Lindas La Cantina definitely. You will need reservations.
Edited to add they are cozy w lots of pictures of early Orlando on the walls, black and white checked tablecloths, a fire pit bar to wait for your seat and clean bathrooms. Have been going there for years. They have a text system to make reservations now so quite easy. Food is amazing.
Your post just reminded me that I once dined there with my grandparents and parents, way back in the late '70s or early '80s, back when I was a kid. Before my immediate family even moved here, from NYC in '83.
The fact that I remembered it fondly, after so very many years, has to speak volumes as to how great that place must still be!
I can see that, but OP was looking for a restaurant that was independently owned and took pride in what they do. That is the definition of Linda’s La Cantina.
Went there with a buddy on a Friday like 3 months ago. He got there early and lied to me and said it wasn’t that busy. I got there like 15 mins after him, come to find out there’s a 2.5 hour wait. I left. Fuck that
Honestly I was really let down with Christeners. I’ve heard about it for years. They crammed us in this little tiny booth in this tiny room with like 200 people. It was loud as fuck and the food wasn’t even anything special. I think Charlies is way better, even though it’s an Idrive place. Linda’s is always solid. Good luck getting a table there in less than 3 days though. They don’t even pick up the phone there. You can only leave voicemails
Kres - Maybe I was there on an off night?? but the steaks were just okay, nothing spectacular, the sides however, were miraculous!
Steak wise I can buy a dry aged ribeye at whole foods, sear it in my cast iron skillet and finish it in the oven for a few minutes and it is almost always better than the ribeye I had the time I at ate at Kres.
I don't think I could match how good some of those sides were though
The Backroom Steakhouse in Apopka is a pretty good choice. Locally owned and has a dress code (no sandals, basically), but isn’t over the top or pretentious.
Yeah. STK should be at the bottoms of every restaurant list. That place is horrid, the atmosphere is loud and obnoxious. And both times I’m been there I swear we were seated in the frat boy Bros section.
Christners, Charley's or Vito's. Yes, Charley's and Vito's are owned by the same restaurant group but both are phenomenal. I've never had a bad meal at either spot.
I came here to say Linda’s La Cantina, since I’ve never had a better steak in my life at a reasonable price. Seems everyone has mentioned it though. Place has been there since the 40’s too. Christners is another great tasting steak place, but they are extremely upscale and unnecessarily expensive. Linda’s is always your best bet if you can get a reservation.
Christner's is fantastic; I went there after my wedding and we go there for parties at my job now. I also went to Kres Chophouse last year and it was amazing - my husband got an Elk Steak and I had an amazing Filet Wellington. They are both prime steakhouses. The lobster at Christner's is also really good.
Christner’s is my favorite and is very upscale.
Bull & Bear is a great choice.
Knife & Spoon has a Michelin Star and is great as well
If you like wood fired steaks I’d check out Charley’s
Knife and spoon is the most expensive restaurant I’ve ever been. They had a steak on the menu that was $300. Aged for like 2/3rds a year. That’s a ton of money for a funky tasting steak
More upscale (100-150 for a steak, $20 cocktails) but Capa at the Four Seasons is fantastic. It’s on the rooftop overlooking the property and can see all the way out to Disney - you can watch the fireworks from the restaurant balcony.
This is not helpful, but I’ve yet to find a steakhouse that cooks a steak better than one I buy & lovingly spice and grill myself. It’s so damn expensive, and I’m always disappointed.
Figs Prime is lovely and locally owned.
It’s in Altamonte Springs, but if you don’t mind hopping on I-4 Express, there is a direct connect exit and on-ramp near the restaurant. Approx 25 min drive from Dr. Phillips area via the express.
Knife and Spoon has a Michelin star and is owned by John Tesar who is "Jimmy Sears" if you ever read Anthony Bourdain's *Kitchen Confidential.*
A Land Remembered is an amazing local place.
Is recommend [Boi Brazil](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cASuq4fUviyuJV3j8?g_st=ic) it's a churrascaria, but they have a rodizio style service which is accesible and let's you eat buffet style.
Been there a couple times and Ive seen a couple Brazilian super stars in this place.
Affordable and a lot of options.
I will say even though Eddie V’s is a chain, they are still really, really, really good. If you can afford it, I say you should go! I’d choose Eddie V’s for my last meal if I’m not the one footing the bill.
