Favorite signature dinner?

[xCourxCorex]

Hi all -
We are beginning to plan our Disney honeymoon for next October and I'm just getting a head start thinking about our ADRs. We definitely want to do the Spirit of Aloha show, Teppan Edo, BOG and Raglan Road (have done all before and loved). We would love to try a really special Signature place, but just not sure where? We will be staying at AKL renting points for a Savannah view Studio.

Here are the ones we'd consider:
*Jiko
*California Grill
*Flying Fish
*Citrico's
*Artist Point


Thanks

 

[izzylovesmickey]

We've eaten at Jiko twice. Both times had very good service and really enjoyed the food.

 

[kadrachb]

We've been to California Grill twice. The first time the food was great, the server was so-so, nothing special. The second time, the food was still great, and our server was too!

 

[Nancyg56]

If you are staying at AKL, I would consider Jiko.

I must say that one of my new favorite signatures is Flying Fish. The food and service we experienced there were both excellent.

I like CG for atmosphere, but cannot speak to the new menu. I have not been since they changed it. There is no better place to view WIshes from outside of the park than fom this location.

Narcoosees is another of our must do meals when we are in Disney. We like the food and the ambiance. WE do plan late meals there as well though, becasue we like to step out onto the porch to see Wishes.

I did not dine at Citricos last trip, because my Princesses and I had dinner with Royalty in the Castle, but the rest of my family did and they were not impressed. They told me the foo was "okay" but beautifully presented. They did tell me that Sanaa was their favoite of all! I was not there as I was dining with the Tremaines and three lovely little Princesses that night, so I have no personal feedback.

I woudl also suggest taht you consider soem of the Epcot resorts. WE have alwasy enjoyed Yachtsman Steakhouse, and we also like Il Mulino in the Swolfin. ( I never remember which is which! LOL!)

 

[goofy4prez]

My favorite signature would be Narcoossee's, but that one is not one of the options from your list.

From your list I would rate them as follows.

1. Jiko- Excellent atmosphere, top notch service and a unique and very good menu.
2. Artist Point- Nice quite restaurant, excellent service and the Cedar Plank Salmon is excellent... If ever there the end of May-beginning of June the Copper River Salmon is absolutely to die for.
3. Flying Fish- Breathtaking decor, very good service and a very good menu. This place is also home to one of my favorite desserts with their Banana Napoleon. The Potato Wrapped Red Snapper is an excellent entree as well.
4. Citricos- Decor and atmosphere is rather average, the service is good and the food IMHO was ok. This is a been there done that place for me.
5. California Grill- What can you say about the view; it's second to none. However, I am not really crazy about the many community style booth seating with their backs to the window and closeness to others nearby. The service my last two visits has really bordered on terrible, and the food preparation has been very spotty and overall average... Also for me the dessert menu is rather underwhelming for me; Things like fritters, fried donuts, and cinnamon rolls is a bit puzzling. One thing that stands out for CG though is the sushi... I have been here three times since the remodel and each time it has left me disappointed. I have really wanted to like this place and it's just not happening.

 

[JeninTexas]

I believe that Flying Fish is closing sometime next year and won't be open until Fall or late Fall. That may be something to take into consideration when planning.

 

[Jon84]

As you are at AKL, I'd Jiko, amazing food and closeness. You then don't have to worry about when MK closes for your bus ride home!

 

[OhThePain]

My wife and I LOVE Jiko. I'll even 1-up you with Jiko. At your 180+10 mark, get in touch with the AKL concierge and book the Wanyama Safari. It is available to guests 8+, that are staying AKL or AKV. You meet around 3:30 and you go out on a 90-minute safari around the savannahs of AKL. You really get up close to the animals. A CM who works with the animals at the lodge is your guide on the ride vehicle (which is like a flat-bed truck with short walls and benches around the perimeter). It's nice to do earlier in the trip since it will give you some insight on the animals that you'll be able to view from your room balcony. After the safari, there is a big feast at Jiko which includes a few apps, a few entrees and a few desserts, as well as the awesome bread service and wine pairings. The chef comes out and discusses each part of each course. The service stays on top with refills of wine, water, whatever. This has been, hands down, our favorite dining experience. We did it on our engagement trip in 2011 and we have it reserved on our three year anniversary in May. The $200 per person or so includes all taxes and gratuities and is worth every penny and then some (and what better time to splurge a little than on your honeymoon). Even if you opt not to do the Wanyama, Jiko is still an all around excellent meal.

Flying Fish is one of the better meals on property. I agree with the PP who mentioned the Carmelized Banana Napoleon, which I also think is one of the best if not the best dessert on property. It also gives you an excuse to walk around and enjoy the Boardwalk and also head into Jellyrolls for a few hours. If you want to spend an evening in the Boardwalk area I would also recommend Shula's and bluezoo at the Sw'olphin (Shula's has by far the best steak on property and bluezoo has a slight edge over FF in seafood... but not dessert).

Citrico is also a really good all around meal, as is Artist Point.

View aside, we have never been impressed with the food or service at CG.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I voted for Artist Point which we love, but if you are staying at AKL, I would do Jiko. It's wonderful!