Fine Dining Recommendations

[DisGran1]

My niece has asked me to assist her in planning her family's Disney trip. They have two DDs, ages 7 and 5. They LOVE fine dining experiences, which is not my style. I would love recommendations for this family's first trip.

 

[rwdavis2]

California Grill scheduled around Wishes. My kids did fine at ages 4 & 7.

 

[dkfajr1]

Tiffins and Jiko are my family's current favorites right now.

 

[Narawen]

We love California Grill and Jiko. We tried Artist Point and I know it gets a lot of love around here but we didn't find it as enjoyable as the other two. And while in-park signature restaurants are less "fine dining" than those at resorts, we eat at the Hollywood Brown Derby every time we go to DHS.

 

[DisGran1]

Thank you so much for the suggestions. It gives me a sense of direction. My husband and I love The Brown Derby, but I haven't tried the other restaurants. I really want my niece's trip to be a success, so I can spread my love for Disney a little further within my family.

 

[SarahInMN]

Tiffin's is amazing - we are there for the first time a few days ago and hands down fantastic.
Citricos, Jiko, and Flying Fish are wonderfully reliable.
California Grill is overrated - its refurb ruined the food. We've tried it twice, including a F&W signature event and were disappointed. It's not worth it in our book.

 

[Dean Marino]

Just OUR favorites..... We go to WDW twice per year, 12 years. We are DVC and AP Holders....

In order - best down....

1) Victoria and Albert's - Grand Floridian. THIS is the absolute best. Very expensive, no children under 12. No DDP, No TIW.
2) Shula's Steak House - Dolphin. No DDP, TIW accepted.
3) California Grill - Contemporary. DDP with "enhancements", TIW.
4) Citrico's - Grand Floridian. DDP with "enhancements", TIW.
5) Narcoossee's- Grand Floridian. DDP with "enhancements", TIW.
6) IlMulino - Swan. No DDP, TIW accepted.
7) Artist's Point - WL. DDP with "enhancements", TIW.

TIW - "Tables in Wonderland". DDP - "Disney Dining Plan". "Enhancement" - current method for a SIG to avoid Cost Issues with DDP - DDP plus cash.

 

[trouttigger]

In light of her daughters, I'd suggest 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian. It is easy to get there by monorail from MK. The girls will enjoy being visited by Cinderella, the Prince, and the stepsisters who are hilarious. It is a buffet. I'm in a family of picky eaters, and all were satisfied with their meal there.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Our favorites are Cali Grill, Artist Point, Jiko, Tiffin's, bluezoo, Il Mulino and The Boathouse.

 

[kastoney]

You really can't go wrong with any of the signatures. But thinking about it from a kids perspective (I have a 5 year old myself) I'd say California Grill during fireworks and Jiko (with a stop to see the savannah before or after dinner) would interest them. Sanaa isn't as "fine" dining as the others, but also offers amazing views of the savannah while you eat.

 

[JZCubed]

My niece has asked me to assist her in planning her family's Disney trip. They have two DDs, ages 7 and 5. They LOVE fine dining experiences, which is not my style. I would love recommendations for this family's first trip.

Three best 'Foodie' spots in Disney:

1.) Capa - Four Seasons. Excellent tapas.
2.) BlueZoo. Best seafood.
3.) Disney Springs - forget savory, sweet treats abound at Amorette, Sprinkles, Ghirardelli, Vivoli il Gelato, & Ganachery, etc. But if you want 'real' food, The Boathouse....or Polite Pig....or Art Smith's Homecoming.

Children are not allowed at Victoria & Albert.

 

[AlexandraF2015]

Victoria & Albert's is amazing, but without kids.
California Grille would be my second choice. We had a wonderful view last time. ...and the food was great.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We only visit five TS eateries at WDW when we go there for an actual meal.
.
1) We prefer
. . . fine food
. . . excellent, top notch service
. . . innovative dishes with flair and quality
. . . overall great value
. . . relaxed and soothing dining atmosphere
. . . behaved and somewhat quiet patrons
.
2) The only sit-down restaurants we routinely visit,
. . . Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Villas Resort (one of my personal favs)
. . . Artist Point - Wilderness Lodge Resort
. . . Citricos - Grand Floridian Resort
. . . Shula's Steakhouse - Dolphin Resort (no DDP)
. . . Il Mulino - Swan Resort (no DDP)
.
3) Our (nearby) off-site Recommendations:
. . . Bull & Bear - Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek - Fine Dining
. . . Café D'Antonio - Celebration - Casual Italian
. . . Columbia - Celebration - Casual Spanish/Cuban
. . . Fish Bones - Hwy192 - Seafood
. . . Venetian Room - Caribe Royale Hotel - Fine Dining
. . . The Hotel Tea Room - Davenport, FL - Casual - Friday Steak-Fry, Afternoon Tea
.
NOTE1: The only time we visit other TS eateries is to renew our ratings for the eatery(ies).
And, when we do these, we have "sampler" dishes (whether free or paid) so we can try
several appys/entrées without pigging-out or having major weight gains.
.
NOTE2: Now, for a real treat, go to The Hotel and Tea Room in Davenport, Florida on
a Friday evening. It is run by a real, true "Little Old Lady" (Miss Mae), who refuses to
charge big bucks! They have a rib-eye steak dinner that tops Ruth's Chris' or Shula's.
The steak covers the entire plate. They get primals and do their own cutting of the steak.
It is an OLD hotel with a small dining room. Has an award winning Pastry Chef from TV shows and
he has Best-In-Show awards for pies, pastries, and cakes !!! Our total bill for the wife and I
(salad, 1½"-thick-after-cooking rib eye, dessert, and taxes) was only $66.00. They have a
nice Afternoon Tea. The place is about 40-min from WDW, but really worth the
drive. Check them out on Facebook or Internet. Ressies required for Friday night steak fry
and most Afternoon Teas. They do not serve alcohol, but you can BYOB for wine or spirits.