Fancy birthday dinner? I can't decide!

[hookemhoney]

I've been going back and forth with a bunch of restaurants for my birthday dinner at Disney, and I still can't make up my mind. I've been thinking California Grill, but from the sounds of some of the posts here, it seems like it's a somewhat loud, bustling place. Absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it's just going to be my boyfriend and I, and I'd like a more romantic, subdued atmosphere. Would LOVE to go to Victoria and Albert's, but, unfortunately, it just doesn't fit into our budget. Any other ideas for a quiet, adult meal? I know Citricos, Narcoosee's, Bistro de Paris, and a few others have jumped out at me as well, but I'd love your opinions!

 

[TammyA]

I love CA Grill! I was there most recently for my birthday. It was romantic and relaxing - guess I've never noticed if it was loud in there. The food is delicious and the view is incredible. Usually I make the reservation so that we can watch Wishes while we're eating, but this time we had an earlier reservation and watched the sunset instead - just beautiful. Our server was amazing and I had a perfect birthday. Go for it!

 

[Hopefully]

We love Jiko. It is defintely one of the quieter restaurants at Disney.
It is a beautiful restaurant with warm friendly servers and an excellent wine list. The food is delicious.
Have a Happy Birthday

 

[oybolshoi]

Bistro Paris is a wonderful, quiet, relaxed restaurant with terrific food ... not on the DDP so I think that contributes to smaller crowd levels and fewer children.

If you like seafood and are not tied to the dining plan, Bluezoo over the at the Dolphin is incredible; Wolfgang Puck's upstairs dining room over at downtown disney is also really good.

Citricos is another restaurant that I'd suggest for great food and relaxed, elegant dining. But it does accept the dining plan so it may or may not be the experience you're looking for ... sometimes it just depends on your timing. I will say that 95% of the time when we've dined at WDW signature restaurants big and little guests have all been well behaved ... but there was one night at Artist Point that was hell on wheels and that, combined with bad food, has convinced us never to dine there again.

Happy Birthday!

 

[Wild4Walt]

We've eatten at Cali grill and we were a large party. It was a big on the loud side, but not overhelming.

I also agree with PP who offered bluezoo as a suggestion. Great food! Although, it can be pricey.

Have you thought about Yachtman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club? I have also been there for a romantic dinner and it was lovely. The food is great here too.

 

[hookemhoney]

You guys are fantastic, thank you for all the suggestions and birthday wishes!

The only reason I'm kind of leaning away from Bistro de Paris is because I'm not sure how much of a hassle it would be to go to Epcot just for dinner. Hollywood Studios is my favorite park, so we'll be spending most of the day there. If we're not spending the day at Epcot, is it worth it to trek through the park all dressed up just for dinner?

But thanks again for all the help - I'll be looking into quite a few of these! So excited, can't wait.

 

[marivaid]

I'd suggest Narcoosee's. Although personally it wasn't my cup of tea, it was very quiet and romantic. Watching Wishes from the restaurant, with the music piped in, was really nice. According to my mom the food was delicious.

 

[splashmountainjaxson]

Whatever you decide, I think that you can't really make a bad decision with any of the restaurants you mentioned in your post. If you are deciding solely on your whereabouts to Hollywood Studios, then maybe you should try something along the Boardwalk such as Flying Fish. Great food, atmosphere similar to California Grill, but afterwords you can enjoy the excitement of the Boardwalk or conclude your dinner with a romantic walk around the pathway to the resorts surrounding the Boardwalk.

 

[Lynn5700]

I think Narcooses would be wonderful, even The Wave. The Wave was such a nice meal, very quiet too. Narcooses would be so nice though. You guys can end your meal with watching wishes out on the deck.

Cali Grille I think is a little over rated, we had our 1 year anniversary dinner. It was a little loud, not bad though. Food was good, but I think that the food is better at The Wave. I will post the link of my review for you.

 

[Lynn5700]

Here you go.
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2203787

Oh it's not really fancy there, but you can dress nice if you want. I felt under dressed when I was there. Seriously I would look into Narcoosses too. I think it's a beautiful restaurant. I have not eaten there yet, but will be in Jan. Can't wait.

 

[hookemhoney]

Here you go.
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2203787

Oh it's not really fancy there, but you can dress nice if you want. I felt under dressed when I was there. Seriously I would look into Narcoosses too. I think it's a beautiful restaurant. I have not eaten there yet, but will be in Jan. Can't wait.

Thank you so much! Where is The Wave located?

 

[LUVDZNY2008]

The Wave is located in the Contemporary Resort

 

[hookemhoney]

The Wave is located in the Contemporary Resort

Thank you! Looks like I may go back to the drawing board as far as the birthday dinner goes - The Wave looks fantastic. Appreciate everyone's help!

 

[Lynn5700]

Thank you! Looks like I may go back to the drawing board as far as the birthday dinner goes - The Wave looks fantastic. Appreciate everyone's help!

Oh YAY!! I hope you like it if you decide to go. I really think you will.

 

[MickeyNicki]

DH and I went to Cali Grill earlier this month, it was not loud or anything, we had a great time, great view and amazing food.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I think you have only a few choices.
. . . Bistro
. . . Citricos
. . . Shula's
. . . Ill Mulino
2) Other eateries are going to be
. . . crowded
. . . noisy with kids
. . . noisy with adults who don't know hoe to act at fine restaurants