Kimonos and bluezoo

[Pygoplites]

Yay...I'm going solo to AKL for a week in January. I usually do one of the Dining Plans, but I thought I'd try some new-to-me places this time.

Anyone have any recent experiences at Kimonos or bluezoo? I'm interested in food and service comments specifically, not ambiance and price (I know they're pretty...and pretty expensive). I like every type of food, from street vendors to wallet-busters...as long as the food is good. For my WDW dinners, I do prefer higher-end TS places so I can relax and unwind a bit.

Here's my current dinner list. I have ADRs for all but Kimonos, and am willing to change anything except V&A and CG:

1. Kimonos
2. Victoria & Alberts
3. California Grill
4. bluezoo
5. Jiko
6. Kouzzina
7. Boma

I know Boma and Kouzzina get mixed reviews, but I've never been to either one (except breakfast at Boma many times). I haven't been to Sanaa yet; would that be a better choice than Boma? Would Il Mulino be a better choice than Kouzzina? (I will be at Epcot that day, and they're not too far.)

Thanks a bunch!!

 

[daisygirl902]

It's been a while since my experience at Kimonos, but I think of it fondly all the time...it was my first ever experience with sushi...and it got me totally hooked...their spicy tuna rolls are amazing. I also had duck skewers and Kobe skewers as well which were both fantastic!! I highly recommend it

I went to Il Mulino this year for the first time and it was absolutely phenomenal! The pasta dish I had was a tomato/panchetta sauce on Buccocini pasta (I think that's what it was - it was like very thick spaghetti) - it was amazing! The only thing is they bring around a lemonocillo drink after dinner, and I don't drink and they kind of looked at us like we had either offended them or were VERY strange to turn it down

I loved Kouzzina, and so did my mom - it was fantastic!

 

[webray]

Yay...I'm going solo to AKL for a week in January. I usually do one of the Dining Plans, but I thought I'd try some new-to-me places this time.

Anyone have any recent experiences at Kimonos or bluezoo? I'm interested in food and service comments specifically, not ambiance and price (I know they're pretty...and pretty expensive). I like every type of food, from street vendors to wallet-busters...as long as the food is good. For my WDW dinners, I do prefer higher-end TS places so I can relax and unwind a bit.

Here's my current dinner list. I have ADRs for all but Kimonos, and am willing to change anything except V&A and CG:

1. Kimonos Have never been but have friends who say it is wonderful, we seem to always end up in Blue Zoo, (we always stay at Swan or Dolphin)

2. Victoria & Alberts

3. California Grill

4. bluezoo Have been there many, many times this fall, menu changes with the season, full menu at the bar, wonderful attentive bartenders...in fact we haven't sat inside the restaurant for years..lol

5. Jiko We have been to Jiko on several occasions with friends, won't go back for a while..they are having serious issues. Head to Sanaa instead...it is fabulous. We can't wait to go back.

6. Kouzzina I guess everyone has to try it once, but we found it totally unacceptable, and yes, like you, we love exploring all food options, street vendors on up, and we have, lol. This new restaurant needs a lot of work with food/service, well, everything. We probably won't return, it really isn't good.

7. Boma We haven't been to Boma for dinner for a while but it has never disappointed in the past. You could go to Sanaa this evening if you aren't in the mood for a buffet. Sanna and Boma flavor profiles are completely different..so you definately could do Sanaa and Boma and never regret it. Really don't know why boma would get mixed reviews. You have to remember, people on these boards come from all different "foodie" backgrounds, so take each review with a grain of salt and then decide for yourself.

I know Boma and Kouzzina get mixed reviews, but I've never been to either one (except breakfast at Boma many times). I haven't been to Sanaa yet; would that be a better choice than Boma? Would Il Mulino be a better choice than Kouzzina? (I will be at Epcot that day, and they're not too far.)

Thanks a bunch!!

IL Mulino never disappoints..it is one of our favorites...definately a better choice than Kouzzina.

Sounds like you have a great trip planned...some wonderful meals...enjoy!

 

[Uncleromulus]

IL Mulino would be a MUCH better choice than Kouzzina!! We've been there 3 times and all 3 meals were great.
Ditto for the Blue Zoo. Wonderful seafood and service has always been top notch.
If you drive, valet parking will be free if you eat at Blue Zoo. You can also eat at the bar there (full menu)--it's what we did last visit.

 

[Pygoplites]

Thanks for the replies. This is definitely the friendliest board around!

Sorry to hear that Jiko may be slipping. I've always enjoyed it. Maybe I will try Sanaa. Bummed about Kouzzina...maybe it's just New Restaurant Syndrome?

 

[ClareH37]

I absolutely love Blue Zoo, it's on my must do restaurant list each trip - food is wonderful and the atmosphere less 'manic' than a lot of the Disney restaurants. I'm eating there solo next May and can't wait.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We ate at Bluezoo in June of this year and it was amazing, the best filet I have ever had in my life and they win the award for dessert presentation..if you click on my June link I have a ton of pics

 

[HelenParr]

You will like both Kimonos and Bluezoo.

