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Best Restaurants in Orlando

By on March 23, 2018 in Dining & Nightclubs, Vacation Homes

When you’re in Orlando delicious eats are always within easy reach. From fast food chains and Disney-inspired dining to celebrity chefs serving up world-class cuisine, there are options to suit every taste and budget. Many visitors and residents are always on the lookout for the best restaurants in Orlando.

cheers to the best restaurants in Orlando

First of all, if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Orlando, check out this guide to the top 10 produced by Top Villas.

Rocco’s Tacos, West Sand Lake Road

This buzzing Mexican restaurant serves up authentic dishes and snacks, plus more than 400 varieties of tequila. Rocco’s Tacos also has an impressive margarita menu with a unique sour mix that’s made onsite. Additionally, the expansive menu includes all the traditional Mexican favorites – tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and burritos. You’ve got to order the guacamole too! It’s prepared tableside and can be customized as spicy as you like. One of the most popular restaurants on Orlando’s Restaurant Row, Rocco’s Tacos also boasts an after-midnight menu of snacks, cocktails and tequila shots.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, West Sand Lake Road

This elegant fine-dining restaurant offers an impressive seafood and steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge playing live jazz every night. Chefs expertly prepare the food and bartenders pour the cocktails with precision. The musical lineup features some of the best local and national artists around. This restaurant is situated near Big Sand Lake and Plaza Venezia. Eddie V’s serves up fresh seafood such as raw oysters and Pacific Ahi Tuna, and steaks hand-cut from the finest, specialty-aged beef available. The venue offers an extensive wine menu curated by the in-house sommelier. You can also enjoy hand-crafted cocktails in the V Lounge during happy hour, or before or after dinner.

Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Furthermore, no list of restaurants in Orlando would be complete without mentioning its most famous Disney dining spot. Victoria & Albert’s is an upmarket restaurant offering haute American cuisine in sophisticated, Victorian-style environs. Two prestigious awards have just been bestowed upon the venue. These awards include the AAA Five Diamond Award (for the 18th time) and the coveted 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award. Every night, the restaurant offers a selection of unique dining experiences including the highly sought-after Chef’s Table option. As a result, guests get an exclusive look at their dishes being crafted by executive Chef Scott Hunnel and his culinary team.

The Melting Pot, West Sand Lake Road

This popular fondue restaurant in southwest Orlando’s Dr. Phillips neighborhood has just undergone a major renovation. It now has an extended amount of seating as well as a digital photo booth and a new bar offering custom cocktails and tech charging stations. Creamy cheese fondues are prepared tableside and served with artisan breads and seasonal vegetables for dipping. The menu also features entrees, salads and plenty of chocolate fondue options, including ‘Create Your Own’ melted with Disaronno, Baileys or Grand Marnier. Yummy!

Capone’s, Highway 192

Of course, we feel Capone’s Dinner & Show is one of the best restaurants in Orlando. However, many people don’t think of it as a restaurant due to the entertainment/show factor. If you are looking for something different, be sure to check this “joint” out. Knock three times, give the secret password and enter this kooky gangster-themed dinner show. It is located on the Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, just south of Orlando. Capone’s features a 1930s gangland Chicago-themed show plus a delicious Italian/American buffet. Dinner consists of a selection of hot meats, a salad bar, a yummy dessert and unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks. A toe-tapping musical production complete with stand-up comedy will entertain you. The cast offers plenty of audience participation and tongue-in-cheek gangster action. What’s more, if you book online you’ll get 50% off.

Other Best Restaurants in Orlando include:

Ayothaya – Also on West Sand Lake Road. This stylish Thai restaurant boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and an extensive oriental menu featuring classic Thai dishes and house specials.

Bravo – This upscale, Italian restaurant is located on Via Dellagio Way. It serves an array of pasta, grilled meats, pizzas and cocktails against a Roman-themed backdrop. Bravo offers meal deals, a takeaway service and low-calorie options.

