Restaurant suggestions for couples

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Hi all - traveling in October with my husband and looking for some good restaurant suggestions. We have traveled in the past with our kids and did a lot of character meals but I don't remember any really good food. We are AP holders at universal and have found a lot of good options there, but I am clueless about Disney as it has been 12 years or more since our last visit.

I don't mind spending money on a meal if the good is great, but loathe to spend money if the food is mediocre being passed off as fine dining. No character meals, but a cool atmosphere/view would be great. The only character meal I want to do is at BOG, since I am a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast.

Also, we love to relax at bars if you all have any good suggestions for that type of thing. We will be doing quite a bit of the Food and Wine Featsival as we love Epcot and will be staying at BWV on rented points.

Any suggestions are much appreciated! Looking forward to spending sometime here eating and drinking with my hubby - 22 years ago we celebrated our honeymoon here and had no clue. Hoping to do it better this time. Thanks!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The only character meal I want to do is at BOG, since I am a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast.

BOG is not a character meal. Important to realize this. Beast is only at dinner, and is mostly in his study. You can go to see him then, but it's not a traditional character meal where the characters visit tables. Beast is NOT present at breakfast or lunch.

 

[disBEAST]

F&W is a good time to experience some of the nicer restaurants at Disney. Many of them will be running special meals that you can sign up for so keep an eye out. Some of my favourites are the meals at Monsieur Paul in France, Spice Road Table in Morocco, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Italy, and the Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico. These are great places to eat on their own and they do special events for F&W which are a lot of fun and educational too.

If you want a break from F&W I would walk over to the Swan and relax at the Bluezoo lounge. They have a fantastic bar and knowledgeable bar staff, as well as a nice small bites menu.

California Grill has the view of the MK, and if you don't want to make a reservation to dine in the restaurant there you can always take advantage of the lounge/bar area. You can have a full meal there and still view the fireworks from the balcony.

Trader Sam's at the Poly is my favourite bar, but there can be a wait to get in if you don't arrive at 3:40 or so. If you go closer to closing time you likely won't wait either. Order one of the specialty tiki cocktails and enjoy the show.

Narcoosee's at GF has another great fireworks view and is a great stop for seafood. They also have brunch here and at Cali Grill for a new experience. We have one booked in April so haven't checked that out yet.

If you make it to Disney Springs there's a ton of new dining and drinking options there. Boathouse has a fantastic bar on a pier with a great view, just walk through the restaurant all the way to the boat docks and there it is. Haven't had a chance to try Morimoto Asia or Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar but will do so on my next trip.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

BOG is not a character meal. Important to realize this. Beast is only at dinner, and is mostly in his study. You can go to see him then, but it's not a traditional character meal where the characters visit tables. Beast is NOT present at breakfast or lunch.

Thank you. I really just want to eat there, especially the West Wing. Can you make a room request? I am beyond excited to eat in this castle! Not for the food or the Beast, but just because it is the castle from Beauty and the Beast and I am a nerd. Lol

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

F&W is a good time to experience some of the nicer restaurants at Disney. Many of them will be running special meals that you can sign up for so keep an eye out. Some of my favourites are the meals at Monsieur Paul in France, Spice Road Table in Morocco, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Italy, and the Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico. These are great places to eat on their own and they do special events for F&W which are a lot of fun and educational too.

If you want a break from F&W I would walk over to the Swan and relax at the Bluezoo lounge. They have a fantastic bar and knowledgeable bar staff, as well as a nice small bites menu.

California Grill has the view of the MK, and if you don't want to make a reservation to dine in the restaurant there you can always take advantage of the lounge/bar area. You can have a full meal there and still view the fireworks from the balcony.

Trader Sam's at the Poly is my favourite bar, but there can be a wait to get in if you don't arrive at 3:40 or so. If you go closer to closing time you likely won't wait either. Order one of the specialty tiki cocktails and enjoy the show.

Narcoosee's at GF has another great fireworks view and is a great stop for seafood. They also have brunch here and at Cali Grill for a new experience. We have one booked in April so haven't checked that out yet.

If you make it to Disney Springs there's a ton of new dining and drinking options there. Boathouse has a fantastic bar on a pier with a great view, just walk through the restaurant all the way to the boat docks and there it is. Haven't had a chance to try Morimoto Asia or Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar but will do so on my next trip.

Oh my gosh! Thank you for taking the time to respond so thoroughly. I will be spending today looking into your recommendations. Is it necessary to make ADR's for most places still? Including Disney Springs?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Thank you. I really just want to eat there, especially the West Wing. Can you make a room request? I am beyond excited to eat in this castle! Not for the food or the Beast, but just because it is the castle from Beauty and the Beast and I am a nerd. Lol

If you eat breakfast or lunch, you can choose your seats based on availability, because it's Quick Service (with a reservation). For dinner, you can request, but they may not accommodate.

