Excellent service and food! Highly recommend it! Great ambiance and setting. Delicious seafood.
(5)
Howard W.
Fabulous and great sarvicc as you would like toave Lunch was just special. htw Great 4th anniversary!
(5)
Ally H.
Excellent brunch!!! Service was stellar, and the food was cooked perfectly. Honestly, the best eggs Benedict I think I have ever had!! The atrium makes for a wonderful setting, they also have a fantastic Bloody Mary bar, and a great unlimited mimosas special for Sunday brunch. Our server Jason was attentive and very accommodating, I will absolutely be back !!! A++
(4)
Allison S.
Great service and delicious menu! A gorgeous setting to sit and enjoy a meal with friends. The fried green tomatoes were on point!
(4)
Nik M.
Definitely was not a fan of this place, at least for breakfast / brunch. Walked around park ave looking for somewhere to eat and came across this restaurant since the line wasn't long and they had live music. They sat us down and almost 15 minutes had passed and no one came to serve us (I had to ask after 10 minutes). We ordered some food and water. My water cup was dirty. Had to get another one. My girlfriend and I ordered the same thing. Simple eggs with potatoes and a biscuit. I had to ask for a refill on water which took another 10 minutes because the waiter was talking and laughing by the register. The eggs were cold and had no taste and the biscuit was the size of a quarter. Then we asked for butter 3 times, until someone said "oh your butter hasnt arrived yet? Let me check that out for you". Had to request it once more and by then the food was getting even colder. When they brought the butter, it was hard as a rock and literally looked like the icing on a cake. Not even sure if it was butter. We ended up not finishing our food and left. I don't plan on returning unfortunately. The food was bad and the service was even worse.
(1)
Megan S.
Park Plaza Gardens is a cute restaurant and bar on Park Ave. I went Sunday morning for brunch, and loved it! From the street, you only notice that there is outdoor seating and the indoor bar area, but if you walk through the bar, you'll find yourself in an Atrium with cushy booths, leather chairs, and a beautiful little setting. We ate in the Atrium, as it was just too delightful to pass up, even though we definitely felt under-dressed (jeans and t-shirts hardly looked like they fit in sitting back there!). The menu is pretty straight forward sounding breakfasts. I ordered the Style French Toast with a side of bacon, and my boyfriend ordered The Chairman's Eggs Benedict #2. At first glance at my French Toast, I thought it wouldn't be enough, but it was thick and a lot more bread than I'm used to, so between that and the bacon I was full by the time I was done. The French Toast comes topped with berries and vanilla custard, and it was seriously super good. The Chairman's Eggs Benedict was also really good, though I'm not really a fan of Eggs Benedict. They do have a build your own Bloody Mary bar, which my boyfriend loved. I had a Mimosa, which was delicious. Our server was super nice and very polite. Dishes didn't sit long on the table once they were empty. The 4 star rating is primarily the price. I get that its Park Ave and therefore much more swanky than say First Watch or Kekes, but $11 for one piece of French Toast was a bit much. Overall, I thought it was a delightful spot. The food was good, the menu is pretty interesting, and the atmosphere was intimate while still being well lit (natural lit during the day, though I imagine at night it's darker and more intimate).
(4)
John C.
Jason was by far the best and warmest waiter we have ever experienced in any resteraunt. Park plaza is truly blessed to have him as a waiter. The food and the ambiance of the establishment are great, but the service makes both even better.
(5)
Kevin O.
Amazing atrium in the restaurant. Great food, great service! Our waiter was John and he was fantastic. Must go! Truly a hidden gem.
(5)
Joshua S.
You know, didn't eat the food but the drink experience was terrible. Here's the thing....I love Crown Royal. Furthermore, I love hot toddies with Crown and Old Fashioned's. I've had them from the midwest-west-east. Never had a worse Old Fashioned than I did at PPG tonight. I ordered the PPG with Crown and after one sip I about threw up and returned it for a Crown on the rocks. It was so bad. I had my drink mate have a sip, who has been a bartender at high end restaurants for 13+ years try it, and we agreed it was B-A-D. It tasted like drinking a tainted sour bitter orange peel. It was disgusting. Her wine was also pretty bad apparently. The Crown rocks was great, can't mess that up, but that was it and we left. I did hit the can and the restaurant looked amazing so maybe one day will try. But for tonight, the drinks were a total fail.
(3)
Chris T.
Came here for breakfast/brunch and chose the place because there was no wait for outside seating. Maybe that should have been our cue... We sat and a waitress came and took our drink order. It took easily 10 minutes to get our lukewarm coffee and tea. After getting our drinks we had to ask the guy bringing them if we could order food and he sent our waitress back to us. We ordered and waited, and waited, and waited. And no refills on coffee. I watched one of the waiters pick something off the rim of a mimosa glass and then take it to a table (disgusting!), I watched people leave because they were out of everything they tried to order, and we waited some more.... we eventually were able to flag down a waiter for more coffee, but it wasn't easy. When he came to refill it he filled the cups halfway and my friend asked "is there not more coffee than that?" To which he replied that many people don't like their cups full so they can add a lot of cream.... Sure, maybe, but we'll tell you. I couldn't finish my 2nd cup of mediocre coffee. At this point we finally got our food. It was ok, nothing to write home about. The toast didn't have any butter. My friend asked for butter and jelly and it was almost as if it was a strange request. He did bring some (frozen) butter roses. All in all I won't return here. Mainly for the terrible service on a not THAT busy morning.
(2)
Tanlove C.
We celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversay here and what can I say... but AMAZING!! The food is exceptionally fresh and great! And Chris our waiter is outstanding! Everyone knew it was our anniversay and came by to say happy anniversay to us.... Such great people! We will definitely return! Thank you all for making our night special!!
(5)
Brittany G.
I have mixed feeling about the place. Everyone says how great the brunch is, but my friends and I came for dinner. The dining room is kind of hidden past the bar, and the decor is absolutely adorable. We went on a super rainy night, so it wasn't very crowded. Being a slow night, I think that the kitchen presentation was off. I kept hearing from my friends that had been before the constant "this was so much better the last time i was here". The quality of the food was great, a little pricey for what you get but also on par with the area. The service was okay. The server mentioned that people come for the great drink specials that they offer on the night that we went, as she collected our bills of full priced drinks.
(3)
Tim H.
What a wonderful surprise! We were pleasantly delighted with our experience and the food and atmosphere were great. Definitely try the grouper and sea bass special was awesome! Bread pudding with the homemade ice cream was great too! Quiet and intimate and a great date night out!
(5)
A A.
Great food with excellent service and lots of orlando history. Walk thru the lobby of the hotel next door after your meal for a short stroll into the past. Best tasting calamary I have had for some time. Only reason they are not getting 5 stars is that their desserts are way overpriced at $8.50 a piece - I know this is a pricing trend in many restaurants but this is too good of a dining experience to end your meal with a dessert value disappointment. We had several desserts and their carrot cake, while tasty, was about 1 square inch in size. Excellent service and great group dining experience in a beautiful setting (restaurant is in the far back as you enter on park)
(4)
Danielle D.
The ambiance and decorations in this place are incredible. It has such a classy feel, and the dishes are not overpriced. We did not order dessert so I can't speak on its behalf - however, the brunch food was good. I had the crab eggs benedict. I wouldn't say it was the best I have ever had, but it wasn't disappointing. They start you off with an assortment of croissants and pastry style bread, with jelly - absolutely delicious. As far as drink specials, the bottomless mimosas are outstanding, with different juice options. Excellent pricing as well. The Bloody Mary bar is impressive, as long as you get there early. If you get there towards the last hours of brunch, the selection will not be as abundant (as per my experience). Overall, I absolutely loved this restaurant, and the service was awesome! I would definitely recommend it to friends.
(5)
Tripp B.
The food was fantastic and the service was top notch. We will definitely stop here when we are back in the area.
(5)
Angela K.
I've thought PPG service in the bar has ALWAYS BEEN "meh" at best. Today??? Anthony changed all that. He was slammed, but he never let us go without a drink, was attentive, but not annoying. Loved it AND HIS FELLOW SERVERS checked on us too! Pleasant surprise! Will be back more often. And the happy hour bar menu--great! Pick the oysters over the shrimp. But $10 for la crema glass can't be beat!
(4)
Brit S.
Right off park ave, the location is prime. However, the brunch food is only good. Not so much great. My salmon frittata was over cooked and the Bloody Mary bar - although exciting at first glance - was not entirely fresh. All the ingredients must have been sitting out for a while. Thinking about how the meats are exposed to the air (and potentially bugs) in addition to other people's hands was not the best. There wasn't enough utensils to properly pick out the olives and other condiments from their jars so I can only imagine how many hands had touched the toppings before me. I would turn again and skip the Bloody Mary and salon frittata. update: I loved that the restaurant's management reached out with a comment to my initial yelp review. Definitely a big reason to give it another try! Thank you!
(3)
David H.
Park Plaza Gardens is a really gorgeous restaurant located in downtown Winter Park. The bar is a little dark and "cozy" (during the day, anyway), but the restaurant section towards the back is atrium-like, bright, and spacious. The service we received last Sunday was great. Our server was very attentive and kept the all-you-can-drink mimosas flowing - for $12, it's hard to pass up. The brunch meal I ordered - a traditional breakfast - was good overall, but the eggs were almost devoid of flavor (some spices could have livened them up). The potatoes, mixed with peppers, were delicious. The coffee was the highlight of the meal; in fact, I would go back just for the coffee. I also enjoyed the assortment of muffins and bread brought to the table before our meals arrived. Now that I know the brunch is pretty good, I'll be going back to try out their other menus. *Round down to 3.5/5
(4)
Emily G.
Gil is a wonderful server. Very knowledgable and excellent customer service. The meal was exquisite. I got a sandwich and clam chowder. Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Lana P.
Awesome environment, awesome price! Love coming Saturday's because they have a high quality live music!
(5)
Kristina G.
This restaurant was a huge disappointment for a group luncheon on a Saturday. We had a 16 person reservation and although the ambiance and restaurant is gorgeous, the service was awful. The servers are very slow and incompetent giving us the wrong drinks and food. Timeline: When we arrived at 12:30pm, it took 45 minutes for our two servers to deliver drinks. At 2:00pm we finally were served our food - in two sets - 8 ppl got their food, then 20 minutes later the next 8 ppl got their food. At 3:00pm, we all finally got our checks! Tip at 20% was included for the worst service. At $65.00 for two for lunch, we will not be returning ever. PS. I always write positive reviews, so please take my word on this one.
(2)
Bob K.
working hard at the office once again!! Going to take the train downtown to show property. Best place on the ave!!! Luv ppg
(5)
Juliet B.
This is classic old Winter Park. Wonderful food in the back room in a garden atmosphere. Romantic and pleasing.
(5)
Margaret S.
The live music on Friday creates a pleasant atmosphere. Five cheese onion soup was a little bland, however the scallops were fantastic. Would come back again!
(4)
Tim P.
I eat out in the Park Avenue area on a regular basis and I'm normally impressed with the food and service at most establishments. I wish I could say that for Park Plaza Gardens, but that is not the case. On two separate occasions I have been to this restaurant and have been severely disappointed both times. One was during the Winter Park Art Festival when I came with some friends who spoke highly of the restaurant. We ordered two appetizers, the mussels and spinach dip, as both were recommended by my friends. According to my friends, the prices the same on the limited menu for the art festival, but the portions were cut in half. The mussels portion was only like 8 mussels for around $15. Having been in restaurant management in the past, I know that mussels are the least expensive shellfish to purchase and are a high revenue item. Not to mention the food came out on Styrofoam plates and bowls. When we questioned the Styrofoam plates, we were told it was because of the art festival although all of the other restaurants nearby were serving customers on their regular dinner plates. We left after appetizers instead of continuing the meal. The other visit was today for brunch when I ordered shrimp and grits and received 3 shrimp and hardly any grits for $13.95. I don't mind paying a fair price for good food, but this was an extremely small portion and not very flavorful. There was no sauce on the shrimp or grits which made it very dry. Also, I ordered the unlimited mimosas for $12. It took 15 minutes to get the first mimosa. After I finished the first one, it was another 20 plus minutes to get a refill after the server told me she would be right back with a refill. I didn't even bother asking for another refill and just got the check and left. Bottom line is overpriced food for small portions and the service leaves quite a bit to be desired. I will not be back. Two strikes and you're out.
(1)
Linda M.
Excellent ambiance, dinner and service celebrating our 13th Anniversary!! We will definitely be back again soon ;)
(4)
Fitz P.
I rarely give five stars or one star, figuring that extreme experiences on either end of the bell curve aren't all that frequent. But dinner at ppg last night truly deserved five stars. Went with a Groupon and after reading alot of the reviews on here, wasn't expecting to be astounded by either the food or the service. I ended up being bowled over (In a good way) by both. Raw prince Edward Island oysters were plump, slightly salty and cleaned beautifully. Artichoke dip was truly the best I've ever tasted anywhere. Entrees of crab stuffed grouper and lobster ravioli were no less superb. I'd never had creme Brulee layered with fresh strawberries and strawberry preserves....very nice touch. For many of the restaurants I visit with a Groupon, I wouldn't go back and pay full price. For this one, I would and will!
(5)
Debora V.
Lets start off with the fact you are inside yet feel outside seating minus the rain, mosquitoes and natural elements. #Winning! Next is the upscale feel and service they deliver. If you don't have table manners you shouldn't be here. It is a place that reflects casual class. Their food is amazing. If you want coffee do order the cappuccino its worth it. Best day is their Sunday Brunch.
(5)
Greg J.
Absolutely wonderful atmosphere complemented by an even better meal. Service was top notch and the drinks were great. I recommend their Old Fashioned. We will be back.
(5)
Randy R.
Food was great. Our server JJ was excellent and fun. She'll take good care of you. I had the wood plank salmon, and it was cooked perfectly. The wedge Maytag blue cheese salad is a wonderful starter.
(5)
Sunny W.
My husband and I went to Park Plaza as one of our magical dining choices. For appetizers, my husband had the beef carpaccio which was a huge portion and very good and I ordered the wedge salad which was just your average salad, nothing fancy. For entrees the pork tenderloin with fig Demi glaze was incredible! So flavorful and the meat was so moist. We would definitely go back just for that. I ordered the rock shrimp and lobster ravioli and it was just ok, rather bland for my taste. Definitely would not order that again. The bread pudding dessert was so good and I'm craving it just thinking about it. Atmosphere was great, a little old but still charming. I love when my husband and I can sit side by side in a booth. That's always a nice treat. Great for dates!
(3)
Sarah M.
Amazing date night resteraunt!! Food is brilliant. For entrees, the crab stuffed grouper and the rock shrimp and lobster ravioli (whish I had) were must haves!! Plan on sharing, if for no other reason than to try all the deliciousness. Aa an appetizer, I found the crab cakes to be perfect. Perfectly cooked and full of crab, not breading.
(5)
Anthony S.
Absolutely amazing experience!! Not just once, but twice and OMG!! The food, incredible. The service, over the top. Lucky for us we were able to try the new menu items the General Manager said were gonna be regular items. The dining room was set to perfection to compliment the service and amazing food. If you have not found this "GEM" then visit regularly because Jason is amazing. He walked us through the menu, made the experience memorable and talked about the food like he knew the Chef on a personal basis. Lucky for us we had him on a Sunday brunch and he recommended us coming back for the "Winesday". thanks Jason
(5)
Zach S.
The staff is great and always friendly. They do a great bar business and that's the go-to place for locals to socialize, however... The food is often lacking. You were warned! LOL
(3)
Alex A.
Been to brunch here several times and it's always a solid experience! Whether mimosas or the bloody mary bar, you can't wrong.
(4)
Kim M.
My husband and I have been to this place several times over the last few years. I don't think I've ever had the same experience twice. This time around, the waiter told us about all of the new food items that were available. Sounded great....but the food was FAR from acceptable. The onion soup not as hot as it should've been and was over salted. The calamari tastes better at the local ale house. The ribeye had so many things all over it that I couldn't taste the steak. All of the other seasonings on the steak were WAY overwhelming. We didn't even bother with dessert. Won't be going back again. This was the last chance that I gave this place. R.I.P Park Plaza Gardens.
(1)
Tom G.
Came here on a Groupon and so glad I did. The food was excellent. We had the mussels, fried green tomatoes, ribeye, and sole. A lot of places have no clue how to cook fried green tomatoes, but this place got it right and added their own flare to it by adding bacon and a delicious creamy sauce. The sole and the steak were cooked perfectly. The ambiance is awesome, this is certainly a place I would try again.