Manny’s Original Chophouse – A lively, family-friendly eatery serving steaks, chops, chicken and salads. Located on US Highway 27, this restaurant offers good food at low prices.

Chatham’s Place – A cozy, continental restaurant situated just steps from Restaurant Row. Loved by locals and visitors alike, Chatham’s Place serves tasty local produce straight from the chef’s garden.

Columbia – Columbia in the town of Celebration serves tasty Spanish/Cuban cuisine such as tapas, paella, grilled meats and casseroles. Be sure to visit the onsite gift shop for a selection of souvenirs, drinks and cigars.

Finally, you don’t have to dine out to eat well in Orlando. Stay in a Top Villas vacation home and you can have delicious meals prepared for you by a private chef. Invite some guests over and one of the best restaurants in Orlando could very well be your villa!

Top Villas offers family-friendly accommodation at great prices in all of the best resorts near Disney World. Additionally, the dedicated concierge team can arrange any added extras you need such as great value car hire and attraction tickets.

You can check out the full range of Orlando vacation homes here.

 

 

Updated by Admin: Thursday, April 5, 2018
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St. Patrick’s Day at Capone’s Dinner & Show

By on March 14, 2018 in Capone’s Dinner & Show

St. Patrick’s Day at Capone’s Dinner & Show may not offer green beer, but there are plenty of colorful characters to ‘sip’ on. Capone’s Dinner & Show celebrates every holiday, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Named after Saint Patrick (387–493AD), it is a holiday primarily celebrated in Ireland and places where there are large numbers of Irish immigrants, including the United States. For the most part, it is a reason to eat, drink and be merry! What better place to do so than at this Orlando dinner show!

St. Patrick’s Day at Capone’s Dinner & Show

With a delicious buffet; unlimited drinks (including alcoholic beverages) and a hilarious show included in a HALF PRICE TICKET you’ll be carrying on like a true Irishman. You won’t find boxty, barmbrack or shepherds pie on the menu (this is Mama Capone’s kitchen after all), however, there are plenty of American & Italian dishes to enjoy. A salad bar filled with fresh seasonal veggies & toppings. Fresh pasta with many sauce (gravy) choices. A meat carving station and a buffet filled with favorites your entire family will love. It is by far the best value of all the Orlando dinner shows. Even parking is free!

Join Al, Bugs and the rest of the gang for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that’ll leave you feeling very lucky, especially during the gangster shoot out! Here come the big guns and the guests will be getting into the action. It’s a fun time for the entire family, no matter what age. St. Patrick’s Day at Capone’s Dinner & Show is the perfect solution if you have a group made up of several ages. Read the many testimonials, even families with children can enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

St. Patrick's Day at Capone's Dinner & Show

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Show Time: 7:30pm
It’s great to be Irish at Capone’s Dinner & Show!

Purchase Half Price Tickets

Unlike a four-leaf clover, which is very hard to find, in Orlando you’ll find a large number of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations being held at just about every bar or tavern. If you’re already at Universal’s City Walk, you’ll not want to miss the Corned Beef & Cabbage, Corned Beef Sandwiches and Potato Leek Soup at Pat O’Brien’s and, of course, plenty of drink specials, including their Fuzzy Leprechauns. At Disney Springs there is Raglan Road, featuring Sheperd’s pie, Irish musicians and dancers, and a large selection of Irish whiskey. Also near Disney in Celebration is Mulligan’s Pub or on International Drive, the Lucky Leprechaun Irish Pub.

Other young professionals will be ‘going green’ in downtown Orlando at the Celt Irish Pub – a nice place to eat and celebrate this holiday or any day of the year. Further away from the downtown scene are other Irish favorites; the Green Parrot located in Casselberry and Fiddlers Green Irish Pub located on Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. These local favorites are sure to be popular on St. Patrick’s Day.

