Storyteller's Cafe or Napa Rose

[WorldofColor]

For our upcoming trip, we already have PS for Blue Bayou, Wine Country Trattoria, and Ariel's Grotto World of Color dinner package. Would like to do one more for our relaxation day and am choosing between Storyteller's Cafe Dinner Buffet or Napa Rose. Which would you recommend? It's going to be with teenage boys if that helps any.

 

[WendyWhy]

I have been to neither - so this won't count for much, but from what I have read, Napa Rose is supposed to be amazing. I would totally go if my kids were old enogh to behave themselves in a nice restaurant. I vote Napa Rose - friends have told me it was a trip highlight!

 

[WorldofColor]

Is the portion size pretty good? The concern with Napa Rose was the portion size looked pretty small.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

Okay so, here's the deal. I get that Napa Rose is a fantastic restaurant and all.. but, it's honestly just a bit pretentious for my taste. A few years ago, we got a lamb or duck meatball, I don't recall.. and it was just 1.. and it cost $18... I can get like 100 turkey meatballs for that price at BJ's.

The Sizzling Beach Rock was $36... and it was a starter for two with about three different things.. but how about there was only 1 shrimp on the rock.. so two people had two split one shrimp in half.

It's just honestly not my style. It's the kind of place that you drop $80 each on and you still want to drive thru In-N-Out after.. Not sure if it's changed a bit now.

Storyteller's Cafe has a minimal but good buffet. They have an a la carte menu as well but at $27.99, I think the buffet is pretty worth it. I love the corn chowder, the salads are good, and they always have good meats and desserts.

 

[WorldofColor]

Yikes. That may be a reason to go to Storyteller's Cafe. You know how teenage boys can be with food.

The fact that it's Napa Rose sounds so tempting though.

 

[FlameGirl]

If you do the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose, you'd be hard pressed to walk out of there hungry. It's a ton of food. Yes, it's pricey, but for us it's totally worth it.

 

[Hester]

Without question ... Napa Rose. Be prepared to spend more money (not that Storytellers is cheap by the way) but it will be well worth it!

In my opinion Storytellers is overpriced for what you get, at Napa you pay a premium for exceptional food, drink and service.

 

[DizMe]

I wouldn't even consider doing Chef's Counter at Napa Rose with teenagers. Really? It's like $150. Teenagers aren't worth it

I did it last year with my sister. We did the wine pairing as well and I spent over $200, just on me. It was fabulous food but it could have been anywhere. What I mean is that there was nothing terribly Disney about the experience, and the atmosphere was...well, haughty. We were quite dressed up and we do know how to employ good manners; the haughtiness was not so much directed at us but I believe was more of a cultivated manner so you knew you were in a 5 star restaurant. I really prefer something with an elegant, tasteful atmosphere but a more friendly and casual approach.

I've never had dinner at Storyteller's so I don't know anything about the food offerings. We had breakfast there in October (dh and I and 3 kids) and it was delightful. We had avoided it until now because of the prices but it was actually not too bad. Of course, 3 of our party ordered off the kids' menu

 

[Simba001]

In addition to the cost factor, you may want to consider how much time you want to spend at the restaurant. We were last at Napa Rose this last August, my DH, 25 year old DS and myself. We were fortunate enough to sit at the Chef's Counter. It was a wonderful experience. I had the Chef decide on my meal and honestly can't recall what I all ate - but it was fabulous ( as were the 5 glasses of wine that I had, too) I can't recall exactly how long we were in the restaurant, but it was over 2 1/2 hours. This is not a meal to be rushed, but an experience to enjoy. If your boys want quantity and want to rush back to the Parks, I would save a meal at Napa Rose for another time.

 

[WorldofColor]

All good tips. I'm considering the normal dinner option at Storyteller's as well. I think we are going to pass on Napa Rose so what about between Storyteller's Cafe and Jazz Kitchen?

 

[MillauFr]

Napa Rose all the way. One of the best values in the park. They really don't charge more than a similar restaurant in any big city would charge. We pay about $50 per person + drinks when our family goes out for fine dining in Seattle. We pay about the same at Napa Rose. The other places in the park you are paying at least double what you should for a comparable place outside the park.

 

[Nonsuch]

For our upcoming trip, we already have PS for Blue Bayou, Wine Country Trattoria, and Ariel's Grotto World of Color dinner package. Would like to do one more for our relaxation day and am choosing between Storyteller's Cafe Dinner Buffet or Napa Rose. Which would you recommend? It's going to be with teenage boys if that helps any.

I've dined at all those restaurants many times
Napa Rose is by far the best food, however your teenage boys might not really appreciate it that much. The Storyteller's Buffet is quite good quality, and teenagers will enjoy the unlimited quantity

Your boys might also enjoy Steakhouse 55 at DLH.

 

[Nonsuch]

...so what about between Storyteller's Cafe and Jazz Kitchen?

Jazz Kitchen has a much more interesting menu

 

[M4travels]

I'd send the kids to Storyteller's and you head to Napa Rose!

Michael

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

We have eaten at all three places on several occasions. For your situation I would hands down suggest Ralph Brennan's. Food is better than Storytellers and a little cheaper. Don't pass on either the chocolate soufflé or the bananas foster, or both!

I would second a trip to Steakhouse 55 as well, for breakfast!

 

[greenkai3000]

My family and I loved this place. We were there 2 weeks ago for breakfast and were impressed by the decor, the buffet spread, and how peaceful it was even with a few kids in it. Very cozy atmosphere, and the location is perfect if you're staying on property, and going to California Adventure afterwards. I highly recommend it if you're a "big" eater...