Underrated/Overrated: Restaurants Edition

[KingLlama]

Last month's inaugural "Underrated/Overrated", which focused on WDW/Disneyland attractions, generated some good discussion, so I thought it would be fun to do the same for restaurants.

Remember, this ISN'T "best" and "worst", or even your "favorite" and "least favorite". This is simply what you feel is an under-appreciated restaurant, and one that, in your opinion, doesn't quite match the hype.

For the first one, pick one WDW(or Disneyland, if that's your "home" park) attraction that you feel is underrated, and one that's overrated. And then let the arguing....errr.....discussion begin!

Here are mine....

Underrated: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café(Magic Kingdom). I was really surprised a few years back when I ate dinner here during an early parade, after getting stuck in "traffic". The food was fresh and delicious, and it's nice to have a quick-service where you can get REAL LIVE VEGETABLES. People seem to sleep on this place....maybe because they walk past it on the way to TL attractions, but as far as QS places in MK, I'd put it up against any of them.

Overrated: 50's Prime-Time Café(Hollywood Studios). I wanted to love this place....really, I did. I'd heard about the menu, the décor, the "sass" of the servers, just the whole vibe. But while the décor WAS cool, and it was nice to see the retro offerings on the menu, the food was just kinda....meh. The server, while good, could have been serving me at any other place on property, and the wait that day was excruciatingly long. I recognize that all three of these criticisms could have been "day-specific"(she could've been having a rough day, and the kitchen could've been as well), but I left there disappointed that I dropped that much $$$ and time on a place I had higher expectations for.

Again, NOT "best/worst", or "favorite/least favorite". Just one that you feel needs more hype, and one that doesn't live up to its existing hype.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Underrated: Sanaa ... don't hear a lot of mention of it but I think the food is wonderful with a lot of variety and even if some of it sounds exotic they have plenty of options that even non-adventurous eaters would like such as the amazing bread service. Added bonus that you can see the animals while you eat and it makes for a great break spot for lunch during your Animal Kingdom days as short bus ride over to Animal Kingdom Lodge

Overrated: Used to be Pecos Bill as I did not get the hype and thought all the food was bland, but I haven't been since the redo of the menu. Most of the ones I don't like most people done. I guess I might say 'Ohana - not because it is bad but I think it is inconsistent, not cheap, and crazy hard some times to get ADRs and usually a wait to get seated unless you have a really early one. So again, not bad, but I don't think worth the hype/effort

Honorable mention for Overrated: Flying Fish - enough with the coverage, jeez

 

[MikeTaylor]

Underrated: the new menu at Pecos Bills' Tall Tale Cafe in MK... Night and day compared to the old one (it was a crime that they called anything "steak").

Overrated: Pizza Planet/all of the generic hotel Disney Pizza on property.

 

[10MoreMinutes]

Underrated: Tokyo Dining in Epcot. I eat here nearly every time I'm at WDW and have never had a bad meal. The service is always great, the food is good, and even when it's full, it's never too loud for me to carry on a normal conversation with others at my table. That last point is a big deal for me...I want to be able to talk without yelling to be heard. It's relatively easy to get an ADR here and I've also had pretty good luck walking up without a reservation and being seated quickly.

Overrated: Via Napoli in Epcot. I was so excited to try this last time we were at WDW because of the rave reviews I'd read and heard from others. The first thing I noticed was how loud it was in there. We were a foursome seated at a table in the little side section, and I could barely hear the people sitting across the table from me, let alone the poor waitress, who was so soft-spoken, I had to ask her to repeat everything at least twice. As for food/drink, the bellini was good, but the pizza was so-so at best. Some parts of the crust were burned to the point that it was inedible, and the toppings slid off every time I tried to pick a piece up. I ate the pizza (minus the burned parts of the crust) because I was starving, but I left the restaurant pretty disappointed and wondering what the fuss was about.

 

[rteetz]

Interesting topic...

Underrated: This is actually tougher than I thought but I'm going to say House of Blues at Disney Springs. I really enjoyed that place. The food, decor, and service were all great. It's on west side so not everyone makes down that way.

Overrated: Chef Mickey's. It's been years since I've been there but I think for what it is people hype it too much. The food is just average and the characters are nice. I'll probably go back again but by no means is it an amazing meal.

 

[rteetz]

Overrated: Via Napoli in Epcot. I was so excited to try this last time we were at WDW because of the rave reviews I'd read and heard from others. The first thing I noticed was how loud it was in there. We were a foursome seated at a table in the little side section, and I could barely hear the people sitting across the table from me, let alone the poor waitress, who was so soft-spoken, I had to ask her to repeat everything at least twice. As for food/drink, the bellini was good, but the pizza was so-so at best. Some parts of the crust were burned to the point that it was inedible, and the toppings slid off every time I tried to pick a piece up. I ate the pizza (minus the burned parts of the crust) because I was starving, but I left the restaurant pretty disappointed and wondering what the fuss was about.

