Citricos vs. Narcoossee's -- Thoughts?

[PlutoLuvr]

Howdy, gang

DH & I might be able to spend our anniversary at the World in September. We're torn between Citricos or Narcoossee's.

Let me say that quiet, intimate and romantic is important for us, not necessarily a view or fireworks. Also, we're Floridians; seafood restaurants are a dime a dozen. Restaurants that offer a Mediterranean flair are a bit more difficult to come by here in my corner of the world. For these reasons, we're leaning toward Citricos, but I'd hate to make a poor decision.

V&A is out due to budget; Cali Grill is too loud. We always do Jiko -- about six meals a year there due to being so close. We're ready to change it up a bit.

I've read good reviews on both Citricos and Narcoossee's, but has anyone been to both and can identify with being saturated with really good seafood eateries at home, plus looking for a bit of quiet time for one evening?

We're also *toying* with the idea of Bistro de Paris, but we're staying off site and wouldn't want to have our anniversary meal at Epcot on the day we tour Epcot. DH & I both agreed we'd like to be cleaned up and fresh for our special dinner. Well, that walk is what's deterring us from Bistro for our dinner. Remember, it's September Is there a simpler way to just get to Bistro for dinner than parking in the lot or dealing with the monorail?

Anyway, we're totally leaning towards the ambience of the GF hotel and Citricos -- love the idea of the wedding pavilion, the castle in the background, just the romance of the hotel.

Oh, yeah! Almost forgot. If we're eating at Citricos, is there a way after dinner we can walk somewhere to see the fireworks? I keep seeing that folks eating at Narcossee's can "walk" somewhere to see them. Can Citricos patrons go to the same place? We recently dined at 1900 Park Fare for dinner, and every time we tried to go "out back" to get a glimpse of the fireworks, the areas were cordoned off.

Thanks

 

[Allensfan]

I am glad you asked this because I was wondering about these two places...so I am giving you a bump!

I totally agree about CG...it was good food but loud, crowded and a bit bright for a romantic dinner. Been to V&A and it was good...but I would not go back...kinda feel like been there, done that. But your two choices have me thinking about trying something new out. I have never been to either.

 

[Christine]

I have not been to Narcoosee's but, as I am from the East Coast (and a previously Marylander to boot), I can also get a lot of seafood (not like Florida though). In that sense, Narcoosee's has never appealled to me.

I have been to Citrico's twice and LOVED every minute of it. It is spectacular. My parent ALWAYS get the veal shank there--they love it and they can't get anything like this anywhere else. My DD got the rotisserie pork chop and it was also wonderful. You can't go wrong with any of the meals there and the service is impeccable.

 

[Allensfan]

great tips...thanks. Which is considered the more upscale of the two?

 

[twinmum]

Hello! We ate at both Narcoosie's and Citrico's last Nov w/our twin boys (age 8 at time). We enjoyed both meals, but if you're looking for something quieter, I'd definitely recommend Citrico's. There were far fewer children and everything about the plce (decor, service and food) was just a notch higher than Narcoosie's in my opinion.

We didn't seek out the fireworks on our Citrico's night (OK, we could watch them from our GF room, we were spoiled!) so I can't answer that question. The few from the boat dock near Narcoosie's was great, but it's not near Citrico's.

I think you'll enjoy whichever you choose.

Twinmum

 

[JC Butterfly]

Well, that walk is what's deterring us from Bistro for our dinner. Remember, it's September Is there a simpler way to just get to Bistro for dinner than parking in the lot or dealing with the monorail?

If we're eating at Citricos, is there a way after dinner we can walk somewhere to see the fireworks? I keep seeing that folks eating at Narcossee's can "walk" somewhere to see them. Can Citricos patrons go to the same place?

If you did want to check out the Bistro, you could park valet at the Boardwalk. Enjoy a nice leisurely stroll around there and enter Epcot through the International Gateway. It may not be as "romantic" as the castle but it is rather pleasant and peaceful at night. Plus you could catch Illuminations either "live" or I believe some of the windows of the Bistro would overlook it.


I don't recall where Citricos is located within the Grand Floridian, but I would think that if they didnt' have a dedicated area, you would be able to stroll along the beach and possibly catch the Electrical water Pageant along with Wishes.


Or as a third option (depending on budget), you could rent a private pontoon boat to go out on the water to view Wishes. You could either do this after a meal at Citricos, or I believe that you could actually have Citricos cater you a meal to enjoy on the boat -- not for sure on that though.

 

[bookgirl2632]

I've never eaten at Narcoossee's, but I plan to try it on our next trip. We have eaten at Citricos twice and loved it both times. My mother also loves the veal shank. She got it both times. The filet is good as well, as is the salmon and the pork chop. And the warm chocolate banana tart...heavenly!! I will miss not going next time, but being on the DDP, we try to limit the Signature dining to one a trip. So, Narcoossee's it will be.

 

[ReggieB]

Narcoossee's is probably the more expensive of the two. I have been to both. Citrico's was very quiet when we went, which was early around 6pm, but ate at the same time at Narcoossee's and that was a lot busier/noisier. I would give the edge to Narcoossee's, but from what you have said I think you might enjoy Citricos more.

After eating at Citrico's you can always walk down to the dock, and watch the fireworks next to Narcoossee's or over the otherside by the beach area. Citrico's is located in the main building of GF.

 

[Quinn222]

highly recommed Citricos. It's quiet, elegant and great food.

 

[jw50]

Depending on what time you are planning on eating you can always just walk over to the Poly and watch Wishes from there. Its only about a 10 minute walk.

And I also think that Citricos is excellent.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Thanks for all of these great responses!

Looks like Citricos it is as of now, but I didn't realize there was an easy way to Bistro ... hmmm.

We liked the menu the best at Bistro, but put it on the back burner since we figured it would be hard to get to without being all hot and sweaty. I do remember that Gateway area behind France there.

Hopefully I will not be here in a few weeks titling a thread, "Citricos vs. Bistro," lol.

Such difficult decisions! We're feeling good about Citricos, tho, after reading all of the responses. Thanks, guys

 

[jimmalru80]

Citricos would be the quieter of the two, hands down. Very elegant.