calling all foodies--advice please!

[elbodans]

greetings all! i'm posting to ask for disney dining advice for a foodie. i've only been to disney one time--this past november--and that was for a convention, so my dining experience was very limited. i'll include details of what we liked at the end of this post...but what i'm really asking is this: as a foodie (read: dining snob) where should one eat in the world? there are so many different reasons why people like different disney restaurants--theme, location, family or couple or senior or DOG friendly (ok i made the dog part up!). but where should one eat if one is interested in the food?

i ask because i'm going back twice in the next five months...yes, i really fell in love with disney during the convention!

meal we liked:
1. dinner at the yachtsman. had the lamb. it was fantastic.

meal that we eventually liked:
1. dinner at flying fish. i had to send my first plate back, as the scallops were gummy and the risotto was crunchy (note--i'm not so much of a snob that i ever send food back--this was a special case, as it was not edible). ended up with a surprise salmon dish that was FANTASTIC. appetizers were only ok (calamari and tuna roll).

meal that was below-par:
1. fulton's crab house. we waited over an hour to be served a small plate of mediocre crab and four small, oily potatoes.

non-meal that we loved:
1. eating 'around the world' in epcot--particularly the school bread in norway!

the kinds of places we like to eat:
-nice restaurants in major cities. favorite meals so far--cafe atlantico in washington dc, a dockside restaurant in sitka, alaska (for alaskan king crab), parc in philadelphia, the chocolate buffet at sutton place hotel in vancouver bc...

thanks in advance for the input!!!!

 

[DEA]

Well, if you like Cafe Atlantico, you can't be all bad That's one of my favorites in town.

Here are some of my picks:

1. Sanaa -- Not a signature restaurant, but one where the chef seems to have the freedom to be creative and really explore what can be done at the restaurant. For example, we went there with our 5 and 3 year olds, and the picky 3yo had the pizza. She actually ate it, unlike pizza on the kids' menu at every other restaurant at WDW. We talked to the chef and found out that they didn't pull it out of the freezer; they used the naan dough, fresh mozzarella, and built it from scratch. I think it's still exploring what it is as a restaurant, and can come up with some very interesting dishes.

2. Jiko -- A quiet, intimate spot for a lovely dinner, and a large South African wine list to help wash things down. The staff is attentive but not overbearing, and the food is very good.

3. Citricos -- This is up there with Flying Fish (which I also really like) for me as a place where I know I am going to get a good meal no matter what I order. Lovely spot. More open and potentially louder than Jiko, but it works for them.

4. Narcoosee's -- Another more intimate spot. A great location, right on the Seven Seas Lagoon, and I have really enjoyed my meal there. On the first visit there, I had the best server I have ever had at any restaurant. He was professional, knowledgable, and no matter what we needed, he reacted as if it was no problem at all.

5. Victoria and Albert's -- This is the ultimate Disney dining experience, but I have yet to go. Just looking at the menu causes excessive drooling in my house. So, I have no personal basis for this, but feel I would be remiss in my duties if I did not mention it.

6. Bistro de Paris -- Another signature level restaurant in Epcot. If you like French cooking, this is the place for you in WDW. I did not have my socks knocked off by it, but my wife really, really enjoyed her food there. Chefs de France, downstairs, also puts out a good meal at non-signature prices.

I hope this helps. Enjoy!

 

[hannahdrewmom]

Jiko
Sanaa
Victoria and Albert

 

[Pakey]

Victoria & Alberts
bluezoo
Il Mulino
Shulas
Bistro de Paris
maybe Citricos

The top 4, especially, blow any of Disney's signatures away. Bistro used to be very good, we have had several great meals there, but recent posts on here indicate that there have been some disappointments. They are allowing children to order from a children's menu and the vibe has changed to family dining rather than fine dining.

Once you eat at bluezoo, you won't be so thrilled with Flying Fish (FF is still good, it's just not that good). Narcoosees doesn't belong in the same sentence. Jiko has some interesting appetizers, including the best soup at WDW, and an excellent wine list but the entrees and desserts have always been disappointing.

Il Mulino has the best risotto I've ever had anywhere, including in Italy.

V&A is ranked as one of the top 50 restaurants in the US.

