Romantic but not too stuffy?!

[topsy]

Can anyone help?

I'm looking for some "must have" restaurants which I can take my boyfriend to when he visits next year.

He's never done Disney before and isn't keen on the whole character thing (but I've sneakily planned a breakfast at Chef Mickey's!!), so I would like to take him to some nice, unique Disney restaurants, to show him how great they are.

So far on my list I have:

The Rose and Crown (because that's where I'll be working!)
Beaches N Cream (to try the Kitchen Sink...yum)
Chef Mickey's
Jiko @ Animal Kingdom Lodge (is this the best AKL restaurant?)

Does anyone have any tips/suggestions? Like I said, I'd like a couple of special/romantic restaurants but nothing too quiet/uptight if you get what I mean?!

Any help would be really appreciated!

 

[DISNEY1975]

The Spirit of Aloha is very romantic...tropical gardens, lit bamboo torches, next to the beach.

Its 50 something dollars, but includes meal, show, gratuity, softdrinks, beer and wine.

 

[santa's surpriz]

What about San Angel? (Mexico, Epcot) It is pretty romantic under the stars? Others may give mixed reviews about the food, but I have always loved the food.

 

[magik]

I recently posted this on another thread, but I think SciFi Dine-In can definitely be romantic in a fun, movie theater date kind of way (PG - rated of course). Not stuffy for sure.

 

[GF Girl]

I would try Narcossee's or Citricos

 

[snowbunny]

Flying Fish (on the boardwalk) - bustling, upscale but fun atmosphere, wonderful food. And walking on the boardwalk after is very nice

 

[Pakey]

I also think that Sci Fi can be fun and romantic. However, as a party of two, you would more than likely be a "hitchhiker" sitting in the back row of a 3 bench car behind 4 strangers. Not sure how you would feel about that.

I think Ca Grill offers some Disney magic with the incredible skyline views of MK with some good food but not stuffy presentation. It can be noisy here but the views help take the sting out of the noise!

And definitely stick with the plan for Jiko. The most adult oriented restaurant offered on the dining plan, it's usually pretty quiet and the lighting is low and intimate.

 

[Claire L]

Yachtsman Steakhouse is nice for a meal with just the two of you, plus a pre dinner drink in the Crew's Cup Lounge is a good way to start the evening.

Claire

 

[jblrn2b]

I agree with Pakey about California Grill - very romantic with a comfy atmosphere and wonderful view.

We love Kona at the Poly also.

Chef Mickey's is a fun choice - you'll see most of us become kids at WDW.

 

[maraki527]

We went to CRT for our anniversary, Portebellos in DTD, or Le Cellier are all quiet rest.

 

[onelilspark]

Love Jiko. Favorite restaurant in all of WDW.

I'd also look at GFC for breakfast (like brunch time) and Kona. Also, Fulton's at DTD if you're not on the DDP

 

[alan_renfroe]

I agree with Pakey about California Grill - very romantic with a comfy atmosphere and wonderful view.

We love Kona at the Poly also.

Chef Mickey's is a fun choice - you'll see most of us become kids at WDW.

I totally agree! California Grill is one of the best experiences WDW has to offer IMHO. We also loved dinner at Kona.

Someone else mentioned Narcoossee's. It is a great date place, but very pricey.

 

[Clotho]

We felt Narcoossees was the best meal, romantic atmosphere and view, yet wasn't at all stuffy.

Cali Grill felt more formal. Food was a little disappointing, but the view is fab.

 

[TigerKat]

JIKO is an excellent choice. I'd also recommend Narcoossee's & Cali Grill.

 

[scrump]

Another vote for Sci Fi. I love the atmosphere, it's dark and date-like and very un-stuffy. I took my DH here because I wanted a romantic, but fun vibe.

I also took him to Coral Reef, my other favorite for a romantic ambience. The tank is just very cool and all the blues and greens are very soothing. It's just very uniquely Disney, in my mind.

 

[irisira]

I second the recommendations for Cali Grill and Flying Fish. The Yachtsman is also delicious, but could be kinda stuffy, depending on your definition.

I'll add Brown Derby to this list as well.

Jiko is amazing. You will LOVE it. I'm bummed we're not doing it on our trip this year.

 

[dnlsmith]

We felt Narcoossees was the best meal, romantic atmosphere and view, yet wasn't at all stuffy.

Cali Grill felt more formal. Food was a little disappointing, but the view is fab.

I have to agree with narcoosee's it was my husband and my favorite, the food was REALLY delicious.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Jiko or California Grill.

IMHO Jiko has much better service but the view from CA Grill is wonderful!

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

DH and I had our anniversary dinner at Narcoosee's and had a lovely water view, but I would consider it stuffy.

We did Jiko for our anniversary dinner last year and loved it. Casual, great wine list, best filet on property -- we also dropped DD off at Simba's Cubhouse and she had a BLAST. We had a hard time dragging her away!