Orlando Sentinel Chooses Best Bets 2012 Restaurants

When school vacations and holidays coincide, many families head for Orlando, Florida. Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and a host of other family-friendly attractions make Orlando a family vacation favorite. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out Orlando Sentinel’s annual list of Best Bets, the best of the best of everything – dining, shopping, entertainment and attractions — in central Florida. To help narrow down the list, here are the Best Bets 2012 Restaurants.

Top Best Bets 2012: List of Orlando Restaurants

Best local chain restaurant: There is nothing ordinary about Seasons 52 Bar and Grill. Its seasonally inspired menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, natural cooking techniques and an award-winning wine list.

Best brunch: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at First Watch Daytime Cafe. Eggs anyway you want them, fluffy crepes and in-house breakfast sandwich creations – this sunny cafe serves all those breakfast favorites.

Best pizza: Craving Italian? Order a pie from Antonio’s. Authentic Italian cuisine from Tuscany makes Antonio’s the perfect choice for the whole family. Save room for dessert because their pastries rank exceptional.

Best sub sandwich: If headed for a day at the beach, stop by Publix Supermarket and pick up a couple of their specialty subs and wraps from the deli. They also make custom sandwiches and subs.

Best ocean cuisine: Surrounded by some of the world’s best fishing grounds, it’s not surprising that fresh seafood is a staple of Florida restaurant menus. But Bonefish Grill takes seafood to new heights. The restaurant’s inspired chef creates flavorful items with a wood-burning grill and fresh-caught seafood.

Honorable mentions: Best Veggie-friendly Fare (Ethos Vegan Kitchen); Best Cupcake (Sweet by Holly Sweet); Best Wings (Buffalo Wild Wings).

Read the Best Bets 2012 attractions. Then check out the top Orlando dinner shows that offer hearty meals and entertainment.