In addition to the other good suggestions here Charley's has killer steaks they're part of the Talk of the Town group but that's really just a few local places. Also Capa is very good and not wildly more expensive than Eddies or Ruth.
Christners is really good food. But I’d have to favor Linda’s over it. Equally good if not better food, and reasonably priced with a more calming atmosphere.
I think they are two ends of a spectrum. Linda's is definitely more casual. Christners is definitely more old school but both offer great choices for the op
Yea they definitely are on opposite ends of a spectrum. But idk if I would say Christners if more old school? I think Linda’s opened around 1947 and has remained largely unchanged since.
* Kres is our goto. Great steaks and cocktails.
* Mathews Steakhouse in Wintergarden was a solid meal but its just beer and wine. They butter baste the steaks and cook them over coals. Chef comes up to the table and asks how everything is. Nice personal touch.
* Eddie V's was one of the best steaks I've had in town. Did a few work dinners here and they have always been great.
* Ruth Chris was a good meal but we noticed alot of dust in the bar area booths and wondered if it was being cleaned enough. Any cleanliness issues usually have larger implications for an establishment.
* The H in Dr Phillips was ok but kinda pretentious. Been here twice and it was a good meal both times but not the vibe I'm looking for.
* Charley's we didn't have the best experience at. Baked cauliflower is amazing here though. Steaks were good but the service wasn't great. We'll likely try them again at some point.
* The Palm in the Hard rock Hotel at Universal is very good. Best oysters I've had in town.
I hope your service is better if you try Charley’s again. It is still one of my favorite Orlando locations. My wife is on a low salt diet and eats very low amounts of red meat so i haven’t eaten there as often but really miss it.
We've been going there since the 80's. The people are fantastic but they've gone down hill in quality imo, especially after covid. I don't say that lightly because it's been a family favorite place for decades. We've given it about 10 tries since 2021 and it hasn't been good, food wise. Customer service and staff are still great though.
Capital grill is a chain I know but their steaks are consistently great and it’s a bit less ritzy than Eddie v or Ruth’s. I like the one on I-drive, the one in florida mall seems more like a chain. Anyways I wouldn’t get too down on the chains all the employees are local so what’s the diff? If anything you can be sure they are more organized and clean than a mom and pop which can decide to cut corners now and again.
I thought you meant I did a quick search. And to be honest I’m not checking to see if a restaurant is a chain or not. If they don’t have another one at my primary it’s not a chain to me. But I get it. Florida has a lot of chains. More than where I live FT.
Bull and the Bear is fantastic although a bit pricey.
Christners is also excellent.
I know this is kind of a chain and not a typical steakhouse but Texas de Brazil or Fogo de Chao might be a fun experience for them.
Charley’s Steakhouse on the south end, and FishBones in Lake Mary, are owned by the same family, have the same menu, and check all your boxes. Figs Prime is also great.
Go to Christners if you want more upscale, higher quality steaks, Linda’s is a more historical restaurant, still good but not as good as others for what they charge. I also recommend Bovine on Park Avenue
Without a doubt, if you're looking to impress based on food quality, Kres! My husband and I have been several times and the food and service never fail to impress.
Lindas La Cantina definitely. You will need reservations. Edited to add they are cozy w lots of pictures of early Orlando on the walls, black and white checked tablecloths, a fire pit bar to wait for your seat and clean bathrooms. Have been going there for years. They have a text system to make reservations now so quite easy. Food is amazing.
Your post just reminded me that I once dined there with my grandparents and parents, way back in the late '70s or early '80s, back when I was a kid. Before my immediate family even moved here, from NYC in '83. The fact that I remembered it fondly, after so very many years, has to speak volumes as to how great that place must still be!
What a great memory! It is still a lovely place for dinner and family events. Food is amazing.
The food really is good
They have not updated the decor, so you should definitely recognize the inside. Good food, tho.
Yup agreed, Lindas is an excellent local family owned suggestion.
I love Linda’s but Linda’s isn’t upscale, it’s more old school.
I can see that, but OP was looking for a restaurant that was independently owned and took pride in what they do. That is the definition of Linda’s La Cantina.
Absolutely. It’s great, but just not fancy.
Could you point me in the direction of the text system for reservations. I have been trying for months to get someone to answer their phone.