Pizza is very regional. People from New York are used to different pizza than people from California. I enjoy via Napoli. I'd say the burnt parts you are discussing are because it's from a wood burning oven and likely was closer to the flame than some of the other pizzas. I think pizza is one thing people have different expectations or likes for. Some like thin, some like thick, some like lots of cheese, some like lots of sauce. I expect more pizza places on property to show up in this thread.

 

[Crystal824]

Underrated: Boatwright's Dining Hall. I was so surprised at how good this was when we ate there. We were staying at Riverside. I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here, but it was very good.

Overrated: Chef Mickey's. The food isn't that good. The character interaction was ok. I don't think I would do dinner here again.

 

[NeuroCindy]

Underrated: Kringla Kafe og Bakerie in Norway. People go for the schoolbread, I get it, it's good. However there's much more there. I had Ryno try the Lefse, and he loved it. Much of their food is overlooked.

Overrated: Ohana. I don't find the food or characters that amazing.

 

[smiths02]

Last month's inaugural "Underrated/Overrated", which focused on WDW/Disneyland attractions, generated some good discussion, so I thought it would be fun to do the same for restaurants.

Remember, this ISN'T "best" and "worst", or even your "favorite" and "least favorite". This is simply what you feel is an under-appreciated restaurant, and one that, in your opinion, doesn't quite match the hype.

For the first one, pick one WDW(or Disneyland, if that's your "home" park) attraction that you feel is underrated, and one that's overrated. And then let the arguing....errr.....discussion begin!

Here are mine....

Underrated: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café(Magic Kingdom). I was really surprised a few years back when I ate dinner here during an early parade, after getting stuck in "traffic". The food was fresh and delicious, and it's nice to have a quick-service where you can get REAL LIVE VEGETABLES. People seem to sleep on this place....maybe because they walk past it on the way to TL attractions, but as far as QS places in MK, I'd put it up against any of them.

Overrated: 50's Prime-Time Café(Hollywood Studios). I wanted to love this place....really, I did. I'd heard about the menu, the décor, the "sass" of the servers, just the whole vibe. But while the décor WAS cool, and it was nice to see the retro offerings on the menu, the food was just kinda....meh. The server, while good, could have been serving me at any other place on property, and the wait that day was excruciatingly long. I recognize that all three of these criticisms could have been "day-specific"(she could've been having a rough day, and the kitchen could've been as well), but I left there disappointed that I dropped that much $$$ and time on a place I had higher expectations for.

Again, NOT "best/worst", or "favorite/least favorite". Just one that you feel needs more hype, and one that doesn't live up to its existing hype.

Totally agree with your overrated. Our server was adequate...and it wasn't just a bad day because we saw her "sass" it up with a table by us. Maybe we're just not sassy looking enough? The peanut butter (and jelly) milkshake was okay--DH's had lots of ice crystals. I can't believe the fan following that milkshake has...have you people not had a Chick-Fil-A cookies and cream milkshake?
Also, I am a big eater, but I didn't find it to be a massive amount of food necessarily. There might be more food than one person can/should eat (especially if you get a milkshake!), but I didn't find that two adults would split just an entree and that be enough. Other than the decor, there wasn't anything there that I couldn't replicate at home.

Underrated: San Angel Inn. Now, I went against the podcast advice at ate at Coral Reef in 2015; I don't regret going there, but we didn't have a great meal. So I decided my next ambiance choice in Epcot would be San Angel Inn. Then the podcast ripped it to shreds! We stuck with the ADR anyway.
Anyhow, I thought the ambiance was great, didn't mind the darkness. The food was all really good! We had shrimp cocktail, tostadas de tinga, steak tacos, and kid chicken strips (I know, I know, but the twins did eat every bite of the rice and green beans), churros, and ice cream (again, I know it is just Breyer's or whatever). It was a little pricey for the portion sizes, but it was fine for lunch (and using TiW).

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Overrated: Chef Mickey's. It's been years since I've been there but I think for what it is people hype it too much. The food is just average and the characters are nice. I'll probably go back again but by no means is it an amazing meal.

Overrated: Chef Mickey's. The food isn't that good. The character interaction was ok. I don't think I would do dinner here again.

So we had never eaten at Chef Mickey's but decided to this last trip (thinking if the rumors were true that character meal costs were going to go way up, this was the time to do it) - but was fully prepared to be disappointed but I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. The food was all hot and fresh tasting and some of it was really tasty (the short ribs with polenta and the ribs were rather good, lots of good desserts, etc.).

