Teppanyaki or Ohana?

[Kareng8168]

We will be going to WDW for first time as a family-DH, DS-almost 3 and myself, in May. We are on a major budget, so we are only going to do one nice dinner and I have narrowed it down to 2- Teppanyaki in Epcot (we love Japanese food) or Ohana. We don't like 'buffets' but do like a lively, fun atmosphere and fresh food. I would love to hear opinions and reviews on both restaurants. Thanks everyone!

 

[mamadonna]

We have not been to Teppenaki yet (going in March) but we have to Ohana.

All I can say, if your planning to go to Ohana, be hungry, be very very hungry!!!!

 

[Beachangel]

Love Teppanyaki, never been to Ohana's.

 

[ColetteN]

I have never dined at Teppanyaki, but have at 'Ohana. My family loved 'Ohana. It was DH, myself, DD (4) & DNephew (6). They liked the games (hula game and the coconut pushing one!). I agree with the previous poster though - go VERY VERY hungry.

However, since you will have an almost 3 year old, Teppanyaki might hold their attention better. My DD (now almost 5) and DS (18 months) love going to the Japanese steakhouse here at home. The cooking of the meal is a show in itself.

 

[Briar rose108]

We have actually been to both.

We love 'Ohanas, but they are right you need to be hungry. Your family will have your own table. They have great tropical drinks. Starters are brought to your table on a lazy susan(it's family style) and they include salad, rice, wontons and veggies?? (don't quite remember what kind). Then the servers (your cousins...because everyone is family at 'Ohanas) bring around large skewers of Pork, Shrimp, Sirloin and turkey and they will keep coming around until you have had your fill. Included with your meal you will get fresh pineapple with caramel dipping sauce for dessert. Or if you prefer you can order a dessert from the menu. Every so often during the meal they invite the children up for coconut races. It's a fun atmosphere. We were very fortunate the last time we were there to be seated near a window facing MK and we were able to see the fireworks.

Teppanyaki
We have gone to once. I would go again, but it didn't make our list of the resaurants we try to return to every trip.
The food was good. Our chef was not very interactive. I think they can make or break your experience. Some of the other chefs at the other tables seemed to be very interactive. If there are only three in your party (as there are in ours) you will probably be seated with another group.

Hope this helps.
Enjoy : )

 

[daannzzz]

I have been to both. Teppenyaki was interesting but somewhat disappointing. The setting was nice but fairly subdued. Our chef was fun to watch but not very interactive. I was alone at Epcot an the group of people I was seated with were nice though quiet. Service was good. I had the chicken and steak. The meats were really good but the accompanying vegitables were bland. They just stirfried the carrots onions and celery with no sauce and served them first. While we were eating or bland veggies he cooked the meats and then the bean sprouts. The salad served was very small and had a very strong peanut dressing on it. It was interesting but I couldn;t have eaten much as it was a bitter dressing. All in All it was a nice experience.
'Ohana has a wonderful Polynesian setting in a large open room. It can be loud and boisterous and full of people having good food and sometimes games with kids marching around the room. The views out the windows are pretty and the large array of food brought to the table is very good. I love 'Ohana.

 

[figment27]

We just returned from WDW, visited from Jan 4 to Jan 11.
We ate at both Teppanyaki and 'Ohana.
Although, both restaurants were very good, my vote would have to go to 'Ohana.
The atmoshere, service and food were top notch.
Teppanyaki can be entertaining but only if you get a chef that is so inclined. We did not get an entertaining chef upon our visit. I asked for one and the hostess said they were too busy to accomodate my request that day!
'Ohana has the coconut races and hula hoop contests for the children. I think this would entertain the children. Since they are able to get up during the meal and participate in the activities. I don't think they become "bored" as easily as a traditional sit down dinner.
Also, if timed correctly, you have a perfect view of the MK fireworks from the restaurant during your dinner. Although, with a 3 year old, scheduling a dinner PS for MK closing time may be too late.
The best for last the food at 'Ohana is OUTSTANDING! The food is high quality, served hot and very tasty. This was by far our favorite meal.
Figment

 

[Belle5]

'Ohana has been hit or miss for us. The last time we were there it was our all time worst WDW dining experience. Obnoxious entertainment (maybe not the regular MC?), mediocre service and really bad food. The meats were black charred on the outside and red raw on the inside. Sent them back--no better. We said , "Never again!"

Teppanyaki--we went twice in one trip (plus once a few years back). The first time was at dinner . We asked for an entertaining chef. Perfection! Wonderful ginger dressing on the salad. Wonderful veggies. Perfectly seasoned meats. The ginger ice cream was heaven. A few days later we went back and had a different chef. Dud! Food was good but not spectacular as it had been.

Every person my my family would choose Teppanyaki in a heartbeat over "Ohana.

 

[DisneyHumbug]

Oh, that's a tough choice. Have been to both and loved the food at both. I agree if you don't get a good chef at Tepanyaki, it does take away from the experience. However, we had a dud at Ohana and it was my DD's 16th birthday.......that was a major disappointment, but the food was great.

 

[robinb]

I have been to both restaurants. We are carnivores, but there is just way too much meat for me at 'Ohana! Since you say you like Japanese food, I would go with Teppanyaki. We really have a great time there with our 3 year old DD. We usually order sushi for an appitizer . We were lucky to have reservations for this last NYE with freinds and had a table to ourselves.

If you end up at 'Ohana, make sure you stop at the Yakitori House at Japan for counter service. They have great udon noodles with yummy tempora shrimp for a reasonable price.

 

[Alice Sr.]

We like O'hana's have reservations there in May, but pretty much never make a trip without going to Teppanyaki's. There would be a rebellion in the ranks. I would say Teppanyaki has a calmer atmospher. I hope which ever you decide on, it lives up to you expecations.


Go Cubs

 

[Trish5768]

Imho go to the chinese place. I've never been there so I cannot tell you how it is. However, my family went to Ohana in Sept. DH, DD 8 and DS 4 and I feel it was a terrible waste of food and money. My kids loved playing the coconut race and doing the hula hoop but they absolutely hated the food. DH didn't like the food and I must admit I was not crazy about it. All in all I feel like I spent almost $100 for them to eat pineapple with carmel sauce ( they loved that) People really seem to love this place but it just was not for my family.