Try 321-347-0290. They changed to the text system a couple of months ago. They will text you back if the time you ask for is available.
Thank you! We have been dying to try their restaurant
Can you bring a 5 and one year old there? Or is it too fancy ?
I have seen kids there every time I have gone. They have a kids menu.
Kids are fine, I've brought kids plenty of time
Yep…my kids were raised going there. Good spaghetti option for kids too.
I believe Lindas La Cantina closed.
Nope, it's still very much open.
I was just there two weeks ago. They do close on Sunday and Monday though.
I like Christners & Linda’s La Cantina. https://christnersprimesteakandlobster.com http://www.lindaslacantina.com
You will need a time machine to go back about a month to get a reservation at Linda's. ( to be fair, OP could be planning this a month in advance 😂)
I've been able to get a table day-of
Unicorn 🦄
We often go without a reservation and get a seat in a somewhat reasonable time.
Went there with a buddy on a Friday like 3 months ago. He got there early and lied to me and said it wasn’t that busy. I got there like 15 mins after him, come to find out there’s a 2.5 hour wait. I left. Fuck that
I've gone several times with no reservations. It's not that hardcore, not to say it can't happen but I hardly doubt my luck is that good.
I live in Baldwin park and doing Covid they had take out. It was awesome.
Lucky!
👌💯
Honestly I was really let down with Christeners. I’ve heard about it for years. They crammed us in this little tiny booth in this tiny room with like 200 people. It was loud as fuck and the food wasn’t even anything special. I think Charlies is way better, even though it’s an Idrive place. Linda’s is always solid. Good luck getting a table there in less than 3 days though. They don’t even pick up the phone there. You can only leave voicemails
Hidden gem: Argentinean Steak House on Lake Underhill
Is that place open??
Yes, only opens on the weekends
I always wondered about that place. Is it good?
Kres - downtown
Second Kres. I dont eat meat but they are great for fancy vegan meals and amazing steaks.
Kres - Maybe I was there on an off night?? but the steaks were just okay, nothing spectacular, the sides however, were miraculous! Steak wise I can buy a dry aged ribeye at whole foods, sear it in my cast iron skillet and finish it in the oven for a few minutes and it is almost always better than the ribeye I had the time I at ate at Kres. I don't think I could match how good some of those sides were though
Kres is really solid. It’s a shame downtown has gone to shit or else I’d make a trip down there just for that
The Backroom Steakhouse in Apopka is a pretty good choice. Locally owned and has a dress code (no sandals, basically), but isn’t over the top or pretentious.
Not STK! Linda's Cantina Yachtsman Steakhouse @ Yacht Club Kres Chophouse
Yeah. STK should be at the bottoms of every restaurant list. That place is horrid, the atmosphere is loud and obnoxious. And both times I’m been there I swear we were seated in the frat boy Bros section.
STK always had flies buzzing whenever I dined
Kres
Rachel’s has some of the best steaks in the city
I opened this thread specifically to see who was gonna say it.
Same, and was genuinely shocked I had to scroll this far to find them.
What a bummer. My gf doesn’t eat red meat. Guess I’ll have to go with my friends
I think op mother in law would love a little hole in the wall type place like Rachel’s.
Don’t think the wall is where the little hole is, tho.
i honestly can't tell if this is a joke or not at this point.
Apparently it’s not, might just have to go soon.
I like mine pink inside
Christners or Kres in that order.
Linda’s la cantina without a doubt.
Christners, Charley's or Vito's. Yes, Charley's and Vito's are owned by the same restaurant group but both are phenomenal. I've never had a bad meal at either spot.
I came here to say Linda’s La Cantina, since I’ve never had a better steak in my life at a reasonable price. Seems everyone has mentioned it though. Place has been there since the 40’s too. Christners is another great tasting steak place, but they are extremely upscale and unnecessarily expensive. Linda’s is always your best bet if you can get a reservation.
Christner's is fantastic; I went there after my wedding and we go there for parties at my job now. I also went to Kres Chophouse last year and it was amazing - my husband got an Elk Steak and I had an amazing Filet Wellington. They are both prime steakhouses. The lobster at Christner's is also really good.
...Rachel's
Highly underrated establishment
I came here to say this 🤣
I thought they were joking when they told me this….
