Flying Fish better than Narcooses? Or California Grill?

[frannn]

We've done Narcooses on past trips, and always enjoy the steak and lobster, and watching the fireworks before desert. I'm thinking it would be good to try one of the other signatures in 2011, and made a 7:05 ADR for Flying Fish on an EMH night for Epcot in Sept. Is this a mistake? Part of me is thinking I should go back to Narcooses, since its a sure thing, but the other part is thinking "been there, done that". I know California Grill also features the fireworks, but the menu looks a little better at Flying Fish. Is Flying Fish a bit more casual dresswise? We've also never experienced the Boardwalk. Which is recommended food and atmosphere-wised? It will be DH, DD8, and me.

 

[jimmysmom74]

Every year we say we are going to try Flying Fish, and last May we did. It was fantastic!! We love the boardwalk, and the food here was great. Give it a try, I think you will enjoy it.

 

[LaurenT]

Love flying fish. You can stroll the boardwalk or even take in illuminations if you have ph, ap, or were in Epcot for the day.

 

[lauch]

This is a wonderful place to eat!!! The New York Strip was great. My DW had the blackened fish and did not care for it. We also love the Boardwalk. This is the most convenient location on property. The Big River Grille was also very good. If you have any problems with the Flying Fish try the Big River. Shula's is also right around the corner at the Swan & Dolphin Resort. They also have great steaks. Good Luck!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I like California Grill for the atmosphere but Flying Fish has better food! Love Flying Fish!!!

 

[pharmgirl69]

Ok, I'm gonna be a little bias so take this with a grain of salt. Narcoosse's is my DH favorite all time restaurant. California Grill is mine. We also did Flying Fish last year and were not impressed at all, in fact, had a hard time even eating a few dishes. So needless to say, Flying Fish did not make it to the list this year.

If you have not done California Grill yet, I would suggest it simply for the fact that it is a different kind of experience. We actually got caught up in the parks and it was too late to go back and "dress" for dinner so we went straight to Cali from the parks. I was worried we would feel awkward but there were a lot of people in park attire. Obviously, no torn clothes or tank tops but there were definately sweatshirts and shorts.

We just did not get any kind of "experience" feeling from Flying Fish (aside from the food). California Grill seems to offer a little more atmosphere wise.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Narcossees is like a Red Lobster to me, I don't thing for being a seafood restaurant they are all that good at it (I'm sure many will disagree with me and also think Red Lobster is great seafood).

Flying Fish is much, much better in my opinion. California Grill is good, but I mostly look at California Grill for the view and being able to see the fireworks (I won't go if it's not to catch fireworks)>

 

[galaxyrar]

I highly recommend Flying Fish, the food, service and location are all awesome! We like CG and Narcoossee's too but the food at FF is our favorite!!!

 

[castle1]

We love the Flying Fish. Can't wait to go back

 

[Luv2CtheMouse]

Out of the 3 you named, I would go with the Flying fish.

 

[Lisacope]

Narcossees is like a Red Lobster to me, I don't thing for being a seafood restaurant they are all that good at it (I'm sure many will disagree with me and also think Red Lobster is great seafood).

Flying Fish is much, much better in my opinion. California Grill is good, but I mostly look at California Grill for the view and being able to see the fireworks (I won't go if it's not to catch fireworks)>

I completely agree with this - Narcoosee's is a very casual "no white table cloth" atmosphere (Citrico's is far more elegant) and last time we ate at CG it was a zoo. Flying Fish has a much more "foodie" friendly menu. Last time we ate there we sat at the chef's counter and the grill cook watched me cut into my food and waited for my thumbs up!

 

[Pakey]

Flying Fish is my favorite of Disney Dining Plan signatures, Narcoosees is my least favorite.

If you really want to be blown away, go to blue zoo.

 

[Uncleromulus]

As to the dress code, FF is the same as all the other signature restaurants...meaning you'll see a mix of just about everything.

It is the best restaurant (food wise) of those you mention. As for atmosphere--nothing out of the ordinary to entertain DD. So if it's entertainment you want, then California Grill.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We did all 3 of those restaurants last November and DH would say that Flying Fish was his favorite of the 3. I like them all, but I agree that Narcossee's seems to be going downhill in comparison to years past (but I wouldn't quite put it at Red Lobster level, yet )

 

[Leota]

I agree with Pakey & UncleRomulus. FF is , IMHO, the best of the Disney Signatures. But, unlike UncleRomulus, I think FF would be good for your 8 yo DD. Esp. if you can get seated near the open kitchen. It's entertaining to watch the Chef's at work, even for kids with the leaping flames from the oak-fired grill. Also, the Boardwalk has lots of fun entertainment for before & after your dinner. There's no fireworks view, but we think of that as a bonus.(too much chaos at CG due to the fireworks viewing & over-tired kiddos having 2 hour meals)

We had one of worst meals ever at Narcoossees. We also had a great meal once there, so who knows? We won't be going back tho, the last meal was just that awful.

We love California Grill for sushi, flatbreads & atmosphere, but DH refuses to go anymore due to the chaos & noise level. DS loves it tho, so he & I will be having sushi & flatbreads for a Mom & Son Mother's Day dinner (He's 22)

 

[GailT]

Last year when I ate at Narcoossees the lobster was so horibble had to have the waiter get it out of the shell, his year trying Flying Fish, can't be any worse

 

[christianweecare]

DH & I have eaten at Cali Grill twice with great service and great food. We would probably choose it for our #1. We have also eaten at Narcoossee's twice. Once again we had great food and great service. The only thing that put a damper on the last visit was that we had a screaming child at the table just above us. Not fun! (I have run daycare centers for 36 years so don't think I don't like children.) We finally tried Flying Fish this past Feb. and were very impressed. It seemed to have a more relaxed atmosphere than Cali Grill and Narcoossee's, we thought.

 

[frannn]

I agree with Pakey & UncleRomulus. FF is , IMHO, the best of the Disney Signatures. But, unlike UncleRomulus, I think FF would be good for your 8 yo DD. Esp. if you can get seated near the open kitchen. It's entertaining to watch the Chef's at work, even for kids with the leaping flames from the oak-fired grill. Also, the Boardwalk has lots of fun entertainment for before & after your dinner. There's no fireworks view, but we think of that as a bonus.(too much chaos at CG due to the fireworks viewing & over-tired kiddos having 2 hour meals)

We had one of worst meals ever at Narcoossees. We also had a great meal once there, so who knows? We won't be going back tho, the last meal was just that awful.

We love California Grill for sushi, flatbreads & atmosphere, but DH refuses to go anymore due to the chaos & noise level. DS loves it tho, so he & I will be having sushi & flatbreads for a Mom & Son Mother's Day dinner (He's 22)

Mother's Day at Disney....you raised that boy right! I'll be looking for your dining review, LOL!

 

[ppjluvsdvc]

Hi! We have eaten at all 3. My ranking is:
1 - California Grill - always great steak and salmon and dessert great view
2 - Flying Fish - always a very good meal, enjoy the Boardwalk atmosphere
3 - Narcooses - We have eaten there three times and have not had a good meal. The location/view is great but not on our must do list.

Try a new place!

Have fun!!

 

[Leota]

Mother's Day at Disney....you raised that boy right! I'll be looking for your dining review, LOL!

I know I'm lucky. We have tried to make that a tradition since he was around 11, just so that we always had a really fun weekend together. I never imagined that at 22, he'd still want to do that, but I'm very glad!

This year is extra special because we went thru some difficult times & are also celebrating a new lease on life.