Tutto Italia, Cape May or Captain's Grille?

[CathieArms]

Okay, here's the scenario: This will be the day we split up. My teenage girls (both 15) will go to one of the waterparks, MIL/FIL might do some golfing, and DH and I will let DS6 decide what he wants to do...go back to another park, maybe visit DTD or just veg out by the pool at BC.

With that in mind, I'm trying to decide where to have dinner that night. The following are the restaurants and the reasons I'm considering them. Given all of this information, which one would you choose for that evening?

Tutto Italia - We'll be at BCV, so it's a short walk over to Epcot. BUT, I'm concerned that it might be too hectic after a busy day and we already have plans earlier in the week to eat Italian at Mama Melrose. It's sure to be a 2-hour ordeal, getting us back after 9:00 (because of course the kids will want to stop and see Illuminations as we leave the park). On the other hand, everybody in our party loves Italian, so it's sure to be someplace that everyone will enjoy. And, we do love Epcot at night. If everyone gets back early enough, then maybe it would just be fun to roam WS again en route to dinner. But - this far in advance - I'm just not sure whether we'll be up for a big "event" at dinner on this particular day.

Captain's Grille - I think the menu for this restaurant would appeal to everyone. There's steak for the girls, seafood for my FIL, and it looks like there might be a pasta dish and a couple of others that would appeal to my dh. I like that this one is basically at our resort and seems to be rather "quiet" with most people opting to go to the more renowned restaurants. We can get to this place quickly, and I bet we can be in and out in about an hour or so.

Cape May Clambake - I'm not a big seafood person myself, but FIL is and I bet he'd like this. Plus, it looks like there's a good variety, so it's not *all* seafood. I love that it's right at our resort and would be very low-key. The downside, though, is that we have several buffets booked. And, if the buffets are anything like "Old Country Buffet" then it absolutely won't appeal to my inlaws, regardless of how much seafood is on the buffet.

Given the above information, together with any experience you have at these restaurants, which would you choose?

 

[OandA]

We ate a Tutto Italia once in 2009 and never will again. We were soooo rushed! I kid you not that after we ordered our food was brought over to us less than 60 seconds later! They wanted us in and out in less than a half hour it seemed.

 

[tinkgirl1984]

Just my two cents...

Not sure if you're on the dining plan or not. If you are, I would go with Cape May. I'm not big on buffets myself, but I consider Cape May to be a decent meal. It absolutely wouldn't be my #1 WDW restaurant pick...but it's about 10 steps above some of the other buffets on property *cough* Chef Mickey's *cough*. Also, the Oreo bon bon's are to die for I think you're absolutely right about Tutto turning into a long production. Also, I don't think the food is great, but I'm Italian and am very picky about Italian food. Captain's Grill is just...forgettable. Not great, not bad...just kind of there.

If you're not on the dining plan, do yourself a favor and go try Il Mulino.

 

[honeybunches]

Cape May is wonderful. My dh doesn't like seafood and he loved the food at CM. He said the prime rib was good. The desserts are to die for!

 

[eah7]

Captain's Grille is very good. We had dinner and a couple of breakfasts there. There were 7 of us, including 5 & 6 years old gs. Everyone enjoyed their dinner. I really like the restaurant becasue it is quieter and not as hectic as Cape May. I like Cape May, too.

 

[Brook1099]

Tutto is fantastic food and service, they are attentive so it seems they move u long but didnt feel forced to go. Definately going there again this year.

Cape May is good, just a buffet , nothing standoutish to me but the crablegs. Busy, not relaxing.have been there for breakfast and dinner numerous times though because we stay at BC.

We are trying Captain Grill this year. Looks like a good menu and quiet. Sometimes my family likes the quieter places after busy parks.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

I'd stay out of a park at all costs! I know that story and it never ends well.

Out of those three I'd do Captain's grill. Buffets to me are never relaxing as when someone brings me the food. I'd also consider FF. It's a bit more but very close and much better food wise. One of our favorite meals!

 

[Stinger5]

Tutto Italia offers dining outside, which may be another consideration for you. Ate there for the first time last Nov and was pleased with the food and service. The young waitstaff did check on us quite often but they were pleasant enough. I also liked how it was somewhat quiet where our outdoor seats were. It was near the fountain/stage? area in the Italy section and was off the main thoroughfare of the world showcase.

Cape May's buffet has a quality selection and our kids love the restaurant. It is usually pretty packed also. If you are already at the BC it would be a lot more convenient.

I have never dined at the Cpt. Grille, but i'd say you couldn't go wrong at the other two.