlando, FL. 55.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-849-1800. (Southern) [D] Located in the Thornton Park area, at the corner of Central Blvd. and Summerlin Ave., where Hue - A Restaurant did business. Opened in September, 2014. Opens at 5 PM daily for dinner only. Closed Monday. The name stands for Southern Contemporary Cuisine. They offer an eclectic array of Dixie inspired dishes. Start with appetizers or small plates such as Turnip Soup, Cornmeal Crisped Oysters, Duck Confit with Boiled Peanuts, Pork Belly Biscuits, Chicken and Dumplings, Steak Tartare, Shrimp & Grits Ravioli or Crab-Stuffed Deviled Duck Eggs. Salads include Pea and Spinach Salad, Pickled Peaches and Arugula, Baby Romaine with a Fried Egg or Fried Green Tomatoes with Pickled Okra. For entrées they offer Chicken-Fried Cauliflower Steak, Grilled Meatloaf, Seared Arctic Char, Pecan-Crusted Fluke, Molasses-Glazed Hanger Steak, Chicken-Fried NY Strip Steak and Seared Duck. Featured items include Korean-Style Fried Chicken, Smoked Cobia and Grilled Pork Chop. A-la-carte sides available are Collard Greens, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Buttermilk Biscuits, Baked Squash with Country Ham, Baked Cheddar Grits and Mac 'n Cheese Cassoulet. Desserts might include Sorbet, Berry Crisp, Bourbon Banana Pudding to a Cheese Plate. The Wine List by the glass and $24-70/bottle for Whites and $31-125/bottle for Reds, with House Cocktails offered. Full bar. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. Parking garage adjacent. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Voted "Best Restaurant", "Best Sunday Brunch" and "Best Chef" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Greg Richie, executive chef and partner; Craig Ustler, owner.

Soseki (Modern Omakase), 955 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL. 53.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-853-2791. (Asian) [B/L/D] In business since 2021. Located on W. Fairbanks (CR 426), two blocks east of N. Orlando Ave. (US 17). Japanese forward, globally inspired cuisine. Soseki translates to "cornerstone". Open Wednesday through Saturday, only. Either 5:30 PM or 8:30 PM seating offered. Reservations required. Just 10 seats for this multi-course Omakase (chef's choice) at a long counter, facing the kitchen. Allow for a 2 hour dining experience. You'll find items like Chicken Liver, Spanish Mackerel, Eggplant and Uni. Then Toto Sawara, Lionfish, Kamasu, Kanpachi and Hotate. Matsukasa-Yaki, Duck Confit and Duck Breast might be prepared fresh. Prepare to spend $300pp for food. Large Wine List with a sommelier to help. Corkage Fee: $75/btl. for your own wine. A 1 Star Rated Michelin Guide Restaurant. Benjamin Coutts, sommelier; Michael Collantes, chef and owner.

Spark (at Embers), 3545 SW 34th St., Gainesville, FL. 60.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-380-0901. (Continental) (Wine Bar) [D] Located inside the Embers Wood Grill Restaurant (see that listing). It's east of Exits 382 and 384 of I-75, on SR 121, just south of SW Archer Rd. (SR 24). Open from 5 PM daily except closed Sunday. Entrance is at the breezeway. No hostess, select your own table already prepared with set-ups and menus. Full linen service. Launched in January, 2015. It's billed as a GastroPub and Cocktail Lounge. Tapa sized courses include a cup or bowl of Blue Crab Bisque Soup, Crispy Long Island Duck Wings, Arugula, Beets and Goat Cheese Salad, Blackened Shrimp with Spicy Prosciutto-Cheddar Grits, Prime Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, Beef Tartare, Smoked Pork Belly with Bourbon Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, Chicken Fried Quail, a Charcuterie Sampling of cured meats and cheeses, Coq au Vin with Garlic Mashed, Pan Seared Diver Scallops and Sweet Corn, Prime Filet Mignon with Lobster Croquette and Asparagus, Crispy Duck Breast, Prime NY Strip Peppercorn Encrusted Steak, Prime Grilled Ribeye and Pistachio Crusted Black Grouper Filet. A Prime Burger is also available. Full bar with many unusual crafted cocktails and a choice of 30 wines by the glass. Occasional live jazz. Phone reservations recommended. Ryan Todd, Charles Allen and Briton Dumas (chef), owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Spencer's For Steaks & Chops, 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando, FL. 58.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-313-8625. (Seafood) (Steakhouse) [D] Located in the Hilton Orlando Hotel off I-Drive by the convention centers, near Exit #1 of the SR 528. Hours are 5:30 to 10:30 PM daily except closed Sunday and Monday. Dressy casual. A-la-carte, locally sourced, menu served in a contemporary, colorful atmosphere. Start with a Warm Kale Salad, Baby Iceberg, Wild Ramp Mushroom Soup or Burrata Asparagus Bisque. For seafood appetizers they offer Wahoo Tartare, Deviled Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail or Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. For meat appetizers they have Smoked Hog Jowl, Rabbit Stuffed Collards or Pork Skin Pad Thai. Off to the main entrées you'll find such seafood dishes as Flounder, Carolina Wreck Fish, Loch Duart Salmon, Golden Tile Fish and Diver Scallops. For meatier entrées you'll find Fried Chicken, 8 oz. Beef Filet, 16 oz. Pork Chop, 12 oz. Prime NY Strip Steak, 16 oz. Bison Rib Eye, 16 oz. Beef Rib Eye, Elk Chop, 3 Chop Lamb and a 22 oz. Prime Bone-In Beef Rib Eye. Side dishes offered are Whipped Gold Potatoes, Cheese Grits, Baked Potato, Mac & Cheese and Spencer's Duck Confit Potatoes. For Toppings and Sauces you can add Sweet Onions, Bordelaise or Béarnaise Sauce, Bleu Cheese, Pimento Cheese, Au Poivre, Foie Gras Gravy, King Crab Oscar or a Cold Water Lobster Tail. Desserts follow, like Chocolate Cake, Crème Fraiche or Key Lime Crème Brûlée. Full bar and Wine List. Corkage Fee: $30/btl. Outdoor balcony seating overlooking the pool. Open Christmas Day with a Holiday Menu. Online or phone reservations suggested in season. Valet and validated parking available. Kevin Spencer, executive chef; hotel owned.

Stefano's Trattoria, 1425 Tuskawilla Rd., Winter Springs, FL. 69.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-659-0101. (Italian) [L/D] Located near Hobby Lobby off Red Bug Lake Rd. in Winter Springs. In business since 2006. Open 11:30 AM to 9 PM daily, except closed Sundays. (No connection with Stefano's Grill, above.) Decidedly Southern Italian and Sicilian dishes featured. For starters you may find Mozzarella Fritta, Caponata Siciliana, Bruschetta, Pomodori Caprese, Calamari Salad or Fried and Mussels in White Wine or Marinara. There's also an Antipasto Contadina. For the Pasta course, choose any of the following sauces: Marinara, Bolognese, Boscaiola, Carbonara, Alfredo, Aglio & Olio, Polpetti, Salsiccia or Funghetti, with a choice of Penne, Spaghetti or Linguini Pasta. There's also Penne with Chicken & Broccoli or Romana style, Fettuccini Primavera, Ravioli, Gnocchi Piemontese or Tortellini alla Panna. Baked items include Baked Ziti, Manicotti, Cannelloni, Lumache, Lasagna, Eggplant, Rolatini or a Combo Platter. Chicken and Veal are prepared the usual ways, Scalloppine, Marsala, Parmigiana, Piccata, Bolognese and Milanese with Chicken or Veal. They also offer Linguini with Clams, or with Calamari, or with Mussels or Shrimp Portofino, Cioppino or Parmigiana Style, plus Snapper, either Genovese or Barese Style. They also feature a Zuppa di Mare Platter. Also touted are Tortellini di Stefano, Gnoccho della Nonna, Salsiccia con Pepperoni, Pollo di Stefano and Vitello e Gamberi alla Maria. Pizzas are also available. Salads, Soups and Desserts are also on the menu. Beer and wine licensed. Lunch specials offered. Gluten-free items available. Children's menu. 18% gratuity for parties of 8 or more may be added and a sharing charge. Reservations accepted. Lewis English, executive chef; Alejandro Martinez, owner.

Older Review: (from Jan T. 4/15) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Hank T. 4/16) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 4/17) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Stephie's Pub and Irish Eatery, 1061 W. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL. 38.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-703-8195. (Brew Pub) (Irish) [L/D] Opened in March, 2022. Located on US 441 in Victoria Plaza, just outside of Plymouth, FL. Long narrow interior. Green is everywhere. Open 11:30 AM to 10 PM and later on weekends, but closed Monday and Tuesday. Bills itself as the friendliest place around. As a pub they have 15 Beers, Ales, Stouts and Ciders on tap, from Guinness, to Victory Golden Monkey, to Stephie's own brew. 15 Red and 15 White Wines are available by glass or bottle too. No Irish Whiskies here. Appetizers include Spinach Artichoke Dip, Soup du Jour, Hot Dogs, Dragon Wings, Tater Logs and Pretzels. Five Flatbreads are offered. Paninis are popular, like Veggie, Corned Beef, Turkey Club and Roast Beef. But the heart of this Eatery are the Irish dishes like Bangers and Mash, Mac 'n Cheese, Chili, Shepherd's Pie, Chicken Pot Pie and Guiness Battered Cod. Various side dishes are offered too. Specials offered. No deep fried food here. Keto/Gluten-Free versions available. Food served on a paper lined tray or plate. Happy Hour daily. Live music usually Friday and Saturday starting at 7 PM. Reservations by phone accepted. Outdoor seating available. Stephanie Savage and Lois Christopher, owners.

Stonewood Grill & Tavern (Ormond Beach), 100 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach, FL. 72.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-671-1200. (American) (Steakhouse) [D] Right on Rt. 1A, a few hundred feet south of SR 40 (W. Granada Blvd.) across from The Atlantis Resort. This is their original location and headquarters that started about 10 years ago. Opens at 4 PM daily. They specialize in Oak-Grilled meat and carry such items as 6 and 9 oz. Filets, 16 oz. New York Strip, 12 oz. Rib Eye, 10 oz. Sirloin and Grilled Pork Chops. They also offer seafood like Atlantic Salmon, Black Grouper and Mahi-Mahi. Shrimp and Scallops are also on the menu. Some more specialty items include Filet and Portobello Ravioli, Garlic Lamb Chops, Tuscan Chicken, Savory Pot Roast and even Chicken Pot Pie. Burgers and Salads are also available. Full bar and wine list. Half price Happy Hour before 7 PM. Reservations accepted. One of a small chain of 16 locations in Florida only.

Older Review: (from Ira F. 11/11) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Strand (Food & Drink), 807 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL. 56.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-920-7744. (American) [L/D] Located off I-4 Exit #83A, two blocks north of Colonial Dr. at Mills and Park Lake St. in the Colonialtown section of Orlando. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open 11 AM to 3 PM for lunch and 5-10 PM for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. Long bench seating and counter too, with fairly plain décor. Farm-to-table food with appetizers like Snapper Cakes, Fritto Misto, Peas and Burrata, Shrimp and Fried Green Tomatoes, a Cheese Board and Duck & Shishito Flatbread. Salads are a-la-carte like House, Caesar, Citrus & Arugula or Blueberry & Kale. For entrées the choice is limited but changes frequently, like Chicken Hen with Alabama Sauce, Chili-Mango Roasted Salmon, Pork & Clams Alentajo or Blackened Red Snapper. Specials like Swordfish or Lamb appear occasionally. They also have Pork on Brioche with Fries, Buttermilk Chicken with Coleslaw, a Bacon Burger with Fries, Fish & Chips with Coleslaw and Steak Frites with a Vegetable du Jour. Other side dishes add to the bill. Sunday Brunch adds Scrambled Eggs, Salmon Croquette Salad and Fried Pork Cutlet and Eggs. Apple Brown Betty, Strawberry Shortcake or Chocolate Whiskey Cake might be on the menu too. French Press Coffee is popular here. Beer and Wine licensed. By the glass Wines average $8-12 and by the bottle, $40-125. Draft Beer is available. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Substitutions declined too. Reservations by phone accepted. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Chef Joseph and Alsa Rees, owners.

(The) Stubborn Mule, 100 S. Eola Dr., Orlando, FL. 55.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-730-3400. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Located on the corner of E. Pine and S. Eola, in Thorton Park, just north of Exit 11B of the 408. Open daily 11 AM to 11 PM, except Sunday to 9 PM only but closed Mondays. Brunch served Sundays 11 AM to 2:30 PM. "Eat, Play, Drink, Repeat" is their motto. Nothing about "Work". It's billed as a "Fun Place" to eat and drink. Starters like Zucchini Fritters, Mussels, Pad Thai Chicken Wings and Sticky Pork Belly range in price. Flat breads like BBQ Chicken, Pesto Shrimp and Zucchini Ricotta are offered. Sandwiches range from Grilled Chicken, to Fish Tacos, to Smashed Salmon, to a Sliced Flat Iron Bertha are available. Burgers are 8 oz. sized. Full sized entrées include Grilled Catch of the Day, Smoked Gouda Grits, Pan Seared Scallops, Wild Boar Ribs and a 10 oz. NY Strip Steak, all come with a Caesar Salad. Side dishes add to the bill. Soup changes daily and large Salads are offered. Desserts include Triple Chocolate Brownie, Mini Cronie Bites and Cheesecake. Full bar and crafted Mule Cocktails assembled. Wine list appropriate. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Happy Hours are 4-7 PM and 10-11 PM, except Sunday is 4-7 PM only. 20% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Reservations accepted. Culinary Institute of America graduates, Brian Buttner and Jon Canonaco, owners. Brian also owns Rusteak (see that listing).

Review: (from Stefano M. 12/24) Sports Bar like atmosphere here. It was loud. We had Bruschetta (served on soggy Baguette) and Hummus (excellent) for appetizers. Salmon on Rice entrée and Cavatappi with Veggies. Both were excellent. Bottle of Pinot Noir (C/S). Server was Isabel. She was friendly and prompt. They added 20% gratuity. Total was $76 before t&t.
Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Stumpknockers On The River, 13821 SW Highway 200, Dunnellon, FL. 31.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-854-2288. (American) (Seafood) [D] Open from 2-9 PM, six days a week, but from Noon on Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays. On the Withlacoochee River for a relaxed setting. Outside bar at this location. Made famous by their Catfish dinners and Conch Fritters. Prime Rib on weekends. Appetizers include Fried Mushrooms, Shrimp Cocktail, Escargot, Conch Fritters, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Gator Nuggets, Mussels and Chicken Wings. New England Clam Chowder is popular. For entrées they have Stuffed Flounder, Tilapia, Grouper, Fried Shrimp, Frogs Legs, Fried Oysters, Mahi Mahi, a Trio of Seafood, Gator Steaks or Louisiana Style Gator, Sea Scallops, Snow Crab Legs and a Seafood Platter. On the land side they offer Dual Chicken Breasts, Dual Pork Chops, 14-16 oz. Rib Eye, 14-16 oz. NY Strip, Prime Rib on weekends, and a Surf and Turf Combo. Their "claim to fame" is AUCE Fried Catfish, or one portion at a lower price or Broilied Catfish too. About 3 specials are offered every day. Entrées come with Starch, Veggie and Soup or Salad. For dessert they have their own Key Lime Pie. Kids menu available. Full bar with a few cocktails. Reservations accepted and open Christmas and New Years Day 11 AM to 9 PM. Closed on Thanksgivings. Full bar. Tim Channell, owner. Also a location in Inverness (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Colene M. 12/07) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 4/10) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 8/11) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 6/12) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/12) Q=2 S=4 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 10/14) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Leo M. 3/15) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 3/15) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Walter P. 9/18) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 5/22) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Colene M. 2/23) Our Gourmet Club Dine-Out Team decided on Stumpknockers and we all arrived about 6 for our reservation. We were seated immediately and our server was very attentive. If I had one thing to complain about it would be that I did not receive an itemized bill after paying for our dinner so I have no idea the server's name, or the "pre tax" bill as it was not on the slip I received. Anyway, the food was outstanding. My husband had the Stuffed Flounder with Baked Sweet Potato, Green Beans and a Clam Chowder. I had the Grouper with Baked Sweet Potato, Green Beans and a Clam Chowder. He had Iced Tea and I had Diet Coke. Our total bill was $46 with tax.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Hank T. 2/23) Our dine out group had reservations and were seated immediately upon arrival. Our server, Ryan, was pleasant and attentive. We started with a Fried Mushroom appetizer ($9). We also had the Fried Shrimp ($17) and the Fried Scallops ($22). As usual, the meals were plentiful and very tasty. Even the sides dishes like Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Sweet Potatoes and Hush Puppies were excellent.We each had Peach Iced Tea. Great food- great service. Our bill came to $53 before t&t.
Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Stumpknockers On The Square, 110 W. Main St., Inverness, FL. 29.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-726-2212. (American) (Seafood) [L/D] Open from 11 AM. Closed Mondays. On the square. Prime Rib on weekends only. Appetizers include Fried Mushrooms, Shrimp Cocktail, Escargot, Conch Fritters, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Gator Nuggets, Mussels and Chicken Wings. New England Clam Chowder is popular. For entrées they have Stuffed Flounder, Tilapia, Grouper, Fried Shrimp, Frogs Legs, Fried Oysters, Mahi Mahi, a Trio of Seafood, Gator Steaks or Louisiana Style Gator, Sea Scallops, Snow Crab Legs and a Seafood Platter. On the land side they offer Dual Chicken Breasts, Dual Pork Chops, 14-16 oz. Rib Eye, 14-16 oz. NY Strip, Prime Rib on weekends, and a Surf and Turf Combo. Their "claim to fame" is AUCE Fried Catfish, or one portion at a lower price or Broilied Catfish too. About 3 specials are offered every day. Entrées come with Starch, Veggie and Soup or Salad. For dessert they have their own Key Lime Pie. Kids menu available. Full bar with a few cocktails. Surcharge added for credit card use. Reservations accepted and open Christmas and New Years Day 11 AM to 8 PM. Closed on Thanksgivings. Tim Channell, owner. Also a location in Dunnellon (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Gloria K. 5/08) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rollin W. 2/10) Q=2 S=2 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Bob M. 5/11) Q=2 S=2 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Bill S. 1/12) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/18) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 11/21) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/22) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 9/24) Came here after a play on a Sunday. We had 2 Lemon Drop Martinis, 1 Manhattan, ($7 ea.) an order of Mussels ($16) for an appetizer. They were mediocre at best. Then Clam Chowder and Fried Oysters ($18) for her. Just OK. And the Surf 'n Turf [12 oz. NY Strip and 5 Fried Shrimp] ($26) that came with a Baked Potato and a large Salad. That was fine. Jake was our server. We took our time eating and there was a lot to eat. Half came home with us. Came to about $81 before t&t. Our friends had the Pork Chops and Scallops and enjoyed theirs.
Q=4 S=3 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ellen H. 2/25) We were Duck Pin Bowling on a Sunday and came here for early dinner. Was getting crowded already. We had a Lemon Drop Martini and a Blue Moon Beer. I had the Fried Oysters with Sweet Potato and he had the Broiled Mahi with Baked Potato. We both opted for the cup of Clam Chowder as our first course. Sherrie waited on us. Very good meal. Came out fast. Total was $54 with the tax and Credit Card Surcharge. Nice place to eat.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Summer House on the Lake (Orlando), 1498 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-598-8645. (American) (Mexican) [L/D] Opened December, 2023. Located in Disney Springs, at the west end near Jaleo. It faces Lake Buena Vista. Hours are 11 AM to 11 PM daily, to 11:30 PM on weekends. Weekend Brunch offered Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 3 PM. Upscale but casual atmosphere. They have an eclectic array of food items, both heartland USA and decidedly Tex-Mex. For appetizers they offer items like Janapeño Corn Bread, Truffle Fries, Beef Meatballs and a Signature Guacamole Dip. Large Salads are Costa Mesa, Kale & Cashew and a Cobb Salad, among others. Tacos and Pasta dishes, plus Pizza are on the menu. For main dishes you'll choose from Herbed Chicken Breast, Fried Chicken Basket, Glazed Salmon, Grouper Fish 'n Chips, Skirt Steak, even a Filet Mignon. For dessert you can be tempted by Chocolate Peppermint Pie, Gooey Lemon Cake or Baked Alaska Key Lime Pie from both corners of our country. Cookies are a big thing here. You might find Apple Oatmeal or Snickerdoodles. Full bar with craft cocktails like Jalapiño Business and an Espressotini made here. Red, White and Rosé Wines by the glass or $48-275/btl. are on the list. Covered outdoor seating available. Online or phone reservations highly advised in season. Also open on holidays like Christmas Day. Ben Goodnick, chef. Corporate owned by Summer House Restaurants, Chicago, IL. Just 3 other locations are in Bethesda, Las Vegas and Chicago.

Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre, 16128 US 19, Hudson, FL. 75.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-863-7949. (American) (Buffet) [L/D] Formerly called the Show Palace Dinner Theater. Located on US 19, just north of Hudson, between Weeki Wachee and New Port Richey, Florida. Also known as the Hudson Dinner Theater. Room holds about 200 people for dinner and the show. Performances start on the second or third Thursday of every odd numbered month (January, March, etc.) and run about 5 weeks. Single night performances by known entertainers are also scheduled. Evening performances are usually at 6 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, while matinees are usually 11:30 AM, Thursday and Saturday, plus 1:00 PM Sundays. The theater is usually dark on other days. Current prices are moderate for show only and higher with dinner. Tables hold 4 or 8 people (see the seating plan). Dinner is buffet style. Items may include Prime Rib, Ham, Fish, Pork, Chicken, Eggplant Parm., Pasta, Potatoes, Veggies, Salad, Dessert, Coffe and Tea. A full bar is available for cocktails. Many bus groups attend. Free parking in short supply. Performances range from veteran Broadway shows to contemporary comedy and musicals. Most shows have an intermission. Tickets available by phone or online. Not an Actors' Equity Theater. Local talent fills the cast. Owned by Wayne Brown.

Older Review: (from Bruce W. 10/14) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 4/16) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Superica (Winter Park), 415 S. Orlando Ave., Suite 211, Winter Park, FL. 53.9 mile drive from The Villages. . (American) (Mexican) [L/D] Opened in November, 2023. Probably contracted from "Súper Rica" or "Super Delicious". It's located on US 17, (Orlando Ave.), just south of Packwood Ave. in Winter Park in Palm Hills Plaza. Ford Fry, the Atlanta based chef, author and 5-time James Beard Award nominee, opened his 8th location for this Tex-Mex chain in the Palm Hills area of Winter Park. Hours are 11 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch, then 5-10 PM for dinner, 'til 11 PM on weekends and Sunday Brunch 10 AM to 3 PM. Nachos, Tacos and Puercos are on the menu. Quesadillas, Enchiladas and items like Fajitas, Chili Relleno, Chalupa, Tampiqueña, Carne Asada and Pescado al Carbon are featured. Full bar here with craft Mexican Cocktails and Beers. 900 sq-ft. patio for outdoor seating. Corporate owned.

Swampy's Bar & Grille, 19773 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon, FL. 35.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-547-4777. (American) (Southern) [L/D] Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily, to 10 PM weekends. Located on the west bank of the Rainbow River on CR 484 about a mile east of US 41 in Dunnellon. Formerly called the Cafe on the River before June, 2012. Swampy's used to be located on US 27 north of Ocala before it moved here. Very popular on a hot summer's weekend for watching the numerous tubers and kayakers go by. The "river take-out" is just south of the 484 bridge over the spring fed river. Offers a wide variety of American food like Fried Pickles, Onion Rings, Gator Bites, Buffalo Shrimp, Shrimp Civiche, and Chicken Wings. Also popular are Bayou Wings at the same price, Crispy Chicken Poppers, and Oysters on the Half Shell. Swampy Po' Boys can be made with Shrimp, Catfish, Turkey or Gator Meat. Other Sandwiches include Breaded Pork, 8 oz. Burger, Swampy's Corned Beef, Philly Cheese Steak, Reuben, Blackened Chicken, and a FishWitch. For Wraps they have Cajun Turkey or Blackened Gator. Going up the food chain you can find Fish & Chips, Fried Shrimp, Pork Medallions, and Crab Cakes. Dishes with a Louisiana flair include Seafood Gumbo, Pasta or Rice Jambalaya, Shrimp, Sausage & Grits, Gator Platter, and Fried Catfish. For larger appetites, you'll find Grilled Chicken, 8 oz. Blackened Sirloin, Baby Back Ribs, 10 oz. NY Strip Steak, Ribs & Chicken Combo, and an 8 oz. Sirloin & Shrimp Surf 'n Turf. Many dinners come with one side dish. For dessert, they offer Key Lime Pie, Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Cake and Fried Cheese Cake. Boat dockage available. Picnic tables on the lawn. Occasional live music on Wednesday, Noon to 3 PM. Full bar with Happy Hour. Carlos Sanchez and Wendell Landry, owners here and at Horse and Hounds in Ocala (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Yori O. 1/17) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Table (Restaurant), 100 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL. 46.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-873-7929. (Southern) (Vegetarian) [B/L/D] Located downtown, at the corner of New York Ave. and Woodland Blvd., where the Main Street Grill operated for years. Opened March, 2017. Hours are 10 AM to 9 PM daily, to 10 PM weekends, but to only 3 PM on Sunday. For breakfast they have Chicken & Waffles, Biscuit & Gravy, a Breakfast Bowl and other items ranging $4-11 each. For lunch and dinner they offer appetizer/sharings like Brussels Sprouts, Cheese Curds, Pork Wings, Deviled Eggs, Southern Caprese and a Meatball, plus a Charcuterie Board with choices. Entrées include Chicken Pot Pie, Vegan Steak, Vegan Risotto, Brisket Stroganoff, Meatloaf, Southern Fried Chicken, Pork Chop, Shrimp & Grits, Cornbread Stuffed Chicken, Brandied Shrimp Pasta, Blackened Sirloin Steak, Braised Short Ribs, Sea Scallops, 16 oz. Steak Frites and a Fresh Catch at Market Price. Lighter fare includes Vegetarian Flatbread, BLT plus Avocado, Hot Brown [Meatloaf], Chicken Club, Vegetarian Grilled Portabello, Cheddar Bacon Burger, Black & Blue Burger and Pimento Cheese Burger. Soup of the Day and Salads include House, Spring, Caesar and Wedge. Full bar with creative cocktails like Midnight Margarita and a Florida Mule. Wines by the glass or by the bottle ($22-38). There's also a premium Wine List $26-220/btl. for Whites and $26-150/btl. for Reds. Sunday Brunch is offered to 3 PM. No wifi distraction here. A banquet area is in the basement. Online or phone reservations accepted. Michael & Melissa Prelec and Daniel & Melisa Reed, owners.

Tamarind Indian Cuisine, 501 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL. 60.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-321-207-0760. (Indian) (Vegetarian) [L/D] Located off US 17 at Webster Ave., in the Center of Winter Park Plaza near Michaels and Office Depot. Open daily at 11:30 AM to 3 PM for lunch and then from 5 PM to 9:30 PM for dinner, but to 10:30 PM on weekends. Offers a vast array of northern and southern Indian Cuisine in a nicely appointed room. Tamarind is a fruit from the tree by the same name and is used to flavor Curry, Rice and Chutney. A Lentil and a Chicken Soup are offered first. For appetizers you'll find Samosa and Hariyali Tikki, Paneer Tikka and Stuffed Mushroom, Chicken Pepper Fry and Fish Chop. Chicken dishes range from Shahi Koorma, to Nizami to Xacuti and 5 others. A half dozen Lamb dishes like Lamb Pasanda or Lamb Vindaloo are on the menu. Goan Shrimp Curry, Konkani Fish Curry and others range in price. A few Dosa [Crepes] dishes like Rawa Masala Dosa are available. Nine Vegetarian items like Dal Makhni [Beans] offered. Rice dishes are popular too, like Lemon or Lamb Rice. For dessert you can find Mango Ice Cream, Kheer [Rice Pudding], Gulab Jamun [Cheese Balls] and others. Lassi and Falooda are offered for native beverages. Beer and wine licensed. Voted "Best Indian Restaurant" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Voted Orlando's best Indian restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Online or phone reservations accepted. Another location is at 12309 E. Colonial Dr., in Orlando. Amit and Sunil Kumar, owners.

Tampa Bay Brewing Company, 1600 E. 8th Ave., Tampa, FL. 86.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-247-1422. (American) (Brew Pub) [L/D] Located in Ybor City on the plaza level of "Centro Ybor", it's actually located on E. 9th Ave. Established in 1996 by Johnny G. Doble, III. Open from 11 AM daily except from Noon on Sunday, to 11 PM or later every day. As the name implies, they brew many different beers here using irreverent names like Old Elephant Foot™, Wild Warthog™, One Night Stand™, Iron Rat Stout™ and Moose Killer™. Plus they make their own Root Beer. Extensive menu that includes Greek, Cobb, Spinach and Caesar Salads, Beer Cheese and Onion Porter Soups and a Classic New Orleans Gumbo. Burgers are popular and they run the gamut from a Brew House Burger to the Chile Roja Bison Burger. Pizzas and Calzones are also featured, as is a Philly Cheese Steak. The entrées offered are an Iron Rat Stout Shepherd's Pie, a Grilled Sausage and Rigatoni Pasta, a Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Brats Steamed in Beer, Cuban Mojo Pulled Pork, Brewhouse Barleywine Meatloaf, Cedar Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and a 10 oz. Pepper Grilled Angus Sirloin. You can also find a Fresh Catch at market prices and even Wild Warthog Thai Style Spicy Curry Mussels, like no other. For dessert, you'll find their signature, Chocolate and Cherry Bread Pudding, Warm Apple Cobbler, Pineapple Up Side Down Cake and even Molten Chocolate Chip Blonde. Lunch items are served until 3:30 PM and include such creations as a Curry Wrap, Tandori Chicken Pita, Corned Beef Reuben or a Cuban Sandwich, among others. More beer-themed items include Brew House Cider Wings, Black & Tan Onion Wings, Homemade Irish Soda Bread and their famous Cheese & Ale Dip. Kids are offered Mac 'n Cheese, Chicken Fingers, Pizza and Grilled Cheese, plus, what else, their own (Root) Beer. Kegs, cans and bottles of their brewed products are available for take home. The words most often used here are "Hand Crafted" and "Beer Is Your Friend". Flights of beer samples are available too. Full bar if you're not into brewskis. No separate checks for parties of 10 or more and 18% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Reservations accepted. Ryan Kelly, head chef. Victoria and David Doble, owners.

Older Review: (from Rocki B. 1/12) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

The Tap Room at Dubsdread, 549 W. Par St., Orlando, FL. 52.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-650-0100. (American) [L/D] Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, except to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday and to 9 PM on Sunday. Located at the historic Dubsdread Country Club (opened in 1924) on Par St. near Edgewater Dr. Noted for their steaks. Bone-In Center Cut Pork Chop, Hand Cut 10 oz. New York Strip, 12 oz. Ribeye Steak, Blackened Ribeye with Maytag Blue Cheese, and 8 oz. Filet Mignon. Other items on the menu include Vegetable Platter, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Fettuccini Alfredo, Alpine Chicken, Fish and Chips, BBQ Rib Basket, Fried Shrimp, Atlantic Salmon, Mahi-Mahi and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. Burgers, Sandwiches and Salads are also available. Gluten free selections are noted on the menu. Large selection for business lunch. Outdoor seating available. Sunday Brunch offered 11 AM to 2:30 PM. 2011 & 2012 Foodie Reader's Choice winner for "Best Outdoor Dining" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted "Best Old Favorite" and "Best Power Lunch" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Reservations accepted. The ballroom open Thanksgiving Day for specially priced dinner from 11 AM to 5 PM by reservation. 18% gratuity added for parties of 8 or more. Full bar and wine list. Happy Hour. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Large outdoor deck for seating. Sam Gunter, owner.

Review: (from Ellen H. 9/23) What a great place. Very clubby here. A true golf country club in Orlando for 99 years! We were early for our reservation but a nice booth was prepared in just a few minutes. Hayley was our server. She was excellent. We ordered a "Contradiction" ($10) and a Bourbon Manhattan/Rocks ($10). Excellent cocktails. We also had the Kettle Chips and the Meatballs for appetizers. Our only complaint that night was that our entrées arrived when we were only half done with our appetizers. We accepted them rather than risk cold food. We all had the Queen Cut Prime Rib and it was wonderful. From Rare to End Cut, each was cooked correctly. We took home half the meat. Desserts came with the meal which we took home too. We also ordered a bottle of J. Lohr Sirah ($48). Everything, except the timing, was perfect tonight. Even the view was nice. It got crowded by the time we left. Our Magical Dining Meal ($40pp) with cocktails and wine came to $148 before t&t. Management stopped by too. Coming back here next year for sure.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ken J. 9/23) Only superlatives can describe this dining event. We went here for Orlando Magical Dining and were extremely satisfied with all aspects of the evening. This restaurant has its own unique quaintness. There was a lot of energy as the place was crowded. The drinks were very good and they feature a good wine selection across a range of prices. Our appetizer choices were Tap Room Kettle Chips with house bleu cheese fondue, balsamic glaze, and scallions. Our second choice was Meatballs Marinara with mozzarella, fresh basil, and house croutons. Our main course was Prime Rib. Our food was delivered quickly, served hot and tasty, with generous portions. We enjoyed a Manhattan and Martini before dinner and a bottle of Zinfandel with dinner. Dessert was Key Lime Pie which we took to-go. Lastly, our server, Haley, was phenomenal, the perfect amount of attention, courteous and a charming person. Total before t&t was $139. A very enjoyable meal and evening.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Tapa Toro (Tapas Bar & Paella Pit), 8441 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-226-2929. (Spanish) [L/D] Opened June 29, 2015. Located under the Icon-Orlando at I-Drive 360. Hours are 1 PM to 10 PM weekdays and 11 AM to 11 PM on weekends. This 5,000 s.f. restaurant offers Tapas, full Spanish meals and a 7 ft., 1260 pound "Paella Pit". The menu features four Paellas, a Spanish Vegetarian, Steak, Chicken or Seafood based Rice dish. Guests can enjoy traditional Tapas, such as Bunuelos (fluffy salted Cod Fritters), Gambas al Ajillo (Shrimp sautéed in olive oil, garlic, paprika and a splash of brandy), Albondigas (Meatball made with veal and beef combined with Manchego Cheese and seasoned with parsley, garlic and Spanish paprika) and Patatas Bravas (fried white potatoes served with a spicy tomato aioli). Sunday Brunch is offered. Full bar with creative libations and Wine List. Open Christmas Day and Eve with All-You-Can-Eat Paella at a fixed price. Open Thanksgiving Day from 11 AM with Paella Plate at one price. Reservations accepted. Outdoor seating available. Music and Flamenco Dancers entertain table-side. Voted "Best Chef" and "Best Spanish" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Wendy Lopez, chef; Jonathan Pluvinet, owner, here and at the Greek-themed Taverna Opa! (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 8/22) Q=3 S=3 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.

Tarantino's Italian Restaurant, 2095 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL. 66.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-870-2622. (Italian) [D] Located on US 441/500, near Turnpike Exit #224. Established in 1992 in Kissimmee. Third generation family run restaurant. Open from 4 PM but closed Monday. Typical Italian fare with Bruschetta, Fried Calamari, Stuffed Mushrooms, Baked Clams, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Antipasto For Two for appetizers. Pasta dishes include Sautéed Capellini, Linguine with Meatballs or Sausage, Lasagna, Linguine with Red or White Clam Sauce, Lobster Ravioli and Fettuccine with Chicken or Shrimp. Eggplant Parmigiana and a Tuscan Trio is also available. Chicken dishes and Veal dishes are available. Stuffed Basa, Shrimp Scampi, Scallops Oreganatta and Seafood Fra Diavlo are offered too. Two Boneless Pork Chops and 12 oz. New York Strip round out the menu. A Summer Special Dinner is offered. Full bar. 2 for 1 Happy Hour 4-7 PM on house wine and draft beer. Frances Campos, owner.

Taste of Chengdu (Baldwin Park), 4856 New Broad St., Orlando, FL. 59.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-286-4850. (Asian) [L/D] In business since June, 2020. Located in Baldwin Park off New Broad St., near Publix Market. Formerly Chi Pan Asian. Hours are 11:30 AM to 9 PM daily, except closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Last seating is at 8:30 PM. Full service restaurant by reservation only. Chinese cuisine specializing in somewhat spicy Sichuan flavors. Chengdu is the largest city in the Sichuan/Szechuan Province. Long narrow room with attractive bar and modern décor. Bi-lingual expansive menu with photos. Order food "Mild", "Medium" or "Spicy". You'll find items like Sea Cucumber Soup, Hot & Sour Soup, Minced Beef Soup and Vegetable Soup on the menu. Dishes like Dan Dan Noodle [Pork & Vegetables], Wonton/Dumplings/Cod all Sichuan Style, Octopus, Spicy Chicken, Orange Shrimp, Calamari, Spring Rolls, Diced Chicken Bao can be ordered. Conch, Beef, Pork Belly and Duck can be found here too. Steamed or Crispy Whole Fish is featured at Market Price. Kung Pao Shrimp and Scallops, Lobster and Sichuan Dungeness Crab tops out the menu. Lunch specials include Kung Pao Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, Beef & Broccoli, Pepper Steak, Pork Beijing and others. Beer and Wine licensed. Phone reservations required. Limited seating. BEST 55 BY ORLANDO WEEKLY. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. Xiong “Tiger” Tang, chef and owner. Another location is at 2030 W. Colonial Dr.

