Comparing Palo with WDW Restaurants

[NejTheLion]

Well, this is my first post on the DIS boards!

I'm 22 and my parents and I are beginning to plan for our first Disney Cruise. We joined DVC back in May when we vacationed at WDW to celebrate my graduation from college. Now we're looking forward to several Disney trips a year!

This is the first of many questions I'm sure I'll be posting as we plan things. I wondered if anyone out there could compare the Palo dining experience with some of the restaurants at WDW. We jokingly say that we eat our way through the World, spending quite a bit of time in the resort restaurants. For others who have dined there, how would you compare Palo with such places as California Grill, Artist Point, Jiko, etc? I know Palo won't be anything like Victoria & Albert's (pardon my drool), but about where would you put it on the dining totem pole? I want to make sure that our expectations aren't too high, although that usually doesn't happen where Disney is concerned.

Thanks so much!

Jen

 

[pal2pluto]

Victoria and Alberts...now there is a memory!

Welcome to the board! Palo's is the best on the ship....of course. Comparing it to what is at WDW.....that's a really subjective thing. I think it's better than any of the restaurants, yet a few steps below V&A.....not as posh, but definitely upper crust. I know that doesn't help. Just be sure to put Palo's on your list of "must do" and then you can help someone pinpoint where it falls!

 

[perdidobay]

I would put it right up there with the top restaurants at WDW, but I've never eaten V&A's. Sevice, food and location are all excellent. The resturant itself is very beautiful too, IMHO

 

[Lisa F]

I would put it on par with California Grill (at least California Grill on a good night, recently I have have read so-so reviews but my memories of it are second only to V&A). In fact, I'd be really surprised if it wasn't heavily modeled on the CA Grill. The decor is VERY similar, the kitchen is somewhat open, even the wait staff uniforms remind me of the CA Grill. The food has a bit of an italian flare to it and even though that's the theme, I'd hesitate to call it "Italian" (though there are a few very Italian dishes like tomato and mozzarella and you do get an antipasto plate). Check out the menu here. Give it a try and I don't think you will be disappointed. The tamarind BBQ filet at the CA Grill is my favorite but the filet with gorgonzola sauce at Palo is a VERY close second (maybe even a tie!) Also, the polenta and portobello mushroom appetizer is not to be missed. The chocolate souffle is also not to be missed (and is every bit as good as the souffle at V&A's).

Lisa

 

[reveric]

We went to California Grill in early October then a few days later ate at Palos on the Wonder. I would definately put Palos above CG in terms of quality of food, service, and atmosphere.

CG was great but Palos really has a great thing going there. Our meal was extremely relaxed and each dish was flavorful and DELICIOUS!

 

[atigeg]

We have done a lot of fine dining at WDW over the years on various incarnations of the Discovery Magic package, and we have done 27 Disney cruises...I can definitely say, from lots of personal experience, that Palo definitely ranks up there with the best of WDW! It has its own galley, so it's basically the same as any other fine restaurant. In all the times we've eaten there, I don't think we've ever had a bad meal...the only bad thing is that you get delicious bread and sauces, antipasto, and appetizers, so it's difficult to save room for the main course and the heavenly chocolate souffle!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[ppiew]

Think California Grill and Flying Fish. Both are comparable to Palo's, except Palo's is smaller and therefore quieter - which I like. Food is very similar in style, though not in menu.

 

[valeriekay123]

Originally posted by Lisa F
the filet with gorgonzola sauce at Palo is a VERY close second (maybe even a tie!) Also, the polenta and portobello mushroom appetizer is not to be missed. The chocolate souffle is also not to be missed (and is every bit as good as the souffle at V&A's).

Lisa

Wow, Lisa! That is exactly what I had for dinner last night! You weren't peeking in the window at me, were you?! hehe!

Valerie

 

[Lisa F]

Hehe, well if you saw someone drooling and plastered to the window... it wasn't me. I have an alibi!

Those are just my favorites (and I figure that most people have them because they are always highly recommended by the wait staff there).

Lisa