 

[JenSop]

Hi neighbor! We're in Hellertown, PA!

I have to say that I'm not an extreme foodie, BUT food is very important to us on our WDW trips!

Some of our faves (which I'll be echoing some of the PP responses):

Sanaa - I've been here 3 times in the less than 2 years that it's been open and have loved every single visit - excellent staff, fabulous food, and the restaurant is just plain beautiful - with amazing views of the savanna.

Jiko - Also a favorite. We've really liked ALL the courses when we've eaten here - and excellent wines to be had! I highly recommend it! I would personally rate Sanaa and Jiko as the best restaurants at WDW!

Kouzzina - just tried this place on our last trip - and we loved it! We'll be returning next time for sure!

Le Cellier - for us, it's always lived up to the hype! And the service is usually some of the best we get EVER! I'm not a big steak fan, but this is one place where I always get it - it's always been that good!

We're going to finally be trying out V&A's for the first time in June for our 10 year anniversary - I've always wanted to go!

As far as sampling food around World Showcase..... you should try to make a future trip during the Food and Wine Festival every fall. It's a fabulous way to experience all kinds of cuisine - and it's a big deal. Some of the top chefs in the world go there to oversee menus and present classes.

If you can't make F&W, I recommend checking out the menus to see what each country has to offer!

In general, you can use this link as a guide:
http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

I always refer to it!

 

[sarah4770]

i agree with sanaa being good, the breads and dips are wonderful.
narcooses is a big disappointment, i would only go for appetizers and desserts.
It has such a great location, but the entrees really need help.
If you like Japanese, kimonos is good.

 

[epcotprincess]

We are foodies, too, and our picks include:

Sanaa
Jiko
Citricos
Grand Floridian Cafe
California Grill

 

[elbodans]

Well, if you like Cafe Atlantico, you can't be all bad That's one of my favorites in town.

Here are some of my picks:

1. Sanaa -- ....We talked to the chef and found out that they didn't pull it out of the freezer; they used the naan dough, fresh mozzarella, and built it from scratch.....

I hope this helps. Enjoy!

glad someone else understands my love of that restaurant!

re: sanaa comment--that's exactly the kind of info i'm looking for--thanks!!!!

 

[elbodans]

Victoria & Alberts


Once you eat at bluezoo, you won't be so thrilled with Flying Fish (FF is still good, it's just not that good). Narcoosees doesn't belong in the same sentence. Jiko has some interesting appetizers, including the best soup at WDW, and an excellent wine list but the entrees and desserts have always been disappointing.

Il Mulino has the best risotto I've ever had anywhere, including in Italy.

V&A is ranked as one of the top 50 restaurants in the US.

so much good info--thanks!!! and i was debating bluezoo vs flying fish. that helps a lot.

 

[elbodans]

Hi neighbor! We're in Hellertown, PA!

I have to say that I'm not an extreme foodie, BUT food is very important to us on our WDW trips!

Some of our faves (which I'll be echoing some of the PP responses):

Sanaa - I've been here 3 times in the less than 2 years that it's been open and have loved every single visit - excellent staff, fabulous food, and the restaurant is just plain beautiful - with amazing views of the savanna.

Jiko - Also a favorite. We've really liked ALL the courses when we've eaten here - and excellent wines to be had! I highly recommend it! I would personally rate Sanaa and Jiko as the best restaurants at WDW!

Kouzzina - just tried this place on our last trip - and we loved it! We'll be returning next time for sure!

Le Cellier - for us, it's always lived up to the hype! And the service is usually some of the best we get EVER! I'm not a big steak fan, but this is one place where I always get it - it's always been that good!

We're going to finally be trying out V&A's for the first time in June for our 10 year anniversary - I've always wanted to go!

As far as sampling food around World Showcase..... you should try to make a future trip during the Food and Wine Festival every fall. It's a fabulous way to experience all kinds of cuisine - and it's a big deal. Some of the top chefs in the world go there to oversee menus and present classes.

If you can't make F&W, I recommend checking out the menus to see what each country has to offer!

In general, you can use this link as a guide:
http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

I always refer to it!

hello neighbor right back at you! we just had dinner in hellertown the other night--we went to bravehart for robert burns weekend (we are HUGE nerds!) thanks for all of the suggestions. i'd love to try le cellier, but could not get reservations for either trip--though i'm going to keep trying! and V&A is on my shortlist of 'must dos'--i was contemplating adding it to my solo trip next month. it would be less expensive solo, at the very least!

