Beef, steak, red meat. Sometimes you need an iron fix, sometimes you just wanna dig your teeth into another animal. Here are 20 Orlando-area restaurants that serve up a mean cut of cow. Celebrate a special occasion at one of the fine dining spots, or go on a first date at one of the more casual choices – just make sure your date isn’t vegetarian!

– Gallery by Ross Nobles

Kres Chophouse 17 West Church St, 407-447-7950 Kres naturally exudes a verve and panache that other steakhouses can’t match. Housed inside one of downtown’s most architecturally revered buildings, Kres’ decor matches their culinary sophistication. Photo via Kres/Facebook
Kres Chophouse 17 West Church St, 407-447-7950 Kres naturally exudes a verve and panache that other steakhouses can’t match. Housed inside one of downtown’s most architecturally revered buildings, Kres’ decor matches their culinary sophistication. Photo via Kres/Facebook
Cafe 34 Istanbul 8255 International Dr Ste 144 B, 407-601-7712 The atmosphere in Cafe 43 is as welcoming and comfortable as the food is delicious and well-portioned. Enjoy authentic Turkish dishes without breaking the bank, if you don’t mind the occasional smell of hookah. Photo via Cafe 34 Istanbul/Facebook
Linda’s La Cantina Steak House 4721 E Colonial Dr, 407-894-4491 This local steakhouse has earned a fair reputation on their reasonably priced menu. It’ll only cost you $16 for a 19-ounce chopped sirloin steak, and $32 for a 16-ounce ribeye, but the sit-down experience isn’t much of a romantic dinner date setting. Linda’s La Cantina is much more of a family dinner spot with indoor picnic tables for feeding large groups of hungry bellies. Photo via Linda’sLaCantina/Facebook
Linda’s La Cantina Steak House 4721 E Colonial Dr, 407-894-4491 This local steakhouse has earned a fair reputation on their reasonably priced menu. It’ll only cost you $16 for a 19-ounce chopped sirloin steak, and $32 for a 16-ounce ribeye, but the sit-down experience isn’t much of a romantic dinner date setting. Linda’s La Cantina is much more of a family dinner spot with indoor picnic tables for feeding large groups of hungry bellies. Photo via Linda’sLaCantina/Google Maps
The Capital Grille 9101 International Dr,407-370-4392 When dining out, do you like to be greeted three times, by name, before you are seated? Do you like to have someone refold your napkin every time you get up to use the bathroom? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your table is waiting at The Capital Grille. Photo via Capital Grille/Facebook
Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster 729 Lee Road, 407-645-443 This stylish resto is much more of a fine dining experience with a vast menu featuring prime rib and lobster. Christner’s elegance and class of course comes with higher prices, but this dining lounge is a perfect option for a upscaled wedding reception or boujee anniversary dinner. Photo via Christner’s/OrlandoWeekly
Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster 729 Lee Road, 407-645-443 This stylish resto is much more of a fine dining experience with a vast menu featuring prime rib and lobster. Christner’s elegance and class of course comes with higher prices, but this dining lounge is a perfect option for a upscaled wedding reception or boujee anniversary dinner. Photo via Christner’s/OrlandoWeekly
Matthew’s Steakhouse 360 West Plant Street, 407-520-7511 Enjoy a ‘high-end’ meal without the high-end hassle. Mathew’s invites a small, cozy atmosphere to exquisite steak without breaking the bank and sacrificing good service. Photo via Matthew’s/Facebook
Capa 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, 407-313-6161 This rooftop steakhouse & bar boasts expertly wood-fired prime cuts and unique Spanish influenced cuisine in a lively and vibrant setting. Capa’s diverse offerings range from New Basque inspired small plates to an array of fresh Florida seafood. Photo via Capa/Facebook
Del Frisco’s 9150 International Drive, 407-351-5074 The steaks at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle are clearly the draw, and you can choose from classics like an 8-ounce Prime filet mignon or an extremely delicious New York Strip. Higher in price, the quality of the cuts more than make up for the dent in your wallet. Photo via Del Frisco’s/Facebook
