It seems as though every week a new and exciting restaurant opens in the I-Drive Area to offer first-time and returning visitors something new to add to their vacation experience. From a visit to the World’s largest McDonald’s Playplace and the world’s largest Hard Rock Café, to dining with pirates or the excitement of the NASCAR Sports Grille, the I-Drive area has more than 200 restaurants in all price ranges and types of cuisine.

 

 

Cala Bella at Rosen Shingle Creek offers dining in an elegant Italian bistro with a magnificent dining room, a wine cellar and presentation-cooking bar. 407-996-3663. www.rosenshinglecreek.com

 

Maggiano’s Little Italy serves up classic Italian favorites prepared with only the freshest ingredients at Pointe Orlando. For an authentic home-style dining experience, order from the family style menu which offers portions large enough to share. 407-241-8650. www.maggianos.com

 

For entertainment as you dine, Bergamo’s Italian Restaurant, features dishes delivered by serenading waiters with a repertoire of romantic songs. 407-352-3805. www.bergamos.com

 

 

The Capital Grille Dry-aged steaks are the main attraction at this popular restaurant at Pointe Orlando. A variety of seafood offerings are also on the menu. Luxurious décor and incredible service make this a great special occasion experience. 407-370-4392. www.capitalgrille.com

 

The award-winning Dux, Peabody Orlando hotel’s signature dining experience serves American haute cuisine in a comfortable, upscale dining room. 407-352-4000. www.peabodyorlando.com

 

The Oceanaire Seafood Room at Pointe Orlando provides the perfect setting to enjoy seafood, flown in daily from around the world. 407-363-4801 www.theoceanaire.com

 

 

The Grape in Pointe Orlando offers small plate meals while guests enjoy a selection of more than 120 wines. 407-351-5815. www.yourgrape.com

 

Café Tu Tu Tango transports diners to a funky Spanish artist’s loft, where flamenco dancers, a palm reader and local artists at work serve as complements to the tapas-style meals. Have a great meal and purchase some art! 407-248-2222. www.cafetututango.com

 

Redrock Canyon Grill specializes in Southwest and American cuisine served in a casual atmosphere at Pointe Orlando. The menu includes fresh items such as wood-fired rotisserie chicken, grilled or smoked fish and St. Louis ribs. 407-363-3933. www.rrcanyongrill.com

 

Taverna Opa in Pointe Orlando features traditional Greek cuisine and festive entertainment including belly dancing and Greek music. Specialties include tzatziki, spanakopita, kebabs and selections of lamb. 407-879-2481. www.opaorlando.com.

 

Tommy Bahama Tropical Café and Emporium in Pointe Orlando follows an old Florida theme with a unique shopping and dining experience. Signature menu items include the Saba Steak Salad, Tommy’s World Famous Coconut Shrimp and the Barbados Brownie. The attached shop sells clothing and home furnishings. 321-281-5888. www.tommybahama.com.

 

The B-Line Diner at The Peabody Orlando is a lively restaurant decorated in a fifties mode, complete with jukebox. The diner has been featured frequently on the Food Network TV as one of the best restaurants of its type in the nation. 407-352-4000. www.peabodyorlando.com

 

At the Best of British Pub and Eatery the walls are festooned with soccer memorabilia, photos and jerseys from the sport's biggest names for a great atmosphere. Televisions show English premier league soccer. This is a friendly, fun and authentic British Pub. 407-264-9189.

 

 

Take the family to sample pirate fare at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure where guests enjoy several dinner courses while a swashbuckling, sidesplitting show unfolds aboard a fully rigged pirate’s galleon. 407-248-0590. www.piratesdinneradventure.com

 

 

The Makahiki Luau at SeaWorld (1-888-800-5447) and the Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando (407-503-3463) provide traditional Polynesian entertainment during dinners that celebrate Pacific cuisine.

 

At Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show consider clues to the whodunit performances as they enjoy several courses, including a “mystery dessert.” 407-363-1985. www.sleuths.com

 

 

One of several in the area, Texas de Brazil Churrascaria features an all-you-can-eat menu with 14 different types of meat, including filet mignon, sausage and Brazilian picanha plus a 40-item salad area. The restaurant's dramatic decor coupled with its selection of hand-rolled cigars, wines and cocktails provide an elegant, masculine atmosphere. 407-355-0355. www.texasdebrazil.com

 

 

Ming Court has been serving up some of the most delicious food to locals and visitors from around the world since 1989. A beautiful garden setting makes this experience a special treat for the entire family with innovative char-grilled and wok fired dishes, as well as authentic Dim Sum and Sushi. Restaurant Hospitality Magazine said, "Without a doubt, one of the best dining experiences ever." 407-351-9988. www.ming-court.com

 

 

To help plan your dining adventures in the International Drive Resort Area, checkout the Dining! section for detailed listings. A map and information on the I-Ride Trolley service is also provided. Visitors may order an International Drive Resort Area Official Visitors Guide with maps and discount coupons to many restaurants.

11/08