This blog focuses on the eating, dining, drinking, cooking, and enjoyment of local Florida cuisine. Purely by local recommendation, we will scour the biggest and smallest of restaurants within the biggest and smallest of cities to find the food and people that represent the insanity of the Sunshine State
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Saturday, January 24, 2015
Vittorio's: Simple Quality Brazilian Food
So this might be a shock to anyone outside of Florida. But 700,000 Brazilians a year visit Orlando----which is a very nice number. And with the number of South American visits climbing, the edge of International Drive has become a Brazilian mecca. For the few that actually read my blog, these numbers will come off as redundant since I have been to several spots on this strip over the years. The latest gem to derive from these parts is the Brazilian buffet known as Vittorio’s Restaurant.
We already covered a good Brazilian restaurant on this same street, which was CafĂ© Minero, a hybrid of buffet and casual dining. However what makes Vittorio’s a bit different is that they are full-on buffet with a full bar and an ever-changing menu depending on the day and what is available. Another cool aspect of this place is that they feed their employees, as you see them picking out the wonderful food they just cooked before the rush comes in.
The buffet is split into three major sections, complimented by a large fridge holding the desserts and of course the necessary bar after a full day’s worth of shopping. One section is for the salads and dressings, the next section is for the different types of meats which are accompanied by different types of side dishes like rice and yucca. Lastly, the final section is pretty much a hybrid of anything else that they decide to cook---and lots of fruit. On this section I have seen at least six types of bread, more Americanized food, Brazilian pizza, breakfast options, fried cheese, French fries, jello, etc.
Their food is always fresh, it never feels like it’s been sitting there for hours on end. The trays constantly switch, although that is supported by the fact that the place does get extremely busy. Some of their winners includes the white rice (which most places can never get right), their chicken, their addicting cheese bread, and their abundance of fruit options. It would take easily 4-5 trips to taste it all, so you have to make tough decisions as to what you want to eat.
And then let’s not forget the dessert. Dulce de leche is my homeboy. Their chocolate mousse is also quite good, albeit more of a pudding texture, but the balls of dulce de leche will make you dance. You can get all this, with a drink, and it won’t cost you more than $15. Not a bad price if you ask me, especially since you can fill yourself up to your heart’s desire before moving forward with the rest of your day.
Bottom Line: Quite simply, its good cheap Brazilian buffet food with a revolving set of options that changes with each visit. From the salads to the meats to the desserts, it all adds up to a nice joyous experience and nice escape from the heavy shopping hours. Vittorios is delightful from start to finish.
Final Verdict: Recommend
Vittorio's Restaurant
5159 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
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