Does LeCellier really live up to all the hype?

[Leanne1977]

We didn't feel that it lived up to the hype. We were expecting it to be a lot better but it was just ok for us.

The food was ok not great and DH said his steak wasn't too good. The service was rushed and our server would keep circling our table looking at our food which made us feel really uncomfortable and like she was waiting for us to leave.

We much preferred Coral Reef as a 1TS credit. But for us, and I know they are 2TS meals, but the California Grill and the Yachtsmans were far superior in food and service.

We wouldn't bother with Le Cellier again.

 

[asmit4]

It's a steakhouse that is 1TS credit. That's it. That's why there is hype, that's why ressies are hard to come by.

It's not that it's the best steak ever, it's not that the service is top notch...it's just a good value.

 

[xipetotec]

We ate at LeCellier back in 2000 and while it was OK, none of us were really overwhelmed. There are other restaurants we enjoy much more (Brown Derby, Flying Fish, Artist Point, California Grill, to name a few). I decided to give it another try this year, but could not get reservations. I'm shocked that this restaurant fills up so quickly unless it's improved considerably since we at there so many years ago.

I guess I'll try again right at the 180-day mark for next year, but really, is it that good or am I setting myself up for disappointment? Just what is it about this restaurant that makes it so popular?

Like all restaurants, it's a matter of opnion ( I did NOT like Yak and Yeti, for example ), but we *loved* Le Cellier. We had delayed ever going, being from Canada it felt kinda dumb to go to our country's pavillion's restaurant. But we did it our last trip, and everyone was very please.

Of course... we made the mistake of going there for lunch... we all just wanted to go back to our hotel for a nap after!

 

[jrt1176]

While I havent eaten at Le Celliar...it does seem to be hyped up.

I mean, I have eaten at many great steakhouses and my family owned a prime steakhouse...

I know Le Cellier does NOT have prime steak...while it may be good, I dont think it would match up well with Shula's on WDW property...or some of the near by steakhouses that serve prime.

WDW restaurants are good. But, they are not always the best.

 

[DBurdette]

I'm glad I found this page. We are going the first week in December and are not buying the dining plan. We are only going for 4 days (2 Adults) and really just want to see the lights and ride some rides. No pressure. We had the free dining plan in 07 and loved it. Got to experience some restaurants we would have never tried without the plan. Coral Reef was our favorite.

But all that said, my cousin went to Le Cellier and raved about it. We were going to just do counter services so we could spend more time in the parks and do 1 rest. and thought about that one. Not sure what to do no.

Anyone have requests for their favorites?

 

[emmabemmainc]

It was probably one of our favorite meals of our trip last year, but I honestly don't think it's as good as some people claim it is--but it's all a matter of opinion! I've had steak around here (MI) that blows their's out of the water and it's a lot easier to get into those restaurants!

Needless to say, we went last Sept. and when I made my reservations this year, LC was not one of them. Due to menu changes and us wanting to try different restaurants, I felt like there was no need to eat there again.

 

[ReneeA]

I think it's a good meal, and a good value - especially with the DDP.

That being said, I had a better steak at the Concourse Steakhouse (R.I.P. ) and we had an amazing meal at Kona - I had fish, DH had his best steak of our trip.

We have eaten at LeCellier our last 3 trips, but I didn't even attempt for an ADR for our upcoming trip. There are too many restaurants I haven't tried yet to go yet again to one that has been consistantly "Just Good enough".

JMHO...

 

[canucktyke]

Best restaurant in Disney - which has nothing to do with the fact that my DS is a server there

Actually, we do like the food too. And I agree with everyone here, as food prices generally rise around the world, the prices in Disney restaurants do not seem as outrageous as they used to be.

 

[Sugardimples]

It's not one of my favorite restaurants. I've been unlucky with servers here on a number of occasions so that has lowered my opinion.

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

No, not worth a visit in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, it was nice, but I was all hyped up for it and really, it was nothing special.

