Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe – Orlando
Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe - Orlando
Photo from Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe
Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe at a glance
Orlando North Orange
- 🥂 Fine Dining Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 103 of the guests
#31 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#1 Fine Dining Restaurant out of 1 in Orlando
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
706
Reviews
81.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Slow service
The restaurant Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe is a premier Fine Dining Restaurant located in Orlando’s North Orange neighborhood. You’ll find yourself immersed in an upscale and romantic ambiance, perfect for a memorable evening.
Known for its exceptional culinary creations, this spot truly shines with its great dessert offerings, ensuring a sweet end to your dining experience. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a trendy brunch, this establishment promises a delightful visit.
Overview: Introducting Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe
Russell’s offers a dining experience where the culinary creations and the setting truly stand out. Guests frequently praise the `delicious` and thoughtfully prepared dishes, alongside an `attentive` and welcoming service team.
The restaurant’s `beautiful location` contributes significantly to a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. While many find the overall experience rewarding, some opinions suggest that the `pricey` nature of certain items can lead to questions about overall value.
Despite this, the establishment generally delivers a memorable visit, balancing strong points with areas that might not meet every expectation.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
706
Reviews
81.6%
Satisfaction
99
negative
31
neutral
576
positive
Russell’s achieves a good overall Restaurant Score of 8.1 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 81.6%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 706 customer observations, comprising 576 positive remarks against 99 negative ones. The restaurant particularly excels in Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.3), both rated highly by diners.
Service also performs well with a score of (8), consistently noted for its attentiveness. However, Value (5.2) presents a more average picture, suggesting that while quality is appreciated, some guests find the pricing a point of consideration.
What people like
- Delicious, thoughtful food
- Attentive, friendly service
- Beautiful lake views
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Occasional slow service
- Noise, parking challenges
With a solid Recommendation Score of 8.4, Russell’s is a strong contender for those seeking a quality meal in a pleasant setting. It’s a place where you can expect well-prepared food and attentive service, often complemented by appealing views.
If you prioritize a delightful atmosphere and culinary execution over strict budget considerations, Russell’s is worth exploring. Be mindful that while the experience is generally positive, some aspects of value might not align with everyone’s expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction of 84.5%, diners are generally thrilled. Out of 330 comments, a whopping 279 rave about delicious meals, from the succulent ribeye and short rib to amazing cocktails and the delightful bread pudding.
However, a few of the 36 critical remarks point to some areas for improvement. Some found duck servings small, steaks tough or overcooked, and certain lobster rolls disappointing. While these instances are fewer, they suggest that consistency might occasionally vary.
Food
330
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
36
negative
15
neutral
279
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Excellent drinks
- Perfectly cooked entrees
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overcooked meat
- Disappointing lobster rolls
Often praised
- foodThe restaurant boasts a beautiful location right on the water, creating a wonderfully relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for any occasion from brunch to dinner or drinks with friends. The service was outstanding and attentive, and the food and cocktails were delicious and thoughtfully prepared. It's a local spot that consistently delivers a memorable experience, whether you're enjoying a meal with a view or catching up with good company.
- drinksShe provided excellent recommendations for both drinks and food and was incredibly accommodating, even as the restaurant became busy. The food was described as fun, innovative, and tasty, and the drinks were delicious. You can truly feel the heart of this family-run business.
- Foodthe Food and the ambiance was fantastic
- bread puddingbread pudding came doused in a saccharine whiskey sauce that was luscious
- octopusMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially during Happy Hour on Tuesday at 4: 30. I had the best octopus I ever had. The menu is excellent and offers better prices than you'll find at steakhouses.
- cocktailsThe restaurant boasts a beautiful location right on the water, creating a wonderfully relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for any occasion from brunch to dinner or drinks with friends. The service was outstanding and attentive, and the food and cocktails were delicious and thoughtfully prepared. It's a local spot that consistently delivers a memorable experience, whether you're enjoying a meal with a view or catching up with good company.
- pork chopI had the pork chop and my wife had the chicken kiev and we both thoroughly enjoyed this meal!
- salmonMy daughter and I ordered the salmon and my wife ordered the short rib for our entrees...excellent!!
