Coral Reef Restaurant question

[TheGoofster]

I'm not very familiar with this restaurant, but I'm thinking that we might try it the next time we go.

From the pictures I've seen of it, it looks like there are some tables that are right next to the giant aquarium, and others that are a bit further away. Is it possible to request a table right next to the aquarium, or is it basically a you get what you get type of deal? I know that my kids would be staring at the fish the whole time, and I would rather not have to look right through somebody who is sitting in the way of the view.

Also, has anybody who has eaten there got the steak or chicken? I don't like seafood (but my wife does), so if we go I was wondering what the non-seafood dishes are like.

Thanks

 

[DDJen]

It never hurts to make that request when you're actually there. Our reservations were for right when they opened, and we lucked out and got by the tank! So, you may want to try to get the first reservations avail for lunch or dinner.

Also, it looked like all the tables by the tank were for parties of 4 or less and I don't think that they could put a high chair next to the table so that makes a difference.

The tables are tiered at least.

My dad had a pork dish when he was there and it was his favorite. He said he enjoyed it more than his Le Cellier prime rib.

 

[Pakey]

I'm not very familiar with this restaurant, but I'm thinking that we might try it the next time we go.

From the pictures I've seen of it, it looks like there are some tables that are right next to the giant aquarium, and others that are a bit further away. Is it possible to request a table right next to the aquarium, or is it basically a you get what you get type of deal? I know that my kids would be staring at the fish the whole time, and I would rather not have to look right through somebody who is sitting in the way of the view.

Also, has anybody who has eaten there got the steak or chicken? I don't like seafood (but my wife does), so if we go I was wondering what the non-seafood dishes are like.

Thanks

You can request a party up next to the tank; they are tables that seat 4 with a few tables for 2. You may not get it; you can request it. The wait may be longer. This is a restaurant that frequently seats behind with long waits for tables which could make your wait even longer.

Honestly, the tables right up against the tank give you a blurred vision of the tank. The best seats are the curved booths that are across the aisle from the tables right up on the tank. But your children probably won't care that their vision of the tanks is blurred.

Many people on here have stated that they have liked the steak here; I thought it was terrible and now stick with a fish dish when we eat here.

 

[BriarRosie]

I read a lot of food reviews, and some of them make note that kids often will leave their tables and disrupt the meals of diners close to the tank. Parents are not always keeping their kids on their best behavior.

That being said, you should have a view of the tank from anywhere in the restaurant. The back area is raised, so you can still view them. If you feel you don't have a good view, you can always go into the Seas pavilion and take a closer look from the viewing areas in there.

I wouldn't ask for a table close to the tank if there seems to be a huge amount of people in the lobby, waiting to be seated. This restaurant has been known to have long waits at times.

 

[MichaelaMouse]

Hi! I ate here about 2 weeks ago. I think you can request sitting close to the aquarium, we didn't bother because we were all adults and it didn't really matter to us. We sat in the top tier but still had a wonderful view of the aquariums, fish & scuba divers!!!
My mom, sister and I don't eat seafood. My aunt does and loved her fish here. Mom said her steak was amazing. My sister and I had the chicken and thought it was one of our best meals all week. The chicken was cooked perfectly, crispy outside and very moist inside, seasoned to perfection. The accompanying spaetzle was also wonderful. I have read bad reviews of the food here, so maybe it's hit or miss. We were fortunate enough to hit it on a good night I guess. Hope this helps!

 

[TheGoofster]

You can request a party up next to the tank; they are tables that seat 4 with a few tables for 2. You may not get it; you can request it. The wait may be longer. This is a restaurant that frequently seats behind with long waits for tables which could make your wait even longer.

Honestly, the tables right up against the tank give you a blurred vision of the tank. The best seats are the curved booths that are across the aisle from the tables right up on the tank. But your children probably won't care that their vision of the tanks is blurred.

Many people on here have stated that they have liked the steak here; I thought it was terrible and now stick with a fish dish when we eat here.

Thanks everyone for the great responses.

It is possible that if we go, it might be during the 2nd week we are there, which would mean that there would be 3 other family members with us (for a total of 7). From what I understand from these replies, a table right up next to the tank would probably be out for that many, but what about these curved booths that you mention. Would they be able to seat 7 people?

 

[Golden Rose]

We've had good luck getting tables right up next to the window when we've had ADRs right when the restaurant opened as well, but we've always been a party of 3 or 4. We're going to be going as a party of 5 in October, and probably as a party of 7 next May, so we're certainly going to be further from the tank than we're used to. I've only once been up towards the back of the restaurant looking towards the wall of tanks, and it is still a beautiful view, if not as intimate and close up feeling.

I believe the curved booth tables can seat some of the larger parties. That's what we're hoping to get next time.

As far as food goes, we've had better and worse meals here. I always get some sort of seafood, and its never been terrible, but it has definitely been better on some trips than others. DH sometimes gets seafood and sometimes branches out, and I think he's been happy enough with his non seafood options.

 

[willis]

Does anyone know when Dinner starts at Coral Reef ? We have a 4:20 pm ADR in November . CM did not know if it was for dinner or lunch?? Nothing else was available.

