Underrated/Overrated: Restaurants Edition

No, but to be fair, that isn't what most people think of when they hear Chicago-style pizza. Demonstrated by putting that into Google image search and the first gazillion pics coming up this, which IS a casserole. ;)

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Okay maybe I'll give you the second, but not the first. :) And I too want pizza now! Thankfully Uno's and Giardano's have franchised!
 

We drove to Giordano's on S. Apopka Vineland Rd when we stayed at the Fort in January, just to have some REAL pizza. 11AM-11PM Everyday.
 
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.

That post could have been written by me! I agree, Tokyo Dining was actually a terrific experience. Via Napoli wasn't even during peak time and it's the loudest Disney restaurant I've been in. And I saw a lot of people before my trip give positive reviews to the pizza- the only conclusion I can come to is that they've never had that style of pizza before!

Beaches and Cream was another that I felt was overrated. They told me you have to have an ADR to get a table which I think is BS. And the burger was good, don't me wrong, but I can make the same thing at home. I've seen a lot of reviews that list it as the best burger on the property:confused3
 
What do you think is going on here? Is it an I've got my kids with me and I know they won't like anything on the menu or is it a I know I'm spending $$ at an Epcot restaurant so with that kind of money I'd rather go with French, Mexican or Italian (arguably more comfortable & approachable) menus for North Americans.

I've found great food at lower prices at eg Marrakesh for lunch. At dinner, the comparable plate is hiked in price for the evening guests. But lunch is a very good value OOP. I've also chatted with couples next to me at lunch & they have explained they are frequent lunch diners here b/c they love the lunch specials and enjoy a different, lower cost, getaway lunch at a somewhat 'romantic' atmosphere when grandparents are taking care of the kids for the day.

Sanaa at Kidani is a great lunch value. Great food at decent prices b/c it is tucked away, outside of the parks & it requires a wee bit of homework to figure out (actually how easy & fast it is) to get here from AK on the bus. Now, getting back to AK on the bus takes more time but still worthwhile esp for adults who view AK as a less intensive touring park.


I think it's partly the second one. And partly- in my case at least- that while I really enjoyed the meal, I thought it was really heavy and the menu was kind of dumbed down, so I didn't feel any inclination to go back a second time. And I really like Morrocan food. I think subconsciously it could be the lack of Windows as well, though. My favorite meals were rose and crown and Tokyo dining, and I don't think that's entirely due to the food.
 
Seeing all the responses regarding Via Napoli truly surprises me. I've dined here numerous of times and every time it's an absolute joy. The food is always wonderful and the service is great. I understand it being loud. I don't mind the noise. Maybe that's why I'm different here. As someone who is used to the margarita style pizza, it's very accurate and enjoyable.

Overrated: Biergarten. The only thing I can enjoy is the music. The food is subpar and it seems like there's never variety.
Overrated: Whispering Canyon Cafe. Went there for the "Backstage Magic" tour, and they did the BBQ platter with everything... Food wasn't good. Very poor choice in location for a special tour like that.
 
As someone who is used to the margarita style pizza, it's very accurate and enjoyable.
I've had this style of pizza many times in many different places. This was easily the worst attempt at it I've ever encountered.
 
I've had this style of pizza many times in many different places. This was easily the worst attempt at it I've ever encountered.

Really? I don't know what to say... Maybe i'm just lucky and got the good nights... Who knows.
 
Really? I don't know what to say... Maybe i'm just lucky and got the good nights... Who knows.

You must get lucky. It wasn't my worst- that title belongs to a place in Salt Lake City. But it wasn't good, and I'm not a snob when it comes to pizza.
 
Really? I don't know what to say... Maybe i'm just lucky and got the good nights... Who knows.
Maybe it was just an off day. Maybe they took it out too soon. But pizza shouldn't be soggy. You shouldn't have to roll it up to eat it. And the toppings should stay attached when you pick it up, not drop right off.
 
Maybe it was just an off day. Maybe they took it out too soon. But pizza shouldn't be soggy. You shouldn't have to roll it up to eat it. And the toppings should stay attached when you pick it up, not drop right off.

Yup. I don't think it's a matter of opinion when that happens, and that was my experience as well.
 
Underrated: It has to be either The Plaza, or frankly, Tony's. I know, I know…but we eat at Tony's every trip and enjoy it immensely. The service is always great, and we always like our food.

Overrated: Be Our Guest…we've been here for lunch once and dinner 3 times. The service is super rushed, and I have never had such SALTY food in my life. Makes me wonder what they are trying to cover up with all the salt! If we go again, I'll stick to dessert :P
 












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