Taste of Peru, 9521 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL. 56.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-857-2734. (Seafood) (Spanish) [L/D] Located in Suite 117A at Cyprus Park Plaza, facing W. Taft Vineland Rd., just east of OBT, and south of the SR 528 and Florida Turnpike OBT interchanges (Consolate Dr.). Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily and from 12 Noon on Sunday. Opened in June, 2013. Authentic South American cuisine combining indigenous Inca and Spanish flavors. Appetizers include Peruvian Potatoes, House Salad, Various Mashed Potato Creations, Marinated Shrimp, Calamari, Fish & Octopus, Mussels, Crispy Calamari, Chicken Brochettes and Beef Brochettes. Ceviche dishes include various seafood mixtures. There's also Arroz con Mariscos, Fried White Fish, Peruvian Stir-Fry, Spiced Seafood, a Seafood Mix Battered and Fried, Peruvian Fish Stew and other seafood creations. Fried Rice with Chicken, Sliced Chicken and Tomatoes, Breaded Chicken Cutlet, Grilled Chicken with Noodles and Grilled Chicken Breast with Fried Rice and Beans are also on the menu. Beef items are similar, plus a number of Churrasco Black Angus Skirt Steak preparations. A number of Soups are offered including Chicken, Peas and Rice, Shrimp in a Creamy Broth and Parihuela (Seafood in a Tomato Broth). No bar here. Reservations accepted by phone or online. Ronald and Milagros Basurto, owners.

(The) Tasting Room, 99 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL. 41.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-230-4837. (Southern) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Located in The Edgewater Hotel, this off-shoot of The Chef's Table offers Appetizers, Cold and Hot Plates and small Classic Dishes served tapas style, along with innovative cocktails from their full bar. Victorian décor. Vinyl table coverings. Open from 4-10 PM Monday through Thursday, 4-11 PM Friday, 11 AM to 11 PM Saturday, and 11 AM to 9 PM on Sunday, with Sunday Brunch 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM only. Happy Hour runs 4-7 PM weekdays and 4-6 PM Friday through Sunday. For large Salads they offer Romaine. You'll find their signature Duck Fat Fries, House Tacos, Cheese Curds, Asian Beef, Pimento & Pickles, Smoked Fish Dip, Half Portion Pork Ravioli, Oysters "Rockafella", Duck Confit Croquette, Chicken Wings, a Flatbread, Pasta Bolognese, Seared Ahi Tuna, Signature Mini Beef Wellington Trio, Cheese Board, Fried Chicken, N.O. Shrimp 'n Grits, Pork Ribeye and Fish du Jour. Some side dishes are also available at extra charge. Desserts are also offered. Sunday Brunch offers various Eggs Benedicts, Biscuits and Gravy, Baked Brie, Loaded Hash, French Toast, Croque Monsieur, Hot Chicken Sandwich, Patty Melt and various Chef's Burgers. Country Fried Steak is also on the list. They pride themselves on unique cocktails like a Deep Bleu Martini, Peppered Pear, Motion in the Ocean, Pumpkin Patch, Rye Thai Cup, Muerto Verde, Fig Mule and Deep Dirty South. Mimosas and Bloody Marys offered at Sunday Brunch. Beer and wines by the glass are also featured. Reservations accepted for large parties or call ahead for a table. Open Thanksgiving Day by reservation. Corkage Fee: $30/btl. for your own wine. Voted "Best Appetizers" and "Best Cocktails" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey over the years. Laurie and Kevin (chef) Tarter, owners here and at the Chef's Table (see that listing).

Older Review: (from Rich C. 11/17) Q=4 S=5 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 4/18) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 8/24) We like it here. Been a while. Always new and unusual things on the menu. Many tapas style items. She had the Pecan Pie Cocktail ($17). Takes 10 minutes to make. Complicated recipe. It was delicious. I had water. We had an order of Brussels Sprouts ($13) to share and she had the Chef's Flatbread ($17). It was large and very good. I had the Mushroom Roulade ($16). It came out first. Was interesting and flavorful but not what I expected. Half the Flatbread came home with us. Livio was our friendly server. Total with one cocktail was $63 before t&t. Good place to eat in the dark dining room. Menu changes frequently. Happy Hour at the bar, obviously.
Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Taverna Manos, 5705 West Gulf to Lake Hwy. (SR 44), Crystal River, FL. 42.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-564-0078. (Greek) [B/L/D] Open 7 AM to 8 PM daily, including Mondays. Located 3 miles east of Crystal River on State Route 44. Small Mediterranean restaurant offering authentic Greek food with a little Spanish, French and Italian thrown in. Breakfast items include Omelets, Home Fries, Hash Browns and Grits. Pork, Lamb, Chicken and Beef dishes are usually marinated in Greek spices for the main course. A few of their offerings include Meatloaf, Open-Face Turkey or Roast Beef Sandwiches, Liver and Onions, French Dip, Rioja Pork, Tuscan Stuffed Chicken, Rib-Eye and New York Strip Steaks, Lasagna, Moroccan Lamb, Mussells, Scallops, Salmon and more, all at moderate prices. Typical Greek items include Lamb and Vegetable Stew, Stuffed Bell Peppers, Gyros, Souvlaki, Spanokopita, Mano Plaki, Greek Lemon Chicken, Stuffed Red Snapper and Moussaka. Noted for their Saganaki and huge Gulf Shrimp. Greek desserts are imported from Tarpon Springs Greek bakeries. Outdoor patio available. Early Bird Specials, from 3 to 5 PM daily. Late night menu on weekends. Xmas Eve dinner to 7 PM. Medtronic diabetic menu on request. Domestic and Imported Beer and Wine are available, as is Cappucino and Espresso. Phone reservations accepted. Entertainment weekends and belly dancer on Thursday evening. Ben Hensley, chef; Debbie Manos, Damian and Nicholas Everhart, owners.

Older Review: (from Bob M. 10/11) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Taverna Opa, 9101 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 59.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-8660. (Greek) [L/D] Open Noon to 10 PM daily and to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Located on I-Dive near Sand Lake Rd. on the 2nd level of Pointe Orlando. The dinner atmosphere is upbeat and includes Belly Dancing Shows and Zorba Dancers with a DJ. This authentic Greek Fest in the tourist area of Orlando serves lunch and dinner daily offering both American Steaks and Seafood as well as traditional Greek dishes. Some of the meat entrées include Lamb Chops, Chicken Artichoke, Lemon Chicken, Oak Grilled Pork Loin, Rib Eye Steak, Filet Mignon and 22 oz. Porterhouse Steak ranging in price. Chicken, Beef, Shrimp or Lamb Kebobs are available. Fish entrées include Key West Snapper, Tuna, Salmon, Chilean Sea Bass, Grouper and Shrimp. Traditional Greek cuisine includes Kleftiko (Lamb in Parchment), Roasted Lamb (Marinated), Mousaka (Beef and Eggplant), Pastitsio (Macaroni & Lamb), Stuffed Peppers, Boureki and Lamb Shank ranging in price. Large Greek, Cretan, Marouli or Opa Salads are offered. Soulvaki and Gyro Platters are also offered. Full bar including Greek beer and wine. Corkage Fee for your own wine. Lunch specials run 11 AM to 3 PM. Happy Hour 2 for 1 prices offered 3 to 6 PM. Open Christmas Day and Eve with a Prix Fixe meal. Open Thanksgiving Day for special Lamb Dinner at a special price. Online or phone reservations accepted. Validated parking with a purchase. 2008 Foodie Reader's Choice runner-up and 2010 Foodie Reader's Choice winner for "Best Greek Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted "Best Greek Restaurant" and "Best Place To Celebrate" by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey for many years. Ekaterina Coumbaros, owner.

Older Review: (from Yori O. 7/15) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 7/18) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Ten Ten Seafood & Grill (Orlando), 5600 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL. 49.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-559-9999. (Asian) (Seafood) [L/D] Opened June, 2021. It's located west of Orlando on SR 50, near S. Kirkman Rd., in the Golden Sparkling Plaza where East Manor Restaurant did business (next to the Asian market). Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, until 11 PM on weekends. It's an upscale Chinese Restaurant with lucky red interior and round tables with table cloths and chair covers. A lazy susan on each table encourages sharing. From the menu, they offer 2 dozen Noodle dishes, like Singapore Rice Noodle, a dozen Seafood dishes, like Kung Pao Shrimp, a dozen Chicken dishes, like General Tso's Chicken, a dozen Beef dishes, like Hunan Beef, a half dozen Pork dishes, like Salt Baked Pork Chop, 2 dozen Cantonese dishes, like Roasted Pigeon, a dozen Clay Pot dishes, like Beef Stew Clay Pot and 2 dozen Chef Specials, like Happy Family, plus Whole Peking Duck as a specialty. Appetizers, Soups, Fried Rice and Tofu items are also listed. They also have Lobster Fruit Salad and Cold Jellyfish. They also specialize in Dim Sum on weekends. Some items on the cart might be Steamed Pork Siu Mai, Shrimp Dumpling, Shanghai Dumplings, Shrimp Pancake, Spring Rolls or Baked Roast Pork. Full bar here. Another location is in Sunrise, FL. Xin Li, owner.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 5/22) Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Barry N. 12/24) This was the first time we went to Ten Ten for dinner instead of going for Dim Sum lunch. We only ordered 2 dishes because it was late and we were on our way home from a day in Orlando. We ordered the $25 Lobster Special which seems to be on everyone's table when we eat there. The special is 2 cut up, cracked Lobsters, cooked in a delicious Garlic Ginger Sauce. Although it was very very tasty I would not order it again as it was a lot of work eating it, except for the tails. The Beef Chow Fun is the best we've had in Florida. The Beef was very tender and the Noodles had that slight grilled taste of the Beef with every bite. The total bill before t&t was $41. Will definitely be going back with a large group, so that we could sample many different dishes and to celebrate Chinese New Year in January or February.
Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Tennessee Truffle, 125 W. 1st St., Sanford, FL. 52.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-942-3977. (Breakfast) (Southern) [B/L/D] Began in May, 2016. Right down the block from The Willow Tree. Open 9 AM to 2 PM, later on Saturday; then again 5:30 to 9 PM, later on weekends; except closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, all day. Industrial look décor, with exposed brick and church pews for benches with plain black tables. The food might be delivered on a pie plate, cutting board, in a mini-pot or a glass jar, at the pick-up window. Fresh locally sourced ingredients used for limited selections. Always enticing. Never boring. For Appetizers you'll see Chicken Liver Mousse, Pan-seared Pork Bellies and Hot Quail. For Salads they offer Southern Wedge, Caesar or Southern Panzanella. Entrées include Airline Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Duck Breast, Flat Iron Steak and a Fish of the Day. For dessert try Birch Beer Float, Chocolate Gravy Biscuit, Popcorn Brûlée, Summer Pound Cake or Milk Chocolate Porter Float. A kid's menu is also available. Breakfast ends at 11:30 AM and includes Biscuits & Gravy, Bacon Egg & Cheese or French Toast. For lunch they have a BLT, Chicken Salad, Pulled Belly, Pork Loin, Wedge Salad, BLT & Egg and Southern Panzanella. Side dishes like Potato Salad or Fruit, are extra. Beer and wine licensed. Does take reservations. 4% surcharge added for credit cards. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine for Best New Restaurant. Nathaniel Russell, chef and owner.

Review: (from Stefano M. 12/24) This is a hidden gem. We had Baby Cheddar Biscuits with Candied Jalapeño Pimiento Cheese and Lemon Ricotta Angolotti as appetizers. We also had Pan Seared Salmon with Gruyere & Kale Rye Bread Pudding plus Champagne Braised Onions & Cabbage, as well as Shrimp 'n Grits. Everything was outstanding both food and service. Definitely going back.
Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Terrace Grille, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland, FL. 70.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-863-603-5420. (Continental) [B/L/D] Located in the historic and restored 1924 Terrace Hotel, downtown Lakeland. It features high arched windows, pecky cypress patterned ceilings and black and white patterned floors. The space is elegant as well as historic. Breakfast served daily 7 AM to 10 AM; lunch 11 AM to 2 PM and dinner 6 nights per week, 5 PM to 9 PM, but to 10 PM on weekends. Brunch served 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday. No dinner served on Sunday night. For dinner you may find Hokkaido Scallops with Risotto, Roasted Atlantic Grouper with Wilted Greens, Pan Seared Salmon with Carrot Puree, Niman Ranch Pork Chop, Herb Roasted Chicken with Wild Rice Pilaf, Angus Rib Eye Steak with Potatoes, Angus Filet Mignon with Whipped Potatoes plus Gnocchi or Cauliflower Steak for vegetarians. Lighter meals are also offered for lunch or dinner like Gulf Coast Grouper Sandwich, Lime Grilled Chicken Sandwich, House Wagyu Burger and Salads like Caesar, Caprese or Bibb Lettuce. A Vegetable dish is also on the menu. Small plates like Deviled Eggs, Lump Crab Cake, Tuna Tartar, Coconut Shrimp, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Stacciatella Toasts, Crispy Brussels Sprouts and even a Charcuterie Board can serve as an appetizer or light meal. Saturday/Sunday Brunch has similar offerings plus a full American Breakfast or Classic Pancakes. Bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Marys featured at Brunch. Desserts include Sticky Toffee Bread Pudding, Grapefruit Brûlée, Key Lime Pie, Strawberry Shortcake and a Dark Chocolate Terrine. Full bar with signature cocktails and a wine list. Happy Hour weekdays 4-7 PM. Reservations suggested by phone or their website. Patrick Baird, executive chef; hotel operated.

TerraMia Ristorante e Trattoria, 1150 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL. 47.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-774-8466. (Italian) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Located near I-4 Exit 94, off SR 434, in Silver Springs Square at Suite 1050. Old-world feeling keeps this local restaurant popular. Open 11 AM to 9 PM weekdays, 5-9 PM Saturday and Sunday. Menu changes between 2:30 and 5:30 PM. Appetizers like Focaccia, Eggplant Parmesan, Sausage & Peppers, Carpaccio, Antipasto, Calamari & Shrimp and others help start the meal. They offer various Paninis and many Salads too. For Pasta you can find Spaghetti with Meatballs, Lasagna Bolognese, Gnocchi Sorrentina, Spaghetti with Clams, Pappardelle with Shrimp and Mushrooms and many others ranging $12-19 each. Gluten free Pasta adds extra. Second course includes Chicken Parmesan Skirt Steak, Veal Parmesan, Bistecca, Salmon, Short Ribs and Zuppa de Pesce. 13 and 16 inch Pizzas available. Eight desserts are offered like Tiramisu. Express Lunch offered. Full bar. A long list of Wines by the glass mix California and imported Italian. By the bottle, a very long list offers Whites at $28-75/btl.; Reds at $32-85/btl. Reserve wines run $45-300/btl. Happy Hour M-F, 4-7 PM and Saturday, 5-7 PM. Outdoor seating available. $ off on your Birthday with reservation. Reservations online via Open Table and by phone are accepted. Gallucci family, owners.

Texas Cattle Company (Lakeland), 735 E. Main St., Lakeland, FL. 71.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-863-686-1434. (Steakhouse) [D] Located at Main & Lake, just south of US 98. Open 5-10 PM daily. Closed only Super Bowl Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgivings and Xmas. Opened in 1973 (as Talk of the Town). True Texas décor greets the patrons. Specializes in aged beef cooked over a wood pit, fresh fish and fine wine. Starters include Escargot, Florida Gator, Frog Legs, Shrimp Cocktail, Potato Pachos, Fried Cajun Mushrooms, Pan-Fried Calamari, Dang Bang Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes, Blue Crab Jalapeño Dip, Spicy Red Chili Onion Rings, Blue Cheese Garlic Potato Chips and Wood Grilled Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Entrées include Thick Cut Pork Chop, Twin 6 oz. Boneless Chicken Breast, Twin Bacon Wrapped Filet Medallions with a 10 oz. Lobster Tail, 10, 14 or 20 oz. Filet Mignons, 18 oz. T-Bone, Bone-In 24 oz. Rib Eye and the whopping 32 or 50 oz. Porterhouse Steaks. Six Pound Steak Eating Challenge is seldom beat. On the seafood side you can find 1¼ lb. Rock Lobster Tail, Cedar Planked Salmon, Madagascar Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab, Crab Cake, and Salmon Oscar. Fresh fish might include Tuna, Swordfish, Salmon, Mahi-Mahi, Cobia, Red or Black Grouper, Pompano, Wahoo or Red Snapper, all priced to market. Side dishes are a-la-carte and include Sautéed Mushrooms, Giant Baked Potato, Sautéed Onions, Texas Fries, Kettle Fries, Grilled Asparagus, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Steakhouse Bacon, Red Skin Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Fried Green Tomatoes and Garlic Bread. Six Layer Chocolate Mocha Cake is a favorite for dessert. Full bar with specialties of 32 oz. Margarita and various Coladas like Piña, Strawberry or Banana are offered. Wine list includes about 50 bottle from around the world. Reservations accepted and advised weekends. Money saving promotions, like Oscar Night Special, Tuesday in July Steak Special or Surf & Turf - Wine & Dine Special, are offered on their Facebook Page. A "Talk of the Town" restaurant. Another location is in St. Petersburg. Deidre White and Ron Wood, managers here; Ron Woodsby, founder and owner.

Texas de Brazil, 5259 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 54.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-355-0355. (Steakhouse) [L/D] Located near I-4 and the Turnpike on I-Drive since 2004.Open for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only from 12 noon. All other days, open for dinner from 5 to 10 PM weekdays and from 4 PM on weekends. A Brazilian Churrascaria serving flavorful steaks from an open pit. Start with a 50 item Salad Bar, then a marching array of seasoned grilled meats consisting of a dozen cuts of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken and Brazilian Sausage all carved at your table by gauchos. Prix Fixe for dinner and lunch with reduced selections. Full bar featuring the South American cocktail called a Caipirinha. Large wine List. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. No flying wine angel at this location. $25 Coupon offered on your birthday for eClub members. Seniors, 65 and over, receive a discount, and military families a better discount, when requested (not valid holidays and proof is required). Winner of the Foodie Critic's Choice Award for "Best Buffet Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Online and phone reservations accepted and advised weekends. A small chain of 17 locations mostly in Texas and Florida.

