Spice Road Table or Chefs de France

[Steve11874]

Hello everyone!

We are a party of 3 adults (no allergies and all adventurous eaters) going to WDW in December with the DDP. We have never been to either restaurant and want to see if we can get any options on the food and ambiance of both of these restaurants.

I am leaning towards CdF over SRT because the desserts look better to me BUT I am curious as to everyone's opinion. Two of us as been to WDW before and one will be a first timer so really looking for whatever one is more likely to wow the newbie, both food-wise and overall experience.

Thanks!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

We've eaten at and enjoy both. We're actually planning on both again in Aug.

Some thoughts...

• The atmosphere at each is lovely, but neither has extraordinary theming that would tip the scales in its favor for that reason alone.
• We love both types of cuisine, so in many ways tied there as well.
• SRT's menu is more "unique", in that a lot of the CDF menu is not too different from stuff you'll find in a lot of American restaurants.
• We really enjoyed sharing a bunch of small plates at SRT -- tasty stuff, including the Pomegranate Mimosa.

If you like both types of cuisine, I really think you'd enjoy either.

 

[samsteele]

I've been to CDF x3 but am going to SRT this Fall instead because:

• my entrees at CDF were delivered to my table within 3-5 mins of being seated. Once I hadn't received my bread basket yet. I understand that WDW restaurants have pre-cooked the entrees to deal with crowds & wanting to turn over tables, but that's a serious issue with pacing; and
  
• from seating to bill, my dinners at CDF lasted no more than 30 mins. That's fine if you want to get up & go to get to your FP. Not so great if you want to enjoy your meal.

My food at CDF was tasty every time & no complaints with quality. However, given the above, I'm ready for a change.

 

[CynBeth]

Never been to SR but love dinner at Chefs!

 

[tsme]

My vote is for Chefs de France. We've eaten at both and really liked Chefs much more that SR.

 

[rosiebean]

I like them both, with a slight nod to SRT. I liked the food a bit better at SRT, and our outdoor seating last December was very nice.

My last meal at Chefs was a few years ago. My meal was excellent to good (bisque -- excellent -- to start followed by flatbread -- good), but the kids meals were the least favorite of my kids' trip. The wine was excellent. Service was a bit rushed by an indifferent waiter. I'd go back without hesitation, but it's not on my 'must' list every trip. We went at lunch last time. I'd like to try dinner before Illuminations one night.

Last December, we went to SRT and were seated outside. It was a cool night, so there were big gas heaters around the outside seating area. The heater next to us was waaaaaay to high. We waited for a while for our waiter (wanting to ask him to turn it down...the controls were very high up), but after quite a bit with no one showing up, my 6 foot plus 6 inches nephew simply turned it down. Waiter showed up soon after and apologized for the delay. Food was really good, and the waiter was attentive for the most part. A niece asked for a substitution with her meal (more veggies instead of rice, IIRC), and she got the rice anyway. Our waiter was out a little later with a complimentary calamari "small plate" (which was wonderful and a HUGE portion). So the service at SRT was hit and miss, but the wait staff was very much aware of the misses. They really tried to rectify things. Also, our drinks, a mix of 'adult' drinks and fruity non-alcoholic drinks, were very good. SRT isn't a 'must', but it's higher on my return list than Chefs.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

I've been to CDF x3 but am going to SRT this Fall instead because:

• my entrees at CDF were delivered to my table within 3-5 mins of being seated. Once I hadn't received my bread basket yet. I understand that WDW restaurants have pre-cooked the entrees to deal with crowds & wanting to turn over tables, but that's a serious issue with pacing; and
  
• from seating to bill, my dinners at CDR lasted no more than 30 mins. That's fine if you want to get up & go to get to your FP. Not so great if you want to enjoy your meal.

My food at CDR was tasty every time & no complaints with quality. However, given the above, I'm ready for a change.

We had a very similar experience at Chefs in May. It's usually one of our must-dos, but we are taking a break from it next trip. We were seated in their sun room area after they first attempted to seat us there and we said no (the sun was blaring right in the glass room and we had just came in from the heat). The first time our waiter came to the table he wanted the whole order.. apps, entrees and dessert. Our entrees came out about 5 minutes after our appetizers. The food was soooo salty (the chicken) and the service was meh.

Spice Road Table is also a must-do and has been so consistently good that sometimes we eat there twice in one trip

 

[amberpi]

SRT is my favorite in park restaurant at all of WDW. Sitting outside is a huge advantage in my estimation and the food is really, really good, but I will caveat that by saying that I love eating tapas style as I don't have a huge appetite and love getting to sample several items.

CDF used to be so much better. MP is strong for french food, but I just don't even CDF to be french anymore, its just kinda common. It gets lots of love on this board, but I always walk by and over to SRT. Note, I've rarely ever had a hard time finding a day-of lunch at either.