Orlando: Best Patio Restaurants

Description:

It's a long way to Key West, but you can make the trip without ever leaving Central Florida with a stop at this restaurant that evokes the spirit of the Keys where singer Jimmy Buffet got his start. Themed to resemble a snazzy version of favored Key West haunts, the restaurant offers such Keys and Caribbean favorites as conch fritters, jambalaya and that all-time favorite key lime pie. There's a full bar here and, truth be known, that's the destination of most of those who stop in here.

Our Local Expert Says:

fabulous 'do it yourself' Bloody Mary bar during Sunday brunch!

Description:

The trendy decor with warm hues and shimmering lights adds to the unique dining experience at this upscale restaurant. The menu features an innovative mix of American cuisine with higlights, such as Seared Tuna, Wood-grilled meats and fish dishes. The happy hour definitely brings a smile to every diner's face as the rates are highly discounted. Participate in the 'Disco brunch' that's held every third Sunday of the month, where you can groove to the music and have an enormous platter to dine on.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fabulous Sunday brunch with killer omelets

Description:

Dexter's of Thornton Park is a hip and laid-back diner-esque eatery in the heart of downtown.

Best known for it's Sunday brunch, Dexter's is usually packed with the young and the hip who have just  crawled out of bed to nurse their hangovers with Bloody Mary's and several different varieties of Mimosas, including orange, mango, and passion fruit.

Leave your diet at home when you come to Dexter's and let yourself indulge in one of the many tasty options on their brunch menu. The omelets are great, as well as the blueberry and cream cheese stuffed French toast. Portions are generous and the food is hearty and unpretentious.If brunch isn't your fancy, there are many sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes to try instead.

Dexter's is, quite simply, a really cool place to hang out. The service and the food are good, but I believe it's the groovy ambiance that has made this restaurant so successful. The servers are sassy, there's a good beat in the background, and the walls are covered with an eclectic mixture of original art (available for purchase).

Even though Dexter's attracts a group of local regulars, it's definitely not a snobby environment. Most of the patrons are too busy thinking about how they look to care about how you look. Don't just take my word for it. Look up Dexter's of Thornton Park on the Web and you'll find that it ranks in the top ten of every Best Sunday Brunch list out there, and usually gets at least a nod by the Orlando Sentinel in their
Annual Foodie Awards. Don't forget, Lake Eola and the Sunday Eola Market are just a short stroll away… perfect for walking off a great meal.

Our Local Expert Says:

Relax and enjoy the award winning "New American" cuisine featuring fresh seafood, beef, pasta dishes, signature salads and sandwiches.

Description:

The newest addition to the '310' family, 310 Lakeside boasts a great outdoor patio and a menu packed with favorites like Gator Tale, Cold Tomato Bruschetta and Beef Tenderloin Flatbread. Salads are ample and certainly worthy of being the entree with the option to add chicken, shrimp, ahi tuna, ribeye or salmon to any salad. The sandwiches are anything but ordinary, try the 310 Blackened Fish served on a white hoagie or the Salmon Burger served with bacon, arugula and tomato on a fresh challah roll with a lemon chive aioli. Last but certainly not least, the entrees are graced with eclectic ingredients and packed with flavor. Favorite entrees include the pan seared Filet Mignon finished with a whole grain mustard sauce and the Chicken Roulade stuffed with spinach, roasted red pepper and Gorgonzola cheese. 310's Sunday Brunch is a gourmet affair featuring a mouthwatering dishes such as Tenderloin Benedict and a Pear Brie Omelet.

Description:

Spice's newest location perched on the shores of the postcard-perfect Lake Eola is the ideal spot for lunch, dinner or brunch. With a menu that'll please absolutely everyone (even vegetarians) Spice offers a great mix of steaks, seafood, salads, pastas, and casual bites. For downtown hipsters looking for a cocktail and something sweet, Spice is famed for its warm Baked Brownie and Ice Cream dish... perfect alongside a glass of Cabernet.