Restaurant for a picky eater

[pollypineapple8]

We will be in WDW in September / October. (Me, Hubby, DD 5, DS 2, Mum and Dad)

My Dad is the pickiest eater in the world. For example he loves cheese and he loves tomatoes, but he hates pizza. Yeah he's really weird. He likes salads, but if there is any kind of seasoning or dressing on it he won't touch it. If there is ketchup or any kind of sauce on his plate he literally can't touch the food. I know, I am rolling my eyes too. He's so difficult when it comes to eating out, "I can't eat that, it will kill me with heartburn" ARGHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Please give me suggestions for a restaurant. They aren't doing the parks so, either Disney Springs or a hotel restaurant would be great thanks! I have been looking on youtube for video reviews and showing him and he's like nah I wouldn't eat that! He's so hard to please. He's Irish so he loves his potatoes, his veg, his meats (steak, beef) etc.

Keep in mind my 2 young kids. Who have the table manners of feral animals. LOL So nowhere too posh like California Grill or Victoria and Alberts hahaha

Thanks guys

 

[sullyfam]

I would recommend a buffet since there tends to be "something for everyone" and if he gets something off the buffet he doesn't like, he can just go back up and choose something else. Whereas at a non-buffet once you order something, you're sort of stuck with it! So for non-park buffets I would consider 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's (although I know this gets so-so reviews), and Cape May Cafe. We also really like the Hoop Dee Doo and that's a very "meat and potatoes" all you can eat American meal plus it includes alcoholic beverages and the show. And buffets and dinner shows tend to be a more relaxed environment for young kids plus they get to meet characters and be entertained! And at Disney Springs - maybe Raglan Road would appeal to him?

 

[Lori74]

in Disney springs there's raglan road irish pub, ive never been, but people rave about it. we like wolfgang puck express in marketplace. don't hesitate to ask about customizing dishes wherever you go, we find restaurants to be very accommodating. have a great time!

 

[Lori74]

oh trails end in fort wilderness for dinner is a buffet and has great food!

 

[samsteele]

Like the PPs, I would go with Trails End (first choice) and possibly Raglan Road.

 

[pumba]

I think that a buffet is the answer to your dads needs....Like Crystal Palace for the kids at dinner time...they have meat, fish, plenty of salad makings to his likes...just plenty of food to choose from.....some restaurants may go with his wish of nothing on salads..you only need to ask...hope you have fun

 

[Dis703]

If he likes his meat and potatoes Raglan Road is a great choice. It's an Irish Pub and has music and dancing at dinner. Food is really good.

Aside from that I agree a buffet is probably the way to go as there will be so many options to choose from.

 

[Heather0317]

One of my daughter's is an insanely picky eater and has a food dye allergy. I found when we were there all of the restaurants were extremely accommodating when explaining the situation. This was inside and outside of the park. You could always call a restaurant ahead of time to talk to them about what he likes to eat to confirm they will accommodate.

 

[Barbydoll8]

If you don't want to do the buffet and you want sit down for picky eaters I'd suggest these. Always, always ask for sauces & dressings on the side. They will do it no problem.
MK - The Plaza. Small menu but you can get things like meatloaf or salads there.
Epcot - Rose & Crown (fish n' chips) or Biergarten
HS - Brown Derby
AK - Flame Tree BBQ

I also second Trails End. Good old fashion BBQ and the fried chicken is good.
At Old Key West - Olivia's.
Boardwalk area - ESPN & Beaches & Cream
The Fountain in the Swan/Dolphin
Port Orleans - Boatwright's
Disney Springs - T-Rex

 

[Lisa F]

Most of the non-buffet restaurants will prepare things to order. You can get salad with dressing on the side, steaks perfectly plain, no sauce on whatever. I'm sure it is difficult for you to travel with him but imagine how difficult it is for him to live with it. My kiddo has sensory issues and is picky about weird stuff too but imagine all of those undiagnosed kids a generation or two ago who are adults now who have just had to deal with it. I would pick the restaurant that most appeals to you and then be specific about how he orders. I'm not sure a buffet is a great idea because it seems like most things are pre-sauced or pre-dressed there. You might be better off at a place where you can order things made to order as you request.

if all else fails most TS restaurants will do an adult portion of kid menu items.

 

[gtpoohbear]

Wow, he sounds just like my mom! We've also had pretty good luck taking her to buffets, if nothing else the kids section usually has something she will eat.

If you don't do a buffet, ask your server if you can speak directly with the chef. We've done that a couple of times with my mom, and they always come up with something, regardless of what's on the menu. Usually plain mac&cheese and mashed potatoes, lol! Whatever keeps the peace.

 

[Hopefully]

One of my daughter's is an insanely picky eater and has a food dye allergy. I found when we were there all of the restaurants were extremely accommodating when explaining the situation. This was inside and outside of the park. You could always call a restaurant ahead of time to talk to them about what he likes to eat to confirm they will accommodate.

When you call Disney, be it a restaurant or resort etc., your reach an offsite Call Center. No matter how they answer, they aren't the restaurant or resort. And the are infamous for incorrect information.

 

[Heather0317]

When you call Disney, be it a restaurant or resort etc., your reach an offsite Call Center. No matter how they answer, they aren't the restaurant or resort. And the are infamous for incorrect information.

That is correct. However, I have been able to speak with the actual restaurant in the past. In December we had reservations at Jiko with a very picky eater. I wanted to ensure they would be able to accommodate something within the diet, and they were more than accommodating.

 

[nkereina]

We like Raglan Road but don't find it appeals much to the picky eater. If someone wants a burger and fries, they won't find one there. They have chicken, pork, steak, etc. but they are all entree type meals along with some traditional Irish fare. They probably could prepare some of those plain, but I don't know if you want to hassle with it.

I also think a buffet would be best and I think Trail's End is a safe bet. Whispering Canyon at WL also has an all you can eat skillet that may or may not appeal to a picky eater, but it's served family style so its a compromise on the buffet.

 

[vicb]

The OP said they are NOT doing parks... the OP also did not mention which resort they are staying at but never the less here are a few suggestions where you could probably get some plainer items (especially if he just speaks up and asks for things to be cooked plain )

Y&BC Captain's Grille (Yachtsman too expensive??)
ESPN
Big River Grill
S&D Garden Grove character dining (has mixed reviews, never dined there myself)
Contemp. The Wave
Grand Floridian Cafe


To the OP... my children used to be quite picky when young, thank goodness they grew out of that but we did have one trip where honest to betsy they both ordered plain grilled chicken breasts at almost every dinner! As long as a restaurant had chicken of some sort on the menu they seemed very happy to serve a plain grilled piece of meat with what ever plain side they ordered. Your dad just needs to be very clear, "no sauces, no salad dressing, no seasoning". They are used to serving people with medical issues all the time and no one should bat an eye lash at his requests if he can do it politely. Going on a family/group vacation means every bends a little, including picky eaters! Best wishes!

 

[cluvsdisney]

I am kind of picky and have no problem eating at Disney. If I am not sure if I'll like a sauce, I ask for it on the side so I can try it. You can get a steak and potatoes at most of the restaurants at Disney.

I had a surprisingly good steak at ESPN at the Boardwalk.
He can get prime rib and steak at Boatrights at Riverside, Olivia's at Old Key West, Turf Club at Saratoga Springs

Try showing him the menus again letting him know he can get most things plain and sub some of the sides if they are offered with different entrees. For example if the menu says it comes with mashed potatoes and broccoli but another entree has baked potato and zucchini which he would prefer, they will usually allow the change. It won't work for add on side dishes that cost extra.

Good luck!