Restaurant Recommendations for two First-Timers w/o Kids :-)

[ucbedge]

My girlfriend and I (both mid-20s) will be visiting WDW for the first time next month. I'm trying to evaluate restaurant options at this point...and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.

Can you help us?

We are (self-admitted) food snobs. We like good food and recognize that atmosphere means something...but not everything.

What would be your top 5 sit-down dinner recommendations for couples without kids? Also, would it be worth it for us to attend a Character Dining Experience if we dont have kids? Or should we consider a "special" dining experience? (i.e. Hoop-De-Do)?

I hate to say it, but this may be our first and only time to visit WDW.

My first original post! Yay!

 

[goodeats]

IMO the character meals are not worth it unless you really want to see the characters. I did enjoy Crystal Palace's breakfast buffet, but the others I have been too were not great. Hoop Dee Doo is also one that was disappointing in terms of food and service.

For 'food snobs' I heartily recommend:
Artist Point
Kona Cafe
California Grill (well, basically any signature restaurant)
Le Cellier
Boma

I haven't tried all the restaurants in World Showcase, but it's safe to try any of them (although the one at Norway is now a 'princess' meal). Also Spoodles is supposed to be good also.

I do not recommend Whispering Canyon Cafe, LTT dinner, and 'Ohana.

You can find good food at WDW, but budgeting for it is another story.

 

[Christine]

Okay, for food snobs here is what I recommend:

Artist Point
Jiko
Boma (buffet)
Citricos
Narcoosees
California Grill
Kona Cafe

I'm sure there are others and people will chime in. Note that most of the restaurants (with the exception of Boma and Kona Cafe) are considered "signature" dining and will require 2 dining credits if you are on the dining plan. I never do the dining plan and I most go to the signature dining.

As far as character dining, if you *really* wanted to just experience this, I would do breakfast. None of the buffets are really going to appeal to "food snobs" but for breakfast, you really can't go wrong with breakfast food. The Cape May has an excellent character buffet that is somewhat low-key. It is located in the Beach Club resort.

As for the Hoop Dee Doo: this is a "fun" show and a bit corny and hokey, but still a lot of food. The food is basic "picnic/barbeque" stuff. It's not gross but it's not fine dining either. We always enjoy this show. Not knowing you, I can't say whether you should go or not. Most people really like the show, but there are a few "personality" types that just don't.

 

[ufgator]

Here's what DH and I like. We don't have kids yet. Dh eats anything, and I just eat seafood and poultry and no red meat (so I can't help with steak places).

Flying Fish
Bistro de Paris
Artist Point
Le Cellier
Victoria and Albert's - If you want a special meal. Food and service are excellent and atmosphere is relaxing and intimate.

Haven't eaten there yet, but Citricos (althought not sure because new chef, I think) and Bluezoo get good reviews here.

 

[estnh]

The Kona Cafe is an exceptional restaurant that is very well suited for couples. California Grill, Mama Melose, Coral Reef, and LeCellier are others I would recommend. If you are not using the dining plan, I would heartily recommend Schulas.

If you like good food, I would avoid character meals except at breakfast, as they are all buffets. A buffet at Disney is still a buffet--huge trays of pre-prepared food hardening up under heat lamps!

 

[mouseRD]

We are a couple too, without children. My DH & I both really like to cook & eat well at home, so we are a little picky about restaurant food. We've actually really enjoyed most of our dining experiences at WDW: lunch at Le Cellier, Brown Derby, & Kona Cafe; dinners at Jiko's, Artist's Point, Flying Fish. For fun, but decent food, we grabbed fish & chips by England in Epcot, & lunch at Sci Fi. Hope this helps!

 

[ucbedge]

You are all so quick. Thank you!

When I said "food snobs," I didnt mean to be snooty. I just meant that when I go on vacation, I like to try foods/experiences that I cant get at home. I mean, why go eat at McDonalds when youre in such a great food place?!

