Can't Get Dining Plan but want to experience ONE classy restaurant..

[mikerry]

We are signed up for the Land and Sea package. Since we bought it as a package, we cannot purchase the dining plan. I would like to try at least one of the "great" Disney restaurants, but have never been to WDW.

We like just about everything - so type of restaurant is not an issue. (No sushi, though).

If you could only go to ONE classy restaurant, which one would you pick and why? I'm leaning towards the California Grill since the view looks pretty amazing. Comments anyone?

Thanks!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I am partial to Citrico's and have done reviews of that restaurant before. If you do a search under my name, you can read those reviews.. I think if you want a signature restaurant, this one is fine so is California Grill.

I like eating in Japan at Teppanyaki, you sit around the grill and the chef cooks your meal in front of you.. no sushi for me either..

I like eating upstairs at France, and also liked Alfredo's in the evening when there is entertainment....food is decent. I was not thrilled with Jiko last time I ate there, but people do love it there as well....

Make sure you read Uncleromulus' review of Citrico's....excellent review.

 

[MrsTink04]

Just one? California Grill! The food was great, the service was the best I EVER had (both times) and the view of the MK is breathtaking!

 

[jlovesee]

You know I have never been extremely impressed with California Grill, I've eaten there twice and while it is quite good it does not live up to the price you pay. The view though is truly spectacular.

My favorites are Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge, Brown Derby at MGM or Le Cellier in EPCOT.

Jennifer

 

[bicker]

If you're going to do just one, do Artist Point. It is the single best restaurant at WDW. Superlative food, superlative service, and a wonderful atmosphere. Runners up include Citricos, Flying Fish and Jiko. California Grill is good too, but way too noisy and the service is no where near as professional and expert as you get at Artist Point. Brown Derby and Narcoossee have great food and professional service, but in both cases that service isn't as consistently excellent as Artist Point.

 

[hentob]

I enjoy the California Grill, but I must agree--Quite noisy. Jiko was wonderful. We also enjoyed the Blue Zoo in the Dolphin. Narcoossee's never disappoints.

Now I am hungry and it is only 6:45am. Not good

 

[richard_andmel]

I would pick Artist Point or Jiko personally. If you are big fish fans then Flying Fish or Blue Zoo would also be an excellent choices.

 

[sleepydog25]

Victoria's and Albert's is top flight dining. . .with the cost to match. If money is no object, then go there. On the other hand, nearly as good as slightly less expensive is Artist Point. Exceptional service. Great food. Very nice wine list. Superb ambience. AP thus gets my vote.

 

[kespo]

In the Animal Kingdom Lodge there is a wonderful South African restaurant. It is called Jico's. You need to call ahead. It is great!!!

 

[bsusanmb]

We've done them all several times. DH loves California Grill - I find it too noisy and I don't care for sushi which he gets as appetizer. It is a great experience, however. We liked Citricos but the food was not spectacular. Narcoose's is great for a lobster - pretty place along the water overlooking the lagoon. Love it. I have had great meals and horrible meals at Artist Point. It is a pretty place, quiet, and relaxing, but I raved about it once, and could not eat my food the next time. they changed the recipe of the salmon and it was not good at all. I hope they changed it back. Victoria and Abert is awesome, but pricey and way too much to eat, but it is something out of this world! Jiko I thought was wonderful. DH did not get a good meal there, and it was sad - he ate half of mine instead. I guess it depends on what you like and the atmosphere you like. jiko is dark and quiet for the most part and in AK lodge. These are the signature restaurants I am addressing here.

Have fun!

 

[phisigprincess]

We loved the California Grill - it has been about 6 years, but I remember their coffee being outstanding too. I give it 2 thumbs up!

 

[MICKEEP]

If we could only do one restaurant it would be Jiko. We have not eaten there yet but we took the AK Culinary Tour in December, tried some of their appetizers, and we can not wait to get back to WDW so we can eat there.

 

[crisi]

My favorite is Flying Fish - but you are about to get on the cruise ship - where there will be no shortage of two hour sit down meals. I think Flying Fish (and most of the restaurants mentioned), are better quality than the rather mass produced food you get on the ship (its good, it just isn't small batch good) - so I could go either way on actually booking a good land restaurant.