Signature Dining Recommendations

[Ross Kratter]

It's because the menu is so limited right now. Normally, their menu is very large & diverse with appetizers, wood burning oven pizzas, sushi, and entrees. Our favorite appetizer, the goat cheese ravioli, is missing from the menu at this time. And they had a lavender donut dessert that was outstanding. Hopefully menu items start to return because we have loved every meal we have eaten there.

Their menu also changes on a pretty regular basis.

 

[shoegal9]

Their menu also changes on a pretty regular basis.

Yes, the entrees do. But that goat cheese ravioli app is always on the menu. There are definitely a few items we have had many times over the past 5 years or so that are always on the menu that they don't have right now. We were sad- but still plan to go in September.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Yes, the entrees do. But that goat cheese ravioli app is always on the menu. There are definitely a few items we have had many times over the past 5 years or so that are always on the menu that they don't have right now. We were sad- but still plan to go in September.

Hopefully it will be back by then. I’ve had that dish and it’s delicious. Some restaurants are offering specials that aren’t on the listed menu now, too. I had an amazing tomahawk veal at Topolino’s Terrace a few weeks ago which was a special that night.

 

[gharter]

Our favorites:
California Grill, have not had a bad meal there and the view is amazing.
Jiko if you like African inspired food (currently not open, no opening date listed)
Flying Fish

 

[SmartyBacon]

I will always recommend Wine Bar George for any occasion! Might go today, actually.

 

[shoegal9]

Hopefully it will be back by then. I’ve had that dish and it’s delicious. Some restaurants are offering specials that aren’t on the listed menu now, too. I had an amazing tomahawk veal at Topolino’s Terrace a few weeks ago which was a special that night.

Good to know! We were there last weekend but for table service only went to Kona and Brown Derby. They only had what was on the online menu. We are planning for Topolino's for our anniversary on September 12th! Excited to try it for sure.

 

[armerida]

All on this thread minus Narcossee's and Flying Fish.

Both of those restaurants actually have amazing steak entrees...I don’t eat seafood but visit Narcossee’s every trip for their grass fed filet

 

[Fantasia79]

Both of those restaurants actually have amazing steak entrees...I don’t eat seafood but visit Narcossee’s every trip for their grass fed filet

OH, totally! Only in context of there are other places that don't specialize in seafood.

 

[Dean Marino]

So true SIG dining....

As many WDW owned SIGS are effectively out of business....

1) OPEN TABLE - several good places at DS.
2) OPEN TABLE - Swan-Dolphin, including Shula's, IlMulino.
3) OPEN TABLE - Bull&Bear, Waldorf.

My point: One does not HAVE to "settle" with WDW owned Restaurants. We love them - when they are actually in business.

 

[gatour]

Several people mentioned Citrico's. Even before covid it was scheduled to permanently close and the space turned into a different restaurant concept. Now with the financial challenges and projects being postponed/cancelled or scaled back no telling what will happen with Citrico's.

To the original OP. Since it is her birthday, I think you should let us know her like's or dislikes. Allows us to give suggestions that would appeal to her.

 

[The Expert]

Curious what's so special about Cali Grill that it's on everyone's recommended list? I have a reservation for next month but the menu isn't thrilling me - is the food really outstanding, or is there something more special about the service/atmosphere than other places on property?

I'll offer a dissenting opinion. My husband and I are big foodies and love eating out, especially when traveling. We will try just about anything but also enjoy simple, fresh, good food. Sadly, our experiences at CG have been hit or miss. We've been there when the food was good (not great) and we've been there when it was phenomenal. We've had fantastic service and we've had rushed, disinterested service. We've had one lovely, romantic dinner where we could actually enjoy the view and atmosphere (we were seated in one of the smaller side rooms), but mostly it's been overcrowded and noisy. Especially since the dining plan was introduced, it's often treated as a mess hall by families who clamber in straight from the parks. I get it, it's Disney and there will be kids and people underdressed, fine. But it's sad to me that a place like this isn't given the respect it deserves. It would be nice if more people would take a minute to appreciate what they're offering and act accordingly. : gets off high horse :

We did go this last trip a few weeks ago as we thought, with social distancing, perhaps the latter problem would be resolved, and it was better, but with the limited menu we were underwhelmed by our meal. We've decided it'll be a while before we go back as it's just too inconsistent for us.

Our usual go-to favorites are bluezoo, Flying Fish, Jiko, Wine Bar George, Citrico's and Capa at the Four Seasons. (The wagyu at Capa is the best I've ever had in my life!)