(5)
Erica F.
This is my new Winter Park favorite. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary and used a groupon deal for a 3 course meal. They were pretty late getting our table ready, but to make up for it gave us the nicest and most romantic seat in the house. Our server, John, was exceptionally amicable and funny, selecting excellent wine pairings for our respective meals. We had the carpaccio (with no egg, outstanding) and the grouper, which was also beautifully done. I need to take a moment to describe the ribeye steak (rare). I've never had a more delicious meal in my life. The seasoning and preparation were absolutely impeccable. I've never tasted better steak and could not have been a more perfect dining experience. I absolutely recommend this as a must-have for anyone who loves red meat. The dining room is stunning, a perfect place for special occasion dinners. I'm definitely looking forward to returning here as soon as I can.
(5)
Sheila B.
Best date night for us! The crab cake appetizer was over the top delicious, we both enjoyed our entrees of trout and scallops, a recommended wine pairing was spot on and a shared ice cream dessert was belly busting!
(4)
Julia P.
Love this place! Went for brunch unlimited mimosas!! I had the smoked salmon galette amazing!!! The service was great, kept our drinks filled without being overbearing. Sit inside in the back it is beautiful.
(4)
Lenka B.
I had brunch with my 3 girlfriends at PPG and have to say our experience was excellent! The food looked beautiful, it tasted great and the entire back room (the front and patio were packed) was nicely lit up and decorated. Staff was very professional and attentive. We really enjoyed our experience and we are definitely coming back. Kudos to Chef Antoine! Thank you to all at PPG for a lovely Sunday afternoon!
(5)
Linda S.
Lump crab cake and 5 onion soup amazing!!! Prime rib french dip also very good! Meat very lean and tender!!!!
(4)
Kady W.
Eh, I'm not quite sure how I feel about this place. Did anybody else have trouble dining in the back atrium? I took my parents here hoping for an enjoyable lunch, but I was just shocked with how many flies there were. PPG has al fresco, bar, and atrium dining sections. During lunch there wasn't a hostess to greet us so we just walked in towards the back where it was less crowded. The dining area was pretty much empty, except for one other table. Our server was quick, courteous, and to the point. I was hungry, but not starving so I went for the turkey croissant. My sandwich was like any other turkey club, yummy. While the dining area is very aesthetically pleasing, the flies in the room just ruin the dining vibe. I noticed the flies when we sat down, but I didn't start actually paying attention to them until they were landing on my arm and other parts of our table. I asked my server about the issue, but I think I just made him nervous. He walked away from my table after explaining the flies are attracted to their live plants. I know it's not the restaurant's fault that flies just happened to be there, but can there be a plan B if they are? I wouldn't expect to be in a gorgeous atrium dining room and having flies swarm me as soon as I start eating. Anyway, to my surprise the server comped my dish when I received the bill. I'll update this review when I go back there, but with so many other restaurants in the area, it won't be for a while. Tip? Bring an Off! clip for your table for lunch.
(3)
Amanda B.
Stopped here for lunch after shopping. Sat at the bar and had a really good lunch. The waiter was really accommodating. My friend and I split a salad and sandwich. She doesn't eat bacon, which both had, but they put it on the side and brought it for me. And they plated everything separately without us asking. The food was good and hit the spot and was priced reasonably. A nice spot to stop after walking up and down through the mall.
(3)
JJ S.
Tasty and innovative food but entire staff has the personality of a tumble weed. Very unwelcome feeling, chip on shoulder and unfriendly. Bartender also has a very weak pour, mimosa was filled under a proper wine pour.
(3)
Patricia T.
From the outward appearance, you see a typical bar. Upon walking in and all the way to the back of the bar, you find the restaurant. This room has been decorated in a simple, romantic setting to give the outdoors feel in the comfort of the restaurant. I haven't been here in years and was able to attend a private bridal luncheon recently. There was about 15 of us and we had a pre-set two course menu, with three choices for each course to choose from. The food was very nice for a luncheon and we had free flowing mimosas all day long. The service impeccable! We had one waiter for the entire party and he did an amazing job. He took care of our every need from drinks as we all started to arrive to picking up the gift wrap as the bride-to-be unwrapped her gifts. I highly recommend PPG for any night out, romantic dinner, business lunch/dinner...it is for every occasion!
(4)
Walt P.
Wow, ok very pleasant surprise. Dinner was excellent, try the mussels appetizer. Stuffed grouper was also very good. Great atmosphere too!. Service was very attentive. Prices that won't break the bank too.
(5)
Stephen S.
We had a small wedding lunch reception here and PPG helped make our day perfect. J Michael was very accommodating with all our requests and the wait staff was lovely. We made a customized menu based on the normal lunch menu. The food was excellent; we loved everything we tasted. For appetizers we had Crab Cake, Crispy Calamari, Beef Carpaccio, Artichoke Dip, and Lobster Escargot Style. Both the Potato Soup and the Five Onion Soup were delicious. For entrees, most of our guests ordered off the From the Coast Trio menu: the Grilled Chicken, Salmon, and Petit Filet were all very good, as were the sides. The cocktails were tasty as well - our group especially liked the Bulldog Bramble. The venue already looks like a great wedding reception, so very little decoration is needed. This was my first dining experience there, but I definitely will return sometime for lunch and drinks!
(5)
Kathy D.
I threw a little bridal shower event here and reserved the Alcove in the back for lunch. Its a nice little private area for about 10 people, so its a great place to get if you're interested in doing a little party. A deposit is needed when you sign up a contract with them. Everything ran smoothly. Service was very attentive, all requests I've done beforehand was made and they even went out of their way to do a menu card for me with a photo which was nice touch. From the menu selections that I chose, I tried their wedge salad and beef sliders with fries. I ate every single bit of it. I was either really hungry, or it was very good. If I had to throw another small event, I'd choose this place again. Prices are pretty reasonable and they work with you if want to do adjustments.
(4)
Jessica W.
This hidden gem is amazing! Located inside the Park Plaza hotel, this restaurant is really beautiful like a garden with great food and service! Our server Jason really was passionate about the restaurant and recommended many items for us. The mimosas were so great and the banana martini desert was divine, we all couldn't stop eating the desert even though we were full from the yummy meal. I was happily surprised at the pricing too!
(5)
Chere F.
PPG has a well deserved history of good service and good food. We went yesterday to enjoy the Vintage Menu (along with Vintage pricing.) Our service was friendly and professional. My many allergy issues (msg, soy & aged cheeses) were dealt with easily and without fuss. Each dish (salad, entree & dessert) was plated to a lovely presentation. We go back many times to PPG - especially with visiting out of town friends - because it is a perfecto enjoy Park Avenue.
(5)
Matt P.
We went here for our 1 year anniversary... nice restaurant, with a really cozy and warm ambiance. We had a cheese platter for a starter. My wife had the wedge salad with the steak which was really nice. I had the crab stuffed grouper, which was extremely tasty. They played up the crab while still maintaining the distinct flavors of both. All in all, its a really nice restaurant!
(4)
Colleen B.
I usually go for brunch or stop in for a drink. I have eaten outside 2 times and attended the bar once for a game of Bar Golf! The outdoor seating is awesome for a Sunday brunch and to just enjoy the people watching along Park Ave. The bar is very casual and chill as well, great for a stop in to throw back a cold one... martini that is =) However, if you haven't ventured to the back of this restaurant you are missing out. I discovered their atrium dining room when I was on a trip to the rest rooms and it was a delightful surprise. I enjoyed their recent "Vintage" menu for lunch where they are paying tribute with a selection of menu items "inspired by" some exceptional, neighboring restaurants that are no longer, at time forgotten prices! It's a great spot for a casual lunch or if you are looking to impress some clients or friends/fam in town, it's very pretty! I went for the Salmon and Cauliflower puree and both were a great compliment to each other. The Salmon was cooked perfect and had a delicate, delicious taste. The cauliflower could have had a little bit more flavor and less butter but it was still pretty tasty. The service was quick, friendly and efficient. Our server even talked us into getting dessert even though we were adamantly against it and I am so glad he talked us into it. The chocolate forest cake is where it's at. So moist and delicious, I only tasted it and took the rest home for later. I ate it about an hour after I got home =) Overall, great spot for just about anything you are looking for in a brunch, lunch or dinner spot!
Unsanitary!! Cockroach crawled out from underneath my mother's plate!!! And her egg was raw and had an embryo!! This place is totally disgusting in my book and has gone down the toilet! I will never go there again!
(1)
Molly C.
I both arranged and attended a decent-sized corporate dinner here for high level executives from out of town (20 people). Pros: They allowed our group to order off of the full menu and were pretty good about getting all of the food out around the same time. The planning process was easy and the group coordinator was easy to contact. The ambiance of their dining room is fantastic and really helps to showcase what REAL Orlando is, past all of the touristy garbage. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive-- both our wine and water glasses were always full. Cons: I was given a layout of how our tables would be arranged so I could work on seating arrangements. The layout changed drastically at some point and I was not informed and left to adjust seating on the fly after our guests had already begun to arrive. The food was good but nothing particularly memorable. As someone who enjoys trying cuisine with a unique sort of flair, it's unlikely that I will return with just my Fiance to eat. Parking is somewhat difficult, but that's true anywhere along Park Avenue so not really a hit against venue itself.
(3)
L.J. M.
Love the location and decor of this sidewalk cafe and courtyard style bar. It is just a bummer the service is so bad. The servers do the basics in a perfunctory manner but there is a marked lack of attentiveness or interest. Dozens of employees scurry past your table, avoiding eye contact or standing at the bar station gazing away from customers. We have been here 4-5 times hoping it would improve but it has been consistently disappointing.
(2)
Erica B.
I'm a frequent customer of this place. I love the outside patio during the summer. My Sunday Funday is spent with my bf, my dog, and the $30 brunch special. All you can drink mimosas, an appetizer, and an entree for that low price. I've had several special event dinner parties here and it's my go to place in Winter Park for elegance with a modern flair. The atrium is is slightly old school but definitely great for adults wanting to spend time together. The piano player is a great touch. Favorite appetizer: Oyster Rockefeller (seasonal item so call ahead of time for availability) Favorite salad - Chopped. It comes with shrimp, eggs, green beans, and a wonderful vinaigrette dressing Favorite entree - Chicken Chesapeake. Chicken stuffed with crab meat. I always ask for the port wine glaze instead of mustard because I'm not a fan of mustard & they do it with no complaints or griping from the chef. Favorite Sunday Funday dish- Grits w/ cajun shrimp.
(5)
Debbie D.
I hosted a baby shower for two couples that included 80 guests and J. Michael was amazing, the atrium was beautiful, the food was wonderful and the guest enjoyed the mimosa's and the fabulous bloody mary bar. The wait staff was amazing. If you are looking to have a nice meal or host a party this is the place to go on Park Avenue.
(4)
Anthony g.
I wanted to like it so much but sadly i can't. We are a group of professionals who enjoy Sunday brunch, wanting to add a new place to our list we decided to try Park Plaza Gardens. I called to make a reservation and was told they dont take reservations but we would be ok because they only had a party of 14, 3 and 5. My next question was if you dont take reservations how can you have those parties? I asked to speak with the manager and the lady was very nice and said she would make the reservation for me, excellent customer service. The meal was off to a fantastic start with mimosas, after that it went decidedly down hill. The waiter took forever to return to the table to take our order. The "famous bread basket" was croissants? The wait for food took forever, so much so that people who came after us got food before us, the waiter came and said it would be 5 more mins til the food arrived. (he did keep the glasses filled) The food came out finally and it was not hot. Sent back the Crab Benedict and the French toast. the others at the table were much to hungry after the wait to send back their food which was not hot either. (the food had good flavor but again not hot.) The remake on the eggs was served on a sizzling hot plate likely placed under the broiler to punish the guest for asking for hot food, sadly the food not touching the hot plate wasnt any hotter than before. Eggs cooled crab cool, hollandaise cool unless it touched the plate so English muffin and potatoes were hot. The half order of sausage biscuits and gravy also was tepid however i choose not to send it back to as i was starving the biscuits tasted microwaved butt he gravy had a decent flavor.The waiter said they were going tot take off the french toast and the crab Benedict which was fine however at no point did the manager visit our table to address our concerns, every kitchen can have an off day and i would have accepted that if the manager, who spent a great deal of time posted up at the hostess stand instead of visiting tables.It is all about how you handle the situation. I would have gladly paid full price for meals that were hot and fresh. The manager had a chance to retain our business but sadly didnt seem concerned.
(1)
Alejandro T.
Granted this is Winter Park and it's fancy, but although our server was super nice, there were a few things that we couldn't overlook when my friend and I went there for brunch. We ordered the pineapple mimosas and received a glass with lipstick on it, strike one. They also messed up my order and gave me the shrimp and grits instead of the crab frittata I asked for, strike two. Finally, my friend decided to try their regular mimosas and they were rich on OJ, what's the point in that? Strike three. Was the food good? Yes, the shrimp and grits were delicious, with a great seasoning that made the grits be full of flavor and their biscuits were quite rich. Will I give them another chance? Maybe in the far future, but for now I'll try other places for brunch.
(3)
Jerry E.
With my wife abandoning me to visit her sister, yet again, mMy brother and I had an early dinner at PPG last night, thanks to the Magical Dining Month. The outdoor seating area and bar were lively and a bit crowded, but our table was in the elegant and quiet atrium section in the rear. Since I have geezer pilot ears, meaning I'm half-deaf, this was a perfect oasis for us, allowing us to catch up on things.. An excellent pianist played softly throughout the evening; I like that the tables are widely spaced. Service was perfect; attentive but not intrusive. The bread basket was great and included some long crunchy cheese breadsticks. They serve it with oil and parm, but butter is available. For starters, the gazpacho was nicely flavored but would benefit from a tad more avacado. My mussels in green curry broth were delicious. We both ordered NY strips which were cooked as ordered and great, with tasty mashed potatoes and a nice mound of thin slivers of assorted vegetables. Dessert was Bananas Foster, made with beans sprouts and tofu. No. Not really. Overall, PPG has made my short-list of special occasion restaurants. Note to all: my birthday is coming up, so feel free to take me there!
(4)
Bruce B.
I eat their special salad of the day there once a week, always something different and wonderful. Staff is awesome. Great place, Winter Park favorite.
(5)
Ashley K.
I really don't like giving a 1 star, but what I enjoy even less is not being acknowledged by any of the staff. Twice. My first attempt was with a boyfriend on a semi-busy Sunday afternoon. We were simply wanting a drink and enjoy the company of each other. After waiting for about 10-15 minutes, we finally flagged the bar manager down and ordered - or so we thought. Another 10 minutes passed and we notice he's delivering drinks to neighboring tables and seemed to have completely forgotten about us. As we're leaving, the hostess attempts to apologize for the horrid service but we were already decided on another venue. My best friend really wanted to try Park Plaza yesterday for dinner since we were starving and like me, she's heard good things. Again, after 20 minutes we were not greeted by anyone. However, the surrounding tables seemed to be getting pretty great service. Good for them. I can't comment or speculate on the menu items because I never got to the "here's our menu" step during either of my visits. Very disappointing because I've heard their food is pretty good. The atrium is very pretty and elegant, but the poor service really put a damper on my experiences.
(1)
Shyrra B.
Nothing bad to say bout this place. I went for Magical Month of dining and had a great experience. The staff was super friendly, food was amazing. I say outside at night so of course great ambiance. It's way different than what I imagined from what I was on their website. Only thing was my salad was supposed to come with wrapper Brie, and i just never imagined it would be a pastry with Brie melted on the inside. I don't like pastry. But that's very minor lol. Great spot.
(5)
Dianna C.
