The Le Cellier Hype

[DisneyFamily123]

Can someone explain what is so great about this restaurant? What am I missing? Should I try to get an ADR still? I just don't understand. I was going to book at the 180 day mark but there's many other restaurants we want to go to that either seem better or more fun.

Here's what I understand so far about Le Cellier.

• Small restaurant, very popular, difficult to get ADR, possible long wait to get seated.
• Great steak. But still some who give the steak a bad review.
• Limited menu, nothing unusual or spectacular, but still a place to get a good steak.
• Good value - 1 dining plan credit

This just seems like a place to get a good steak. But I can get that at home. And every signature restaurant and many others at Disney have good steak too. We like other Disney restaurants that have more interesting food, fun decor, entertainment, or characters.

 

[antmaril]

I do not understand the hype. My DH, DS and I were there for lunch once a few years ago and it was fine. Nothing special. I told my husband as we were walking out how popular the place is and he said "I don't get it." I have an ADR at LeCellier for an upcoming trip, but I don't think we're going to keep the reservation. I am going with a friend and I've been the reading some posts complaining that the tables for two are very small and very close together - I hate that.

 

[disnut8]

Last year, I made a lunch reservation at Le Cellier just because I could. I bought into the hype and checked every couple of days for availability and finally got a reservation (and changed it several times). We had been to the place before but not since all the hype about it (believe it or not, it used to a be place that wasn't that popular). So we went. It was OK. Nothing special and nothing out of the ordinary that would have either one of us drooling over going again.

OP - I'd much rather eat at Biergarten, Rose and Crown, or Chefs de France than go back to LeCellier. So I wouldn't really bother trying to get a reservation if there are other places you want to visit instead.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

I do not understand the hype. My DH, DS and I were there for lunch once a few years ago and it was fine. Nothing special. I told my husband as we were walking out how popular the place is and he said "I don't get it." I have an ADR at LeCellier for an upcoming trip, but I don't think we're going to keep the reservation. I am going with a friend and I've been the reading some posts complaining that the tables for two are very small and very close together - I hate that.

We went a year ago May, when were were soaking wet, and shivered through the whole meal, so my opinion may be a little skewered....

1. Tables were jammed together and very small. DH and I had a table for "two", and it was so small we had to re-arrange our settings and because the appitizers would barely fit on it with drinks and the meal.

2. Tables were crammed so tight that we could hear every word the couple next to us were saying...which, incidently turned into a GOOD thing, because they were a lovely couple that were on their honeymoon too, and we had a good time talking with them.

3. Service wasn't that great.

4. Food was really good, steak was cooked to perfection.

Now, that being said...because of the circumstances, we are booked to go back in October, BUT I made a ressie for THREE (the "third" person is going to come up with a mysterious illness) so we will get a larger table (I don't think anyone that's eaten there before will flame me too much for this) and hopefully we won't be soaked or otherwise disposed this trip.

BTW, for a lovely meal, great atmosphere, and if you love steak, the Yachtsman is just a stones throw away on the Boardwalk, and they have exceptional food, great service, and a nice atmosphere.

 

[KathyK]

We go there every time. In my experiences, we have always had great service, and we love the cheese soup and the breasticks.

 

[Kaleigh]

We personally try to eat at Le Cellier every time we go. I know other people have lackluster experiences from time to time, but ours has always been really good. It remains the best, most consistent quality steak I have ever had and we really love the bread sticks with the cheese soup as an appetizer. Yes, you are kinda jammed in there often too close to others, but for a dining credit you really can't beat it. We paid out of pocket a couple of times and were a little sticker shocked (even though we knew the prices ahead of time) I think just seeing that we spent 100 for a meal for 2 with no dessert and one appetizer split was like whoa, but we still think it is worth it. Try it once and see if you agree.
Oh, and reservations do open up online. Last time, we got a reservation a week out, I just tried and tried everyday. Try reserving a slightly larger party if you can't get the correct size. They don't care if everyone doesn't show. Ex- We reserved a table for 4 because that was open and 2 wasn't. It didn't matter at all once we were there and were sat at a table for 2.

 

[blairbear]

My first experience with Le Cellier last year. I had heard all the hype and thought that there was no way that it could live up.

For us it actually did. It was the best meal of our trip last year. I am not a huge beef person but I loved the fillet. DH and I are also big potato soup people and they have one of the best recipes for the potato soup I have tried. The service was also fantastic.

We also really like the atmosphere. It seems warm and cozy inside. I hope if you try Le Cellier you enjoy it.

 

[vettegirl]

It lived up to the hype for me. The filet was fantastic, service was great, and the soup was good! I liked the atmosphere we were in a booth, it was very romantic!

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

It lived up to the hype for me. The filet was fantastic, service was great, and the soup was good! I liked the atmosphere we were in a booth, it was very romantic!

Honestly, I didn't even know they had booths!!! Guess you miss a lot when hypothermia sets in! We went a year ago (during the infamous monsoon rains) and got soaked (and yeah, we were wearing rain jackets!)...then went into the air-conditioning, it really wasn't a pleasant experience, which is why we are giving it another shot!

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

Add me to the list of those who don't get the hype. I think it's a self-fulfilling prophecy, in that because it's hard to get, people want it more, thereby keeping it hard to get.

I don't think the food is bad, but it's no different to me than an Outback Steakhouse or Texas Roadhouse. Perfectly acceptable for what it is, but nothing special. Not getting an ADR would certainly not impact my vacation in the least (not that we've made one in several years). As far as we're concerned, there are far better restaurants that are unlike what we can get at home, so we'll happily leave the Le Cellier ADRs for those who want them.

