Eating out in Kissimmee and Orlando

Eating out plays a big part of your Florida holiday. Even though you are staying in your own private villa, there are so many different types of restaurants, takeaways, diners and dinner shows featuring foods from all over the world you will want to try at least a few. Also check our Special Occasions page on this web-site for more ideas.

One thing that stands out, wherever you eat, is that the staff are always cheerful and helpful, and don't forget that tipping is expected of you, and if you have had good service they deserve a tip. Portions in restaurants are quite big, so be warned, go with a healthy appetite.

Below are just a few of the various restaurants you will find in the Kissimmee and Orlando area.

Themed Dinner Shows

Dinner shows are very popular with Americans and visitors alike. You can buy tickets on-line by clicking on the web links we have provided, then call on a Toll free number from your villa to make your reservation. Alternatively, go along to the venue to check availability at the door.

All of the shows provide a unique dining and entertainment experience. All involve plenty of food, usually three or four courses (including vegetarian) and your drinks are also included. We recommend that you try at least one show as it is extremely good family fun. Be sure to arrive early as there is often entertainment before the show.

Medieval Times

This is the closest dinner show to our VIP Orlando Villa and well worth a visit. Enjoy a four course dinner and watch the Knights battle it out in the tournaments. Sword fighting and jousting play a big part in this show, as you would expect.

Right next door is the Medieval Life Museum where you can experience life in 11th Century.

Look for the big white castle on Hwy 192 right by Wal-Mart Supermarket. www.medievaltimes.com

Arabian Nights

The fairytale wedding of the Princess all performed on the most beautiful horses from all over the world with accomplished riders in colourful costumes. Arabian Nights is a great family night out. The story line may be hard to follow for very young children, but they will be enchanted by the show. Located on Hwy 192, MM8 www.arabian-nights.com

Pirates Dinner Adventure

The Pirates Dinner Adventure has been described as "the World's most interactive dinner show". Swashbuckling thrills, comedy, romance, action and adventure are all included with the cost of your dinner. If you arrive early you can enjoy a few appetizers before the show.

Located just off International Drive on Corner Drive. www.piratesdinneradventure.com

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede

Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede in Orlando closed down in January 2008. A new site for this attraction has not been announced, although in a recent interview Dolly Parton stated that there may not be another Dixie Stampede built in Orlando. It is believed that Premium Outlets have bought the site, so more shopping opportunities may be available here soon. www.dixiestampede.com

The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show

Lots of audience participation in this hilarious show, with fun for all ages. Plenty of magic as you would expect, in a wacky, funny show. The show is on twice daily, usually at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Reservations are not always necessary but you can call toll free from your villa.

Located at Wonder Works, Orlando Pointe on International Drive. www.wonderworksonline.com

Sleuth's Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Enjoy a delicious dinner with unlimited wine, beer and soda whilst you solve the crime, with prizes for those who solve it. Mystery, intrigue and plenty of laughs make this a very entertaining night out. Dinner starts at 7.30 p.m.

Located off International Drive just after the Mercado Centre. www.sleuths.com

Restaurants

Orlando and Kissimmee have some very good restaurants for that special night out. Below are suggestions which are well worth a try. Don't forget, portions are normally quite big compared to U.K. so take a good appetite with you and take time to relax and enjoy your meal.

Kissimmee Steak House

The Kissimmee Steak House is on the 192 directly opposite Magic Landings and is only a few minutes walk from our villa. At the Award Winning Kissimmee Steak House you will find friendly staff, excellent service and superb food - probably the best Steak we have ever eaten! So, if you're staying at our villa this is a must! Also if you ask for the owner Mark Rollins He will open the Restaurant and Bar facilities for English Football Please note their new opening hours for 2008 - 4.30am until 10.00pm daily. www.KissimmeeSteakHouse.com

Charley's Steak House

Charley's are famous for their pit grill, which gives their steaks a unique flavour and tenderness. I would recommend that you book in advance as they are very popular, although they tend to be a little expensive, with both American and British visitors.

You will find Charley's on 192 Kissimmee, International Drive and South Orange Blossom Trial. There is also a Charley's in Tampa. www.Charleyssteakhouse.com

Cattleman's Steakhouse

Located in Orlando on International Drive and Kissimmee on Vineland Road

Ponderosa and Sizzlers Steakhouse

Ponderosa and Sizzlers are all-u-can-eat buffet restaurants. Great for all the family. On arrival you choose your main dish i.e. chicken, steak, seafood which is then cooked to your liking. You then help yourself to the buffet of fresh vegetables and salads to accompany your meal.

Both have a number of locations throughout Orlando and Kissimmee.

All American Fayre

You will probably be familiar with the following restaurants, therefore location is all you require. However, dining at these restaurants in Orlando and Kissimmee is a completely different experience to the ones in U.K. so are well worth a visit.

Hard Rock Café

Universal, City Walk. www.hardrock.com

Planet Hollywood

Downtown Disney. www.planethollywood.com

T.G.I. Friday's

10 to choose on major roads. www.tgifridays.com

Hooters

6 locations in Orlando. www.hooters.com

Race Rock

International Drive. www.hooters.com

For a true taste of American cooking try:

Cracker Barrel

Located in Davenport, Kissimmee and Orlando. Cracker Barrel gives you a true taste of good old country cooking. They also have a real country store where you can buy good old fashioned sweets, jams, spreads and biscuits. Outside you can relax on the rocking chairs scattered across the veranda. www.Crackerbarrel.com

Bennigan's Irish American Grill and Tavern

American food with an Irish theme, with various locations throughout Kissimmee and Orlando.

Denny's

A good old American Diner, just like you see in the films. There is a Denny's within just

a few minutes walk of our VIP Orlando Villa, directly opposite Magic Landings. You can also find them at plenty of locations across Orlando and Kissimmee.

All-U-Care-to-Eat Restaurants

These are very popular places for breakfast, lunch or dinner and have a varied choice of dishes on the buffet to choose from. The breakfast buffet is a particularly good idea so that you can fuel up before you go off the theme parks for the day.

Ponderosa, Perkins, Sizzlers, Shoney's

No need to put locations, they are all big and bold and everywhere you look.

Chinese, Indian and Seafood All-U-Care-To-Eat Buffets

Dynasty

Hwy 192, Kissimmee at Poinciana Boulevard

Pagoda Garden

Hwy192 Kissimmee between Mile Markers 9-10

Passage to India

Hwy 192, Kissimmee and International Drive

Punjab

Hwy 192 Kissimmee Mile Marker 15

Oriental Seafood Buffet

on Hwy 192 at Poinciana Boulevard

Boston Lobster Feast

Next to Water Mania on Hwy 192

Angel's

Next to Holiday Inn, Hwy 192

For a Taste of Home:

Churchill's Tea Room and British Grocery Store

If you are missing some of the good old British goods, pop in, do some shopping and have a nice cup of English tea. Situated on West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway Kissimmee, FL. www.Churchills.homestead.com

Sherlock's Of Celebration

Specialising in English afternoon teas, fine wines and Sherlock's memorabilia, in the delightful town of Celebration. www.Sherlocksofcelebration.com