Park Plaza used to get 3 or 4 stars from me on a regular basis, yet today I can't help but give these guys 2 stars. My sister and mom were trying to choose a place to go for Sunday brunch and I suggested we go to Park Plaza, they have great brunch offerings in their menu along with tasty appetizers and delicious desserts. Since it was so nice outside we requested to be seated outside and we were placed in the last table to the far right of the restaurant. When our waiter approached our table and started speaking to us, I felt like I was in a horror movie. He either had hair growing in between his teeth or cockroaches lived in there. With every word he said, a little bubble of saliva would form on the corner of his mouth. After we placed our drink order and Beetle Juice scattered out of our sight, my mom says: 'I lost my appetite, can we please leave?' Obviously I convinced her to stay by reading the menu options out loud as if they were fit for a king. It took a good 7 tot 10 minutes for cockroach man to return with our sparkling waters and my nephews lemonade. I was elected to make the order for the whole table, since neither of them could look at this guy's mouth. We decided on: Steak Eggs Benedict for me (with french fries instead of fresh fruit), Salmon Eggs Benedict for my mom, Sausage Frittada for my sister and the kids burger for my nephew. The food arrived at least 45 minutes later. The waiter apologized saying one of the ovens was broken. My dish came with fruit instead of fries, my nephews burger was raw and we had no salt, pepper, ketchup, or anything to drink on the table. By then Beetle Juice had already left our sight and we were just sitting there, waiting for him to to return, for at least 8 minutes. When he finally returned I showed him the raw burger and he said "that's how we cook it here, medium". I said "The kid is 3 years old, give him a well done burger". So, he takes the burger away, apologizes for the fruit and off he goes to fix everything. Another 10 minutes passes by and he returns with my fries, the burger (now burnt) and water. Still no salt, pepper or ketchup in sight. My nephew ended up eating my steak because he didn't like the taste of the burnt burger, I ended up eating french fries with no ketchup and we were almost dehydrated during the entire meal because our water neeeever arrived. We arrived for lunch at 1:00PM, by the time we finished eating it was 3PM. Two hours JUST to get some eggs and a burger?! Soooo, the manager happens to come by with a big smile on his face and asks how was everything, my answer "Meeeeeeh". We told him the whole story and he discounted the 6 dollar burger off the check. Really? Gee, thanks. Long story short, is the food good at Park Plaza? Sure, it's pretty good. is it consistently good? Nope, they have good days and they definitely have bad days. Is the service decent? NOT. They definitely need to train their current staff properly. Am I returning to Park Plaza anytime soon? NO WAY.
(2)
Joe G.
This is an adorable quaint place, really like their atrium. We have eaten Brunch and dinner here quite a few times. The one thing about the brunch is the menu does not change very frequently so its a one or two time experience. The dinner on the other hand seems to always have a new selection of fresh fish and appetizers. I really like the atmosphere of this place and the food is very good and fresh.
(4)
Matthew J.
Awesome! They have some of the best desserts here ever. I often come just for that.
(5)
Jeanne W.
I've lived in Orlando for over 20 years and have always wanted to try this restaurant. Since it was one of the restaurants included in the Magical Dining month this year, we thought we'd give it a shot. Man, were we disappointed. We walked into the restaurant through the hotel lobby and had to walk past tables to get to the hostess stand. Strike 1. There are trees in the dining room wrapped with white lights, which would have been charming, however half of them were burnt out. Also burnt out we're some of the spot lights over each table. After being seated at our booth, we noticed there was no music. We asked the server why there wasn't any music and she said they were trying to figure out what kind of music they were going to play since they didn't have a piano player any more. We each ordered a glass of wine then our dinner. We both ordered the rock shrimp appetizer which was prepared escargot style. Strike 2! The shrimp weren't rock shrimp at all, but maybe two shrimp cut into 5 separate pieces and swimming in butter and Parmesan cheese. Next came the main course. Hubby got the pan seared pork tenderloin served over pancetta and polenta. For $33 a plate I expected at least a 4-6 oz piece of meat. Well it was maybe 2 oz. The chef did make him another piece to make up for his disappointment, but by the time it came out, I was already finished eating. I got the butter roasted cod and shrimp in a red sauce. It was just good. Nothing great. Finally strike 3 was the dessert. I got the cream brulle which was mediocre and my husband got the pecan pie. Very small piece with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The only good thing about our meal was our sweet little server Natasha. She was very apologetic, professional and accommodating. We had the worst stomach ache when we left. We will never go back to this restaurant for dinner again. Maybe for a drink at the outside patio and bar area, which was nice, but not to eat. Definitely not deserving of a five star rating! **UPDATE 10/16/13** Just heard on the news this morning that this restaurant was shut down for health reasons. No wonder we had stomach aches when we left. Disgusting!!!!
(1)
Eric P.
Our group of six got a late reservation, which we accepted as "better than nothing." We were going to be in Winter Park, and wanted a nice dinner ... so we took the time. When we arrived a half-hour early, our table was already set and waiting ... could we have arrived at dinner time and been seated instead of waiting for post-theatre time? We'll never know. Based on all the other reviews -- and their pricing structure -- I expected to be wowed. What I experienced was mediocre food and inexperienced service. (For example, you do not need to bring an ice bucket when the table has ordered two bottles of red wine.) It felt like a location coasting on its reputation. And for the prices, Florida or not, I thought most patrons' attire overly casual. It wasn't one-star terrible ... but certainly not a place I could recommend to others.
(2)
Stacy S.
My husband and I love Park Plaza Gardens. We go their as a neighborhood gem for a quick meal or for formal ocassions. They have a wonderful outdoor and bar area, a very refined and romantic inner dining room and a private room for special parties which we just did for my birthday this summer. Awesome!! The food, the service, the ambiance are all first class. Year after year, day after day.
(5)
Mark S.
Brought my parents, sister, and niece to the Park Plaza Gardens for lunch on the Sunday following Christmas. This is a hidden jewel that fits right in with the charm of downtown Winter Park. There are several ways to get in, from either the cafe/bar entrance or hotel entrance on Park Avenue. It's way in the back away from the street front. Perhaps my sister said it best, "This is just like stepping back into New York City". Wonderful service, wonderful atmosphere, wonderful food. Yes, it was a wonderful experience for our family and we all greatly enjoyed this moment together. After being served the complimentary basket of warmed breads, muffins, and pastries we passed on the brunch option and instead ordered ala carte from the lunch menu; a variety of soups, salads, and entrees. Everybody raved about whatever they were eating, be it the Five Onion soup, the Crispy Romaine salad, the Pork Tenderloin entree, the Curry Chicken salad, or even the BLT sandwich. The after meal coffee was a big hit too. Not one detail was missed or overlooked during our lunch. The total bill for our party of five was only $93 + tip. Given the level of attention, quality, and detail this wasn't just a wonderful time together for our family, but a wonderful value as well.
(5)
Kristen C.
I had visited Park Plaza Gardens with my husband and some friends for lunch just under a year ago and was left feeling ambivalent. I really just thought that lunch wasn't their thing and that I'd be wow'ed by a dinner experience. Our anniversary came around and we decided to do dinner here. Our appetizer was the scallops, they were a touch overcooked but were otherwise enjoyable. As for our entrees, I had the pork tenderloin and my husband had the fish and lobster feature. His fish and lobster were cooked perfectly tasted wonderful. My pork was supposed to be medium but came out a bit dry and overcooked. My entree came with a vegetable that consisted of spinach and sweet potato with goat cheese. I found that the sweet potato really over powered the goat cheese, they really should have been left separate in my opinion. Desert was the peanut butter torte and bananas foster. Both were ok, they didn't do the bananas foster at the table, I've never been at a restaurant that didn't so that was strange. We each had a glass of house wine, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc, both were actually pretty good for house wine. It wasn't a bad experience, just not what I would expect for the price. Service was quite nice, everyone was kind and helpful.
(3)
Stunt S.
Amazing food with an impeccable staff that makes you feel like your the only table in the house! We had our wedding reception here and it was awesome!!! We also like going here from time to time just for fun and fantastic food! Simply Amazing!
(5)
Nick S.
Been here for drinks before, went this late afternoon for late lunch. Sat in a very cold Atrium, because the bar and patio was full we thought it would be more civil. Hostess, young and ready to go home, sighs and seats us in a booth right next to the entry in an empty...virtually...Room. My pet peeve. People buzzing in and out, wait staff doing everything but giving us any service. Nice people, unattentive. Mediocre meal. Sooooo many more choices on Park. Keep walking past here and fine one.
(2)
Gabriel R.
A nice neighborhood and a nice addition to it. At first glance it appears to be an upscale bar, tables both to the left and right of the bar, with nicely placed large screen TVs showing sports in HD. Is there any other way to watch sports? Once you've passed the bar area you will enter into an expansive and beautiful dining area with a massive skylight and warm stone floors. The brunch was wonderful. We had a large party and each one of us was very happy with both our starters and with our entrees as well. One of us had an issue with a main and it was immediately remedied and supported by several apologies. A new dish was brought to the table quickly but great attention to detail was made and not rushed. The coffee was also excellent, something I'm remembering 6 weeks later. Our server was incredibly hospitable and made our experience a great one. If I'm back in the area again I will return.
(5)
Scott J.
Park Plaza Gardens recently implemented a twist on the classic chef's table concept with its VIP themed dinners. Guests can choose from East Meest West, 1940s Supper Club and Southern Decadence. I experienced the Southern Decadence, and I was reminded what a culinary talent PPG's chef, John Tan, is. You can read the complete review at my website.
(4)
Bob T.
I had a frittata that was pretty bland. My friend had a hamburger that was overcooked. The waiter forgot to bring out the bread basket. Not a great place.
(1)
Keith H.
Yesterday I was down on Park Ave. with a nice young lady and we wanted to stop somewhere for a drink to chat. We selected Park Plaza Gardens. I walked up to the hostess, she looks frustrated and explains in a not so pleasant manner that the outside seating is booked, if we want we can go inside which has the same menu. I said "sure, no problem". I think she assumed we were going to request a table outside on the street, but that wasnt the case. We spot a table towards the back of the bar area, which is directly in front of the door where all servers have to travel to pick up food and serve the tables in the back of the restaurant. We sit and wait.....servers walk by, no one is stopping...wait a few minutes more then I grab a guy walking by. Excuse me can we get drinks? Sure, let me get someone, he says. Server walks up with menus, says he'll be back with waters. He returns with the waters and we order. I order a mojito and the young lady with me orders a martini. We talk for probably 8 mins and realize nothing is coming from the bar 10 ft behind her. They are steady but they are NOT crowded. We wait about another 5 and I ask if she would like to leave, she looks back and 30 seconds later we are getting up and walking out. On the way out, our server said the tender was overwhelmed and had many drink orders. However, as we walked out, I didn't see a tender behind the bard. Sorry, maybe next time?
(2)
Josh E.
Love everything about it. From the quaint outside seating to the inside dining room. Everything and anything goes here, try the chefs special or sample the long time running menu. They have amazing wine selection and exceptional service.
(5)
Carrie S.
Made reservations here for a Sunday brunch to celebrate a girlfriend's new job venture. Three of us sat in their Atrium and enjoyed a lovely atmosphere of white lights, cloth-lined tables and soft piano music. It was not pretentious despite its refined characteristics. The mimosas were wonderful and most of the food was delicious. Bathroom was single use and small. Prices were fine for brunch and food was plentiful; dinner prices may not have been worth paying. Did not enjoy the crab & shrimp fritatta (very heavy and smotherd in cheddar) but my friends' brunches both got good reviews. The seafood in my fritatta was very fresh though. Three people at the next table did not enjoy their prime rib but we did not have first hand tasting knowledge. The outside seating area would be loud but pretty. The bar area was very dark. I had a great brunch with my friends and would go back for the Mimosas alone. The atmosphere was perfect for any special occasion. I'd go back
(4)
Travis K.
Excellent dining experience! The staff is wonderful, the food is amazing and the martini selection is simply outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant!!
(5)
Deirdre O.
My mom took us here for a quick mid-week lunch. We should have sat in the restaurant, from my peeks it looks really pretty back there. We sat in the open seating area in the front of restaurant- which was fine. We people watched as they walked by on the sidewalk. We had a very cheerful attentive greeting from wait staff. They took our drink orders in no time and were back to handle our lunch selections. I had the fish and chips. I am not sure what possessed me to get that. I never order fish and chips. However, I did not do so bad afterall. It was really tasty. The beer battered fish filets were seasoned well, it came with their own tarter sauce, and of course french fries. Next time for lunch, I will try one of the salads. The table next to me had some really pretty ones that they seemd to be enjoying. My mom ordered the South Beach Burger. She raved on about how great this burger was. It came without any carbs, no buns, no fries. She felt that the loss in bread was more than compensated for with flavor and seasoning. Over all, the service was excellent, the food was good- we will be back.
(4)
Dwain D.
Just tried the Chef's new lobster po-boy...close your eyes when biting into it and you'll swear you're in Nawlins!
(4)
Judy D.
Six of us went to the restaurant for lunch. I admit that I was expecting something special, after reading the rave reviews. It just didn't even come close. I had a dry hamburger, another had a "fruit salad" which was straight from the Publix Deli genre and consisted of honeydew and cantalope with a dipping sauce, one called his prime rib sandwich a "Philly cheesesteak" and two orders of fries were returned to the kitchen because the pepper on them was waaaayyy overdone. The waitstaff was pleasant enough and efficient. None of us would bother with a return visit.
(2)
Jessica B.
Awful service! Tried to eat dinner here, but it's been over an hour an still no entree. Appetizer and salad was good, but can't make up for the awful service.
(1)
Lisa W.
PPG offers 2 nice dining options depending on what you are on the mood for. The atrium is fine dining, the outside cafe/bar is more laid back. Both are wonderful. The cafe/bar menu is quite expansive- offers a great beef burger, ahi tuna burger, along with a french dip and other sandwiches. Nice apps, soups and salads. Outside seating goes quickly. Brunch and Dinner in the atrium is very nice. Plan on the meal taking some time, but it's worth it. Service is wonderful, food is delish and the atmosphere is worthy of a Birthday or Anniversary. 2010 brought their 30th anniversary and a special menu featuring 1980's cuisine and pricing. Plenty of wine dinners and special Prix Fixe menus are offered throughout the year and for the holidays. Wine list is nice, bar menu is great. $-$$ in the cafe (dress: shorts, whatever) $$-$$$ in the atrium (Dress: nicer)
(4)
David K.
Fellow Yelpers, I went to this restaurant on a beautiful day prior to my business trip to Europe with my beautiful girlfriend. We strolled down Park Ave trying to decide where to go and came to the conclusion to "Park" our butts at "...Plaza Gardens". Terrible play on words, I know. We both checked into this place (being the psychotic Yelp fans that we are) and to our surprise we each earned a free dessert! Therefore, a quick tip to you all, check-in to this place pronto!! We sat by the entrance (see my photo) of the restaurant near the outdoor area. It was a busy day during lunch time with a decent crowd eating there. There was a funny older waiter who kept taking jabs at customers that were coming into the restaurant. As an example some little girls and their grandparents walked in and he yelled out, "Aw you girls look so pretty" and then he looked at the grandfather and said, "You not so much though". Yeah, I thought that was entertaining. Anyway enough about retirees and more about the food... We ordered the Artichoke Dip and Chips appetizer (see my photo). The dip was good but it lacked cheese, I submit that the Publix version of this dip is better. However, it was still devoured on the spot by the two monsters sitting at the table. Another quick tip is that on Saturday during brunch/lunch they serve some menu items at their opening year prices, meaning that the prices are at the year in which the restaurant first opened (sometime in the 1980s, when I was still inside my father's testicles). I think I crossed a line here, oh well. I ordered the Duck (see my photo) which was very very good. It was crunchier than the 310 Park South duck, but the inside was not as tender. Due to this slight difference I think both Duck choices are on par with each other. Oh yeah and the Mimosa Salad (see my photo) that I ordered came before the Duck and that was also pretty tasty. The love of my life ordered the Fish and Chips (see my photo) which was great. I definitely recommend it in my opinion. The breaded fish was very flaky, not like dandruff, but just like a well cooked and fried fish. We then utilized our Yelp freebie which 'yelped' us a lot in becoming fatter by eating a nice dessert after such a big meal. We went with the PPG Ice Cream which was good but not the best I have had. It was a bit too sweet (yes some things can be too sweet, even for this fat kid). Overall, I recommend this place for a nice brunch/lunch with close friends and family. Order the duck if you like this fine bird. Animal lovers, get off my back, I also think they're cute, but they taste much better. I'm going to hell. See ya when I see ya!
(4)
Denisse M.
