The Boathouse earns scenery honor, but there are options
There are myriad reasons to visit The Boathouse at Disney Springs, many of which come on an iced platter, but the latest is its designation among OpenTable’s 100 Most Scenic Restaurants list for 2019.
Of the 15 in Florida, The Boathouse was the only winner in Orlando.
The list was based on analysis of more than 12 million reviews of more than 30,000 restaurants across the United States.
While The Boathouse is certainly deserving, there are loads of scenic eateries around the metro and beyond. Here are a few more options, in case the news piques your interest in grabbing a bite al fresco.
Have a lesser-known favorite? I’d love to hear your recommendations….
The Waterfront
It’s an absolute jewel on Lake Jennie Jewel, one that SoDo residents — even those who can’t paddle across from their lakefront homes — cherish. Chef Pat Kennedy’s menu includes many dishes you might expect, but often includes some surprisingly upmarket specials such as Australian lamb chops or compressed watermelon salad. That said, the simple pleasures of a bacon-bleu cheeseburger or brunch-time Bloody Mary pairs beautifully with views like this. (4201 South Orange Ave. in Orlando; 407-866-0468; thewaterfrontorlando.com)
Fish Camp on Lake Eustis
It doesn’t get more Central Floridian than the view off this Tavares venue’s deck, where a beer or Margarita ups the Jimmy Buffett factor by 10. That said, neither is necessary to decompress when Lake Eustis is in your sight line. Menu is what you’d expect for a fish camp, whether finned or farmed and Floridian, as are the Cedar Key clams. (901 Lake Shore Blvd. in Tavares; 352-742-4400; fishcamponlakeeustis.com)
One Flight Up Café
Those more interested in small-town appeal than a water view can hit the balcony at Mount Dora’s One Flight Up Café, where the city’s historic charm is evident from just about any seat. Coffee and breakfast in the morning, salads and sammies midday, vino and a cheese plate come evening. Not a total teetotaler? You can toast the day’s end with a half-glass for $4. (440 North Donnelly St. in Mount Dora; 352-735-1446)
Shake Shack
Want champagne views on a PBR budget? Head over to Winter Park’s Shake Shack, where the views rival its tony neighbor, Hillstone, but you won’t be paying $18 for your cheeseburger. Lake Killarney is expansive and lovely, the Adirondack chairs are pretty comfy and you can even opt for a beer while your kiddo enjoys a milkshake. Parent tax on French fries and/or onion rings is always applicable; protest will be met with further taxation. (119 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park; 321-203-5130; shakeshack.com/location/winter-park/)