02/21/09

For a surreal dining experience evoking moments of bliss....

by FranklinStreetProductions

I have driven by Enzos for years and had heard great things about it. You can see Enzo's(the privacy wall anyways) on your left as you travel up 17-92 (just past Dog Track Road) in Longwood. Well a few months ago my girlfriend Amanda and I went for dinner. From the moment we walked through the door we were engulfed in a warm, slight casual, romantic, family-like atmosphere. We stopped shortly at the cozy little bar in the front nook of the restauraunt for a pre-dinner drink. The bartender was so friendly, respectful and inviting.

Walking to our table, the decor seemed direct from "old Italy" including a huge wheel of parmigian (over 100 lbs) near the front door. From our greeter to our exceptional server and service it felt like a vacation for a night. The only thing missing was a foot massage.haha. Our server(I think his name was Brandon) was like an old friend tending to our every need at just the right moment. We ordered a bottle of Penfolds and then some Carpaccio, Antipasti, Shitaki and even a Caeser Salad for starters and were utterly amazed by every exquisite bite. There couldn't have been a better way to prepare us for our entrees which included Fettucine Al' Aragosta E Gamberi(mine) with fettucine al dente in a light, silky, mouthwatering sauce with most generous portions of plump shrimp and lobster. Each bite was pure bliss. Amanda ordered the Abbacchio Del Duca which is a lamb-rack cooked to absolute perfection filled with shitake mushrooms and other delicious fresh herbs. Every succulent bite was extraordinary and the presentation was remarkable to say the least. Words truly cannot express how amazing our dining experience was. Our tab came to around $300.00 with tip but a couple could easily dine for around $125-150(w/tip). Yes, it is no cheap fare but once you are swept away in the experience(which is immediate) that is Enzo's on The Lake your cares and the world surrounding you simply melt away much like every luscious morsel melts in your mouth.

• Pros: Food, Ambience, View, Service, Staff, Drinks, Hideaway location EVERYTHING!!!
• Cons: Expensive on the surface but more than worth every cent spent

02/18/08

Great customer service, the entire staff very attentive

by karrie05

We visited Enzo's twice, once to taste test the food because we used Enzo's On The Lake for our wedding ceremony & dinner reception June 2007. Both my husband & I were very impressed with the food,atmosphere,everything. My husband loves to eat the pork chops were the most tender he's ever had and most flavorful. For our wedding ceremony & dinner reception all our guests didn't have anything bad to say about service,food,drinks everything was taken care of by the waite staff & Susan the wedding planner for Enzo's. Our wedding cake was the Best!! The steak was tender, the pasta course was amazing. We can't wait to go back for our wedding anniversary!! The gardens were beautiful for our ceremony!

11/05/07

The Best

by rvbmw1

Everything is made fresh for todays service. The staff (no kids) know what they are talking about and treat you like your an old friend. Wonderful. Well worth the price. The best I have found in Orlando.

• Pros: The best and freshest food. Wonderful service (not the best for the kids leave them at home)
• Cons: Can get a little loud

09/01/04

This cozy, family-run restaurant offers great Italian food and a romantic view.

by Contributor

The Scene
A stone wall separates the 1930s Spanish-style hacienda from the surrounding industrial sites, sheltering this quaint, family-run restaurant known for its authentic Italian food. The house is filled with tile floors, so the noise level can get a little high, especially with parties taking advantage of the full bar.

The Food
Sample the house specialty, bucatini ala Enzo--fresh, homemade pasta cooked al dente and smothered in a robust sauce of mushrooms, prosciutto, bacon and peas. Fish lovers will appreciate the fresh sole imported from France and sauteed in a light mixture of olive oil and lemon. Another outstanding entree is vitello alla Veneziana--veal tenderloin medallions, lightly floured, cooked in olive oil with caramelized onions and splashed with a dash of cognac. End your meal with the zucotto rum cake, filled with kiwi and strawberry, or the creme brulee.

• Pros: amazing Italian fare
• Cons: inconsistent service

02/11/04

Great Italian Dining!

by graphicsguy

Superb food, nice wine selection and the service is always exemplary. Well worth it if you are looking to splurge for that special night out.

07/13/03

Don't waste your time and money!

by leigh109

We were sat for our 8:15pm reservations at 9:10pm. Once seated, we werent greeted by our server for another 20 minutes. Our mediocre tasting, but very expensive food was brought about 50 minutes later. We never received bread during the meal because the kitchen was running behind. Our service was lackluster. We, along with the rest of the restaurant witnessed a screaming fight in the kitchen between 2 waiters. When we complained to the manager and the owner, they acted like they couldnt have cared less and they did nothing to make up for our horrible experience. I think we would have received better food & service at a cheaper price at the Olive Garden. This restaurant suffers from a large ego of being in business for a long time and thinking they can treat customers any way they want. We will not be back.

• Pros: Ambiance
• Cons: Food was unimpressive, horrible service

01/04/03

There's a Better Place!!

by StanSprings

Enzos=$$$ + bacon grease. This list is an insult to Italian food! They left the best restaurant off the list!! Amelia's Italian Restaurant offers the freshes homemade food, reasonable prices, and most cozy family atmosphere in Central Florida. It's family owned (a rare thing these days) and operated and is by far the most pleasurable Italian dining experience.

• Pros: atmosphere
• Cons: Price, Food, not family oriented

10/03/02

Now thats Italian

by rickdh

Well you put them on the list but ranked below Olive Garden? WHAT? Did I really read this correctly? Who are these people you are surveying.

TOURISTS on a shoestring budget with a family of 8 headed to theme parks for a week. Come on Orlando do we all live on cheap premanufactured national food chains here.

Take number 1 off top 10 and push this real italian jewel to at least 2.

• Pros: Beautiful Romatic, Excellent Food, Ample portions
• Cons: A little too formal, Don't take toddlers

08/26/02

Awful

by gregnorton

The restaurant and gardens were beautiful, but the food was awful. As time passed, the waiter became increasingly annoyed that our party failed to pad the bill with extra antipasti, soups, and desserts; near the end of our meal, he was nowhere to be found.

I watched a man who I assume was "Enzo" walk around the place schmoozing any woman over 40. His schtick must have something to do with generating repeat business because it certainly isn't food or service.

• Pros: Scenery
• Cons: Food, Service, Cramped

08/08/02

Molto bene, grazie, Enzo!

by puntiglio

Topnotch food in a relaxed atmosphere at reasonable prices. What more could you want? Bellisimo!

• Pros: Wonderful food, Pride of ownership, Friendly staff
• Cons: Far from downtown