One night, local dinner. MCO area

[bsall]

We're interested in experiencing a "local" dinner Friday night before the cruise. No chain restaurants. We're staying by the Orlando International airport and have a rental car. 

What's a unique experience that is worthwhile that's somewhat nearby. Disney would probably be the max distance I'd want to drive.

Edited May 31, 2022 by bsall

[Saturngrl]

There are so many choices of restaurants near OIA!   My personal recommendations: 

-Marlow's Tavern (great steaks, appetizers and outstanding service!) 

-High Tide Harry's (a few miles north of OIA on Hwy. 436/Semoran Boulevard)--it's not a chain and has awesome seafood and it's my go-to when I'm in Orlando

-Chuy's is a chain of Mexican restaurants but it's really good and fun place to eat!

 

These are all near the airport.   Should you want to go over to International Drive,  Cafe' TuTu Tango is a lot of fun (tapas and in-house artists).  We also enjoy the Pointe Orlando restaurants including Opa!,  Maggiano's, Capital Grille and the others.   

 

Hope this is a good start in your research.  

 

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

On 5/31/2022 at 1:10 PM, bsall said:

We're interested in experiencing a "local" dinner Friday night before the cruise. No chain restaurants. We're staying by the Orlando International airport and have a rental car. 

What's a unique experience that is worthwhile that's somewhat nearby. Disney would probably be the max distance I'd want to drive.

If you're willing to travel as far away as Disney, check out Disney Springs. (Airport North exit onto SR 528 Westbound to I-4 Westbound.) An amazing number of restaurant choices, many by celebrity chefs. Reservations at your choice would be a wise idea.

[Orlando Vic]

High Tide Harry’s +1

Sea Thai https://seathaiorlando.com/

(My favorite Thai restaurant in Central Florida)

 

 

[poocher]

Chuy’s is a must do when we are in the Orlando area, just such a fun vibe!

[Orlando Vic]

7 hours ago, poocher said:

Chuy’s is a must do when we are in the Orlando area, just such a fun vibe!

Yeah, but the OP said “.No chain restaurants”.

[Elaine5715]

Morimoto, Art Smith's Homecomin or Wine Bar George at Disney Springs

[poocher]

12 hours ago, Orlando Vic said:

Yeah, but the OP said “.No chain restaurants”.

IMHO still well worth a trip.  Perhaps because we don’t have something like this up north.  If you really want something “different” try the drag queen brunch or Tuesday night bingo at Hamburger Mary’s!

[Batman5924]

I cruise a lot and  live by the airport.  High Tide Harry is a great recommendation. Close to the airport and locals love it.  Some of the recommendations are far away. If you want low cost quality seafood that has the Florida vibe...High Tide Harry’s.  10 minutes from airport but you’ll feel like you’re  in Florida. Hell I want to go now just writing this.

[bsall]

Thanks all! High Tide Harry's looks like a it hits everything we want!

[FlaMariner]

It's a local chain....Southern. We love Sonny's BBQ and there is a location right near the MCO airport.