We drool a little each week when the restaurant review photo comes in – whether it features sloppy heaps of comfort food or exhibits knife skills too pretty to poke with a fork – so we decided it was about time to go behind the food and identify the most enticing food photos we’ve published in our pages. Just be warned: Some of these items may be seasonal or currently off menu, so if you crave a dish that’s been scrapped, sorry! But at least now you know what went inside to attempt to re-create the plate.

Photos by Rob Bartlett http://www.bartlettimage.com/

The Dish: Pasta alla carbonaraWhat’s in it: spaghetti with pancetta, scallions, egg and black pepperFound at: Francesco’s Ristorante and Pizzeria400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland | 407-960-5533 | francescos-rist.com | $$Related: Sicilian specialties star at Maitland’s Francesco’s, but service is a kick Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Shrimp & gritsWhat’s in it: Canaveral Red shrimp, Anson Mills grits, charred tomato barbecue sauce, arugula, fennel, crisp onionsFound at: Highball & HarvestRitz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway | 407-393-4422 | highballandharvest.com | $$$$Related: Highball and Harvest in the Ritz-Carlton plays down the posh Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Dynamic DuoWhat’s in it: Half-pound beef burger topped with braised short rib, sweet roasted garlic, provolone cheese, tomato-onion jam, lettuce, onion and tomato, on a sushi-garnished onion roll. Found at: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar6000 Universal Blvd. | 407-363-8000 | thecowfish.com | $$$Related: The Cowfish’s eccentric eats make dining at Universal CityWalk fun again Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Seared coriander crusted ahi What’s in it: Varies according to seasonal produce, but on the menu: radish sprouts, ember-roasted golden beets, haricot verts and blood orange dust (looks like some edamame and enoki mushrooms here, though)Found at: Boca358 N. Park Ave., Winter Park | 407-636-7022 | bocawinterpark.net | $$$Related: Boca makes you open wide and say “hmmm” Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Gra-Prow Chicken Sandwich What’s in it: Chicken, fresh basil, onion, red pepper, mozzarella, basil mayo pressed on Olde Hearth bread Found at: Krungthep Tea Time 1051 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park | 407-733-3561 | facebook.com/krungthepteatime | $ Related: Siamese steephouse and sandwich joint Krungthep is an instant hit Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Octopus salad What’s in it: Oak-charred octopus with chili-mango puree and soy-ginger-glazed bok choy Found at: Canvas Restaurant & Market 13615 Sachs Ave. | 407-313-7800 | canvaslakenona.com | $$$$ Related: Gratifying dishes steal the scene at Lake Nona’s Canvas Restaurant & Market Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Kale Caesar What’s in it: A blend of kale and daily greens, roasted rosemary potatoes, slivered onion, quinoa and house-seasoned tempeh, tossed in sea-vegetable caesar dressing and topped with toasted chickpeas Found at: The Sanctum 715 N. Ferncreek Ave. | 407-757-0346 | thesanctumcafe.com | $$ Related: Flavor runs deep as the Sanctum sets a new standard for meat- and gluten-free meals in Mills 50 Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Better Than Sex What’s in it: Chocolate-brownie-pumpernickel bread pudding with side of white chocolate mousse Found at: Better Than Sex Dessert Bar 1905 N. Orange Ave. | 407-761-8949 | betterthansexorlando.com | $$ Related: Ivanhoe dessert bar Better Than Sex garners a reputation as a house of sweet repute Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Sorry, folks, this dish, sort of a Spanish-inflected veggie hash, isn’t on the posted menu right now – it may pop back up, thoughWhat’s in it: As I recall, roasted grilled vegetables, radicchio and potatoes, seasoned with herbes de Provence and saffron and topped with a fried egg Found at: The Strand807 N. Mills Ave. | 407-920-7744 | strandorlando.com | $$Related: The Strand is the latest in a string of Orlando dining victories Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Pizza margheritaWhat’s in it: San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte (cow’s milk mozzarella) and basil, blistered in an 800-degree wood-burning ovenFound at: The Wine Barn959 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park | 407-599-9463 | thewinebarn.net | $$Related: Wine lovers and pizza lovers unite at Winter Park’s Wine Barn Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: “Roman Holidays”What’s in it: “Audrey Hepburn-style three small roses of pizza, one topped with Parmigiana, one with a meatball, and one with artichoke and gorgonzola”Found at: Rome’s Flavours124 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park | 407-951-8039 | rmaed.it | $$Related: Roman pair brings a true slice of the Eternal City to Rome’s Flavours in Winter Park Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Pepper Grilled Chicken Ramen What’s in it: Pepper-grilled chicken, nori, soft egg topped with togarashi, shredded carrots, slivered scallions, sprouts, cilantro, noodles, house broth Found at: Baoery Asian Gastropub 617 E. Central Blvd. | 407-849-9779 | baoery.com | $$ Related: Pan-Asian eats at Baoery Asian Gastropub liven up the Thornton Park dining scene Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Striped Bass Meuniere What’s in it: Striped bass in brown butter over cauliflower-potato purée, topped with Meyer lemon confit and fennel Found at: Urbain 40 8000 Via Dellagio Way | 407-872-2640 | urbain40.com | $$$$ Related: Urbain 40’s bustling French fare is exquisite, distinctive and pricey Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Brisket sandwichWhat’s in it: BBQ brisket, slaw, fried yuca on the sideFound at: Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa1326 