- duckWe had the filet and the duck. It was excellent.
- short ribmy wife ordered the short rib for our entrees...excellent!!
Frequently criticized
- foodUnfortunately, the music was absent to accommodate extra tables, which was our first disappointment. The service was poor and the food was cold. It was a disappointing Mother's Day experience.
- steaknearly 50 dollar steak
- alcohol drink beveragealcohol drink beverage was also small 🤨
- beefI had the worst ribeye beef I've ever tried, and it resulted in an upset stomach after leaving. It's definitely not worth it to eat beef here.
- brunch menubrunch menu was very limited
- chef's specialI ordered the chef's special, and it was hardly edible.
- deep fried in oiltasted like they had been deep fried in oil
- drinkasked him a question about a drink he never brought it
- duck servingduck 🦆 serving was SUPER SMALL!? Crazy small?
- filetOne filet was over cooked and returned to kitchen
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight, offering many delicious options and creative drinks. While most experiences are fantastic, be mindful that a few dishes might occasionally miss the mark. It's certainly worth trying for a great meal, but perhaps stick to their well-loved specialties.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction rate of 78.9%, its clear many guests have had a good experience. Out of 218 total comments, a whopping 172 were positive, often praising the staffs attentiveness, friendly demeanor, and phenomenal service.
Many also highlighted positive owner interaction, making guests feel truly cared for. However, not every visit is flawless. There were 41 negative comments, with some guests experiencing frustrating wait times and slow service.
Issues like inconsistent server attention and even unfortunate instances of perceived discrimination were noted. While these seem to be less frequent, they are certainly points for improvement.
Service
218
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
41
negative
5
neutral
172
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Exceptional owner interaction
- Professional, caring service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Slow service speed
- Poor server attention
Often praised
- serviceThe restaurant boasts a beautiful location right on the water, creating a wonderfully relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for any occasion from brunch to dinner or drinks with friends. The service was outstanding and attentive, and the food and cocktails were delicious and thoughtfully prepared. It's a local spot that consistently delivers a memorable experience, whether you're enjoying a meal with a view or catching up with good company.
- staffThe food was amazing, full of flavor and beautifully presented. Although the service was a bit slow due to a large party, the staff was attentive and friendly, and the manager was super nice. I highly recommend Russell Restaurant for delicious food and a warm atmosphere!
- serverWe had a nice dinner, and the drinks were great. Our server was attentive and made great recommendations. If you are in Orlando, it is a nice location for a romantic dinner.
- ServiceErin and Patrick remind me of Cheers, "where everybody knows my name". Our first time there and we felt at home.
- recommendationsWe had a nice dinner, and the drinks were great. Our server was attentive and made great recommendations. If you are in Orlando, it is a nice location for a romantic dinner.
- familyDinner is amazing as well. We are always treated like family.
- ChristianWe were greeted with complimentary parking, which was a nice start. Our waiter, Christian, made us feel right at home; he was knowledgeable, patient, and funny. With his excellent suggestions, we thoroughly enjoyed the pumpkin soup, chicken kiev, and salmon.
- PatrickThe menu has more options now, which is great. Patrick took good care of all of us, providing excellent service. It was simply the best, and we will definitely be back soon.
- accommodatingOur experience was so positive that we asked them to host our wedding, an event they don't typically cater. Russell's not only made an exception but also proved to be incredibly welcoming, flexible, and accommodating. They served a truly divine feast that our guests raved about, praising the food, the warmth of the servers, and the exceptional service.
- bartenderThe bartender greeted us and was very nice.
Frequently criticized
- serviceOMG, that’s the one thing that REALLY needs to improve. We did not appreciate the wait time for the server to take our order or after we received our order.
- managerUnfortunately, one filet was overcooked and had to be returned, and the shrimp and linguini was like glue and also returned. Our disappointment grew as we never saw the manager again, and the only person who inquired about our experience was the valet. We will not be back.
- wait timeWe did not appreciate the wait time for the server to take our order or after we received our order.
- ownerIt appeared to be the owner himself who showed this unacceptable behavior
- serverWhen I told the server that my swordfish tasted awful
- ServerServer must have been new
- ServiceService started out really slow, and of course we were all hungry.