I mean, it's not Victoria and Alberts but was so much better than I was thinking it would be (though perhaps it was a case of lowered expectations)

 

[rteetz]

So we had never eaten at Chef Mickey's but decided to this last trip (thinking if the rumors were true that character meal costs were going to go way up, this was the time to do it) - but was fully prepared to be disappointed but I have to say we were pleasantly surprised. The food was all hot and fresh tasting and some of it was really tasty (the short ribs with polenta and the ribs were rather good, lots of good desserts, etc.).

I mean, it's not Victoria and Alberts but was so much better than I was thinking it would be (though perhaps it was a case of lowered expectations)

I don't mind it and the food isn't bad but some people think it's really really good.

 

[10MoreMinutes]

Pizza is very regional. People from New York are used to different pizza than people from California. I enjoy via Napoli. I'd say the burnt parts you are discussing are because it's from a wood burning oven and likely was closer to the flame than some of the other pizzas. I think pizza is one thing people have different expectations or likes for. Some like thin, some like thick, some like lots of cheese, some like lots of sauce. I expect more pizza places on property to show up in this thread.

I totally agree about different pizza tastes for different regions, and if that had been the only negative I saw about the place, I'd give it another chance and eat something else. But combine that with the fact that it was so loud in there, I had a hard time having a conversation with my table, I won't go back, at least not during a peak meal time.

 

[NeuroCindy]

Pizza is very regional. People from New York are used to different pizza than people from California. I enjoy via Napoli. I'd say the burnt parts you are discussing are because it's from a wood burning oven and likely was closer to the flame than some of the other pizzas. I think pizza is one thing people have different expectations or likes for. Some like thin, some like thick, some like lots of cheese, some like lots of sauce. I expect more pizza places on property to show up in this thread.

I'm insulted that in a comment about pizzas you didn't mention Chicago.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Underrated: Sanaa

Overrated (disgusting actually): Le Cellier

MG

 

[gmboy95]

Underrrated....Olivias (I am always hesitant to post this, as it is also the best kept secret in Disney Dining!!)

Overrated....Sci Fi dine in theater by a MILE....sitting in a car staring at someones back watching cheesy movie advertisements on a loop seems more like a sentence for committing a crime then it does a great dining experience

 

[gmboy95]

I agree if you are looking at strictly dining, Chef Mickeys is overrated....but i tend to think its the ancillary things at CM that are the true attraction....buffets are kind of standard fare at Disney ( I would exclude cape May cafe from the standard buffet fare category however)

 

[rteetz]

I'm insulted that in a comment about pizzas you didn't mention Chicago.

I had my first Chicago style pizza a month ago and it was great!

 

[RLGNC]

Overrated: Via Napoli in Epcot. I was so excited to try this last time we were at WDW because of the rave reviews I'd read and heard from others. The first thing I noticed was how loud it was in there. We were a foursome seated at a table in the little side section, and I could barely hear the people sitting across the table from me, let alone the poor waitress, who was so soft-spoken, I had to ask her to repeat everything at least twice. As for food/drink, the bellini was good, but the pizza was so-so at best. Some parts of the crust were burned to the point that it was inedible, and the toppings slid off every time I tried to pick a piece up. I ate the pizza (minus the burned parts of the crust) because I was starving, but I left the restaurant pretty disappointed and wondering what the fuss was about.

I agree. I was excited to try Via Napoli last week, but it was extremely loud (and cold) and the service was lacking. I feel like it may have been a language barrier in our case, but the waiter did not write down my order and I never even got my food (and he didn't seem to care). My son enjoyed his pizza, but he'll eat basically any pizza you put in front of him.

I agree if you are looking at strictly dining, Chef Mickeys is overrated....but i tend to think its the ancillary things at CM that are the true attraction....buffets are kind of standard fare at Disney ( I would exclude cape May cafe from the standard buffet fare category however)

I agree with this. I love the atmosphere and characters at CM, and I guess it's just become somewhat of a tradition for us (as I expect it is for many people).

 

[basketlacey]

Fun Thread! Here are mine:

Underrated (I have two): Trail's End Breakfast - this is so so good! Easily our favorite non character breakfast and if just rating the food, it would beat most of the character meals. This is a great value compared to other on property breakfasts.

Plaza Inn - Holy Cow - in all my trips how have I never eaten here? Our meal here last trip was fantastic. I was worried it would be on par with MK CS places and just cost more but it was so much better - and the location is just charming!

Overated: Sci Fi Drive In - The food is mediocre but honestly, why aren't the movies better? Maybe they should change the name and show Disney Movie clips instead? (I know, I probably just don't appreciate the Sci Fi genre but there is so much potential here given the IP Disney has in the movie space!)

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I had my first Chicago style pizza a month ago and it was great!

I'm insulted that in a comment about pizzas you didn't mention Chicago.

I love Chicago Style pizza but it is a completely different animal - much more of a full meal than a to-go option

Like comparing pie to cake