In need of some fellow foodie advice!!

[DisWishes720]

Calling all foodies...we need some help!

We are headed to WDW in early December and are still trying to finalize our ADR's. We will only be doing a basic dining plan, and are already going over our number of table services since we're doing Cali Grill and a breakfast or two. On our second night, we are going to an early fantasmic which will be over a little before 7, and then hopefully heading somewhere for dinner either at one of the EPCOT area resorts or in EPCOT itself. We are staying at the BC so we wanted to stay close by. We are already eating at San Angel, Teppan Edo and Via Napoli. Besides those restaurants, which "non signature" restaurant at either the EPCOT resorts or EPCOT would you recommend? My husband and I are big foodies and live just outside of NYC. We really want the best food quality possible with out going to a signature.

I have been hearing rumblings that Coral Reef is getting better. Is this something we should try again (we haven't been in like 6 years) or should we head over to another WS restaurant or resort instead?

Thank you all so much!!!

 

[JimmyV]

When you take the signatures out of the equation, you limit the “foodie” field considerably. If you are looking at the Epcot resorts, you have:

• ESPN Club-Not a foodie destination
• Big River Grill-Not a foodie destination
• Flying Fish-Signature
• Il Mulino- Foodie destination, but not on the DP
• Shula’s-Foodie destination, but not on the DP
• bluezoo- Foodie destination, but not on the DP
• Kimono's- Foodie destination, but not on the DP
• Kouzzina-Might be your best bet
• Yachtsman Steakhouse-Signature
• Cape May-Decent, but not really a foodie destination

That then brings you back into Epcot itself. Leaving aside the ones you are already eating at, you eliminate Le Cellier as it is a Signature, and you are left with some decent choices, but nothing that stands out for a foodie (Biergarten, La Hacienda, Chefs de France, Rose and Crown, Marrakesh and Tutto Italia). Frankly, you might be better off staying at DHS and eating at 50’s Prime Time. It isn’t “foodie”, but it is fun. I think that the quality of food there will match the non-signature places in and around Epcot, and it would be easier to get to, and more fun. Otherwise, I would consider Kouzzina, Rose and Crown and Marrakesh with the warning that none of these is a true foodie destination. I would also suggest Tutto Italia if you don’t mind eating there in addition to your Via Napoli ADR.

 

[TDC Nala]

I do not recommend Coral Reef for 'foodies." But then others might have a different definition of 'foodie" than I have. I also don't recommend it for adult parties. It's a playground now, with families bringing kids to look at the fish tank. I'd go to Kouzzina before I'd go to Coral Reef.

Not sure how a true foodie will do with no signature restaurants - which is one reason I do not use the dining plan. You will find possible NYC quality at very few of the one-credit restaurants.

The one I like best is Sanaa. It is at Animal Kingdom Villas, which is not near the Beach Club.

The World Showcase has a number of ethnic-themed restaurants but most of them serve heavily Americanized dishes. the Mexican restaurants may be the most authentic as far as the food goes.

 

[JimmyV]

I do not recommend Coral Reef for 'foodies." But then others might have a different definition of 'foodie" than I have. Not sure how a true foodie will do with no signature restaurants - which is one reason I do not use the dining plan.

Perfectly stated. If you are going on the DP and avoiding signatures, adjust your expectations downward considerably. I'm always amazed at the number of self-professed "foodies" who go to WDW and don't step foot in the Swan and Dolphin restaurants where the best food resides.

 

[DisWishes720]

Perfectly stated. If you are going on the DP and avoiding signatures, adjust your expectations downward considerably. I'm always amazed at the number of self-professed "foodies" who go to WDW and don't step foot in the Swan and Dolphin restaurants where the best food resides.

I so agree with you about the Swan and Dolphin! We eat at bluezoo every trip (pre baby). Since we are traveling with our 18 month old this time, we didn't think it was the right atmosphere for him unfortunately!

I do not recommend Coral Reef for 'foodies." But then others might have a different definition of 'foodie" than I have. I also don't recommend it for adult parties. It's a playground now, with families bringing kids to look at the fish tank. I'd go to Kouzzina before I'd go to Coral Reef.