Texas Roadhouse (Brooksville), 12935 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL. 60.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-596-2225. (Barbecue) (Steakhouse) [L/D] Open since July, 2012. Located on SR 50, 7 miles west of town, just beyond the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589). Open 3-10 PM weekdays and 11 AM to 11 PM weekends and to 10 PM on Sunday. The most favorite item is not on the menu; it's throwing peanut shells on the floor. They specialize in Hand Cut Steaks here, like the 6 or 8 oz. Sirloin, 10, 12 or 16 oz. Ribeye, 10, 12 or 16 oz. Prime Rib, 12 or 16 oz. New York Strip, 6 or 8 oz. Dallas Filet, 9 oz. Medallions, 18 oz. T-Bone and the 20 oz. Bone-In Ribeye. Half or Full Slab Pork Ribs are also popular. All are served with two side dishes like Baked Potato, Mashed, Fries, Rice, Corn, Chili, Salad, Vegetables or Beans. You can also find Country Fried, Oven Roasted or BBQ Chicken here with a few others too also a Pulled Pork dinner, Sirloin Beef Tips, Country Fried Sirloin or one or two Grilled Pork Chops. A Chopped Steak called "Road Kill" is offered. Even Fried Catfish, Grilled Salmon and Grilled Shrimp can be had. Ten Early Bird dinners offered Monday through Thursday until 6 PM. Burgers and Kids meals also available. Desserts include Granny's Apple Classic, Strawberry Cheesecake and Big Ol' Brownie. Salads and appetizers for the not-so-hungry also on the menu. Gluten free rolls and an endless supply of peanuts to shell. Full bar. Call ahead seating. Free appetizer or Side Kick of Ribs on your birthday for Email Club members. Founded in Indiana in 1993, this chain boasts 470 locations and is now based in Louisville, KY. Another location is now in Lady Lake (see that listing). Keith Ball, managing partner here.

Thai Blossom Restaurant, 99 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL. 41.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-905-9917. (Asian) [L/D] Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily and until 10 PM on weekends. Located in the old Edgewater Hotel on the ground floor. Same location as the Chef's Table. Very interesting variety of food from Thailand. They boast a dozen soups on the menu like Tom Yum Gai (Chicken), Tom Yum Pao Tak (Seafood), Wonton, Silver Noodle and Thai Noodle soups offered for an appetizer to meal size. Salads are Papaya, Beef, Yam Yai (Shrimp & Chicken), Thai Blossom and Spicy Seafood Salad, all ranging in price. Of course Noodle dishes and Fried Rice abound. Entrées include Chicken, Beef, Pork, Tofu, Shrimp, Squid or Vegetable staples made in Teriyaki, Garlic Delight, Cashew Nut, Ginger & Onions, Pineapple, Thai Basil, Sweet & Sour, Nam Prik Pao, Snow Peas & Mushrooms or Prik King (Red Curry) styles. Other curry dishes range in price for Panang, Yellow, Green, Red or Mussamon styles. Seafood specialties include Spicy Shrimp & Scallop or Squid, Garlic Shrimp & Scallop or Squid, Seafood Ship Wreck and Salmon Curry. Also Ginger Red Snapper, Sweet & Sour Red Snapper and Red Snapper in 3 Taste Sauces. Chef Specials include New Zealand Steamed Mussels in Garlic Sauce or Green Curry, Param Steamed Chicken, Florida Orange Chicken, Roasted Duck Curry and Thai Basil Duck all ranging in price. Desserts range from Blossom Banana Delight, Mango & Sticky Rice, Caramel Custard and Lynchee (Lychee) on Ice. Wine and beer only. Winner of the 2009 & 2011 Foodie Critic's Choice Award for "Best Thai Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Tyler Cravens, owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 5/14) Q=4 S=5 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Yori O. 8/18) Q=3 S=4 V=5 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Thai Erawan Restaurant, 219 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL. 72.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-386-677-0999. (Asian) (Vegetarian) [L/D] Opened April, 2009. Open for lunch 11 AM to 3 PM weekdays and noon to 4 PM on Saturday. Dinner is offered 4:30 to 10 PM daily, except 4 to 9 PM on Sunday. Located on SR 40, one block from Ocean Shore Blvd. (Atlantic Blvd.). They offer a vast menu of traditional Thai cuisine with chef specials in a nicely decorated room with soft music. Start off with 4 Spring Rolls or Crispy Rolls, Sa-teh, Steamed Dumplings, Crab Rangoon, Bangkok Fried Shrimp, Fried Wonton, Golden Calamari or Mussels Basil. Soups include Wonton, Chicken Rice, Crabmeat, Tom Kah Gai or Vegetable Coconut Soup, among others. Their specialties include Beef or Chicken Massaman Curry, Siam Chicken, Panang Curry Prawns and Chicken, Roasted Duckling, Volcano Shrimp, Shu-Shi Shrimp, Tornado Shrimp, Sizzling Seafood, or Fancy Lobster. More traditional items like Sweet and Sour Shrimp, Shrimp or Squid in Garden Vegetables, Shrimp Curry, Prig Khing Shrimp, on the seafood side, compliment the Sweet and Sour Chicken, Chicken Cashew Nut, Ginger Chicken, Chicken Curry Panang Chicken, on the poultry side, and Broccoli Beef, Beef Garlic and Black Pepper, Pepper Beef, on the beef side, and Sweet and Sour Pork, and Pork Hot Pepper on the pork side. Many noodle dishes, like Pad Thai, Pad Ba-mee and Rad Nar are offered, as are a few Vegetarian and Tofu dishes ranging in price. Many items are offered for lunch at lower prices. Spicy meals are noted on the menu and that can be adjusted to taste. Beer and wine offered. Ukrit Khongkhakul and Chatchamol Sonprathet, owners.

Older Review: (from Ira F. 1/13) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen, 2203 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL. 62.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-672-5753. (American) (Southern) [L/D] Opened in 2011, it's a local anchor. In the Aloma Shopping Center, 2 miles east of downtown Winter Park. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM daily, but 10 AM to 10 PM weekends. Weekend Brunch is 10 AM to 2 PM. Mardi Gras every day here, plus month long mid-January to mid-February celebration. Highly decorated and colorful, like Mardi Gras parade floats. You'll find NOLA items like Fried Pickles, Gator Bites, Onion Rings, Fried Green Tomatoes, Potato Skins and Muffuletta Spring Rolls. Big Salads are popular like Bienville Salad and a Tibby's Wedge. Shrimp & Andouille Gumbo and Jambalaya are just some of the starter Soups and Stews. You can order the Muffuletta Sandwich or go for Crawfish Pie, Étouffée, Jambalaya or Filé Gumbo. 10 Po Boys are on the list too. Cajun Tenders, Pasta Monica, Chicken Pontchatrain and Chicken & Waffles are among the special ones. Root Beer Float, Banana Foster Cheesecake, Bread Pudding and of course, Beignets are great endings. Weekend Brunch features Eggs Benedict and Grits. Kids menu offered too. Full bar with Voodoo Magic, Daiquiri, Hemingway, Hurricane and Sazerac made here. Happy Hour. Draft Beer includes Purple Haze and Abita Amber. Occasional live music on Sunday. Reservations are accepted by phone or online via Open Table. Some outdoor seating available. One of three locations in Florida. Corporate owned. Lagniappe!

Review: (from Jan T. 1/24) Thoroughly enjoyed our experience here. Six of us with a reservation got seated immediately upon arrival. Love the atmosphere and décor here. Very colorful with a feeling like you're in New Orleans. Service from MacKinley was excellent. She was efficient, personable and very informative. We shared 2 orders of Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade ($11 each) and an Onion Ring Stack ($11). Both delicious! Main courses at the table were: Shrimp with Cheddar Grits ($24); Pork Chops & Red Beans ($20); Half Pork Po Boy ($13), it came with a side dish; Jambalaya Bowl ($20); Ritas Chicken ($25), very lightly breaded, perfectly pan sautéed Chicken with a creamy lemon butter sauce over Dirty Rice. My entrée was Eggplant Tchoupitoulis ($15), and an additional side of the Cheddar Grits (+$4.50). The Cheddar Grits are flavored with Sausage, gives the Grits just a slight kick. They were perfect. I sampled most of the entrées. Everything was wonderful. Of course we had Beignets for dessert. There were 4 small Beignets to an order. We had 3 orders ($8.25 each). They were very tasty, fresh and hot right out of the fryer. But definitely not as good as Café DuMonde in New Orleans. With a Shirley Temple, a few Beers and a Soft Drink, our bill came to $193 for six, before t&t. This place is a winner. Food, service, and atmosphere.
Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Tiki Bar & Grill, 508 S. Main Ave., Minneola, FL. 30.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-394-0134. (American) (Grill) [L/D] aka Lake Minneola Tiki Bar. Dining and drinking hours 11:30 AM to Midnight, daily. Park at the Inn's lot and walk toward the water via a tree-lined path. Common attire is ripped shorts and flip-flops. Noted for their stunning sunset views as much as their big Tiki Burgers. Reggae and Jimmy Buffet music makes the atmosphere casual. Burgers and Cheeseburgers are half-pound sized. A Sautéed Mushroom, Onion and Swiss Burger is popular. Sushi Grade Tuna and Fried or Blackened Fish are the seafood sandwiches offered. Various Caesar Salads are also on the menu. So are a variety of Chicken Wings with sauces. Gator Tail can also be found, as well as an All Beef Angus Hot Dog. Tiki Tots are an alternative to Fries or Onion Rings. Beer, malts and wine only. Draft beers are offered all day. Wine by the glass or bottle served. Refreshing Wine Coolers and bottled specialties like Smirnoff Ice and Mike's Hard Lemonade or Brewed Margaritas add to the variety. Ice Cream desserts keep you cool. Famous for their own Key Lime Pie, too. Boat docks available. Stephen Parrish, owner.

(The) Tilted Teacup Tea Room, 410 E. Liberty St., Brooksville, FL. 50.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-593-4111. (British) (Cafe) [L] In business since 2012. Now located at the corner of E. Liberty St. and US 98 (E. Jefferson St.). Parking in the rear. Multi-room establishment in period décor. White gloves, optional; hats encouraged. Not just for ladies, men can find a beefy British pie too. Decorated tables and bone china service. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM only. Special events held in the evening by reservation, like Valentine's Dinner with carriage rides, Mother's Day Luncheon, Murder Mystery Dinner and Downton Abby Christmas festivities. Afternoon and High Tea is their thing and very popular. Their menu has about 40 flavors of Loose Leaf Tea, including English, Herbal, Green, White, Red, Black, Chai, Decaf and others. For food they offer Smoked Salmon, Tuscan Rosemary, Shepherd's Pie and an Oven-Baked Braided Reuben. Then there's 5 variations of Chicken Salad and Soups, Scones, Crepes and other desserts. A Soup & Salad Combo is offered and the Berry Salad alone is available. Children's menu for the well-behaved. A Luncheon plate of sandwiches and quiche is on the list, Afternoon Tea with a 3 tier assortment of sandwiches, quiche, scones and desserts with your choice of tea is offered, while High Tea adds soup to that collection at a high price. Allow 60-90 minutes for the paced presentation and relaxation. Substitutions are possible. Last seating is 30 minutes before closing and may have limited selection. A boutique is ajourning. No bar. Aimee and John Gans, owners and tea-totalers.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 4/18) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Tin Roof (Orlando), 8371 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-270-7926. (American) (Southern) [L/D] Located on I-Drive near the Icon-Orlando, at Suite 100. Opened in early 2015. Hours daily 11 AM to 2 AM. A live music "joint" featuring live musicians and bands almost every night, especially name entertainment late night on weekends. Red, white and blue vinyl kitchen seats in a casual warehouse atmosphere. On the menu you can find appetizer items like Queso, Tempura Pickles, Calamari & Pork Rinds, Fried Green Tomatoes, Pound o' Wings, Chicken & Waffle Nuggets, Crab Dip, Lump Crab Stack, Tuna & Melon and Beer Mussels. For main items they offer Half and Full Baby Back Ribs, Mac & Cheese, BBQ Brisket, Kentucky Catfish, Shrimp & Grits, Carne Asada and Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops. There's also Wraps and Dillas like Smoked Chicken Chimichanga, ranging in price. You can also find Sandwiches on Buns like the Roof Burger, Chicken Torta and Fried Chicken. Desserts are equally unique with Praline Bunt Cake and S'more Pie. Weekday food specials before 3 PM. Happy Hour 3-7 PM. A Sunday Brunch is offered 11 AM to 3 PM, all a-la-carte. Full bar specializes in signature drinks like a RumRunner, Gin Mojito, Berry Mule and Moonshine Margarita. Well drinks and calls with house wine offered. Outdoor seating available. The original Tin Roof opened in Nashville in 2002. Corporate owned and run.

Todd English's bluezoo, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 61.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-934-1111. (Continental) (Seafood) [D] Located in the Disney World Dolphin Resort near EPCOT, this lavishly décored dining room by famed architect, Jeffrey Beers, is one of Disney's finest dining experiences. It offers full linen service in comfortable and quiet surroundings of steel and glass with blue-green hues accented by orange and brown seating (360° Views #16 & #17). The kitchen is open 5-11 PM daily; the adjacent lounge opens at 3:30 PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The menu focuses on seafood and provisions from local suppliers. Start with New England Clam Chowder, a Classic Flatbread, Beet Salad, Heirloom Tomato & Bibb Lettuce, Pork Belly & Polenta, Low Country Jumbo Shrimp, Hamachi Crudo [Raw Amberjack], Yellowfin Tartare [Raw Tuna], Teppan Seared Sea Scallops and Poached Jumbo Shrimp. A Raw Bar Platter of Oysters, Clams, Shrimp, Ceviche and Tuna is available. For entrées they present Chicken & Rice, Fish du Jour, BBQ Swordfish, Dancing Fish, Lamb Loin, Blackened Ahi Tuna, Miso Mero [Hawaiian Sea Bass] and Mesquite Grilled Beef Tenderloin. There's also a Pasta du Jour. You may also find a 2 lb. Maine Lobster. Most come with a starch and side or you can add Haricot Vert [Green Beans], Fries, Stuffed Cheddar Potato or Chickpea Panisse [Fried Hummus]. Full Bar and extensive Wine List with Whites $22-350/bottle and Reds $38-795/bottle. A popular Klinker Brick 2012 Old Vine Zin runs $50. Selected half bottles and magnums are also on the list. Opus One "7 year vintage vertical" splits are also a rare feature. The "Dom" is $325 and "Cristal" is $425/bottle. Recipient of "Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator magazine. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Drafts Beers available. Handcrafted Cocktails are on their own menu. Children's menu priced per item. Although families are welcome, many parents take advantage of complimentary 2 hour child sitting at Camp Dolphin nearby. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Valet and validated parking available. Reservations taken by phone up to 180 days in advance or online. Open Christmas Day, 4-11 PM for dinner. Todd English, creator; Jimmy Reyes, executive chef; hotel owned.

A Touch of Italy (Pizza & Pasta), 455 E. Highland Blvd., Inverness, FL. 30.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-637-0002. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Located in the Winn Dixie / Big Lots Plaza (Highland Square), next to Ace Hardware, just south of SR 44. Open since October, 2012. Hours are 11 AM to 8:30 PM daily and to 9:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. Offers the usual array of Italian dishes like Chicken Parm., Francese, Marsala, Cacciatore or a Combination. Also Veal variations. They also have Seafood, like Shrimp Scampi, Tilapia Francese, Mahi Mahi Marechiara and Frutti di Mare. All these served with Soup or Salad and a side of Pasta. For Pasta dishes you can find Spaghetti, Linguini, Calzones, Strombolis, Stuffed Shells, Manicotti, Baked Ziti, Cheese Ravioli, Meat Ravioli, Eggplant Parm., Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo, Capellini Primavera, Ziti with Vodka and Eggplant Rollatini. A number of appetizers like Onion Rings, Chicken Fingers, Mozzarella Sticks, Clams Oreganata, a Sampler Platter or Fried Calamari can be found too. Pizza is also popular with 3 sizes (9", 14" & 18"). Cheese Cake, Zeppoles, Cannoli and Tiramisu finish the meal. Sandwiches and Subs served for lunch. Kids menu available. Beer and wine licensed. Francisco Perlata-Ochoa and Najada Babani-Perlata, owners.

Toula's Trailside Café, 11 S. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs, FL. 93.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-727-939-2403. (Breakfast) (Cafe) [B/L] In business since April, 2008. Located in downtown Tarpon Springs just south of E. Tarpon Ave., one block east of US 19A. Popular downtown café that serves breakfast items all day. Closed Monday, open 8 AM to 3 PM other days, except to 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Typical breakfast and lunch items with a Greek influence like Bougiourdi and other Egg dishes, plus Pancakes and their featured French Toast and Crêpes. Salads are offered like Greek, Grilled Chicken BLT, Mediterranean Delight, and Nutty Berry Salad. Various Wraps like Chicken Soulvaki, Cajun Crab Cake and Monte Cristo are on the large menu. ½ Pound Burgers are popular. Specialties include Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake, Biscuits and Gravy, Pumpkin Pancakes and Potato Pancakes show up on weekends. Homemade Muffins are popular too. No bar. Sidewalk seating. Panagiota (Toula) Kourtides, owner.

Older Review: (from Tom B. 6/16) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Eric O. 7/11) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Top, 30 N. Main St., Gainesville, FL. 64.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-337-1188. (Steakhouse) (Vegetarian) [D] Open from 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 AM on Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Near the corner of Main and University. A popular and eclectic menu mix here, where carnivores, herbivores and omnivores dine side by side. They specialize in Steaks, as well as Tofu. Burgers are ½ pound USDA Choice Black Angus All Natural Beef or Garden Burger, Portobella or Black Bean patties. Sandwiches like Blackened Tofu Melt, Texas Turkey Melt, Buffalo Tempeh, Santa Maria Steak, Pulled Pork or Blackened Tuna Pesto are on the menu. Salads like Garden, Greek, Caesar, Spinach or Cobb, priced depending on size and toppings. A dozen appetizers are also on the list. Pasta dishes include Broccoli Alfredo, Pasta Mediterranean, Pasta with Sausage, Southwestern Spinach Fettuccine Plain or with Smoked Chicken or Tofu added. Ricotta Tortellini Plain or with Smoked Chicken or Tofu added, and Pesto Gnocchi Plain or with Blackened Tofu or Blackened Tuna added. Salmon, Scallops, Chicken or Tofu can always be added to any Pasta. Entrées run the gamut of Orange Ginger Stir Fry of Tofu or Chicken, Pecan Encrusted Tofu, Ancho Bean Cakes with Blackened Catfish, Blackened Tofu or Blackened Tuna, Argentine Chimichuri with Grilled Organic Tempeh, Grilled Scallops or Grilled Sirloin, Grilled Atlantic Salmon with Asparagus and Wild Rice, San Diego Chicken. There's 10 oz. NY Strip with Garlic Mashed or Black Pepper Encrusted 10 oz. Sirloin or 8 oz. Black Angus Filet. The beef is USDA certified all natural, with no preservatives, hormones or pesticides. Side Salads adds to your meal. Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Ranch Dip are very popular here. Rooftop spice garden. Full bar with a good beer selection. Happy Hour, 5-7 PM daily. Late night entertainment. Outdoor seating available. Patronized by the university crowd, body inked neon hair extroverts, as well as families. Inside can be noisy when it's busy. Harold Mendez and Scott Shillington, owners.

