A co-worker is looking to meet friends for a dinner in or near Universal. She has very high standards so I need top of the line dining options. I have never been to US so I can’t help. TIA
Well, there are all the restaurants at CItyWalk, but they are not what I would consider “top of the line” as they are more on the lines of “premium chains.” Check them out and see if one of them would suite her tastes https://www.universalorlando.com/Restaurants/CityWalk-Restaurants.aspx
Thank you for starting me in the right direction!
What about emerils tchoup chop at universals royal pacific resort - I’ve not been, but have heard good things about it, and the menu looks great. I have stayed at the resort and it is beautifully themed.
You could also have a look on open table at diner reviews and photos. I’m not sure how many of them are on there but I’ve booked emerils tchoup tchoup through there as @Ellen1976 has mentioned above.
I can help. A couple of questions:
How long of a drive is your co-worker willing to make?
What’s your co-worker’s idea of “top of the line dining”? I ask because there’s a quality and cost difference between, say, Ruth’s Chris and Victoria & Albert’s, even though they’re pretty good in their respective categories.
Following up:
I like BiCE (bee-chay) at Portofino for on-site Italian. I think it’s better than anything at Disney. Also good onsite is The Palm.
If you’re willing to drive, The Ravenous Pig is raved about by pretty much every food reviewer I know in the Orlando area. That’d be my first choice if everyone is willing to drive (and you’re able to get reservations).
Great question! It is good to know the other person’s frame of reference when giving these sorts of recommendations, or else there may be some unhappy results. For example, I know people who consider The Cheesecake Factory to be “top of the line dining”, when IMHO it is just schlock food mass-produced in a factory in Iowa and re-heated at the location.
I’ve been to Tchoup Chop a couple of times and think it’s a solid choice. A little cavernous (it’s a big, open space), and the food is done well. It’s more “upscale” than “top of the line”, but a good onsite choice.
We’ve done a couple of “order one of everything on the menu” meals there, and I was surprised that the steaks were the most popular thing.
My review of their banana cream pie includes the words “will restore your faith in humanity”.
@len Working in NYC and having access to its best restaurants she has some very high standards, but I have forwarded her your suggestions and your email address so it is now out of my hands.
Thank you @len, @ellen1976 and @brklinck for your helpful suggestions it is very much appreciated. If it was me, I’d be making the trip to the Ravenous Pig.
The Ravenous Pig reminds me of a Southern version of Chicago’s The Purple Pig! LOVE IT so so much!