I would like to rate this higher, but I just can't. In short, they're losing some stars because the service was unbeliavably slow. However, the food was very tasty and we really, truly enjoyed our dinner, once it decided to make its way into our table that is. Apppetizers: We started with the baked Brie and the Mixed Green salad. The baked brie was phenomenal, mainly due to the very sweet tomato jam that accompanies it. Also, the salad was incredibly tasty. The dressing was just right (not too much, not too little) and it was fresh and crunchy where it needed to be. Dinner Entrees: My boyfriend ordered the prosciutto and fresh mozzarella stuffed breast of chicken, and I ordered off their daily special entree menu. It was a Pork Ribeye with creamy parmesan rissotto with sweet potato and asparagus. It was the absolute best pork I've ever had in my life. My boyfriend really enjoyed his entree as well. But it should not go unmentioned that it did take about 45 minutes AFTER our appetizers were finished. Did I mention we were there on a Tuesday night with perhaps 4-8 other tables being served? They were certainly not jammed packed. I think that for whatever reason, they were experiencing some issues in the kitchen, because it was about 40'ish minutes that we did not see a single entree come out of the kitchen. And within 10 minutes, everything was coming out, including our food. If you have a couple, maybe 3 hours to spare dining, then by all means, the place is beautiful and the food is excellent. But if you don't have unlimited time to waste, then by all means, go to Luma or just about any other high-brow place in Park Ave.
(3)
tiffany w.
The food was o.k. We started out with an iceburg lettuce wedge salad with balsamic dressing and Applewood smoked bacon. Orlando does not know how to serve bacon, especially Applewood smoked bacon. Is it so hard to actually make it to order and serve it served crispy? I had the pork medallions and my partner had the salmon beurre blan. Both dishes were bland. The desert, a chocolate cake concoction was also bland. A few ups, the restaurant is pretty. The servers are attentive. You can see the chefs at work in the kitchen. There is a lovely player piano. However, the main attraction, the food was anything but spectacular.
(3)
Karl S.
PPG is probably my favorite place. The outdoor seating is perfect and full most of he time. The food is delicious! From appetizers to entrees it's all excellent . You won't be sorry. I LOVE the BLT sliders! We also love Alyssa our server. She is great. Gives great advice on all the selections.
(5)
Jm D.
I went for the first time recently, thanks to Groupon. It was a great experience. Enjoyed lobster version of escargot as app, crab stuffed chicken and chocolate cake. Excellent overall. Beautiful setting. Looking forward to returning.
(4)
Roxanne L.
I have been here 2.5 times - for Easter brunch last year, a dinner date, and an appetizer run because 310 was full. While it's been a while since my visit, I will always remember and recommend their French Onion Soup - I've never had better and their braised pork. All I can say is this is a great choice and the decor in the back is definitely classy!
(5)
Don R.
Not what it was in the past. I have been to the PPG many times over the last 12 years. It's a favorite of my mother so my wife and I decided to take her there for her birthday. In the last, it was very good to even exceptional. The service I received was good as well. Now I am wondering what happened, who made it happen and why would I want to go back. The service was still good. A little slow for a quiet night, only one other table was occupied, but that is not always the servers problem. The night started good with a nice bottle of wine, our second choice because the first one was not available. But that was the highlight. I decided to try the soup and my wife had a Caesar salad. My "bowl" of soup consisted of a huge plate with about five spoons of soup. It was OK, not great but really, could you have a little more volume to it. My wife's salad was average. No one makes a real Caesar salad anymore. Lettuce, croutons and Cesar dressing I can make at home. I expect more from a better restaurant. Our entrees were both over cooked. My fish and my wife's chicken was dry. The fish was a special but clearly out of the freezer and not fresh. Considering that dinner for three was over $150, it was disappointing. I have no plans to return, there are a lot of options available in Winter Park. I will look at them for the next special occasion
(2)
Richard U.
Came here for a rehersal dinnner for a wedding so this review is based off of the set menu we were provided... First off, this place is located in downtown Winter Park which feels like a quaint hamlet next to the sprawl of Orlando. The restaurant itself has a fairly nice interior with high ceilings and subdued lighting. I knew the food would be decent as the chef came out to introduce himself as hailing from Singapore (always a good sign!) The appetizers were pot stickers and vege sprill rolls both of where were decent enough. I got the fried monk fish with cilantro rice for the main course which was very, very good. I don't think I ever had monk fish before although I do recall it as being somewhat ugly looking ad a fav with Iron Chef episodes. Either way I am a fan now! With creme brulee for dessert I was pretty much done. Service was personable and catered to our every request no matter how frivolous. Not a bad place to go if you are looking for a decent meal for date nigth.
(4)
Mariacristina R.
I went for a private luncheon and although had a great time, wasn't too impressed with the service. The servers were polite but since the dining area that was reserved was out of view, I had no idea where I was going and I didn't have a single person greet me or ask me if I needed help. I had to call a friend to find out where they were (just around the corner). However, the luncheon Park Plaza put together was very thoughtful, well-done and tasty. The atrium area is gorgeous. Overall a pleasant area, I'll have to try more of the menu!
(3)
Johanna M.
Had brunch in Atrium, great food and perfect atmosphere to catch up with friends and have unlimited mimosas. The quiche by friend had was divine and my burger was perfect. Would recommend to anyone in or out of town.
(4)
David M.
For my 100th Yelp review, I visited one of the Old Guard members of the local restaurant community--Park Plaza Gardens in Winter Park. Hidden behind a sidewalk bar is the Park Plaza Gardens atrium restaurant, a tranquil setting that takes me back to living in Boston. Brick walls and natural lighting with tables nestled between (I think) artificial trees, make for a great setting. Unfortunately, because the building is on the older side (from a Central Florida perspective), the rest rooms also remind me of rest rooms that I often found in Boston. Let it be known that when a rest room is intended for one person, the door really should lock . . . . Our server was polite, if a bit obsequious. I appreciate good service, and the service was excellent, but I wish servers could find a more delicate balance between the over-friendly and the unctuous. I was joined by two lovely ladies and the conversation was outstanding so my meal was far from my focus. That said, I did try to take note. I started with a butternut squash soup that was made with a tomato base. I think I would have preferred a vegetable stock base as the sweet squash, coupled with the sweet tomato was just a bit too sweet for my taste. The soup had a very good texture-- thick without being lumpy--but the sweetness was just too overpowering. I ordered the fish and chips, a moderately-sized portion of fried cod and an ample portion of french fries. The fish was well fried and seemed quite fresh. Overall, it was one of the better fish and chips that I have had in Orlando. The fries were average in all ways and a bit of a letdown. Fewer hand cut fries would go a lot farther than a mound of julienned fries that could very well have come out of a bag in the freezer. And there is never a time that fries should be soggy! The location and the companionship made the lunch quite pleasant and the food did not detract from the experience. It just did not enhance it all that much either. I would try PPG again, and I would not run screaming into the night if someone asked me to go there, but I won't go out of my way to visit it again any time soon.
(3)
Ha C.
I got invited to this restaurant by my bf mom. First impression of the restaurant wasn't great. It seem the hostess have a little attitude. Fortunately the hostess got a little better. We decided to sit outside, the inside dinning room is too cold. The food was good and so was the service. Our waiter was attentive and good. Overall, we had a great time.
(3)
Felice W.
My daughter and I had Afternoon Tea, to escape the madness of Black Friday shoppers. What a wonderful time!! The food was delicious and the atmosphere relaxing. Our server, Jessica was great - plesant, engaging, and took very good care of our every need. We will definately be back!
(5)
Dave F.
This was a cool (literally) place to find lunch after a morning walking around Winter Park and the Sunday arts festival. Also hit town as the Amtrak Silver Meteor stopped at the station, funny I have been to Winter Park twice in my life (1st time in 1996) and each time I've gone there the train was coming thru. That's some good ju-ju cos I like trains. And this restaurant reminds me a lot of a New Orleans-style place, meaning they have a very serene back area of the restaurant with live piano and the food is really good as well. The blackened sole with remoulade sauce was excellent, as was a steak sandwich and a salmon carpaccio appetizer. I had forgotten that WP is kind of an upscale town, I was dressed in gold chains and a muscle-shirt so I kinda looked like a bum (I had no idea I would be having a nice lunch), but my lemonade got a lot better on the refresher once they realized we were there for food and not just to get wasted on drinks at a Sunday lunchtime. The restrooms are in the adjacent hotel and have a real 1920's vibe which I like.
(4)
Janet O.
Food was excellent! I had the Seared Salmon and it was one of the best! The staff was wonderful and very knowledgeable and not overbearing. This restaurant is located in the Winter Park section of downtown. When you go into the restaurant you will see the bar to your left and as you go in further it's like entering into a magical world that is so different from where you just came in. There are booths around the area that is exclusive to the people that is occupying the booth-privacy/romance seem to be the theme when you are in the booth. Part of the walls are layered with bricks and it gives the place a certain old world charm to it. The California wine they served was ok. I can forgive them for that because the service made up for it and the food and the ambiance. Btw-they also serve food outside alfresco. i say try it and you might like it.
(4)
Valerie W.
The Cafe at Park Plaza is my favorite kick back and relax place in Winter Park! Been meaning to write a review for quite some time and just keep forgetting to do it! We have been coming to Park Plaza for about 14 years. Have seen several changes in Management and chefs and the vibe has always been the same and so has the food but the atmosphere and the service is what keeps us coming back all these years! They really love you at this place!! Like coming to hang with an old friend, no need to pretend just "be who you be"! The food is always good and sometimes even if its not on the menu the chef will make it for you if he has the ingredients in the kitchen. Love the risotto (almost any kind they have) and beef carpaccio is super good!! Drinks are always top of the line!! Sunday brunch is quite good too!! Wait staff is always wonderful and I do mean ALWAYS!! John, Chris, Alyssa love you guys!!
(5)
No Longer Yelping B.
I'm giving it an extra star for being located in Winter Park and having semi-nice decor. I took my husband out for lunch one afternoon and really regretted choosing this place. The cappuccino was, let's be honest here, an abomination. Though the sugary swizzle stick was kinda nice, it was the best part of the whole meal. I had the lamb sliders which was one burger cut into four pieces and arranged on an oblong plate to look interesting. It tasted anything but. My husband had the ahi tuna burger which we both had to rack our brains for a moment to remember. It was that memorable. The bill came out to about $40 which is expectable for any WP restaurant, but the food was so boring and plain that we were pretty darned disappointed. I can't say I'd go back unless it was just for wine. They do have a nice room in the back which I believe is open for dinner only. MEH.
(2)
Margaret B.
Park Plaza Gardens has great food, great service, and a great atmosphere! Can't wait to have Thanksgiving dinner here next week. Only thing...when will they change the information on the facebook page about the names of the chef and sous chef? It needs updating. If you haven't eaten here try it out during the holiday season!
Oh gosh Winter Park, I've only been back 12 hours and I have to say, you are not Being All that You could Be. So many things to bring to your attention with my big ole Yelpy mouth, so here I go.... In spite of my fellow Orlando Yelpers love, I gotta throw down the cold truth... In spite of the newer booth additions to this ugly stiff brick room, things are just not worth the price of admission here for a fancy dinner. - 1 Star - Cold Truth is Right. How about that A/C system? At the side booth, our one male patron was freezin (and you know that it must be cold, then, right ladies?!) as the ill-placed A/C tube vent was blasting chilly air on him. Think I exagerate? Howzabout he had to chase his menu down twice as it blew off the table? Management's lame excuse "It is the same vent into the kitchen." Um.... Then buy those cheap-o magnet vent covers they sell on like, Frontgate or wherever and cover the vent for heaven's sake. Did I mention that it was only 65 outside, too? Brrrrrr. - 1 Star - Stupid Valet system. So our dinner rezzie is at 730. And the valet closes at 930. Which is lame. But then, thank heavens, our male guest thought to run out to see what that means as the keys are - and I cannot believe this - brought over to HOUSTON'S - that would be on 17-92 people - when the valet is closed. Um, I don't care that this is "provided by the city of Winter Park and not part of the hotel" mister half-assed manager guy. It's where you suggested we park when we called in. - 1 Star - Rezzie not ready. Mum made a rezzie for 3 at 730pm on Xmas eve. She made it A MONTH AGO (God bless old people). And when we walked in, I saw that booth, the arctic air booth, was empty. But you send us to the bar to wait until 745? What the hell for? Oh, don't bother offering us a drink. Oh, you didn't. + 1 Star - Hot Food. Well, at least everything was hot that came out. - 1 Star - Sides. Wait - you made me an amazing piece of fish, a delicious piece of tea smoked duck for mum, a fab steak for pops, and the sides are unseasoned asparagus and carrots and the worst mushy potato casserole (what really was in there - was it potato or was it glue?) ever served? How cruel to the cook. How cruel to the diner. - 1 Star - Lobster starter. Again, this was a holiday meal, so I get that it's not all cooked to order. But the lobster was over cooked, then served in a ramekin of hot unsalted butter. Ugh. Insult to lobsters everywhere. If you cook it in advance (which you did) how about just serving it cold and lovely with perhaps a light curry mayo or just... plain? - 1 Star - Sparkling wine list. Only one sparkling from Spain, and it's a mediocre cava at $36 per bottle? Really? On a holiday? - 1 Star - Smell. What is that strong smell of bleach I smelled as I walked in from the back door (where the un-valet is located) and then returned back out that door. I suppose I could be happy, as it means that the bathrooms to my side are perhaps clean, but also there is the kitchen pass through window, so I feel demoralized by that strong whiff. + 1 Star / - 1 Star - Service. Our server, Robbie, was very sweet. And totally overwhelmed, It is certainly always so on a holiday, but I do believe for $50pp a bit more attentiveness could be helpful. Why was poor frantic (though calm) Robbie not given a bus/bread boy to replenish our bread? Why did I have to ask the sommelier (or was he the manager - so hard to tell if anyone at all was in charge) to give me more water - twice? It felt like there was no Captain steering the boat, no rudder in the storm, though the staff was doing ok, and not trying hard, it just felt like a Bennigan's experience. + 1 Star - Piano. Good playing, mister piano man. I have had several holiday meals here, mainly due to my family continually forgetting how mediocre the last time was, and my wanting to be polite. There is a lack of excellence at this restaurant, and it just goes up a notch on the prix fixe holiday times. Coming from LA, I do expect an amazing time for such money, and yet I still cannot believe that a place like this, that could do so much little more to be acceptable does not make the corrections. Other than the blocks over the vents (here's one amazon.com/WRK-Vent-Bloc… ) there can be a lot to warm the place up for night/winter serving such as throw carpets under the tables, or if that is too complex, even darker color table clothes to make it less glaring. Oh, and how about a guy who just runs around and brings water and rolls to tables. A few little things, then you can remind the waiter staff or manger to ge on top of the valet situation....
(2)
Lindsey N.
I have been to Park Plaza may times and the most recent time I have to say I was totally blown away by my entree! I ordered a Shrimp, Scallop & Lobster Risotto and boy was it mind blowing! So delicious and definitely great portion size, I took some home. The atmosphere of the restaurant is great too, you basically get to choose between 3 seating areas. Outside on the side walk, indoor by the bar or in the back of the restaurant where the vibe is more romantic. Personally my favorite is outside. I love to people watch and especially on Park avenue you feel alive with everyone out and about all the time!
Such a cute and unexpected little place. We started with the crab cake which was plenty big enough for 2 to share and wonderful. I had the chef special Sea Bass and hands down it was the best Sea Bass I have ever had.
(5)
Melissa S.
So we came here for a paint night and it was such a great atmosphere and the food was awesome and what a great way to spend a night out with your friend! I will deathly be back here on Sunday for unlimited mimosas!
(5)
Dawn S.
Excellent service, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere is beautiful! We had the chicken strips as an appetizer, steaks and meatloaf as our meals and everything was perfect. My girls and i loved it. Finished with the chocolate cake- yum! Our waiter was extremely nice and very professional. We went at night and the interior setting is beautiful with all of the lights... Loved it!
Takes Reservations : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Catherine S.
Excellent service and food! Highly recommend it! Great ambiance and setting. Delicious seafood.
(5)Howard W.
Fabulous and great sarvicc as you would like toave Lunch was just special. htw Great 4th anniversary!
(5)Ally H.
Excellent brunch!!! Service was stellar, and the food was cooked perfectly. Honestly, the best eggs Benedict I think I have ever had!! The atrium makes for a wonderful setting, they also have a fantastic Bloody Mary bar, and a great unlimited mimosas special for Sunday brunch. Our server Jason was attentive and very accommodating, I will absolutely be back !!! A++
(4)Allison S.
Great service and delicious menu! A gorgeous setting to sit and enjoy a meal with friends. The fried green tomatoes were on point!
(4)Nik M.
Definitely was not a fan of this place, at least for breakfast / brunch. Walked around park ave looking for somewhere to eat and came across this restaurant since the line wasn't long and they had live music. They sat us down and almost 15 minutes had passed and no one came to serve us (I had to ask after 10 minutes). We ordered some food and water. My water cup was dirty. Had to get another one. My girlfriend and I ordered the same thing. Simple eggs with potatoes and a biscuit. I had to ask for a refill on water which took another 10 minutes because the waiter was talking and laughing by the register. The eggs were cold and had no taste and the biscuit was the size of a quarter. Then we asked for butter 3 times, until someone said "oh your butter hasnt arrived yet? Let me check that out for you". Had to request it once more and by then the food was getting even colder. When they brought the butter, it was hard as a rock and literally looked like the icing on a cake. Not even sure if it was butter. We ended up not finishing our food and left. I don't plan on returning unfortunately. The food was bad and the service was even worse.
(1)Megan S.
Park Plaza Gardens is a cute restaurant and bar on Park Ave. I went Sunday morning for brunch, and loved it! From the street, you only notice that there is outdoor seating and the indoor bar area, but if you walk through the bar, you'll find yourself in an Atrium with cushy booths, leather chairs, and a beautiful little setting. We ate in the Atrium, as it was just too delightful to pass up, even though we definitely felt under-dressed (jeans and t-shirts hardly looked like they fit in sitting back there!). The menu is pretty straight forward sounding breakfasts. I ordered the Style French Toast with a side of bacon, and my boyfriend ordered The Chairman's Eggs Benedict #2. At first glance at my French Toast, I thought it wouldn't be enough, but it was thick and a lot more bread than I'm used to, so between that and the bacon I was full by the time I was done. The French Toast comes topped with berries and vanilla custard, and it was seriously super good. The Chairman's Eggs Benedict was also really good, though I'm not really a fan of Eggs Benedict. They do have a build your own Bloody Mary bar, which my boyfriend loved. I had a Mimosa, which was delicious. Our server was super nice and very polite. Dishes didn't sit long on the table once they were empty. The 4 star rating is primarily the price. I get that its Park Ave and therefore much more swanky than say First Watch or Kekes, but $11 for one piece of French Toast was a bit much. Overall, I thought it was a delightful spot. The food was good, the menu is pretty interesting, and the atmosphere was intimate while still being well lit (natural lit during the day, though I imagine at night it's darker and more intimate).
(4)John C.
Jason was by far the best and warmest waiter we have ever experienced in any resteraunt. Park plaza is truly blessed to have him as a waiter. The food and the ambiance of the establishment are great, but the service makes both even better.
(5)Kevin O.
Amazing atrium in the restaurant. Great food, great service! Our waiter was John and he was fantastic. Must go! Truly a hidden gem.
(5)Joshua S.
You know, didn't eat the food but the drink experience was terrible. Here's the thing....I love Crown Royal. Furthermore, I love hot toddies with Crown and Old Fashioned's. I've had them from the midwest-west-east. Never had a worse Old Fashioned than I did at PPG tonight. I ordered the PPG with Crown and after one sip I about threw up and returned it for a Crown on the rocks. It was so bad. I had my drink mate have a sip, who has been a bartender at high end restaurants for 13+ years try it, and we agreed it was B-A-D. It tasted like drinking a tainted sour bitter orange peel. It was disgusting. Her wine was also pretty bad apparently. The Crown rocks was great, can't mess that up, but that was it and we left. I did hit the can and the restaurant looked amazing so maybe one day will try. But for tonight, the drinks were a total fail.
(3)Chris T.
Came here for breakfast/brunch and chose the place because there was no wait for outside seating. Maybe that should have been our cue... We sat and a waitress came and took our drink order. It took easily 10 minutes to get our lukewarm coffee and tea. After getting our drinks we had to ask the guy bringing them if we could order food and he sent our waitress back to us. We ordered and waited, and waited, and waited. And no refills on coffee. I watched one of the waiters pick something off the rim of a mimosa glass and then take it to a table (disgusting!), I watched people leave because they were out of everything they tried to order, and we waited some more.... we eventually were able to flag down a waiter for more coffee, but it wasn't easy. When he came to refill it he filled the cups halfway and my friend asked "is there not more coffee than that?" To which he replied that many people don't like their cups full so they can add a lot of cream.... Sure, maybe, but we'll tell you. I couldn't finish my 2nd cup of mediocre coffee. At this point we finally got our food. It was ok, nothing to write home about. The toast didn't have any butter. My friend asked for butter and jelly and it was almost as if it was a strange request. He did bring some (frozen) butter roses. All in all I won't return here. Mainly for the terrible service on a not THAT busy morning.
(2)Tanlove C.
We celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversay here and what can I say... but AMAZING!! The food is exceptionally fresh and great! And Chris our waiter is outstanding! Everyone knew it was our anniversay and came by to say happy anniversay to us.... Such great people! We will definitely return! Thank you all for making our night special!!
(5)Brittany G.
I have mixed feeling about the place. Everyone says how great the brunch is, but my friends and I came for dinner. The dining room is kind of hidden past the bar, and the decor is absolutely adorable. We went on a super rainy night, so it wasn't very crowded. Being a slow night, I think that the kitchen presentation was off. I kept hearing from my friends that had been before the constant "this was so much better the last time i was here". The quality of the food was great, a little pricey for what you get but also on par with the area. The service was okay. The server mentioned that people come for the great drink specials that they offer on the night that we went, as she collected our bills of full priced drinks.
(3)Tim H.
What a wonderful surprise! We were pleasantly delighted with our experience and the food and atmosphere were great. Definitely try the grouper and sea bass special was awesome! Bread pudding with the homemade ice cream was great too! Quiet and intimate and a great date night out!
(5)A A.
Great food with excellent service and lots of orlando history. Walk thru the lobby of the hotel next door after your meal for a short stroll into the past. Best tasting calamary I have had for some time. Only reason they are not getting 5 stars is that their desserts are way overpriced at $8.50 a piece - I know this is a pricing trend in many restaurants but this is too good of a dining experience to end your meal with a dessert value disappointment. We had several desserts and their carrot cake, while tasty, was about 1 square inch in size. Excellent service and great group dining experience in a beautiful setting (restaurant is in the far back as you enter on park)
(4)Danielle D.
The ambiance and decorations in this place are incredible. It has such a classy feel, and the dishes are not overpriced. We did not order dessert so I can't speak on its behalf - however, the brunch food was good. I had the crab eggs benedict. I wouldn't say it was the best I have ever had, but it wasn't disappointing. They start you off with an assortment of croissants and pastry style bread, with jelly - absolutely delicious. As far as drink specials, the bottomless mimosas are outstanding, with different juice options. Excellent pricing as well. The Bloody Mary bar is impressive, as long as you get there early. If you get there towards the last hours of brunch, the selection will not be as abundant (as per my experience). Overall, I absolutely loved this restaurant, and the service was awesome! I would definitely recommend it to friends.
(5)Tripp B.
The food was fantastic and the service was top notch. We will definitely stop here when we are back in the area.
(5)Angela K.
I've thought PPG service in the bar has ALWAYS BEEN "meh" at best. Today??? Anthony changed all that. He was slammed, but he never let us go without a drink, was attentive, but not annoying. Loved it AND HIS FELLOW SERVERS checked on us too! Pleasant surprise! Will be back more often. And the happy hour bar menu--great! Pick the oysters over the shrimp. But $10 for la crema glass can't be beat!
(4)Brit S.
Right off park ave, the location is prime. However, the brunch food is only good. Not so much great. My salmon frittata was over cooked and the Bloody Mary bar - although exciting at first glance - was not entirely fresh. All the ingredients must have been sitting out for a while. Thinking about how the meats are exposed to the air (and potentially bugs) in addition to other people's hands was not the best. There wasn't enough utensils to properly pick out the olives and other condiments from their jars so I can only imagine how many hands had touched the toppings before me. I would turn again and skip the Bloody Mary and salon frittata. update: I loved that the restaurant's management reached out with a comment to my initial yelp review. Definitely a big reason to give it another try! Thank you!
(3)David H.
Park Plaza Gardens is a really gorgeous restaurant located in downtown Winter Park. The bar is a little dark and "cozy" (during the day, anyway), but the restaurant section towards the back is atrium-like, bright, and spacious. The service we received last Sunday was great. Our server was very attentive and kept the all-you-can-drink mimosas flowing - for $12, it's hard to pass up. The brunch meal I ordered - a traditional breakfast - was good overall, but the eggs were almost devoid of flavor (some spices could have livened them up). The potatoes, mixed with peppers, were delicious. The coffee was the highlight of the meal; in fact, I would go back just for the coffee. I also enjoyed the assortment of muffins and bread brought to the table before our meals arrived. Now that I know the brunch is pretty good, I'll be going back to try out their other menus. *Round down to 3.5/5
(4)Emily G.
Gil is a wonderful server. Very knowledgable and excellent customer service. The meal was exquisite. I got a sandwich and clam chowder. Highly recommend this place.
(5)Lana P.
Awesome environment, awesome price! Love coming Saturday's because they have a high quality live music!
(5)Kristina G.
This restaurant was a huge disappointment for a group luncheon on a Saturday. We had a 16 person reservation and although the ambiance and restaurant is gorgeous, the service was awful. The servers are very slow and incompetent giving us the wrong drinks and food. Timeline: When we arrived at 12:30pm, it took 45 minutes for our two servers to deliver drinks. At 2:00pm we finally were served our food - in two sets - 8 ppl got their food, then 20 minutes later the next 8 ppl got their food. At 3:00pm, we all finally got our checks! Tip at 20% was included for the worst service. At $65.00 for two for lunch, we will not be returning ever. PS. I always write positive reviews, so please take my word on this one.
(2)Bob K.
working hard at the office once again!! Going to take the train downtown to show property. Best place on the ave!!! Luv ppg
(5)Juliet B.
This is classic old Winter Park. Wonderful food in the back room in a garden atmosphere. Romantic and pleasing.
(5)Margaret S.
The live music on Friday creates a pleasant atmosphere. Five cheese onion soup was a little bland, however the scallops were fantastic. Would come back again!
(4)Tim P.
I eat out in the Park Avenue area on a regular basis and I'm normally impressed with the food and service at most establishments. I wish I could say that for Park Plaza Gardens, but that is not the case. On two separate occasions I have been to this restaurant and have been severely disappointed both times. One was during the Winter Park Art Festival when I came with some friends who spoke highly of the restaurant. We ordered two appetizers, the mussels and spinach dip, as both were recommended by my friends. According to my friends, the prices the same on the limited menu for the art festival, but the portions were cut in half. The mussels portion was only like 8 mussels for around $15. Having been in restaurant management in the past, I know that mussels are the least expensive shellfish to purchase and are a high revenue item. Not to mention the food came out on Styrofoam plates and bowls. When we questioned the Styrofoam plates, we were told it was because of the art festival although all of the other restaurants nearby were serving customers on their regular dinner plates. We left after appetizers instead of continuing the meal. The other visit was today for brunch when I ordered shrimp and grits and received 3 shrimp and hardly any grits for $13.95. I don't mind paying a fair price for good food, but this was an extremely small portion and not very flavorful. There was no sauce on the shrimp or grits which made it very dry. Also, I ordered the unlimited mimosas for $12. It took 15 minutes to get the first mimosa. After I finished the first one, it was another 20 plus minutes to get a refill after the server told me she would be right back with a refill. I didn't even bother asking for another refill and just got the check and left. Bottom line is overpriced food for small portions and the service leaves quite a bit to be desired. I will not be back. Two strikes and you're out.
(1)Linda M.
Excellent ambiance, dinner and service celebrating our 13th Anniversary!! We will definitely be back again soon ;)
(4)Fitz P.
I rarely give five stars or one star, figuring that extreme experiences on either end of the bell curve aren't all that frequent. But dinner at ppg last night truly deserved five stars. Went with a Groupon and after reading alot of the reviews on here, wasn't expecting to be astounded by either the food or the service. I ended up being bowled over (In a good way) by both. Raw prince Edward Island oysters were plump, slightly salty and cleaned beautifully. Artichoke dip was truly the best I've ever tasted anywhere. Entrees of crab stuffed grouper and lobster ravioli were no less superb. I'd never had creme Brulee layered with fresh strawberries and strawberry preserves....very nice touch. For many of the restaurants I visit with a Groupon, I wouldn't go back and pay full price. For this one, I would and will!
(5)Debora V.
Lets start off with the fact you are inside yet feel outside seating minus the rain, mosquitoes and natural elements. #Winning! Next is the upscale feel and service they deliver. If you don't have table manners you shouldn't be here. It is a place that reflects casual class. Their food is amazing. If you want coffee do order the cappuccino its worth it. Best day is their Sunday Brunch.
(5)Greg J.
Absolutely wonderful atmosphere complemented by an even better meal. Service was top notch and the drinks were great. I recommend their Old Fashioned. We will be back.
(5)Randy R.
Food was great. Our server JJ was excellent and fun. She'll take good care of you. I had the wood plank salmon, and it was cooked perfectly. The wedge Maytag blue cheese salad is a wonderful starter.
(5)Sunny W.
My husband and I went to Park Plaza as one of our magical dining choices. For appetizers, my husband had the beef carpaccio which was a huge portion and very good and I ordered the wedge salad which was just your average salad, nothing fancy. For entrees the pork tenderloin with fig Demi glaze was incredible! So flavorful and the meat was so moist. We would definitely go back just for that. I ordered the rock shrimp and lobster ravioli and it was just ok, rather bland for my taste. Definitely would not order that again. The bread pudding dessert was so good and I'm craving it just thinking about it. Atmosphere was great, a little old but still charming. I love when my husband and I can sit side by side in a booth. That's always a nice treat. Great for dates!
(3)Sarah M.
Amazing date night resteraunt!! Food is brilliant. For entrees, the crab stuffed grouper and the rock shrimp and lobster ravioli (whish I had) were must haves!! Plan on sharing, if for no other reason than to try all the deliciousness. Aa an appetizer, I found the crab cakes to be perfect. Perfectly cooked and full of crab, not breading.
(5)Anthony S.
Absolutely amazing experience!! Not just once, but twice and OMG!! The food, incredible. The service, over the top. Lucky for us we were able to try the new menu items the General Manager said were gonna be regular items. The dining room was set to perfection to compliment the service and amazing food. If you have not found this "GEM" then visit regularly because Jason is amazing. He walked us through the menu, made the experience memorable and talked about the food like he knew the Chef on a personal basis. Lucky for us we had him on a Sunday brunch and he recommended us coming back for the "Winesday". thanks Jason
(5)Zach S.
The staff is great and always friendly. They do a great bar business and that's the go-to place for locals to socialize, however... The food is often lacking. You were warned! LOL
(3)Alex A.
Been to brunch here several times and it's always a solid experience! Whether mimosas or the bloody mary bar, you can't wrong.
(4)Kim M.
My husband and I have been to this place several times over the last few years. I don't think I've ever had the same experience twice. This time around, the waiter told us about all of the new food items that were available. Sounded great....but the food was FAR from acceptable. The onion soup not as hot as it should've been and was over salted. The calamari tastes better at the local ale house. The ribeye had so many things all over it that I couldn't taste the steak. All of the other seasonings on the steak were WAY overwhelming. We didn't even bother with dessert. Won't be going back again. This was the last chance that I gave this place. R.I.P Park Plaza Gardens.
(1)Tom G.
Came here on a Groupon and so glad I did. The food was excellent. We had the mussels, fried green tomatoes, ribeye, and sole. A lot of places have no clue how to cook fried green tomatoes, but this place got it right and added their own flare to it by adding bacon and a delicious creamy sauce. The sole and the steak were cooked perfectly. The ambiance is awesome, this is certainly a place I would try again.
(5)Erica F.
This is my new Winter Park favorite. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary and used a groupon deal for a 3 course meal. They were pretty late getting our table ready, but to make up for it gave us the nicest and most romantic seat in the house. Our server, John, was exceptionally amicable and funny, selecting excellent wine pairings for our respective meals. We had the carpaccio (with no egg, outstanding) and the grouper, which was also beautifully done. I need to take a moment to describe the ribeye steak (rare). I've never had a more delicious meal in my life. The seasoning and preparation were absolutely impeccable. I've never tasted better steak and could not have been a more perfect dining experience. I absolutely recommend this as a must-have for anyone who loves red meat. The dining room is stunning, a perfect place for special occasion dinners. I'm definitely looking forward to returning here as soon as I can.
(5)Sheila B.
Best date night for us! The crab cake appetizer was over the top delicious, we both enjoyed our entrees of trout and scallops, a recommended wine pairing was spot on and a shared ice cream dessert was belly busting!
(4)Julia P.