Tradewinds, 6677 Sea Harbour Dr., Orlando, FL. 59.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-5555. (Continental) (Seafood) [B/L/D] Formerly called Atlantis and located in the Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World. Hours are from 6:30-11:30 AM for breakfast, then to 2:30 PM for lunch, then reopens at 5:30 PM for dinner. Upscale resort restaurant featuring a short selection of well prepared seafood or meat items. The menu is broken down into Large or Small Plates. For Small Plates, they offer Spinach and Artichoke Dip, Tomato Salad, Crispy Calamari, Lump Crab Cakes and Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Cocktail. For Large Plates they have Penne Pasta Pomodoro, Organic Chicken Breast, Harris Ranch Short Rib, Palmetto Creek Double Pork Chop, Lobster "Truffled" Mac 'N Cheese, Wild Salmon, Wild Cod and 14 oz. Harris Ranch Rib Eye Steak. A side dish accompanies the Large Plates. They also offer two soups: Chicken and Dumplings or 3 Cheese French Onion. Salads are also on the menu with a Tradewinds House Salad, Caesar Salad or Blackened Shrimp Chopped Salad. Sandwiches like Turkey BLT, Angus Burger or Cajun Grouper Sandwich can also be ordered. Lunch items are similar with added sandwiches. A Breakfast Buffet is priced per person depending on selections. Children's menu also available. Full bar and wine list. Corkage Fee: $25/btl.. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Reservations suggested in season. Steven Haughie, executive chef. Owned by Marriott.

Turci Pasta, 2120 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL. 57.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-985-2577. (Italian) [L/D] Located in the College Park neighborhood on Edgewater Dr. at Princeton St., between US 441 and I-4. Formerly called Trevi Pasta, since 2018. Open 5-9 PM weekdays, 1-10 PM weekends, 1-8 PM on Sunday, but closed Mondays. Antipasta courses include Ricotta and Bread, Bruschetta, Gnocchi au Gratin, Black Truffle Ravioli, Prosciutto & Burrata and "The Clothesline". House and Pesto Caprese Salads are offered. Signature dishes include Fettuccine & Meatballs, Pesto Potato Gnocchi Burrata, Mushroom Pappardelle, Green Tortellacci Prosciutto, Squid Ink Shrimp Aglio e Olio, Sweet Potato Stuffed Gnocchi and Lamb Shank Pappardelle. They sometimes offer Lasagna Bolognese and Beef Wellington. You can build your own Pasta dish too. Desserts include Gelato, Tiramisu, Cannolis and Cheesecake. Beer and Wine licensed with Whites around $35/btl. and Reds $35-79/btl. plus by the glass. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. for your own wine. Outdoor seating available. Reservations online via Open Table and by phone are accepted. Nathalia Kalil and Vinicius Turci, owners.

UMI (Japanese Restaurant), 525 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 59.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-960-3993. (Asian) [L/D] Located on South Park Ave., just two doors from the 7-Eleven store on Fairbanks Ave. Open 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for lunch weekdays and 5-9 PM daily for dinner, except later on weekends. Fuses French, Japanese and Korean influences. "Umi" means "ocean" in Japanese. Offering a very wide variety of food items, not found elsewhere. From the Robata Grill they cook Chicken Breast or Wings, Bacon Wrapped Cherry Tomato or Enokitake, Pork Belly, Hanger Steak, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Cured Salmon and Kalbi [Short Ribs]. Plus they grill various vegetables. For Hot Plates you'll find Fried Calamari, Spicy Kimchi Yaki Onigiri, Shrimp Tempura, Lemon Citrus Fried Lobster, Togarashi Dusted Scallops, Hamachi Kama, Lemongrass Mussels, Sous-Vide Short Ribs, Branzino Alfredo, plus Wasabi Wagyu Steak. For Cold Plates they have Raw Sunomono Salad, Raw Snapper Crudo, Raw Scallop Carpaccio, Smoked Salmon, Raw Crunchy Tataki [Tuna], Raw Tuna Kobachi, Wagu Carpaccio and 6 Raw Oysters. They also serve Noodle dishes. Of course various Nigiri and Sashimi items sold separately. While Signature Rolls, like UMI or Godzilla run widely. Lunch items are similar, adding Bento Trays to the list. Beer and wine licensed. Corkage Fee for your own wine.. Happy Hour runs 5-6:30 PM, Sunday through Thursday only. Reservations online via Open Table and by phone are accepted. Outdoor seating available. John Park, sushi chef; Tim Guinness, executive chef; Susie and Francois Lorin, owners.

Older Review: (from Charles K. 9/20) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Unreserved Food Bazaar, 14900 Chelonia Pkwy., Orlando, FL. 65.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-919-6300. (Italian) (Seafood) [B/L/D] Located in the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort, off I-4, Exit 67, at SR 400, near Lake Buena Vista. One of 5 food venues in the resort. Open daily, Breakfast Buffet: 7-11 AM, Lunch: 11 AM to 4 PM and Dinner: 5-10 PM. Casual atmosphere. It has an Asian kitchen, Italian Pizza kitchen and a Butcher kitchen. Primarily Spanish and Italian dishes offered here, plus Sushi. Raw Bar options might include Oysters, Scallop Ceviche, Tuna Crudo, Shrimp Cocktail King Crab Legs or the Seafood Tower. Other appetizers run widely. Entrées include Japanese Eggplant, Spanish Octopus, Chicken Calabrese, Flank Steak, Short Ribs, Snapper, St. Louis Ribs, and Arroz Caldoso. Burgers are Plant Based or Prime Beef. Pasta dishes like Rigatoni or Tagliatelle. Pizza is available. Sushi Rolls are offered. Salads are available. All desserts, like Berry Cobbler or Carrot Cake are the same price. Menu well marked for allergens. Wines available. In-house Sangria is made. The bottle of Caymus Cab is $230. Full bar with cocktails. Happy Hour, 3-4 PM. Some outdoor pool-side seating available. Beer garden outside. Self parking fee validated for restaurant patrons. Valet parking also available. Regardless of their unusual name, reservations ARE accepted by phone or online via Open Table. Open Christmas Day by reservation only. Peter Kunstek, chef.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 8/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

The Venetian Chop House, 8101 World Center Dr., Orlando, FL. 62.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-238-8060. (Continental) (Steakhouse) [D] Formerly called The Venetian Room. Open from 6 PM to 10 PM, Tuesday through Saturday only. Located in the Caribe Royale Resort at SR 535 and SR 536. The copper-clad dome is the center of attraction in this luxury old-world dining room with impressive chandeliers. Shrimp Cocktail, Wagu Beef Carpaccio, Escargot, Gnocchi Stroganoff, Tuna Tartare and Lump Crab Cake are offered as appetizers. Besides their famous Lobster Bisque, they also have French Onion Soup Gratinée. For Salads they offer Caesar, Boston Bibb, The Wedge, Heirloom Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella and the Venetian Salad. Entrées include Breast of Chicken, Norwegian Salmon, Double Pork Chop, Bison Short Ribs, Lamb Porterhouse, Chilean Sea Bass, Veal Chop, Dover Sole and Twin Cold Water Lobster Tails. For Black Angus Steaks they have Twin Petite Filet Mignon, 12 oz. New York Strip, 18 oz. T-Bone, 14 oz. Ribeye, 8 oz. Filet Mignon or the 24 oz. Porthouse. Side dishes like Vegetables, Mushrooms, Potatoes or Mac 'n Cheese add to the meal and Steak Sauces add too. Grand Marinier Soufflé and Tahitian Crème Brûlée are just two of the final acts. Large wine list and full bar. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. Often voted best romantic dinner location. Reservations accepted and advised. Open Thanksgiving Day 1-7 PM and Christmas Day 2-8 PM, for a traditional buffet in the Tropicale. Dressy casual attire now. Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend Magazine. Voted "Most Romantic" and "Best Wine List" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. Luis Taborda, executive chef.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 9/22) Q=2 S=3 V=4 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.

Victoria & Albert's, 4401 Grand Floridian Way, Orlando, FL. 54.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-939-3463. (Continental) [D] Open from 6 PM to 10 PM daily. Located in the Grand Floridian Hotel since 1988. Named after the famous London museum. Children under 10 not accommodated. Considered Disney's finest restaurant. Lavish décor throughout. World-class contemporary cuisine. Menu changes daily. Dinners start with an "Amuse Bouche". Some past offerings include Monteray Abalone with Baby Spinach, Roasted Muscovy Duck Breasts, Braised Kobe Short Ribs with Roasted Mushrooms, Guinea Fowl with Asparagus, Colorado Herb Crusted Lamb, Ivory King Salmon Over Roasted Beets, Veal Tenderloin, Alaskan Sable over Artichokes and Fava Beans, Florida Pompano with Wild Red Rice, Cervena Venison Carpaccio and Pheasant Roulade with Lump Crab. Prix Fixe, 7 Course Menu priced per person; additional charge for Wine Pairing. Reservations required. Full bar and extensive wine list of over 550 selections. Corkage Fee now $75/btl., maximum 1 bottle. "Best of Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Dress code, jackets required for gentlemen, tie optional; dress or pants ensemble for ladies. Children over 10 only. 2-3 hour dining experience. Table attended by both a waiter and waitress. Harpist nightly. Flowers for the lady; check for the gentleman! Foodie Critic's Choice winner and Reader's Choice winner for "Most Romantic Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Golden Spoon Hall of Fame Award from Florida Trend Magazine. A 1 Star Rated Michelin Guide Restaurant. Aimee Rivera, chef de cuisine; Erich Herbitschek, pastry chef. Disney owned.

Villa de Flora, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL. 65.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-586-1114. (Italian) [B/L/D] Open from 6:30 AM to 10 PM daily. Located in the St. Augustine atrium of the Gaylord Palms Resort. Chefs stationed at six kitchens invite you to sample their culinary creations. A seasonal market-inspired menu features meals from the countries of the Mediterranean. Large moderately priced buffet restaurant that changes menu frequently. Mondays and Friday is Italian Buffet, Tuesday and Saturday is Spanish Buffet, Wednesday and Sunday is French Buffet and Thursday is Greek Buffet. Sunday Brunch offered from 12 to 3 PM weekly. Dessert section also included. Occasional entertainment during dinner. Full bar and wine list. Reservations accepted. Validated self parking. Open Thanksgiving Day 10 AM to 8 PM and Christmas Day Noon to 8 PM, for a Holiday Buffet by reservation only. 2007 runner-up for "Best Brunch" in the Orlando area by WESH-2 News A-List. 2011 Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Brunch" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Also see Moor, (see that listing). Gaylord Entertainment Corp. of Nashville, TN., operator.

Older Review: (from Bob E. 2/09) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Vincenzo Cucina Italiana, 8255 International Dr. (Suite 112), Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-745-4030. (Italian) [D] Located on I-Drive near the Ripley's Museum at Exit #74A of I-4 just north of the Icon-Orlando. In business over 20 years in Orlando. Hours are 5-10 PM daily. Casual or business dress code but full linen service dining here. Antipasti items are Bruschetta Classica [Ciabatta with Tomatoes and Onion], Bruschetta al Cinghiale [Wild Boar Ciabatta], Polpetta con Polenta [Meatballs with Baked Cornmeal], Verdura Assortita [Grilled Veggies], Cozze Marinara [Mussels with Cherry Tomatoes], Polpo [Octopus], Fritto Misto [Fried Seafood], Carpaccio di Manzo [Raw Angus Beef], Zuppa di Pesce [Seafood Stew], Antipasto Italiano [Assorted Meats and Cheeses] and Formaggi Assortiti [Assorted Cheese and Crackers]. For Salads they offer House, Caesar, Greens with Pecans and Gorgonzola, Greens with Almonds, Oranges and Goat Cheese and a Caprese [Buffalo Mozzarella with Tomatoes]. Soups are Pasta e Fagioli [Pasta and Beans], Lobster Bisque and Cream of Tomato. Pasta dishes range from Lasagne, Fettuccine Alfredo and Spaghetti Carbonara, to Penne with Salmon in Vodka Sauce, Ricotta Gnocchi, Lobster Ravioli, Lobster and Artichoke Fra Diavolo and Risotto Pescatore among others. For seafood they offer Salmon Mediterranean, Florida Grouper with Crab Meat and Italian Sea Bass. For meat dishes you'll find Chicken with Tomatoes or Parmigiana, Veal Parmigiana, Braised Pork Shank, Angus Short Rib, Veal Chop Marsala and Filet Mignon. Desserts are house made and include Panna Cotta, Cheesecake, Crème Brûlée, Poached Pears, Limoncello Cake, Cannoli, Fruit Tart or Black Forest Cake, plus Gelati. Full bar with wines. Many are Italian imports. A popular Rodney Strong Sonoma Cab runs $40; while a Joel Gott Zin runs $42/bottle. Beers offered. Happy Hour (4-7 PM daily) is discount off beer and wine, less for well drinks too. $25 Corkage Fee for your own wine. Outdoor seating available. Entertainment Fridays 7-9 PM. Free self and valet parking available. Reservations taken by phone or online. Vincenzo Navarra, executive chef and wife Josephine, owners.

Vines Grille & Wine Bar, 7533 W. Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-1227. (Steakhouse) (Wine Bar) [D] Located on "Restaurant Row", just west of I-4 exit #74A. Classy contemporary and romantic atmosphere. The bar is very lively, however. Open daily for dinner only from 4 PM. Start with Escargot, Prime Carpaccio, Ahi Tuna, Foie Gras, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Grilled Octopus, Crispy Calamari, Giant Shrimp Cocktail, Oysters Rockefeller or on the Half Shell, plus King Crab Legs. French Onion or Tomato Basil Soup is available. Caesar, Greek or Vineyard Salads offered. Chef creations for entrées include Home Made Gnocchi, Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Wild Salmon, Braised Short Ribs, Cioppino, Chilean Sea Bass and Double Cut Australian Lamb Chops. There's also a Catch of the Day at market price. Prime Beef is also offered with the 8 or 12 oz. Filet Mignon, 12 or 18 oz. New York Strip, 24 oz. Rib Eye and the 48 oz. Porterhouse for Two. An 8 oz. Wagyu Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter is also on the menu. Starches usually add and Vegetables add also. A 60 page Wine List of 560 selections reads like a world travel brochure. About 40 wines by the glass. Bottle wines from Sonoma and Napa run $40-100, while imports run up to $800 and old world cellar vintages go to $10,000, like the 2006 Côte de Nuits Burgundy. "Best of Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Corkage Fee: $25/btl. 20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. Reservations suggested by phone or online. Jazz entertainment nightly, plus special music events. Full bar. Valet parking available. Dress code here. "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine. Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Wine Bar" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Fabiano Olmo, executive chef; owned by Dimitrios Karabinis.

Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/19) Q=5 S=4 V=3 Total=12 out of 15. Return=No.

(The) Vineyard Wine Company, 1140 TownPark Ave., Lake Mary, FL. 50.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-833-9463. (Continental) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Off International Parkway near Exit #101B of I-4, in Colonial TownPark Shopping Complex. Open from 11 AM to 10 PM daily, and later on weekends, except closed Mondays. Sunday Brunch runs 10:30 AM to 3 PM and includes breakfast items like Hash Browns and Eggs. For dinner, most salads come in two sizes, like Caesar, Baby Field Greens and Caprese. There's also a Butterhead Wedge Salad. A daily soup is offered, plus French Onion. Tapas are popular here like Capellino Aglio Olio, Hummus Trio, Bruschetta, Fried Olives, Toasted Ravioli, Rocket Shrimp, Napa Nachos, Tuna Spring Roll and Lump Crab Cake. There's also an International Cheese Board to share. For main dishes they have Bolognese Lasagna, Chicken Skewers, Pork Tenderloin, Lobster & Asparagus Risotto, Meatloaf, Shrimp & Grits, Wild Salmon and Black Tie Scallops. There's also a Fresh Catch at market prices. Beef lovers have a choice of an 8 oz. Filet Mignon or a 14 oz. Ribeye. Those come with Baked Potato and Soup or Salad. Other side dishes are Slinky Chips, Veggie Medley, Truffle Fries, Yukon Potatoes or Wild Mushroom Risotto. For dessert you can find Berries and Cream, Banana Bread Pudding, Chocolate Trilogy and Crème Brûlée, at $8-9 each. Lunch menu has Tapas plus Quiche and Sandwiches added, like their Angus Burger or French Dip. A wide array of international wine is offered, many by the glass and ranging $26-59/bottle. "Best of Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine for 1,000 wine selections. Corkage Fee: $15/btl. A full bar is also available. Happy Hour 3-7 PM weekdays. Discounts offered on wine with dinner on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Reservations accepted for dinner. Live music on Friday and Saturday from 8:30 PM. Outdoor seating available. Erin Caneza, Caroline Barksdale, Robert, Thomas and Linda Jones, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 7/14) Q=4 S=3 V=2 Total=9 out of 15. Return=No.

VINIA Wine & Kitchen, 444 W. New England Ave. Suite 119, Winter Park, FL. 52.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-925-7485. (Spanish) (Wine Bar) [D] Opened on October 4th, 2018. Located in Hannibal Square, 2 blocks west of Park Ave. between S. Virginia and S. Pennsylvania Aves. Open hours are 5-10 PM daily, except to 11 PM weekends and closed all day Sunday and Monday. Very attractive but small bar and classy dining area. They serve tapas here, many offerings are in two sized portions. Start with Azeitonas Marinadas [Marinated Olives], Empanadas of Vegetable, Beef & Cheese, or Creamed Cod. Various Flatbreads are also available. They offer Half or Full Cheese Boards, and Half or Full Charcuterie Boards. Small and large Pasta dishes are filling, like with Rustic Tomato Sauce, with Prawns, Ravioli del Dia or Gnocchi with Rustic Tomato Sauce or with Braised Oxtail. Specialties include Roasted Shishito Peppers, Polenta Bites, Burrata Pesto, Brazilian Cheese Bread, Crab Cake(s), Pan Roasted Cod with Squash or Braised Ox Tail au Jus. Cooling Desserts are not to be missed, like Gelato, Sorbet, Cheese with Apricot Coulis, or a Dessert Flight of three choices. That's available with a Paired Dessert Wine Flight at additional charge. Latin Jazz Entertainment every Thursday evenings. Outdoor seating available. Reservations are accepted by phone or online. Beer and Wine licensed. By the bottle wines range $32-90/btl., like Château de Saint Cosme - a Côtes-du-Rhône, at $52/btl. A few are from Spain and Portugal. They make Wine Coctails too, like a Bellini. Wednesday is Half Price Wines by the bottle. Happy Hour prices before 6 PM on selected Wines. Fabio (and Paula) Perricelli, owners.

