4 or 5 favorite places to eat

[walter]

We are going to DL for the first time in Sept. We would like some ideas on favorite places to eat. We are going to try Napa Rose maybe the first night, but would like to eat at places that would be lighter to the pocket book.
On another note we are staying in Newport Beach for a week after 4 nights at DL. Any suggestions in that area would also be appreciated.

 

[Niele]

Oh, when in Newport Beach, if you like crab do try the Crabcooker on Newport Boulevard. Used to go there when I was a kid and have returned every time we travel to Socal. Really quaint restaurant but really good food. Another nice place which has been around since the 30's is the Villa Nova Restaurant right on the water in Newport Beach. It's been quite some time since I've been there but it is a classic. You can find both on the internet, enjoy!

 

[Sherry E]

Well, as far as table service restaurants around DLR, you could try:

Carnation Cafe (in DL)
Wine Country Trattoria (in DCA)
Storytellers Cafe (in the GCH)
Ranforest Cafe (in DTD)
ESPN Zone (very busy and noisy but good food) (in DTD)
Naples (in DTD)

I have not eaten at these places but there is also PCH Grill in the PPH and Steakhouse 55 in the DLH. I am not a big fan of Blue Bayou in DL, but most other people are (but it is not cheap).

As far as counter service places, try:

Taste Pilots Grill (in DCA)
Bengal BBQ, Plaza Inn or River Belle Terrace (in DL)
Blue Ribbon Bakery (in DL)

I hear Whitewater Snacks in the GCH is very good, as is the Pacific Wharf Cafe in DCA

Are you interested in character meals at all? There are 5 of them plus a new BBQ place in DL that is 'sort of' a character meal.

 

[disneynerd420]

ESPN zone all the way. The food is good and the portions are generous and well worth the prices.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

My top 5 would be:

1. Cafe Orleans
2. Carnation Cafe
3. Pizza Port
4. Rancho Del Zocalo
5. Wine Country Trattoria (DCA)

Not necessarily in that order.

 

[Husker Mickey]

We like White Water Snacks in the GCH. The portions are huge, the food is good and it is usually quiet there, no crowds. Give it try.

 

[disneynerd420]

I forgot to mention Taste Pilot's Grill in DCA. The waffle fries with BBQ sauce alone are worth it.

 

[Sherry E]

I forgot to mention Taste Pilot's Grill in DCA. The waffle fries with BBQ sauce alone are worth it.

Great minds think alike, disneynerd420! ESPN Zone and Taste Pilot's Grill are two of my favorites too!

Not only are those criss cut fries at TPG tasty, BUT they are just soft and squishy enough to sit nicely on the BBQ chicken sandwich itself! It is a bit messy to put them there with all the sauce and other condiments, but it gives extra texture and substance to the sandwich! Yum!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

My top 5:

ESPN Zone
Wine Country Trattoria
Jazz Kitchen
Storytellers Cafe
Cafe Orleans

For CS
Taste Pilots

DLR's CS places are pretty gross.

 

[disheadz]

ralph brennans jazz kitchen, carnation cafe

 

[spacemermaid]

Another vote for Cafe Orleans and Carnation Cafe. Cafe Orleans for the gumbo and the Mickey beignets, and Carnation Cafe for the baked potato soup and the potpies!

 

[Hester]

If you want real food or are a "foodie", skip ESPN Zone, etc ...

Disney food is seriously hit or miss ... big time. Some of it is just gross. Last week I had a "Food and Wine Festival" specialty that just made me sick ... "a lobster slider". It was bad ... literally.

The Napa Rose is the absolute top of the line - DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY. You'll get the food and service worth the money you spend.

Definitely dine at the Crabcooker while in Newport if you like seafood. Be sure to order the smoked Albacore ... it is amazing ... use Tabasco, copious amounts of lemon and tartar sauce if you like ... my mouth is watering.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

My top 7 (too hard to choose!!):

1. Carnation Cafe
2. White Water Snacks (for both breakfast and lunch)
3. Ariel's Grotto
4. Storytellers (character breakfast or regular meal)
5. Rancho del Zocalo
6. Celebration Roundup BBQ
7. Bengal BBQ

 

[mechurchlady]

PLAZA INN as they spoil me and make me yummy meals that are gluten free and almost totally soy free. I have not had so much pleasure from food in a long time. It is my food haven. Staff so so nice to me also and offer to help with the tray and help me with safe foods and just are so nice.

Ariel's Grotto makes me feel welcome and I love it because they also give me safe foods.

Taste's Pilots Grill because most of you cannot understand how much I love potatos and cannot have them in restaurants because incompetent chefs use wheat in the potatos. Most of you do not know what bliss it is to have a hamburger with real toppings and a real bun. I rarely ever get burgers on real buns except at Disney parks.

Pizza Oom Mow Mow for gluten free barbecue chicken pizza. OMG to eat a pizza OMG like wow.

Coke Corner because again do you knwo what it is like to not get to eat a hot dog on a real bun. It is awesome and a blessing to sit down with a real meal and eat a real meal just like normal people. That was the bestest hot dog I have had in 5+ years. A real hot dog on a real bun.

 

[pixiewings71]

Top 5, ok well in no particular order here you go

Blue Bayou
Taste Pilots Grill
WhiteWater Snacks
Rainforest Cafe
Corn Dog Castle (which is gone I think but you can get the corn dogs at the red fire truck on Main St in DL)

 

[disneynerd420]

Not only are those criss cut fries at TPG tasty, BUT they are just soft and squishy enough to sit nicely on the BBQ chicken sandwich itself! It is a bit messy to put them there with all the sauce and other condiments, but it gives extra texture and substance to the sandwich! Yum!

Sherry E... you are awesome! I am so trying that when I go. It sounds amazing. Only two weeks away!