N. Mills. Ave. | 407-203-0866 | facebook.com/pigfloyds | $$Related: The quality ’cue at Pig Floyd’s will make you wish you were here Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Chilean sea bassWhat’s in it: Certified sustainable fish, spring onion and corn risotto cake, asparagus, blood orange reduction, popcorn shootsFound at: The Boheme Restaurant325 S. Orange Ave. | 407-581-4700 | grandbohemianhotel.com | $$$$Related: Boheme Restaurant puts the “art” back in culinary arts Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Mixed Grille What’s in it: Grilled ribeye kebab, grilled chicken-thigh kebab, charred onions and vegetables, saffron-scented basmati rice Found at: Zora Grille 1370 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs | 407-636-9969 | zoragrille.com | $$ Related: Persian kebab house Zora Grille makes a case for being on your regular rotation Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Malaysian asam kariWhat’s in it: Your choice of protein (here: shrimp), tamarind-infused coconut curry cooked with freshly ground spices, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots and onions, served with jasmine rice and sliced cucumbersFound at: Mamak Asian Street Food1231 E. Colonial Drive | 407-270-4688 | facebook.com/mamakasianstreetfood | $Related: Mamak brings Malaysian food-stall culture to the forefront Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Berkwood Farms schweinhaxenWhat’s in it: 3-pound all-natural pork knuckle slow-roasted in cider, served with mashed potatoes (that’s what the menu says, though this plate has spaetzle instead) and red cabbageFound at: Schumann’s Jager Haus25 W. Church St. | 407-985-1950 | schumannsjagerhaus.com | $$Related: Dine like a Prussian king at Schumann’s Jager Haus Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Early riser burgerWhat’s in it: Your choice of patty and bun (including glazed donut), with cheddar cheese, house hash cake, applewood smoked bacon, fried egg, crispy onions and barbecue sauce Found at: The Porch643 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park | 407-571-9101 | winterparkporch.com | $Related: The Porch is a raucous addition to Winter Park’s bar scene Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Two-piece “plenty plate”What’s in it: Two pieces of fried chicken and two “fixins” of your choice from the 18 on offerFound at: The Coop610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park | 407-843-2667 | asouthernaffair.com | $$Related: Prep yourself for an over-the-top feast at the Coop Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Pecan-crusted Carolina flukeWhat’s in it: Served over Carolina Gold rice, with Canaveral shrimp hushpuppies and lemon butterFound at: Soco629 E. Central Blvd. | 407-849-1800 | socothorntonpark.com | $$$$Related: Greg Richie’s urban boîte, Soco, revels in Southern charm Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Masale dar chopWhat’s in it: Rack of lamb (the chops are separated) marinated in ginger juice and cooked in a clay tandoori ovenFound at: Mynt535 W. New England Ave., Winter Park | 407-636-7055 | myntorlando.com | $$$Related: Aesthetics seem to be the main focus at Mynt, a new Indian eatery in Hannibal Square Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: “Smashed” meatballsWhat’s in it: Three meatballs (choose from eight different types), smashed onto a fresh-baked ciabatta roll, with your choice of sauce and side dishFound at: The Meatball Shoppe7325 Lake Underhill Road | 407-270-6505 | themeatballshoppe.co | $Related: Have a ball or two at the Meatball Shoppe Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Pulpo racioneWhat’s in it: An appetizer of grilled octopus and celery root over a pistachio-romesco puree, topped with shaved pork loin Found at: Capa10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista | 407-313-7777 | fourseasons.com/orlando | $$$$Related: Sexy Spanish steakhouse Capa soars to the top of our list of must-eat restaurants Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Prosciutto and mozzarella hero What’s in it: Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes, onions and house dressing on a lightly toasted Italian roll Found at: Antonella’s Pizzeria 360 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park | 407-636-5333 | antonellaspizza.com | $$ Related: Antonella’s Pizzeria follows in the footsteps of Italian restaurateur Stefano LaCommare Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Lobster salmon rollWhat’s in it: Lobster, mango, avocado and cucumber rolled and topped with lobster, salmon and lobster cream sauceFound at: Ra Sushi9101 International Drive | 407-454-5600 | rasushi.com | $$$Related: Trendy sushi chain Ra keeps it appetizing for the tourist crowd Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Belgian waffle, bananas Foster styleWhat’s in it: Thick waffle, caramelized bananas and pecans, whipped creamFound at: Another Broken Egg430 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park | 407-790-7868 | anotherbrokenegg.com | $$Related: Another Broken Egg’s morning menu thrives on Cajun-Creole charm Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Camarones a la mojo de ajoWhat’s in it: Fresh shrimp sautéed in garlicky oil and served with salad, guacamole, rice and beans Found at: La Fiesta Mexican Grill2901 Curry Ford Road | 407-985-4340 | facebook.com/lafiestagrillandcatering | $$Related: Find quintessential comfort food at cozy La Fiesta Mexican Grill Credit: Rob Bartlett
The Dish: Japanese Stirfry What’s in it: Broccoli, onion, carrot, red bell pepper, zucchini and mushrooms served over brown rice, drizzled with Japanese steakhouse-style white sauce, topped with an edible orchid Found at: Daya 155 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park | 407-636-9461 | dayarestaurant.com | $$$ Related: Daya’s approach to dining is rooted in compassion Credit: Rob Bartlett