The Coral Reef

[PrincessAlways]

We have never dined at the Coral Reef, but we will be during our upcoming trip. Problem is that I keep reading more bad reviews than good ones. We were excited to get the ADR, but now I don't know. Any comments on the Coral Reef???

 

[tomandrobin]

We have never dined at the Coral Reef, but we will be during our upcoming trip. Problem is that I keep reading more bad reviews than good ones. We were excited to get the ADR, but now I don't know. Any comments on the Coral Reef???

We ate there during our Labor Day trip for the first time. We really enjoyed our meals. The lobster bisque was terrific. The seafood soufle was not so good. But all in all everything else was excellent. We really loved seeing all the fish and the turtles in the tank. There was a scuba diver feeding the fish at one point in the tank, during dinner. Really cool!

I would recommend going to Coral Reef. It is a unique dining experience.

 

[KarenAylwood]

There are comments all over the place around here- many of them not so good as you've seen (partly because diners remember the OLD Coral Reef that had a bit more upscale selections and whatnot).

Since we just ate there last Saturday, I'll give you my opinion!

We were seated promptly 1 minute after our ADR and were seated in the third row up but on the edge so we had a great view of the aquarium. Our server was very nice and accomodating. I ordered the bisque and mom ordered the seafood souffle. The souffle was quite fishy but we found it just wasn't good because it didn't suit our tastes. We didn't expect it to be so fishy tasting (expected more like shellfish than fish). My soup was somewhat cold but I was so hungry and it tasted SO GOOD that I didn't complain and just went with it. Guess it had to be good to still be delicious when luke warm! The rolls were fabulous too. Nice and warm.

The service was FAST (we did feel a bit rushed but found this with every single TS we had except the HBD). After our appetizers, they brought out our entrees. Mom got the Mahi Mahi meal and said it was very good. I had liked the idea of the catfish meal (grits, cheese, kind of spicy, etc) but told the server I was nervous because I don't like fishy fish. He suggested they make the same meal but with mahi mahi. I said fine and that's what I got- DELICIOUS!! One of my best meals.

For dessert, mom got the butterscotch brulee and I got the chocolate wave. AMAZING. We both agreed they were the best desserts of the entire trip (total we dined at Crystal palace, Kona Cafe, Le Cellier, Hollywood Brown Derby, Cape May Cafe, Boma and Coral Reef).

All in all, it was a good experience. Felt a little rushed, soup was kind of cold, but other than that- we loved it. We would definitely go back again.

 

[magicalcouple]

Here's another gal with positive comments on the Coral Reef. We went for our first time to this restaurant last year. I am going again this year! I also enjoyed the bisque, my fiance enjoyed the house salad. We both had the lunch "Chef's Rec." and loved it. The scenery alone is worth going at least once!

Besides, it's Disney. It really can't be THAT BAD, can it? It's the most magical place on earth!

 

[byoung]

We eat there a few times never been disapointed.

 

[Hannathy]

I would say it was the best all around dinner of our recent trip. Great atmosphere, good food and good service. I will definately be going back. and 2 of the four in our party aren't seafood eaters and they really liked it to.

 

[Rella Bella]

It's hands down our favorite sit-down at The World.

 

[ChefBilly]

Food - very mediocre. I could smell another diner's shrimp cocktail from across the table; very fishy.

Atmosphere - Awesome. Worth the less than great food just for the unique view.

Do it.

 

[PrincessAlways]

Thanks for the reviews. I think we'll keep the ADR & give it a try! Sounds like it will be an experience with the atmosphere itself.

 

[mandysmom]

Another thumbs up for Coral Reef. We were there in late August and really enjoyed our meals. Can't wait to have another Chocolate Wave!

 

[ndelaware]

We go at least once every trip.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Glad to hear these comments as we also have ADR for CP & Coral Reef

 

[3princesses4us]

I'd go back just for the chocolate wave. It was the best dessert I had all week! And we had some of the best service all week here too- Jennifer was fabulous!

 

[skuttle]

I'm a firm believer that you should try everything once and then decide for yourself! We've tried several restaurants at WDW that had not so good reviews and loved them, while others with rave reviews here on the dis we'll never return to. You just never know. We're trying Coral Reef for the first time in January. I've been reading as much about the restaurant as I can, but that won't change my mind to at least try it.

 

[Mouse511]

The last time we ate at the Coral Reef was in 2003. The food was okay. The atmosphere is great, beautiful aquarium. DH and I would consider giving it another try, especially now with the dining plan.

 

[gopack]

We had lunch there last Monday. The food was very good. The atmosphere is wonderful. I am not a seafood lover so I got the grilled chicken which was terrific. The chocolate wave is fabulous. Give it a try!

 

[lizardqueen]

If it is still on the menu, try the California Gold dessert. It is to DIE for. It really didn't sound like something I would try, but am glad I did -- it was my favorite food item the week we were there!

 

[Evil Queen]

We just went and will go again!!

I also think that all reviews should be taken with a grain of salt for this place. Many love it and many hate it. I didn't let any reviews sway me.

But I'm one of those, if it looks like I will like the place, I'll go regardless of what others say and think. Everyone is just too different with food taste, likes and dislikes, I like to find out on my own.

We went mainly for the atmosphere, but I can say, for us-the food was great as well.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for the reviews. We will be dining at CR for the first time in December.