Not sure how a true foodie will do with no signature restaurants - which is one reason I do not use the dining plan. You will find possible NYC quality at very few of the one-credit restaurants.

The one I like best is Sanaa. It is at Animal Kingdom Villas, which is not near the Beach Club.

The World Showcase has a number of ethnic-themed restaurants but most of them serve heavily Americanized dishes. the Mexican restaurants may be the most authentic as far as the food goes.

Again, totally agree which is why we are having such a hard time. We are going for a longer period of time which then made my husband cut down our normal deluxe dining plan down to the basic with one signature choice to keep our cost down. We are actually going to Sanaa for lunch on our AK day and it will be a first for us!

I have been reading some good things about Kouzzina and we have not been there since it was Spoodles. I think that might be where we are headed unless I can convince him to try Flying Fish again. We are 100% Italian and have had some pretty unauthentic meals at Tutto Italia the last few times we were there so we probably won't head back this trip.

Any other suggestions? Is Kouzzina comprable to a Teppan Edo or San Angel in food quality?

 

[TDC Nala]

Missed that you had a child. Don't know if you want to take the child to Coral Reef for the view, but I still don't recommend the food for a self-proclaimed foodie.

 

[DisWishes720]

Missed that you had a child. Don't know if you want to take the child to Coral Reef for the view, but I still don't recommend the food for a self-proclaimed foodie.

We decided that we'll just go to The Seas for the view and skip that not so hot food. I say that we are foodies strictly because we have a deep love of food and have been spoiled with our geographical location and heritage with some of the most amazing food and restaurants. My DH is more of the "foodie" of the group (lots of food crawls, festivles, cooking classes...) and is the one that is on a mission to try all the best food in Disney. I think because of this I can get him to crack and pay for a signature restaurant this night. Would Flying Fish be a good option or is it pretty similar to Kouzzina as far as food quality? We went to Flying Fish 4 years ago and weren't thrilled with the meal so we haven't been back since...

 

[bedogged]

Calling all foodies...we need some help!

We are headed to WDW in early December and are still trying to finalize our ADR's. We will only be doing a basic dining plan, and are already going over our number of table services since we're doing Cali Grill and a breakfast or two. On our second night, we are going to an early fantasmic which will be over a little before 7, and then hopefully heading somewhere for dinner either at one of the EPCOT area resorts or in EPCOT itself. We are staying at the BC so we wanted to stay close by. We are already eating at San Angel, Teppan Edo and Via Napoli. Besides those restaurants, which "non signature" restaurant at either the EPCOT resorts or EPCOT would you recommend? My husband and I are big foodies and live just outside of NYC. We really want the best food quality possible with out going to a signature.

I have been hearing rumblings that Coral Reef is getting better. Is this something we should try again (we haven't been in like 6 years) or should we head over to another WS restaurant or resort instead?

Thank you all so much!!!

I don't know if I would call myself a "foodie", but we do enjoy doing the Signature restaurants and deluxe dinning. I think that I would recommend Chefs de France. We had lunch in May and thought it was really good. If timed right, you could also see the rat. LOL

 

[DisWishes720]

I don't know if I would call myself a "foodie", but we do enjoy doing the Signature restaurants and deluxe dinning. I think that I would recommend Chefs de France. We had lunch in May and thought it was really good. If timed right, you could also see the rat. LOL

I would consider that a Disney foodie!!

Oooh I hadn't thought about Chefs de France! My parents went to Bistro de Paris (by accident...thought they were going to Chefs...long story) and really had bad things to say about it. I'll have to check and see the difference in the two!

 

[Quin]

For the food, have you considered Tokyo Dining rather than Teppan Edo? Much like Coral Reef, people seem to go to Teppan Edo purely so that the chef can entertain the kids. You can actually get several of the same dishes at Tokyo Dining; you're just not sitting at the cooktop. And there is a wider array of other food choices there too.

Tutto - they did completly redo the menu in the refurb this year so I think it remains an option for you for a future trip, but not since you are already doing Via Napoli.

