Dinner recommendations for Kona and Coral Reef

[Cindy B]

On my free dining trip, I will be eating at Kona and Coral Reef for the first time.

Our party will be four-- 2 adventourous, non vegetarian adults and non-veggie kids, one fairly adventourous pre teen and a nine year old still on the child plan. We eat all types of fish as well--but the preteen doesn't like shrimp. The preteen would lean vegetarian if given the choice.

We like all types of cuisine. Thai, Asian, and Mexican flavors are family favorites. My DH likes hot flavor. (I don't mind hot flavor either and the 9 year old likes it as well)

So now you know our preferences, give us some reccomendations please.

 

[Wendi2000]

The Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi at Kona is to die for... it is sooooooooooo good!!!

My mom loved mine so much she decided to order the same thing at Coral Reef... it was not at all as good as Kona's. Coral Reef is definitely great for the atmosphere... not so much for the food!

I had Salmon or Halibut at Coral Reef, I can't remember which, but I know it was one of my favorites, it was supposed to be spicy but it was just severely salty. I couldn't even eat 1/4 of it. Max liked his pizza at Coral Reef though... the soup was good, and the Chocolate Wave was one of the best desserts I've ever had in my life (and I'm not that big on chocolate...)

 

[Joshua_me]

Sorry to be negative, but I would steer FAR clear of Coral Reef...

Yes, the aquarium view is very nice, (if you can see one from your table)
But, the food consists of very small portions, and often times is less than 'incredible'.

DDP or not, you'd do better having fish and chips at RnC....

Kona, on the other hand, has always been a delight for us....

JMO

 

[lady_hlh]

Another vote for the macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi at Kona. We loved Coral Reef last year and we had the best service there of our entire trip. The blackened catfish on cheese grits at CR was wonderful, if you like spicy food. The portions are smaller at CR but after pigging out on free dining all week I was happy to have less on my plate.

 

[lovmy2girls]

DO NOT get the Turkey Medallions at the Kona! everything else is wonderful. The Kona Chowder is fantastic, and a meal all in itself. The Mahi Mahi is fantastic.

 

[DAniece]

On my free dining trip, I will be eating at Kona and Coral Reef for the first time.

Our party will be four-- 2 adventourous, non vegetarian adults and non-veggie kids, one fairly adventourous pre teen and a nine year old still on the child plan. We eat all types of fish as well--but the preteen doesn't like shrimp. The preteen would lean vegetarian if given the choice.

We like all types of cuisine. Thai, Asian, and Mexican flavors are family favorites. My DH likes hot flavor. (I don't mind hot flavor either and the 9 year old likes it as well)

So now you know our preferences, give us some reccomendations please.

I'd skip Coral Reef in favor of either Narcoossee's or Fulton's Crab House IF the goal is seafood. If the goal is eating in a really unique setting, eat at Coral Reef, be aware that the food doesn't get high ratings in general.

At Kona Cafe - never had a bad meal there. Last trip we had the turkey tenderloins wrapped in bacon - to die for. We've loved all the seafood we've had there. We're big fans of the stir fried veggies. And although we don't eat beef, a CM-friend says their prime rib is the best on property. Also, ask for Donna & tell her the friends from Indiana say HI and see her soon.

Also, a good place for a late lunch = San Angel Inn, sit-down in Mexico in Epcot. I'd try to go there at a less usual meal time, it can be rather crowded b/c of table layout.

EG

 

[atisikitabasket]

The Coral Reef was awesome on our Feb '07 trip. My steak there was better than mine I had at Le Cellier. My husband had the catfish and loved it and my niece had the shrimp and noodles and she pigged out. The Chocolate wave was incredible and we really liked the bread and butter they had there.


At Kona my DH loved the filet and the shrimp and scallops DN had were good and I loved the mahi mahi. I didn't think the chocolate lava cake at Kona was as good as CR but the Kiddie Cone was great!

 

[Quinn222]

Sorry to be negative, but I would steer FAR clear of Coral Reef...
JMO

Amen to that. One of the worst meals we've ever had anywhere.

 

[Cindy B]

The ADR's have been in place for months and they won't change-- actually can't change because it falls during free dining. With the trip only a few weeks away, I'd never find anything and I would be eating snacks for dinner.

The goal isn't seafood necessarily, but wanting to try different restaurants.
With free dining, I'm not out any money if it is AWFUL-- but I've been going to WDW steadily since 1999 and haven't had an awful meal yet.

 

[Destination Disney]

I have your same views when it comes to the DDP. It allows the opportunity to explore different resturants. We ate at Coral Reef in March and I had no comlpiants. We all enjoyed our food. We have another ADR there in October. If you would like to be sat by the glass or closer to teh aquarium you must inform your hostess at check-in. FYI!

Kona Cafe....EVERY trip we take to WDW we eat here. It has become a MUST for my family. The mahi mahi is very good and my husband swears by the beef tenderlion. We haev an ADR here in October and December.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Our family's Kona review with pics is here ---> link

IMHO you can't go wrong with:

Appetizer: crab cakes or Kona chowder
Entree: macadamia mahi-mahi or shrimp/scallops (our waiter said the turkey medallions are intended as an option for dieters, so that may be one you want to avoid)
Dessert: All good--really. Kileaua torte, cheesecake, creme brulee or the brown betty were all rated A+ by our family.

 

[Gina35]

Kona~Crab cakes or STICKY WINGS!! Entree: Steak teryaki or Mahi-Mahi;
Dessert: cheesecake or Kileaua torte

 

[disneyfan551]

I'm having the same dilemma..trying to decide what to try at Kona Cafe. During our last visit, I had the filet, and it was absolutely perfect! But, I've read so many great things about the mahi mahi and the terriyaki steak that i'm confused!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've eaten at Coral Reef 3 times and loved it each time (except that the Chocolate Wave changed, not for the better). For an appetizer, I've loved the Creamy Lobster Soup. My favorite entree is the Grilled Mahi Mahi. DS ordered the Catfish once and loved it. When he ordered it, the server warned him, "It's very spicy". Well, she didn't know who she was dealing with! DS thought it was perfect, not very spicy at all. Of course, his wife's from Mexico, makes lots of spicy dishes, so his taste buds may be a little different from some of us!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

When you check in at Coral Reef, ask to be seated down near the tank.

 

[Gina35]

I've read so many great things about the mahi mahi and the terriyaki steak that i'm confused!

Teriyaki steak is OUT OF THIS WORLD!! Two of our family members ordered it (including ME!), and the other 5 kept asking us for "tastes." Whatever you have is sure to be delicious; but I can tell you that when I go back, I will order it again (as long as it's still on the menu).

 

[mwehttam]

Amen to that. One of the worst meals we've ever had anywhere.

Have to disagree strongly here. Just got back from a 10 day trip and my favorite meal was at the Coral Reef. Had the Blackened Catfish. I enjoyed it more then my fillet mignon at Le'Celliar and my buffalo steak at Artist Point and both of these meals were amazing. The Lobster bisque my DW had was also great.

-Matt