Coral Reef or Les Chefs???

[aviva5675]

My one day trip with my sister is coming up in about a month, either Jan 13 or 14, depending on the weather. We have adr for lunch at Les Chefs and also Coral Reef. Depending when we go---I was leaning towards CR since Ive never been there (sis never been to either) but now am rethinking. Sounds loud, more expensive, and ....the food that much better? I realize they are different places, but not different like CR vs say, San Angel. Anyway, thoughts??

Sis and I had the luck to visit France together about 5 years ago, so LesC might be a fun look back, too.

 

[GinnyFavers]

I would never call Coral Reef loud, and the food is quite good. It's Chefs de France that looks crowded and loud, to me.

We ate at Coral Reef a couple times last two years, both times it was an excellent experience. We always go for either the very first or very last available lunch seating, to miss crowds and keep prices down. It was practically empty in the CR both times. Sat once all the way at the top, once right against the tank. I actually prefer sitting at the top, you can see more. It's a peaceful, relaxing place!

 

[Pakey]

We have eaten at both for lunch several times. On our most recent trip a few months ago, the lunch at Coral Reef was so incredibly loud that my husband and I could not wait to get out of there. It was the worst it has ever been; there were at least 2 screaming children going at the same time the entire meal. At Chefs, the tables are very close to one another so yes, it's noisy too.

I would pick the one that has the food that appeals most to you. I think Chefs has better food of the two but that is just my opinion.

 

[Babyyoda1212]

I'm not really sure what you are looking for. My DH and I dislike CR because it is very loud and full of children. The food at both are good, but if you like a bigger portion size I would recommend Les Chefs. Hope you have fun on your trip!

 

[magicalcouple]

I will cast my vote for Coral Reef.
It is true that we had a lunch in May once at CR where the children were obnoxious, climbing the fish tank walls, etc. But that was the only time out of many that I did not leave CR feeling happy I'd been there. Chefs is a nice restaurant and I do enjoy it in the evenings for dinner. But Coral Reef is so lovely and the food really is good.

 

[JT4Ever]

I would go with Chefs. I've never had a bad meal there. Lots of great food and atmosphere. I really like the French area for dinner..

 

[pianoronni37]

My husband and I ate at both, and if I were forced to go back to one, I'd say probably Coral Reef. We waited over an hour past our ressies, the food portions were small, and I found a large bone in my fish, but the atmosphere was beautiful (except for the fact there was a child holding on to my husband's chair and bouncing the whole time... it'd have been cute, if DH wasn't trying to eat soup - parents, please keep an eye on your kids!).

Les Chefs was a REALLY long service, I found myself spitting out hunks of fat from my meat (attractive), and it wasn't anything special. My husband got duck which was cold, but we were there so long he didn't care, we just wanted to get out of there!

I hope this helps... I would highly suggest trying a different restaurant altogether in Epcot, SOO many to choose, but between the two I'd go with Coral Reef (but stay away from the soup/lobster salad combo... SUCH a small portion, lukewarm soup and room-temp lobster salad... yuck!).

 

[aviva5675]

Thanks for the comments so far. As to somewhere else in Epc , dunno- we did Le Cell last year, and like it alot, but want to try something different. Edo you can do anywhere, Tutto I cant justify the expense. Marrakesh not sure I'd like the food. The Chinese--also, can do anywhere. England- not special enough? Germany, same...so....maybe I'm being really picky but it narrows it to CR and LesC...I'm back where I started from!

 

[pianoronni37]

I agree with the fact that some of those restaurants are kind of ho-hum and you can get that food anywhere (I would never pay for Japan or China, we just have too many great restaurants around me, and Italian food is a specialty where I live, so I wouldn't go there either!).

That's why we did decide on Les Chefs and Coral Reef when we went, we just didn't really enjoy our experiences. If you do decide on Coral Reef, it would probably be worth it to wait for an aquarium seat, you can ask when you get there - I loved the view, the food was just okay, but the view itself would bring us back!

 

[JT4Ever]

Nine Dragons is not Ho Hum at all! Since the upgrade, I consider their food to be some of the best chinese food anywhere.

 

[aviva5675]

No disrespect to those that enjoy Nine Dragons, Biergarten etc etc...

I will eat at Nine Dragons as soon as they get soup dumplings!
Cant get them here nw of Chicago.

 

[pianoronni37]

Of course, no disrespect from me either, but I live near NYC where we have some of the world's best food!

I've read great reviews for 9 Dragons, but when I go to Disney I want to experience something that I can't get at home - but then again, if it's that good, I might just try it and be surprised!!

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

We liked CR in '07. Went there in Oct of this year and didn't like the menu as much and the food we did get wasn't that good so we didn't go back this month. We went to LC a few weeks ago and were underwhelmed.

I've gone to Marrakesh with a bunch of people and have rarely had anyone not like the food. Not that everyone loves it but most people will find something to eat and a good number do really like it.

The downside is that at times getting to your table is like getting in a clown car. I will no longer go back there with a group of more than 4 people because none of their tables seem to be the same size or shape that they try to squeeze together. Also at times I feel like I can tell what kind of dental work the people at the next table have had.

 

[Aliceacc]

I loved the Coral Reef!!!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

While I like both restaurants, I would highly recommend Le Chefs over Coral Reef. The food is more of an experience rather than just a dinner. You get to sample unique food choices and interact with those from another country.

The only perk of Coral Reef is the large aquarium which you may or may not sit near. You can visit this by going to the Living Seas. Yes, the food is good, but Le Chefs' far outweighs it.

 

[BlueBay]

Definitely chefs. I did not enjoy my experience at coral. Portions were small and food was average.