Calling all foodies!!

[mousepotato]

I am a certified NYC Foodie and need help! My wife just broke the news that she is taking me to Disney for my b-day and I can not be more excited...however I have to choose one signature restaurant to eat at during the trip!! We have been to every signature in Disney at least once and I reaaly enjoyed them all in their own special way....the oh so tender teriyaki filet from cali grill...the velvety and creamy mac and cheese from Jiko....the succulent scallops from Flying Fish and Artist Point....I can go on and on!! We are on kind of a budget so V and A's is out of the running. From one foodie to another I need your help in deciding on a restaurant....

 

[ciera321]

That's a tough one. I love both California Grill and Jiko equally as far as the food goes, but I'd have to choose CG for a birthday (and I did last year and this year!) since Wishes is so special from the roof!!!

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

I am a certified NYC Foodie and need help! My wife just broke the news that she is taking me to Disney for my b-day and I can not be more excited...however I have to choose one signature restaurant to eat at during the trip!! We have been to every signature in Disney at least once and I reaaly enjoyed them all in their own special way....the oh so tender teriyaki filet from cali grill...the velvety and creamy mac and cheese from Jiko....the succulent scallops from Flying Fish and Artist Point....I can go on and on!! We are on kind of a budget so V and A's is out of the running. From one foodie to another I need your help in deciding on a restaurant....

What are your favorites in NYC? That might help narrow down the WDW choices.

 

[mousepotato]

What are your favorites in NYC? That might help narrow down the WDW choices.

You can't go wrong with a French restaurant in NYC..anything that Daniel Boloud puts his name on I love...I have been to Cafe Boloud, DB Bistro Moderne and Bar Boloud. Thanks!!

 

[mousepotato]

That's a tough one. I love both California Grill and Jiko equally as far as the food goes, but I'd have to choose CG for a birthday (and I did last year and this year!) since Wishes is so special from the roof!!!

I do love CG...the pork tenderloin is to die for....they have fantastic sushi... and they do have a great wine selection.... We loved the CG goat cheese ravioli so much we had a Disney chef recreate it for our wedding appetizer!! Thanks for the advice Ciera..you are making this decision become easier for me!!

 

[OKWAnneMarie]

How about IL Mulino? Best gnocci I've ever had.

I also LOVE Jiko, Artist Point and Wolfgang Puck (DINING ROOM UPSTAIRS).

You might like Blue Zoo (Todd English).

 

[NJFireman22]

I know this place may not be a signature restaurant, but we just the most wonderful meal at Sanaa in Jan. My DW and I have had dinner at all the signatures on the property, except for V & A s over the years and we really thought Sanaa was right up there with the rest. IMHO

 

[mousepotato]

I know this place may not be a signature restaurant, but we just the most wonderful meal at Sanaa in Jan. My DW and I have had dinner at all the signatures on the property, except for V & A s over the years and we really thought Sanaa was right up there with the rest. IMHO

Mmmmmm Sannnaaaaaa!! Good choice!! My wife and I own at Kidani Village and at there last year....it was definitely one of my fav restaurants on property...I remember the bread sevice was delicious and choosing between three types of dipping sauces...and not to mention wathcing a giraffe strolling along in the savanna...what an experience!! Thanks for the advice NJFireman...definitely might be a choice for lunch one day!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would go to Jiko and ask for Shelley as your waitress. She is also the Sommelier and is extremely knowledgable. I think she does not work Fridays and Saturdays.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

You can't go wrong with a French restaurant in NYC..anything that Daniel Boloud puts his name on I love...I have been to Cafe Boloud, DB Bistro Moderne and Bar Boloud. Thanks!!

Unfortunately, I don't think any of the WDW signature places come close to the better NYC restaurants. If you have a car, I'd go offsite to Norman's. For a little more casual, but still excellent food/wine/beer, The Ravenous Pig, in Winter Park. No car, stuck in WDW, then Jiko or Flying Fish.

 

[cbg1027]

You can't go wrong with a French restaurant in NYC..anything that Daniel Boloud puts his name on I love...I have been to Cafe Boloud, DB Bistro Moderne and Bar Boloud. Thanks!!

The closest thing to French at a Disney Signature would be found at Citricos. Which is my personal fave! I ate there 3 times in 2009 and it was wonderful each visit. I would ask for Kiera or the blonde Nancy as a server.

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

Kouzzina's???

Mary

 

[honeydiane1953]

I would go to The Wave at the CR. Flying Fish is to die for at the Boardwalk.

 

[LaurenT]

The closest thing to French at a Disney Signature would be found at Citricos. Which is my personal fave! I ate there 3 times in 2009 and it was wonderful each visit. I would ask for Kiera or the blonde Nancy as a server.

We also loved Citrico's...but isn't there a signature French on the second floor of the pavillion in Epcot? Anyone been there?

 

[djblu883]

I'd choose Jiko over the rest!!!!

 

[mousepotato]

Thanks to everyone for their advice!! I have thought it over and I think I am going to choose Cali Grill for the following reasons....they have a very diverse menu....sushi, steak, cheese platters, great wine list and other exquisitely prepared meals. I feel it is a good compromise cause I can have a little of everything no matter what I may be craving that night...and of course you cannot beat the view!!

 

[brergnat]

Thanks to everyone for their advice!! I have thought it over and I think I am going to choose Cali Grill for the following reasons....they have a very diverse menu....sushi, steak, cheese platters, great wine list and other exquisitely prepared meals. I feel it is a good compromise cause I can have a little of everything no matter what I may be craving that night...and of course you cannot beat the view!!

Food is "okay" there, to be honest with you. I was there once and the dining experience was ruined by massive amounts of hyper young kids (were there for fireworks) and lighting that was too harsh, IMO. The food was not "to die for." Service was okay. They were very pushy in trying to "upsell". I get turned off by that.

This year, DH and I are trying BlueZoo. Our second meal is up in the air, depending on how the kids do in the kids club the first time around. We will either do Citricos, Artist Point, or Bistro de Paris (France Pavilion, upstairs).

I'd skip any steakhouses or Italian places on WDW property, since you are from NYC. Nothing will compare. Artist Point is the most likely to offer something "unique".