Birthday Dinner: love California Grill but booked??

[jnsma]

I’m looking for a restaurant recommendation for DW’s birthday.

We will near Disney for 1 night before going on a cruise and it is the night before her birthday, so I’m looking for any recommendations.
She likes good but not fancy or exotic food. She is fairly picky. We love the California Grill with the food, view and fireworks, but unfortunately that is booked, I keep checking daily….
We are not going to the parks that day, so I don’t want to shell out park tickets for dinner, Le Celler is another favorite.
We will have a car, so can go offsite as well.
Places that I’ve ruled out are Victoria & Alberts (too fancy), Artist Point (limited menu), Jiko (too weird).
I’m considering Emeril’s at Universal but worried the food maybe too fancy as well.

She normally does well in Italian or a nice steakhouse. I love all food, but it isn't about me.

We have 2 kids (both 7). I’d consider either a nicer than average (but not too nice) place for the 4 or us. Or a nicer place for just the 2 of us for a night out.

Any ideas or suggestions would be great. Thanks!

 

[sckennedy12]

I recommend Narcoossee's at the GF. Have you been there? I love how it's right on the water and the atmosphere is very nice (but not too fancy like V&A). Food is great, too! They have steak, but mostly seafood, so disregard this recommendation if she doesn't like seafood!

 

[Pakey]

If you like Italian, go to Il Mulino at the Swan. It's better than Disney's signatures and it's usually quiet. We choose it for our romantic dinners.

 

[cbg1027]

I second the Il Mulino idea, although I haven't been there so I can't recommend it from experience.

You may want to take a look at a menu for Citricos in the GF. Even if some of the sauces or accompaniments don't sound up her alley, they would be happy to omit things and make a simpler preparation. I suggest Citricos because they've always done such a fantastic job of making me feel like every visit was special occasion and the service is always fantastic.

 

[jedi jen]

I do Narcoosies because you can also see the fireworks there too with piped in music. I love the fireworks so I do Cali Grill and Narcoosies each trip. GF is beautiful too.

 

[disneycrazycatlady]

You mentioned Emerils at Universal- we have eaten at the Emerils at Citywalk and at the Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort- and Emerils is definitely an experinece. Tchoup Chop is gorgeous and we had such a wonderful dining experience there- Emerils at CityWalk is more traditional - New orleans type of food- white table cloths - crystal - etc- and right in the midst of all the other citywalk restaurants.-- Wonderful food and service at each.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Yachtsman Steakhouse, Shula's or Citricos!!

 

[jnsma]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I would love to try them all out. My wife is more a creature of habit than I so I decided to go the safe way out.

So the night before we'll go to the Whispering Canyon with the kids for a loud and hopefully amusing family dinner.
After our cruise we are coming back to the parks for a 4 nights and I booked California Grill for one of those nights.

It will be a little further from her birthday but at least I know it is what she wants. Also, after a week with the kids on the boat and parks, we both will appreciate the night out a little more.
Thanks again! Jeff...