Hue, Orlando

Fantastic place to eat drink and be happy near downtown Orlando

What has not been written about this restaurant? Or should I ask, which publication has not showered this restaurant with their coveted titles? Since its opening, I am going to venture out and say that if a restaurant related publication did not do an article on this place they were not with the in crowd. It is then safe to say that all of Hue’s kitchen sink is public knowledge. If memory, oh let me go do some reading, serves me right Hue opened with such grandeur and panache that it was the place to be and be seen. This was a destination restaurant before Thornton Park was, well Thornton Park. The revitalization of this area of downtown was balanced on the shoulders of Hue. It is now the Don Corleone of all the little splatterings coming up. With its very forward and modernist décor, Hue captivated and lured the whos of who from all over the place. The old adage location, location, location comes to mind. Have you actually been here? It is located smack dab in the middle of the world, oh Thornton Park. The large patio is ideal for people watching, or is it for people watchers? Although, several times that I’ve pretended to be the in crowd, there was always a homeless person trying to get something or offer something that was not on the menu, if you get my drift. The back room is majestic or at least the very high ceilings and grand wall art makes the small floor space seem large. Although tables are rather closely bunched, there is still a sense of space and comfort. Along the half circled bar many a star power figure have leaned. I remember sometime back when I lived downtown, I would walk by here just to get a glimpse of the pretty people. Oh and the eye candy was worth it. Hue, named after a fishing village in Vietnam, opened with a menu leaning towards its name, Asian. Fast forward today and the menu has made a turn towards modern American. Gone are all the Asian spices and references. Spring rolls and soy sauce based dressings are ancient history. Enter a fresh modern approach to the Orlando dining scene of “Eat Drink and Be Local”. They even go so far as to put this slogan on their wine glasses. That is some serious commitment. Basket of Fresh Bread – Various different textures and tastes all encompassing a good hearthy start. Lobster Bisque – Creamy and rich. Tiny bits of lobster was a nice touch. Duck a la Orange Sandwich – Tender slices of duck meat, with a well balanced orange sauce between rustic slices of bread. Bread was a little on the softer side for a sandwich but this combination did not last long on the plate. Tip: Eat fast or your dining companion will grab a piece. Tuna Two Ways – Seared Tuna was nicely done with a slightly sweet sauce, Tuna Tartare was a combination of balanced flavors, Greens were crisp and fresh. Nice dish. White Knight Viognier – Crisp, citrus flavors, with great grassy nose and a slightly lingering finish. Great alternative to Chardonay, very food friendly. Restaurants that can look ahead and foresee that in order to keep up with trends they need to embrace change will always be one step ahead of their peers. Hue has taken that leap and have done it well. There will be pretty people watching and great food grazing for years to come.

Great locaion but "only" average food...try to hard to be hip with asian fusion and such...appertizers were very good especially the tuna two ways...for entree went with hog fish snapper special... sorry to say was over cooked and heavy on the sauce...my take is this place is a hip bar scene that tries to serve food.

Loud, slow service. Place was very attractive though. For what it's worth the people I was with are regulars and said they were having an off night...I still don't think I'll go back for a while though.

A trendy hot spot in a not so trendy town. Ambiance and style were funky, friendly with a lot of class with a separate dinning area a bit more intimate and romantic to give you what you're looking for. The appetizers and desserts are the star along with great service with a smile but the main dishes all left a lot to be desired.

Handsome restaurant with that perfect balance of dark but not too dark to read menus. Creative cuisine, yet stopping short of bizarre. Simply delicioous cooking. Excellent house made bread.

Some of the best food in Orlando. It can be a bit noisy, but the food over comes this minor issue. Best to make a reservation and ask for a quiet table in the back. They also have a pretty good brunch on Sunday. One of the few places downtown to make it through the tough times.

If you want to be in the cool crowd of Orlando, just go to Hue on a Friday night. Anyone who is anyone is there! What saves this place from total snobbery is that they have a terrific, varied menu, chef's who care about the food, and a service staff who is on top of their game. Of course it's pricey, but it is worth every penny.

The SOHO neighborhood of Orlando is home to this piece of uptown eatery. Sleek interior, haunted by the best local chefs ( like "Fish") then you know its good. Always super attentive and unobtrosive service. Walk after dinner around the huge antique fountain in Lake Eola . Food is always good especially the seafood.

American Bistro. Very modern decor. Excellent Server. Loud bar in front of restaurant. Ask for a table in the back room.