Dining for Grown Ups in Orlando, Florida near Universal

[tracyw19]

Hi there! I'm coming down from New York City for a few days and staying near Universal Studios. My only dining experiences in this area happened on the Disney Property so I have NO idea where to eat. My husband and I are looking for great food without the tourist trap feel. We eat eveything so any suggestions would be helpful!

[bigpaul5]

http://www.cafetututango.com/

These guys have it all. Good food, fun environment, decent prices. Tasty tapas. They were a "Best of Orlando". See the Orlando thread. Good stuff. The Chop place next door is pretty good, too.

[Sandwich_Sister]

I agree I love Cafe Tu Tu Tango. I heard there was a taping of the show "Unwrapped" there not sure if the episode has aired.

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Cafe Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

[tracyw19]

Thank you everyone! I will check out the suggestions here and on the link above. I love trying local places and getting away from the crowds, so I appreciate your help.

[Aleta]

Hope I can piggy-back efficiently on this thread. We're thinking of getting take-out from PIO PIO. We'll be taking a taxi from the Disney area to check-in to a hotel in the Universal Orlando area. If I call in advance to place my order, do you think PIO PIO could accomodate us? And would the food be good if eaten as take-out? Thanks in advance.

[Rona Gindin]

No problem. I've done takeout from Pio Pio several times. It's better piping hot, obviously, but you'll still have a satisfying meal. Make sure they give you garlic sauce and hot sauce to go.

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Pio Pio
2500 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822

[Aleta]

Thanks very much! Should I call up in advance or order when I get there (the taxi meter will be running)?

[YosemiteSam]

Call ahead of course - actually get as many of their sauces as possible

[Aleta]

Mmm.... sauce. Thanks Yosemite Sam. Anybody have an idea how late PIO PIO is open at night?

[Rona Gindin]

The Pio Pio link above is to the wrong Pio Pio. The one near Universal is on the corner of Kirkman and International Drive.

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Pio Pio Restaurant
5752 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

[Aleta]

Thanks Rona. I plan to go to the one at 5752 International Drive.

[Sandwich_Sister]

Anatolia is also wonderful. It's Turkish and the little restaurant has feels very Mediterranean.

Lunch Spots may include Press 101 - think upscale paninis, sandwiches and wine, Yellow Dog eats, salads, sandwiches, etc.

I see you hail from NYC but have been down here before. We have some great places, but no where near the amount NYC has to offer. So keep an open mind and don't try "New York Style" anything down here or you will be disappointed. :)

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Press 101
7600 Dr Phillips Blvd Ste 22, Orlando, FL 32819

[YosemiteSam]

I'll second Wa

This link to another thread on this topic might help

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7092...

Please note that La Nuova Cucina from that thread is closing - shame

[Rona Gindin]

I recommend Wa too. I'ts part Japanese, part American/Japanese/French/Italian fusion--all very good. Also nearby, for less money, are Rice Paper (Vietnamese) and Memories of India (Indian) and, in the other direction, Pio Pio for a casual Peruvian meal of chicken and great sides.
www.RonaGindin.com

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Memories of India
7625 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

Rice Paper
7637 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

Pio Pio
2500 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822

[Sandwich_Sister]

Oh Memories of India is good too. I love their lamb vindaloo.

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Memories of India
7625 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

[Sandwich_Sister]

Wa Japanese Restaurant. - Modern Japanese fusion - Eat off the special menu. Delicious!

http://warestaurant.com/

[askdrtodd]

I was going to recommend that too. I also like Todd English's BlueZoo at the Dolphin.

[askdrtodd]

whoops just realized you said near universal and the only things you knew of were @Disney. Bluezoo is closer to Disney. When I googled it though I saw these pics, and realized it's been too long since I went!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPh...