Best Dining Experience Outside the Parks

[Aela]

Staying at French Quarter.

I would probably look at something at Disney Springs. You can take the boat over, which would be useful.

 

[nutshell]

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

 

[sleepydog25]

Well, if you don't mind driving 15-20 minutes, BiCE at the Portofino Resort (over at the Dark Side) is superb.

 

[gharter]

At Universal, BICE is amazing. Maybe our favorite! At WDW, Il Mulino is really good.

 

[sanapp]

If you are staying at FQ then I would take the boat to Disney Springs and eat at Morimoto. The boat ride is really quite nice and then you can walk around Disney Springs.
I have to say though that I am in the minority in that I do not love California Grill. It would be close to the bottom of my list of signature locations.

 

[Pygoplites]

I like the idea of taking the boat to Disney Springs and eating at Morimoto Asia. There is so much going on at DS these days. it really seems like a good place to kick off the first night of vacation. Besides having great food and a much bigger menu than most of the Disney-owned Signature restaurants, Morimoto Asia is just a stunningly beautiful place.

 

[crabbygal902]

oops, double post

Cali Grill is still my vote! Great wines, atmosphere, food, view, and service.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I have to say though that I am in the minority in that I do not love California Grill. It would be close to the bottom of my list of signature locations.

But you wouldn't be alone! DS and DDIL don't like it either. They went there for their anniversary. They got a table in the middle of a loud room, and didn't really like the food (honestly, however, DS is a picky eater).

 

[John Nielsen]

The Boathouse. It's a two credit dinner, and it is delicious.

I'm a big fan of Boathouse. Last time we visited we were in DS and stopped in for lunch. Liked it so much we got an ADR for dinner later during our stay. And yes, thanks for all the suggestions. Until our last trip we rarely did ADRs. Now, with our children being older we are trying to do one each day on our next visit.

 

[Satchmo128]

Oh there’s too many to name but it’s all subjective. I’d try Homecomin’ as it has rave reviews for that nostalgic southern comfort food.

Although lately I’ve been a Publix sandwich kinda guy :-/

YES. Homecomin' was amazinggggggg.

 

[rosiebean]

Cali Grill. Food is very good and the view of the fireworks is spectacular and truly special. It had a livelier atmosphere then other signature restaurants I’ve been to, but it wasn’t overly loud and my party of 8 had an easy time having a conversation.

 

[wdw&sonny]

We have eaten at pretty much all restaurants named thus far: Artist Pointe, Cali Grill, Jiko, Morimotos, Boat House...
We don't love the Cali Grill (and same comments for Narcoossee's) I find the atmosphere to be a bit pretentious, the food just ok for the price and the view is overrated. I would much rather watch the fireworks from the Poly beach (if not at the MK).

I will second (or third) the votes for taking the boat to DS and going to Morimotos. The ribs are unbelievable. Artiste Point and Jiko (or Sanaa) are also excellent choices.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Since you are at FQ, it seems really easy to get to Disney Springs for you, so I would go with that...

But I LOVE Jiko and if you haven't been to AKL, that's a great place to start too! If you want to do a little monorail exploration, Cali Grill would be awesome too though.....

I'm no help hahahaha

 

[nutshell]

If you are staying at FQ then I would take the boat to Disney Springs and eat at Morimoto. The boat ride is really quite nice and then you can walk around Disney Springs.
I have to say though that I am in the minority in that I do not love California Grill. It would be close to the bottom of my list of signature locations.

Is that because of the food? How is the view and atmosphere?

 

[sanapp]

It was really just chaotic for me and I really don't believe that we got the best waitress. I was expecting fine dining service and that is not what we received. The server seemed very rushed. We did stay for the fireworks on the outside viewing spot, but truthfully I would rather see the fireworks from the beach. Perhaps it is one of those places though that everyone should try at least once if they can just to see the view of the Magic Kingdom. We did enjoy the food.

 

[Belle0]

Jiko at animal kingdom lodge is amazing. Great wine selection too.