 

[TDC Nala]

A party of 7 will not be seated right up against the tank unless they're split up. The maximum size table in that area is a 4-top.

 

[TruBlu]

If you really want to sit there, you can request it when you check in and tell them that you are willing to split up and willing to wait. Honestly, we've sat beside the tank, across the aisle from the tank, and on the top row. The atmosphere is VERY different from the top row vs. the bottom. For me, it's worth the wait to sit close.

 

[beroh2253]

We love the NY strip steak , had it the last 3 times there and will get it again in Oct. We were right at the glass the first time but never requested, but I would ask if that is where you want to sit. It's not like if you are sitting back further you have to look thru the people sitting in front of the glass the glass is huge. Though you maybe sitting right at the glass and think everybody is looking at you.

 

[ShannonMB]

We were a party of 7 when we went, and were seated at 2 side-by-side curved booths 1 tier up. It was IMO the perfect view of the aquariums. It really didn't seem like there was a bad seat in the house. The restaurant really is gorgeous.

I ordered the steak, and it was delicious when I had it. Cooked perfectly (just as good as the steak I had at LeCellier). We ordered many different entrees as a group and everyone agreed that their dishes were very good.

I would definitely recommend you give it a try. There are so many amazing restaurants at Epcot, but I don't think Coral Reef should be overlooked!

 

[bluejasmine]

Your never guaranteed a table by the tank but like everyone else says it doesnt hurt to ask, BUT IMHO even if you dont get one right at the tanks its still easy to see the tanks and fish! Been twice didnt get tank side table when requested it but got tables right on the other side and the view was still very very good! I have had the steak and so has DH and it was good! As good as any steakhouse! I say its somewhere everyone should try atleast once, we are forgoing it this trip but will be back the next time, btw, CR has the BEST pina coladas they are called Octupus Juice and are made with chambord they are so yummy I had to have two!

 

[Kathy Z]

In May we were seated by the tank with our DGDs. No one bothered us. All I requested at check-in was that we not have an obstructed view. Some of the upper tiers of booths have the table set where the curved wall goes high and younger children can not see over it through to the tank. Those locations should not be a problem to adults. Our ADR was for 5:30 PM. We checked in about 5:20 and had only a 5 to 10 minute wait.

DH & I had the fish of the day and it was fantastic. Can't remember what the DGDs had but do remember they loved the atmosphere more than the food.

 

[BYC]

We are going to try Coral Reef for the first time on our trip. Each of my kids get to choose a restaurant ( I choose the rest ) My son choose this one. I have only one worry, and it seems kind of stupid, but here goes: I am afraid we will be sitting there, enjoying the dinner and looking at the fish, and that one of them will take a gross fishy poop right in front of us while we are eating. Now, I am not too squeamish about poop, I have lots of animals), but fish poop grosses me out. Maybe I'll just not look at them while I eat!

 

[beroh2253]

I wouldn't look while they are pooping. Also if you are eating a fish entree the fish will give you a dirty look while you are eating their relatives, so you best stay with the beef and chicken.
We really do like the Coral Reef and our 4th visit will be in Oct. and we will be eating the NY Strip steak (which I think is as good as the steak in Le Cellier) so we won't feel guilty.

 

[photographymom517]

My first comment is to definitely make reservations ahead of time. We arrived there as soon as they opened (and we went to Disney during "busy season") and we actually got a table within 10 minutes. However, I went to the restroom right after we sat down at our table (restroom is right beside the check-in desk) and I overheard them tell a lady she would have to wait until around 5pm to get a reservation because it was full until then!!! We must have really been lucky because if we would have gotten there 10 minutes later, we wouldn't have gotten in until dinner!

Second, I believe you can see the fish/aquariums from pretty much anywhere in the restaurant. I've read other people's posts & I can see why they say in some of the booths the "wall" is so high that small children can't see over it. I did notice that some children were trying to sit on their parents laps to see the fish. We were seated on one of the higher tiers, but not in a booth. If you sit at a table along the ledge, you have a perfect view of the aquariums & the entire restaurant.

As far as the menu, I personally love seafood (although I don't eat scallops, mussels, things like that). I recommend the Mahi Mahi...it was the BEST seafood I have ever eaten! For years & years, when we go to restaurants, I will eat part of my dinner & give the rest to my husband to eat. However, at Coral Reef, no one even got a small sample of my Mahi Mahi!!! It was so delicious that I ate every single bit! (and as I said, it is unusual for me to even finish my meal!) My husband is not a huge fan of seafood...he will only eat breaded shrimp & that is rare. He ordered some type of Pork dish & said it was very good. It was Grilled Pork Tenderloin (it was served with Sweet Boniato Potatoes & Green Beans drizzled with pecan sauce). He's VERY picky about his food, but he actually ate his entire meal & enjoyed it. I have their menu from last year if you have other questions about the menu. I could email the pic of the menu to you as well...I can't post photos on here yet because you need 10 posts to add pics to your post.

In addition, my son was only 10 months old when we went & these meals at Disney were some of his first table foods. We ordered him the Salmon with green beans & mashed potatoes & he ate every bite! I highly suggest Coral Reef. The food is delicious, the views of the aquarium are excellent, and its a very peaceful & enjoyable experience. Its a great break from the parks!