Coral Reef?!? Confused?!

[angelgirl_itz]

Hi there...

Just planning our first trip to WDW and was planning to go to the Coral Reef while at Epcot. But I have heard nothing good about the menu. Anyone disaggree, or should I change my reservations?!

Help...
Dani

 

[Cinderella94]

While I'm one of the ones who didn't enjoy Coral Reef, you'll find people who like and dislike every restaurant. Don't let other people influence you too much; try it at least once & then make up your mind .

The atmosphere is pretty cool.

 

[PictureJumpr]

Is the cuisine spectacular? no.
Is there a decent selection of seafood at this sea-themed restaurant? no.

Is it decent, consistent food with pleasant service and an amazing depth of theme? yes. (Sorry for the pun )

We've had great steaks there.... and while I am not a dessert afficionado and I don't even like chocolate, the 'chocolate wave' dessert gets raves from folks I've eaten with.

 

[ChloroFiend]

The blackened catfish w/ pepper jack grits makes my top 5 list of best entrees at WDW. Simply great. The lobster bisque was also pretty good. I forget what my fiancee had but she enjoyed it as well.

Our main gripe with the restaraunt was the atmosphere. Kids running around, bumping tables, screaming, etc. I know its WDW, but at the same time its a somewhat nice dining establishment so that left a bitter taste in our mouths. Service was fine in our eyes.

We'll probably go back at some point, but not any time soon.

 

[disneystacy]

If you like a loud restaurant, expensive food and small portions, I would keep it. IMO much better selections in Epcot.

 

[bluejasmine]

I think its a must do atleast once, my DS and DH love it so we have gone every yr the last couple of trips..Not a huge selection but what I have had there has been good, steak and lobster salad and bisque.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Coral Reef has been hammered pretty hard in the last couple of weeks. Some things are the unfortunate luck of the draw - less than stellar service, unruly kids, etc. Other things are consistent - small portion sizes, for instance.

If you've never been, I'd encourage you to try it at least once so you can form your own opinion. It's been a couple of years since we've been, and on that particular evening, it was really good. Chefs and other factors do indeed change, though.

 

[creativeamanda]

To me, the food at Coral Reef was good. Portions were small and too expensive for their size, IMO.

The restaurant was very noisy.

I do think this is a must do for travelers, though at least once.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Did you read this thread?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2138039

Looks like there are many people who did have good experiences there. We want to try it for ourselves next trip.

 

[bcrook]

We enjoyed our meal at Coral Reef as much as anywhere. My son still talks about the creamy lobster soup, the food was real good (my steak was perfect), and the atmosphere was fun. Our server was fantastic. Alas, we didn't have dessert - I have regretted not trying that Chocolate Wave ever since our meal.

 

[Princess_K]

We ate at Coral Reef in December, and it was one of our best meals. I had the steak (which was delicious!), and my boyfriend had the mahi mahi (which he said was really great too). We didn't notice it to be any louder than any other restaurant, and didn't notice kids running around everywhere. I'd give it a try. It's really pretty in there, and a great atmosphere!

 

[marylouwho]

A lot of people ordering steak in a seafood restaurant.

That's why we are skipping it this year. I love seafood, but even I couldn't get excited about anything on the menu. So I'll be getting my shrimp and scallops at Kona.

 

[beroh2253]

We were at the Coral Reef 3 times in the last 3 years and had the NY Strip and really enjoyed it, can't wait to go back. Service was always good and the steak always good and as good as Le Celliers we thought so we will alway try when at WD to go to Coral Reef our second favorite of restaurants behind Le Cellier.
How could you eat fish in a place like that all there relatives are in the acquarium watching you?

 

[marylouwho]

How could you eat fish in a place like that all there relatives are in the acquarium watching you?

 

[Stitch_Is_King]

We are going to give it a chance on our upcoming trip. Have not been there in a few years, but the last time we went, the food was good, not great.. Any restaurant can be a hit or miss but we are going to give in another shot.

 

[avamadison]

I think it is a place to try at least once. There is a fun view and kids love it. The menu looks good to me!

 

[DVC Mike]

We've had nothing but great experiences at Coral Reef.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We ate there in January, full review and pics in my link. I was the only one that enjoyed it, the pan seared grouper, caesar salad and the butterscotch creme brulee...all of it was great!

 

[ReneeA]

We ate there in August and I loved my meal. I had the Mahi-Mahi (and so did DS off the kid's menu). It was fabulous - and the rice it was served over was wonderful...I wanted to lick the plate after I was done.

DS talks about the Lobster Bisque soup on a daily basis...it must have been great.

 

[disneyjanet]

We are going to give it a chance on our upcoming trip. Have not been there in a few years, but the last time we went, the food was good, not great.. Any restaurant can be a hit or miss but we are going to give in another shot.

I would agree with this assessment. Food was good, not great, service was fine, and it was really pretty inside with the aquarium. I personally wouldn't rush back but I wouldn't avoid it either. I think that Epcot has so many other great choices so people have high expectations from Coral Reef and it isn't quite up to snuff. Now if Coral Reef was in HS instead of Epcot I bet that a lot of people would be highly reccomending it.

Janet