Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
167
Roy's Restaurant
PACIFIC RIM Created in Hawaii in 1988 by chef Roy Yama-
guchi, this small chain made its Orlando debut in 2001. The restaurant has an island
theme and, unlike the nearby Samba Room (see below), an atmosphere that allows for
intimate conversation. The large main dining area has a large open exhibition kitchen,
offering quite a show for those seated at the surrounding counter. The emphasis is on
fresh seafood (though other items are offered as well), prepared with a variety of sauces
and imaginatively garnished and presented with an Asian-style flair. Menus change
weekly (classic dishes remain a constant), but entrees might include Hawaiian Island
blackened ahi with spicy soy mustard butter, roasted macadamia nut-crusted mahimahi
with a lobster butter sauce, and Hibachi-style grilled salmon with Japanese vegetables and
citrus ponzu sauce. Roy's also has a reasonably deep wine list.
7760 W. Sand Lake Rd.
&
407/352-4844.
www.roysrestaurant.com. Reservations suggested. Main
courses $20-$39; fixed price menu $35. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 5:30-10pm; Fri-Sat until 10:30pm.
Take I-4 exit 74A, Sand Lake Rd./Hwy. 528, and go west 1 mile. Restaurant is on left.
MODERATE
Bahama Breeze
CARIBBEAN This chain restaurant sports a creative menu that
offers a variety of delicious sandwiches and chicken, fish, and pasta entrees with Carib-
bean twists. Try starting out with the Creole baked goat cheese before moving on to the
Cuban sandwich, one of the most authentic around. If that is not to your liking, try the
pan-seared pork, or Bahamian chicken kabobs. The atmosphere is island casual, with rich
wood and wicker throughout. On a warm evening ask to eat outside. Once famous for
its long waits, the restaurant now accepts call-ahead reservations—be sure and do so.
Note:
A second branch is located in Lake Buena Vista at 8735 Vineland Ave., near the
I-4 intersection (
&
407/938-9010
).
8849 International Dr.
&
407/248-2499.
www.bahamabreeze.com. Call-ahead reservations available.
Lunch and dinner $9-$25. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 4pm-1:30am; Sat noon-1:30am; Sun noon-1am. Free
self-parking. From I-4, take exit 74A; follow I-Drive 1 mile south.
5
B-Line Diner
AMERICAN You can sink into upholstered booths or belly up to the
counter on a stool in this upscale '50s-style diner. The bold black and white decor has an
Art Deco feel thanks to the pink and blue neon lighting accenting the chrome-lined
ceiling. The round-the-clock menu features comfort foods such as a chicken potpie that's
Value
Self-Service Suppers
If you're on a tight budget and your room has a kitchen or a spot to sit and grab
a bite, consider dining in a night or two and saving a few bucks. Area grocers,
many with delis that turn out ready-to-eat treats, include
Publix
near Universal
(Venezia Shopping Plaza, 7640 Sand Lake Rd.;
&
407/226-3315
and 4606 S. Kirk-
man Rd.;
&
407/293-7673
; www.publix.com), along I-Drive near SeaWorld
(Regency Shopping Village, 8145 Vineland Ave.;
&
407/238-9924
), in Kissimmee
near Disney (Xentury City Shopping Center, 2925 International Dr. S.;
&
407/
397-1711
); and
Gooding's
in Lake Buena Vista (Crossroads Shopping Plaza,
12521 Hwy. 535/Apopka-Vineland Ave.;
&
407/827-1200;
www.goodings.com)
and along I-Drive (8255 International Dr.;
&
407/352-4215
). You can find more
options in the Orlando Yellow Pages under “Grocers.”
