First day meal is driving me nuts! Help!

[Dug720]

I'm 99% sure on all my other ADRs, but deciding on my first day meal is driving my batty.

I get in early on the morning (well, mid-morning by the time DME gets there) of August 18 for my solo trip to celebrate my 45th birthday. My plan is to drop off my bags - either in my room if ready or with bell services if not - and hit OPR for a snack before heading to EPCOT. Then do what I term "linner" - a late lunch/early dinner.

I currently have Chefs de France booked as I've had good experiences there and like it, plus the prix fixe menu makes it easier to know the budget for that meal.

But I keep playing with different options - as listed above.

Any thoughts from the hive? I didn't include Garden Grill as I have breakfast scheduled there for my third day. I'm not overly picky - but I don't eat fish cooked OR raw.

Thanks!

 

[Hopefully]

I chose Rose & Crown primarily for the potential of it being a beautiful day to sit on the patio overlooking the water while you eat. Plus we love the food, the atmosphere and the staff
Have Fun.

 

[Serena {LivingByDisney}]

Id say Le Cellier if money isn't an issue since it's more of a special event kind of place to me. Rose and Crown would be second choice for more casual feel. But you can always get a drink at their stand on your way past but still eat at LC for food that you can't get anywhere else. Plus weather in August is so warm the cool quiet interior of LC would be just the thing in the later afternoon heat. Either way they're all great choices. Have a great trip!

 

[JBeaty0507]

My vote in Epcot will always be Via Napoli. My husband and I just can't pass up probably the best pizza we've ever eaten! I hear what you're saying, it's pizza!? But it's authentic Italian pizza cooked in a brick oven and it's heavenly! They do have other Italian food there, so I've heard, but we enjoy it every time. I'm sure no matter what you end up picking, you'll have a wonderful Birthday!

 

[Dug720]

My vote in Epcot will always be Via Napoli. My husband and I just can't pass up probably the best pizza we've ever eaten! I hear what you're saying, it's pizza!? But it's authentic Italian pizza cooked in a brick oven and it's heavenly! They do have other Italian food there, so I've heard, but we enjoy it every time. I'm sure no matter what you end up picking, you'll have a wonderful Birthday!

Yeah, should have said I'm doing Via Napoli with a friend on Saturday. It will be interesting having kicked off my summer of celebration with a 12-night cruise to Italy!

 

[JBeaty0507]

I'm so jealous over a cruise to Italy. Okay, so authentic Italian might not be 100% as I've never had the privilege of going to Italy (maybe one day!). However, the servers are all Italian and it's delicious either way. I hope you have a great time!

 

[Dug720]

I'm so jealous over a cruise to Italy. Okay, so authentic Italian might not be 100% as I've never had the privilege of going to Italy (maybe one day!). However, the servers are all Italian and it's delicious either way. I hope you have a great time!

Thanks! My family went to VN before and I remember it being very good.

 

[Mickey's Apprentice]

I voted San Angel because it's one of my favorite spots for food and atmosphere.

Le Celllier would be my 2A choice. Wish I could pick both. Steaks and fries are legit.

I have not had Via Napoli, but I've always heard good things.

Spoke to a CM at Epcot one time and he told me they get water shipped into VN from Italy that's used to make the dough.

I told him I hope they don't do that for San Angel. (Ship water in from Mexico to prepare the food) lol

 

[Lisa F]

I voted for San Angel because that's the mood I'm in. It seems like a nice place for a solo quiet dinner, if you get up on the water you can people watch on the boats.

 

[Dug720]

Thanks for the help/suggestions so far everyone! I'm still deciding, but for now I have an early afternoon at R&C and a later afternoon at LC. The only thing that makes me hesitant about San Angel is on the Sunday of my trip I'm meeting friends at DS to have linner at Bongos, so I don't necessarily want to overdo the latin-flavor food.

Still sooooooo much time to play and ponder!!

 

[Stefecatzz]

I chose San Angel because I had one of the best cooked steaks when I ate the for lunch a couple years ago & new experiences are always good. Not sure how much you can compare it to Bongos since it is Mexican, not Latin (makes a difference to me taste-wise, anyway) & I've never been to Bongos but didn't think it was a Mexican restaurant.

R&C is always a good choice IMO if you want to stick with something tried & true.

 

[msmama]

Birtgarten could be fun if you're solo because you'd sit with other people. Notice I say could because it depends on your table mates.

 

[ggdvc]

Tutto Italia - great Italian food and if you can get an outside table, it overlooks the courtyard in Italy.

 

[Dug720]

Tutto Italia - great Italian food and if you can get an outside table, it overlooks the courtyard in Italy.

Would Tutto and Via be too much overkill in the same trip?

 

[BalooFan]

I voted for Rose & Crown because I will be going there for dinner on arrival day for my upcoming trip!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Would Tutto and Via be too much overkill in the same trip?

I think so, unless you like to have that type of food frequently. I am separating them into my next two trips.

 

[bbak30]

I'm always up for a celebration, so I voted for Le Cellier!

 

[Moms]

Although I love Chefs I would opt for San Angel Inn ... we have done many, many trips to WDW in the last twenty years and always try to do at least ONE thing new on each trip. Sounds like that would be a new experience for you. We enjoy San Angel ... especially when the weather is hot. It is dark and cool and the atmosphere is relaxing. The food is pretty good and there is a fair amount of variety on the menu (as long as you enjoy the Mexican flavors!).