Love this place! Went for brunch unlimited mimosas!! I had the smoked salmon galette amazing!!! The service was great, kept our drinks filled without being overbearing. Sit inside in the back it is beautiful.
(4)Lenka B.
I had brunch with my 3 girlfriends at PPG and have to say our experience was excellent! The food looked beautiful, it tasted great and the entire back room (the front and patio were packed) was nicely lit up and decorated. Staff was very professional and attentive. We really enjoyed our experience and we are definitely coming back. Kudos to Chef Antoine! Thank you to all at PPG for a lovely Sunday afternoon!
(5)Linda S.
Lump crab cake and 5 onion soup amazing!!! Prime rib french dip also very good! Meat very lean and tender!!!!
(4)Kady W.
Eh, I'm not quite sure how I feel about this place. Did anybody else have trouble dining in the back atrium? I took my parents here hoping for an enjoyable lunch, but I was just shocked with how many flies there were. PPG has al fresco, bar, and atrium dining sections. During lunch there wasn't a hostess to greet us so we just walked in towards the back where it was less crowded. The dining area was pretty much empty, except for one other table. Our server was quick, courteous, and to the point. I was hungry, but not starving so I went for the turkey croissant. My sandwich was like any other turkey club, yummy. While the dining area is very aesthetically pleasing, the flies in the room just ruin the dining vibe. I noticed the flies when we sat down, but I didn't start actually paying attention to them until they were landing on my arm and other parts of our table. I asked my server about the issue, but I think I just made him nervous. He walked away from my table after explaining the flies are attracted to their live plants. I know it's not the restaurant's fault that flies just happened to be there, but can there be a plan B if they are? I wouldn't expect to be in a gorgeous atrium dining room and having flies swarm me as soon as I start eating. Anyway, to my surprise the server comped my dish when I received the bill. I'll update this review when I go back there, but with so many other restaurants in the area, it won't be for a while. Tip? Bring an Off! clip for your table for lunch.
(3)Amanda B.
Stopped here for lunch after shopping. Sat at the bar and had a really good lunch. The waiter was really accommodating. My friend and I split a salad and sandwich. She doesn't eat bacon, which both had, but they put it on the side and brought it for me. And they plated everything separately without us asking. The food was good and hit the spot and was priced reasonably. A nice spot to stop after walking up and down through the mall.
(3)JJ S.
Tasty and innovative food but entire staff has the personality of a tumble weed. Very unwelcome feeling, chip on shoulder and unfriendly. Bartender also has a very weak pour, mimosa was filled under a proper wine pour.
(3)Patricia T.
From the outward appearance, you see a typical bar. Upon walking in and all the way to the back of the bar, you find the restaurant. This room has been decorated in a simple, romantic setting to give the outdoors feel in the comfort of the restaurant. I haven't been here in years and was able to attend a private bridal luncheon recently. There was about 15 of us and we had a pre-set two course menu, with three choices for each course to choose from. The food was very nice for a luncheon and we had free flowing mimosas all day long. The service impeccable! We had one waiter for the entire party and he did an amazing job. He took care of our every need from drinks as we all started to arrive to picking up the gift wrap as the bride-to-be unwrapped her gifts. I highly recommend PPG for any night out, romantic dinner, business lunch/dinner...it is for every occasion!
(4)Walt P.
Wow, ok very pleasant surprise. Dinner was excellent, try the mussels appetizer. Stuffed grouper was also very good. Great atmosphere too!. Service was very attentive. Prices that won't break the bank too.
(5)Stephen S.
We had a small wedding lunch reception here and PPG helped make our day perfect. J Michael was very accommodating with all our requests and the wait staff was lovely. We made a customized menu based on the normal lunch menu. The food was excellent; we loved everything we tasted. For appetizers we had Crab Cake, Crispy Calamari, Beef Carpaccio, Artichoke Dip, and Lobster Escargot Style. Both the Potato Soup and the Five Onion Soup were delicious. For entrees, most of our guests ordered off the From the Coast Trio menu: the Grilled Chicken, Salmon, and Petit Filet were all very good, as were the sides. The cocktails were tasty as well - our group especially liked the Bulldog Bramble. The venue already looks like a great wedding reception, so very little decoration is needed. This was my first dining experience there, but I definitely will return sometime for lunch and drinks!
(5)Kathy D.
I threw a little bridal shower event here and reserved the Alcove in the back for lunch. Its a nice little private area for about 10 people, so its a great place to get if you're interested in doing a little party. A deposit is needed when you sign up a contract with them. Everything ran smoothly. Service was very attentive, all requests I've done beforehand was made and they even went out of their way to do a menu card for me with a photo which was nice touch. From the menu selections that I chose, I tried their wedge salad and beef sliders with fries. I ate every single bit of it. I was either really hungry, or it was very good. If I had to throw another small event, I'd choose this place again. Prices are pretty reasonable and they work with you if want to do adjustments.
(4)Jessica W.
This hidden gem is amazing! Located inside the Park Plaza hotel, this restaurant is really beautiful like a garden with great food and service! Our server Jason really was passionate about the restaurant and recommended many items for us. The mimosas were so great and the banana martini desert was divine, we all couldn't stop eating the desert even though we were full from the yummy meal. I was happily surprised at the pricing too!
(5)Chere F.
PPG has a well deserved history of good service and good food. We went yesterday to enjoy the Vintage Menu (along with Vintage pricing.) Our service was friendly and professional. My many allergy issues (msg, soy & aged cheeses) were dealt with easily and without fuss. Each dish (salad, entree & dessert) was plated to a lovely presentation. We go back many times to PPG - especially with visiting out of town friends - because it is a perfecto enjoy Park Avenue.
(5)Matt P.
We went here for our 1 year anniversary... nice restaurant, with a really cozy and warm ambiance. We had a cheese platter for a starter. My wife had the wedge salad with the steak which was really nice. I had the crab stuffed grouper, which was extremely tasty. They played up the crab while still maintaining the distinct flavors of both. All in all, its a really nice restaurant!
(4)Colleen B.
I usually go for brunch or stop in for a drink. I have eaten outside 2 times and attended the bar once for a game of Bar Golf! The outdoor seating is awesome for a Sunday brunch and to just enjoy the people watching along Park Ave. The bar is very casual and chill as well, great for a stop in to throw back a cold one... martini that is =) However, if you haven't ventured to the back of this restaurant you are missing out. I discovered their atrium dining room when I was on a trip to the rest rooms and it was a delightful surprise. I enjoyed their recent "Vintage" menu for lunch where they are paying tribute with a selection of menu items "inspired by" some exceptional, neighboring restaurants that are no longer, at time forgotten prices! It's a great spot for a casual lunch or if you are looking to impress some clients or friends/fam in town, it's very pretty! I went for the Salmon and Cauliflower puree and both were a great compliment to each other. The Salmon was cooked perfect and had a delicate, delicious taste. The cauliflower could have had a little bit more flavor and less butter but it was still pretty tasty. The service was quick, friendly and efficient. Our server even talked us into getting dessert even though we were adamantly against it and I am so glad he talked us into it. The chocolate forest cake is where it's at. So moist and delicious, I only tasted it and took the rest home for later. I ate it about an hour after I got home =) Overall, great spot for just about anything you are looking for in a brunch, lunch or dinner spot!
(4)King L.
Had a groupon so thought I would try it out. I liked the dated décor with plenty of AC. The bread basket is good and the olive oil and vinegar with sun dried tomatoes is a nice touch. The wedge salad was fresh and tasty but really skimpy on the bacon and blue cheese chunks. The mussel appetizer although plentiful was greasy and the muscles were tiny. The charring didn't really work. The filet mignon bar none might have been the most flavorless piece of steak I have ever eaten. It clearly had no seasoning and tasted almost as if it were steamed. One of the only filets I have ever had trouble getting a knife through. If you think I had a random bad steak think again. My girlfriend ordered one and it was the same. We sent them back and got two of the identical steaks. I ate two bites and thought twice before asking for a doggy bag for my dog (I didn't want to upset the dog). The Chocolate Mouse Cake was very good for desert although served colder than it should have been. The wine markups were typical park avenue. Peaked over at the next table and saw the sea scallops, all 4 of them. I am feeling generous, so I will give it three stars.
(3)Leigh F.
Unsanitary!! Cockroach crawled out from underneath my mother's plate!!! And her egg was raw and had an embryo!! This place is totally disgusting in my book and has gone down the toilet! I will never go there again!
(1)Molly C.
I both arranged and attended a decent-sized corporate dinner here for high level executives from out of town (20 people). Pros: They allowed our group to order off of the full menu and were pretty good about getting all of the food out around the same time. The planning process was easy and the group coordinator was easy to contact. The ambiance of their dining room is fantastic and really helps to showcase what REAL Orlando is, past all of the touristy garbage. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive-- both our wine and water glasses were always full. Cons: I was given a layout of how our tables would be arranged so I could work on seating arrangements. The layout changed drastically at some point and I was not informed and left to adjust seating on the fly after our guests had already begun to arrive. The food was good but nothing particularly memorable. As someone who enjoys trying cuisine with a unique sort of flair, it's unlikely that I will return with just my Fiance to eat. Parking is somewhat difficult, but that's true anywhere along Park Avenue so not really a hit against venue itself.
(3)L.J. M.
Love the location and decor of this sidewalk cafe and courtyard style bar. It is just a bummer the service is so bad. The servers do the basics in a perfunctory manner but there is a marked lack of attentiveness or interest. Dozens of employees scurry past your table, avoiding eye contact or standing at the bar station gazing away from customers. We have been here 4-5 times hoping it would improve but it has been consistently disappointing.
(2)Erica B.
I'm a frequent customer of this place. I love the outside patio during the summer. My Sunday Funday is spent with my bf, my dog, and the $30 brunch special. All you can drink mimosas, an appetizer, and an entree for that low price. I've had several special event dinner parties here and it's my go to place in Winter Park for elegance with a modern flair. The atrium is is slightly old school but definitely great for adults wanting to spend time together. The piano player is a great touch. Favorite appetizer: Oyster Rockefeller (seasonal item so call ahead of time for availability) Favorite salad - Chopped. It comes with shrimp, eggs, green beans, and a wonderful vinaigrette dressing Favorite entree - Chicken Chesapeake. Chicken stuffed with crab meat. I always ask for the port wine glaze instead of mustard because I'm not a fan of mustard & they do it with no complaints or griping from the chef. Favorite Sunday Funday dish- Grits w/ cajun shrimp.
(5)Debbie D.
I hosted a baby shower for two couples that included 80 guests and J. Michael was amazing, the atrium was beautiful, the food was wonderful and the guest enjoyed the mimosa's and the fabulous bloody mary bar. The wait staff was amazing. If you are looking to have a nice meal or host a party this is the place to go on Park Avenue.
(4)Anthony g.
I wanted to like it so much but sadly i can't. We are a group of professionals who enjoy Sunday brunch, wanting to add a new place to our list we decided to try Park Plaza Gardens. I called to make a reservation and was told they dont take reservations but we would be ok because they only had a party of 14, 3 and 5. My next question was if you dont take reservations how can you have those parties? I asked to speak with the manager and the lady was very nice and said she would make the reservation for me, excellent customer service. The meal was off to a fantastic start with mimosas, after that it went decidedly down hill. The waiter took forever to return to the table to take our order. The "famous bread basket" was croissants? The wait for food took forever, so much so that people who came after us got food before us, the waiter came and said it would be 5 more mins til the food arrived. (he did keep the glasses filled) The food came out finally and it was not hot. Sent back the Crab Benedict and the French toast. the others at the table were much to hungry after the wait to send back their food which was not hot either. (the food had good flavor but again not hot.) The remake on the eggs was served on a sizzling hot plate likely placed under the broiler to punish the guest for asking for hot food, sadly the food not touching the hot plate wasnt any hotter than before. Eggs cooled crab cool, hollandaise cool unless it touched the plate so English muffin and potatoes were hot. The half order of sausage biscuits and gravy also was tepid however i choose not to send it back to as i was starving the biscuits tasted microwaved butt he gravy had a decent flavor.The waiter said they were going tot take off the french toast and the crab Benedict which was fine however at no point did the manager visit our table to address our concerns, every kitchen can have an off day and i would have accepted that if the manager, who spent a great deal of time posted up at the hostess stand instead of visiting tables.It is all about how you handle the situation. I would have gladly paid full price for meals that were hot and fresh. The manager had a chance to retain our business but sadly didnt seem concerned.
(1)Alejandro T.
Granted this is Winter Park and it's fancy, but although our server was super nice, there were a few things that we couldn't overlook when my friend and I went there for brunch. We ordered the pineapple mimosas and received a glass with lipstick on it, strike one. They also messed up my order and gave me the shrimp and grits instead of the crab frittata I asked for, strike two. Finally, my friend decided to try their regular mimosas and they were rich on OJ, what's the point in that? Strike three. Was the food good? Yes, the shrimp and grits were delicious, with a great seasoning that made the grits be full of flavor and their biscuits were quite rich. Will I give them another chance? Maybe in the far future, but for now I'll try other places for brunch.
(3)Jerry E.
With my wife abandoning me to visit her sister, yet again, mMy brother and I had an early dinner at PPG last night, thanks to the Magical Dining Month. The outdoor seating area and bar were lively and a bit crowded, but our table was in the elegant and quiet atrium section in the rear. Since I have geezer pilot ears, meaning I'm half-deaf, this was a perfect oasis for us, allowing us to catch up on things.. An excellent pianist played softly throughout the evening; I like that the tables are widely spaced. Service was perfect; attentive but not intrusive. The bread basket was great and included some long crunchy cheese breadsticks. They serve it with oil and parm, but butter is available. For starters, the gazpacho was nicely flavored but would benefit from a tad more avacado. My mussels in green curry broth were delicious. We both ordered NY strips which were cooked as ordered and great, with tasty mashed potatoes and a nice mound of thin slivers of assorted vegetables. Dessert was Bananas Foster, made with beans sprouts and tofu. No. Not really. Overall, PPG has made my short-list of special occasion restaurants. Note to all: my birthday is coming up, so feel free to take me there!
(4)Bruce B.
I eat their special salad of the day there once a week, always something different and wonderful. Staff is awesome. Great place, Winter Park favorite.
(5)Ashley K.
I really don't like giving a 1 star, but what I enjoy even less is not being acknowledged by any of the staff. Twice. My first attempt was with a boyfriend on a semi-busy Sunday afternoon. We were simply wanting a drink and enjoy the company of each other. After waiting for about 10-15 minutes, we finally flagged the bar manager down and ordered - or so we thought. Another 10 minutes passed and we notice he's delivering drinks to neighboring tables and seemed to have completely forgotten about us. As we're leaving, the hostess attempts to apologize for the horrid service but we were already decided on another venue. My best friend really wanted to try Park Plaza yesterday for dinner since we were starving and like me, she's heard good things. Again, after 20 minutes we were not greeted by anyone. However, the surrounding tables seemed to be getting pretty great service. Good for them. I can't comment or speculate on the menu items because I never got to the "here's our menu" step during either of my visits. Very disappointing because I've heard their food is pretty good. The atrium is very pretty and elegant, but the poor service really put a damper on my experiences.
(1)Shyrra B.
Nothing bad to say bout this place. I went for Magical Month of dining and had a great experience. The staff was super friendly, food was amazing. I say outside at night so of course great ambiance. It's way different than what I imagined from what I was on their website. Only thing was my salad was supposed to come with wrapper Brie, and i just never imagined it would be a pastry with Brie melted on the inside. I don't like pastry. But that's very minor lol. Great spot.
(5)Dianna C.
