Epcot Dining for L.A. Native

[ArielSparrow]

How authentic is the QS food selections in Epcot? I live near Los Angeles and have a high standard for Mexican food. So I'm thinking of avoiding that at Epcot, not wanting an El Pollo Loco experience (I love EPL, but it's not authentic). We also have a lot of Little Tokyo, Chinatown, etc around here so authentic food from a wide variety of cultures. There's this really good place by me that I like to describe as "Chipotle for Mexican food" because of the way you order, and I sometimes get the surprised "isn't Chipotle Mexican??"

So should I not expect too much or is the food pretty authentic? Are there certain countries that are more authentic-tasting than others? I'm sure it's good either way, but I want to know what I'm getting into.

 

[sharonabe]

How authentic is the QS food selections in Epcot? I live near Los Angeles and have a high standard for Mexican food. So I'm thinking of avoiding that at Epcot, not wanting an El Pollo Loco experience (I love EPL, but it's not authentic). We also have a lot of Little Tokyo, Chinatown, etc around here so authentic food from a wide variety of cultures. There's this really good place by me that I like to describe as "Chipotle for Mexican food" because of the way you order, and I sometimes get the surprised "isn't Chipotle Mexican??"

So should I not expect too much or is the food pretty authentic? Are there certain countries that are more authentic-tasting than others? I'm sure it's good either way, but I want to know what I'm getting into.

My two suggestions would be Japan and Morocco for QS for the most authentic. Not saying they're completely so, but they come closest. OH, and Germany for brats!!

 

[aubriee]

As a native Texan that has tons of Mexican places around here (TexMex, fast food chains, street vendors, and local mom/pop authentic places where the owners are from different parts of Mexico) I would not eat at any of the restaurants in Mexico at Epcot. My favorite CS places in Epcot would the Norwegian bakery, French bakery, or Morrocco. I don't know if they are truly authentic, but probably the closest.

 

[figment_jii]

Each of the pavilions has a range of food options; within the same restaurant some dishes are more authentic than others. The fish and chips at the Rose & Crown reminded me of the fish and chips I had in London. Some of the pastries at the Patisserie reminded me of the ones in Paris. I haven't been to San Angel Inn in decades, so I can't really help with that one.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

We've found Epcot's Mexican and Asian table service restaurants to be disappointing. (Except for the bar inside of Mexico's pavilion: http://www.lacavadeltequila.com/) However, we have had wonderful meals in Germany, France, and Canada. Have a great trip!!

 

[Dizneydaz]

From So Cal as well. The CS Mexican restaurant is not bad, but no, it's not really authentic like you can find in your area. Neither is the Chinese CS. We too like the Moroccan and Norway choices. Something we can't get around here.