Armando's Orlando

Love this place, we’ve come here countless times over the 7 years they’ve been open here. There’s a great out door dining area that wraps around the corner of the building, so you can generally find shade & it’s dog friendly. The menu is extensive and everything I’ve ever had is fantastic. I usually go for the clams & linguine or the chili corn park over spaghetti or a margarita pizza. The salads are really good too.

I came here for dinner one night after the fine readers of Orlando Weekly voted this place as one of the best restaurants in College Park. Since I live in Oviedo, I don't get over to College Park as much as I would like to, so they would surely know better than I would. I decided to take their advice and come see what this place was all about. I made my reservations, found nearby parallel parking, and walked up to this beautiful brick building-esque restaurant that looked like I was walking into an Italian winery of some sort. It's really a stunning visual. Very impressive. We got seated and starting looking at the intimidating menu. We started off with a couple of apps, including the Insalata di Cesare (Romaine, Anchovies, Croutons, and Parmesan Cheese Tossed with Ceasar Dressing). A small salad with a fun salt-bomb anchovie on top. Well-dressed, and a good amount of cheese and croutons. No complaints. Margherita Pizza (Fresh Mozzarella, Plum Tomato Sauce and Basil). The classic pie. The tomato sauce was very fragrant. You can tell it did not come from a can. The mozz was ooey and gooey and gave a good stretch. Could have used more basil, for sure. But the crust was excellent. Held up to the toppings, not too thick, had some bite and some good chew to it. Really good. Then the mains. I got the Vitello Saltimbocca (Tender Veal Scallopini, Topped with san Daniele Prosciutto Crudo, and Fresh Sage, Finished in a White Wine Butter Sauce, served with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes). Veal, cooked perfectly, very tender. A nice umani, salty prosciutto on top to add some depth. The mash was a little much, a huge serving. But overall, quite nice, not something you eat every day. I also got to try the indulgent Ravioli di Aragosta al Frutti di Mare (Lobster Ravioli with Baby Shrimp, Mussels and Calamari Finished in a White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce). Oooh so good. Seafood everywhere, and plenty of it. The butter sauce was nice, and there were mushrooms all through, which always helps. This was clearly the winning dish of the night. Overall, I really enjoyed the ambiance, the service, and the food here. I have no real critiques, and I would recommend this place as a nice date night restaurant to anyone reading this.