Food suggestions for my upcoming trip

[Zoemakes5]

Was looking for feedback on where to go for meals.

Our first day in the park is Thursday, we'll also be there Friday and then be gone for a couple of days and go back. Either on Sun/Mon or Wed.

On Thurs. we are having a late breakfast at Plaza. Then that evening the girls are going to Ariel's while the guys are going to Naples. At this point I have no other reservations. The boys don't really want to do another character meal.

I'd like to do a sit down once each day. What are your recommendations?

Thanks!

[Amy&Dan]

Well there aren't a lot of options in the parks. There is the Blue Bayou which I have always loved but its not getting such good reviews anymore. Its pricey, even moreso than it used to be. There is also Cafe Orleans, also in Disneyland in New Orleans Square. They have some of the same items that Blue Bayou does, namely the Monte Cristo but its cheaper. It doesn't have the theming of being inside a ride but it seems to get good reviews. I always enjoy the Carnation Cafe. Its on Main Street and has some nice sandwiches, salads and soups. They also have this very cute kids meal that is a make your own pbj on a painters palette. It very casual, and not much more than counter service but you can make a reservation and have someone bring you your food which is often very nice! The main range of choices for sit down dining are in DTD. You already have Naples planned (which is one of my favorites). I would also suggest Rainforest Cafe. Although if you have one in your area (we don't hence our love of the place) it might not feel special to go to. I also like Hook's Pointe in the Disneyland Hotel. It has a nice atmosphere and some nice selections. Storytellers in the GCH has a buffet at lunch and dinner that is not characters. That is a lovely restaurant, I have only done the character breakfast so I can't vouch for the food at lunch and dinner, but I hear good things. If you like Mexican food we have always enjoyed Tortilla Joes in DTD. Good luck with your planning we enjoy have sit down meals often too, its a nice way to sit down and relax if nothing else!

[ScooterL]

I also like Storyteller's Cafe for lunch/dinner. I don't remember a buffet at lunch, but there are some nice selections on the menu. I have done the dinner buffet and was impressed by the quality of the food, and it was a good selection of items, too. You can find menus for most of the Disneyland park/resort restaurants on allearsnet.com.

I've also heard good things about Cafe Orleans, and one of these days I want to try it myself!

While they aren't sit-down restaurants where you are served at your table, the "buffeteria" restaurants at Disneyland (Rancho del Zocalo, Plaza Inn, River Belle Terrace, and French Market) serve your food on real plates with real silverware, and they all have nice outdoor seating areas (Plaza has some indoor seating as well.) I find those to be almost as relaxing as a regular sit-down meal, and you usually get your food faster!

[saffy]

It's not as fancy, but we enjoy the La Brea Bakery in Downtown Disney. It's the closest restaurant to the parks, and they have excellent sandwhiches, iced tea, and good bread served to the tables.
I've also had their soups and they've been great, as have their hot dishes that I've tried.

It's the most reasonably priced TS I've found there.

[disneegrl4eva]

While they aren't sit-down restaurants where you are served at your table, the "buffeteria" restaurants at Disneyland (Rancho del Zocalo, Plaza Inn, River Belle Terrace, and French Market) serve your food on real plates with real silverware, and they all have nice outdoor seating areas (Plaza has some indoor seating as well.) I find those to be almost as relaxing as a regular sit-down meal, and you usually get your food faster!

I agree with Scooter on River Belle Terrace, although it is buffeteria style, once you sit down, thats pretty much it...and they have good bbq...Plaza Inn, which is where you will be doing your character breakfast has good pot roast and fried chicken...Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen is very nice as well:)...being from Minnesota, I would also suggest Ranch del Zocalo for mexican food...and of course I agree with everyone on Cafe Orleans..good food..try their chocolate crepes for dessert yum!

[blackjackdelta]

I agree with Scooter on River Belle Terrace, although it is buffeteria style, once you sit down, thats pretty much it...and they have good bbq...Plaza Inn, which is where you will be doing your character breakfast has good pot roast and fried chicken...Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen is very nice as well:)...being from Minnesota, I would also suggest Ranch del Zocalo for mexican food...and of course I agree with everyone on Cafe Orleans..good food..try their chocolate crepes for dessert yum!
I am getting hungrey just sitting here. I agree. We did have an excellent meal at BB last August and it was waterside. Not something I would do all the time, but the experience was well worth it.

Jackpirate:

[disneegrl4eva]

I am getting hungrey just sitting here. I agree. We did have an excellent meal at BB last August and it was waterside. Not something I would do all the time, but the experience was well worth it.

Jackpirate:

Jack............. where ya been???? havent heard from you in awhile...make sure you do Cafe Orleans...same food (and some better) as BB but less expensive...and you can sit indoors...they have it freezing in there...