If you are looking for a fun night out, without a LOT of blarney, St. Patrick’s Day at Capone’s Dinner & Show is a safe bet. You won’t have to find a pot of gold to afford it either. Come have a toast with the wise guys…

“Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold pint and another one!”

Updated by Admin: Thursday, April 5, 2018

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival – What’s New This Year

By on March 3, 2018 in Festivals & Special Events

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival began February 28 and continues through May 28, 2018. Every year the festival runs close to 90 days. This year marks the 25th annual event.

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Donald and Daisy at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. ©Disney.

During this Orlando theme park special event, guests get to experience the topiaries that are on display and participate in several free activities. There are also free concerts, presentations and kids activities. The outdoor kitchens which were introduced a couple of years ago will dot the beautiful landscape at Epcot and serve up a wide variety of cuisine (food and beverages are an additional cost). To get a taste of everything, it can run hundreds of dollars, so be sure to check out your choices, then narrow it down to a few dishes you feel you have to try. Remember, you can fill up later with your dinner show tickets at Capone’s Dinner & Show, which is just down the road from Epcot.

Buy Half Price Tickets!

Epcot Gardens

Anna and Elsa Topiaries at the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Anna and Elsa will remain very popular at this year’s festival. ©Disney

The new topiary for this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival features Mickey, Minnie and Goofy located at the main entrance. Still others feature Tinker Bell, Troll, Stitch and many other familiar characters. Still in the list for most popular attractions are the Anna and Elsa topiaries. They return again with nearly 100 other topiaries spread out through the exhibits. These make for great photo ops! Have fun looking for them all.

You may even be tempted to taste a topiary at the newer edible garden near The Land Pavilion! You may also want to check out the Cactus Road Rally area. This garden is “sharp” as well as interesting. Too bad you won’t find a topiary of Al or any of the Wise Guys! To see them, you’ll just have to drive east on Hwy. 192 to Capone’s and have dinner and enjoy the show.

Outdoor Kitchens at The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Over a dozen outdoor kitchens feature food and drink items that are difficult to find at any Orlando restaurant. It is an excellent opportunity to test out some dishes you’ve been meaning to try. The new outdoor kitchen this year is the Honey Bee-stro. The menu features all-natural food and drink infused with what else, but honey. Other Outdoor Kitchens include:

  • Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market
  • Cider House
  • Fleur de Lys
  • Florida Fresh
  • Hanami
  • Jardin de Fiestas
  • La Isla Fresca
  • Lotus House
  • Northern Bloom
  • Pineapple Promenade
  • Primavera Kitchen (Mamma Capone’s favorite because it features Italian cuisine – try the meatball parmigiana)
  • Taste of Marrakesh
  • The Berry Basket
  • THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews
  • Specialty Coffee Carts Hosted by Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company®

If you have kids, be sure to check out this year’s new play areas. They are the Imagination Play Garden and the How-To Garden. You also won’t want to miss the Road to the Florida 500. Your children can zip around the race track while you sit back and recharge.

Garden Rocks Concert Series

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival performance

After dining and doing, relax at a free concert during your weekend visit to this Orlando theme park at the Garden Rocks concert series. All concerts take place at America Gardens Theatre, with show times at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Currently, the concert schedule features these popular acts:

  • March 2-5, 2018 – Night Ranger
  • March 9-12, 2018 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
  • March 16-19, 2018 – Simple Plan
  • March 23-26, 2018 – Little River Band
  • March 30-April 2, 2018 – The Orchestra, starring former members of ELO
  • April 6-7, 2018 – Foghat – NEW!
  • April 8-9 – Survivor – NEW!
  • April 13-14, 2018 – Smash Mouth – NEW!
  • April 15-16, 2018 – Rick Springfield – NEW!
  • April 20-21, 2018 – Jo Dee Messina – NEW!
  • April 22-23, 2018 – Lonestar – NEW!
  • April 27-30, 2018 – Blood, Sweat and Tears, featuring Bo Bice
  • May 4-7, 2018 -Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
  • May 11-12, 2018 – Village People featuring Victor Willis
  • May 13-14, 2018 – Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles – NEW!
  • May 18-21, 2018 – The Guess Who
  • May 25-28, 2018 – The Spinners
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Tickets

While most Epcot Flower and Garden Festival events are included with your theme park ticket, some experiences require a separate purchase or a separate admission fee. The easiest way to know before you go is to visit Epcot’s website or call 407-824-4321. Currently, a one-day pass to Epcot starts at $102.00.