- anniversary acknowledgementno acknowledgement about our anniversary
- bartenderbartender made a dismissive comment
- checkwe had to walk up to the bar to get our check
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, often marked by friendly and attentive staff. While there are occasional reports of slow service or wait times, the good outweighs the bad for most. If you value genuine care and a welcoming atmosphere, it's definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 85.1%, it's clear most diners are captivated. Out of 141 pieces of feedback, a whopping 120 observations praise the awesome view, romantic dinner potential, and warm atmosphere.
Many appreciate the lakeside ambiance and shabby chic decor, making it a delightful setting for various occasions. However, not every experience is perfect. A smaller number of 13 comments point to some drawbacks.
Concerns include noise levels, especially near the bar, and the occasional highway view despite the lake. Some also noted inconsistent lighting and a less appealing flow of the restaurant, suggesting minor areas for improvement in the overall setting.
Ambience
141
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
13
negative
8
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning lake views
- Warm, romantic vibe
- Charming decor
What people don't like
- Loud noise levels
- Visible highway view
- Inconsistent lighting
Often praised
- atmospherefood ambience view & service if you catch an evening with phillipe
- viewI highly recommend this restaurant for a nice relaxing enjoyable brunch. The experience offered a great view, enjoyable food, and excellent service. It was my first time experiencing brunch with live music, and it was really nice.
- restaurantThis was perfectly fulfilled! The restaurant is very pleasant, has great dishes, good wines, and excellent service. It's located next to a very beautiful lake, but since it was night, it wasn't possible to admire the external scenery!
- ambianceThe ambiance, service and view were what we hoped for.
- AtmosphereErin and Patrick remind me of Cheers, "where everybody knows my name". Our first time there and we felt at home. We'll be back!
- viewsI had an amazing time here! The great views were a highlight, and the great eats were delicious. The great service truly made the experience special.
- locationMy experience at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe was outstanding. The restaurant boasts a beautiful location right on the water, creating a wonderfully relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for any occasion from brunch to dinner or drinks with friends. The service was outstanding and attentive, and the food and cocktails were delicious and thoughtfully prepared.
- view of the lakeWe all enjoyed of beautiful view of the lake
- lakeThe restaurant is very pleasant, has great dishes, good wines, and excellent service. It's located next to a very beautiful lake, but since it was night, it wasn't possible to admire the external scenery!
- lake viewThe lake view and casual elegance set the stage
Frequently criticized
- noiseOne large room, a little noisy.
- I-4 behind itminus I-4 behind it
- ParkingThe food and service were both excellent. Parking was a bit difficult to find, but valet is offered.
- ambient musicatmosphere could be enhanced with some ambient music
- atmosphereit seemed like up by the bar at one point they must have put one of the TV on some sports or something because they were all making noise at it completely stuck in it so it was a little awkward considering it suppose to be a fine dining restaurant
- flow of the restaurantThe flow of the restaurant is not as appealing either
- highway viewyou can see the highway as you look at the view of the lake
- lightingbetter lighting in the dining area. There’s a mixture of lighting that doesn’t flow well
- musicNo Music. First disappointment.
- private restaurantStated “this is a private restaurant”
If you're seeking a restaurant with stunning lake views and a warm, romantic vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some areas can get a bit noisy, and the highway might occasionally peek into your view.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found pleasant surprises, noting that prices were often better prices than youll find at the steakhouses or simply great prices. A few even mentioned the food was reasonably priced and that the bill at the end was a welcome surprise, feeling less than planned. This contributes to an average score of 5.2, indicating a somewhat balanced view from some guests.
However, the sentiment shifts quite a bit for others, with many feeling the price was a little steep or the food overpriced for what they received. With 9 negative opinions compared to 5 positive out of 17 total, its clear that value is a significant concern, leading to a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 29.4%. Many felt the expense simply didnt justify' the experience.
Value
17
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Quality-adapted pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Steep expense
- Value not justified
Often praised
- pricesits prices are adapted to the quality and the experience
- billonly surprise on the bill at the end of the night is that it was bit LESS than we planned
- pricefood was reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- pricewe spent almost $300 and I just thought I would’ve walked away feeling much more satisfied
- PricePaid nearly $70 for 2 bites of prawns.
