The state of Florida has an abundance of seafood dining choices. Orlando, one of the largest tourist cities in the Sunshine State, provides premiere restaurants for seafood lovers.
The Flying Fish Care is located at 2101 North Epcot Resort Boulevard, in the Orlando suburb of Lake Buena Vista. Reservations are strongly suggested, and can be made by calling 407-939-2359. Location is of major importance for any business, with the Flying Fish Café being no exception. Diners are in the heart of the Walt Disney World area, when choosing to dine on the savory oak grilled scallops at the popular eatery. An eclectic atmosphere consisting of rollercoaster photos and memorabilia, and a lively staff truly enhance the dining experience. House specialties include a potato wrapped red snapper, and crab cakes. Children love the lava cake, which gushes chocolate is fun to watch, as well as eat. It is a rarity that diners would be disappointed with a meal at the Flying Fish Café. The menu is extensive, as is the wine and champagne list. Prices would be considered moderate, with appetizers ranging in price from $6-$8, and entrees approximately $17-$24 per place. Anyone who signs for the restaurant newsletter receives a free dinner printable coupon.
The Coral Reef is also located in Lake Buena Vista, at the Living Seas Pavilion. Reservations can be made by calling 407-939-3463. The décor is a part of the fun at the Coral Reef. All tables are organized around large aquariums, which contain sharks and other ocean life. Music at the restaurant features water themed tunes. The house specialty is the roasted sea bass and creamed potatoes. A pastry chef is on staff, and creates ornate and tasty desserts for diners. Menu prices range from $21 for lunchtime meals, to $75 for specific entrees and evening meals. Lunch is served from noon to 3 p.m.
Hemingway’s is located at 1 Grand Cypress Boulevard, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Lake Buena Vista. Grilled eggplant and squid are the house specialties. An impressive waterfall is featured near the entrance of the hotel, and unique old wharf and fishing photos line the interior. This is one of the more upscale and expensive seafood restaurants in the Orland area. Reservations are strongly suggested. A table can be reserved by calling 407-239-1234. Dinner prices are in the $50-$75 range.
The Moonfish is located at 7525 Sand Lake Road in Orlando. Reservations can be made by calling 407-363-7262. This Orlando area seafood restaurant is a Pan-Asian themed eatery, with both a raw bar and excellent sushi. House specialties include duck, oysters, and juicy steaks. Ornate color design, and sleek glass screens simulate an aquarium, and enhance the serene atmosphere. Prices are in the moderate to upper moderate bracket, averaging around $35-$50 dollars per full meal.
Joe’s Crab Shack definitely has a laid back, Key West feel. Buckets of beer are served beside mussels in marinara sauce, crab legs, and copper buckets of shrimp. The beach bum feel of Joe’s Crab Shack fits well with the on site surf shop, enigmatic staff and décor. Two locations serve the Orlando area, and include: 4601 South Semoran Boulevard, 407-658-9299, and the 12124 South Apopka Vineland Road 407-465-1895 location. Reservations are not required, but the shack gets busy on weekend evenings. Group parties are urged to call ahead for seating. Prices range from $6-$10 for most everything on the menu.
Fulton’s Crab House is located at 1670 East Buena Vista Drive near downtown, in Lake Buena Vista. Reservations are encouraged, and can be made by 407-934-2628. This seafood favorite is located near Disney World. The eatery is designed with an old wheeled paddleboat motif. House favorites include pan fired oysters, and crab. Steak is also an available menu item. Private dining rooms also offer a romantic touch to a first date, or anniversary celebration. Dress wear is somewhat formal, with the menu prices ranging at the upper end of the spectrum. Seafood entrees are typically around $35 dollars.
Shari Sushi Lounge is extremely popular with younger couples, and executives. The interior features a viewable kitchen and a full bar. House specials include fried soft shell crab; pan fried dumplings, and a large variety of makimono roll sushi. Meat on the grill is also available. Dress is business class casual, with many of the latest styles often seen on the young women who dine at the Shari Sushi Lounge. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, and can be made by calling 407-420-9420. Entrees are in the moderate to upper moderate range. A couple can choose from many menu items, dine for less than a hundred dollars.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants are a well-known national chain. The upscale Orlando restaurant is located at the Mall at Millenia, on 4200 Conroy Road. Reservations are always strongly encouraged, and can be made by calling 407-226-6515. Reservations can also be made online by logging onto www.mccormickandschmicks.com. The restaurant is known for impeccable service, and top-notch meals. House specialties include cedar-roasted salmon, complete with northwest berry sauce, and Jicama slaw with fried onions. An extensive wine, and mixed drink offerings are also available on the bar menu. Menus are printed twice daily, with most entrees available for approximately $20 – $25 each. Private dining options are also available.
Fishbones is rapidly growing in popularity in the Orlando area. The restaurant has been listed as one of America’s Top Ten Best Seafood Restaurants. Fishbones is a family owned eatery, opened in 1974. Guests can also utilize the group menu for large parties, and a private dining area. House specials vary, depending what is caught each day. Steaks cut from top grade Colorado beef are cooked in view on an open wood fire pit. Reservations are not necessary, but are accepted to avoid a wait, and can be made by calling 407-352-0135. Fishbones Orlando is located at 6707 West Sand Lake Road in Orlando. Prices are in the moderate range, with full meals and drinks feasible for less that $40.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room specializes in fresh seafood caught in the Orlando area, as well as flown in daily from around the globe. Reservations are recommended. The Oceanaire Seafood Room is located at 9101 International Drive in Orlando. One of the most extensive lists in the city of Orlando is available at this seafood restaurant. Guests can reserve the private dining rooms. The old ocean liner décor is part of the attraction of dining at the Oceanaire. Guests will feel like they are stepping back in time to the 1930’s, and taking passage to far away lands. Seafood is flown in daily to the restaurant, with house specialties including an oyster bar, and Copper River salmon, Dover sole and blue fin tuna. The Oceanaire Seafood room is extremely popular with couples planning a romantic evening. Prices are in the upper moderate range, with complete meals and drinks feasible for under $100.
Sources used in article include: personal experience, individual restaurant websites, www.talkofthetownrestaurants.com www.cityscape.com www.goorlando.com and Google Search Engine.