That having been said, lots of people love it, and I'm happy for them that they do. That's one of the wonderful things about WDW--something for everybody!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I was a little wary too given the hype and difficulty getting an ADR here. But I have to say, it was fabulous. There were 7 of us in our party and everyone was thrilled with the meal and atmosphere. We had a wonderful server who went out of his way to make us comfortable, offering suggestions and giving us some Canandian trivia. I had the mushroom filet and it was everything I thought it would be, lip smacking good! Breadsticks were delish and the chocolate whiskey cake was extremely decadant. Definitely better than your average steakhouse IMO. However, as with all the reviews here, it's a subjective thing. Plenty of people here on the disboards dislike San Angel Inn but we love it. So, if the menu appeals to you then go. If there are other restaurants that you're wanting to try, go with them.

 

[pattibehan]

We went in April because we wanted a cool downbreak before going around the world! There were 5 of us, three adults and two 13yo boys. The service was good..we got breadsticks once..no refills..anyone with teenage boys knows that means they were gone in seconds!! The waitress refilled our drinks as soon as they were empty. She was very pleasant, andfriendly. That being said..the food was OK, not great, and portions were a bit small. We stay offsite, so it wasn't on DDP, and the bill..with generous tip included by us, was 190..and we don't drink alcohol

I am glad we went,but I doubt we will go back..unless we stay onsite and get free dining..TOO expensive!!

 

[SFD998]

We go at least twice every trip (4 to 5 trips a year) and have never had a bad experience. However, we always get the filet w/mashed substituted and ask for pretzel bread only. I also get the cheddar cheese soup and the chocolate "moose". That being said I honestly can't speak to any of the other menu options as I have never tried anything else.

I can tell you that the anticipated time according to staff to become a signature restaurant is January. If you haven't tried it do it now before it becomes 2 table service credits. I know she said they would be changing the menu, putting table cloths on the tables and I believe she said setting things up to be less "crowded".

 

[SFD998]

The service was good..we got breadsticks once..no refills..anyone with teenage boys knows that means they were gone in seconds!!

Just ask, they would bring you more. We have even been asked if we wanted some to take with us. The waitress said a lot of people do.

 

[saintstickets]

We ate at LeCellier for the first time during our May, 2010 trip. I had the Mushroom Filet Mignon. It was cooked as ordered (medium for me) which is not always the case at restaurants. IMO, it was very good but not an OMG moment. For me, the wild mushroom risotto was the best part of the entree. The service was as expected at WDW, meaning excellent and friendly. But a word of advice if you order dessert... I hope you like maple flavoring. It is on just about every dessert! I guess it is to be expected since the maple leaf is on their national flag. Gotta love those canucks!

 

[Christy1964]

I loved everything I ate there. I loved the breadsticks, the mushroom risotto, the cheese soup, and the steak of course. Everyone else at my table loved their meals. Our waiter was great also.

This is also one of the few places in the states that serves poutine. It's a really awesome dish that I highly recommend.

 

[Jingle]

In all fairness, I first have to say that I'm not a huge steak person. Up until we went to Le Cellier last August during free dining, I've ordered Prime Rib in a restaurant but never any other steak. I'll eat rib eyes, T-bones, tenderloins and fillets at home because my SO likes to have them once in awhile.

I love a good cheese soup. I was disappointed in the cheese soup at Le Cellier. It almost seemed a little bland to me.

I also planned on ordering the scallops, but our waiter practically told me I was an idiot if I didn't order the mushroom fillet. I gave in to the pressure and ordered the mushroom fillet. While it was good, we make as good or better at home. I really didn't enjoy it though because what I really wanted was the scallops. I don't know why I gave in but I won't do that again. My own fault. By the way, has anyone here ever had the scallops at Le Cellier and if so, how were they? I never see their scallops mentioned in dining reviews.

We are going again for free dining this year. I didn't even consider or attempt to make a reservation for Le Cellier. My SO agreed. He also thinks it's highly over rated and he's a steak guy!

 

[jdisnut]

Add me to the list of people who don't quite understand the Le Cellier hype. I always feel like I'm criticizing it, but I don't mean to sound negative. I genuinely don't understand why people rave about this restaurant so much. It's not bad, but its nothing more than a basic steakhouse. Doesn't every town in the country have a place comparable to Le Cellier? I am only in Disney for a few days a year. That means I have a limited number of available meals. I prefer to have them at creative, unique restaurants -- not somewhere I can feasibly go to any weekend at home.

 

[curlz2tite]

I loved everything I ate there. I loved the breadsticks, the mushroom risotto, the cheese soup, and the steak of course. Everyone else at my table loved their meals. Our waiter was great also.

This is also one of the few places in the states that serves poutine. It's a really awesome dish that I highly recommend.

Hype, hype , hype, I have to agree LOVE this place! I have always had a great meal. Doing counter service meal plan on upcoming trip in Oct,but looking for ressies for here & will pay OOP . Love it that much.

 

[catne]

We love the breadsticks, the cheese soup (get a cup to use as dip for the breadsticks-yummo) AND we love the steaks. The desserts are also good. We've had great service there.

It is very small, very crowded and very noisy when all the tables are full. That part we don't like. But most Disney restuarants are that crowded & noisy, too...part of the trade-off for theme-park dining in particular.

By the way, just wanted to say you really don't have much chance of over-coming the small-close-together seating in there if you're a party of two. Booking for a party of 3 or 4 and then showing up with two will not guarantee you a bigger table - you might get it, but probably not. Typically, when you check in with just two on a rez for 3 or 4, they'll just put you on the list for the next available table for two (will not seat you at a table for 3 or 4...that table will go to the next party who booked & showed up with a party of 3 or 4) It might actually take longer to get seated showing up with less than what you booked, because the tables are booked according to how many of each configuration they have...and tables for two are very limited in there. Just so you know. We've never been seated at a bigger table (anywhere) in this circumstance...