OK, so "no" on the character dining. However, the Hoop-De-Doo Revue or Mickey's BBQ both look good. If you had to choose one, which one would it be?

Restaurants that are starting to look good:
Todd English's place
Boma
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Artist Point
California Grill

And any place with chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches!!!!!!

 

[mouseRD]

Of the places you've named, we've only eaten at AP & we loved it. We're staying at the Dolphin & are going to BlueZoo for our anniversary dinner.

 

[DaveT1]

Welcome to the Dis. You don't say if you have any preferences or if money is an issue. I think a character breakfast would be better than dinner, we like Crystal Palace.

My choices, if this might be my only time to Disney , these aren't necessarily the best food or atmosphere but a combination and something that you might only get at Disney.

Victoria and Alberts in Grand Floridian is the highest end Disney restaurant, most expensive as well and you will need a jacket, tie optional but recommended. Citricos if you are only up for a lesser version.

Jiko in Animal Kingdom Lodge, good upscale food with a touch of exotic. Check out the lodge afterwards. Be sure to go out back and if dark look for a hotel person to loan you a night scope to see animals.

California Grill in the Contemporary- may be too late to snag a time to watch the fireworks, but still a nice view.

Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge- I would go just to see the theming of the Lodge, but the food is a real plus.

Coral Reef in Epcot- giant aquarium view, and the desserts are great.

Epcot- Morroco, Italy or Mexico if you want more atmosphere and unusual than great food.

Flying Fish or Blue Zoo- Boardwalk area so you can walk around after, but higher end and my foodie choices.

If you haven't already check out the menu's at http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

 

[Uncleromulus]

My top 5: (Aside from Victoria and Alberts, which is my # 1 choice but is very $$$$$ and not for everyone)
Jiko, Citrico, Blue Zoo, California Grill, Flying Fish. And I could easily add 5 more!!!
I'd just suggest one night someplace like California Grill (or even Narcoossee's so you can watch the fireworks while dining.

 

[SLM]

I agree with other posters suggestions-all great choices!-and would like to add one more: The House of Blues in DD, but ask for an outside table on the patio or their porch-at night the trees are lit with tiny white lights, you're on the water, the food is good and not overpriced and we had very good service-they didn't rush us-we could linger with a glass of wine before ordering-very romantic atmosphere.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[Christine]

OK, so "no" on the character dining. However, the Hoop-De-Doo Revue or Mickey's BBQ both look good. If you had to choose one, which one would it be?

Definitely Hoop Dee Do. The Mickey's BBQ is geared for people who have children who want character interaction. I think you'll enjoy the HDDR show much more.

 

[curiouser]

A mid-20-er chiming in here... my BF and I go to Disney and here are a few of our favorites:

Boma: The dinner is a wonderful experience to try new and different foods. We always enjoy the soups, african style ribs and prime rib, and the variety of sides. Plus, AKL is just a wonderful place to stop by and visit.

Le Cellier: A MUST DO for us every trip. I see you mentioned Yatchsman, I'd take Le Cellier over Yatchsman anyday. YC is good, but we still crave the steaks at Le Cellier long after we've returned home. We also enjoy the cheddar cheese soup there immensely!

Hoop-De-Doo: Yes, we also do this every trip. Its a fun, corny experience. The food is good, not gourmet, but good BBQ-style cooking. And you can't beat the all-you-can drink sangria! (I think I mention the sangria everytime I post about HDD).

We had a lot of fun at Donald's Restaurantosaurus in AK for the character breakfast. Don't let not having kids keep you away from character dining; if you enjoy interacting with the characters they will enjoy interacting with you. We had a lot of fun here and the breakfast pizza is quite yummy!

Marrakesh: More for the atmosphere, but the food is good. I won't say exceptional, but maybe give it a "very good". The appetizers are really my favorite. My BF loves the musicians. There's also a bellydancer who dances while the musicians perform.

 

[majortom]

You are all so quick. Thank you!

