Efes Turkish Cuisine is located in Sanford on beautiful Lake Monroe, which is north of the city of Orlando. However, the ambiance makes you feel like you are overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on the coast of Turkey. This fine dining restaurant features an outside dining area near the water or indoor tables where you can hear Turkish music and smell the aroma from the kitchen. The menu includes traditional Turkish dishes and cuisine straight from the Mediterranean, from mezeler (appetizer) to tatlilar (dessert). Master chefs with the freshest ingredients specially prepare all of the meals and treats. -Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Fresh on the Fly is the place seafood lovers visit when they get hungry and want only the best quality fish prepared to perfection. However, don't worry if you're not in the mood for seafood, because they also serve grass-fed beef and hormone-free chicken along with the wild-caught fish. You will find it located north of downtown in Lake Mary, but it is well worth the trip. Fresh on the Fly not only serves guests delicious healthy meals and specialty desserts, but also has a market, too. They offer diners a casual, family-friendly environment. -Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Located northeast of Orlando between Orange City and Sanford in the friendly town of Debary, Bella Vita serves up authentic Italian cuisine in style. Choose from outside covered seating or cozy inside booths and tables for a truly homemade Italian meal served to perfection. Bella Vita offers a warm, friendly atmosphere great for couples on a special date or gatherings with friends and family. Menu offers a large variety of freshly-made Italian dishes from appetizers to desserts. Entertainment includes live music on the weekends, special sporting events on TVs, and they have a full-service bar, nice wine list and plenty of drink specials too. - Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Ali Baba is located north of Orlando in the friendly town of Longwood. Enter into a world of cozy elegance and be welcomed, fed and entertained Middle Eastern-style. Choose from a variety of traditionally created dishes from a menu or go for the popular lunch and dinner buffet. Tasty creations from Lebanon, Morocco and Greece as well as Persian delights fill the menu and buffet selections. Watch an entertaining, exotic, family-friendly dance show performed at night on the weekends. Entertainment includes belly dancers and DJs. Enjoy a glass of wine or cold refreshing imported and domestic beers with your meal. Ali Baba provides a memorable and hearty dining experience. - Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Bayridge Sushi can be found in beautiful Longwood, a short trip north of downtown Orlando. It offers a traditional Asian-style setting that is welcoming, simple and stylish. Pick from contemporary tables and chairs or go for the classic Japanese seating with low tables and no chairs. The menu offers a large variety of distinctive sushi and many other authentic Japanese delights from appetizers to desserts. Choose from a number of specials for lunch or dinner, and do not forget to try the sake with your meal. Bayridge Sushi also offers domestic and imported beer and first-rate service. - Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Bistro 1501 is located within the elegant Orlando Marriott in Lake Mary, a little north of Orlando. It offers a stylish and cozy setting with plenty of wood decor, bright colors and glass accents. Enjoy the finest of dining in a comfortably casual setting. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a special Sunday brunch, the menu is filled with a selection of American dishes as well as several fresh seafood specialties. Bistro 1501 hosts attentive servers, a nice wine variety, and a full service bar for drinks. It is a favorite of business travelers and a hidden treasure to the locals. -  Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Liam Fitzpatrick's Irish Restaurant and Pub is located north of Orlando in beautiful Lake Mary. The exterior resembles a traditional Irish pub, and the interior features lots of wood accents, a pub area with a fully stocked bar, and several tables. Outside there are two patios where smoking is permitted, and several tables with umbrellas are set up. The lunch, dinner and weekend menus of Liam Fitzpatrick's Irish Restaurant and Pub include a few Irish dishes and several customary bar favorites. The drinks include different specials nightly, a large selection of Irish and other International spirits and wines. Come for the entertainment: large screen televisions showing sports, karaoke nights, Irish music and live bands on stage nightly. - Diane Dilov-Schultheis

That Deli! is family-owned and operated, and is a very popular local eatery. Find it a short trip north of Orlando just off I-4 in the friendly neighboring town of Lake Mary. Don't let the simplicity of the name stop you from checking them out. The menu items include a nice variety of soups, salads, casseroles, kids' items, sandwiches and desserts that are all made using the freshest and finest ingredients. The names of all the dishes are quite entertaining. Choose from favorites like The I-4 Deluxe, Beef Me Up Scotty, The Steve Martin or The Pizza Face. Daily specials, indoor or outdoor seating, and gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. -Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Enigma is located southeast of Orlando on the shores of Satellite Beach, but is well worth the drive. Its motto is "casual fine dining and libation" - make the trip and you will find out why. Choose from inside seating resembling a relaxed beach house setting or outside dining in a secluded patio area where you can enjoy the cool ocean breeze along with your meal or drinks. Menu is packed full of fresh gourmet Italian cuisine from appetizer to dessert. Enigma is known as a favorite local gathering place, features a fully stocked bar, live entertainment plus numerous food and drink specials are available. - Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Olive Garden serves up authentic Italian cuisine. Their signature breadsticks and one-of-a-kind menu make them an American icon. Standard Italian options like bruchetta, calamari, ravioli, and eggplant parmigiana line their lengthy menu. More exotic items like salmon, chicken dishes, and innovative pizzas are also available. For the calorie-counter, Olive Garden has a range of low fat and low carbohydrate options. Their bottomless salads ensure a well-balanced feast. Enjoy your meal with a bottle from their extensive wine list or one of their tropical island drinks. Finally, top it all off with a little something from their dessert menu-cakes, custards, and ice creams are sure to win you over.