Park Plaza used to get 3 or 4 stars from me on a regular basis, yet today I can't help but give these guys 2 stars. My sister and mom were trying to choose a place to go for Sunday brunch and I suggested we go to Park Plaza, they have great brunch offerings in their menu along with tasty appetizers and delicious desserts. Since it was so nice outside we requested to be seated outside and we were placed in the last table to the far right of the restaurant. When our waiter approached our table and started speaking to us, I felt like I was in a horror movie. He either had hair growing in between his teeth or cockroaches lived in there. With every word he said, a little bubble of saliva would form on the corner of his mouth. After we placed our drink order and Beetle Juice scattered out of our sight, my mom says: 'I lost my appetite, can we please leave?' Obviously I convinced her to stay by reading the menu options out loud as if they were fit for a king. It took a good 7 tot 10 minutes for cockroach man to return with our sparkling waters and my nephews lemonade. I was elected to make the order for the whole table, since neither of them could look at this guy's mouth. We decided on: Steak Eggs Benedict for me (with french fries instead of fresh fruit), Salmon Eggs Benedict for my mom, Sausage Frittada for my sister and the kids burger for my nephew. The food arrived at least 45 minutes later. The waiter apologized saying one of the ovens was broken. My dish came with fruit instead of fries, my nephews burger was raw and we had no salt, pepper, ketchup, or anything to drink on the table. By then Beetle Juice had already left our sight and we were just sitting there, waiting for him to to return, for at least 8 minutes. When he finally returned I showed him the raw burger and he said "that's how we cook it here, medium". I said "The kid is 3 years old, give him a well done burger". So, he takes the burger away, apologizes for the fruit and off he goes to fix everything. Another 10 minutes passes by and he returns with my fries, the burger (now burnt) and water. Still no salt, pepper or ketchup in sight. My nephew ended up eating my steak because he didn't like the taste of the burnt burger, I ended up eating french fries with no ketchup and we were almost dehydrated during the entire meal because our water neeeever arrived. We arrived for lunch at 1:00PM, by the time we finished eating it was 3PM. Two hours JUST to get some eggs and a burger?! Soooo, the manager happens to come by with a big smile on his face and asks how was everything, my answer "Meeeeeeh". We told him the whole story and he discounted the 6 dollar burger off the check. Really? Gee, thanks. Long story short, is the food good at Park Plaza? Sure, it's pretty good. is it consistently good? Nope, they have good days and they definitely have bad days. Is the service decent? NOT. They definitely need to train their current staff properly. Am I returning to Park Plaza anytime soon? NO WAY.
(2)Joe G.
This is an adorable quaint place, really like their atrium. We have eaten Brunch and dinner here quite a few times. The one thing about the brunch is the menu does not change very frequently so its a one or two time experience. The dinner on the other hand seems to always have a new selection of fresh fish and appetizers. I really like the atmosphere of this place and the food is very good and fresh.
(4)Matthew J.
Awesome! They have some of the best desserts here ever. I often come just for that.
(5)Jeanne W.
I've lived in Orlando for over 20 years and have always wanted to try this restaurant. Since it was one of the restaurants included in the Magical Dining month this year, we thought we'd give it a shot. Man, were we disappointed. We walked into the restaurant through the hotel lobby and had to walk past tables to get to the hostess stand. Strike 1. There are trees in the dining room wrapped with white lights, which would have been charming, however half of them were burnt out. Also burnt out we're some of the spot lights over each table. After being seated at our booth, we noticed there was no music. We asked the server why there wasn't any music and she said they were trying to figure out what kind of music they were going to play since they didn't have a piano player any more. We each ordered a glass of wine then our dinner. We both ordered the rock shrimp appetizer which was prepared escargot style. Strike 2! The shrimp weren't rock shrimp at all, but maybe two shrimp cut into 5 separate pieces and swimming in butter and Parmesan cheese. Next came the main course. Hubby got the pan seared pork tenderloin served over pancetta and polenta. For $33 a plate I expected at least a 4-6 oz piece of meat. Well it was maybe 2 oz. The chef did make him another piece to make up for his disappointment, but by the time it came out, I was already finished eating. I got the butter roasted cod and shrimp in a red sauce. It was just good. Nothing great. Finally strike 3 was the dessert. I got the cream brulle which was mediocre and my husband got the pecan pie. Very small piece with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The only good thing about our meal was our sweet little server Natasha. She was very apologetic, professional and accommodating. We had the worst stomach ache when we left. We will never go back to this restaurant for dinner again. Maybe for a drink at the outside patio and bar area, which was nice, but not to eat. Definitely not deserving of a five star rating! **UPDATE 10/16/13** Just heard on the news this morning that this restaurant was shut down for health reasons. No wonder we had stomach aches when we left. Disgusting!!!!
(1)Eric P.
Our group of six got a late reservation, which we accepted as "better than nothing." We were going to be in Winter Park, and wanted a nice dinner ... so we took the time. When we arrived a half-hour early, our table was already set and waiting ... could we have arrived at dinner time and been seated instead of waiting for post-theatre time? We'll never know. Based on all the other reviews -- and their pricing structure -- I expected to be wowed. What I experienced was mediocre food and inexperienced service. (For example, you do not need to bring an ice bucket when the table has ordered two bottles of red wine.) It felt like a location coasting on its reputation. And for the prices, Florida or not, I thought most patrons' attire overly casual. It wasn't one-star terrible ... but certainly not a place I could recommend to others.
(2)Stacy S.
My husband and I love Park Plaza Gardens. We go their as a neighborhood gem for a quick meal or for formal ocassions. They have a wonderful outdoor and bar area, a very refined and romantic inner dining room and a private room for special parties which we just did for my birthday this summer. Awesome!! The food, the service, the ambiance are all first class. Year after year, day after day.
(5)Mark S.
Brought my parents, sister, and niece to the Park Plaza Gardens for lunch on the Sunday following Christmas. This is a hidden jewel that fits right in with the charm of downtown Winter Park. There are several ways to get in, from either the cafe/bar entrance or hotel entrance on Park Avenue. It's way in the back away from the street front. Perhaps my sister said it best, "This is just like stepping back into New York City". Wonderful service, wonderful atmosphere, wonderful food. Yes, it was a wonderful experience for our family and we all greatly enjoyed this moment together. After being served the complimentary basket of warmed breads, muffins, and pastries we passed on the brunch option and instead ordered ala carte from the lunch menu; a variety of soups, salads, and entrees. Everybody raved about whatever they were eating, be it the Five Onion soup, the Crispy Romaine salad, the Pork Tenderloin entree, the Curry Chicken salad, or even the BLT sandwich. The after meal coffee was a big hit too. Not one detail was missed or overlooked during our lunch. The total bill for our party of five was only $93 + tip. Given the level of attention, quality, and detail this wasn't just a wonderful time together for our family, but a wonderful value as well.
(5)Kristen C.
I had visited Park Plaza Gardens with my husband and some friends for lunch just under a year ago and was left feeling ambivalent. I really just thought that lunch wasn't their thing and that I'd be wow'ed by a dinner experience. Our anniversary came around and we decided to do dinner here. Our appetizer was the scallops, they were a touch overcooked but were otherwise enjoyable. As for our entrees, I had the pork tenderloin and my husband had the fish and lobster feature. His fish and lobster were cooked perfectly tasted wonderful. My pork was supposed to be medium but came out a bit dry and overcooked. My entree came with a vegetable that consisted of spinach and sweet potato with goat cheese. I found that the sweet potato really over powered the goat cheese, they really should have been left separate in my opinion. Desert was the peanut butter torte and bananas foster. Both were ok, they didn't do the bananas foster at the table, I've never been at a restaurant that didn't so that was strange. We each had a glass of house wine, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc, both were actually pretty good for house wine. It wasn't a bad experience, just not what I would expect for the price. Service was quite nice, everyone was kind and helpful.
(3)Stunt S.
Amazing food with an impeccable staff that makes you feel like your the only table in the house! We had our wedding reception here and it was awesome!!! We also like going here from time to time just for fun and fantastic food! Simply Amazing!
(5)Nick S.
Been here for drinks before, went this late afternoon for late lunch. Sat in a very cold Atrium, because the bar and patio was full we thought it would be more civil. Hostess, young and ready to go home, sighs and seats us in a booth right next to the entry in an empty...virtually...Room. My pet peeve. People buzzing in and out, wait staff doing everything but giving us any service. Nice people, unattentive. Mediocre meal. Sooooo many more choices on Park. Keep walking past here and fine one.
(2)Gabriel R.
A nice neighborhood and a nice addition to it. At first glance it appears to be an upscale bar, tables both to the left and right of the bar, with nicely placed large screen TVs showing sports in HD. Is there any other way to watch sports? Once you've passed the bar area you will enter into an expansive and beautiful dining area with a massive skylight and warm stone floors. The brunch was wonderful. We had a large party and each one of us was very happy with both our starters and with our entrees as well. One of us had an issue with a main and it was immediately remedied and supported by several apologies. A new dish was brought to the table quickly but great attention to detail was made and not rushed. The coffee was also excellent, something I'm remembering 6 weeks later. Our server was incredibly hospitable and made our experience a great one. If I'm back in the area again I will return.
(5)Scott J.
Park Plaza Gardens recently implemented a twist on the classic chef's table concept with its VIP themed dinners. Guests can choose from East Meest West, 1940s Supper Club and Southern Decadence. I experienced the Southern Decadence, and I was reminded what a culinary talent PPG's chef, John Tan, is. You can read the complete review at my website.
(4)Bob T.
I had a frittata that was pretty bland. My friend had a hamburger that was overcooked. The waiter forgot to bring out the bread basket. Not a great place.
(1)Keith H.
Yesterday I was down on Park Ave. with a nice young lady and we wanted to stop somewhere for a drink to chat. We selected Park Plaza Gardens. I walked up to the hostess, she looks frustrated and explains in a not so pleasant manner that the outside seating is booked, if we want we can go inside which has the same menu. I said "sure, no problem". I think she assumed we were going to request a table outside on the street, but that wasnt the case. We spot a table towards the back of the bar area, which is directly in front of the door where all servers have to travel to pick up food and serve the tables in the back of the restaurant. We sit and wait.....servers walk by, no one is stopping...wait a few minutes more then I grab a guy walking by. Excuse me can we get drinks? Sure, let me get someone, he says. Server walks up with menus, says he'll be back with waters. He returns with the waters and we order. I order a mojito and the young lady with me orders a martini. We talk for probably 8 mins and realize nothing is coming from the bar 10 ft behind her. They are steady but they are NOT crowded. We wait about another 5 and I ask if she would like to leave, she looks back and 30 seconds later we are getting up and walking out. On the way out, our server said the tender was overwhelmed and had many drink orders. However, as we walked out, I didn't see a tender behind the bard. Sorry, maybe next time?
(2)Josh E.
Love everything about it. From the quaint outside seating to the inside dining room. Everything and anything goes here, try the chefs special or sample the long time running menu. They have amazing wine selection and exceptional service.
(5)Carrie S.
Made reservations here for a Sunday brunch to celebrate a girlfriend's new job venture. Three of us sat in their Atrium and enjoyed a lovely atmosphere of white lights, cloth-lined tables and soft piano music. It was not pretentious despite its refined characteristics. The mimosas were wonderful and most of the food was delicious. Bathroom was single use and small. Prices were fine for brunch and food was plentiful; dinner prices may not have been worth paying. Did not enjoy the crab & shrimp fritatta (very heavy and smotherd in cheddar) but my friends' brunches both got good reviews. The seafood in my fritatta was very fresh though. Three people at the next table did not enjoy their prime rib but we did not have first hand tasting knowledge. The outside seating area would be loud but pretty. The bar area was very dark. I had a great brunch with my friends and would go back for the Mimosas alone. The atmosphere was perfect for any special occasion. I'd go back
(4)Travis K.
Excellent dining experience! The staff is wonderful, the food is amazing and the martini selection is simply outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant!!
(5)Deirdre O.
My mom took us here for a quick mid-week lunch. We should have sat in the restaurant, from my peeks it looks really pretty back there. We sat in the open seating area in the front of restaurant- which was fine. We people watched as they walked by on the sidewalk. We had a very cheerful attentive greeting from wait staff. They took our drink orders in no time and were back to handle our lunch selections. I had the fish and chips. I am not sure what possessed me to get that. I never order fish and chips. However, I did not do so bad afterall. It was really tasty. The beer battered fish filets were seasoned well, it came with their own tarter sauce, and of course french fries. Next time for lunch, I will try one of the salads. The table next to me had some really pretty ones that they seemd to be enjoying. My mom ordered the South Beach Burger. She raved on about how great this burger was. It came without any carbs, no buns, no fries. She felt that the loss in bread was more than compensated for with flavor and seasoning. Over all, the service was excellent, the food was good- we will be back.
(4)Dwain D.
Just tried the Chef's new lobster po-boy...close your eyes when biting into it and you'll swear you're in Nawlins!
(4)Judy D.
Six of us went to the restaurant for lunch. I admit that I was expecting something special, after reading the rave reviews. It just didn't even come close. I had a dry hamburger, another had a "fruit salad" which was straight from the Publix Deli genre and consisted of honeydew and cantalope with a dipping sauce, one called his prime rib sandwich a "Philly cheesesteak" and two orders of fries were returned to the kitchen because the pepper on them was waaaayyy overdone. The waitstaff was pleasant enough and efficient. None of us would bother with a return visit.
(2)Jessica B.
Awful service! Tried to eat dinner here, but it's been over an hour an still no entree. Appetizer and salad was good, but can't make up for the awful service.
(1)Lisa W.
PPG offers 2 nice dining options depending on what you are on the mood for. The atrium is fine dining, the outside cafe/bar is more laid back. Both are wonderful. The cafe/bar menu is quite expansive- offers a great beef burger, ahi tuna burger, along with a french dip and other sandwiches. Nice apps, soups and salads. Outside seating goes quickly. Brunch and Dinner in the atrium is very nice. Plan on the meal taking some time, but it's worth it. Service is wonderful, food is delish and the atmosphere is worthy of a Birthday or Anniversary. 2010 brought their 30th anniversary and a special menu featuring 1980's cuisine and pricing. Plenty of wine dinners and special Prix Fixe menus are offered throughout the year and for the holidays. Wine list is nice, bar menu is great. $-$$ in the cafe (dress: shorts, whatever) $$-$$$ in the atrium (Dress: nicer)
(4)David K.
Fellow Yelpers, I went to this restaurant on a beautiful day prior to my business trip to Europe with my beautiful girlfriend. We strolled down Park Ave trying to decide where to go and came to the conclusion to "Park" our butts at "...Plaza Gardens". Terrible play on words, I know. We both checked into this place (being the psychotic Yelp fans that we are) and to our surprise we each earned a free dessert! Therefore, a quick tip to you all, check-in to this place pronto!! We sat by the entrance (see my photo) of the restaurant near the outdoor area. It was a busy day during lunch time with a decent crowd eating there. There was a funny older waiter who kept taking jabs at customers that were coming into the restaurant. As an example some little girls and their grandparents walked in and he yelled out, "Aw you girls look so pretty" and then he looked at the grandfather and said, "You not so much though". Yeah, I thought that was entertaining. Anyway enough about retirees and more about the food... We ordered the Artichoke Dip and Chips appetizer (see my photo). The dip was good but it lacked cheese, I submit that the Publix version of this dip is better. However, it was still devoured on the spot by the two monsters sitting at the table. Another quick tip is that on Saturday during brunch/lunch they serve some menu items at their opening year prices, meaning that the prices are at the year in which the restaurant first opened (sometime in the 1980s, when I was still inside my father's testicles). I think I crossed a line here, oh well. I ordered the Duck (see my photo) which was very very good. It was crunchier than the 310 Park South duck, but the inside was not as tender. Due to this slight difference I think both Duck choices are on par with each other. Oh yeah and the Mimosa Salad (see my photo) that I ordered came before the Duck and that was also pretty tasty. The love of my life ordered the Fish and Chips (see my photo) which was great. I definitely recommend it in my opinion. The breaded fish was very flaky, not like dandruff, but just like a well cooked and fried fish. We then utilized our Yelp freebie which 'yelped' us a lot in becoming fatter by eating a nice dessert after such a big meal. We went with the PPG Ice Cream which was good but not the best I have had. It was a bit too sweet (yes some things can be too sweet, even for this fat kid). Overall, I recommend this place for a nice brunch/lunch with close friends and family. Order the duck if you like this fine bird. Animal lovers, get off my back, I also think they're cute, but they taste much better. I'm going to hell. See ya when I see ya!
(4)Denisse M.
I would like to rate this higher, but I just can't. In short, they're losing some stars because the service was unbeliavably slow. However, the food was very tasty and we really, truly enjoyed our dinner, once it decided to make its way into our table that is. Apppetizers: We started with the baked Brie and the Mixed Green salad. The baked brie was phenomenal, mainly due to the very sweet tomato jam that accompanies it. Also, the salad was incredibly tasty. The dressing was just right (not too much, not too little) and it was fresh and crunchy where it needed to be. Dinner Entrees: My boyfriend ordered the prosciutto and fresh mozzarella stuffed breast of chicken, and I ordered off their daily special entree menu. It was a Pork Ribeye with creamy parmesan rissotto with sweet potato and asparagus. It was the absolute best pork I've ever had in my life. My boyfriend really enjoyed his entree as well. But it should not go unmentioned that it did take about 45 minutes AFTER our appetizers were finished. Did I mention we were there on a Tuesday night with perhaps 4-8 other tables being served? They were certainly not jammed packed. I think that for whatever reason, they were experiencing some issues in the kitchen, because it was about 40'ish minutes that we did not see a single entree come out of the kitchen. And within 10 minutes, everything was coming out, including our food. If you have a couple, maybe 3 hours to spare dining, then by all means, the place is beautiful and the food is excellent. But if you don't have unlimited time to waste, then by all means, go to Luma or just about any other high-brow place in Park Ave.
