Shula's? - Worth it?

[Laurafoster]

I have made a reservation for Shulas for me and my parents - as a thank you for all the work (and money) they have put into our wedding.

Can anyone tell me what its like? I got mixed reviews over on the Restaurants board - just wondered if any UK people have actually ate there?

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

We prefer Lone Star steak House next door

 

[homerdog]

I was a little disappointed, it lacked atmosphere (we were in an 'ante-room' off of the main seating area) and was very expensive - there are other steak restaurants that are just as good, but cheaper IMO.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Have been to Shula's at the Dolphin (assume that is the one you are talking about) and the one at Naples.

The food is very good is you like steaks. They show you the different cuts of meat (raw) and you choose what you would like. They some fish/seafood as well, but you basically go there for the steaks.

To be honest I found the atmosphere in Shula's in the Dolphin a bit dark and repressed... partly decor, partly because the diners were all very quiet/hushed (some people prefer that though ). It is certainly a very "adult" atmosphere, partly because the service seemed a little proper/stiff (not as relaxed and friendly as I would prefer). The Shula's in Naples seemed more relaxed - maybe more vacationers, less conventioneers?

BUT the food is great and no complaints about the service (everything correct and in a timely - yet definitely not "rushed" - manner).

May go back there again (husband just loves BIG steaks....), but also considering Ruth's Chris (http://www.ruthschris.com/) - which I have heard good things about - and will look into Obi's suggestion too.

Boo

 

[Laurafoster]

Sorry yes i meant the one in the Dolphin! We were looking for a steak restaurant - but i love seafood aswell.

We dont have a car and wanted one near by - we are staying at the Yacht Club. I did look at Le Cellier but we ate there in May and had an awful meal. The only other option in the area is the Yachtsman steakhouse but lots of people have told me this is no better?

 

[Boo Boo Too]

It is difficult.... Shula's IS expensive.

You are talking $30/$40+ (more for lobster) for the steak/fish (i.e. excluding any side orders). For a side order, you are paying about $10 (although the side orders are HUGE - espcially the backed potatoes or the "skins").

I would say that for 4 people, you are looking at a $300 meal EXCLUDING drinks (maybe a bit less if you split appetisers and desserts... the steaks are HUGE, so it can be a struggle to make dessert... ). Well $360 if you add 20% service charge/tip. Maybe $450 by the time you have added a couple of descent bottles of wine and some water.

For that sort of money, you are looking for everything to be right. I honestly think that the food and service was good, just the atmosphere wasn't exactly fun for 2.3/3 hours (long, leisurely meal...).

Don't write things off completely for being off site - you could always get a taxi?

Boo

 

[Boo Boo Too]

I was a little disappointed, it lacked atmosphere (we were in an 'ante-room' off of the main seating area).

I think that we must have been in an "ante-room" too. The restaurant was very quiet, so there must have been a reason why they were using the ante-rooms - maybe generally people prefer them because they are more private/quieter?

I don't know - I prefer a little atmosphere and to "people watch"

Boo

 

[UKDEB]

There is no disputing the quality of Shula's - it really is top notch. It is very expensive, but then we did order two bottles of wine at over $100 each and we had a seafood starter which included 'market price' (read licence to charge what the hell they like) lobster.

I agree that it's a bit stuffy. Actually, a lot stuffy. That wouldn't necessarily stop me from returning, though. If you're looking for something very special and don't mind paying, I would give it a whirl. If you (or your parents) are likely to have your meal spoilt by what could be described as a slightly intimidating atmosphere, then I'd reconsider. Have you thought about bluezoo? It's primarily seafood, but they also have some good meat options.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

I agree that it's a bit stuffy. Actually, a lot stuffy. That wouldn't necessarily stop me from returning, though. If you're looking for something very special and don't mind paying, I would give it a whirl. If you (or your parents) are likely to have your meal spoilt by what could be described as a slightly intimidating atmosphere, then I'd reconsider.

That's a really good way of putting it

 

[Laurafoster]

Interesting - im not so bothered by cost as i am prepared to pay for good quality food - theres a restaurant near here that we went to and payed £92 for a lunch for 2 lol.

However i do prefer a bit more lively atmosphere - so i booked Blue Zoo for another night LOL! ive kept the ressie, i'll have a think!

Thansk for the advice though!

 

[homerdog]

If you really want to push the boat out, you could always go Victoria & Albert's, it is truly superb - don't just take my word for it, a well known review site says:

Ecstatic epicures “feel like well-fed royalty” at this formal American (jacket required) in the Magic Kingdom, where a gaslight-era “night of delights” includes a “maid-and-butler” duo who “anticipate every need”, an “exquisite” six-course meal you can “embellish” with picks from the 700-label wine list, and sometimes even a harpist; fans rave it’s “worth the six-month wait” to sit at Scott Hunnel’s chef’s table for a personalized “plethora of delicacies”; though to a few the whole experience seems “slightly contrived”, by consensus it’s “the best splurge in Orlando.”

Alternatively, The Flying Fish Cafe at the Boardwalk is also very good, so you're spoilt for choice really

 

[WDWfan uk]

Laura I find Shulas to be "a bit dark and repressed" as Boo does, both in decor and in atmosphere.

I would suggest Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge for a special dinner - check out an up to date menu plus photo and description right here :-
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=15

For steak, a restaurant people often overlook is the Concourse Steakhouse at the Contemporary - some friends have eaten there recently and thought the steak was good.

Menu here, scroll down underneath breakfast for lunch and dinner menus :-
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=56

 

[Viki]

Flying Fish on the BW has one of the best steaks on property and does seafood beautifully!

 

[LauraLea]

If you want steak, how about Yatchmans's Steakhouse? Very good and if you are using DDE, you can use it here.

Laura