Downtown Disney Dining / Reccomendations

[abbey71211]

Just wondering if you need to book in advance for dinners at Downtown Disney.
We would be eating there the evenings of June 30th and July 1st. July 2nd we'll be in the parks so that's not an issue.
Should i be thinking about where i want to eat and making a booking as soon as i decide or can i just go to DTD when i arrive in Anaheim midday on the 30th and make dinner reservations then.

Also what restaurants do you all like in Down town Disney? I liked the look of the rainforest cafe dinner menu. Any feedback on that one?

If it makes a difference it will be 2 adults dining (my Mum and I).

Thanks

 

[DizNee Luver]

Going during the summer, I'd suggest making ressies......even in DTD.

We used to love going to the Rainforest Cafe, but the last few trips we've found the food to really have gone downhill. Definitely not worth the price.

We LVED Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen!! We've also had a very good meal at House of Blues.

 

[skiingfast]

Going during the summer, I'd suggest making ressies......even in DTD.
.

ITA, definately make reservations for that week as it will be the peak week of summer with the 4th nested in the middle of two weekends.



If you know the major chains. RFC , ESPN and HoB you know what you are getting into. The other chains are not very wide spread.

Napoli is no highly frequented but appears to be the favorite of regulars. Ralph Brennen seem to be the best for many, but no great for some.

 

[DahliaRW]

Make reservations. You can always cancel if you change your mind.

I LOVE Ralph Brennans. Rainforest is good too, but we have them locally so I don't see a point in eating there when we're in DTD, I'd rather eat somewhere I can't at home.

 

[abbey71211]

Great,
Thanks for all the feedback. We are coming from New Zealand and have none of these restaurants at home so i'm excited to check them out.

 

[jimsocks]

We just tried Tortilla Jo's for the first time - good Mexican food - and we had outstanding service....as another poster mentioned - very nice break from Rainforest - who, imho, has gotten way overpriced and the food mediocre....

 

[ykmom]

We also really enjoyed Tortillo Jo's on our last trip.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Tortilla Jo's and Naples are my two favorites. Rainforest Cafe is a good one too, mostly for the atmosphere as the food is a bit overpriced. If you do go there, I suggest getting a few appetizers and sharing them, those are what's good.

 

[Karenann*]

We are planning on going to Rain Forest just for dessert. They have a Volcano that feeds 4=. It is brownie and ice cream and sauce and looks like a volcano.
That way you can enjoy the unique atmosphere. There is an upper outdoor patio that we want to try this time in the eve. We can watch the action in DTD, have a dessert and enjoy the restaurant too!

 

[cloudconnected1039]

We really love Naples and the Jazz Kitchen. I've always had a great meal at both, but my favorite thing to eat by far in DTD is the caesar salad from Naples You can get it in the restaurant or in the little side "deli" sort of store can Napolini. It's one of the best I've ever had!!

We have been to House of Blues before and our food was pretty good, but the service was pretty subpar. And it was fairly empty, too We also like going to Rainforest for the atmosphere, but as previously noted, the food is mediocre.

 

[princessaw]

Yes, definetly make reservations unless you want to wait an hour + for a table! We learned this the hard way last spring break and ended up just going back to the hotel for room service. Our favorites our Tortilla Jo's and ESPN club (DH's fave). Rainforest Cafe is a good experience, but really worth it IMO. Good luck!

 

[Mrs. Toaster]

We ate at Naples, Tortilla Jo's and the Jazz Kitchen. We liked all three, but the Jazz Kitchen was the group favorite. I would definitely make a reservation. You just never know how long the waits will be in DTD.

 

[jessredrabbit]

Definately check out the jazz kitchen and if you want italian food try Naples. The Rainforest Cafe has a cool atmosphere but it can get really loud and the food is only so so. I think the place is more geared to groups traveling with children. Also make reservations at least a week in advance, maybe even earlier since you are going so close to the 4th of July. You can make reservations through the Jazz kitchen directly up to 60 days in advance.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We like ESPN zone and RFC. I yet to have a bad meal or service.

Jack

 

[It'sKim]

We did Rainforest in February and were really disappointed. The atmosphere is nice, but the food wasn't that good and it was very overpriced. We had been before and really enjoyed it, but this time it seemed like the service and food had really gone downhill.

I would definitely make a reservation though, the restaurants all get really busy.