Unique Dining Recs?

[katiekomo]

4 adults and 2 toddlers visiting in May. We are 'foodies' and have access to great restaurants in our home towns. We are fine paying a lot IF it's a good meal (I'll pay steakhouse prices for a good steak, not for a chili's entree). I'm looking for the best restaurant to take us to on our first day (we'll arrive around 11am and spend most of the day at the pool). We are staying at BLT so I'd like to either eat at MK or on the monorail loop. However, if it's a spectacular restaurant, I could be convinced of a different resort (but not a different park). We'd like to do something unique-ish to Disney. (DH and I had a decent steak at the Yachtsman Steakhouse, but we can get great steaks in Texas anytime.) I first thought Ohana- but is it that different from any other churrascaria? V&A is out due to the kids... Is CG very unique? The fireworks view isn't much of a perk since we'll be at The Top of the World Lounge on other nights. DH and I hated 1900 Park Fare breakfast- too chaotic. (So based on that, I'm ruling out CM.)

Any suggestions?

 

[cmwade77]

Be our guest is absolutely spectacular. Just do not get too late of a reservation, as Stoke servers seem to rush the late reservations. But the restaurant is amazing both in atmosphere and food. It is also uniquely Disney. If you time it right, you may get out just add the fireworks are starting Ave be allowed to remain on the bridge for a great view of them. Alternatively, it's a great time to visit Enchanted tales with belle

 

[katiekomo]

Be our guest is absolutely spectacular. Just do not get too late of a reservation, as Stoke servers seem to rush the late reservations. But the restaurant is amazing both in atmosphere and food. It is also uniquely Disney. If you time it right, you may get out just add the fireworks are starting Ave be allowed to remain on the bridge for a great view of them. Alternatively, it's a great time to visit Enchanted tales with belle

Thanks! I'll start stalking the website in hopes to grab an ADR. Any other ideas, just in case?

 

[Marthasor]

If you want to stay in the monorail loop, Citrico's. If you are willing to travel a bit, Flying Fish on the Boardwalk or head to Il Mulino, bluezoo or Shula's at Swan-Dolphin. Jiko and Sanaa at AKL are also excellent.

 

[PinningTinkerbell]

Not on the monorail loop but Captains Grille at Yacht club was cozy and absolutely delicious with gourmet food we can't get locally!

 

[JZCubed]

We stay at both BLT & Boardwalk-area because each have advantages and disadvantages to the others.

If both V&A and CA Grill are 'out' for you, then consider the best seafood at BlueZoo inside the Dolphin. Beyond this, Disney might have some good food, but few things worth a hassle. Only you and your family can define 'hassle'.

If your kids are young enough, maybe you can drop them off at Camp Dolphin...free for 2-hours with any entree at Swan & Dolphin Signatures. 'Camp' is also available at a few other Disney properties for a small fee.

Yes, O'hana is churrascaria...but with a show as well.

Unique to Disney (in no particular order):
1.) Coral Reef - dining within the aquarium. Portions can be small, but my family seems to enjoy the 'fu-fu' food far more than most.
2.) Sci-Fi Theater - indoor drive-in black & white movie theater with wide ranging menu served on a tray.
3.) 50's Prime Time - more about the kitschy Formica and large portions than about quality food. If you grew up on I Love Luck/Leave it to Beaver - this place is fun. Concept is likely lost on younger children.
4.) Sanaa - inside Animal Kingdom Lodge/Resort - a restaurant with a view of the animals.
5.) T-Rex & Rainforest Cafe - well themed.
6.) House of Blues Gospel Brunch in Downtown Disney.
6a.) House of Blues or Raglan Road before/after Cirque du Soleil.
7.) Marrakesh for tagine, couscous & belly dancing.
8.) Artist Point is just a short boat ride across Bay Lake from BLT (has a 'Camp' at Wilderness Lodge).
9.) Ice cream & Burgers at Beaches & Cream and/or The Fountain. My child and father list burgers and shakes dinner on a short list of Best Foods Ever.
9a.) Ghirardelli Ice Cream in Downtown Disney.

Some are 'foodie' selections and some are fun places unique to Disney.

I have obviously excluded all character & princess meals, but these too would be about ambiance, not food quality.