Best Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner?

[CCRolly]

Will be taking my "soon-to-be fiance" the week after Thanksgiving. Looking for a few restaurants that would have a more Romantic feel to them. Any idea's/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Pygoplites]

If it's in the budget, Victoria & Albert's is the only WDW that is truly romantic: no small children, a harpist (usually), plenty of space between tables, a long-stemmed rose upon departure, and food that looks like it materialized off the pages of a fine-dining coffee-table book (aka "food porn").

Next would be three Swan/Dolphin places: bluezoo, Shula's and Il Mulino, with bluezoo first among the three. Because they're not on the dining plan, they tend to be more...uhh..."civilized." Special mention: Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria. It is within WDW, but not served by Disney buses so you'd need to take a cab or drive. It is outstanding and the Waldorf is GORGEOUS. It would tie for second place with bluezoo (with V&A in first by a huuuuge margin), as far as I'm concerned.

After that, I'd pick Citricos or Jiko, especially if you are willing to have a late dinner when it might be quieter.

Overall, WDW isn't exactly a "romantic dining" destination (except for V&A). But it's really about who you're with, rather than where you are...so eating fish & chips on a bench in Epcot could be incredibly romantic!

[goofyintoronto]

I'd consider:

V&A
Blue Zoo
Il Mulino
Shula's
Citrico's
Jiko
Cali Grill

(in no particular order).

[mariamouse]

Originally Posted by Pygoplites

If it's in the budget, Victoria & Albert's is the only WDW that is truly romantic: no small children, a harpist (usually), plenty of space between tables, a long-stemmed rose upon departure, and food that looks like it materialized off the pages of a fine-dining coffee-table book (aka "food porn").

Next would be three Swan/Dolphin places: bluezoo, Shula's and Il Mulino, with bluezoo first among the three. Because they're not on the dining plan, they tend to be more...uhh..."civilized." Special mention: Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria. It is within WDW, but not served by Disney buses so you'd need to take a cab or drive. It is outstanding and the Waldorf is GORGEOUS. It would tie for second place with bluezoo (with V&A in first by a huuuuge margin), as far as I'm concerned.

After that, I'd pick Citricos or Jiko, especially if you are willing to have a late dinner when it might be quieter.

Overall, WDW isn't exactly a "romantic dining" destination (except for V&A). But it's really about who you're with, rather than where you are...so eating fish & chips on a bench in Epcot could be incredibly romantic!

I completely agree with all of these suggestions (except the Waldorf since I haven't actually been there).

V&A is undoubtedly the most romantic restaurant in WDW, but it is also the most expensive. If you are not willing to go quite that fancy, I agree that Jiko and Citricos are the quietest, most romantic signature dining experiences. I would also consider Artist Point since the WL ambiance is quite removed and peaceful. Perhaps look at these restaurants' photos and menus to determine which would be best?

Enjoy.

[sanapp]

Don't forget that your ADR window was at your 180 day marker, so you may find it hard to get into WDW signature dining. You shouldn't have a problem at Swan/Dolphin though. You should look at the online dining system or call ASAP to see if there any ADRs that would work for your schedule. Since there was a free dining promo for that week I am sure it will be hard to find times.

[Sparrow624]

If V&A is out price wise (it usually is for us), try getting a late reservation (after it is dark) at any of the following. We have gone to each and find them romantic and not nearly as crowded after dark:

- Yachtsman at Yacht Club - Great selection of steaks/Wine...nice coffee and dessert selection. Ask for a table by the window if possible, very pretty when everything is lit up.

- Jiko at AKL - Again, very nice at night and not as packed.

- California Grill at CR - Especially if you can get a seat near the windows. We enjoy a late Res after wishes has been completed...simply watching the castle change colors...

[Roxychica7]

I agree, signature restaurants may be hard at this point, to get ADR's for, but I second California Grill and Jiko

[lilpooh108]

My fave is Narcoossee's. The GF is all romance to me

[marlogood]

I think Narcoosse and V&A are the most romantic with V&A being the best (but expensive).

[Geordietyke]

Hubby and I splurged on V&A's for our 1st anniversary back in 2003 and it was FANTASTIC! It was the perfect setting, the food and wine pairings were incredible and we still talk about that evening to this day. One day we'll get back there...

[sabcook]

The signatures may be hard to get now but ironically, you can probably get in to Victoria and Alberts. I was able to snag a BOG ressie for our trip the first week of december and easily switched out V&A dinner night to accomodate it.

Vikkies is also the most romantic restaurant at WDW by a very long shot. THey have the best food I have ever had and their policy states no children uhder 10 - nuff said.

Enjoy!

[Pakey]

V&A and the 3 restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin will be easy to get into still because they aren't on Disney's Dining Plan. All 4 of these are better than Disney's signatures IMO and they definitely offer more adult atmosphere.

[Dizzytime]

Swan/Dolphin was a fantastic and romantic 'getaway' for us our first trip years ago while staying at Disney Institute Bungalows. Was a wonderful adventure to get away from the parks in such a beautiful setting to walk by...view of the lake, Boardwalk and resorts just incredible. Our first trip we ate an an Italian restaurant that's changed hands by now, but I'm sure the new one is just as good. More to the point, although we keep trying we have never found a better spot in the parks for just the two of us to have dinner.