Del Frisco’s 9150 International Drive, 407-351-5074 The steaks at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle are clearly the draw, and you can choose from classics like an 8-ounce Prime filet mignon or an extremely delicious New York Strip. Higher in price, the quality of the cuts more than make up for the dent in your wallet. Photo via Del Frisco’s/Facebook
Teak Neighborhood Grill 6400 Time Square Ave, 407-313-5111 Burger lovers rejoice. Steak lovers rejoice. Meat lovers, this is your place. Teak takes the classic dishes of Americana we all love and infuses them with culinary creativity that translates to an exceptional meal with a unique environment. Photo via Teak/Facebook
Charley’s Steakhouse 8255 International Dr #100, 407-363-0228 Walk in to an upscale, old-school steakhouse decor, with medium-sized rooms with booths plus tables. The highlight, however, is the wood-fired grill that produces premium steak cuts served by waiters who actually know what they’re talking about. Photo via Charley’s/Facebook
Charley’s Steakhouse 8255 International Dr #100, 407-363-0228 Walk in to an upscale, old-school steakhouse decor, with medium-sized rooms with booths plus tables. The highlight, however, is the wood-fired grill that produces premium steak cuts served by waiters who actually know what they’re talking about. Photo via Charley’s/Facebook
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 933 N Orlando Ave, 407-699-9463 Steak lovers won’t be disappointed. The distinguishing ingredient of the Fleming’s chain is its multipage wine menu, with every vintage available by the glass, one that’s the size of your head. And since everything is big here in Steak-house Land, the cuts of meat range from a four-inch-high “petite” filet mignon ($23.95) to a humongous 22-ounce bone-in rib eye. Photo via Flemings/Facebook
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 933 N Orlando Ave, 407-699-9463 Steak lovers won’t be disappointed. The distinguishing ingredient of the Fleming’s chain is its multipage wine menu, with every vintage available by the glass, one that’s the size of your head. And since everything is big here in Steak-house Land, the cuts of meat range from a four-inch-high “petite” filet mignon ($23.95) to a humongous 22-ounce bone-in rib eye. Photo via Flemings/Google Maps
Vito’s Chophouse 8633 International Drive, 407-354-2467 This is the capital-C-classic steakhouse, with a signature Italian menu. Vito’s is known for the exceptional service of Manhattan steakhouses, and the intimate atmosphere is perfect for dates. Their selection of 1,000 wines and specialty Martini list will perfectly cap off a night of Tuscan-herb rubbed aged steaks and seafood. Photo via Vito’s Chop House/Facebook
Vito’s Chophouse 8633 International Drive, 407-354-2467 This is the capital-C-classic steakhouse, with a signature Italian menu. Vito’s is known for the exceptional service of Manhattan steakhouses, and the intimate atmosphere is perfect for dates. Their selection of 1,000 wines and specialty Martini list will perfectly cap off a night of Tuscan-herb rubbed aged steaks and seafood. Photo via Vito’s Chop House/Facebook
La Boucherie 7625 Turkey Lake Rd , (407) 930-1708 This French outfit from Limousin appropriated the concept and ideals of the American chain restaurant, Gallicized it, expanded it all over France, then brought it here to shove into our faces. Baguettes, by the way, are flown in from France, which may seem odd at first, but when you learn the restaurant is run by Claude Wolff, owner of sandwich joint Le Café de Paris on Dr. Phillips Boulevard, it makes sense. Photo via La Boucherie/Facebook
Choo Choo Churros – Argentinian Steak 5810 Lake Underhill Rd, 407-382-6001 Choo Choo has an affinity for small spaces, and there are barely nine tables in the room, with three more outside on a patio. Much of the food of Argentina and Brazil can be summed up in four letters – meat. Lots of meat, delicious big slabs of it, served in styles and from parts of beasts that some people, even carnivores, would rather not think about. Photo via Choo Choo Churros/argentiniansteak.com