- expensedidn't justify the expense
- expensiveto expensive for what it is
- foodfood was overpriced for what we got
- pricesespecially for the prices we paid
- priceyThe service and hospitality were also great. The only downside was that it's a little pricey, which is a consideration for someone like me who isn't rich. Overall, it's a fantastic place for quality, fine dining vibes, a great view, and excellent hospitality.
- swordfishthe swordfish was $42 on the menu
If youre highly sensitive to price, be prepared for a potentially steep bill that many felt didnt justify the expense. While some found great prices, the overall consensus points to a place where value is a significant concern for many diners.
How are the prices at Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe?
You’re looking at roughly $55 per person – reported by 103 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Fine Dining Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while $55 is the average, we see a wide spread in spending. Many guests spend less, often around $31–$40, but a good number also splurge, with a noticeable cluster in the $91–$100 range. So, your bill could vary!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 103 reviews.
This chart compares the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in Orlando.
We think this pricing feels quite fair for a fine dining experience in Orlando. It offers a good balance, allowing for a memorable meal without necessarily breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Exceptional Lakefront Dining Experience
My experience at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe was outstanding. The restaurant boasts a beautiful location right on the water, creating a wonderfully relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for any occasion from brunch to dinner or drinks with friends. The service was outstanding and attentive, and the food and cocktails were delicious and thoughtfully prepared.
It's a local spot that consistently delivers a memorable experience, whether you're enjoying a meal with a view or catching up with good company. I highly recommend it for anyone in the Orlando area.
- location10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Great Meal Despite Initial Concerns
I visited on a Sunday night and was initially a bit skeptical because the restaurant was out of some menu items. However, it turned out to be a great experience with a wonderful meal. The scallops and pork chop were on point, and the escargot appetizer was also excellent.
The staff was great. The lake view was nice, though the I-4 highway behind it was a drawback. Seeing a river otter was a bonus.
- scallops9
- pork chop9
- escargot appetizer8
- menu items4
- I-4 behind it3
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Burger and Sweet Staff!
My experience at the restaurant was amazing! The dining area was super cute, and the staff were very sweet. I found the burger to be soo yummy!
I highly recommend trying it!
- dining area10
- staff10
- burger10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious food and great drinks!
My experience at this restaurant has been great for both happy hour and dinner. The drinks were good and the food was delicious. I've visited for both happy hour and dinner, and consistently found the drinks to be good and the food to be delicious.
- drinks8
- food10
Service Intent
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Salmon and Great Lake View
We went for a private work party on Saturday night. There were several meal types to choose from, and I had salmon which was delicious. Other people's plates looked delicious too.
We enjoyed a great view of Lake Ivanhoe. The manager even checked in with our table. The service and atmosphere were rated 5/5, and food was also rated 5/5.
- salmon10
- meal types8
- view of Lake Ivanhoe9
What Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe?
At Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe, you’ll find an atmosphere that is both upscale and romantic, perfect for a special evening. The setting is also described as cozy and trendy, offering a versatile environment for your dining pleasure.
Does Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe accommodate dietary preferences and offer a variety of beverages?
Yes, Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe caters to various dietary needs, offering both vegan and vegetarian options. You can also enjoy a comprehensive beverage selection, including a great wine list, diverse beer, cocktails, and hard liquor, alongside coffee and happy hour drinks.
What is the overall verdict on Russell's?
Russell’s holds a good Restaurant Score of 8.1, with particularly strong showings in Food (8.3), Ambience (8.3), and Service (8). However, Value (5.2) is a weaker point, indicating a mixed perception on pricing.
What can I expect from the ambience at Russell's?
The ambience at Russell’s is generally highly regarded, scoring 8.3. Customers frequently praise the beautiful location and lake views, creating a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere. Some minor concerns include occasional noise or views of the nearby highway.
How is the service at Russell's?
Service at Russell’s is rated well with a score of 8. Many guests describe the staff as attentive, friendly, and accommodating, often making excellent recommendations. There are occasional reports of slow service, particularly during busy periods.