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FTF's top picks from Orlando, Florida's 3,700 restaurants promise food and an easy-on-the-kids ambiance that makes them well worth the drive.

We know why you're in Orlando, Florida, but it doesn't mean you have to have hot dogs and ice cream and cotton candy for dinner, too.  Whether you want fine dining or a fun, themed resturant, here are our picks for you. (Reservations strongly recommended.)

Dining with Taste

Bahama Breeze (407/248-2499; 8849 International Dr.)
Established by the creators of the Olive Garden and Red Lobster chains, this restaurant offers American cuisine with a Caribbean twist and some tasty Island specialties. Everyone's out to party, so it is casual and clamorous enough for the family to enjoy an evening out.

Brio Tuscan Grille (407/622-5611; 480 No. Orlando Ave, Winter Park)
With outdoor café tables, a variety of skinny pizzas, grilled fish and pastas, a strong wine list and enough of a crowd so little ones can talk, too, this is a favorite evening hangout where reservations are a must. Dine early so you have time to walk around charming Winter Park.

White Wolf Café (407/895-9911; 1829 N. Orange Ave.)
Recommended especially for lunch, this restaurant is unique in a city of chain restaurants.  Surrounded by neighborhood boutiques that you can browse after your meal, the White Wolf has its own collection of antiques.  Plenty of Mediterranean choices for the adults, a sandwich-heavy kids' menu, and great milkshakes contribute to the atmosphere.

Dixie Crossroads (321/268-5000; 1475 Garden St., Titusville)
Titusville is about 40 miles north of Orlando, but seafood-loving families may be willing to face the infamous traffic or adjust their route to Orlando for one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the country.  Shrimp, fish, and crab of all sorts coexist peacefully on the menu with baby back ribs and steak, or go for a less-fancy fish sandwich or basket of fried clam strips.  There are both seafood and more traditional choices on the kid's menu.  (Vegetarians who do not eat fish may want to skip.) 

Rangetsu (407/345-0044, 8400 International Dr.)
This restaurant offers an experience that is both authentically Japanese and a lot of fun, though your kids may have to be adventurous eaters to enjoy the food.  They should enjoy the entertainment, however, if you arrive during a weekend drum show or a koi fish feeding session (call ahead for times).  Sushi, sashimi, and sake are abundant here; splurge on the popular sukiyaki and will be prepared tableside.  "New Florida Cuisine" dishes use local ingredients in Japanese-style preparation.   

Café Tu Tu Tango (407/248-2222; 8625 International Dr.)
This eatery features multi-ethnic cuisine from all over the world – from Italian and Spanish to Caribbean and Cajun food -- in small, appetizer-like portions. Several familiar-to-kids specials are available. Throughout the loft-like restaurant is artwork by local artists. This style, and the live entertainment nightly, lends a more sophisticated atmosphere that adults will enjoy.

Manuel's on the 28th (407/246-6580; 390 N. Orange Ave.)
Spectacular service and cuisine with unusual specials (rated 28 by Zagat), skyline views and sky-high prices, what more could you ask for when planning a celebratory dinner? Contemporary and chic, this is the local's top 'night-on-the-town' pick. Request an early reservation and let the Maitre d' know if you're dining with young children.

Ming Court- The Art of Oriental Cuisine (407/351-9988; 9188 International Dr.)
If it's dumplings and reassuring Chinese fare you're after, this popular local eatery serves a casual crowd in the back garden while live folk performers entertain.  Kids' dinners get served in a Bento Box with their choice of sides and a fortune cookie. There is also a more formal banquet menu, and sushi service.

El Potro (407/975-9132; 501 N. Orlando Ave, Winter Park)
Kids will love the buffet filled with fix-your-own taco and burrito ingredients at this raved-about inexpensive Mexican restaurant where the chefs prepare everything fresh. There is also a full-service menu, and on certain nights, a guitarist playing Mexican songs.

Wolfgang Puck Café (407/938-9653; 1482 E. Buena Vista Drive.  An attractive indoor/outdoor cafe at Downtown Disney. )

Whether it's the fast, entertaining and inexpensive Express Café part, or the quieter more sophisticated restaurant where you can savor a fine California wine over a custom-made pizza, fresh sushi, or one of the filled-with-unusual-goodies California salads that chef Wolfgang Puck pioneered and has successfully brought to the masses, this is one of our top picks for a civilized meal with kids.