Best atmosphere? TS in EPCOT

[AmyAnne]

Planning ADRs for our Christmas week trip. I know the parks (and the restaurants) will be super crowded, but I'm hoping that our TS lunches and dinners will be something of a mini-break. So, which restaurants are likely to be the least crowded -- not necessarily in terms of numbers, because I'm sure they will all be at capacity, but in terms of tables not being on top of each other (bye, Le Cellier) and possibly quieter with fewer small children -- nothing against small children, I once had four under the age of 10, but mine are teens/young adults now so we're looking for a somewhat more adult/less hectic dining experience.

 

[Newsies]

La Hacienda de San Angel. The tables aren't on top of each other, and it has a really lovely view of the water!

 

[CarolynFH]

Spice Road Table - interesting food, view the lake from the side opposite La Hacienda (which we also like)!

 

[vicb]

We also recently really enjoyed our dinner break at La Hacienda. We had a raised booth at the back that faced the windows. It was out of the hustle and bustle and relaxing. We were so hot and our waiter brought us ice water without asking and kept it filled. The food and adult drinks were really good.

We also had a very relaxing lunch on a beautiful day on the patio at R&C. Previous trips we enjoyed nice dinners at Via Napoli and Les Chefs. There are not really any restaurants that are quiet but most sit downs (not buffets) are a good break off your feet.

 

[Gina V.]

If you know me, you know that I'm crazy about the San Angel Inn and its cool atmosphere. It is the restaurant inside the pyramid in the Mexico pavilion (La Hacienda is outside the pyramid, should you choose to go there). It's like dining in Mexico under the stars, while boats from the Gran Fiesta Tour ride sail by. Sometimes you can get in without a reservation.

 

[AmyAnne]

La Hacienda de San Angel. The tables aren't on top of each other, and it has a really lovely view of the water!

Definitely one I'm considering. But I've read (I think) that only a few of the tables have a view of the water?

 

[AmyAnne]

Spice Road Table - interesting food, view the lake from the side opposite La Hacienda (which we also like)!

This is new since our last visit so it'd be fun to try. The outside seating might or might not work with the end of December weather -- do they seat people outside in all weather?

 

[Newsies]

Definitely one I'm considering. But I've read (I think) that only a few of the tables have a view of the water?

Ah, that may be possible. When we went, we were at one of the tables right up against the windows. I seem to remember that the windows were large enough that you'd be able to see at least a little bit of the water from wherever you were seated in the dining room? Sorry I can't be more help here!

 

[AmyAnne]

Ah, that may be possible. When we went, we were at one of the tables right up against the windows. I seem to remember that the windows were large enough that you'd be able to see at least a little bit of the water from wherever you were seated in the dining room? Sorry I can't be more help here!

Definitely still considering it -- just wanting to manage expectations!

 

[Newsies]

Definitely still considering it -- just wanting to manage expectations!

If it makes a difference, the food and service were both outstanding, some of the best we've ever had at Disney!

 

[AmyAnne]

If it makes a difference, the food and service were both outstanding, some of the best we've ever had at Disney!

Thanks! I've been noticing a lot of good reviews lately. We've never been, so that would be a plus to try something new. We actually have a Mexican restaurant that we really like here at home, so in the past I've gone for the "different" restaurants like Rose and Crown.

 

[vicb]

I think the full water view people talk about regarding La Hacienda is more when folks are trying to be at a table to view Illuminations. We sat in one of the raised booths along the back wall, they are front facing booths (like a U shape) and had a nice water view but it would not have been a great view for fireworks... if that makes sense.

 

[epcotobsessed]

Another vote for La Hacienda and Spice Road Table - both are excellent. I have heard very good things about Tokyo Dining but have not been (and am on the fence myself about booking it for our trip next week). I am not a R&C fan - love the England pavilion itself but have been to R&C twice, food has been not great, and tables are very close together.

 

[Hopefully]

Ah, that may be possible. When we went, we were at one of the tables right up against the windows. I seem to remember that the windows were large enough that you'd be able to see at least a little bit of the water from wherever you were seated in the dining room? Sorry I can't be more help here!

Not true. There is a room with no water view at all

 

[gillep]

Spice Road Table.

 

[CynBeth]

We enjoy Chefs and Tutto Italia.

 

[CarolynFH]

This is new since our last visit so it'd be fun to try. The outside seating might or might not work with the end of December weather -- do they seat people outside in all weather?

We visit in cooler months routinely, and yes they do seat people outside in cold weather (and most likely in wet weather too). They have a number of those tall space heaters.

I want to concur re water views from La Hacienda - most complaints are related to Illuminations viewing, which is not good from La Hacienda. For general dining, most (but not all) tables have what I think is a pleasing view.

 

[HopperFan]

Marrakesh! We are all adults, we enjoy going here. Room is very large with arches so it doesn't feel cavernous but you have space. Fewer children seem to be here. Food is very good and if you go at lunch sometimes they have the awesome special going. We love to share lots of appetizers too. Add in music and belly dancer - it is something different, fun with good food and service.

We avoid the ones we can get good at home; Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian ... we prefer the different options.

Josh just did a review of Marrakesh and shows the lunch special menu ~

https://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/review-restaurant-marrakesh-lunch-at-epcot-morocco-pavilion/

PHOTO CREDIT: EASY WDW

 

[CarolynFH]

Marrakesh! We are all adults, we enjoy going here. Room is very large with arches so it doesn't feel cavernous but you have space. Fewer children seem to be here. Food is very good and if you go at lunch sometimes they have the awesome special going. We love to share lots of appetizers too. Add in music and belly dancer - it is something different, fun with good food and service.

We avoid the ones we can get good at home; Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian ... we prefer the different options.

Josh just did a review of Marrakesh and shows the lunch special menu ~

https://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/review-restaurant-marrakesh-lunch-at-epcot-morocco-pavilion/

PHOTO CREDIT: EASY WDW

We like Marrakesh too!

 

[Huff]

We avoid the ones we can get good at home; Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian ... we prefer the different options.

I agree here except for Mexican. We love San Angel Inn. I live in AZ, large number of excellent Mexican restaurants. However, like most of the rest of the country they are Sonoran style thats common in northern MX. San Angel isn't. It's menu is closer to central and southern MX which is difficult to find at home.

We may try Marrakesh our next trip. Too many restaurants to go to them all! We do have a Persian restaurant in my home town whose menu looks similar but they do not have entertainment.