Example: if youve been to Vegas, our fav restaurant ever is a place called Rosemary's. It's off the strip...in a strip mall actually....but the food is INCREDIBLE. We tend to places like that rather than the chains that just have a big name attached to them (i.e. Wolfgang Pucks...).

Rosemary's is Chef Michael Jordan's restaurant. He was the opening chef at NOLA (one of Emeril's restaurants in New Orleans, LA). I really like Rosemary's.

If you like Rosemary's you will probably like Tchoup Chop and Emeril's Orlando (Chef Michael Jordan opened Emeril's New Orleans Fish House in Las Vegas). There is a great Indian restaurant in the Crossroads shopping center (near TGI Fridays).

Restaurants that are starting to look good:
Todd English's place
Boma
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Artist Point
California Grill

And any place with chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches!!!!!!

Todd English's Bluezoo is supposed to be great. Boma is fun, good food (not really much service given it is a buffet). Based on your taste, I would strongly recommend against California Grill. Instead, I would add Jiko, better food and service.

/carmi

 

[rigs32]

DH and I are the same age and also no kids. We eat a lot of ethnic food and more exotic stuff at home.

I have to disagree and say that we really enjoyed the Crystal Palace for dinner. I love the Pooh characters and thought it would be fun - we had a blast. The food is better than most buffets, IMO. Many posters on these boards say they didn't like it because it was "too fancy." If you make a late reservation, the number of kids will be way down and we found the characters welcoming to some adult-interaction fun.

The best cheapie interesting meal is Tangeriene Cafe. Lamb, chicken, dips, and some other stuff for really cheap. One platter can feed two normal appetites.

Slightly off topic, but what resort are you at? DH and I *love* the POR mansions. The resort is so nice and peaceful and the upper floor rooms are quite quiet. We're doing POP this time around, but we'll be with our moms, so not much romantic time.

 

[bopper]

Am I the only one who thought the food at the Hoop De Doo was awful?
Don't go for the food.

 

[Shannon G]

Restaurants that are starting to look good:
Todd English's place
Boma
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Artist Point
California Grill

And any place with chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches!!!!!!

Yachtsman Steakhouse - LOVE IT! Been twice, once with ex, once with my mom - great food and FABULOUS service both times. Atmosphere is upscale without being snooty. Waitstaff was excellent - we ordered a bottle of wine, and as soon as our glasses started to get low, they were right there to top them off, yet they never seemed to be obstrusive, or lurking over us. Great steaks, and the horseradish mashed potatoes are out of this world.

One other thing that struck me about the Yachtsman - where but WDW could you go to a nice restaurant, where the table to one side of you is a family with kids, the table to the other side is a wedding party, and neither one seems out of place?

 

[D&R love Disney]

My top 5 would be:
Victoria & Alberts
Citrico's or Narcoossee's
Artist Point
Shula's
Jiko

 

[ucbedge]

This board is great! I'm gonna have to repay you guys by reviewing each of these restaurants when I get back...is that fair?

OK, so I made some ADR's this morning. Here ya go:

1) Artist Point
2) Biergarten (cant resist beer and brats...)
3) Hoop-Dee-Do (gotta go just for the name, ya know?)
4) BOMA
5) Todd English blueZoo
6) Yachtsman (considering switching this to Le Cellier....opinions???)

Victoria and Alberts is sold out like years in advance. California Grill seems WAY too hit-and-miss.

Remaining questions:
1) Le Cellier or Yachtsman? Bad steak is the worst since it's the most expensive kind of bad food.
2) Whats this Kona Cafe place? I havent even heard of it.

I'm stayin at Wilderness Lodge for a few days, then to Coronado Springs for the remainder of the time. My company is sending me, so this trip is partially free as they will pay for 3 days worth of hotel/food (I pay the remaining 6).

I'm still BLEEDING money though.

 

[majortom]

Am I the only one who thought the food at the Hoop De Doo was awful?
Don't go for the food.

Hoop De Doo Revue is one of those places I go every once in a while just for the sheer silliness of it.

Certainly not for the food.

/carmi