One BC/YC restaurant a prior poster left off their list is Captain's Grill. I have not been there for dinner but you ought to check the menu; otherwise, in the resorts I think Kouzzina is your only 1-credit option and that only if Greek food appeals. Cape May is great if you want massive quantities of fairly plain seafood but otherwise is not going to work as well for you.

Marrakesh is pretty interesting and Biergarten, while Americanized, does have some good food as well. Chefs does not appeal to me personally but gets reasonable reviews.

 

[TDC Nala]

Bistro de Paris is closed for renovation. But I've always liked it. I don't think Chefs de France is a foodie destination.

 

[DEA]

We decided that we'll just go to The Seas for the view and skip that not so hot food. I say that we are foodies strictly because we have a deep love of food and have been spoiled with our geographical location and heritage with some of the most amazing food and restaurants. My DH is more of the "foodie" of the group (lots of food crawls, festivles, cooking classes...) and is the one that is on a mission to try all the best food in Disney. I think because of this I can get him to crack and pay for a signature restaurant this night. Would Flying Fish be a good option or is it pretty similar to Kouzzina as far as food quality? We went to Flying Fish 4 years ago and weren't thrilled with the meal so we haven't been back since...

Flying Fish is better than Kouzzina, full stop, but Kouzzina has furnished us with a couple of good meals in the last few months (1 dinner, 1 breakfast). I'd still take FF over it if those were my two choices.

In talking with some friends over the weekend, the consensus was that FF had improved over the last few years, so if you haven't been for four years, you may notice a marked difference.

 

[briandunne]

I'd love to hear the board's users' definition of the term "foodie".

Does eating and leaving before the third inning or second period, depending on the game I'm attending count?

For me, vacations are all about the food and my not deciding what's for dinner or making it. Any restaurant, signature or non, in WDW can be fantastic on its day. Disappointment is always a possible result as well.

We love Chefs de France and San Angel. Rose & Crown and Teppan Edo, too.
Coral Reef was good, but incredibly small portions.

My only repeat disappointment has been the counter service restaurant in China and that was due to its blandness.

 

[Meredisney]

What exactly is your criteria for a "Foodie" destination? Some of the restaurants around the Epcot resort area have great food but may not have the "Foodie" atmosphere you are looking for. For example, I happen to love the Clambake at Cape May. I love the clams and crab legs especially. It's not a foodie destination, but it certinaly has some great things to offer. On the other hand, you mentioned that you are dining at San Angel. I really don't consider the quality of the food there to be classified in the "Foodie" category, but it definitly has a great theme and ambiance. It totally depends what you are looking for. Kouzzina doesn't appeal to me at all unless I'm just going there for appetizers. None of the entrees are that great. I definitely prefer Flying Fish to Kouzzina hands down!! To me Flying Fish is a "foodie" destination. It offers great food, a decent wine selection and fabulous atmosphere.

 

[TDC Nala]

In my definition a buffet is NOT a foodie destination. Especially a Disney buffet. I've been to "foodie" buffets in Vegas - not at Disney though.

San Angel would qualify because the offerings there are not the same as can be found everywhere else that labels itself a Mexican restaurant, and I think the food is pretty good and great margaritas. You don't go there for wine though.

the OP brought up that they live in the New York area and prefer higher-end restaurants, which helps deduce what they are looking for.

 

[DisWishes720]

I was basically saying "foodie" just as a food lover who is looking for the best possible meal they can get in WDW. I think part of the definition of "foodie" should include loving Disney food so much that you are on a forum about it .

So we decided to switch a few of our ADR's around and do La Hacienda de San Angel after Fantasmic. So now we are going to head over to Jiko on our first night for an earlier ADR and MK after. I am so excited to try this restaurant. It's our first time at AKL too! My DH did some calculating and found that Jiko is one of the better priced signature restaurants. Has anyone found this to be true??

Thank you everyone for weighing in!! (I also hope that the "foodie" label didn't alienate anyone...I meant it in reference to all of us Disney Food Lovers! )