SHARE:
Florida Restaurants
Tolf's Picks - Oct. 2007
bb’s
1019 Hendricks Ave. 904/306-0100
Big-city setting with mod menu for all tastes — from designer pizzas and bruschetta to freshly assembled salads and nightly specials like chargrilled grey grouper and spinach Gorgonzola ravioli. Lunch entrees, $8.50 to $11. Dinner entrées, $18 to $28.
Orlando
Ran-Getsu of Tokyo
8400 International Drive 407/345-0044
rangetsu.com
Knockout decor and weekly drum shows but also excellent sashimi and the longest sushi bar in the state, shabu-shabu, reliable tempura and sukiyaki that’s superior. Dinner entrées, $15 to $98.
Tampa
Laughing Cat
1820 N. 15th St. 813/241-2998
Chef-owner Franco LoRe has worked the world since the ’60s, and he brings his experience to this little Italian oasis, with an overflowing luncheon buffet and a dinner menu reflecting all his previous posts. Lunch buffet, $9. Dinner entrées, $13 to $35.
Fort Lauderdale
Cafe Italia
3471 N. Federal Highway 954/561-3900
cafeitalia.net
Surprise sensation in the already overcrowded Italian market competing with the best of them with superb treatment of fresh seafood, including yellowtail snapper, and first-rate pastabilities, all made from scratch and saluted with superior sauces. Lunch entrées, $6 to $10. Dinner entrées, $13 to $26.
Miami
Texas De Brazil
11401 N.W. 12th St. 305/599-7729
texasdebrazil.com
Authentic churrascaria steakhouse with gauchos dramatically delivering specially seasoned, slow-roasted skewered meats directly from the open flame grill while guests make the rounds of a knockout 40-item salad bar. Also in Orlando (5259 International Drive, 407/355-0355). Lunch and dinner, $26 and $43.