If you’d like to enjoy a buffet dinner, some dancing and a spectacular show after visiting the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, save a night for Capone’s. While there will not be any colorful topiaries growing at this Kissimmee attraction, there will be some colorful characters! Between the guests and the gangsters, you’ll be exposed to an entire garden of comedy variety. It’s a blast!

Updated by Admin: Thursday, April 5, 2018

Last-Minute Valentine’s Plans

By on February 14, 2018 in Capone’s Dinner & Show, Deals & Specials, Holiday Specials

It can happen to the best of us. We wait until we’re scrambling and then have to make last-minute Valentine’s plans. Or… one Sweetheart expects something more than is planned; one Sweetheart hasn’t planned anything at all, or the plans that have been made fail miserably. Any of these scenarios can result in a whole lot of not-love going around. Here is some advice from the Wise Guys & Gals to keep these scenarios from happening this evening (or Saturday) with YOUR Sweetheart… even if you are reading this and making last-minute Valentine’s plans.

Plain and simple last-minute Valentine’s plans… take your “Gal” or “Goon” to a dinner show at Capone’s tonight!

There are still a few tickets available for tonight’s Capone’s Valentine’s Show. The early show option is extremely limited, however, tickets are readily available for the late show (8:30 pm). Either way, it will seem as if you’ve planned this evening for weeks! Purchase tickets online, pick up your date and show up for the show! Or, purchase tickets, call a cab or Uber and arrive at the show ready to enjoy the unlimited drinks included in your show ticket.

Tickets are only $34.99 adults and $22.99 kids (plus tax and gratuity). There still may be a limited number of VIP Tickets available at $46.99 adults and $31.99 kids (plus tax and gratuity). However, since you’ve waited until now (like a true flat tire) and are making last-minute Valentine’s plans, don’t count on those VIP tickets.

Last-Minute Valentine’s Plans 2 nights, 2 shows

Saturday has Two (2) Shows too!

With V-day being on a weekday, perhaps you’re planning to celebrate your love this weekend instead of tonight. Capone’s has you covered there too! This Saturday, February 17, there are also two show times available (5 pm and 8:30 pm). Tickets are available for both of these shows…at least for now. Even though it’s not really, really last-minute Valentine’s plans, attending the show on Saturday gives you a few more days to make it extra special. HINT: Spring for some roses or jewelry to go along with the dinner show tickets!

Pre-order a boa &/or a fedora and get into the spirit & have fun!

Costume accessories are definitely the cat’s meow. Have fun while you’re out for the evening! Get into the era! Cheap accessories can be found in the gift shop if you forget to purchase them online with your tickets. For those of you wanting to be treated like a big boss or significant skirt, Capone’s VIP tickets are the way to go. VIP tickets include:

  • Early admission (enjoy Al’s Four Deuces Lounge)
  • Casino chips for table games
  • A take-home souvenir shot glass
  • Tickets for the Dinner and Show
  • VIP Seating offering our best seats in the house
  • Priority Seating – We seat Valentine’s Day VIP guests first (provided you are on time)

Capone's Valentine's VIP Experience

If you still need to make last-minute Valentine’s plans, just go to AlCapones.com and order Valentine’s dinner show tickets and relax. You’re going to have a great time. Your special someone is really going to enjoy the show, and you’ll come away smelling like…well, a dozen roses! Please take note: the roses are YOUR responsibility…Al don’t want nothin’ to do wit’ dat. 😉

The gang hopes everyone will join them and have a great Valentine’s day today. If not, Al hopes you have a really, really good alibi!

