Narcoossee's Or Le Cellier or Jiko or Yachtsman

pfeifer14

Mouseketeer
Joined
Dec 15, 2013
Messages
152
i can't decide on one of those restaurants. I am huge steak lover and def. a foodie. We will be there in late Nov. :)

Now let's hear all your experts opinions on those restaurants. Set. Go.
 
For steak I would probably go to Yachtsman, though Jiko is my personal favorite.
 
Based on my personal experiences I would choose in order Jiko, Le Cellier, Narcoossees, then Yachtsman.
 

I've only been to Jiko, but it was one of the best dinners we've ever had right through to the dessert and coffee. I still think about the coffee! The service was excellent. We spoke to the chef. As well, staff surprised us with an unexpected phone call from Goofy at the hostess desk for our young son. A little Disney Magic.
 
I would rate mine as follows:
  1. Narcoossee's- I just love the atmosphere, the view of Wishes, watching the Electric Water Pageant, and of course the excellent food and service. The shrimp and grits appetizer and the Almond Crusted Cheesecake are outstanding.
  2. Jiko- Another that I love the decor. The service is outstanding and the food is very good as well. A slight notch below Narcoosee's. I just wish it was easier getting to and from this restaurant.
  3. Yachtsman- It may be third on my list but it is still one of my favorites. Good service and the steaks are very good as well.
  4. Le Cellier- I have this listed only because it is one of your options. There really is nothing that stands out for me at this restaurant that is favorable. The place is dark, loud, cramped and simply falls short of being a signature restaurant. The least Disney could have done to this place when they turned it into a signature was at least slap a little lipstick on the pig; they did nothing but raise the prices. The steaks are average as is the service. The only thing that is excellent in my opinion is the pretzel bread. That's it for me.
 
i can't decide on one of those restaurants.

Both Narcoossee's and the California Grill have what I'd consider very similar Filet Mignon options. I'd suggest leaning towards the California Grill (because of it's spectacular view, and their fabulous flatbread options), but though that would just make it more difficult for me to eat there. So, yeah. Narcoosee's! Seriously. Both options are great. (go to Narcoosee's, avoid the California Grill on the days I want to go)

Also, the California Grill currently does have some interesting options along with their filet; Wagyu Beef and Bison Strip. Narcoosee's is just Filet. (as of two days ago)

If you have to drag some non-steak lovers (is there such a thing?) with you, I've recently had Narcoossee's Pork Chop (so huge I'm still digesting it) and Halibut. Both were spectacular.

My favorite steak-experience is at Jiko's. Though they only offer Filet. Everything is influenced by African cuisine. I believe the Filet has a rub on it that really enhances the flavor. It sits on Spoon Bread (corn soufflé?) and a delicious, dark red wine sauce. I've actually eaten this twice in the last few weeks. It is to die (well, the cow at least) for. (no offense to cows)

I can't say for certain, but I wouldn't be surprised if Jiko's used Sous Vide for their Filet. While it is definitely finished on an Oak Grill; their Filet has the most consistent top to bottom medium rare doneness (?) I've ever experienced. Sous Vide may be two 4 letter words to a chef, but if it gets the job (medium-rare) done, I'll take it every time.

The other draw (at least for me) at Jiko's is the Taste of Africa appetizer. Four different dips served with Lavash and Naan bread. You'll either find this an amazingly delicious dish, or a strong not. Again, Jiko's African influence makes for a very different dinning experience. So, it may not be for everyone.

If you are a big wine(-o), you should know that the entire wine list at Jiko's is from South Africa. That could be a deal breaker, if you actually pause between bites to have something other than steak. (as if)

Not to leave out the Yatchman's Steak House. Again, another signature (Disney's term) restaurant. Lot's of aged beef. All very good. If you have a Thurston Howell III outfit, you're experience will be thematically perfect.

Le Cellier has been raved about for a long time. So when I finally tried it, well let's just say my expectations were Soarn'. (wow, I crack mysef up) It was fine. No complaints. Probably just an expectation thing for me. So ignore my comments. Maybe I didn't care for the basement ambiance.

My ranting and ratings:
1. Jiko's (perfect filet and Taste of Africa)
2. California Grill (the view and flatbread)
3. Narcoossee's (cause I don't want you going to #2)
4. Yatchman's Steakhouse (you won't be disappointed)
5. Le Cellier (yawn, I mean awesome!)
6. Go to all of them. (duh)
 
Well--if a selection of good steak is what you want (not just a filet) then it has to be YSH.

Le Cellier is fair at best, and the other 2 spots have but one cut of steak on the menu.

And of course unless you are bound by the DDP, Shulas is better than all 4--for steak.
 
I can only speak for Le Cellier and Jiko out of the OP's four.... Jiko hands down. Jiko was the most quiet, adult dinner I've ever had at WDW.
 
Foodie and steak lover... stay far away from Le collier. Outback Steakhouse has better steak and service! (And I was stupid and gave it a 2nd chance! Learn from my errors!)

Jiko is one of my favorites and I had a good meal at YSH.

Personally if you aren't forced to eat Disney I agree with others. Shula's. (Acutally I now pretty much only eat at the Swan/Dolphin or a few places at Disney Springs. Swan/Dolphin does not take DDP resulting in easy reservations and better food IMHO)
 
For steak I'd say Yachtsman - lots of steak options and we liked the service and relaxing atmosphere. Narcoossee's has perhaps the best atmosphere/view of the Disney restaurants we've been to and I'd highly recommend. Steak wasn't near as good as that at Yachtsman but the rest of the food was very good, including my wife's shrimp dinner, the soups/appetizers and the desserts. If I was choosing strictly on steaks I'd go Yachtsman, if atmosphere/variety then Narcoossee's. Haven't been to the other two.
 
I would not consider Le Cellier or Narcoossee's. I would only consider Jiko and Yachtsman out of your choices.
 
Of the four choices listed, YSH would be #1, Jiko second, Narcoossee's third and Le Cellier a distant 4th.

For the best steak though, consider Shula's at the Dolphin or even better, Bull & Bear at the Waldorf-Astoria in Bonnet Creek.
 
It's just going to open but maybe STK would be a choice? They are supposed to be known for steak. :)
 


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