Urban Flats is one of the newest restaurants to move in at The Plaza, Downtown Orlando. They have several locations in Central Florida, including Winter Park. On their website they describe themselves as “an eclectic fusion of ancient world style flatbread in a modern urban setting.” In other words it’s thin crust pizza shaped in rectangles with a better selection of topping than your average pizza joint.

Unfortunately, we dined there on a Wednesday night. I say unfortunately because upon entering the restaurant it was like we had stepped into front row seats at a NASCAR race that never ended. It was the loudest restaurant I’ve ever been in, ever. I asked our waiter if it was always this loud and he said only on Wednesday night. He told us every Wednesday night they offer a “Wine Down Wednesday,” a wine tasting which allows you to sample their selection wine, flatbreads and appetizers for $20. There were about 100 adults in their 20’s and 30’s crowded around outside, at every table inside and at the bar. We found ourselves literally screaming to each other in order to chat about the food and what to order.

Atmosphere aside, all the flatbreads on the menu looked appetizing and the wine list was sizeable. We started off ordering their Arugula, Artichoke and Blue Cheese Dip ($8.50) until we could decide on which flatbreads to order. The appetizer came out after about a 10 minute wait and was served warm accompanied by baked pita chips. The dip was pretty good. It had good size chunks of artichokes and good flavor. I’d order this appetizer again.

We ordered three flatbreads: Fig and Prosciutto ($9), The Black and Bleu ($10) and the Fire Roasted Chicken ($9.50). Our waiter informed us the flatbreads are all prepared and baked in their wood fire oven which is visible from the front of the restaurant. Each flatbread was about 12” by 7” and cut into 8 pieces. The Fig and Prosciutto flatbread had fig jam, prosciutto, blue cheese and mozzarella. This was our favorite. Anyone who has had a fig wrapped in prosciutto knows what a great flavor combination this is. The figs were caramelized perfectly. I would definitely order this one again. The Black and Bleu had strips of steak, bell peppers, spinach, roma tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, blue cheese and a balsamic glaze drizzled all over it. This one was also good. The balsamic glaze saved this flatbread from being dry. The strips of steak were a little tough but that’s expected when you bake small bite sized strips of steak in a wood fire oven for 10+ minutes. I’d try another one next time before ordering this one again. Finally the Fire Roasted Chicken.  This flatbread had Sun-dried tomato pesto, fire roasted chicken, mozzarella cheese and goat cheese on it. Not much to say about this flatbread. The chicken was overcooked and dry. It’s hard to enjoy it when it’s the focus of the whole flatbread. I would definitely not order this one again.

Overall I’d say the food at Urban Flats was good but nothing special. If you’re looking for a new trendy spot with a different take on the traditional round pizza, then this is a good place to checkout. The volume level was definitely an issue but if you’re going to check the place out, avoid Wednesday nights.

Open For Lunch and Dinner.

http://www.urbanflats.net