We are huge Kimonos fans. We try to get there every trip -- service is really amazing, they know us by name, they know what wine I drink -- and I'm there maybe 3 nights a year. I suppose it is possible that I just stand out in a crowd -- but I'm choosing to believe it's good servers. Always great food. Watching kareoke is fun (although loud -- go before 9:30 if you want just food.) And you can eat at the bar if you wish, or they have some great small tables scattered about.

BlueZoo is also really excellent. The service is excellent and the food is some of the best at WDW. Subdued in the dining room. Almost too quiet But if you want more lively, you can eat in the cafe lounge area.

Have a great trip!

 

[Pygoplites]

I absolutely love Blue Zoo, it's on my must do restaurant list each trip - food is wonderful and the atmosphere less 'manic' than a lot of the Disney restaurants. I'm eating there solo next May and can't wait.

Thanks!! I hope you enjoy your first solo trip. My first solo trip was by accident; my travel companion (a co-worker) had to leave on the first day due to a family emergency. I was worried that I'd be lonely and self-conscious, but I stayed on and had a fantastic time. I don't even know how many DLR and WDW solo trips I've taken since then. I enjoy dining at the high-end places by myself much more than at counter-service spots or buffets; maybe because the interaction with servers makes me forget I'm eating alone.

 

[mrslane]

DH & I have eaten at Kimonos several times. The sushi is average compared to all that we've tried, but great for WDW. Service is hit or miss. The one drawback to Kimonos is the Karaoke. We were there when a family kept sending up the kids to sing. It was agonizing. People were trying not to laugh. IF you get folks who can sing, or if you try it, it could make for a magical memorable evening!

 

[Pygoplites]

DH & I have eaten at Kimonos several times. The sushi is average compared to all that we've tried, but great for WDW. Service is hit or miss. The one drawback to Kimonos is the Karaoke. We were there when a family kept sending up the kids to sing. It was agonizing. People were trying not to laugh. IF you get folks who can sing, or if you try it, it could make for a magical memorable evening!

"Great for Disney" is all I'm looking for. I don't expect to be wowed. My sushi benchmarks are extremely high ( I shudder to think how much I've spent on sushi over the past 30 years). So as long as the rice is proper and the fish is fresh and somewhat skillfully cut, I'll probably be satisfied. Hopefully, I'll be there pre-karaoke; if not, I will extract revenge by participating (provided that the court order against me performing is invalid in Florida).

 

[jfinke]

Personally, I think that Kimonos has the best sushi on property. We try to go every trip.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I'm new to sushi, so I really can't tell the difference between a good sushi place and a spectacular sushi place...but I just ate at Kimonos a week ago, and thought the service was fantastic, and the Dragon Roll was really yummy. I adore pickled ginger, and I wasn't crazy about theirs (a little too pickley...is that a word?), but the food was fresh and well-presented.

The karaoke, on the other hand...truly awful. Is country music the only stuff the rest of the country knows???

I did Kimonos as a late-night solo walk-in, and had no problem sitting at the sushi bar. I didn't linger, though, due to aforementioned musical talent.

 

[tony67]

The sushi at Kimonos is excellent, for on property.

One thing about the Swan (as I've been told) is it does "target" Japanese business men and their families, so the sushi has to be good.

The selection is somewhat limited, but very good. For example they did not have uni when I was there last time, but they also have some unique items you probably won’t see in New York or California, like a spicy crawfish roll.

They have a good selection of sake's as well as other items such as udon noodle soups.

I also really enjoy watching the people make fools of themselves doing karaoke.


As for Blue Zoo, it is one of the reasons I still bother to go to Disney. It is one of my favorite restaurants.

Kouzzinna is very good for a Disney managed restaurant, but I was not thrilled with the apps or desserts. If you get the whole fish you should be happy.
Skip the Apps and go to Epcot for dessert. (BTW, the Brussels sprouts are excellent for a side)
It seems that people who order the fish tend to be happy with the overall meal at Kouzzinna.

 

[BriarRosie]

Kimonos is probably the only place at WDW that serves sushi that I haven't tried yet. But friends who have had sushi there (as well as the places I've tried) tell me it's good, so it's definitely on my short list.

I just tried Sanaa for the first time a week ago. I do not really care for the "curry" type of spice flavors/aromas, but I figured I'd see what I'd like. I was really impressed with the sustainable fish, which is currently an arctic char.

Not only was the fish cooked perfectly, it had a velvety buttery taste, and it had two perfect scallops and three shrimp. Very generous plate. I would definitely eat there again.

Todd English's bluezoo™ is on the high side of price, but what I've had was well worth it. I have to say that the $40 "filet" (and I use that term loosely) from Yachtsman Steakhouse was not nearly the same quality as the one I had at Todd's place.