(3)tiffany w.
The food was o.k. We started out with an iceburg lettuce wedge salad with balsamic dressing and Applewood smoked bacon. Orlando does not know how to serve bacon, especially Applewood smoked bacon. Is it so hard to actually make it to order and serve it served crispy? I had the pork medallions and my partner had the salmon beurre blan. Both dishes were bland. The desert, a chocolate cake concoction was also bland. A few ups, the restaurant is pretty. The servers are attentive. You can see the chefs at work in the kitchen. There is a lovely player piano. However, the main attraction, the food was anything but spectacular.
(3)Karl S.
PPG is probably my favorite place. The outdoor seating is perfect and full most of he time. The food is delicious! From appetizers to entrees it's all excellent . You won't be sorry. I LOVE the BLT sliders! We also love Alyssa our server. She is great. Gives great advice on all the selections.
(5)Jm D.
I went for the first time recently, thanks to Groupon. It was a great experience. Enjoyed lobster version of escargot as app, crab stuffed chicken and chocolate cake. Excellent overall. Beautiful setting. Looking forward to returning.
(4)Roxanne L.
I have been here 2.5 times - for Easter brunch last year, a dinner date, and an appetizer run because 310 was full. While it's been a while since my visit, I will always remember and recommend their French Onion Soup - I've never had better and their braised pork. All I can say is this is a great choice and the decor in the back is definitely classy!
(5)Don R.
Not what it was in the past. I have been to the PPG many times over the last 12 years. It's a favorite of my mother so my wife and I decided to take her there for her birthday. In the last, it was very good to even exceptional. The service I received was good as well. Now I am wondering what happened, who made it happen and why would I want to go back. The service was still good. A little slow for a quiet night, only one other table was occupied, but that is not always the servers problem. The night started good with a nice bottle of wine, our second choice because the first one was not available. But that was the highlight. I decided to try the soup and my wife had a Caesar salad. My "bowl" of soup consisted of a huge plate with about five spoons of soup. It was OK, not great but really, could you have a little more volume to it. My wife's salad was average. No one makes a real Caesar salad anymore. Lettuce, croutons and Cesar dressing I can make at home. I expect more from a better restaurant. Our entrees were both over cooked. My fish and my wife's chicken was dry. The fish was a special but clearly out of the freezer and not fresh. Considering that dinner for three was over $150, it was disappointing. I have no plans to return, there are a lot of options available in Winter Park. I will look at them for the next special occasion
(2)Richard U.
Came here for a rehersal dinnner for a wedding so this review is based off of the set menu we were provided... First off, this place is located in downtown Winter Park which feels like a quaint hamlet next to the sprawl of Orlando. The restaurant itself has a fairly nice interior with high ceilings and subdued lighting. I knew the food would be decent as the chef came out to introduce himself as hailing from Singapore (always a good sign!) The appetizers were pot stickers and vege sprill rolls both of where were decent enough. I got the fried monk fish with cilantro rice for the main course which was very, very good. I don't think I ever had monk fish before although I do recall it as being somewhat ugly looking ad a fav with Iron Chef episodes. Either way I am a fan now! With creme brulee for dessert I was pretty much done. Service was personable and catered to our every request no matter how frivolous. Not a bad place to go if you are looking for a decent meal for date nigth.
(4)Mariacristina R.
I went for a private luncheon and although had a great time, wasn't too impressed with the service. The servers were polite but since the dining area that was reserved was out of view, I had no idea where I was going and I didn't have a single person greet me or ask me if I needed help. I had to call a friend to find out where they were (just around the corner). However, the luncheon Park Plaza put together was very thoughtful, well-done and tasty. The atrium area is gorgeous. Overall a pleasant area, I'll have to try more of the menu!
(3)Johanna M.
Had brunch in Atrium, great food and perfect atmosphere to catch up with friends and have unlimited mimosas. The quiche by friend had was divine and my burger was perfect. Would recommend to anyone in or out of town.
(4)David M.
For my 100th Yelp review, I visited one of the Old Guard members of the local restaurant community--Park Plaza Gardens in Winter Park. Hidden behind a sidewalk bar is the Park Plaza Gardens atrium restaurant, a tranquil setting that takes me back to living in Boston. Brick walls and natural lighting with tables nestled between (I think) artificial trees, make for a great setting. Unfortunately, because the building is on the older side (from a Central Florida perspective), the rest rooms also remind me of rest rooms that I often found in Boston. Let it be known that when a rest room is intended for one person, the door really should lock . . . . Our server was polite, if a bit obsequious. I appreciate good service, and the service was excellent, but I wish servers could find a more delicate balance between the over-friendly and the unctuous. I was joined by two lovely ladies and the conversation was outstanding so my meal was far from my focus. That said, I did try to take note. I started with a butternut squash soup that was made with a tomato base. I think I would have preferred a vegetable stock base as the sweet squash, coupled with the sweet tomato was just a bit too sweet for my taste. The soup had a very good texture-- thick without being lumpy--but the sweetness was just too overpowering. I ordered the fish and chips, a moderately-sized portion of fried cod and an ample portion of french fries. The fish was well fried and seemed quite fresh. Overall, it was one of the better fish and chips that I have had in Orlando. The fries were average in all ways and a bit of a letdown. Fewer hand cut fries would go a lot farther than a mound of julienned fries that could very well have come out of a bag in the freezer. And there is never a time that fries should be soggy! The location and the companionship made the lunch quite pleasant and the food did not detract from the experience. It just did not enhance it all that much either. I would try PPG again, and I would not run screaming into the night if someone asked me to go there, but I won't go out of my way to visit it again any time soon.
(3)Ha C.
I got invited to this restaurant by my bf mom. First impression of the restaurant wasn't great. It seem the hostess have a little attitude. Fortunately the hostess got a little better. We decided to sit outside, the inside dinning room is too cold. The food was good and so was the service. Our waiter was attentive and good. Overall, we had a great time.
(3)Felice W.
My daughter and I had Afternoon Tea, to escape the madness of Black Friday shoppers. What a wonderful time!! The food was delicious and the atmosphere relaxing. Our server, Jessica was great - plesant, engaging, and took very good care of our every need. We will definately be back!
(5)Dave F.
This was a cool (literally) place to find lunch after a morning walking around Winter Park and the Sunday arts festival. Also hit town as the Amtrak Silver Meteor stopped at the station, funny I have been to Winter Park twice in my life (1st time in 1996) and each time I've gone there the train was coming thru. That's some good ju-ju cos I like trains. And this restaurant reminds me a lot of a New Orleans-style place, meaning they have a very serene back area of the restaurant with live piano and the food is really good as well. The blackened sole with remoulade sauce was excellent, as was a steak sandwich and a salmon carpaccio appetizer. I had forgotten that WP is kind of an upscale town, I was dressed in gold chains and a muscle-shirt so I kinda looked like a bum (I had no idea I would be having a nice lunch), but my lemonade got a lot better on the refresher once they realized we were there for food and not just to get wasted on drinks at a Sunday lunchtime. The restrooms are in the adjacent hotel and have a real 1920's vibe which I like.
(4)Janet O.
Food was excellent! I had the Seared Salmon and it was one of the best! The staff was wonderful and very knowledgeable and not overbearing. This restaurant is located in the Winter Park section of downtown. When you go into the restaurant you will see the bar to your left and as you go in further it's like entering into a magical world that is so different from where you just came in. There are booths around the area that is exclusive to the people that is occupying the booth-privacy/romance seem to be the theme when you are in the booth. Part of the walls are layered with bricks and it gives the place a certain old world charm to it. The California wine they served was ok. I can forgive them for that because the service made up for it and the food and the ambiance. Btw-they also serve food outside alfresco. i say try it and you might like it.
(4)Valerie W.
The Cafe at Park Plaza is my favorite kick back and relax place in Winter Park! Been meaning to write a review for quite some time and just keep forgetting to do it! We have been coming to Park Plaza for about 14 years. Have seen several changes in Management and chefs and the vibe has always been the same and so has the food but the atmosphere and the service is what keeps us coming back all these years! They really love you at this place!! Like coming to hang with an old friend, no need to pretend just "be who you be"! The food is always good and sometimes even if its not on the menu the chef will make it for you if he has the ingredients in the kitchen. Love the risotto (almost any kind they have) and beef carpaccio is super good!! Drinks are always top of the line!! Sunday brunch is quite good too!! Wait staff is always wonderful and I do mean ALWAYS!! John, Chris, Alyssa love you guys!!
(5)No Longer Yelping B.
I'm giving it an extra star for being located in Winter Park and having semi-nice decor. I took my husband out for lunch one afternoon and really regretted choosing this place. The cappuccino was, let's be honest here, an abomination. Though the sugary swizzle stick was kinda nice, it was the best part of the whole meal. I had the lamb sliders which was one burger cut into four pieces and arranged on an oblong plate to look interesting. It tasted anything but. My husband had the ahi tuna burger which we both had to rack our brains for a moment to remember. It was that memorable. The bill came out to about $40 which is expectable for any WP restaurant, but the food was so boring and plain that we were pretty darned disappointed. I can't say I'd go back unless it was just for wine. They do have a nice room in the back which I believe is open for dinner only. MEH.
(2)Margaret B.
Park Plaza Gardens has great food, great service, and a great atmosphere! Can't wait to have Thanksgiving dinner here next week. Only thing...when will they change the information on the facebook page about the names of the chef and sous chef? It needs updating. If you haven't eaten here try it out during the holiday season!
(5)Helen R.
This is a great Sunday brunch spot - the menu offers a lot of variety. When we visited, they were running a special - one appetizer salad, one entrée and unlimited mimosas for $30. A great deal if you're very hungry/thirsty! I chose the turkey, brie, apple and bacon croissant - very yummy! The blackened fish and chef's frittata also looked good, as did the curry chicken salad. I'll have to try one of those during my next visit. You have a couple of seating options. There is outdoor sidewalk seating on lovely Park Ave., a small, cozy bar like setting, or an open dining space in the back. We chose to sit in the atrium. There is an abundance of greenery and nice lighting - you feel like you're outside, but nicely protected from the elements. I'd recommend this area if you plan to be there for awhile or have a larger group.
(4)Julia K.
Oh gosh Winter Park, I've only been back 12 hours and I have to say, you are not Being All that You could Be. So many things to bring to your attention with my big ole Yelpy mouth, so here I go.... In spite of my fellow Orlando Yelpers love, I gotta throw down the cold truth... In spite of the newer booth additions to this ugly stiff brick room, things are just not worth the price of admission here for a fancy dinner. - 1 Star - Cold Truth is Right. How about that A/C system? At the side booth, our one male patron was freezin (and you know that it must be cold, then, right ladies?!) as the ill-placed A/C tube vent was blasting chilly air on him. Think I exagerate? Howzabout he had to chase his menu down twice as it blew off the table? Management's lame excuse "It is the same vent into the kitchen." Um.... Then buy those cheap-o magnet vent covers they sell on like, Frontgate or wherever and cover the vent for heaven's sake. Did I mention that it was only 65 outside, too? Brrrrrr. - 1 Star - Stupid Valet system. So our dinner rezzie is at 730. And the valet closes at 930. Which is lame. But then, thank heavens, our male guest thought to run out to see what that means as the keys are - and I cannot believe this - brought over to HOUSTON'S - that would be on 17-92 people - when the valet is closed. Um, I don't care that this is "provided by the city of Winter Park and not part of the hotel" mister half-assed manager guy. It's where you suggested we park when we called in. - 1 Star - Rezzie not ready. Mum made a rezzie for 3 at 730pm on Xmas eve. She made it A MONTH AGO (God bless old people). And when we walked in, I saw that booth, the arctic air booth, was empty. But you send us to the bar to wait until 745? What the hell for? Oh, don't bother offering us a drink. Oh, you didn't. + 1 Star - Hot Food. Well, at least everything was hot that came out. - 1 Star - Sides. Wait - you made me an amazing piece of fish, a delicious piece of tea smoked duck for mum, a fab steak for pops, and the sides are unseasoned asparagus and carrots and the worst mushy potato casserole (what really was in there - was it potato or was it glue?) ever served? How cruel to the cook. How cruel to the diner. - 1 Star - Lobster starter. Again, this was a holiday meal, so I get that it's not all cooked to order. But the lobster was over cooked, then served in a ramekin of hot unsalted butter. Ugh. Insult to lobsters everywhere. If you cook it in advance (which you did) how about just serving it cold and lovely with perhaps a light curry mayo or just... plain? - 1 Star - Sparkling wine list. Only one sparkling from Spain, and it's a mediocre cava at $36 per bottle? Really? On a holiday? - 1 Star - Smell. What is that strong smell of bleach I smelled as I walked in from the back door (where the un-valet is located) and then returned back out that door. I suppose I could be happy, as it means that the bathrooms to my side are perhaps clean, but also there is the kitchen pass through window, so I feel demoralized by that strong whiff. + 1 Star / - 1 Star - Service. Our server, Robbie, was very sweet. And totally overwhelmed, It is certainly always so on a holiday, but I do believe for $50pp a bit more attentiveness could be helpful. Why was poor frantic (though calm) Robbie not given a bus/bread boy to replenish our bread? Why did I have to ask the sommelier (or was he the manager - so hard to tell if anyone at all was in charge) to give me more water - twice? It felt like there was no Captain steering the boat, no rudder in the storm, though the staff was doing ok, and not trying hard, it just felt like a Bennigan's experience. + 1 Star - Piano. Good playing, mister piano man. I have had several holiday meals here, mainly due to my family continually forgetting how mediocre the last time was, and my wanting to be polite. There is a lack of excellence at this restaurant, and it just goes up a notch on the prix fixe holiday times. Coming from LA, I do expect an amazing time for such money, and yet I still cannot believe that a place like this, that could do so much little more to be acceptable does not make the corrections. Other than the blocks over the vents (here's one amazon.com/WRK-Vent-Bloc… ) there can be a lot to warm the place up for night/winter serving such as throw carpets under the tables, or if that is too complex, even darker color table clothes to make it less glaring. Oh, and how about a guy who just runs around and brings water and rolls to tables. A few little things, then you can remind the waiter staff or manger to ge on top of the valet situation....
(2)Lindsey N.
I have been to Park Plaza may times and the most recent time I have to say I was totally blown away by my entree! I ordered a Shrimp, Scallop & Lobster Risotto and boy was it mind blowing! So delicious and definitely great portion size, I took some home. The atmosphere of the restaurant is great too, you basically get to choose between 3 seating areas. Outside on the side walk, indoor by the bar or in the back of the restaurant where the vibe is more romantic. Personally my favorite is outside. I love to people watch and especially on Park avenue you feel alive with everyone out and about all the time!
(4)Amy D.
The menu is lacking. The lunch menu has great sounding sandwiches. Before coming I looked online for ideas of what I would eat. Unfortunately the lunch menu is not available for dinner. It is also disappointing that things online are no longer on the menu. 1/2 orders would be a great option for ladies who can't eat a whole dinner. Also being able to substitute things would be helpful. Thank goodness for the happy hour menu because there was nothing on the dinner menus I wanted to eat. Maybe I am too young and uncultured to dine here. The wait staff is amazing!! The desert menu was very good. Best creme' brûlée outside of New Orleans!
(3)Laura C.
Such a cute and unexpected little place. We started with the crab cake which was plenty big enough for 2 to share and wonderful. I had the chef special Sea Bass and hands down it was the best Sea Bass I have ever had.
(5)Melissa S.
So we came here for a paint night and it was such a great atmosphere and the food was awesome and what a great way to spend a night out with your friend! I will deathly be back here on Sunday for unlimited mimosas!
(5)Dawn S.
Excellent service, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere is beautiful! We had the chicken strips as an appetizer, steaks and meatloaf as our meals and everything was perfect. My girls and i loved it. Finished with the chocolate cake- yum! Our waiter was extremely nice and very professional. We went at night and the interior setting is beautiful with all of the lights... Loved it!
(5)