There are many ways to find and select healthy food options at restaurants. Many menus will clearly identify healthier options, but most are going to be common-sense decisions. Avoid heavy, fatty, fried, or sugary foods, and maybe ask for creamy sauces and salad dressings to be served on the side. Lighter foods, like salads or vegetable dishes, are typically healthy options (depending on what is in them). Talk to your server for healthy options on or off the menu.

Do all restaurants offer specialty food options, like vegan and gluten free?

No, all restaurants do not offer specialty food options. However, as people become more health conscious, many restaurants adapt their menu to accommodate more requests and healthier choices, like gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. No place is required to have those options; it’s really a business decision on the restaurant’s part. Know your options before going in to ensure you have the best possible selection and experience.

Is it generally acceptable to make substitutions when ordering?

This is always a tricky situation. Yes, you can usually make substitutions (unless noted otherwise), within reason. If you have food allergies, talk to your server to get clarity on safe menu items, but don’t be that person that takes 20 minutes to order with 50 questions. Want mashed potatoes instead of salad? No sauce or extra sauce? Need gluten-free options? Of course these are reasonable requests, so make those within reason. Some restaurants will accommodate off-menu items, so ask about those, too.

How to select the right restaurant to fit the occasion

To select the right restaurant for your event , start with the occasion and number of guests and a budget. Having 25 guests will eliminate some places right away, while others might even have party rooms available. Or are you looking for a quiet romantic spot to propose (or break up!)? That will eliminate places geared toward kids and families. You can find any and all options by going online. Make sure to plan as far ahead as possible so you can get a reservation. Some places can be very hard to get into, especially if you have a large party or need special accommodations.

How should you make a wine selection?

You can ask your server or sommelier (the staff wine expert) for recommendations. If you want to be fancy, and who doesn’t, you can pair your wine with your meal. Traditionally, lighter wines like roses or chardonnays pair with lighter fare, like fish or vegetable dishes; and darker reds, like cabernet or merlot, pair with heavier dishes like steaks or chops. The truth is that the right wine for you or your meal is the one you like best. Just don’t put ice in your wine glass, that’s just not cool.

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Helpful Reviews

The Cheesecake Factory

Elaine E. rated

This restaurant is busy and noisy. The drinks are expensive but well made. That being said the food is creative, innovative and delicious! I love their summer rolls as an appetizer and the chicken dishes are fabulous. The meatloaf is to die for and the mushroom soup is wonderful. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Park Station

Alan S. rated

Park Station is the rare restaurant that offers high quality ingredients with that homemade flavor with excellent service. You can taste the freshness in every bite!

Austin Coffee & Film

Alexander M. rated

I always enjoy going to Austin's, especially on nights they have stand-up comedy. Now that I've quit drinking, I've been looking for new ways to enjoy myself so Austin's has become a nice escape. The atmosphere is awesome and so is the coffee & tea. I haven't had a chance to eat there yet but the food looks good too.

Moghul Indian Cuisine

Megha S. rated

I fell in love with their delicious vindaloo ! I would definitely come again would eat yummy indian food.

The Cheesecake Factory

Karrie J. rated

Can't make a reservation on a Saturday night... so what happens!?! My family gets there for my sisters birthday and we end up waiting outside.. with no where to sit for an hour and a half. Parking was impossible!! We ended up parking in guitar center parking lot. The waiter was nice, took our drink order right away and brought out bread. We were all pretty hungry after the long wait. Finally food came out... but they forgot to bring my mom's food... she sat there for 20 minutes while the rest of us were eating. She was angry, she complained to the manager who wasn't very nice at all. My food was awful!! I ordered the French Dip sub.. the bread was hard the meat was very fatty and the sauce was tasteless. I felt bad that this was the place my sister came to for her birthday. Thanks for the terrible experience and food cheesecake factory!! I'll never go back again!!

Boston's Fish House

Drew M. rated

Really good and fresh seafood!

Luma

Mary M. rated

Best restaurant. So good and reasonably priced. Wonderful atmosphere. Fun place to celebrate. Highly recommend

Delicias Centro Americanas

Roma M. rated

el mejor restaurante de Orlando

la comida es deliciosa. Mi esposo y yo vamos todas las semanas y todo lo qq hemos pedido nos encanta. Las pupusas saben muy muy ricas

Pebbles Restaurant

dakotaolvera929 rated

What a wonderful place to din in at. They have amazing food in here and the prices is not that high. I think it will be a perfect place to have a romantic dinner.

Ethos Vegan Kitchen

swiatczak rated

Scrumptious with a captial "S"!

I ate there this morning and had their pancakes. I don't know how they make them so good considering there isn't any animal ingredients in there. I wish I lived closer to Ethos... or I wish they opened one closer to my house... cuz then I'd go there a lot more.I recommend. Try them... even if you're not vegan.

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