LeCellier or Yachtsman Steakhouse?

[ElizabethB]

I have a dinner reservation at LeCellier for our trip next week. I booked it at the 180 day mark because everyone on these boards raves about how great LeCellier is.

We had lunch at LeCellier a few years ago and were not terribly impressed. We thought the food was only so so, and that the tables were way too close together. We ate dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse a few years ago and thought it was very good. Is dinner at LeCellier better than lunch? Is Yachtsman Steakhouse better than LeCellier?

Which would you choose? We are not on the dining plan. I note the mushroom filet at LeCellier is $35 and the filet mignon at Yachtsman is $38. So, LeCellier seems to be no particular bargain unless one is on the DDP.

 

[beachblanket]

I have a dinner reservation at LeCellier for our trip next week. I booked it at the 180 day mark because everyone on these boards raves about how great LeCellier is.

We had lunch at LeCellier a few years ago and were not terribly impressed. We thought the food was only so so, and that the tables were way too close together. We ate dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse a few years ago and thought it was very good. Is dinner at LeCellier better than lunch? Is Yachtsman Steakhouse better than LeCellier?

Which would you choose? We are not on the dining plan. I note the mushroom filet at LeCellier is $35 and the filet mignon at Yachtsman is $38. So, LeCellier seems to be no particular bargain unless one is on the DDP.

See the below:

 

[beachblanket]

I have a dinner reservation at LeCellier for our trip next week. I booked it at the 180 day mark because everyone on these boards raves about how great LeCellier is.

We had lunch at LeCellier a few years ago and were not terribly impressed. We thought the food was only so so, and that the tables were way too close together. We ate dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse a few years ago and thought it was very good. Is dinner at LeCellier better than lunch? Is Yachtsman Steakhouse better than LeCellier?

Which would you choose? We are not on the dining plan. I note the mushroom filet at LeCellier is $35 and the filet mignon at Yachtsman is $38. So, LeCellier seems to be no particular bargain unless one is on the DDP.

Both IMHO are highly overrated. The beef at both isn't even the best on property (go to Shula's at the Dolphin for that). But I guess the raves stem from the fact everyone doesn't have a Morton's near where they live...

That all stated, if you put a gun to my head, I'd opt for the Yachtsman. Nicer ambience, not as crammed and doesn't require park admission to get to. Plus you don't have stand in line at the check in desk for 15 minutes like you do at Le Cellier (waiting for the CMs to finish listening to all the whiny, pushy people trying to negotiate their way in).

Also, beware those who go on and on about how the dinner menu at LeCellier is dramatically different/better than lunch. I've done both and that's simply a bunch of hooey, the differences are nominal.

 

[Leanne1977]

For us theres no contest, Yachtsmans 100%.

We ate at Le Cellier in Sept and weren't impressed, we thought it was highly overated. We have no desire to return.
We had a very enjoyable meal at the Yachtsmans though and have another ADR here for Dec.

Although the Cali Grill is our fav onsite but Yachtsmans was very very good.

 

[Tink3Bell]

Yaughtsman looks really good if it is about the dining plan I would definately do Yahtsman.

 

[Pakey]

I'm another poster who is not impressed with either. However, I dislike Le Cellier a lot more than I dislike Yachtsman.

 

[crisi]

The steak snobs are out - and I'll join them.

Le Cellier used to serve a darn good steak for the price. Now they've raised the price and they serve an OK steak for too much money (the steak hasn't changed). Yachtsman serves a better steak for more money - but since Le Cellier raised prices it isn't that much more (however, on the dining plan its still two credits to Le Cellier's one). Since you aren't on the dining plan - Yachtsman - unless you want to spend more in which case go to Shula's (or have a car, in which case I believe there is a Morton's in Orlando - I know there is a Capitol Grill - there is also an independent in Orlando that is suppose to be fantastic, but I can't remember the name).

 

[MickeyNicki]

We enjoyed our meal at Le Cellier but LOVED our meal at the Yachtman.

I prefer the lobster bisque to the cheese soup and the onion rolls with fresh roasted garlic to the pretzel breadsticks

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I do not consider myself a steak snob... but I have to say I prefer Shula's to Yachtsman or LeCellier.....here's the thing, it is personal preference. I do not think that the quality at the two restaurants asked about in this thread is as good as Shula's or if you want to leave property maybe the others that were mentioned.

 

[madalex]

I am firmly in the YS camp. Le Cellier has been fine the couple times I have eaten there, but I have never fully understood why it is so popular.

I think YS holds its own with the top steakhouse chains. It's no Bern's (and maybe not even a Shula's), but I have been to the big chains (Morton's, Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris) many times and would definitely put YS at that same level of food and service.

