GOOD quality food restaurant with kids

[robinbutterfly]

ok so we have a 3 and 4 year old. My husband and myself (especially my husband) are big foodies and want good quality food but we also need kid friendly restaurants.

We have Boma, Princess dinner at Epcot, Chef Mickeys, The Crystal Palace, and Rainforest Cafe.

Are these all going to be horrible food? I heard Boma was pretty good, but how about the others?
Is there another restaurant you would recommend?
THANKS!

 

[AnnetteF]

The food at any of these probably won't be that satisfying to you if you are looking for something of high quality. The great thing about WDW is that just about all of the restaurants are kid friendly. Any of the character meals are more about the character interaction than the food. Of course, with kids, you must do at least some of them. If you're really into food, you might want to try a couple of the Signatures, since children are very welcome at them, or try the Coral Reef, where the dining is a little more upscale but you're children will love looking at the fish. California Grill and Narcoosees are great if you can time it to be there for the fireworks, although that will probably be too late for 3-4 year olds. Have a great trip!

 

[imthatgirl]

all of the restaurants at disney are good. GREAT, is another story. with the exception of victoria and alberts, none are fine dining and none are a 4 star restaurants. so dont let the price fool you.
but that being said, we have always enjoyed our meals at any restaurant we went to. but you have to go in knowing what you are getting and except it for what it is, a restaurant in an amusement park.
but, there are some "better" choices for someone that considers themselves a foodie. like coral reef, cali grill, narcoosees and fultons.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

ok so we have a 3 and 4 year old. My husband and myself (especially my husband) are big foodies and want good quality food but we also need kid friendly restaurants.

We have Boma, Princess dinner at Epcot, Chef Mickeys, The Crystal Palace, and Rainforest Cafe.

Are these all going to be horrible food? I heard Boma was pretty good, but how about the others?
Is there another restaurant you would recommend?
THANKS!

Sorry I am not a fan of Boma but we do Love CM,CP & RC.

 

[checkwriter]

I think you've chosen places that are generally known for having better-quality food. Reviews of Boma are mixed, in part I think because the fare is a bit exotic for some palates. The food reviews of the Askerhus princess meal at Epcot, Crystal Palace, and Chef Mickeys have been generally good. They're not the BEST food on property, but for character meals the general feeling is that they're pretty good food.

We were particularly impressed with Crystal Palace -- no steam tables, some interesting choices, food kept fresh, stuff for kids and parents . . . .

Enjoy!

 

[TJA]

As a general rule, most character buffets are average food (though I find items that are "above" average to me). But the ones you have chosen are GREAT fun ~ I would keep exactly what you have. I understand what you're looking for ~ we have kids around the same age as yours ~ you want good fun for the family but also great food at the same time. Here are some other options for you to consider adding:

> Coral Reef at Epcot (great food + entire wall acquarium ~ my kids watched a huge turtle and a shark during an entire meal).

> Ohana's dinner at Poly (coconut race for kids, other activities, great food served family style)

> Japan at Epcot (they make the food right at your table for entertainment)

 

[Todd&Copper]

OK, if you are a *real* foodie, I am predicting you will be very disappointed with the food aspect Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace. It is very, very average food. They cook & serve it in massive quantities b/c these are places people "belly up to the trough" and "strap on the old feed bag". I personally think the food at these buffets, for the most part, is like Old Country Buffet or Golden Corral, and not even up to par with Olive Garden or Outback and a far, far cry from anything gourmet. However, the food will not be disgusting, just very pedestrian, and the kids will likely enjoy these places immensely b/c of the characters.

I cannot comment on the other places, but I have been to a Rainforest Cafe (not in DTD) and the food was OK/average but the experience was fun.

 

[HappyCamper87]

We've been to:

Crystal Palace - Not gourmet, but still a very good buffet. I believe they made omlet's to order while we were there. Good selection and the kids will love their own little buffet section.

Rainforst Cafe - I think it's close to a TGIF Friday's type of menu with a little extra pizazz. Food honestly has been hit and miss here but the experience for the kids is worth the time/effort/meal. Just stick with things that are not specialized. Good sandwiches and salads and I love their drinks. I also have had good seafood platter thingy here but don't expect fresh seafood.

We are going to Rest Akerhaus on our upcoming trip and the menu looks interesting to us.

I hope you have fun with your kids and your food

Best Wishes!

 

[TDC Nala]

If you are concerned about the quality of the food - Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace and Rainforest Cafe are not known for having unusual or exceptional food, but serviceable items acceptable to the average diner. Some of those items may be "good" but it's nothing a "foodie" would be impressed by.

Boma is a little different. People either love it or hate it. If you like unusual food and you want to go to a buffet, that's a good one to try. Tusker House might also be good.