Fogo de Chao 8282 International Dr., 407-370-0711 This Orlando churrascaria is a shrine to beef, with heavenly tableside service to boot. Juicy skirt steak, salt-crusted rib-eye and meltingly tender filet are standouts, but accoutrements like deep-fried polenta squares, bacon-studded rice and beans, and thick spears of chilled asparagus will also wow. The impressive wine list leans toward South American malbecs and rioja; the high ratio of staff to diners means service is equally impressive. Photo via Fogo de Chao/Instagram
4 Rivers Smokehouse 11764 University Boulevard, 844-474-8377 Rich, juicy and wonderfully smoky, the ample serving of Black Angus brisket with a thin blackened crust as an added bonus. The sides are what sets Four Rivers apart from other barbecue joints in town – sweet and meaty baked beans, salty crinkle fries and Southern green beans are all wonderful. Smoked jalapeños filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon are a true original. Photo via 4Rivers/Facebook
Texas de Brazil 5259 International Dr, Ste F1,407-355-0355 Texas de Brazil elegantly brings the churrascaria to Orlando. Walk in to rich but rustic design elements – heavy wrought-iron doors push open like horse stalls, riveted metal adorns the bright walls and ceiling; copper bowls of fire sit aside gorgeous sprays of fresh flowers. Pleasure and overindulgence are the rules here. So come with an appetite, and remember: Brazil is known as a country of gorgeous people who like to frolic in scantily clad fashion – they must be on to something. Photo via Texas de Brazil/Facebook
Vines Grille & Wine Bar 7533 Sand Lake Rd, 407-351-1227 In an area dominated by high-concept restaurant giants, Vines is surprisingly cozy, an intimate space with probably no more than two dozen tables. The menu is fancy but not back break. Among the best dishes, a beautiful platter of roasted mussels ($9.50) with broth spiced with shreds of still-crunchy red pepper. A gem in a high performing area. Photo via Vines Grille/Facebook
Shula’s Steak House 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, 407-934-1362 Metallic steel-grey walls, chrome accents, polished hardwood floors and a centerpiece wine vault splitting the lounge from the dining area cap off the high-energy ambiance of Shula’s, Named after the historic Coach’s winning streak, Shula’s holds a championship pedigree of its own. Photo via Shula’s/Facebook
Shula’s Steak House 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, 407-934-1362 Metallic steel-grey walls, chrome accents, polished hardwood floors and a centerpiece wine vault splitting the lounge from the dining area cap off the high-energy ambiance of Shula’s, Named after the historic Coach’s winning streak, Shula’s holds a championship pedigree of its own. Photo via Shula’s/Facebook
The Palm Orlando 5800 Universal Blvd., 407-503-7256 The original Palm opened in New York City in 1926, and now there are more than 30 locations nationwide, including Orlando. It remains a family-owned American steakhouse, with classic cocktails, a big, noisy room, and huge plates of steak, lobster and Italian dishes. Photo via The Palm Orlando/thepalm.com
The Palm Orlando 5800 Universal Blvd., 407-503-7256 The original Palm opened in New York City in 1926, and now there are more than 30 locations nationwide, including Orlando. It remains a family-owned American steakhouse, with classic cocktails, a big, noisy room, and huge plates of steak, lobster and Italian dishes. Photo via The Palm Orlando/Google Maps
Ruth’s Chris Steak House 7501 W Sand Lake Rd, 407-226-3900 This New Orleans-based chain deals only with corn-fed Hereford cows. Meats are aged several weeks for added flavor and tenderness. Each cut is seared on an 1,800-degree grill, hot enough to fire pottery, which quickly seals the meat and locks in juices. They arrive at your table sizzling in butter. The results are sometimes so tender that a steak knife isn’t necessary to dig in; a mere fork will do. Photo via Ruth’s Chris/Facebook
Ruth’s Chris Steak House 7501 W Sand Lake Rd, 407-226-3900 This New Orleans-based chain deals only with corn-fed Hereford cows. Meats are aged several weeks for added flavor and tenderness. Each cut is seared on an 1,800-degree grill, hot enough to fire pottery, which quickly seals the meat and locks in juices. They arrive at your table sizzling in butter. The results are sometimes so tender that a steak knife isn’t necessary to dig in; a mere fork will do. Photo via Ruth’s Chris/Facebook