HUE Restaurant, 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.

This place has amazing food. I had the Ahi tuna was the best ever.Great people, and there some hotties everywhere..Its just a great night out with friends have a glass of wine or too,and dress some what nice.LIke a cute little black dress and guys black pants and a botton down shirt

My meal at HUE was very good, but not outstanding. The tuna tartare appetizer was fantastic, but neither of our main dishes really wowed us (the duck w/ pearl pasta and the papardelle with shrimp). I appreciated the complimentary dessert on my birthday, and the chenin blanc by the glass was fantastic.

Everything I taste here is excellent, great service and well trained staff. Highly recommonded.

The trendy decor with warm hues and shimmering lights adds to the unique dining experience at this upscale restaurant. The menu features an innovative mix of American cuisine with higlights, such as Seared Tuna, Wood-grilled meats and fish dishes. The happy hour definitely brings a smile to …...

Hue is a very trendy restaurant. Good fish dishes and fresh food. Sunday brunches are the best, but so is a glass of wine while seated outdoors. Wait staff is very helpful.

I made a reservation to come here for my birthday. I asked for a quiet table, which they assured they could accommodate. I got there on time and still had to wait 45 minutes to be seated, regardless of my reservation. I was seated right by the entrance of the restaurant and next to the kitchen, where it was the noisisest. The menu didn't have a big selection for dinner entrees. I ordered chicken, and it tasted like I could have gotten it at Publix. This was my worst restaurant experience!

I was looking for a trendy place to have a drink and dinner after a long day's work while attending a conference in Orlando. I drove all over the downtown area, made note of all the potential spots, and ended up at Hue, located in the Thornton Park area near Lake Eola. According to my server, Thornton Park is new, just about 5 years old, a place where homes and condos mingle with restaurants and businesses along cobblestone streets. Just my kind of place, although all of Thornton Park is actually pretty small. You can never go wrong with a California cabernet, which I enjoyed with my lightly breaded calamari. I skipped the bread, feeling more than appetized with the calamari. Delicious. The main course was scallops with a pad thai'ish rice noodle served with crispy snow peas, string beans and red peppers in a soy sauce. An explosion of flavor! I also skipped the dessert since I was more than sated. Besides, they didn't have my favorite, creme brulee. As for the crowd, Hue attracts a mixed lot of 30 somethings. It'd be my kind of place if I lived in Orlando, except it doesn't allow for late-night frolicking since it closes at an early 9pm.

shot out to Isaac Chung best chefs in Orlando. Shot out to my girl Julie...best server. Food is out of this world!