Are there any hidden gems in the resorts?

[Alicefan]

I tend to be a creature of habit when it comes to Disney. I already know that I can't go wrong with Ohana and Boma. I was just wondering if there were some other stand outs as far as restaurants go in the resorts. I like all sorts of food so let me know your hidden gems. I don't want to miss out!

 

[Barbydoll8]

Resort food is hands down better than the parks but that's just me.
Grand Floridian Cafe.
Saana (probably my favorite place to eat on property).
Trails End
Cape May Cafe (breakfast preferred but I don't do seafood)

 

[rkstocke5609]

California Grill is my favorite.

 

[Alicefan]

Resort food is hands down better than the parks but that's just me.
Grand Floridian Cafe.
Saana (probably my favorite place to eat on property).
Trails End
Cape May Cafe (breakfast preferred but I don't do seafood)

I haven't tried the first two so I'll put them on the list. Trails end was basic and cold the one and only time I went there so I'll admit I haven't been there in 15 years. Cape May was one we tried this November and I'll agree that it was pretty impressive!

 

[hertamaniac]

Sanaa - bread service
Captain Cooks - QS at Poly
Olivia's at Old Key West

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Sanaa
The Wave
Artist Point

If you aren't on the dining plan, bluezoo, Kimono's and Il Mulino at Swan/Dolphin

 

[Dr Gevil]

The two best hidden gems at the resorts are Sanaa at AKV Kidani and Olivia's at Old Key West.

Sanaa is probably, pound for pound, my favorite restaurant at WDW. Two words - bread service.
Olivia's is very good as well and usually a place to snag a last minute ADR. Can then boat to DS after.

 

[rg35]

I second (or third, or fourth) calls for Olivia's at OKW. My grandparents were very early DVC owners, and I own now as well and have stayed at OKW 4 times over 20 years and Olivia's has always been consistently good.

A few have mentioned Sanna, but is it really a hidden gem? AKV restaurants are consistently spoken of as the some of the best resort dining options at WDW. It's excellent but I don't consider it hidden.

 

[pattyw]

We love Olivia's at OKW. As PP pointed out, you can get a last minute ADR there. The menu is great, service has always been wonderful!

 

[sleepydog25]

"Hidden gem" is a bit tough since pretty much every restaurant in Disney has its fans. That aside, here are a few that might not have made your radar.
Sanaa - Simply one of the best TS on property when factoring for value, service, taste, and uniqueness. As another said, the bread service is wonderful--worth the effort alone. It makes a great and filling lunch which is generally the best time to see the animals.
Artist Point - To many, it's a bit out of the way. Good. That way it remains one of the easiest Signatures to for which to get an ADR. And it's usually a superb experience.
The Wave - Solid to good food, easy access to/from MK.
Il Mulino - Excellent Italian for the most part. Offers small plates which is good for smaller appetites.

 

[kboo]

California Grill is my favorite.

I love Cali Grill too, but it's not exactly a hidden gem! People also say The Wave, but I was not super impressed by it. It was fine, but there are other restaurants that I think are hidden gems:

Sanaa (harder to get to, so even though everyone knows about it, I still put it on the list)
Grand Floridian Cafe (the equivalent of The Wave, but with windows, better decor, and better food, and the GF)
Artist Point
Flying Fish

 

[gharter]

Il Mulino really good food and has not been overly crowded when we have been there.
Not really hidden or unknown, but we enjoy:
California Grill
Jiko
Artist Point
Flying Fish, not sure if that counts as its on the Boardwalk, not in Boardwalk

 

[crabbygal902]

My favorite resort restaurants, well besides 'Ohana and Boma since you've already mentioned them:

Cali Grill
The Wave
1900 Park Fare character dinner
Cape May Cafe for both the seafood buffet and character breakfast
Sanaa

 

[happymommy]

My husband and I went up to the Belle Vue lounge at the BWI one afternoon/evening and had a lovely martini. We were literally the only ones in there, and it was so nice to escape busy Epcot and the Boardwalk for a bit. I keep planning on going back but haven’t in a while!

 

[sleepydog25]

Grand Floridian Cafe (the equivalent of The Wave, but with windows, better decor, and better food)

Yep, forgot about GFC. It's not usually touted but has good fare.

 

[Princess_Lisa]

I like Whispering Canyon. They have a $19 ($17 with my passholder discount) AYCTE Breakfast Skillet (Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Home Fries, Mickey Waffle, and Cheesy Buttermilk Biscuit). It was a bit loud, but the food was good and you aren't going to beat that price at a Disney Restaurant.

Resort food is hands down better than the parks but that's just me.
Grand Floridian Cafe.
Saana (probably my favorite place to eat on property).
Trails End
Cape May Cafe (breakfast preferred but I don't do seafood)

The lettuce on the salad I ordered at GF Cafe was just horrible (shredded and tasted out of date). The Chocolate Timbale was amazing though. I will likely give it another try and just avoid their salads. They are mostly breakfast food even at Lunch, which is probably unique at Disney. The Grand Floridian was beautiful and getting to/from there to Magic Kingdom was easy using the resort monorail. I don't think I even had to break stride through the bag check/metal detector heading back to MK. There was literally no line.

 

[happymommy]

I've read awesome things about The Wave, plus you can get "brunch" until 2pm. I'd love to do that next trip, as my youngest and I love Eggs Benedict (and I could have a couple mimosas).

I had an absolutely lovely lunch years ago at the GFC. It's rarely busy.

 

[reluctantredhead]

We love The Wave! I remember that the first time we ate there it was because we literally couldn't get any other TS reservation at MK or any of the Monorail restaurants, and I wasn't looking forward to it. But ever since that first time, it's been a must-do for us every year.

 

[CynBeth]

Breakfast at WCC, Cape May, and Trail’s End.

 

[larissawbb]

Turf Club at SSR. Great steak and they will always take you as a walk in.