Hidden Gems

[jakeybake]

Hi,

I was thinking about my recent trips and realized that we always seem to end up at the Grand Floridian Cafe each trip, even though we never plan on dining there.

I think it has to do with the fact that the food, service and atmosphere are top notch. We have never once had a bad experience there and we have been going there since our honeymoon stay at the Grand Floridian way back in 1991.

So I consider the Grand Floridian Cafe a hidden gem, since it gets little to no publicity here on the boards.

Does anyone else have a place they consider a "hidden gem". A place that you don't hear about over and over (like Le Cellier for example) but a place where you always have an enjoyable time and it doesn't take a 180 day in advance reservation?

Just wondering............

J

 

[NYY2SMP]

The Captains Grille is a great restaurant that I think that many overlook since it was empty in August during free dining

 

[SnowWhite33]

We LOVE the Biergarten! I guess it's not that hidden, but not hard at all to get a ressie there. We always eat there for lunch and have such a great time-it's a meal and a show. We have met some great people from all over the world because of the communal seating. And the food-well, let's just say I actually have dreams of it

We have also ended up at the Grand Floridian Cafe more than once and find it to be a wonderful place to dine.

 

[ZoZo]

I discovered the cocktail lounge at the Poly a couple of years ago - I think its official name is Tambu Lounge. It's located right by Kona Cafe.

They have the most amazing chicken lettuce wraps! Absolutely delicious, pretty healthy compared to lots of WDW food, and fairly inexpensive (about $8 for a full plate - enough to share for an appetizer, or eat solo for a meal). One of my favorite "hidden gems."

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

The Captains Grille is a great restaurant that I think that many overlook since it was empty in August during free dining

Oh yesssss, I love this place. A main decision on where to stay relies on walk-ability to Captain's Grille at their opening time to grab eggs benedict in the morning. But I've had lunch there too and it's good. Low key, seated right away and not crazy busy.

I love Grand Floridian Cafe too.

 

[cbg1027]

Sanaa at AKV Kidani Village.

The African/Indian style food scares a lot of people off, so it's easy to get an ADR for and you can usually even get a walk-up.

The artwork and decor is awesome. Even without the views of the animals, it's a gem of a place.

And the FOOD!

 

[antmaril]

I agree that the Grand Floridian Cafe is a hidden gem. My friend and I had breakfast there on our trip in early December. We enjoyed it so much, we went again two days later.

 

[winterman]

We 'discovered' the Turf Club on our last trip. DH loved the lamb. We will definitely be back.

 

[BLTLDZ]

Captains grill for sure Oh, the lobster roll!!!

 

[Belle5]

Sanaa
The Wave
Turf Club (distant third for us)
Captain's Grill (distant fourth for us)

I would have put GF Cafe on this list a year ago, but after the disaster that was our 25th wedding anniversary celebration (except for the outstanding custom cake which was not their doing)--where every person in our party of nine (including my parents) had a terrible meal--I can no longer call the GF a gem, hidden or otherwise.

 

[katepass72]

I agree with the Wave - depending on the time of year, it's usually pretty easy to get into. The breakfast is fabulous, and for dinner the black bean chili is divine.

 

[thej]

I've gotta say the Wave is consistently one of our favorites, and never seems hard to get into. The food is good, and a bit different.