Nice dinner not in the Parks

[Sunstar]

I'm taking my DFi to WDW for a surprise wedding present. We're only going for SWW, so I didn't get park hoppers. I'd love to plan for a really nice supper on Saturday night of our trip. We're not big fish people, preferring a good steak (although I love shrimp) and we cannot afford V&A. Any suggestions for a romantic dinner not in the parks (or at least, not in any park but DHS)? Thanks!

 

[PictureJumpr]

Shula's in the Dolphin has great steaks and a very nice atmosphere (for romance). It is kind of close to DHS, though - not sure if that would be a dealbreaker?

The upside is, it is one of the restaurants available for purchasing discounts on restaurant.com (use a coupon code and pay $3 for a $25 gift certificate - i think the current code is DINE) - which can help spread your dining dollars much farther. http://www.restaurant.com/microsite.asp?rid=381406&mcn=00085579

 

[EvilQueenT]

i agree shula's is great especially if you're steak lovers. the california grill at the contemporary is a nice slow romantic atmosphere plus you have the added benefit (at no extra cost) of watching wishes from the observation deck. my husband and i did a dinner at narcossee's (not as romantic as the above but fair and had a good meal) but then walked outside and sat in the grassy area near the water watching the fireworks (again can be romantic and at no added cost).

 

[septbaby]

Narcoosse's would be my first suggestion followed by Jiko.

 

[nottingham]

We tried Yachtsman Steakhouse recently and enjoyed that. A bit pricey but steaks were pretty good

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I vote for Jiko or Yachtsman Steakhouse.

 

[LaurenT]

Yachtsman's steakhouse at the Yacht Club is the place to go for a good steak...I assume your post meant to say not in a park other than DHS...because that's where you'll be on Sat? If that's the case, you can hop the boat to Yacht Club from DHS - so that's a goo thing, and then you can stroll the Boardwalk after dinner - stop in beaches an cream for an ice cream float....

 

[disnut8]

We tried Yachtsman Steakhouse recently and enjoyed that. A bit pricey but steaks were pretty good

I agree. Yachtsman is one of the few signature restaurants we have tried and it's the only one to which we will return. Had the best steak and if they still have it, the garlic spread for the bread. Well, if you want romantic, maybe just try some of that, don't eat the entire serving and then ask for more like my husband did!

 

[AirGoofy]

A step-down on the price scale from Shula's and Yachtman's Steakhouse is the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs Resort. You can park at DTD and take a boat ride to SSR. The Turf Club has the best Prime Rib steak I have ever had - anywhere. I would pick the Prime Rib at the Turf Club over the fillet at Jiko and Le Cellier.

 

[disneyplanningdad]

I vote for Jiko or Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Been to both. Loved Both.

 

[Pakey]

Turf Club is an excellent choice if you are wanting to dine on a budget. I've eaten at Yachtsman many times and I don't think their steaks are all that much better than the Turf Club but the prices are more reasonable.

The other option is the steak at Flying Fish on the Boardwalk. It's just as good as the steaks at Yachtsman; many on here would say that it's better.

 

[missminniemouse]

Citricos would be my choice. Walking through the Grand Floridian immediately sets up the romance. You will find children at the restaurant, but from my past experience there won't be as many as in some of the other Disney restaurants. The service and food are incredible at Citricos.

On our trip next month, DH and I will be trying Shula's on the night the kids don't go with us to dinner. We're really looking forward to trying Shula's as we've never dined there before. I have heard a lot of great things about it.

 

[tinkbyday]

Another vote for Yachtsman Steakhouse - they have a fireplace in there that I would imagine could be a pretty romantic setting too!

 

[GeorgeG]

Even though you don't like fish, I had the best steak I've had at WDW in years at Fulton's Crabhouse back in May. The service and atmosphere are better than the Yachtsman Steakhouse, too, and I think you get better for your money. I've always liked the Yachtsman, but always found it on the noisy side, which may be a consideration if it's romance you're looking for.

 

[LaurenT]

Even though you don't like fish, I had the best steak I've had at WDW in years at Fulton's Crabhouse back in May. The service and atmosphere are better than the Yachtsman Steakhouse, too, and I think you get better for your money. I've always liked the Yachtsman, but always found it on the noisy side, which may be a consideration if it's romance you're looking for.

Wow..this one shocked me! I happen to love Fulton's because I have a weakness for crab, but I would never describe it as a romantic setting! And...I found Yachtsman's to be very reserved. Paneled walls, big leather chairs - the staff standing at just the right distance and appearing as soon as you need them, and so quiet I could hear a pin drop! There were no children there when we've been there...maybe that's why.....

 

[Sunstar]

PictureJumpr: I actually don't care if the restaurants are near DHS or not. It was a typo on my part. Shula's sounds great and we're huge football fans too, so that might be a good idea. Thanks!

 

[Sunstar]

I agree. Yachtsman is one of the few signature restaurants we have tried and it's the only one to which we will return. Had the best steak and if they still have it, the garlic spread for the bread. Well, if you want romantic, maybe just try some of that, don't eat the entire serving and then ask for more like my husband did!

Lol, we're both big garlic fans so at least we wouldn't notice.

 

[Sunstar]

Is Shula's the kind of place where you order your sides (potato, veg, etc) separately from your steak?

 

[jstouder]

We really enjoyed Grand Floridian Cafe. It's a hidden gem among the restaurant favorites. Our meal was fantastic and it was a nice break from the parks. It's not a really busy restaurant so perfect if you want a nice quiet evening together.

 

[GeorgeG]

Wow..this one shocked me! I happen to love Fulton's because I have a weakness for crab, but I would never describe it as a romantic setting! And...I found Yachtsman's to be very reserved. Paneled walls, big leather chairs - the staff standing at just the right distance and appearing as soon as you need them, and so quiet I could hear a pin drop! There were no children there when we've been there...maybe that's why.....

I was surprised to find Fultons as nice as we did since the last time we were there we were unimpressed. Had a complete reversal this last time, but it was a bit earlier than usual so that may have helped. Sometime the crowd at the time can make a significant difference in the experience. If you remember Fultons back when it was the Empress Lily and the Empress Room, then you would have experienced romantic atmosphere and elegance no longer found anywhere in WDW. I think back then it was rated one of the top five in the World (the real world, not just Disney).

The Yachtsman was better when it first opened and Ariel's (next door) was also top notch, but Ariel's closed years ago and the Yachtsman has slipped a bit in subtle ways that wouldn't be noticed by anyone not around when it first opened.