Coral Reef or LeCellier?

[jen42002]

Where would you choose? I have been to LeCellier myself but never Coral Reef. We have 2 adults and 4, 7-year olds.

Coral Reef - Seems to have mixed reviews but nice atmosphere. The web pics seem to show parties of 6 not being seated near the aquarium. If we are further away is the experience still good. Does the experience outweigh the ok food?

LeCellier - Good food, kids sit well at meals so not a problem. More adult experience (not a bad thing after character meals )?

Where would you suggest we go?

Thanks!

 

[MaleficentMama]

I am always surprised when I see bad reviews for Coral Reef. My DS7 and I have eaten here on three separate occasions and we have really enjoyed our meal each time. We both love the Lobster Bisque, the blackened catfish is fantastic, and I had a really good New York Strip there as well. My son enjoys trying to find all the fish in the tank (they give the kids a paper with pictures of the different fish on it so they can look for them all in the tank) while he is waiting for his meal. He also enjoys being able to get a few nicer food choices than the standard kid's meal selections.
While Le Cellier is one of our favorite restaurants as well, my DS would choose Coral Reef every time. Either way, enjoy your trip!

 

[SaraHyland]

I've never been to LeCellier, but i was just at the Coral reef on 7/23 and we LOVED IT.

Pretty pricey (ill be doing a review on this place with prices and all), and even if you are a party of 6 you can see the tank ANYWHERE you sit! The big things (sharks,sea turtles,and sting rays) wont be hard to miss! You have to try this place ATLEAST once. The food is great!!! Excpet i wouldnt reccomend the lobster ravioli unless you like lots of peppers,and onions.

 

[lukikam]

I would choose Le Cellier every time and always go for the cheddar cheese soup and fabulous maple creme brulee! However, try to squeeze in Coral Reef for dessert another time just to watch the fish - it's so fun!

 

[dbk1029]

Le Cellier hands down.

I wasn't impressed with Coral Reef the last time I was there. The only thing I enjoyed was the Chocolate Wave.

 

[clc053103]

Coral Reef during free dining is a totally different experience- LOUD, overcrowded, bad service. Has all the atmosphere of McDonalds. If you are prepared for that, the food was pretty good.

 

[jen42002]

Thanks everyone for the replies. We are going to WDW on Oct 10-17. Thought we would avoid free dining time but with the new deals no such luck. Unfortunately with 4, 7 year olds it can be a bit loud anytime of the day We have ADRs at Coral Reef but I love Le Cellier so that's why I am struggling. I may have to cater to the family this time and save LC for a later trip. There are still a few ADRs at LC open on the day we want to go....Oh what to do!

 

[contenttob]

We have ADR in Sept for Coral Reef but not sure if my DS9 will enjoy the menu. Can he just order dessert?

 

[jacksmom]

We just got back 7-24-09! Coral Reef was our favorite! We also ate at LeCellier (D), TTS (L), 1900 PF (B & D), Sci Fi (L), Ohanas (D), WCC (D), CRT (B),Akerhus (L),and T-Rex! We had smoothies to start that were awesome! I had the Lobster ravioli and it was great! My dh and ds had the steak and enjoyed it as well! We all had the choc. wave for desert and it was great also! It was our 2nd visit here and we will go back! LeCellier was good also but we were jammed in there like sardines and it was not really cool in there! It was a hot day, so maybe the air wasn't working well, but we we not really comfortable! It isn't really on our to do again list!

 

[mrsannb]

They have standard kids fare at Coral Reef too.

I always wonder, the people who don't like Coral Reef--what did you order??
We have never had anything less than excellent food there. We always order fish/seafood. I like the salmon with ratatouille. If you're going to order chicken though, what's the point, really?
The desserts there are not as spectacular as some of the other places, but they have good drinks that come with the dining plan.
Of course the atmosphere is nice.
My avatar picture is my kids at Coral Reef.

My husband was not impressed with Le Cellier. He didn't order the filet, he ordered something like a prime rib sandwich and it wasn't anything special. I didn't think the creme brulee was anything special. It is nice though for kids to be able to order steak.

 

[purpliequeen]

Loved both restaurants.

We absolutely loved Coral Reef. The atmosphere is amazing. We also loved the food. I've read about poor service at this restaurant, but we certainly did not experience it. I guess it really is hit or miss. I will warn you that this restaurant can be really loud- all the noises bouncing off the glass and echoing.

Le Cellier was great as well, I mean who doesn't love steak? But to be honest, the service was brisk, and the ambience left much to be desired. Sure, it was nice to eat in an environment similar to a "wine cellar," but having tables pretty much on my lap didn't make it all that enjoyable. The food is good, sure, but I wouldn't consider it to be one of the best restaurants for food at Disney. Maybe it's because the food is similar to any steakhouse both where I live and where I go to school, and there's really nothing that stands out on the menu unlike restaurants like Boma or Marrakesh. Please, no flames, these are all humble opinions. Thanks!

 

[jen42002]

Thanks much! Think we'll go with Coral Reef as I'm sure the kids would enjoy it. Guess I have to save LeCellier for our next trip

 

[1disneynutt]

I would say Coral Reef with kids, Le Cellie without. This is coming from someone who hasnt been to either but the atmosphere sounds funner for kids at Coral Reef

 

[chipndales]

Try Coral Reef since you've already done LeCellier! We go every single visit and it's just such a great place for kids! Last November we took my 3 year old nephew and my 12 year old DD and they just loved it. The food is always enjoyable when we've been there. Enjoy!