Review: (from Peggy R. 8/23) We tried it here during Magical Dining and are so glad we did. I started with the Brazilian Cheese Bread and my husband had the Burrata. Both were excellent. The Bread was crispy on the outside, with creamy melted cheese inside. The Burrata came with two pestos, one a creative twist on traditional basil with a mix of greens, the other was beet-based. Entrées were a delicious Shrimp and Yuca Cream Casserole and a very flavorful braised Oxtail over Gnocchi ($5 upcharge for the Gnocchi). We chose chocolate Pot de Crème and Vanilla gGelato with Espresso for dessert. Very nice conclusions to this fantastic meal. I enjoyed the $16 wine pairing as well. Owner Fabio, visited every table at least once, answering questions and telling stories about the origins of the dishes. It’s so nice to patronize a restaurant that appreciates its customers. Total was $101 before t&t.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Vintage On 5th, 114 NE 5th St., Crystal River, FL. 47.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-794-0004. (Southern) (Steakhouse) [D] Open daily from 5 to 9 PM except Sundays and Mondays when they are closed all day. Located in the historic area of downtown Crystal River in a 1940's renovated church, one block off the main highway. Specializes in fresh fish and hand-cut Angus beef. Some items are regional Southern dishes, while others are Continental favorites. The restaurant's interior is warm pine-covered, intimate quiet dining. Porch and courtyard areas are also available. Small dishes (appetizers) include Fried Green Tomatoes, Baked Brie, New Zealand Mussels and Jerk Shrimp. Their She Crab Soup is well known in the area. Dinners are semi-a-la-carte which include their House Salad and usually a side dish. Entrées include Vintage Mac & Cheese made with Penne and Goat Cheese, Shrimp & Grits with Portabella Mushroom Sauce, Stuffed Chicken Breast with Gouda Cheese, Sesame Soy Glazed Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Cream Sauce and Veggie Pesto Pasta. Higher priced meals include Pan Fried Black Grouper, Grouper Mignon, Pan-Seared Sea Scallops, Mediterranean Pasta with Shrimp, Frenched Veal Chop, Angus Beef Tenderloin with Balsamic-Mustard Baste, Angus Ribeye or NY Strip, Pan-Seared Duck Breast and Rack of New Zealand Lamb. Final course offerings include Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Lava Cake A-La-Mode, Banana Fritters, Rocky Road Chocolate Mousse, Key Lime Pie and even an Old-Fashioned Root Beer Float. Beer and wine only. 25 classic and reserve wines sold by the glass. Extensive wine list offers 140 fairly priced selections. 2009 Wine Spectator magazine award for "Inexpensive Wine Pricing". Wine tasting and tapas available at the wine bar during the summer, 5-7 PM. Corkage Fee: $10/btl. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Reservations accepted and recommended weekends. Rodney and Jennifer Carr, owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 10/09) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Vito's Chop House, 8633 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 55.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-354-2467. (Steakhouse) [D] Open from 5 to 10:30 PM daily. Closed Super Bowl Sunday, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgivings and Xmas. Located on I-Drive near Austrian Row. Offers USDA Choice and Prime cut meats. Some of the appetizers include Shrimp Remoulade, Beef Carpaccio, Shrimp & Scallop Scampi, Cozze di Marie, Hand-breaded Shrimp, Pan Fried Calamari, Oysters Rockefeller and the popular Lobster Bisque Soup. Going right to the steaks shows Pork Chops, Steak Italiano, Lamb T-Bone Chops, 20 oz. Tuscan T-Bone, 24 oz. Veal Chop, 18 oz. New York Strip, Veal Brunello, 13 oz. Filet Mignon, Bone-In 24 oz. Prime Ribeye and 32 oz. Tuscan Porterhouse available. You can find Chicken Cacciatore, Jumbo Fried Shrimp, Australian Rock Lobster Tail, King Salmon Cedar Planked, Sesame Encrusted Tuna, Swordfish au Poivre, Vito's Mixed Grill and even Stone Crabs. A few pasta dishes are on the menu too. A variety of sauces and sides are a-la-carte priced. A very large variety of wine is available from such well known vineyards as Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite Rothschild. "Best of Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine for 475 selections. Corkage Fee: $15-20/btl. Full bar also. Reservations accepted and advised. Christian Goddard, chef; John Cicchetti and Terry Brewer, managers. A "Talk of the Town" restaurant owned by Bill Dan Beaver.

Volcano Hot Pot & BBQ (Winter Garden), 3279 Daniels Rd. Suite 102, Winter Garden, FL. 49.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-614-8200. (Asian) (Fondue) [L/D] Opened in March, 2023. Located in the Horizons West Winter Garden Village, where Jos. A Bank did business. Open 11:30 AM to 10 PM daily, to 11 PM on weekends. It's a large central buffet and fondue style cooking tables all rolled into one fun place. Numerous booths for 4 or 6 patrons hold the cooking plates. Price for adult for Hot Pot only or higher for Hot Pot and BBQ. Similar for kids under 11, at about half adult price. Five Step Process: 1. Pick a Soup Base; 2. Pick Ingredients; 3. Create a Sauce; 4. Boil Your Food; 5. Enjoy your meal! Soup bases include Original, Spicy, Herbal, Pork, Tomato, Miso and Tom Yum [Spicy]. Ingredients are a vast array of Rolled Meats (like Beef and Ham), Seafood (like Shrimp), Vegetables (like Beans or Noodles) and others. Make your Dipping Sauce from a variety of items (or pre-made Signature Sauces). Boil your broth and add your ingredients to cook for a few minutes at your table. A BBQ grill is also in the center of the table to cook BBQ meats (like Ribs). The staff is helpful for first-timers. No doggie bags allowed. Finish what you cook! Beer and wine licensed. Wine by the glass and bottles too. Corkage Fee: $12/btl. for your own wine. Beer by the bottle, some drafts and pitchers too. Sake is available. Very popular place. Long waits on weekends; off-hours are best. Other locations in Celebration and on I-Drive, Orlando. Yanan Shi, owner.

Wahoo Seafood Grill, 3833 NW 97th Blvd., Gainesville, FL. 66.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-225-3922. (Seafood) (Southern) [L/D] Just west of I-75 Exit #390 near NW 39th Ave. In business since March, 2013. Open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 11PM. You've heard of "Bang Bang Shrimp"? There's is "Boom Boom Shrimp". Other appetizers include Crab & Shrimp Dip, Citrus Short Ribs, Sesame Wahoo, Chicken Wings, Gator Tail, Calamari, Crab Cakes, and a Bucket of Steamers in Season. They are noted for their Big Pots, like Low Country Boil of Crawfish, Shrimp and Andouille, Snow Crab Only or Shrimp and Snow Crab or Crawfish, Shrimp and Crab Legs and the Louisiana Mud Bug Boil; all serve two guests. Fish and Chips, Fried Shrimp, Dozen Fried Oysters, Fried Scallops or a Boat House Platter for Two, are all served with Fries, Hush Puppies and a side dish. Seafood Jambalaya, Shrimp and Chicken Étouffée, Shrimp and Grits, Almond Crusted Grilled Salmon, BBQ Grouper and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes round out the fish side. You might find whole 1 pound Lobsters in season. There's also a 10 oz. Sirloin, 12 oz. Ribeye and a 10 or 18 oz. Prime Rib on the meat side. They have ½, ¾ and 1 lb. Burgers, Fish Sandwiches, Salmon Burgers, Fish Tacos and a thing called a "Beefzilla". House or Caesar or Build-You-Own Salads can be concocted. Also popular are Crab Bisque and Seafood Stew. They also specialize in Florida Oysters plain or Parmesan topped. Desserts include Key Lime Pie, Hershey Brownie and Banana Split Cake. Lunch menu offers the same items at smaller portions and prices. Full bar offering a range of foo-foo cocktails, like the Tijuana Frog, and a limited wine selection that includes J.Lohr Seven Oakes Cab; but House Wine is offered by the glass. Happy Hour 3-7 PM nightly with half off drafts, house wines and most liquor drinks. Known for Margaritas. Outdoor seating available. Occasional entertainment on Wednesdays and weekends. Reservations accepted for parties of 8 or more, or just call ahead. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Porch seating available. Nick Wakeman, executive chef; Robert Monaghan and Shawn Shepherd (also owns Vello's Brickstreet Grille, see that listing), owners.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 6/15) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Wallace's at the Greenhouse, 2420 S. Suncoast Blvd. (US 19/98), Homosassa, FL. 47.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-503-7276. (Caribbean) (Seafood) [L/D] Open since 2019. Located 1.5 miles north of Homosassa, Springs, opposite Village Cadillac/Toyota. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM. Closed Sunday through Tuesday. Chef-owned eclectic variety of island inspired dishes are served here. The menu changes frequently. Start with Loaded Chips, Yuca Fries, Dolmas, Hummus, Ahi Carpaccio, Pimento Crab Dip or a Cheese Board. Soup Du Jour or Onion Gratinée are offered daily. Entrées include items like Harvest Pasta, Caribbean Curry, Grilled Fish & Chips, Miso Salmon, Roasted Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Parmesan Pesto Cod, Hickory Pork Chop, Shrimp and Mahi Pasta, Duck Breast, and Blue Cheese Crusted Filet. Hand Helds like Veggie Wrap, Beyond Burger, Beef Burger, Mahi Sandwich and Chicken & Brie Sandwich are available. A few Hand Held Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are offered. Small and large Salads are on the list. Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, Tuna and Mahi can be added to anything. Other Specialty Salads like Sassy Niçoise are sold. Desserts offered too. After dinner drinks like Pumpkin Spice Latte, Irish Coffee, Caramel Espresso Martini and Peanut Butter Midnight Oil Float are made. Full bar with cocktails and wine list. Reservations by phone recommended. Some outdoor seating available. Wallace Phaire, formerly of St. Croix, U.S.V.I., chef and owner here.

Review: (from David G. 11/24) Three of us had a late lunch on the porch at this surprising find. Friendly and knowledgeable service. We shared a very tasty Lobster Bisque ($8) and a Hot Pimento Cheese Crab Dip ($15) served with great homemade Potato Chips that were also delicious. I had a Calypso & Brie Chicken Sandwich ($16.50). It was a large Sandwich which had a Guava Mustard and big slices of Brie with Yuca Fries ($1.50 extra) with a great sauce, definitely worth the upgrade. It was great. My partners enjoyed a Brie & Shroom Grilled Cheese with Truffle Honey ($14) and the Yuca Fries and a Caribbean Curry ($18). They too were excellent. Everything is a little special here. Will return for their interesting dinner menu. Total before t&t was $76 for 3 meals.
Q=4 S=4 V=5 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Louise G. 3/25) We brought our Gourmet Group of six here for what turned out to be a wonderful dinner. We sat on the screened in porch and had excellent service from Sebastian. We started with an order of Loaded House Made Chips ($7), excellent crispy chips with Parmesan and Bistro Ranch. I had the Cardamom Duck Breast ($24) in a Blueberry Sauce that came with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Truffle Honey Citrus Salad. It was large Duck breast and was delicious. My wife had the Brie & Shroom Grilled Cheese ($14) and Yuca Fries (+$1.50 and worth it). The Sandwich was a great combination of thick slices of Brie and Mushrooms with Truffle Honey on Grilled Sourdough Bread. It was excellent. We took home a dessert of Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Cheesecake ($9) that was also very good later. The chef does a great job using unusual spices, herbs and flavors making this an excellent and unique place to dine. Total before t&t was a very reasonable $58.50. We will be back.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Ken J. 3/25) Our Dine-Out Group thoroughly enjoyed a great meal here. We were seated in the Greenhouse, a quaint yet small room with a cute ambiance. Our server, Sebastian, was knowledgeable, attentive, and very capable. We started with an appetizer of Yucca Fries ($8) and a bowl of Onion Soup ($6), which were delicious. We both enjoyed the Pan-Seared Roasted Duck entrée, served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Honey Truffle Salad ($24). They feature an intriguing boutique Wine Menu at reasonable prices. Dessert was a slice of Peanut Butter Pie that was fantastic. The total before t&t was $112 (including a bottle of wine). If you want a terrific meal at an affordable price, make the 1 hour venture over to Homasassa. You won't be disappointed.
Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Waterfront Social (Grill and Tiki Bar), 1610 SE Paradise Cir., Crystal River, FL. 47.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-795-3113. (Seafood) [L/D] Located facing Kings Bay on the Crystal River. Nice location at the Port Hotel & Marina. Formerly called Margarita Breeze. Largely a riverfront seafood house with indoor and outdoor seating. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM daily, except it closes at 8 PM on Sunday. Items on the menu include Clam Chowder, Smoked Fish Dip, Coconut Shrimp. Calamari, Gator Bites and Crab Cakes to start. Burgers, Reuben, Fish Sandwich, Chicken 'n Waffles, Fried Shrimp, Grouper, Fish & Chips, Salmon, Crab Cake Plate, Shrimp 'n Pasta, Grilled Pork Chop, Crab Stuffed Chicken, Ribeye Steak and a Filet are listed for the main dishes. Salads and Poke Bowls are also popular. Desserts include Mike's Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Pie and Reese's Peanut Butter Pie. Kids menu available. Full bar here with local brews featured. Outdoor seating available. Occasional live music. Richard Wiggens, executive chef, Matt McDonough, general manager. Hotel owned.

West 82° Bar & Grill, 9301 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL. 47.8 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-795-4211 ext. 311. (Seafood) (Southern) [B/L/D] Located at the Plantation On Crystal River, also known as the Plantation Inn Resort and built about 55 years ago. It's located on SR44, ½ mile west of US19/98 (Suncoast Blvd.), a few miles south of town on the south end of Kings Bay on the Crystal River. The name comes from the fact that the hotel is near the West 82nd Degree of Longitude. This area is noted for diving, manatee watching, golfing, kayaking, swimming, boating, game fishing and scallop digging. Generally open daily for breakfast at 6 AM, then 11:30 AM to 2 PM for lunch, then 5-9 PM for dinner every day of the week. Sunday Brunch 11:30 AM to 2 PM. The menu changes often but can include, Steaks, Chops, Seafood, Shellfish and other items. Pecan-Crusted Mahi, Bay Scallop Florentine, Grilled Redfish, Skewered-Shrimp, Snapper with Curry Sauce, Cajun Salmon, Grilled Chicken Oscar, Pan Seared Florida Grouper, Seafood Fra Diablo, Seafood Mornay, Half or Full Rack Baby Back Ribs, their Signature Shrimp 'n Grits, 12 oz. New York Strip Steak, 8 oz. Filet Mignon and Rack of Lamb, have all been found on the menu in the past. Appetizers like She Crab Soup, Spinach Salad, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Panko Crusted Calamari, Mahi Mahi Ceviche and others. Early Bird specials before 6 PM start lower, like Fish & Chips, Grilled Shrimp, Pork Loin, Rotisserie Chicken, Chopped Sirloin and Steak Tip Diane and are seasonal selections. They also offer "You Catch It - We Cook It!" for already cleaned Scallops or already filleted Fish, with two sides from the menu. Special offers include ½ priced Margaritas on Mondays, ½ priced bottles of wine with dinner on Wednesdays in the summer, 10 oz. Ribeye Steak dinner on Thursdays, Martini Night on Thursdays also, Live Maine Lobster specials in season on Fridays, plus Brunch 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM on Sundays. An Easter Sunday (until 6 PM) and Mother's Day (until 3:30 PM) Buffets are offered. A Valentine's Day Prix Fixe 3-course meal is offered that day. Sandwiches are featured at lunchtime daily. Full bar. Cocktail menu. Reservations are accepted. David Bolaños, executive chef; Gregg Sheets, restaurant manager; hotel owned.

Older Review: (from Colene M. 8/13) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 5/15) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 2/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dennis C. 3/22) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Wharf (at Sunset Walk), 3274 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee, FL. 52.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-954-7290. (Seafood) [L/D] Opened in December, 2020. Located in the brand new Sunset Walk shopping village off US 192, just east of the SR 429 Toll Road. Open 11 AM to 11 PM daily, later on weekends. Brunch served Saturday and Sunday 11 AM to 3 PM. This is another live music and dining venue near The Kissimmee Margaritaville Resort. It's a two level dining/entertainment area. Noted for their Oyster Bar, you'll find Charbroiled, Rockefeller and On The Half Shell Oysters at MP. Snow Crab Claws are here too. A Shrimp Cocktail is offered. For starters you'll see 4 Pretzel Rolls, Catfish Bites, Shrimp Tacos, Two Beef Sliders, Cajun Abita Beer Shrimp, Buffalo Shrimp, Ahi Tuna Stack and Fried Rock Shrimp on the menu. Main dishes include Mac 'n Cheese, Fish 'n Chips, Shrimp & Mushroom Pasta, Seafood Pot Pie, Shrimp & Grits, Jambalaya Pasta, Fried Shrimp Platter and Fresh Fish like Salmon, Shrimp Skewered, Scallops, Grouper, Sea Bass, Fisherman's Platter and Lobster Tail. Meat lovers can find Double Chicken Breasts or 8 oz. Filet. Hand Helds include a 7 oz. Burger, Vegetarian Wrap,, Club Sandwich, Shrimp or Grouper Po' Boy, Salmon BLT or a Lobster Roll. Most come with Fries. Gumbo, New England Clam Chowder, Wedge Salad, Caesar Salad, House Salad, Kale & Cranberry Salad, Chopped BLT Salad and a Tuna Poké Bowl are also on the menu. Desserts like Carrot Cake, Key Lime Pie, White Brownie and Banana Bread Pudding are offered. Kids menu available. Full bar here. Happy Hour weekdays 11 AM to 7 PM. Live music most nights at 6 PM or later on weekends. Reservations accepted by phone or online via Open Table and recommended on weekends. Some outdoor seating available. Thomas Peters, owner.

(The) Whiskey, 7563 Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-930-6517. (American) (Brew Pub) [L/D] Opened in mid-2015. New concept right on Restaurant Row. Once occupied by Cricketer's Pub, this bar is located in The Fountains Shopping Plaza, directly across from Publix, near Dr. Phillips Blvd. "Chef driven, foodie owned" is their attraction. Cozy bar with beer taps and of course "hard licka". They serve over 200 kinds of Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch and Rye. Looking for a shot of Whistle Pig Old World Rye? They have it at $31/pour! Open seven days a week, 11 AM to 2 AM. For food, they offer such starters as Fried Pickles, Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, Fried Mushrooms, Hummus, Whiskey Chips, Whiskey Wings, Chicken Fritters, Herb Goat Cheese, Spicy Shrimp, "Frank Sinatra" Mussels, Tuna Poke, Pork Belly Sliders and others. For Mainstream items, they are noted for best Burgers on the Row. About a dozen varieties for Beef, Cuban Style or Brisket, Shaved Ribeye, Chicken Breast or Salmon, Wagyu, Camel Meat, Elk Meat and Bison. Yes, we said Dromedary, Wapiti and Buffalo Meat! Gluten-free buns are extra. All come with House Fries. Lighter fare like Cobb, Caesar and Pickled Beet Salads are available. Specials every day. Full bar with craft cocktails and an attractive 4-7 PM Happy Hour with shots and other discounts. They occasionally offer 5 course meals with whiskey pairing, called Master Series Chef's Table. Live music at night after 10 PM and it can get crowded on late weekend nights. 18% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Chastity Harvey and Steven Flowers, chefs; Katie Walton, general manager and owner.

Older Review: (from Rich C. 9/19) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 5/20) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dennis C. 8/21) Q=4 S=4 V=3 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Review: (from Rich C. 4/23) Friends picked us up at the airport so we treated them to dinner here. We had an Old Fashioned, 4 Manhattans and a Bud Light. Two had the Salty Pear Burger and the Whiskey Burger and the All American Burger. Total before t&t was $122 for 4 people. Did not like using your smart phone to see a menu. Paper is cheap.
Q=4 S=3 V=3 Total=10 out of 15. Return=Yes.

