Via Napoli vs. Tutto Italia / Ohana vs. Boma

[acummings81]

My family (8 adults, 3 babies) will be visiting Disney the first week of January for a reunion/anniversary celebration. I've been charged with making all of our dining reservations and was hoping to get some opinions:

1. On our 2nd night in EPCOT we were looking at Via Napoli vs. Tutto Italia. We only have one picky eater but would love to hear people's opinions as to which is better. We're a big, loud, Italian family so we were thinking we'd do an Italian restaurant but would take any other suggestions.

2. On our last night we were thinking Ohana vs. Boma dinner buffet. I've read good things about Ohana and with two 1.5 year olds and a 2.5 year old I'm thinking that may be a good end to our trip.

Any advice?

 

[DizneyLizzy]

I would go with Via Napoli and 'Ohana.

I picked VN, just because I love VN, and don't have a place nearby that serves real Italian pizza (not NY style pizza, but actual Italian pizza). I live in a city that has a great Little Italy, and that's where I go for non-pizza centered Italian food. I just don't think Tutto Italia has better food than my local Italian places, AND it's way way more expensive. That being said, VN is very loud, and it would make talking as a group difficult.

I picked Ohana because of the entertainment value for the children (they get leis and can learn the hula) and because with a group that large, I feel like a buffet wouldn't be very much fun - you'd never get to sit down and actually relax/chat together as a group because half the group would be up and down getting food from the buffet.

I think all of your choices are good, and you'll have fun no matter where you go! Enjoy

 

[wiigirl]

I would recommend Via Napoli and Ohana.

 

[pixieprincess72]

I would recommend Via Napoli and Ohana.

I would say the same have fun!!

 

[goofy4tink]

I've eaten at all four. I find 'Ohana to be on the salty side and the service can sometimes be less than stellar. Tutto is okay but I think it's overpriced. I don't return to either of those two restaurants.
However, Via Napoli is a must do on every trip!! We all love it there and have yet to have a less than good experience there.
Boma??? One of my favorites. We are eating breakfast and dinner there in November!!!! Love the resort, love the theming, love the variety of food. If you want to try foods that are different? Great, you'll find them. If you want something more plain, or even kids food? They have that as well.

I vote for Via Napoli and Boma..in a heartbeat.

 

[Pakey]

I've also dined at all 4. I would pick Via Napoli and Boma.

 

[justcruisin]

VN and Boma. IMO your girls are too young to participate in the activities (walking around the restaurant pushing a coconut with a broom) at 'Ohana but they'd love seeing the animals. If you go to Boma make sure to get there early so you can spend some time outside on the savannah.

 

[TwistGrl101]

My family loves 'Ohana. We tried Boma twice, and felt like we went out of our way lugging the kids around just to eat there. The food wasn't bad, but we could have lived without going.

 

[DWillowBay]

Via Napoli- super yummy and CUTE waiters!!! Boma - unique and delicious

 

[figment_jii]

I've also been to all four...i would vote for Via Napoli and 'Ohana.

VN versus TI - I liked both, but enjoyed VN more. TI had good tasting food and service, but it was a little to quiet for me. VN can be noisy, but I've never found it so noisy that I couldn't talk to the others with me. The appetizers, pizzas, and desserts are excellent.

'Ohana versus Boma - both are very good, but I prefer Boma for breakfast. Personally, I think sit down meals are easier to do with small children opposed to buffets where you have to keep getting up. That's a personal preference and for you it might not be an issue. I didn't find 'Ohana too salty or that the service was bad . The food always arrived very promptly and there was always lots of it to eat.

Whichever combination you pick, I think you'll have two very yummy meals!

 

[kathie859]

And just to prove that food tastes are so subjective: I'd pick
Tutto Italia and Boma---and yes, I've eaten at all 4 choices

I think the food is better at TI and I find the whole Ohana experience (tried 'em 3 times over the years) just isn't my idea of good food or nice atmosphere. I love the salads and soups @ Boma--lots of different things I can't get locally.

 

[sabcook]

VN and Boma

 

[purple figment]

Another one who has been to all 4 places.

-Via Napoli: Bright and airy. It tends to be noisy. Excellent thin crust wood-fired pizza, delicious appetizers and desserts.

-Tutto Italia: Good food and service, but it's much quieter and reserved in atmosphere.

-'Ohana: Lots of food and service can feel rushed, but just let the servers know you're not ready for the next course if necessary. Your 2.5 year old might like the kids' activities, but the 1.5 year olds probably are too young to join in.

-Boma: Interesting selection of foods, some with African inspired influences. We found a lot of the spices to be on the sweet side. However, we make a point of having breakfast at Boma on our trips. If you go in January arrive at AKL early enough so that you can see the animals on the savannahs while it is still light outside.

My choices are Via Napoli and 'Ohana. Then go to Boma for breakfast to see the animals.

 

[vicki_c]

I've also dined at all 4. I would pick Via Napoli and Boma.

I concur. 'Ohana is totally overrated. Although Boma can be a transportation challenge if you don't have a car and depending on where you are coming from.

 

[Dizzytime]

I'd go Via for the family atmosphere and 'Ohana for the kids sake because of kids overall poly enjoyment. !!! Have fun!!

 

[Dacky619]

My family loves 'Ohana. We tried Boma twice, and felt like we went out of our way lugging the kids around just to eat there. The food wasn't bad, but we could have lived without going.

We feel the same way about Boma, it's good but not something we'd need to back for unless we are staying at AKL. I'd go with VN and 'Ohana.