Rethinking Kouzzina - need help

[diswiththree]

We are staying at BC at the beginning of August. We have an ADR at Kouzzina at 6:30pm the day we arrive. We thought it would be convenient so we could hang out at the boardwalk before and after.

We stayed at BC last year and had an ADR at Spoodles the first night for the same reason. Unfortunately, we were one of those that got canceled when Spoodles closed. Lucky for us, we were able to score a Le Cellier ADR because we were left without a place to eat....arranged by WDW....they were wonderfully helpful! Lucky us! Anyhow, we thought we'd try this new restaurant that caused a ruckus for us last year.

It will be me, dd13, ds10, ds6, Nana and Papa. We like greek food. dd13 and dd10 are fairly adventurous food-wise. dd6, not so much. I looked at the menu online and I'm questioning my decision. It doesn't even sound that appealing to me and I like Greek food (breakfast looks fantastic - will definitely be doing that!). And the online reviews are iffy.

Sooooo, my question is....what other restaurant would you recommend? We already have ADRs at Le Cellier(d), Crystal Palace(bf), Coral Reef(d),
The Wave(d), Kona(bf), Boma(d), Tusker House(bf), Cape May Cafe(d), Ohana(d), and Garden Grill(d).

I hear great things about Flying Fish, but 2 TS credits. Though not out of the question. I've also heard great things about Bluezoo but not on DDP. Again, not out of the question. We do like seafood.

TIA for your feedback

 

[TDC Nala]

If you're determined to skip Kouzzina (I'm one of the people who liked Kouzzina), in the same area you could try Captain's Grille at Yacht Club, or Big River Grill at Boardwalk. ESPN is there too, they don't take reservations at all and it's typical American burger/sandwich/chicken strips kind of food. Beaches & Cream is on the dining plan but the food is not all that expensive - many DDP users prefer to save dining credits for a better value restaurant.

 

[splashmountainjaxson]

I think Kouzzina has great food, for both, breakfast & dinner. So, if you are considering against, based on food reviews, my opinion is -- keep the ressies --- they really do a nice job on the menu. I think they have one of the more creative & inventive menus from a Disney dining experience.

 

[tigger_ttfn]

We tried it in December and loved it. We are adventurous diners, but had never had Greek food. I had the cinnamon-stewed chicken and DH had the whole fish (and he isn't a huge seafood eater). The fish was amazing! The chicken was very good also.

It's definitely worth a try!

 

[LoveKermit]

We aren't generally picky, but we didn't love it. But we really loved Spoodles. It might help that you won't be comparing it to that.

Not on the dining plan, but you could check out the Swan and Dolphin as well. But if it's what you really want to do, stick with it. It's nice to just settle in on that first night.

 

[francie57]

We really enjoyed Kouzzina when we ate there last Aug. We are returning again in Aug. My DS and DD are pickey eaters and they loved the dinners they had (whole fish and lasagna). We were huge fans of Spoodles and weren't sure what to expect and we were definitely happy. It up to you what you want to do but don't let negative reviews make you change your mind. As others have posted on here, you usually will hear more from the negative side than the positive side for everything.

 

[diswiththree]

Great feedback!! I really appreciate it! The menu seems heavy on the ouzu and fennel, which I know are Greek flavors. I just can't stand anything black licorice Is there enough variety without it?

And do they have a kids menu? What do they offer?

Thanks. I know this seems sillly but I'd like our first meal to get us off on a great start to a wonderful trip!!!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

We ate at Kouzzina's in May and thought that the food was good. My 9 yo son didn't order off the kid's menu. He had the Pastitsio (beef lasagna greek style) and we thought it was great. It is a large portion. My husband is vegetarian and he had the Spiced Briami, which was delicious. I had the steak, which was great with the herb salsa (very garlicky), but I didn't enjoy the potatoes.

I don't worry too much about reviews...every restaurant will have good and bad reviews. If the menu looks good to you, then stick with it.

 

[Mamu]

Another vote for Kouzzina.

 

[Minnie824]

I would say give it a try. We haven't tried it yet but plan to in July for the first time. DH is greek and we all love greek food. My DD8 LOVES pasticio and will have to order off the adult menu, but they do have a basic kids menu also...check the menus on allears.net.

 

[DisCopper]

I've eaten at Kouzzina and my entire group loved it. It's now on the list of places that we'll return to for every visit.

For Disney restaurants, I pay absolutely no attention to online reviews. They're pretty worthless to me. For every single restaurant at Disney, you can find people on the Boards who love it, and people who hate it (for a variety of reasons). Some quick examples of this: Le Cellier has people who rave about it, and others who just don't get it (I love it). Many people love Flying Fish, but I found it to be some of the worst "fine dining" at Disney. Poor service, terrible atmosphere, and uninteresting food.

If you think it's something you'll like, go for it. If, by looking at the menu, you're not excited, then try something else.

 

[Kailua's Belle]

Another vote for Kouzzina. We just got back from staying at the BoardWalk. My DH heard someone talking about the lamb shank and really wanted to try it. We didn't have an ADR but were able to get seated right away. He really enjoyed the lamb. I had the cinammon stewed chicken. It was delicious. I can be kind of a picky eater and I loved it! DD and her friends all got the flank steak and said it was very good. My two young ones ordered off the kids menu. Order the sun kissed cocktail. Very yummy and refreshing! Our waitress was great and had lots of recommendations. Oh, and the chocolate budino cake was fabulous!

 

[DanG07]

We are a Greek family that really enjoyed Kouzzina. However, it is not what would be considered a traditional Greek restaurant as those found in the Greektowns of major cities, like Chicago, NYC or Detroit. Cat Cora's restaurant has alot of Greek-inspired dishes, but they are unique to her style which is has alot of influences from her Louisiana roots. I especially liked the fisherman's stew. My wife enjoyed the lamb entree. I say do not cancel the reservation and check it out for yourself. As a pp stated, take dining reviews with a grain of salt. Every restaurant at WDW has gotten slammed on some reviews on these boards, even the top-notch places like V&A.