Signature Dining Suggestions

[3smithboys]

DH just asked if I would like to try a signature restaurant while on our trip. We liked the look of the Boathouse menu.... can anyone tell me how the Boathouse was when they went.

I'm also open to other suggestions! Thanks!

 

[Twende]

We recently had a very poor meal at Boathouse. The place is very noisy so do not plan on conversation. Outside may have been better. Our meal was poorly served and very over priced for what we received. The bathrooms were beyond dirty and disgusting. We will not return for a meal there.

I would pick Narcoossee's, California Grill, or Jiko over Boathouse any day!

 

[supersnoop]

I can't speak specifically about the boathouse, but I do enjoy just about every resort signature restaurant. Artist Point is my favorite, but Jike, Flying Fish, and Narccoossee's are all close behind.

 

[Accident]

I wasn't thrilled with the boathouse last trip.. Some stuff was the best I ever had but it was paired with some of the worst food I ever had.. I might be a light sit at the bar lunch in the future but would not take the time for a big expensive dinner.

Flying fish is amazing (although they are about to close for a revamp including redoing the menu, I hope they don't kill it). I've never tried it but many say their favorite place to eat is California Grill, and if timed well you can watch the fireworks at MK at the same time from on top of the contemporary. Brown derby in my opinion might be the best restaurant and is the primary reason we still go to hollywood studios. I haven't been to too many of the other signatures.. we try a new one each trip..

I am really looking forward to trying morimotos and the edison when it opens. So many new places starting to appear and some revamps. It's a rather exciting food time at WDW and doesnt' appear to be slowing.

 

[Travis B]

Of those I've tried, California Grill is my favorite signature so far.

 

[Neesy228]

I vote for Artists Point or Narcoossee's. Either are fantastic. You also wouldn't have to twist my arm too hard to talk me into Cali Grill or Jiko.

Have a great trip!

 

[Nancyg56]

My family really enjoys Narcoossees, Flying Fish, Yachtsman Steakhouse. We have not dined at CG since the menu change, but I am told that the Sushi there is amazing.

 

[goofy4prez]

I can't speak for Boathouse since we haven't dined there yet; we will be there this June for the first time. Below are my favorite signatures in order.

1. Narcoossee's: This place is our arrival day tradition. We have always had excellent service, excellent food and the Almond Crusted Cheesecake is the finest dessert in all of WDW... The view of the Electric Water Pageant and Wishes is also excellent.
2. Jiko: It's a bit difficult to get to and from, but well worth it. The resort is awesome to see. The service has always been impeccable, the food excellent and the decor wonderful as well. If you are looking for a nice quiet place this must be high on the list.
3. Artist Point: Another spectacular looking resort and easy to get to. The restaurant is one of the quietest. The decor is relaxed more than expected but still very nice. The service has always been top notch and the Cedar Plank Salmon is outstanding. If you go the end of May- beginning of June Copper River Salmon is in season and just unbelievable. I will be having that myself in June.
4. Flying Fish: The decor of the restaurant is fun yet incredible too see. Service is excellent. My favorite dish is the potato wrapped red snapper... The second best dessert (behind Narcoossee's almond crusted cheesecake) in WDW is the Caramelized Banana Napoleon. Unfortunately Flying Fish will be closed most of the year in 2016 and opening sometime in November.
5. Yachtsman Steakhouse: Very good service and the steaks have always been prepared to perfection for us. This one squeaks into my top 5.

I would have liked to put California Grill in the top 5, but since the remodel I have been there three times and all three times it has not lived up to the lofty expectations I have for this place. The service has not been that great. I really don't like the community seating with backs turned from the window; and it has been extremely loud each visit. The food has been good, but not great. The dessert menu in my opinion is something that is underwhelming for a signature restaurant. However, the sushi is still excellent and the views of Wishes is outstanding. In spite of all the things I have been less than enthusiastic about I must be a bit sadistic... or the eternal optimist... or both, but I will be returning this June with a party of 8 for the California Grill. I so much want to love this place and move it into my top 5.

*** I left off any of the restaurants that are not on the DDP like Shula's and Blue Zoo, which both are excellent***

 

[OKW Lover]

We've dined at the Boathouse and enjoyed it. There were some hits and misses on the food/service but overall it was good. However, no way is this a "signature" dining experience.

 

[3smithboys]

Thanks everyone! We are now leaning towards Narcoossee since the Boathouse has not been well reviewed. This will be our 1st adult only trip and our 1st signature dining experience, so I want to choose as carefully as possible. DH and I like steaks, chops, and seafood but are not huge fish fans.

One other question, we are going at the end of June... What would be the best time to try to get an adr if we want to see Wishes? It's at 10pm.

 

[Twende]

We have found our Narcoossee's dinner often lasts 2 or more hours so I would set a 7:45 PM dinner and then take your time and relax with each course. If you are fast eaters then go for an 8:45 PM.

 

[kastoney]

We haven't eaten at the boathouse, but I'm not too enamored with their menu or reviews. If it is seafood that interests you I would try either Flying Fish or Narcoossee's. Both are excellent and have amazing seafood. If you're up for something more adventurous, Jiko is our absolute favorite signature restaurant. Not only does AKL offer an amazing setting, but the food is delicious and truly unique.

 

[cleopenn]

We made our first trip,to WDW earlier this month. We are foodies and enjoy dining. Evening meals at signature restaurants were a priority for us.


We really liked Jiko but the menu was specific. So if you prefer a more standard type of menu, think twice about Jiko or really do your research.

We loved Nacooseee's all the way around. The restaurant is visually lovely. The menu is broad and well thought out. We had a great server who know her way around the wine list. Overall, a very nice meal and we would go back again.

 

[dancemonkey]

If your a more adventurous eater definitely Jiko. Narcooses is nice but it was our least favorite this time. Our server was glib and the food was meh. I would pick your signature based on where you are staying or the park you are at on any given day. Also love the vibe of California Grill.

 

[glk2009]

Another vote for Jiko! It's a must do for every trip.

It's a quiet, low key place that's great for dinner after a busy day. I almost forget we are at WDW when we are here. And that's even with kids!

We love the menu and the service has always been top notch.

 

[hedberg1661]

I agree with many PP that the boathouse was not a signature experience. Having said that, I have had some great meals there although a bit pricey for what you get. I would say if you like Steak...Yachtsman. If you want something a bit different I would say Citrocos.

 

[klove]

Jiko or Artist Point for sure!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I liked Boathouse well enough but I can't find myself considering it a signature restaurant. I did not eat a full meal there, though.

I love California Grill but I do not order entrees or desserts. Last trip it was a charcuterie board and a dragon roll. And cocktails.

 

[autkidd]

Narcossee's was the best meal I have ever had.

We had the cheese platter, calamari, Surf and Turf (New York Strip), 2lb. Maine Lobster, and the Almond Encrusted Cheesecake.

 

[3smithboys]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I book my dining tomorrow and am leaning towards Narcoossee. That seems to have the menu that DH and I both like, and it fits well with the plans.