 

[KennySC]

If on Disney Dining Plan the Yachtsman Steakhouse = 2 table service credits while Le Cellier = 1

 

[daisy112878]

Yachtsman hands down. We went to Le Cellier twice last year and both times it was so disappointing. They could even cook the steaks right. I had the new york strip at YC in June and it was very good. We eat steak a lot since dh is a steakhouse lover. IMO, its on the same level as Morton's and Ruth Chris. But not as good as our 3 local steakhouses here in atlanta.

 

[Jubilee]

Hmm....well, with the way this thread's going, here's what I think: If you want fine dining/gourmet/high class/a phenomenal meal, then neither. Most of the people in this thread are being picky though (IMHO) for a theme park meal...even a table service, and even at their prices. I think both are good, at worst, choices...if the dining plan is not a factor, I would choose Yachtsman's.

PS I agree with Shula's if you want the best WDW has to offer

 

[OKW Lover]

We've enjoyed LeCellier, but it just doesn't hold a candle to YSH. Two different dining experiences.

I think LeCellier is so highly thought of by most WDW visitors simply because they don't think of anything outside the parks. I'd agree that compared to its other in-park competition, LeCellier is one of the better places to eat. But when you start comparing to non-park restaurants it pales in comparison.

 

[Wild4Walt]

I have been to both and have enjoyed both - and I'm from Chicago so I know good food

The service at the Yachtsman and the atmosphere would be the better pick for me.

I did like Le Cellier also, but it is a bit strange to have a great FILLING meal and then have to walk back into a theme park. ( Just my observation )

 

[Amy&Dan]

I enjoy Le Cellier but don't consider it incredible. But do think for a theme park, its pretty darn good! For a one ts credit steak at Epcot, I also like Tokyo Dining or Corral Reef and those are way easier (esp. Tokyo Dining) to get into. Le Cellier is still very good, although to me the soup, breadsticks and creme brulee are more standout than their steaks.

Yachtsmen was wonderful for us. I have no desire to go to Shula's at this point (have kids and its very pricey and no kids menu) and venturing off property for the steak that will make me want to die right then and there, isn't a big priority either! I want to stay on property, have a nice, quiet, unrushed meal that is superior in quality to most other steaks at WDW (which again are good just not standout good in my mind) so YS wins for me.

I agree, that onion bread with the garlic and butter was to die for!

And YS is so easy to combine with Epcot and when we ate there we didn't have the long wait we have had both times at Le Celliler just to get seated.

 

[avamadison]

Yachtsman 100%

 

[nosy parker]

I have a 'much coveted' reservation at Le Cellier for the night we arrive at 6:25 because it is DH's birthday and he is a big steak lover. I thought this would be perfect for dinner and wanted it to be really special. The plan was to watch Illuminations afterwards. Now I am debating if I should switch to Yachtsman?? We are on DlxDP so that would be no issue. I had just heard sooooo much about Le Cellier that, being a first-timer, that's simply what I booked.

What should I do? I'm kinda disappointed now.

 

[photobob]

I've eaten at both. Le Cellier is very good, but I'll agree that Yachtsman is better.

 

[N10CJT]

For me, it's Yachtsman.... I didn't think too highly of their Bearnaise sauce (and to be fair, serving a broken Bearnaise doesn't reflect well on a steakhouse, even if I prefer my steaks without it anyway), but their steaks are dry-aged and very tasty. At least when I was there, it was a professional preparation. And I've heard stories about rowdy kids and theme park atmospheres, but my meal was quiet and I found the service to be appropriately dignified.
I am also a steak snob, I should add, one of those rare or medium rare or bring 'em a leather boot people. Like the poster from Chicago (who I know has a Morton's near them! ), I'm also originally from a steak haven: New York. In my mind Morton's doesn't rate..... it's Peter Luger for me and pretty much anyone I've ever dragged to Williamsburg to dine with me. Yachtsman is nowhere close to that, but neither am I disappointed in its quality. And the servers there are much, much nicer.......
Le Cellier was okay. I'd stick with filets there. Others may have different experiences, but the prime rib looked buffet-ish and the strip appeared overcooked (though the latter may have been a result of customer preference). It's a different type of place, though...... where you should give in to your base urges for comfort food and indulge in hunks of bread dipped generously in cheese soup. I enjoyed myself because I wasn't expecting to be blown away.
I haven't been to Shula's. There's one in New York....... I think it's about a block from the bus terminal. Unfortunately, to me that reads: get on the A and transfer at Washington Square. Yeah, I'm sort of obsessed..... Given all the recommendations, though, my guess is that the one in the Dolphin is also a good choice.