 

[FlyingDumbo]

Jiko
Victoria & Alberts ( a must do for any true foodie!)
Kona Cafe for breakfast

 

[JimmyV]

Victoria & Alberts
bluezoo
Il Mulino
Shulas
Bistro de Paris
maybe Citricos

The top 4, especially, blow any of Disney's signatures away. Bistro used to be very good, we have had several great meals there, but recent posts on here indicate that there have been some disappointments. They are allowing children to order from a children's menu and the vibe has changed to family dining rather than fine dining.

Once you eat at bluezoo, you won't be so thrilled with Flying Fish (FF is still good, it's just not that good). Narcoosees doesn't belong in the same sentence. Jiko has some interesting appetizers, including the best soup at WDW, and an excellent wine list but the entrees and desserts have always been disappointing.

Il Mulino has the best risotto I've ever had anywhere, including in Italy.

V&A is ranked as one of the top 50 restaurants in the US.

I agree with all of this, except for the risotto comment. It's good, but I've had better. In fact, I think Tosca in DC has better risotto, if you've ever been. (If not, go!).

If you are into wine, try to get to the California Grill, even if you just hang at the bar and drink (or nibble and drink). The sushi there is top notch. The seafood is excellent but not on par with bluezoo. I find the meat dishes to be average.

 

[BLTLDZ]

Citricos in the grand Floridian.
Jiko in the animal kingdom lodge.
Blue zoo at the dolphin

 

[furb & dez]

Any feedback on Restaurant Marrakesh?

 

[cbg1027]

The places I've tried that I would send a 'food snob' to:
Citricos
Flying Fish - maybe give it another try, I thought it was amazing.
Jiko
Cali Grill
bluezoo
Bistro de Paris

I haven't been but I doubt you could go wrong with V & A's.

Any feedback on Restaurant Marrakesh?

It's ok, certainly not where I would send a 'food snob' though.

 

[cbg1027]

The places I've tried that I would send a 'food snob' to:
Citricos
Flying Fish - maybe give it another try, I thought it was amazing.
Jiko
Cali Grill
bluezoo
Bistro de Paris

I haven't been but I doubt you could go wrong with V & A's.

Any feedback on Restaurant Marrakesh?

It's ok, certainly not where I would send a 'food snob' though.

 

[cbg1027]

The places I've tried that I would send a 'food snob' to:
Citricos
Flying Fish - maybe give it another try, I thought it was amazing.
Jiko
Cali Grill
bluezoo
Bistro de Paris

I haven't been but I doubt you could go wrong with V & A's.

Any feedback on Restaurant Marrakesh?

It's ok, certainly not where I would send a 'food snob' though.

 

[elbodans]

The places I've tried that I would send a 'food snob' to:
Citricos
Flying Fish - maybe give it another try, I thought it was amazing.
Jiko
Cali Grill
bluezoo
Bistro de Paris

I haven't been but I doubt you could go wrong with V & A's.



It's ok, certainly not where I would send a 'food snob' though.

cbg--i clicked on your dining report from the 2009 Wine and Food fest, and i just have to say--GREAT pictures! i'm drooling, and i just had breakfast!!!

 

[Ramsfan28]

V&A's
Bluezoo
Citricos
Calif. Grill

 

[gillep]

V&As-spectacular meal, top not service for us it was worth the price!! I especially loved the three bread pairings it was a wonderful touch.

Citricos- Highly recommend the veal shank.

Jiko - especially the apps, I just had a wild boar app that was out of this world

Il Mulino- Everything here was wonderful from drinks to wine to entrees and especially service, WDW signatures are good in this area but Il Mulino was a cut above (except for V&As).

I have not been to Bluezoo, Bistro or Shulas but I think they are also good bets

Sanaa was great too but it is supposed to be Indian inspired which it is, but DH and I eat a lot of incredible Indian food at home so I constantly was wanting things to be spicier but still a wonderful meal

I have to disagree with Cali Grill and Le cellier for us these were both mediocre meals not bad just not nearly as good as the others.