Best TS sit down (no characters, no buffet) for couples dining

[dreeger]

My husband and I just booked our first ever WDW trip in October 2020. We are DL vets/AP holders and serious foodies. At DL we cap our evenings with a 2-3 hour multi-course meal. We frequent Carthay Circle, Napa Rose, and Steakhouse 55 at DL.

What are the best non-character TS meals at WDW to enjoy a long, romantic, leisurely dinner?

 

[epcotobsessed]

Yachtsman, California Grill, Jiko are all excellent. I do not care for Blue Zoo or Shula's at the Swan/Dolphin, though many people here love them. Capa at the Four Seasons (not a Disney hotel but on Disney property) is fantastic as well.

 

[CarolynFH]

And of course the ultimate for foodies would be Victoria and Albert's in the Grand Floridian. It's an all-evening experience - search this board for first-hand reports and information.

 

[Chrisvee]

Hm. California Grill, Citricos, possibly several places at Disney Springs.

 

[jolynne28]

I’ve been researching this too. A dis vet might correct me, but I think when I looked into Victoria and Albert it was around $500 for two. I’ve heard really good things about Calif. Grill, Citrico’s, and Narcoosee’s.

 

[starry_solo]

Tiffins

 

[westie55]

California Grill (especially during fireworks), Yachtsman Steakhouse, Citricos, and Jiko are all excellent choices. I haven't been to Narcoosee's. I actually prefer all of the above to Napa Rose, which I only tried once. I found my meal there to be just ok.

 

[focusondisney]

We are the same type of diners as you... 2 adults, DH wants steak & potatoes, preferably fillet, or pasta. We love Steakhouse 55 & Carthay Circle also. At WDW, Yachtsman’s Steakhouse is a must do every trip. Monsieur Paul in France at Epcot is very upscale. If seated near the window, you get a great view of world showcase. My DH isn’t fond of California Grill, the seasonings & sides are not to his liking. Narcoossee’s & Citricos at Grand Floridian have excellent food & a nice atmosphere. At Disney Springs, the Boathouse has really good food, although it can be a little loud. They have dining tables in the bar, which is especially loud. There is a dining room, which is quieter. And outdoor seating on the water which is very pretty. Flying Fish at the Boardwalk resort has wonderful food & a nice atmosphere too.

 

[dreeger]

We are the same type of diners as you... 2 adults, DH wants steak & potatoes, preferably fillet, or pasta. We have love Steakhouse 55 & Carthay Circle also. At WDW, Yachtsman’s Steakhouse is a must do every trip. Monsieur Paul in France at Epcot is very upscale. If seated near the window, you get a great view of world showcase. My DH isn’t fond of California Grill, the seasonings & sides are not to his liking. Narcoossee’s & Citricos at Grand Floridian have excellent food & a nice atmosphere. At Disney Springs, the Boathouse has really good food, although it can be a little loud. They have dining tables in the bar, which is especially loud. There is a dining room, which is quieter. And outdoor seating on the water which is very pretty. Flying Fish at the Boardwalk resort has wonderful food & a nice atmosphere too.

We are doing a split stay Poly and BC, 4 night each, so will definitely do Yachtsman while at BC! Thank you for the recommendations!

 

[starrysky]

Cali Grill and the view from the roof top of the fire works and in general is lovely.
Citricos we liked the food but found the service stuffy and un friendly.
Shula’s was good DH had the 48oz porterhouse which he managed to finish.
Trying Toledo the new one at Coronado Springs the menu looks really good.
Hit or miss with the Wave, food always good but atmosphere and service can vary widely.
There are a great number of places at Disney Springs covering a wide range of options.
That being said we hated Morimoto Asia, bad food and for a supposedly upish scale place the other patrons dress and behaviour left a lot to be desired. Couldn’t fault our server though very sweet and attentive

 

[kastoney]

Congrats on booking your trip! I'll second lots of things that most have already hit.

Since you are staying at Beach Club, both Yachtsman and Flying Fish right across the way at Boardwalk are great. And the restaurants at the swan and dolphin all skew much more adult. Il Mulino is great Italian and Blue Zoo is seafood (though we like Flying Fish better).

Jiko is probably our favorite Disney World restaurant. Its flavors are unlike anything you can find at home and we frequent it often. They also have a great African wine list with some great hidden finds.

California Grill is also another favorite. We always enjoy dinner here, but their brunch is out of this world and should not be missed. Its a little pricey but is easily one of the best things going on property.

I haven't eaten at the one in Disney yet, but we have a Jaleo here in DC and its one of our favorite places. Its tapas style and perfect for a leisurely meal of small plates.

Side note I find Disney does tend to rush things, even at signature restaurants. If you are looking for a leisurely meal I'd consider ordering a course at a time vice all at once.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We're just as you describe, and we like Olivia's at OKW.

 

[jdisnut]

I'd skip California Grill, personally. The view is unmatched -- seriously, it's spectacular -- but the food is pedestrian. With the exception of a few dishes (the goat cheese raviolo, for instance), I'd equate it to banquet fare, and it's unbelievably expensive for the quality.

I'd suggest Jiko. It's great and probably a bit different that what's available in your hometown. I've always liked the food at Flying Fish, but that's another one that's gotten absurdly expensive.

 

[gharter]

California Grill
Jiko
Monieur Paul
Flying Fish
Il Mulino
BlueZoo
If you want to splurge, Victoria and Alberts can't be beat.

 

[Wild4Walt]

Yachtsman is our favorite - good food and the Beach Club at night is just beautiful. You also can walk over to Boardwalk for a cocktail and/or entertainment after dinner. Todd English BlueZoo at Swan/Dolphin is also a great evening if you like seafood. Such a unique venue with great food. Teppan Edo at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot is great for Teppanyaki ( or the front of the house - Tokyo Dining - for sushi ).

 

[heidijanesmith]

Flying Fish
California Grill
Citricos
Monsieur Paul

We have had wonderful experiences as a couple at these eateries. Never rushed and had great service.

 

[saving our pennies]

We enjoyed our whole dining experience at Jiko. The food was a bit more unusual than they typical place, and it was delicious! The service was wonderful. Maybe a tad slower than we were used to a WDW, but it really made us focus on settling in and relaxing, really ENJOYING our meal. Our server was so personable. I think it was 2 DDP credits (?? several yrs ago, I can't remember).

So many people seem to like

Yachtsman so that's on my list for next time!​

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Victoria and Albert's is of course the "best"

Next try the resturants at the Swan/Dolphin (Il Mulino, Shula's Blue Zoo)

Basically avoid the park options

 

[OKW Lover]

Love this question. Lots of good answers above. Our choices would be Jiko and Citrico for quiet leisurely dinner at a WDW restaurant. If you are willing to go slightly off property, I highly recommend Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek. You can uber there very cheaply. Best steak - yes, better than Yachtsman or Shulas. Nice quiet atmosphere with impeccable service.

 

[Dean Marino]

Deleted