4. Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
Embark on the ultimate new world taste tour with a visit to Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas. Here it’s all about embracing regional cuisine from all across the American continents. The journey begins with a trek up north to Canada and then descends into the far reaches of South America, highlighting a grand total of 37 represented nations in all. Fan favorite features include Canadian Poutine, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, South American Crazy Corn, Columbian Arepa Cakes, South Carolina-style BBQ Pork Ribs, Half Roasted Chicken (Brazil-style), Argentinean Angus Skirt Steak, Cedar Plank-roasted Salmon (Chilean), Chili con Carne, Baja Fish Tacos, a variety of quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, P37 signature entrée selections, specialty salads, and so much more. And don’t forget about the delectable dessert variations to be enjoyed here as well, like Tres Leches, Churros, Mini Cones, Milkshakes, Root Beer Floats, Seasonal Fruit Sorbet, and the delicious Paradiso Chocolate Stack. Cultural cuisine may be primary here, but another stellar attribute that makes Paradiso 37 a popular stop is their phenomenal tequila bar or rather “tequila tower” and international bar, which is laden with a profuse presentation of available drink selections. They even feature the world’s coldest draft beer at just 29 degrees by the glass or the pitcher. Live music can be heard every evening starting at 5 p.m.
5. Paddlefish
Venturing to this upscale dining destination may make you pause a moment and question whether or not you are actually coming in to enjoy an indulgent meal or rather to embark on a nautical voyage aboard an elegant, old-fashioned riverboat. Your first guess would be the correct one, as this exquisite seaside vessel is not really a boat at all, but rather a stationary edifice designed to look like a permanently docked old-time riverboat. All the same, it’s been long known as the Empress Lilly, named for Lillian Disney—the wife of Walt Disney. In fact Lillian herself even christened it back in 1977 when it first opened to the public. Having served as three separate restaurants in one when first opening and more recently as Fulton’s Crab House from 1996 to 2017, now the replica boat building stands as the famed Paddlefish seafood restaurant. While still young, the restaurant has already become a favorite for many and was even voted “Best Seafood Restaurant” by Orlando Magazine readers in 2018. Visitors here can enjoy a host of mouthwatering maritime morsels, from the traditional to more novel concepts. Some of the menu’s most celebrated items include Calamari, New England Clam Chowder, Main Lobster, Catfish, King Crab, Salmon, Crispy Shrimp, PEI Mussels, Crab Ceviche, Market Fresh Oysters, and many others. There are even a variety of unique seaside sandwich features, like the Crab Cake BLT, Fried Clam Roll, Lobster Roll, Blackened Catfish, and Crispy Fish (flounder). Those of more land-locked tastes will also find plenty to enjoy, from the Filet Mignon to the Chicken Breast, and even Vegetarian Pasta. Additionally there are different on-land soups, salads, and sandwiches to select from. And don’t forget about dessert with such accompaniments as the Brownie Milkshake, Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Crème Brûlée, New York-style Cheesecake, Spiced Apple Bread Pudding, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and the Pecan Chicory Espresso Martini. While primarily known for lunch and dinner, Paddlefish also serves up a special brunch menu on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring such items as Steak & Eggs, Crab and Asparagus Benedict, Corned Beef Hash, The Omelet, Monte Cristo, and the enticing novelty known as The King Meets the Captain—a concoction of peanut butter and banana-stuffed French toast, crusted with breakfast cereal and fresh berry compote.
6. T-Rex Café
Get ready for the ultimate dino-dining experience the whole family can enjoy together at T-Rex Café. It’s prehistoric perfection all around, from the intricate scenery and special effects to the bioluminescent lights and meteor showers every 20 minutes. Other fascinating details include ice caverns, forests, giant bugs, and much more. And yes, there are even colossal animatronic dinosaurs on the scene, making for an even more premium primordial mealtime. What’s more, T-Rex Café isn’t just a great place to eat; it’s a great place to play too. Onsite activities include a Paleo Zone dig area for unearthing fossils and gems, a Build-A-Dino from Build-A-Bear, and a Dino-Store laden with unique finds you may have thought were otherwise extinct. But let’s go back to the phenomenal food possibilities to be had here, with an array of creative creature concoctions thematically named to help set the mood. Some such intriguing digs to unearth include Chicken T-Rexadillas, the Paleozoic Chicken Sandwich, Bronto Burger, Guac-asaurus Burger, Mega-Mes-O-Bones, Cesar-saurus Salad, Omnivore’s Delight Salad, Prehistoric Pasta, Tar Pit Fried Shrimp, Mastodon Stuffed Chicken, and plenty more. To end on a sweet note, the Chocolate Tarpit and Saber-Tooth Sundae are two delectable features found on the kids’ menu while other offerings include Chocolate Extinction, Cosmic Key Lime Pie, Meteor Donut Bites, Chocolate Pudding Cake, and the Sorbet Sampler. For those looking for a spirited accompaniment to their meal or dessert there’s also a wide range of wines and beers to choose from as well as unique specialty beverages.