Happy V-day everyone!

Updated by Admin: Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Mardi Gras Time in Orlando

By on February 7, 2018 in Festivals & Special Events, Orlando Tourism News

With Fat Tuesday on February 13th this year, Mardi Gras events at Universal Studios are in full swing now through April 7, 2018. You can “catch the beads, catch the music, catch the spirit” without going to New Orleans! It’s a party the entire family will enjoy.

New this year: New floats representing a celestial theme. Performers are available before the parade for meet and greet/photo opportunities. Atmospheric music piped into the park.

Previously the Orlando theme park celebrated this event only on the weekends. This year the celebration happens every night. You can catch beads and doubloons by the handful as the spectacular parade winds its way through the park with dazzling floats, colorful costumes, towering stilt walkers, entertaining street performers and dancers. Many of the floats are professionally built by Blaine Kern Studios, who have been creating Mardi Gras floats in New Orleans for over 60 years.

Mardi Gras in Orlando

Mardi Gras Parade

The parade happens at Universal Studios every night in which the Mardi Gras event is held. The parade starts about an hour before the headline concert. Between 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. However, if you want a good spot for the parade, it is not unlikely for people to line the parade route a couple hours prior to the start. Concert lines can start as early as the morning of the event!

Skip the crowds, parades and Mardi Gras altogether…

Purchase Capone’s Dinner Show Tickets!

Since adults will be adults, if you are attending this event with small children, you may want to stay close to the Little Jester’s Parade viewing area which is located in front of the Brown Derby Hat Shop (near the Terminator 2: 3-D attraction). Avoid the Music Plaza area as this is where people line up for the concert and can get a little crazy. Fun if you’re an adult. Not so fun if you are a parent with an inquisitive child.

Mardi Gras Entertainment

Some big names in music will be performing live at the Universal Music Plaza stage. There is also live music in the French Quarter section of the theme park, as well as authentic Cajun cuisine. I can hear the Zydeco music and taste the Jambalaya already!

2018 Concerts include: 

  • Feb. 3: Sean Paul
  • Feb. 10: The Beach Boys
  • Feb. 17: Kelsea Ballerini
  • Feb. 18: Andy Grammer
  • Feb. 24: Macklemore
  • March 3: 311
  • March 4: Phillip Phillips
  • March 10: T.B.A.
  • March 11: Fitz and the Tantrums
  • March 17: Foreigner
  • March 18: Fifth Harmony
  • March 24: T.B.A.
  • March 25: Bush

After you’ve caught all the beads and listened to some great live music, continue the party at Universal CityWalk on Mardi Gras event nights. Your Universal Studios theme park ticket or Annual Pass gets you FREE admission to several unique clubs and bars (provided you’re at least 21 years of age). CityWalk is open every night until 2:00 am.

Additionally, Mardi Gras is included with your Universal Studios admission or annual pass. They have on-site hotel deals as well as Florida resident tickets and specials. Check their website for more information www.universalorlando.com.

Other Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday Options

If you are not the type to attend a major theme park on Fat Tuesday, but still want to get out and do something fun, there are other options. Downtown Orlando will have its share of parties as well as many other bars around town. If you feel like taking a drive, go to New Smyrna Beach. Spend a day at the beautiful beach and stay for the Mardi Gras parade (mentioned here in another post). It really is a fun time. Of course, in Kissimmee, you can’t go wrong by attending a dinner show like Capone’s.

When you’re not at Universal Studios enjoying Mardi Gras, Capone’s Dinner & Show would like to invite you to the most enjoyable dinner theatre in Central Florida. Read our reviews and comments. Our live stage production is enjoyed by all ages and will have you dancing and singing and having a great time before you enter the theater. Tickets are half price when you purchase them online. Save a night for Capone’s Dinner & Show. It’s a blast!

Updated by Admin: Wednesday, February 7, 2018