Is Coral Reef a Quiet, Romantic Restaurant?

[DeterminedOne]

I'm looking at the UG in the couple's section and it says here that Coral Reef is a quiet, romantic place to eat. If that's true I definitely need to add it to our dining list. In all my trips to Disney I've never had what would qualify as a romantic meal. I've had some really good meals mind you, but nothing that evoked romance. Narcoosee's at GF could have come close with its awesome views and location, but it was so noisy we could barely have a conversation. To my standard a romantic restaurant is one that has above average food and service, a beautiful or unique setting and is cozy enough that no matter how busy the restaurant, it feels as though it's just the two of us there. Based on those descriptions, is Coral Reef a quiet, romantic restaurant? Thanks for your opinion.

 

[liamsaunt]

I would say that Coral Reef is quieter than some other table service restaurants, but I would not describe it as cozy. I think a lot depends on who else is in the room with you. There is always the chance of crying kids, tantrums, etc when dining at Disney.

I will say that I really liked Coral Reef and would return. The fish tanks do make for a peaceful atmosphere, the mahi I had was excellent, and our server, who had to deal with my nephew who was being difficult, was out of this world.

 

[jimmiej]

I would say yes to your question about Coral Reef. I also like San Angel Inn in Mexico. The setting is fabulous! However, it might not meet your criteria of "cozy." The tables are rather close together.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I disagree--respectfully, of course!!
Coral Reef the nite we dined there in October was quite loud. The fish tank virtually guarantees there will be tons of kids--and there were that night. The design dosen't really lend itself to a quiet, romantic dinner either.
However--it is an interesting restaurant, and the food and service when we ate there were very good.
So--I really don't think you're gonig to feel that there's just the two of you in the place when you dine at the Coral Reef.
As an aside , here's a link to the review I did of our October meal. It is a bit more descriptive than what I just posted.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=10231352&postcount=1

 

[QuickGold]

Also, Coral Reef is ridiculously overpriced and the fish isn't that great

 

[sleepydog25]

Based on those descriptions, is Coral Reef a quiet, romantic restaurant? Thanks for your opinion.

As much as we enjoyed CR, I can't honestly say it's quiet nor cozy. The smallest tables are those right by the fish tank, and you're almost guaranteed to have a few kids wander your way if you're seated there. Plus, you know people are looking your direction since you're right in front of the tank. There are booths on another 3 or 4 levels, all with nice views of the tank, but to my recollection, the booths are large, although you obviously snuggle up next to your honey at that point. However, with the hub-bub of the kids and the large seating area, it does get a bit noisy, though no more so than most other on-property restaurants. That being said, CR was still a very nice experience for my wife, young daughter, and me.

Also, Coral Reef is ridiculously overpriced and the fish isn't that great

As with any restaurant, CR has its detractors, and I can't say their experience isn't true since all places have their off nights or simply don't meet the expectations of others. I will respectfully disagree that CR is "ridiculously overpriced" as it falls within similar pricing at many other onsite restaurants. Some also argue that the portions are small, but we didn't think that to be the case at all. Then again, we're not big eaters and we eat our veggies like we were taught to do when young. Then again, I don't know of many seafood restaurants (outside of chains) that do give you huge portions.

As for the fish not "being great," once again that's all a matter of taste. My wife's mahi was excellent and my cajun catfish superb when we ate at CR last April. They were not overcooked nor undercooked; the spices were subtle but noticeable; and the veggies were a tasty accompaniment. As long as I'm in the review mode, I must mention the chocolate wave dessert. It is such a chocolate high, a real can't-miss end to your meal. Finally, our service was topnotch, as good as I've had anywhere on site.

I guess the bottom line is CR is a very nice place to eat, albeit with naysayers, but I wouldn't say it's terribly romantic. Then again, with the right person, anyplace can be as romantic as you need. aw:

 

[kellyanne731]

I have to say that while it's not what I'd call "cozy", I did think it was pretty romantic. There are 3 tiers (I believe). Each tier seemed to have two rows of tables/booths. We were on the second tier in the front row. It was a great view of the tank. The very front row seemed like it would be sitting in the front row of a movie theater (meaning I can't see a thing). It was also far back enough that we didn't have kids running all over the place. We also really enjoyed the food.

I'd say give it a shot. We were there around 8pm, and it wasn't crowded or loud. Maybe we lucked out and Fantasmic was showing.

 

[stacy6552]

We have always found the CR to be nice and quiet because the kids are all mexmerized by the fish. DH and I actually like it because we can chat for a brief time on vacation with the kids.

 

[nbodyhome]

I think it just depends. Nearly anyplace, except maybe for Victoria and Alberts, can be noisy. I can find romance at Trails End, so it's not (to me) about the atmosphere. I think the food isn't so great, so I'd not go again.

Denise

 

[marathonmommy]

I agree with some of the posters. CR is one of my favorite places to eat - with or without kids. It is a bit pricey, but I can't think of many decent restaurants in Disney that aren't. However, IMHO, CR is NOT my idea of romantic.