 

[maxiesmom]

I had the mushroom fillet this past May, and I could literally cut it with my fork, it was so tender. And the the risotto was smooth and rich. Yumm! And I couldn't pass up the cheese soup either, it is soo good!

I have ate their twice in the last 9 months, and had great service both times. My dad even complained that the wait-staff was too attentive, but I thought they were just fine. I wouldn't hesitate to eat there again.

 

[L&Lfan]

I thought the meal there was good but I definitely feel its popularity is due more to the fact that it's a "safe" choice for all the yokels too afraid or too spooked to try more international/exotic cuisine. Le Cellier is really a glorified steakhouse and that's why it's the first choice (along with Tutto Italia which many people find disappointing cause it ain't Olive Garden!) for many. My boyfriend and I had the filet mignon and salmon and cheddar cheese soup, etc. and they were delicious, but the familiarity of the menu is, I think, why it's constantly booked so far in advance...just my opinion.

jon

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Personally, DH & I don't think it's worth all the hype. We've eaten there three times, in 2000, 2001 and 2002 (gave it three shots), and we think it's an "ok" steakhouse.

Plus, with all the interesting, unusual bits and pieces one can enjoy around the World Showcase, we have a hard time giving that up for a mediocre (and seriously overpriced) steak.

 

[Haeg]

To me it's one of the best place's for good food. The atmosphere may not be the best, but the food and desserts make up for it. Although I like the basement theme.

 

[OKW Lover]

It would be impossible for any restaurant (with the possible exception of V&A's) to live up to the hype that LeCellier gets here.

Sure its a fine place to eat, especially when compared to some of the other places around World Showcase, but its not great.

 

[chappellfamily]

It is a MUST every trip for our family(we are going 4 times this year)
We could make a meal just eating the pretzel bread!

 

[Quiksilvr]

I think it's unfair to compare Le Cellier to the Signature restaurants and expect it to be as good. I say that as a person who won't eat at Le Cellier anymore because I don't see the value in their offerings. If I'm going to spend that much on a decent steak, I'm willing to put in the extra $20 and get an awesome steak over at Shula's. Still, it does a decent job being a restaurant in Epcot that serves food at which most Americans won't wrinkle their noses. We don't do the Dining Plan, so we make our determinations based on what we're willing to spend at a particular restaurant. Le Cellier never makes the cut.

I also live in a large city with lots of food offerings. My wife and I eat out at expensive fancy restaurants regularly. I take summer associates out to lunch at these places on a regular basis as well (I heart my expense account). I've been impressed enough at the Signature restaurants in WDW to believe that they could mesh well in a number of larger markets and keep their status as "fine dining" establishments. Is the Yachtsman Steakhouse as good as Peter Lugar's in New York or Bobby Van's in DC? No. But they don't have to be to still be great restaurants. I'm a fan. That said, I tend to mentally equate Le Cellier with a Canadian version of Outback.

 

[bicker]

Does LeCellier really live up to all the hype?

In a word, no. Sorry.

 

[byoung]

Yes in our opion.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Heavens no. It's a Logan's Roadhouse steak at twice the price. Service the night we went was horrid - absolutely the worst service I've had anywhere. Tables are crammed in there, no atmosphere to speak of (obviously, just like a cellar).

I think if you're on the DDP, it's a good value. I think it's hyped up because the reservation is hard to get. The reservation is hard to get because the place is TINY. Nothing more.

I do think you can compare it to signature spots in regards to prices. Filet a Jiko is $37, CA Grill is $38, Citricos is $37, Yachtsman is $38 while the filet at LeCellier is $35. Course the filet at the signature spots is a much better quality... If you're on the DDP, the difference is relevant but I don't understand why someone would pay OOP for it.

Part of me wonders if it's so popular because it's the most Americanized restaurant in WS. People don't want to go outside their comfort zone and try another cuisine so they go with plain old steak.