Each time we go to Florida, we try to mix eating out at our favourite restaurants with trying something new. With two boys under 10 who are sometimes fussy eaters, we try to choose somewhere that will cater for their taste buds and that does something a little different for us – listed below are the ones that we try to visit at least once during our stay:
The Cheesecake Factory – we were introduced to this wonderful place, which is by the entrance to the Millennium Mall, by friends who joined us for the meal. The choice is huge, and so are the portions (recommend the Thai Chicken). You must remember to leave room for the Cheesecake – I counted 35 different varieties on the menu (and sampled 5 from around our group) and they are totally mouth-watering. You can take the leftovers home with you and they were just as delicious the next day.
Bahama Breeze – We love this restaurant – Caribbean cuisine and freshly cooked. There is a live steel band. The Seafood Paella is massive, but my other half has managed to finish it, much to the amazement of the waiter! Their fish with cinnamon yam mash is really tasty. Their cocktails are worth trying too. We have visited the one at the bottom of International Drive early evening and have not had a problem getting a table, but I understand it does get very busy later on in the evening and you cannot book in advance.
Chevys – fresh Mexican food – this is my husband’s favourite, especially the Grand Chimichanga. Great service, lots of choice and the kids love the bowl of nachos and dips that you get whilst choosing your order. Located in Kissimmee on W. Vine Street.
Red Lobster – seafood restaurant with a good choice of seafood, plus the usual steaks and chicken – we have enjoyed the shrimp and lobster Caesar salad and the prawn linguini. The place gets very busy, but has a paging system, and the longest we have had to wait has been 30 minutes.
Tony Romas – the best place in town for ribs. My son Jamie adores the ribs and there is a choice of sauces that the ribs are cooked in. The steaks are good too. One day a week they have ‘all you can eat ribs’ on the menu. Located on the 192, just past marker 15, and another one on International Drive.
Denny’s – have visited here a few times, usually on the way back from a day in the parks or water parks. Classic burgers, steaks and sandwiches and a hit with our kids. One by Water Mania on the 192 – lots of things to keep the kids amused when waiting for the food. Have been recommended their breakfasts, but not actually tried them yet.
Cracker Barrel – there’s one close to us on Highway 27. Good, wholesome traditional American cooking – we have enjoyed their meatloaf and their chicken and dumplings platter. We have yet to sample their breakfasts, but these are supposed to be very good also. Jamie is going to try the Momma’s pancake breakfast on our next trip. There is a shop attached to the restaurant which is well worth having a browse around.