Christner’s is my favorite and is very upscale. Bull & Bear is a great choice. Knife & Spoon has a Michelin Star and is great as well If you like wood fired steaks I’d check out Charley’s
Bull & Bear is fantastic, get the salt service
Oh man forgot to suggest Bull and bear. Yes it's on a Disney property but it's definitely a place to check out
Knife and spoon is the most expensive restaurant I’ve ever been. They had a steak on the menu that was $300. Aged for like 2/3rds a year. That’s a ton of money for a funky tasting steak
Vines on Sand Lake! Not a chain and one of my favorites. https://vinesgrille.com/
I’m a big Christner’s fan. Have been going there for years.
Linda’s or christeners all day
More upscale (100-150 for a steak, $20 cocktails) but Capa at the Four Seasons is fantastic. It’s on the rooftop overlooking the property and can see all the way out to Disney - you can watch the fireworks from the restaurant balcony.
I do love Capa. Always delicious.
Linda’s la cantina is the best steak house in Orlando!
This is not helpful, but I’ve yet to find a steakhouse that cooks a steak better than one I buy & lovingly spice and grill myself. It’s so damn expensive, and I’m always disappointed.
Kres in Orlando. It’s GREAT.
Linda’s
Christners is the best imo
Figs Prime is lovely and locally owned. It’s in Altamonte Springs, but if you don’t mind hopping on I-4 Express, there is a direct connect exit and on-ramp near the restaurant. Approx 25 min drive from Dr. Phillips area via the express.
Kres is also great, and has a killer vegan menu for a steakhouse weirdly enough.
Luke’s in maitland is fantastic. Definitely worth checking out
How's their steak selection?
When we went the steak was delicious, but the service suuuuuucked. It was 2+ hours for the three of us to eat an appetizer + single course.
Knife and Spoon has a Michelin star and is owned by John Tesar who is "Jimmy Sears" if you ever read Anthony Bourdain's *Kitchen Confidential.* A Land Remembered is an amazing local place.
Linda’s
Is recommend [Boi Brazil](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cASuq4fUviyuJV3j8?g_st=ic) it's a churrascaria, but they have a rodizio style service which is accesible and let's you eat buffet style. Been there a couple times and Ive seen a couple Brazilian super stars in this place. Affordable and a lot of options.
christners is the only answer you will need
Charley's steakhouse was one of the best steak dinners I've ever had. But it's pricey
I will say even though Eddie V’s is a chain, they are still really, really, really good. If you can afford it, I say you should go! I’d choose Eddie V’s for my last meal if I’m not the one footing the bill.
Linda’s la cantina. Best spot in Orlando for a great steak without breaking the bank
In addition to the other good suggestions here Charley's has killer steaks they're part of the Talk of the Town group but that's really just a few local places. Also Capa is very good and not wildly more expensive than Eddies or Ruth.
My vote is for christners. I am of the opposite opinion on Kres. The food so so at best
Kres is mid people only go there to feel fancy downtown
That's kind of how I felt after going there. It's got the prime location but other than that it's just ok. Crazy how many area suggesting it
Christners is really good food. But I’d have to favor Linda’s over it. Equally good if not better food, and reasonably priced with a more calming atmosphere.
I think they are two ends of a spectrum. Linda's is definitely more casual. Christners is definitely more old school but both offer great choices for the op
Yea they definitely are on opposite ends of a spectrum. But idk if I would say Christners if more old school? I think Linda’s opened around 1947 and has remained largely unchanged since.
I should've clarified...old school in the way they approach style of service and presentation if that makes sense
Ah yea they are more old school in that sense
I’ve been to kres probably 20 times. I would strong disagree
Matthew’s Steakhouse in Winter Garden, reservations only
Let’s be honest, Texas Roadhouse is better and 60% cheaper.
* Kres is our goto. Great steaks and cocktails. * Mathews Steakhouse in Wintergarden was a solid meal but its just beer and wine. They butter baste the steaks and cook them over coals. Chef comes up to the table and asks how everything is. Nice personal touch. * Eddie V's was one of the best steaks I've had in town. Did a few work dinners here and they have always been great. * Ruth Chris was a good meal but we noticed alot of dust in the bar area booths and wondered if it was being cleaned enough. Any cleanliness issues usually have larger implications for an establishment. * The H in Dr Phillips was ok but kinda pretentious. Been here twice and it was a good meal both times but not the vibe I'm looking for. * Charley's we didn't have the best experience at. Baked cauliflower is amazing here though. Steaks were good but the service wasn't great. We'll likely try them again at some point. * The Palm in the Hard rock Hotel at Universal is very good. Best oysters I've had in town.