White Rabbit Dessert Experience (Winter Garden), 153 Sugar Belle Dr., Unit D, Winter Garden, FL. 53.9 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-347-1829. (Cafe) [L/D] Not to be confused with White Rabbit Restaurant. Opened in October, 2023. It's located in the Flamingo Crossings Town Shopping Center, near CR 429 and Western Way. It's not far from Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. This is a dessert café. Open 11 AM to 11 PM daily, but only from Noon on Saturday and Sunday. They've moved desserts form the bottom of the menu to the top. "Eat dessert first!" They offer sweet dishes like Waffles, Crêpes, Banana Splits, Sundaes, Cakes, Brownies, Shakes, Smoothies and the like. They also offer premium home-made Ice Cream. The kitchen can make over 100 variations of desserts. An Espresso Bar is available, plus Hot Teas. Cold drinks offered too. No bar. 15% gratuity added for parties of 6 or more. Small chain, started in 2016, headquartered near Buffalo, N.Y. with just 5 locations between New York and Florida, owned by Alisha Kandola. Another one is in Waterford Lakes Town Center, in Orlando.

White Rabbit (Restaurant), 27 E. Robinson St., Orlando, FL. 55.8 mile drive from The Villages. . (American) (Spanish) [L/D] Not to be confused with White Rabbit Dessert Experience. This is a full meal restaurant located in downtown Orlando near Lake Eola, at N. Orange, just east of I-4 and the railroad tracks. It's opposite St. James Cathedral. Open 11 AM to 11 PM daily, later on weekends. The New York City inspired décor featuring brick exterior, black, white, and gold trims and finishes, creates an atmosphere that transports you back in time. It features a 40 foot bar. The kitchen offers elevated Latin American cuisine. Items like Chicken Wings, Pork Chunks, Seafood Paella, Flat Breads, Grilled Octopus, Empanadas, Wagyu Beef Sliders and Lamb Chops are on the menu here. Yes, they also have desserts too. Full bar with craft cocktails and a Wine List. Some occasional entertainment. Fabiano Almos, chef; Randy and Javier Santos with Adrian Rosa, owners. A 2024 opening is expected.

White Wolf Café, 1829 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL. 57.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-895-9911. (American) (Cafe) [B/L/D] Located in the antique district of Orlando, just south of E. Princeton St. (CR438) and not far from the Florida Hospital. Named after the owner's first dog, a white german shepherd. Open 7 or 8 AM to 9 or 10 PM, except 8 AM to 3 PM only on Sundays. Bohemian atmosphere, vintage antiques, gastronomic adventures and steady customers since 1991. Walls are decorated with a hodge-podge of framed art. They claim the best homemade Cinnamon Rolls in the universe and they're also sold by the box. Breakfast Combos start simple and end with Country Fried Steak, 2 Eggs and a Waffle. Six types of Eggs Benedicts are offered. Seven types of Omelettes, Pancakes some including eggs. For dinner, appetizers include Bruschetta, Quesadilla, Fried Calamari, Lump Crab Cakes, P.E.I. Mussels in White Wine, Poutine (Canadian Cheese Fries with Gravy) and Baked Hummus. Large Salads are offered. Ten types of Flatbreads (including a Prosciutto/Provolone one named after Rachel Ray) are made. For entrées they offer Jerked Tofu, Garden Pasta with Veggies, Pasta with 3 mushroom types, Roasted Chicken, 10 oz. Sirloin, Pork Rib Eye, Fruitti di Mare, 8 oz. Wild Atlantic Salmon, Seared Scallops, Lobster Mac 'n Cheese, Rack of New Zealand Lamb, 12 oz. Beef Rib Eye with Fries, 8 oz. Filet Mignon with Current Demi-Glace and the Catch of the Day at market prices. Entrées served with a side vegetable and a side salad can be added. Desserts are very popular like Chocolate Lava Cake, Tiramisu, Brownie Fudge Sundae, Peanut Butter Brownie Ice Cream Pie, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake and Deep Dish Apple Pie. Cappuccino and Expresso made to order. Lunch is similar fare with smaller portions and prices, plus pizzas are added and sandwiches are added too. Some vegetarian and gluten free options are offered, as is a kid's menu. Specials board. Special dining events by reservation. Full and inviting bar serves many specialty cocktails. Wines by the glass and bottle are listed. Early morning Mimosas plus Spicy Bloody Marys on the weekends waken your spirits. 2-4-1 Happy Hour 5-7 PM weekdays only. Friday night jazz entertainment; start times vary by artist. Outdoor seating available. Can be very crowded at times. Reservations accepted. Jason Schofield, chef; Michael & Anne Marie Hennesey, owners. Ownership changing in 2025 to Lee Pitts of College Park.

Older Review: (from Richard D. 8/12) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 9/14) Q=4 S=3 V=4 Total=11 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Older Review: (from Jackie N. 5/22) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Willow Tree Café, 205 East First St., Sanford, FL. 51.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-321-2204. (German) [L/D] Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily, except Monday is 11 AM to 3 PM only. Located in the historic section of Sanford near Magnolia. Also known as Hollerbach's Willow Tree Café. Noted for German food such as Knockwurst, Bratwurst, Mettwurst, Weisswurst, Nürnberger and LeberKäse. Also on the menu is Sauerbraten, Eisbein and Himmel und Erde (Potatoes and Apples). Beef Filet with Kräuter Butter is available. A large selection of Pork, Veal and Chicken Schnitzel are featured daily that also includes two side dishes. Entertainment Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening; as well as Thursday and Friday nights. Very large selection of German beer (bottle and on tap), Lager, Pils, Dopplebock, Riesling, Mosel, Schnapps, Asbach, as well as a full bar. Reservations accepted. 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Foodie Reader's and Critic's Choice winner for "Best German Restaurant" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted "Best German Restaurant" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey for many years. Some special events, like Octoberfest, Fashing and monthly Chef's Night Out, require advance reservations - call ahead. In business here since 2001. Theo and Linda Hollerbach of Kyllburg/Eifel, Germany, owners.

Older Review: (from Jan T. 7/10) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Hank T. 6/13) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Debra H. 1/17) Q=5 S=4 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 6/19) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Rich C. 10/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Jan T. 1/21) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.

(The) Wilson (Orlando), 225 Celebration Pl., Celebration, FL. 62.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-964-3258. (American) (Seafood) [B/L/D] Opened in March, 2022. At the Meliá Orlando Celebration Hotel, near I-4 and SR 192, near Kissimmee. Hours are 7 AM to 10 PM, 7-11 AM for breakfast, 11:30 AM to 4 PM for lunch and 4-10 PM for dinner. Northeastern coastal cuisine with global influences and seasonally inspired cocktails. Full restaurant and bar with an outdoor space and a large terrace with a stunning view of the pool. Start with a ½ doz. Little Neck Clams or Oysters or a 4 piece Shrimp Cocktail. They also offer huge Seafood Platters like The Dutchman [serves 2-4], The Pearl [serves 4-6], or The Kraken [serves 6-8]. Other appetizers include Shishitos, Hummus, Brussels Sprouts Tacos, Shaved Broccoli Caesar, Calamari or Mussels Meunière. Main courses start with Double Patty Burger, Fish Tacos, Squash Ravioli, Rigs Bolognese, Salmon a la Plancha, Lobster BLT, Shrimp Cobb, Brick Chicken, Grilled Pork Chop and ends with NY Strip. Sides add $8-11 each. Also Pizzas are made. Desserts like Sorbet + Gelato, Cookie Skillet, Cheesecake and S'Mores Flatbread are offered. Kids menu available. Full bar and Wine List offered. Wines poured in 5 or 8 oz. sizes, plus by the bottle. "The Dom" is $295. 18% gratuity added to all checks. Happy Hour 3-6 PM weekdays. Open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Eve by reservation. Reservations accepted by phone or Online and recommended on weekends in season. Some outdoor seating available. Dog friendly patio. IGC Hospitality Hotel owned.

Wine 4 Oysters (Bar & Bites) (East Orlando), 1957 S. Alafaya Trl., Orlando, FL. 67.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-507-7952. (Seafood) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Opened in 2017. Located in the Shoppes of Eastwood Shopping Plaza at Golfway Blvd., 2.3 miles south of the 408. Hours are 10 AM to 2 PM weekdays, also daily 4-9 PM for dinner, but to 11 PM weekends. Like Oysters? This is the place. These are raw or steamed on the half shell. Their origin is rotated during the season. Priced for 6 with a dozen and a half preparations, from Poached with Sake, Baked with Sriracha Butter, Rockefeller, Buffalo Blue Cheese to Caviar Oysters. You can order a Baked or Raw Sampler of 8 Oysters. They also offer tapas like Baked Scallops, Smoked Tuna Dip, Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp, Snow Crab Boil, 1 lb. of Mussels, or Shrimp and Cheddar Grits. Jambalaya, Lobster Bisque, Lobster Roll and Lobster Risotto can be found too. Not fond of seafood, they also have Goat Cheese Salad, Prosciutto Bruschetta, Chicken Liver Pate, Lamb Tacos and Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms. Other dishes offered too. Beer and wine licensed. Wines by the glass range $8-12 each or $34-69/btl. Craft Beer on tap. Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4-6 PM with 30% off Oysters and $2 off Beer and Wine. Beer and Wine Flights available. 20% gratuity added for parties of 5 or more. Outdoor seating available here. Another location is in West Orlando, (see that listing). Reservations accepted by phone or online. Closed Turkey Day, Xmas and Xmas Eve. Tatiana Golenkova, owner.

Wine 4 Oysters (Bar & Bites) (West Orlando), 7645 Turkey Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-377-7468. (Seafood) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Opened in 2019. Located in "Restaurant Row", right on Turkey Lake Road, just north of W. Sand Lake Rd., near Exit #74A of I-4, in the Bayhill Plaza. Hours are 4-10 PM daily but to 11 PM on weekends, plus opens at 12 Noon on Saturday and Sunday for Brunch. Not open for lunch on weekdays. This is the place for Oysters and Wine, obviously. They're sold Raw or Steamed by the half dozen on the half shell. Their origin is rotated during the season. They offer many styles, like Baked Grand Central, Kilpatrick, Steamy Oriental, Pomegranate, Green Goblin and Crudo Oysters among others. Other Seafood Tapas include Salmon Tostini, Tacos with Shrimp or Ahi, Peel-N-Eat Shrimp, Octopus, 6 oz. Ahi Tuna Steak or a Snow Crab Dip. Land lovers can order Pitted Olives, Baked Brie, Russian Dumplings, French Crêpes and other items. Desserts include a Napoleon, Chocolate Cake Pop or Pavlova. Brunch menu on weekends include tapas of Deviled Eggs, Breakfast Charcuterie, Mini Quiche, French Crêpes, French Toast, Avocado Toast, or Shrimp 'n Grits. Caviar, Mushrooms and other sides offered too. Full bar here. Bottomless Cocktails at Brunch at a fixed price for Mimosa, Sangria or Bloody Marys. Wines by the glass range $8-12 each and $34-160/btl. Craft Beer on tap. Beer and Wine Flights available. Happy Hour is Monday to Friday 4-6 PM with 30% off Oysters and Cocktails and $2 off Beer and Wine by the glass. Live music from Noon to 3 on Sunday afternoon. 20% gratuity added for parties of 5 or more. Another location is in West Orlando, (see that listing). Reservations accepted by phone or online. Closed Turkey Day, Xmas and Xmas Eve. This location franchised by Linh Pham and Tuan Tran.

Wine and Cheese Gallery, 113 N. Main St., Gainesville, FL. 62.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-372-8446. (Cafe) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Now called Downtown Wine and Cheese. In business since 1973, in an 1890 house, located downtown on Main St., a block north of University, opposite the large Wells Fargo Bank. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 AM - 2 PM for lunch, but only Thursday and Friday 6-10 PM for dinner. The dining area is referred to as the Panache Bistro. The store is open from 10 AM daily, except Sunday. Experts on wine selection. Dinner selections include Do-It-Yourself Pizza starting with toppings that might include Roasted Red Peppers or Spanish Manchego or Dutch Parrano Cheese to Sausage or Shrimp. There's also a Margarita Pizza, Bella & Bleu Pizza and Sweet & Savory, BLT or Red/White/Green Sandwiches. Flatbreads and Tapas like Hummus, Artichoke Gratin, Bacon & Blue Dip, Roasted Veggies and Goat Cheese, plus a Quiche of the Day Special are also offered. There's Soups and Salads too, like Moroccan Soup, Caesar Salad, Gorgonzola Salad, Baked Goat Cheese & Side Salad, Apple Salad and Shrimp Salad. Small Plates like Meat & Cheese, Caprese, Italian Sausage, Greek and the signature W&C Cheeseboard Plate. Desserts are offered too. A wide selection of 3,000 wines and many beers from the retail store. $10 Corkage Fee applies for wine purchased here and served at lunch or dinner. Happy Hour is 5-7 PM Thursday and Friday. $10 Corkage Fee discounter during Hppy Hour. Outdoor patio sitting area. Wine tasting events held monthly. Gourmet Gift Baskets made. "Bunky" Mastin and Wade Tyler, owners.

Older Review: (from Dan K. 3/14) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Wine Bar George (Restaurant and Bar), 1610 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-490-1800. (American) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Another unique addition to Disney Springs opened on May 19, 2018. Hours are 11 AM to late night, daily. This large, 6,000 sq. ft. venue is the creation of Master Sommelier, George Miliotes, and will offer wine by the glass and bottle, plus light meals. Well over 125 selected wines are offered by the glass or bottle. Some can be tried at 1, 3 or 6 oz. pours from a Coravin™ System. Tap wines by the glass offered. Some glasses go to $50/glass. "Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine. Beer and cocktails round out the bar selections. The menu is limited, but Salads, various Cheese Plates, Sandwiches, Tapas like Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites, Grilled Octopus, Pork Cheeks and a Beef entrée are good food pairings here. A Grilled Whole Greek Sea Bass entrée can be shared by two or more. A few desserts will be sold too. The décor features wood ceiling and concrete floors with warm lighting. Many bar stools around table topped wine barrels or long tables for social chatting make up the area. But there's also soft sofa lounging areas too. Outdoor seating available also. The establishment seats 200 on two stories. Winemakers will be invited as guest speakers occasionally. Wine tasting events are planned. Discounts for Disney Passholders. A retail area sells wine related gadgets. Corkage Fee: $20/btl. for your own wine. For Take-Out, they have Picnic Baskets including Olives, Charcuterie, Baguette, Cheese, Cookie and a Carafe of Wine with glasses and packed for Two or Four picnicers. Smaller Boxes without Wine are sold. Sandwiches like Goat Cheese & Fig, Prosciutto & Brie or Ham & Gruyère are available. Cookies are sold here too. Ron Rupert, well known Disney chef.

Wine Room (on Park Avenue), 270 South Park Ave., Winter Park, FL. 55.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-696-9463. (Spanish) (Wine Bar) [L/D] Located in the heart of Winter Park at New England Ave. since 2006. Open from 3 PM to Midnight Monday through Wednesday, Noon to Midnight on Thursday, 11 AM to 1:30 AM on Friday and Saturday and 1-11 PM on Sunday. A comfortable lounge and upscale café offering tapas, sandwiches and flatbreads, plus a large wine dispensing system, cheese store, wine vault and bottle shop, all rolled into one. For small plates they offer Smoked Gouda Crostinis, Olives Marinées, Charcuterie Plate, Bruschetta, Tapas Trio, Paté, Antipasto, Prosciutto and a Salami & Prosciutto Plate. A Field Greens or Caprese Salad are available, plus Sandwiches such as Roast Beef & Havarti on Berry Bread, Roast Chicken with Goat Cheese and Figs, Grilled Manchego & Mahón, Turkey, Brie & Cranberry and a Roast Beef Wrap are on the menu. For Flatbreads they have a Bianco, Kale & Shaved Red Onions, Yellow Tomato & Balsamic Glaze, Pear & Brie, Asparagus & Brie, Salami & Blue Cheese, Fig & Prosciutto or Wild Mushroom Truffle Flatbread. Other tapas are Baked Omelet du Jour, Savory Bread Pudding, Mac & Cheese, Jumbo Shrimp & Queso Fresco, Scallop & Asparagus Salad, Tenderloin & Horseradish Crème and Tenderloin & Feta Pesto. They also have 3 Cheese Boards for sharing. On the sweet side they offer a Lemon Jazz, Cookies & Creme Dream, Panna Cotta, Warm Brie, Crème Brûlée Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Explosion and a Chocolate Raspberry Seduction. The wine dispensers are stocked with 156 different wines that provide 1, 2½ and 5 oz. pours to your glass. A base charge is made for the personal "wine card" and you add money to stock up on wine buying power. Each pour is priced accordingly. You can also get bar pours instead of 8 different basic wines. Draft craft beers and imported bottled beer, like Leffe Brune and Young's Double Chocolate Stout, are also available. No hard liquor served. A private room tasting/meeting area is in the old bank vault. You can also rent your own wine locker on an annual basis. They hold 1 to 10 cases. Wine Tasting Fests held during the year. Corkage Fee: $10/btl. waived on Sundays and Mondays. "Best of Award of Excellence" recipient from Wine Spectator magazine for 760 selections. Voted "Best Wine Bar" in the Orlando area by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey for many years. 20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. Jim Hepple, manager; Bruce Simberg, owner.

Winter Garden Pizza Company, 42 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL. 41.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-877-1930. (Italian) (Pizza) [L/D] Soon to become A.J.'s Pizza. Open 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. Call for Sunday hours. Right on the main drag in wonderful Winter Garden. Famous for their pizzas, like Margherita, Chicken Alfredo, Bianca, Hawaiian, Philly Cheese Steak, Meat Lovers, Primavera, Pepperoni and Sicilian, priced depending on size. Calzones, Strombolis and Wraps are also offered. Besides pizza, they offer pasta dishes like Fettuccini Alfredo, Shrimp Scampi, Penne alla Vodka, Shrimp Fra Diavlo and even Chicken Marsala. Baked dishes like Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Cheese or Meat Ravioli, Manicotti, Stuffed Shells, Eggplant Parmesan, Italian Sausage, Chicken Parm. and Spaghetti and Meat Balls are offered. Subs (like Sausage, Green Peppers & Onions), Soups (like Seafood Bisque) and Salads (like Antipasto) are also on the menu. Most items are homemade. Lunch specials offered. No bar. Winner 2012 Critic's Choice award for "Best Pizza" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Nicole and Robert Wilkinson, owners.