 

[cushdisney]

My boyfriend and I are annual passholders and our favorite part of every trip is trying somewhere new to eat.

I agree with DisBeast about looking into the special events during F&W Festival. We did the Italian Regional Lunch at Tutto Gusto and it was absolutely fantastic. We also did the Parisian Breakfast that we enjoyed very much, even though a bit crowded. The value for the bottomless mimosas made it worth it alone.

Some of our favorite restaurants include:

The Boathouse - again pricey, but delicious. We prefer sitting outside or in the bar area and ordering an app or two and drinks. The waitstaff here is hands down the best on property.

Morimoto Asia - just recently visited there for the first time since it is still relatively new. We split a few small plates and got drinks and look forward to returning for a full meal.

Raglan Road - great atmosphere if you like Irish pub style places (which I do), and the food is very good. I love going later at night and sitting in the outdoor seating when they have the live music out there.

The California Grill at the Contemporary - pricey because it is a signature but everything I've ever had there has always been very good. Be sure to make a reservation for a time around the MK fireworks so you can go out on the balcony and watch them.

Jiko and Sanaa - Jiko in the main lodge is incredible, but Sanaa shouldn't be overlooked. I could go to Sanaa every trip just for the bread service... it's that good.

In Epcot a few of our favorites are La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico), Le Cellier (Canada), and Tutto Gusto (Italy). Tutto Gusto is a fav of ours and we have returned time and time again for the meats, cheeses, and wine.

Pubs/Lounges:

The Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge has a nice relaxing atmosphere that we've always enjoyed getting drinks at while unwinding. Trader Sam's at the Polynesian is a blast - definitely get at least one specialty drink, also Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian can be busy, but the Lapu Lapu always puts me in vacation mode. Victoria Springs at Animal Kingdom Lodge is great, but can be a bit out of the way depending on where you are staying. If you're looking for a fun show while enjoying some drinks try River Roosts Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside and then take a nice boat ride down to Disney Springs to continue the evening.

We really enjoy going to Disney Springs and roaming around later in the evening and stopping in at a few different places for a drink and app - Also, if you're looking for a late night snack Bongo's cuban sandwich and Cooke's garlic parm fries are favorites of ours.

 

[LSLS]

For restaurants, near your hotel is the Yacht Club which has the Yachtsman Steakhouse. There are several good options at the Swan and Dolphin as well (Blue Zoo, Shulas, etc.). If you really want to go all out, Victoria and Alberts is as good as you will find. I went to Morimoto for lunch a month ago and I thought it was amazing. Also hear great things about the Boathouse. Last restaurant I'll mention is the Wave. Food has always been great there. I'm in the minority, but I thought California Grill falls right into what your talking about (I thought it was mediocre food at exorbitant prices). That said, it's an incredible place to go and relax with drinks and view the castle (so I would stick it in your bar category). Trader Sams is a great bar. Around you, I'll go back to the Beach and Yacht and say that Crews Cup Lounge is a nice chill bar with some good snacks.

This all said, F&W will give you all you can handle as well.

 

[anniebean]

Citricos, and Artist Point are nice.

 

[cluvsdisney]

DH & I stay in the BWV on most trips and love having a nightcap in the Belle Vue Lounge - it's on the Inn side of the BW. We try to get a table on the balcony, unwind and people watch.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well--if you like bars do you like eating at the bar??

It's what we always do and here's where:

Blue Zoo
Shulas
Flying Fish
Citricos
Narcoosee's
California grill
Jiko
Fultons
Il Mulino

All are top notch places and all serve a full meal at the bar.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

Well--if you like bars do you like eating at the bar??

It's what we always do and here's where:

Blue Zoo
Shulas
Flying Fish
Citricos
Narcoosee's
California grill
Jiko
Fultons
Il Mulino

All are top notch places and all serve a full meal at the bar.

Yes we very much like to eat at the bar. Thanks for the suggestions. Do find you are able to walk up to most bars and sit with little to no wait? We are going October 23-28 if that matters. I really hate to make ADR's and much prefer to decide last minute between a few options. But when we did Disney years ago we were planned to the minute of the trip because we had little ones and grandparents. I don't want this trip to be stressful, I don't mind making a few reservations for must do places, but want to be easy going for the most part.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

DH & I stay in the BWV on most trips and love having a nightcap in the Belle Vue Lounge - it's on the Inn side of the BW. We try to get a table on the balcony, unwind and people watch.

Thanks that sounds relaxing - and close!

 

[Hopefully]

Well--if you like bars do you like eating at the bar??

It's what we always do and here's where:

Blue Zoo
Shulas
Flying Fish
Citricos
Narcoosee's
California grill
Jiko
Fultons
Il Mulino

All are top notch places and all serve a full meal at the bar.