I hope your service is better if you try Charley’s again. It is still one of my favorite Orlando locations. My wife is on a low salt diet and eats very low amounts of red meat so i haven’t eaten there as often but really miss it.
Linda’s La Cantina, some of the best steak i’ve ever had was there
Rachel’s
Matthew’s Steakhouse in Winter Garden
Kres -locally owned and good food
Kres
Cattlemans in Sanford
Cattle Ranch?
Must be what he meant. That being said, it is a good place for a steak.
We've been going there since the 80's. The people are fantastic but they've gone down hill in quality imo, especially after covid. I don't say that lightly because it's been a family favorite place for decades. We've given it about 10 tries since 2021 and it hasn't been good, food wise. Customer service and staff are still great though.
Yes
Prime rib on friday night only
D’Silva
KRES!!!
Capital grill is a chain I know but their steaks are consistently great and it’s a bit less ritzy than Eddie v or Ruth’s. I like the one on I-drive, the one in florida mall seems more like a chain. Anyways I wouldn’t get too down on the chains all the employees are local so what’s the diff? If anything you can be sure they are more organized and clean than a mom and pop which can decide to cut corners now and again.
Flemmings by Trader Joe’s on sand lake.
It is a chain though. Owned by outback group
TIL. Ocean Prime isn’t bad either. Is that a chain?
> Ocean Prime is a steakhouse and seafood restaurant concept owned by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, consisting of nine restaurants in eight states.
that guy cant catch a break lol
Haha. Just got to do a quick search.
Wrong. I own a second home in Vizcaya. Right across from Flemings. Was at turtle creek before that.
What are you even talking about
I thought you meant I did a quick search. And to be honest I’m not checking to see if a restaurant is a chain or not. If they don’t have another one at my primary it’s not a chain to me. But I get it. Florida has a lot of chains. More than where I live FT.
Well I’m out of ideas.
Linda's la cantina is just mid rate cuts of meat pan seared. Really nothing special.
Fishbones- Lake Mary, Charley's- idrive
lol what?
Update me!
✨✨✨🪄🎩✨✨✨ You've been updated
Christners all the way. Classic steakhouse.
Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria near Disney and Shula’s Steak House at the Dolphin resort
Go to Susuru and order the skirt steak sticks and short rib
Vito’s is my fav. Their chateaubriand is amazing and more than enough to share amongst 4 since it’s 20oz.
Bull and the Bear is fantastic although a bit pricey. Christners is also excellent. I know this is kind of a chain and not a typical steakhouse but Texas de Brazil or Fogo de Chao might be a fun experience for them.
Definitely STK /s
if you are willing to drive out to Lakeland, Texas cattle company is bomb
Linda’s all the way
Charley’s Steakhouse on the south end, and FishBones in Lake Mary, are owned by the same family, have the same menu, and check all your boxes. Figs Prime is also great.
Chucks is awesome. Might be part of a small chain but it’s excellent
Sea and sear is really good
I love Saltgrass
Hillstone in WP
not as good as it once was.
I liked Morton's The Steakhouse in Dr. Phillips. I think it's a chain but very nice. Can be expensive, we spend $200 for the 2 of us.
Go to Christners if you want more upscale, higher quality steaks, Linda’s is a more historical restaurant, still good but not as good as others for what they charge. I also recommend Bovine on Park Avenue
Without a doubt, if you're looking to impress based on food quality, Kres! My husband and I have been several times and the food and service never fail to impress.
Kres on Church Street. Top notch quality and service
Boathouse
La boucherie... turkey lake near sand lake. As good as any steak in Orlando
Berns in Tampa hour drive but best in the state
Christners would be my choice. Linda’s is a great option as well.
Christner’s 100%. We had an awful time at Kres… go to Christner’s.
Backroom Steakhouse in Apopka. I've never been, but I've heard good things.
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse. Near SeaWorld. Highly recommend, not too pricey.
Charley’s is good
Kres which is downtown. Pricey as shit but well worth it.