Winter Park Fish Company, 761 Orange Ave., Winter Park, FL. 54.7 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-622-6112. (Seafood) [L/D] Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, except closed Sunday. Right on N. Orange Ave. at S. Capen Ave. just before the triangle. Start off with Bahamian Conch Fritters, Lobster Quiche, Smoked Mahi Spread, Fried Calamari, Island Style Crab Cake or Fried Jumbo Shrimp. Fresh Catch might include Atlantic Salmon, Yellowfin Tuna, Bahamian Mahi-Mahi, Key West Snapper, Yucatan Black Grouper or Large Maine Sea Scallops. Specialties include Grouper Cheeks in Parchment, Fish & Chips, Cioppino Seafood Stew, Stuffed Grouper, Caribbean Mahi or Tropical Grouper Kabobs. Lighter items like Shrimp Ceviche, House Made Salmon Burger, Shrimp Po Boy, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fresh Fish Wrap, Grouper Sandwich or Lobster Roll are also on the menu. Imported and domestic beers and wines available. Counter service and outdoor seating provides a relaxed Key West atmosphere. Voted 2010 "Best Seafood Restaurant" by Orlando Magazine Annual Reader's Survey. George Vogelbacher, chef; Mitchell Rice, Darryl and Michael Reed, owners.

Older Review: (from Nanci C. 3/15) Q=5 S=4 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill (Orlando), 1514 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL. 62.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-815-2100. (American) [L/D] Opened November, 2018. Located in the Town Center at Disney Springs, this traditional Bar and Grill concept is similar to the one in Las Vegas and was designed by Tony Chi. It bares Puck's name with some of his famous dishes. Open 4:30 PM to 10 PM, Monday through Thursday and Noon to 10 PM, Friday through Sunday. Appetizers like Tempura Calamari & Shrimp are available. Pizza varieties offered. Entrées, like the WP Burger, Grilled Shrimp Greek Salad, Chicken Schnitzel, Grilled Sea Bass, Pan-Roasted Half Chicken and Mesquite Grilled NY Strip make up the main menu. Sandwiches and Pasta are available. Sides are extra. Desserts like Baked Alaska is on the list. Kid's menu available. They also have a Gelato Bar. Full bar with handcrafted cocktails too. Vast Beer list and WP brand wines offered. Reservations accepted and advised. Sarah Lealock, GM; Michael Tiva, Executive Chef; owned by Wolfgang Puck, Michael Lubitz and Joseph Essa.

World Fusion, 1988 N. Future Terr., Lecanto, FL. 41.3 mile drive from The Villages. 1-352-513-3800. (Asian) [L/D] Opened in March, 2015. Located off CR 486 in the Timberlane Terrace Shopping Plaza between Lecanto and Beverly Hills. Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily, to 10 PM on weekends. This restaurant fuses Japanese, Chinese, Mongolian, Thai, Korean and other Asian cuisines onto one menu. They offer a few appetizers, plus Mussels. Entrées include Chicken or Pork Katsu or Tonkatsu, Coconut Flounder, Kung Pao Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Salmon, Sweet Thai Chicken, Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Sweet and Sour Pork, Coconut Shrimp, Bang Bang Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp, Spicy Korean Chili Beef, Mongolian Beef and Pan Seared Scallops. They also have Fish and Chips and Falafel. You can also design your own Flatbread Pizza, Fried Rice and Stir Fry. On the Sushi menu you'll find the Classis Rolls, plus Special Rolls like Sixth Sense, Rainbow, Tempura Philly, Lemonhead, Volcano, Kaiju and others are here. Conch, Octopus, Eel, Yellow Tail, Tobiko, Salmon, Tuna and other Sashimi items offered. They also have Lo Mein, Pad Thai Noodles and Rice Dishes. Specials weekly. A kids menu and outdoor seating available.Reservations accepted. Full bar and Happy Hour. Occasional entertainment. Hamilton Rice, owner.

World's Magic Restaurant, 7044 International Drive, Orlando, FL. 54.5 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-203-3330. (Asian) (Middle Eastern) [D] Opened April 2017. Located on I-Drive just north of Sand Lake Rd., across from the "Sling Shot". Open only 5 PM to 10 PM daily. Billed as a fusion of Saudi/Arabic/Halal and Indonesian cuisines with attractively presented dishes in a warmly decorated room. Salads like Green [Fresh] or Indonesian Gado Gado [Steamed Veggies with Peanut Sauce], are available. Appetizers include Spring Rolls, Bla Bla, Fried Potato Chips, Kerupuk Shrimp, Kerupuk Melinjo, Kerupuk Garlic and Lettuce Wraps. For Soup they have Meat Soup, Sayur Soup [Shrimp], Chicken Corn Soup and Tom Yum Goong [Hot and Sour]. Indonesian Sate is popular with Fried or Grilled Chicken Sate, Grilled Beef Sate and Grilled Shrimp Sate. Rice dishes include Nasi Putih [White], Nasi Dengan Sayuran [with Vegetables] or Nasi Goreng [Fried]. For Seafood they have Fish Filets with Tahini, or Coconut, or Soy, or Tamarind, and Dried Fish with Red Sauce. For Beef they have Sambal Beef Plain, or with Coconut Milk, or with Soy, or with Tamarind, Rending Beef and Den Den [Fried Beef]. Chicken and Shrimp dishes are similar, including Sambal Shrimp with Eggplant. For other main dishes they offer Pasta with Red Sauce, Mie Goreng Sayuran [Fried Noodles], Kofta Potatoes Plain or with Meat, Green Beans with Coconut and Sambal Fried Potatoes with Red Sauce [Spicy]. A Mixed Indonesian Palte is offered for one or two. They also frequently offer a 30 dish buffet priced per person, so you can sample many items. Desserts are available like Fruit Salad, or Spring Roll Banana with Ice Cream. Descriptions of the item are on the menu in English; the wait staff can help too. No bar, soft drinks and coffee/tea service only. Occasional magic entertainment. Reservations accepted. Marwan Abbas Shaaran and Ismail Miski, owners.

Yacht StarShip, 603 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL. 87.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-813-223-7999. (American) (Buffet) [L/D] Located between the St. Pete Times Forum and the Florida Aquarium, next to the Channelside shopping and entertainment complex. Valet and self parking is available at the Tampa Port Authority Parking Garage. An $8 million yacht with 5 dining rooms which can accommodate up to 600 passengers. The ship offers Sunday Brunch, Daily Lunch and Daily Dinner Cruises. The Sunday Noon Time Brunch consists of breakfast items like Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Cheese Blintzes as well as lunch items like Chicken Alfredo, Seafood Paella, Baked Snapper and Hand Carved Prime Rib. Desserts are included. Brunch price with 2 hour cruise is offered. The Daily Noon Time Lunch selections may include Wild Mushroom Meatloaf, Tuscan Chicken, Floribbean Mahi Mahi or Grilled Pork Chop. Lunch price with 2 hour narrated cruise is also offered. The Daily Dinner selections may include those listed for lunch plus Braised Lamb, Roasted Trout and Center Cut Filet. Appetizers and desserts are also included with dinner. Dinner price with 2 1/2 hour cruise including entertainment and dancing is popular. Dinner departures for weekdays sail about 7 PM, Sundays about 5 PM and on Saturdays about 5 PM, as well as 9 PM. Florida residents may receive a 25% discount on most cruises by booking online. Also, a 2 for 1 offer may be available from June 1 to September 30 each year for most sailings. The ship cruises Ybor and Garrison Channels (not Tampa Bay or the Gulf waters) for smooth sailing. Yacht sails rain or shine; the dining room is full enclosed and air conditioned. Dress code enforced, especially footwear. Rates subject to sales tax, gratuities and fuel surcharge. Reservations accepted and required. Photo ID required for will-call tickets. Company also operates Yacht StarShip II sailing from Clearwater, FL. Full bar and wine list. Rated 3 diamonds by AAA. Started business in 2002. Starship Cruise Lines, LLC. (of Houston and Tampa), owners and operators.

Older Review: (from Wendell S. 3/08) Q=3 S=3 V=2 Total=8 out of 15. Return=No.

Yard House (Orlando), 8445 International Dr., Orlando, FL. 55.6 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-351-8220. (American) [L/D] Opened April 24, 2014 in the new "I-Drive Live Entertainment District" where the "Mercado" once occupied. A 14,000 s.f. upscale Bar and Grill. Hours are 11 AM to Midnight or later. They tout the largest draft beer system in the world with a keg room holding 250 refrigerated beer kegs feeding draft brews to 140 bar taps via an exposed overhead piping system. Beers, ales and stouts range from the light, pale, fruity, malty, wheat, spiced, dark, plus draft ciders. The chalkboard list of limited availability, changes frequently. They also have a varied wine list, red, white and sparkling, plus Sake selections. Martinis, Sparkling Cocktails and Moscow Mules are also featured, plus new cocktail concoctions called Fresh & Skinny™. Their extensive fusion menu includes low calorie and vegetarian items too. Appetizers like Moo Shu Egg Rolls, Kung Pao Calamari, Firecracker Wings, Pastrami Sliders, Blue Crab Cakes, Spicy Tuna Roll and Lobster, Crab and Artichoke Dip are on the list. Soups like Organic Tomato Bisque, French Onion and New England Clam Chowder are offered. Featured entrées, some available in two sized portions, include Mac+Cheese2, made with Chicken and Bacon, Spicy Jambalaya, Southern Fried Chicken Breast, Chicken Enchilada Stack and Orange Peel Chicken. Seafood items include Vodka Shrimp Pasta, Mediterranean Seared Scallops, Lobster Garlic Noodles, Ginger Crusted Norwegian Salmon, Porcini Crusted Halibut and Miso Glazed Sea Bass. Meat lovers can order Half or Full Rack St. Louis Style Ribs, a 5 oz. Petite Filet, a 12 oz. Rib Eye or an 8 or 10 oz. Pepper Crusted Filet. A large number of individual Pizzas, Street Tacos, Burgers, Sandwiches and Entrée Salads are available, plus a beef and chicken soy-made substitute caters to the vegetarians. A dozen desserts include Mini Souffles, Mini Peach Apple Cobbler, Butterscotch Pudding, Macadamia Nut Cheesecake, S'Mores Brownie and Draft Beer Floats made with Chocolate Stout and other malts. After 10 PM, a late night menu is also available; as is a gluten free listing. Happy Hour (3-6 PM weekdays and after 10 PM Sunday through Wednesday) offered on drinks and food. Classic rock music prevails. This is the 6th location in Florida of a chain of 4 dozen locations on both coasts. Steve Platt founder. Started in California in 1996, now owned by the Specialty Restaurant Group of the Darden Restaurant chain of Orlando, FL.

Older Review: (from Mary Jo B. 3/07) Q=2 S=3 V=1 Total=6 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Ellen H. 5/07) Q=2 S=2 V=1 Total=5 out of 15. Return=No.
Older Review: (from Susan B. 5/12) Q=4 S=4 V=4 Total=12 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Bruce W. 1/16) Q=4 S=5 V=4 Total=13 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Walter P. 2/19) Q=5 S=5 V=4 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Dee O. 10/19) Q=5 S=5 V=5 Total=15 out of 15. Return=Yes.
Older Review: (from Frank O. 5/21) Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.

Yellow Dog Eats, 1236 Hempel Ave., Windermere, FL. 46.4 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-296-0609. (Cafe) (Deli) [L/D] Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM. Located in an old general store at Hempel Ave. and Gotha Rd. in Gotha, FL. A very eclectic mix of food and gift shop. The odd name and the menu helps you remember the place. Sandwiches include Honey Mesquite Turkey with Gouda, Homemade Hummus in a Tortilla, Black Forest Smoked Ham, Roast Beef, White Albacore with Teriyaki Marinade and Creamy Peanut Butter with sliced Bananas. Half or Full Rack of Ribs, ½ Smoked Chicken with Black Beans and all kinds of Pulled Pork dishes are offered. Some are even based on the ubiquitous Sunbeam White Bread! Side dishes (like homemade Coleslaw) and salads (like Smoked Salmon or Waldorf) are just as interesting. No bar service. 2011 Foodie Critic's Choice winner for "Best Takeout" in the Orlando area by the Orlando Sentinel. Voted Orlando's best Outdoor Dining restaurant by the readers of Orlando Weekly. Chef, "Fish" and Kathryn Morgan, owners.

Yeoman's Cask & Lion (Kissimmee), 3220 Margaritaville Blvd., Kissimmee, FL. 52.1 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-986-9367. (Brew Pub) (British) [L/D] Opened in April, 2019. Located in the brand new Sunset Walk shopping village off US 192, just east of the SR 429 Toll Road. Open 11 AM to 10 PM daily, to 11 PM weekends. Very themed venue here with cute artwork on the walls. It's a brightly decorated British Pub with signature food items like Shepherd's Pie, Fish & Chips, Bangers and Mash, Beefeaters Stew, UK Meatloaf, The Stuffed Englishman or The Queen's Catch [Salmon]. If you're into Mac 'n Cheese, they have 5 kinds to choose from. You'll also find items like a Scotch Egg, Ploughman's Board, and Guiness Chocolate Stout Cake. Even Shortbread Cookies for dessert are here. American items for the not-so-adventuresome include Burgers, Chicken Sandwich, a Pastrami Sandwich and many more. Toasted Sandwiches range in price. A Lunch Board has 9 choices for one price. Saturday and Sunday Brunch, served 11 AM to 2 PM. Full bar with lots of British and local Beers and Ales on tap. Happy Hour runs 3-5 PM weekdays. Creative cocktails are on the list. A few Wines on tap too. Large selection of European Bottled Beers also. Live music Thursday and Saturday. Reservations available by phone or online. Small chain of two Florida locations headquartered in Tampa that was started in 2015.

YH Seafood Clubhouse, 8081 Turkey Lake Rd. Suite 700, Orlando, FL. 55.2 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-440-4979. (Asian) [L/D] aka: Yummy House Seafood Clubhouse. Opened April, 2022. Located in the Phillips Crossing Plaza, just south of W. Sand Lake Rd. in an area known as "Restaurant Row". Hours are 11 AM to 2:30 PM, then 5-9 PM daily. Closed mid-day hours. This upscale Cantonese Cuisine restaurant has a wide variety of authentic China Regional cuisine including Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan plus Dim Sum in a modern, bright, airy venue with full linen service. Many round tables with rotating center glass tray for parties of 8-10 and give a true Hong Kong experience. Start with a Clubhouse Salad. For appetizers you'll find Salt & Pepper Tofu, Calamari, Prawns, or Scallops. They also have Egg Drop Soup, 6 Pan-Seared Pork Pot Stickers, Twin Jumbo Oysters with Sauces, Wonton Soup, 6 Crispy Seafood Balls to start you. For a Feast they offer Peking Duck. For main Veggie dishes you'll find Chinese Bok Choy, Chinese Broccoli or Snow Pea Tips cooked in Garlic Sauce; plus Braised Tofu, Kung Poa Tofu or Assorted Mushrooms in Wine Sauce. Various Rice and Noodle dishes, like Lo Mein or Chow Fun are offered. A featured Singapore Noodle dish is available. Chicken dishes like Cashew, General Tao's, Kung Poa, Sweet & Sour or Black Bean Chicken are offered. Beef dishes like Broccoli, Tangerine, Szechuan, Mushroom or XO Beef, are on the list. Sweet & Sour Pork or Szechuan Pork are here too. Shrimp dishes include Kung Poa, Garden Style, Black Bean, Sweet & Sour or XO Prawns. Scallops are offered in Wine Sauce, Szechuan Style or Black Truffle Style. For Fish they offer Sweet & Sour, XO or Wine Sauce Fish, Whole Founder, Whole Red Snapper, Whole Grouper or Whole Stripe Bass. Also they have Cantonese Steamed or Wok Cooked Chilean Sea Bass. For something different they offer Braised Abalone or Wok-Tossed Abalone and Sea Cucumber. Other specialties, all at Market Prices, include Alaskan Geoduck Clams, Alaskan King Crab, Dungeness Crab, Crystal Lake Prawns, Whole Rock Fish or even Maine Lobster. Traditional meals are offered too like Mandarin Pork Chop, Half or Whole Hong Kong Roast Duck, Half or Whole Hong Kong Roast Chicken, Fish Pots, Hong Kong Beef Stew, Chef's Special Assorted Seafood, XO Conch and others make the menu seem endless. Clubhouse Meals for 2, 3, 4, 6 or 10 people are priced accordingly, inclusive with wine and dessert. Dim Sum, dozens to choose from, is priced by the dish size, and offered from the roving cart. Wine List has Whites (from $32 to $114/btl. for the Cakebread Napa Chardonnay) and Reds (also from $32 to $114 for the Silver Oak Sonoma AV Cabernet Sauvignon). Full bar with Beer, Sake and Cocktails available. Outdoor seating available. Reservations taken by phone or online. Piroj Piboolnuruk and Junwu Zhao, of Tampa, owners.

Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen, 1830 E. Colonial Dr. Ste. B, Orlando, FL. 57.0 mile drive from The Villages. 1-407-601-6024. (Asian) [L/D] Opened in 2019. Located on SR 50, near Altaloma Ave., halfway between I-4 (Exit #84A) and Maguire Blvd. Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM daily, but later on weekends, except closed Mondays. A casual Asian dining experience. Very wide and varied Vietnamese and some Thai creations. They offer a mini-menu of "Street Food", common throughout Asia, like Grilled Jumbo Squid, Apple Snails, Clams, Fried Rice, Mussels, Summer or Spring Rolls, Bok Choy, Garlic Corn and Asian Wings. For entrées they have Phở, of course. Soups include: Spicy Beef Lemongrass, Seafood, Duck Noodle, Rice Noodle, Egg Noodle and others. Rice Plates with Chicken, Pork, Beef or Shrimp can be constructed. Bún (Vermicelli Noodles), Bird's Nest, Curry and Stir Fry items are available too. Specialties include Grilled Jumbo Squid, Grilled Scallops, Grilled Green Mussels, Lamb Chops and a Lemongrass Hot Pot. A Marinated Duck Noodle Soup is popular. Many Vegan items are prepared here, like Mango Tofu Salad. Western desserts end the meal. Milk, Coolers, Boba Tea, Smoothies, Beers and "Shots" are available from the full bar with Happy Hour. A Lychee-Lee Martini is a popular cocktail. Short Wine List available. Outdoor seating is available under umbrellas. Kid's meal available too. Reservations online via Open Table and by phone accepted. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Designation. Hien Pham and Huong Nguyen, chef and owners.

Review: (from Jackie N. 9/23) We chose this as one of the Magical Dining restaurants we chose to go to because of its Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recommendation for good quality and good value cooking. It's in a small strip shopping center in the Asian area of Orlando. The restaurant has a full bar and very little décor, except for some artwork on the walls. I had the $40 menu with a Scallop and Cheese appetizer served in a shell, the Filet Mignon Phở which had very tender thin strips of Filet and for dessert, I had the Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake. My husband ordered from the regular menu and we shared the Grilled Pork Summer Rolls and the Fried Pork Spring Rolls for appetizers. His entrée was the Stir Fried Garlic Noodles and Tofu. We enjoyed everything and particularly enjoyed meeting and chatting with the chef/owners. Our bill totaled $75 plus t&t. There are dozens of items I would like to try on the menu so we will definitely go back. Best with a group as you can share most of the items ordered.
Q=4 S=5 V=5 Total=14 out of 15. Return=Yes.