I believe this is the list of the best!!! WDW restaurants, for the most part, don't have great food. I would add Artist Point at the WL. In my opinion, Ca Grill is filled with families because of the fireworks view. It is very noisy and borders on chaotic.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

For restaurants, near your hotel is the Yacht Club which has the Yachtsman Steakhouse. There are several good options at the Swan and Dolphin as well (Blue Zoo, Shulas, etc.). If you really want to go all out, Victoria and Alberts is as good as you will find. I went to Morimoto for lunch a month ago and I thought it was amazing. Also hear great things about the Boathouse. Last restaurant I'll mention is the Wave. Food has always been great there. I'm in the minority, but I thought California Grill falls right into what your talking about (I thought it was mediocre food at exorbitant prices). That said, it's an incredible place to go and relax with drinks and view the castle (so I would stick it in your bar category). Trader Sams is a great bar. Around you, I'll go back to the Beach and Yacht and say that Crews Cup Lounge is a nice chill bar with some good snacks.

This all said, F&W will give you all you can handle as well.

Thank you. I was wondering about California a Grill so that is helpful. I will check out your other suggestions.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

My boyfriend and I are annual passholders and our favorite part of every trip is trying somewhere new to eat.

I agree with DisBeast about looking into the special events during F&W Festival. We did the Italian Regional Lunch at Tutto Gusto and it was absolutely fantastic. We also did the Parisian Breakfast that we enjoyed very much, even though a bit crowded. The value for the bottomless mimosas made it worth it alone.

Some of our favorite restaurants include:

The Boathouse - again pricey, but delicious. We prefer sitting outside or in the bar area and ordering an app or two and drinks. The waitstaff here is hands down the best on property.

Morimoto Asia - just recently visited there for the first time since it is still relatively new. We split a few small plates and got drinks and look forward to returning for a full meal.

Raglan Road - great atmosphere if you like Irish pub style places (which I do), and the food is very good. I love going later at night and sitting in the outdoor seating when they have the live music out there.

The California Grill at the Contemporary - pricey because it is a signature but everything I've ever had there has always been very good. Be sure to make a reservation for a time around the MK fireworks so you can go out on the balcony and watch them.

Jiko and Sanaa - Jiko in the main lodge is incredible, but Sanaa shouldn't be overlooked. I could go to Sanaa every trip just for the bread service... it's that good.

In Epcot a few of our favorites are La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico), Le Cellier (Canada), and Tutto Gusto (Italy). Tutto Gusto is a fav of ours and we have returned time and time again for the meats, cheeses, and wine.

Pubs/Lounges:

The Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge has a nice relaxing atmosphere that we've always enjoyed getting drinks at while unwinding. Trader Sam's at the Polynesian is a blast - definitely get at least one specialty drink, also Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian can be busy, but the Lapu Lapu always puts me in vacation mode. Victoria Springs at Animal Kingdom Lodge is great, but can be a bit out of the way depending on where you are staying. If you're looking for a fun show while enjoying some drinks try River Roosts Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside and then take a nice boat ride down to Disney Springs to continue the evening.

We really enjoy going to Disney Springs and roaming around later in the evening and stopping in at a few different places for a drink and app - Also, if you're looking for a late night snack Bongo's cuban sandwich and Cooke's garlic parm fries are favorites of ours.

Wow, thanks for all these suggestion, they are great. I have some research to do! Do you find you can walk up to most bars and sit with little to no wait? Our dates are October 23-28.

 

[Lisa F]

I believe this is the list of the best!!! WDW restaurants, for the most part, don't have great food. I would add Artist Point at the WL. In my opinion, Ca Grill is filled with families because of the fireworks view. It is very noisy and borders on chaotic.

Agree. I take my son to CA Grill because it is not quiet and reserved. also for the rice krispie sushi and view

 

[Lisa F]

Thank you. I was wondering about California a Grill so that is helpful. I will check out your other suggestions.

It's a great place, just not quiet and there are lots of families there. Before I had kids I never much cared about that, the kids seem to be well behaved for the most part.

 

[disBEAST]

If you go sit at the lounge/bar it is first come first served and you usually won't be waiting long. Most people seem to prefer ADRs and a table which allows bar eaters to be very spontaneous. If you want to do the special F&W lunches/dinners you will have to reserve those in advance as they will book up. Otherwise go with the flow, most signature restaurants have lounges where you can pop in for a bite and a cocktail.

 

[LSLS]

Well--if you like bars do you like eating at the bar??

It's what we always do and here's where:

Blue Zoo
Shulas
Flying Fish
Citricos
Narcoosee's
California grill
Jiko
Fultons
Il Mulino

All are top notch places and all serve a full meal at the bar.

FYI Flying Fish and Fultons are both closed well into November for major overhauls, so I wouldn't plan on those two. The rest are really good (aside from Cal Grill in my opinion, and once again take it for what it's worth cause everyone else seems to love it).