The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille Restaurant Review:

Good luck getting a table at The Capital Grille if there’s a convention in town. The place is packed most nights, with reservations secured weeks in advance. And for good reason: it’s some of the finest dining on bustling International Drive, better known for fast-casual restaurants where families fill up. But this is an oasis of gentility, with dark mahogany wood, white linens, plush leather booths and wine lockers for locals to stash their best wines (with more than 4,000 bottles in the Grille’s cellar). The food is classic steakhouse fare, from the jumbo shrimp cocktail to the filet Oscar. The dry-aged porterhouse is the signature item --- the generous size and beefy flavor is hard to beat. If you prefer seafood, go for the grilled swordfish with lemon shallot relish or the broiled fresh lobster. Whatever you order, ask for a side of crisp truffled fries with Parmesan and kosher salt. There is no children’s menu, but the kitchen has a few pint-size offerings, such as petite steaks and mac ‘n’ cheese. Even if you’re not on an expense account, phone ahead, save up and get ready for an upscale night on the town.