Flying Fish vs. Yachtsman Steakhouse

[daisygirl902]

We have been to Yachtsman but never to Flying Fish...am trying to decide where to go on my upcoming vacation...do I stick with the trusty stand-by (we LOVED Yachtsman) or try something new?

FYI - One of the people travelling with us is allergic to "fin fish" so hopefully he would find something on the menu at FF that he likes if that's the winning restaurant!

Which would you choose and why? If FF what did you have for dinner?

 

[MEK]

I've not eaten at the Yachtman, but I did have an excellent meal at the Flying Fish in September. My DH and I both had the crab cake as our appetizer. It was excellent! I had the scallops which were absolutely the best scallops I have ever tried. My DH had some type of fish, but I don't remember what. This was one of my favorite meals of the trip, but I think the emphasis is really on fish and seafood. Even the restaurant is decorated with fins and scales. For someone who is allergic, I don't know! I guess if they are really allergic even the theming might be a bit overwhelming! (I honestly didn't care for the theming, but I LOVED the food). Desserts were really good, too. Plus excellent service.

 

[LUVMICKEY]

How about the portions at Flying Fish? We have not eaten there either, but would love to try it. We have also heard that the food is excellent, but the portions they give you make it not worth the money or the two credits. What's your opinion? My DH hates walking away from an expensive meal still hungry no matter how good the food is.

 

[Pygoplites]

It depends on whether you prefer standard steakhouse fare over more "chef-driven" cuisine (ie, numerous components in a dish, more complex flavor profiles). I've eaten at both and will be going back to FFC next month. While YS is decent, to me it is a "second tier" steakhouse...a notch below places like Morton's, Mastro's, Shula's, Smith & Wollensky's, etc., in terms of both food and service. To me, it is a good restaurant, just not a great one. Their beef is OK, but it lacks the depth of flavor that a truly great piece of steak can have.

Flying Fish, on the other hand, really seems to aspire to a higher level of food. I've had both fish and meat entrees there (not much point in discussing the actual dishes, because they do change the menu). I haven't had the steak there, but I have had pork and it was one of the best pork chops I've ever eaten. They use Kurabuto pork, which is among the best there is. The starter courses I've tried have all been excellent, too.

Some people have commented that FFC seems a bit too casual to be considered a Signature restaurant, but I actually appreciate the fact that the food is front and center, rather than a theme or a view. Definitely in my top 4 or 5 among all WDW restaurants.

 

[jeepgirl30]

I love Flying Fish. It is on my to do each visit! I usually order the snapper and it is amazing. I've never been disappointed. I ate at Yachtsmans once and was not blown away. Can't say it was a bad meal but nothing stood out for me, i felt the food could have been ordered in any higher end steakhouse.

 

[wezee]

I must admit, we are the minority, but we have tried FF on 2 occasions and were not impressed either time. Last Oct. I ordered the scallops and they were pretty yucky, almost raw and very mushy. I had wonderful scallops 2 days before at Fulton's and these did not even compare.
DH had the signature steak, which he said would have been ok....if they had not smothered it in an overpowering foyet sauce.
We enjoy Yachtsman, though I agree it definantly is not in the same league as Shula's.

 

[Pakey]

We like Flying Fish a lot more than Yachtsman.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

At some point between August and December the chef at Yachtsman changed.

We ate at Yachtsman twice in August because it is one of our favorites. We went in December and were not very happy. The question now is whether this is chef related or if the kitchen in general was just having a bad night.

We also LOVE Flying Fish and had excellent meals there both in August and December.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have dined at the FF 3 times and each time I have ordered a different fish dish, they were all to die for. DH has had the same thing each time, the heirloom tomato salad and the NY Strip...he swears it is the best steak he has ever had. We have been to the Yachtsman twice, the first time it was great but the second time DH had a terrible meal there and will not go back again.

 

[daisygirl902]

Thanks for the tips! We are going to change it up and try FF! I spoke to my sister about it (it's her BF who has the fin-fish allergy) and she said there is a ton of stuff he can eat on the menu.

I love the DIS - you folks always help me to make the hard decisions!

 

[shellybaxter]

I would call the restaurant and see if they can accomidate the fish allergy. Just because there are menu items that appear to be safe doesn't mean the restaurant will be able to guarentee no cross contamination

 

[goofy4tink]

FF is now my 'must do' place to eat each time. My dh and I ate there in August. It was the first time for us, and we loved it. He had the scallops and said they were wonderful. I had the steak and it was one of the best pieces of steak I've had in a long time.
Earlier this month, my friend and I decided to do more 2 TS restaurants..we go to WDW fairly often and tend to do the same old, same old. So, we ate at Jiko, Yachtsman and Flying Fish. FF was the standout. Yachtsman was barely okay for me. I ordered my steak medium rare, it came out medium well. And no, I didn't sent it back. We were eating with a large group and I really didn't want to hold everyone else up. Not sure if the server misheard me or what, but everyone else got their meals the way they had ordered it.
I just made ADRs for my dh and his coworker at both Yachtsman and Flying Fish for late January. We'll see how they like them and how they compare them.

 

[itchin2go]

We have tried both, and we prefer Flying Fish. In fact, it's our favorite restaurant at WDW and we go there every trip.

It is a matter of personal preference though. Yachtsman is more of a straightforward steakhouse, while Flying Fish is a little more progressive gourmet, if that makes sense.

Regarding the fish allergy, Flying Fish doesn't just serve fish, so your friend will be fine. They have pork and beef on the menu, and they usually have a vegetarian option as well. I had a divine pasta dish there in January.

As far as atmosphere, FF beats Yachtsman by a mile. I LOVE the decor at Flying Fish. It's such an upscale restaurant, but the dining room is whimsical and comfortable.

P.S. We've eaten at Jiko, California Grill, Yachtsman, Artist Point and Flying Fish. Flying Fish is definitely our favorite.