Suggestions for my Wifes Birthday dinner?

[newdeal]

So we are going to the world around my wires birthday and decided to leave out 1.5 year old DD with grandma and grandpa so we can have one meal to celebrate her birthday. The problem is we don't want to go somewhere too expensive (so signatures are probably out), we don't want to go somewhere that is a pub style place and we don't really want to go somewhere we have eaten at before. Does anyone have any good suggestions or hidden gems? Here is a list of the places we have eaten

Coral Reef
Le Cellier
Les Chefs de France
Teppan Edo
Mama Melrose
Hollywood and Vine
Kona Cafe
Ohana
Boma
Cape May Cafe
Maya Grill
The Wave
Captains Grille
Rose and Crown
Crystal Palace
Kouzinna

We haven't eaten at Tutto Italia but it will be closed while we are on this trip for a refurb. I know there are other good restaurants but we are just looking for some suggestions. We may consider a signature if there is a place that has portions large enough that we could share an appetizer and entree

 

[Sweet Melissa]

If the signature restaurants are out, Sanaa would be my choice. They've got unique food, a pretty nice atmosphere and decent prices.

 

[4under4]

I'll second Sanaa - have fun no matter where you go!

 

[minnie mum]

Totally agree with Sanaa. Our favourite non-signature dining spot. Then a stroll around Jambo House (and outside,too) and finish up with a nightcap at Victoria Falls.

 

[newdeal]

that would be a great idea except we already have sanaa booked for earlier in the same trip LOL. I suppose I should have mentioned that

 

[The Rovang Gang]

O'Hana! Definitely. My husband and I just had our 10th wedding anniversary there, and it felt like we were celebrating in Hawaii. And it's the best meal we've both ever had.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

that would be a great idea except we already have sanaa booked for earlier in the same trip LOL. I suppose I should have mentioned that

In that case, perhaps the Grand Floridian Café, Turf Club or Boatwrights?

 

[k^2]

How about San Angel Inn? The ambiance is great and it isn't traditional "greasy" Mexican food. I had the Pollo a la Rajas and it was fabulous! My fiance had a pork dish and also really enjoyed it. They also have interesting margaritas, and overall the prices are pretty reasonable.

 

[DavidNYC]

I didn't see Flying Fish on your list of where you've been! My wife and I went there for Valentines Day last year and LOVED it! We too were looking for one of the nicer restaurants that we hadn't been to yet. Extra bonus is you can walk there easily from EPCOT or DHS so you can just head out from the park, go to dinner and come back. I'd time it so you can get out in time to see Illuminations at Epcot that evening. I haven't been to Saana yet but that's on our list for next trip! I think that would be a great choice too but if you want to spend the day or evening in a park as well, Flying Fish is a better choice since you won't waste transportation time to and from AKL.

[Edit: I think this is signature but I didn't find it overly expensive. Moderate upscale . . . and we had this amazing dessert sampler platter easily big enough to share!]

 

[2spunky]

Well, if all the places you listed are eliminated, all the signatures are eliminated, and Sanaa is eliminated because you are going there on a different day, I would suggest San Angel Inn or Nine Dragons in EPCOT. Does your wife like Mexican or Chinese food?

 

[lovelybellanotte]

I second the notions of San Angel Inn. It's a candle-lit dinner with awesome, traditional Mexican food. Plus, a few waiters will most likely sing to her in Spanish for her birthday! It's a romantic, cozy atmosphere perfect for a special occasion!

 

[newdeal]

thanks for all the suggestions. We will be at Animal kingdom that day and will not have hoppers so being able to walk there won't really apply. Also we will likely just drive ourselves there after our DD is asleep anyway. Since we won't have hoppers that also rules out any restaurants at any park other than animal kingdom. I know I am limiting my choices pretty badly with all these stipulations but I am hoping someone can come up with the perfect idea

 

[newdeal]

anyone have any pics of the traditional mexican dinner at san angel inn

 

[WDWScottWDW]

You can do the California Grill on the cheap if you split a salad and order flatbreads. You can then watch wishes from their rooftop observation deck and maybe splurge for dessert.

Did this for my wifes birthday in August and it was well worth it.

 

[k^2]

anyone have any pics of the traditional mexican dinner at san angel inn

Here is a Disney Food Blog review of San Angel Inn with pictures

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/12/20/review-san-angel-inn/

 

[DavidNYC]

I renew my suggestion of Flying Fish if other park restaurants are out. And the Boardwalk might be nice to walk around before or after!

 

[TinkBride]

If signatures are truly out, I would recommend Grand Floridian Cafe. DH and I always looked at the menu and were underwhelmed, but we tried it last trip and it was the best meal of our trip (beating out 2 signatures!) Afterwards you can stroll over to Poly beach (10 min. walk) and take in the water pageant and wishes - if you time your dinner right.

If you are willing to spend a little more - anywhere on the Boardwalk would be nice with a nice ambiance. Big River Grill is also worth noting, and you can sit on the Boardwalk patio. We also really enjoy Yachtsman Steakhouse. That is our default "celebration dinner".

 

[newdeal]

I ended up booking La Hacienda because they have those platters you can share that look pretty good and we should be able to catch illuminations there, we will just have to do epcot that day instead of animal kingdom