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DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM ®. Abstract birds hang from the ceiling and servers don native attire at this Africa-themed restaurant, located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The cuisine incorporates flavors from around the globe and includes tender meats cooked on a wood burning oven and enticing vegetarian dishes. American favorites, such as beef tenderloin and macaroni, are prepared with an exotic twist and served with Indaba red wine sauce. Over 60 South African wines are available to complement the fare.
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2. Thai House
2117 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 · 407-898-0820
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NORTH ORLANDO. What this tiny hole-in-the-wall lacks in appearance, it makes up for in taste. If you're at a loss as to what to order, the helpful and enthusiastic wait staff are happy to steer you towards something of your liking. Flavored with pungent spices and succulent fruit, the cuisine leaves little to be desired. Try the red curry with beef, pineapple and bamboo, or dig into a whole fish, such as fried snapper – with the help of your friends of course!
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Family-owned, this Vietnamese restaurant introduces guests to the subtle flavors and incredible freshness of authentic Asian cuisine. The summer rolls, which are like egg rolls with unfried wrappers, are legendary and come with a terrific peanut sauce. Noodle dishes and traditional soups comprise the bulk of the menu; they feature fresh herbs and vegetables. You'll also find pork, beef, seafood and chicken dishes. A large portion of the restaurant's clientele are Vietnamese, so you can be assured that Little Saigon's doing something right. Give them a try and find out for yourself. Reservations not accepted. Casual dress.
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INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. A Caribbean flair distinguishes this place, which is both restaurant and bar. Open only in the evenings, it's a popular destination for those who want a taste of island life. Live reggae music provides a restful backdrop to the award-winning cuisine, which includes jerk-chicken pasta, a house paella and "fish in a bag," a seafood-vegetable pairing cooked within a parchment parcel. Bars are located inside and out, and Happy Hour offers visitors the opportunity to laugh and mingle. Just like in the islands, the convivial atmosphere, accommodating staff and friendly patrons will have you relaxed and mellow in no time. Casual dress. Reservations not accepted; waits are customary.
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INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. Few restaurants can compete with the atmosphere – and, yes, the cuisine – of this colorful chain of Brazilian-style churrascarias. A family-friendly ambience pervades as diners enjoy a feast for the ages, one that features gaucho-wearing servers circling the South American-themed dining room with mouthwatering skewers of seasoned beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and Brazilian sausage. Just pick what you want, and they're happy to serve it up. Added temptations are Texas-sized side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes and sweet fried bananas – the extravagant salad bar has been known to turn heads as well.
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6. Spoodles
2101 N EPCOT Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 · 407-939-2380
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EPCOT ®. An open kitchen with wood-burning ovens turns out some of EPCOT'S ® best cuisine at this Mediterranean-styled restaurant. The tapas menu takes highlights from along the shores of the famous sea and delivers barbecued Moroccan beef skewers, spiced tuna, artichoke ravioli and rotollo (flatbread stuffed with grilled vegetables). Standard entrees include duck sausage pizza, grilled lamb and potato-crusted salmon. The dessert menu also takes a Mediterranean tack and features tarts, flan and homemade ice creams. In addition, there's a children's menu, a good wine list and a terrific breakfast buffet. Smart casual attire; priority seating is recommended.
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7. Samba Room
7468 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 · 407-226-0550
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DOCTOR PHILLIPS. Live with abandon at this sensual cafe, where spicy aromas float through the air and hip-swaying rhythms entice you to dance. Upscale and hip, the restaurant tempts diners with a Latin-inspired menu, culled from the cuisines of Cuba, Brazil and the Caribbean. Seafood and meats are grilled, spiced and paired with tropical fruits to create entrees that beg to be eaten. Grilled mussels, shredded beef, jerk chicken, shrimp and chicken in coconut broth only hint at the selection. Flan, crème brûlée and a flourless chocolate cake spiced with chiles give indication of the desserts. Light, fresh cocktails are served at the bar; a cigar lounge and outdoor dining are available. Smart casual attire; reservations recommended.
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EPCOT ®. At this stunning medieval castle, you'll be greeted by Disney's fairytale princesses. One of the more unusual character dining spots, Akershus offers a foray into Norwegian cuisine. A host of cold seafood dishes begins the meal and is then followed by selections from the cold entree table (the koldtbord) and the hot table (the smarvarmt). The buffet offers unlimited return trips, providing diners ample opportunity to try gravlax (cured salmon), lefse (potato-wheat flatbread) and everything from venison to lamb and smoked pork. You'll also discover seafood of all varieties, potato dishes and an array of cheeses and salads. Desserts are priced additionally, and Norwegian beers are available to complete the experience.
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INTERNATIONAL DRIVE. It's all about artistry here – from the works of art adorning the walls to the creations coming from the kitchen. Portions are small and, if dining with a group, can be eaten tapas style. Foods pull on Latin American, Caribbean and Middle Eastern influences. Try the Cajun egg rolls or the duck salad. Nice wine list available by the glass or bottle. Occasionally, guests are treated to live, exotic music and dancing (belly dancers, opera singers and flamenco dancers). Smart casual dress. Reservations not accepted.
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10. Marrakesh
Morocco Pavilion, World Showcase – EPCOT ®, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 · 407-939-3463
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EPCOT ®. The allure of North Africa can be experienced, if not demystified, at this fanciful Disney restaurant. Moorish detailing, rich colors and elaborate tile work provide the backdrop for a cuisine of fragrant spices and fascinating preparation. Although dishes have been toned down for American tastes, you can still enjoy a savory bastilla (which features pork, almonds and cinnamon), a lush lentil soup and braised chicken that's aromatic with olives, garlic and lemon. Couscous charged with meat or vegetables is also a popular dish, as are lamb and salmon. Musicians serenade diners with authentic Moroccan melodies, and a belly dancer adds to the exotic ambience.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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