Wow... we had read a review on here before our most recent trip, so my wife and I decided to try it. We were treated to one of the better meals either of us has ever had. We arrived early for our reservation - NB it's a reservation, not a PS, so we sat down in a booth at the bar for a drink. The atmosphere is certainly "modern" with a twist. Beautiful lighting and other artwork - all blue and water themed. The Beverage Director of the Swan & Dolphin came over to take our drink order. We got chatting about wine, and found out he is studying for his Advanced Sommelier exam (as am I). We chatted for 15 minutes or so. He is very committed (and the wine list certainly shows) to providing both excellent values and special, hard to find wines on Bluezoo's list. As a side note, they actively encourage their servers to study for and take the Introductory Sommelier Exam - something any wine-serious restaurant should recommend. After looking over the wine list at dinner, I found many things that were priced reasonably, yet were excellent bottles of wine. I also found a few things that I've never seen on a restaurant wine list before. Outstanding.
We sat down for dinner, and Danny was out waiter. Each table has 2 servers. I made my wine selection (Guigal Condrieu - $38. An outrageous value. Usually $30 in a wine store), and placed out order. I had the Scallops & Short Ribs (unbelievable... if you go, this is amazing). My wife had chicken skewers, which as she says, were wonderful until she tried mine. For dinner, we split a glass of 1999 Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon - which went amazingly well (and suprisingly well) with my wife's Cantonese Fried Lobster. We were expecting 1/2 a lobster and lots of vegetables, etc. Nope. The entire lobster. Not terribly unreasonable either at $40. I had the swordfish steak which was phenomenal as well. My scallops and swordfish represented 2 of the freshest fish dishes I've ever eaten. Outstanding. We (unfortunately) skipped desert. Their pasty chef just won an award as the best pasty chef in the US. Total bill was around $190 (not including drinks at the bar) counting tip, etc. Expensive, sure. Worth it? Every penny. We will be going back again and again.
This is the best restaurant in WDW. While we've never eaten at Victoria & Alberts, I highly doubt the food is as cutting-edge as the menu at Bluezoo is. For comparison, we ate at the California Grill the next night, and there was no contest. The California Grill has its place and we'll certainly go back as our meal there was outstanding. But, there is certainly a clear gap between where the California Grill, Flying Fish and Citrico's are and where Bluezoo is.
This is not a place for kids. This has more the feel of an expense-account kind of place (which is what the Dolphin's main clientel is), and that's exactly what they deliver. So, go, and go often. This place should be a star for a while.
We sat down for dinner, and Danny was out waiter. Each table has 2 servers. I made my wine selection (Guigal Condrieu - $38. An outrageous value. Usually $30 in a wine store), and placed out order. I had the Scallops & Short Ribs (unbelievable... if you go, this is amazing). My wife had chicken skewers, which as she says, were wonderful until she tried mine. For dinner, we split a glass of 1999 Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon - which went amazingly well (and suprisingly well) with my wife's Cantonese Fried Lobster. We were expecting 1/2 a lobster and lots of vegetables, etc. Nope. The entire lobster. Not terribly unreasonable either at $40. I had the swordfish steak which was phenomenal as well. My scallops and swordfish represented 2 of the freshest fish dishes I've ever eaten. Outstanding. We (unfortunately) skipped desert. Their pasty chef just won an award as the best pasty chef in the US. Total bill was around $190 (not including drinks at the bar) counting tip, etc. Expensive, sure. Worth it? Every penny. We will be going back again and again.
This is the best restaurant in WDW. While we've never eaten at Victoria & Alberts, I highly doubt the food is as cutting-edge as the menu at Bluezoo is. For comparison, we ate at the California Grill the next night, and there was no contest. The California Grill has its place and we'll certainly go back as our meal there was outstanding. But, there is certainly a clear gap between where the California Grill, Flying Fish and Citrico's are and where Bluezoo is.
This is not a place for kids. This has more the feel of an expense-account kind of place (which is what the Dolphin's main clientel is), and that's exactly what they deliver. So, go, and go often. This place should be a star for a while.
I have two small children of my own and I can appreciate a place that is mainly for adults. Personally if I am going to spend that kind of money on a dinner I don't want my kids around because A. I am not going to pay 15.00-20.00 for a child's meal they won't finish B. I will more than likely not be able to finish my meal. JMO..
