Since the start of the year, several new venues have opened along Eola Drive, revitalizing this section of downtown Orlando. Joining the Mezz, the Abbey, and Mucho Tequila & Tacos are two restaurants from FMI Restaurant Group, the folks behind the popular Funky Monkey chain.
1. Prickly Pear is a 3,500-square-foot restaurant on the ground floor of the Sanctuary condominium. The atmosphere and food are meant to evoke an upscale take on the American frontier. Deep orange walls are decorated with Southwestern artifacts and the namesake cacti. The L-shaped space has seating for 150 at tables and a large bar. There are also 75 seats on the sidewalk out front. The menu features items such as lobster quesadillas, chipotle-glazed BBQ salmon, and burgers made from elk, lamb, bison, and prime beef. Prickly Pear serves dinner and Sunday brunch.
2. Next door is Nick's Italian Kitchen, with a bit more upscale atmosphere in tones of muted gold, gray, and burgundy with black-and-white photos of Italy decorating the walls. The 2,000-square-foot space has seating for 75 inside and 50 on the front patio. The menu includes handmade pasta dishes, osso bucco, fresh fish, and a daily featured risotto. Nick’s is open for lunch on weekdays and dinner seven days a week.
Both restaurants are available for buyout and also offer catering.
Photo: Courtesy of FMI Restaurant Group
The desserts at Nick's Italian Kitchen include a ricotta cheesecake topped with fresh fruit.
Photo: Courtesy of FMI Restaurant Group
Contemporary fixtures blend with Southwestern accents at Prickly Pear.
Photo: Courtesy of FMI Restaurant Group
Prickly Pear has seating for 150 people.
Photo: Courtesy of FMI Restaurant Group
Prickly Pear serves black bean and jalapeño jack cheese soup yin-and-yang style, topped with a spiral of sweet red chile puree.
Photo: Courtesy of FMI Restaurant Group
Prickly Pear offers happy hour every day from 5 to 7 p.m., serving cocktails such as a margarita made with prickly pear syrup.
Photo: Courtesy of FMI Restaurant Group
The antipasto platter at Nick's includes seasonal melon, prosciutto, parmesan, and tomato marmalade.
Photo: Courtesy of FMI Restaurant Group
Nick's Italian Kitchen has seating for 75 at tables and two small bars.
Photo: Courtesy of FMI Restaurant Group
