Long considered a desirable place to live for its proximity to theme parks, major shopping malls and downtown, the sprawling “neighborhood” with its exclusive communities of Bay Hill, Windermere and Isleworth is home to many of the city’s upwardly mobile. Naturally, many of the businesses cater to Dr. Phillips’ well-heeled residents, including the ever-growing string of higher-end boîtes and steakhouses along West Sand Lake Road. Rapid growth has created traffic woes along the main strip, so if you’re looking to satisfy those bougie appetites, this is the area to be, but screw your patience to the sticking place.
EAT
Bartaco
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., 407-801-8226, bartaco.com
Chill taquería inspired by the beach culture of Brazil, Uruguay and Southern California.
Slate
8323 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-500-7528, slateorlando.com
Handsome resto serves up safe, seasonal, well-executed fare.
Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi
7972 Via Dellagio Way, 407-370-3359, dragonflyrestaurants.com
They come for meats perfectly blistered over binchotan charcoal and artfully rolled sushi.
Le Café de Paris
5170 Dr. Phillips Blvd., 407-293-2326, shopcafeparis.com
A recent renovation means more space in which to enjoy French pastries, sandwiches, quiches and soups.
DRINK
Vineyard Wine Bar & Healthy Bistro
4848 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, 407-909-9522, thevineyardwinebarorlando.com
More than 300 wines can be enjoyed with a healthy selection of small plates.
Rocco's Tacos Tequila Bar
7468 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-226-0550, roccostacos.com
Nearly 400 types of tequila keeps this joint raucous most nights.
The Whiskey
7563 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-930-6517, downatthewhiskey.com
For those given to pairing gourmet burgers with whiskey-forward craft cocktails.
SHOP
Filthy Rich
7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., 407-745-4007, facebook.com/filthyrichdrphillips
Where ladies go to accessorize like the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
PGA Tour Superstore
7603 Turkey Lake Road, 407-581-7540, pgatoursuperstore.com
A golfer's paradise situated in the Bay Hill Plaza.
GO
Arnold Palmer Invitational
9000 Bay Hill Blvd., 407-876-2888, arnoldpalmerinvitational.com
Mid-March tournament at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge is a highlight on the PGA Tour calendar.
