What's your favorite dining "hidden" gem?

[gummyfisho]

Both have already been included above but Oliva's at OKW and the Turf Club at SSR are both fantastic options. Turf Club is open only for dinner, but it seems thats what you're looking for, a nice sit down meal after a day in the parks. Great options there and it has really lovely outdoor seating. It seems a bit more formal the Olivia's which is also an awesome choice. Olivia's is my family's must do every trip! Great food, fun theming and OKW is one of those resorts that seems a million miles away from WDW. Much like AKL is a great escape so is OKW.

 

[princessesintraining]

Our ADR is quickly approaching. Might have to try Boma even though we aren't big buffet people. Would move to sneak over to see the Lodge. Also thanks for suggesting the lounges. I have not thought of taking the kids there to eat.

 

[DWillowBay]

Nope...not telling! 'Cause if I do, the next time I go there, you will all be there...and that's why I go there...so that you're not there!

 

[UConnFan]

Our favorite "hidden gem" (if it can be called that) is Kona for breakfast. We hadn't tried it until two trips ago, and loved it when we did. We think it's a great value and love that it's a different breakfast option than regular eggs and waffles. Yum!

 

[Chrelaine]

We loved the relaxed atmosphere and food at Olivia's at OKW. We wound up eating there three times during our 7 day stay. We also really liked Portobello in Disney Springs. My husband still talks about the bolognese he ordered there. I remember having fantastic service also.

 

[KT0191]

I feel like Yak & Yeti at Animal Kingdom is over looked a lot. It's so good! We had the best dinner there. My husband got the Tiki Masala and I got the ribs. Both were amazing! And especially their fried wontons for dessert.

 

[Lancer]

My hidden gem is at Sunshine seasons in the land pavilion. At one of the counters, there were portions of a sub like sandwich cut from a much larger sandwich. It was on a kaiser roll type bread and was about 5 inches thick and loaded with cold cut meats, cheese, toppings and some sort of special sauce. It was extremely good and like I said it was huge, very filling. But then again, I got it close to closing time so maybe they were trying to get rid of it and gave me a much larger than normal piece. I hope they still serve it when I am there next.

 

[goofy4prez]

With the OP asking for "hidden gems," places like Boma, California Grill and Narcoossees, IMO are not hidden gems. They are well known and well loved, and are among my favorites as well. For me we did a walk up a few years ago at the Captains Grill on our arrival night at the YC; we loved it. I didn't even know it existed. Our second hidden gem was last year when we did a same morning ADR for breakfast at The Wave. I was very impressed with the buffet. We enjoyed it so much we made an ADR while seated at our table for a few days later on our check out day.

 

[DSLRuser]

Via Napoli
Beaches and Cream
Earl Of Sandwich
Bonogs Cuban Cafe (lunch only)

These are all great places that do not get enough good publicity.

 

[neatokimmo]

We loved the relaxed atmosphere and food at Olivia's at OKW. We wound up eating there three times during our 7 day stay. We also really liked Portobello in Disney Springs. My husband still talks about the bolognese he ordered there. I remember having fantastic service also.

Do you remember seeing shrimp and grits on the menu at Olivia's? Some online menus show it, some don't.

 

[antlane]

I LOVE the turf club. No clue why. Everyone I talk to hates it. But I like it for what it is.

 

[Chrelaine]

Do you remember seeing shrimp and grits on the menu at Olivia's? Some online menus show it, some don't.

I honestly don't remember. I do remember that there were specials beyond the regular menu. We had a seafood stew that wasn't on the menu at the time.

 

[LovesTimone]

MK - its really hard here for a hidden Gem, BOG is really not a hidden but is a must see I enjoyed dinner there, but I would go for lunch if you can't get dinner. We eat at off times, as we do in our daily life, the Plaza is a nice spot for a burger and milkshake and oh so nice to be able to sit down, and relax. If you are up to leaving MK lots of options at the resorts, Kona at the POLY is a good go to.

Epcot - so many options here, it really depends on what you are in the mood for, Sunshine season is a really great QS, that offers more meal style offerings, Coral Reef is sorta a hidden gem we love sitting and watching the fish swim by, it is so relaxing at the end of a long hot day its a perfect spot. Anywhere in world showcase there are lots of options, maybe do something different and snack around the world case, sharing some items as you go, this way you can taste a little bit of everything. Our new fav TS is spice road tables, really good food and service, but check out the menu for your kiddos.

DHS - SCI-FI it is so fun, my DD could not get over that when I was a kid I really saw movies like that. - Honestly for us there really isn't much in the way of choice's here. Starring rolls does offer good quick breakfast selection.

AK - Tusker House is our favorite breakfast buffet, we have had dinner here and it was the food and service was good, when we went there were no character at dinner I am not sure if this has changed or not.

Disney Springs - lots and lots of options here, you could try the food truck area, some really interesting items, and some kid friendly ones, While not a hidden gem Rainforest and T-Rex around fun with the kiddos. We really enjoy Portobella Country Italian, we have always enjoy our dinner here, and they have a nice selection of wine, and great service.

 

[MrPTato]

Via Napoli for sure! Sci-Fi is very cool and a different experience. We also enjoy Sanaa for the bread.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

With the OP asking for "hidden gems," places like Boma, California Grill and Narcoossees, IMO are not hidden gems. They are well known and well loved, and are among my favorites as well. For me we did a walk up a few years ago at the Captains Grill on our arrival night at the YC; we loved it. I didn't even know it existed. Our second hidden gem was last year when we did a same morning ADR for breakfast at The Wave. I was very impressed with the buffet. We enjoyed it so much we made an ADR while seated at our table for a few days later on our check out day.

I agree. As a general rule, anything that is inside the park is popular, with the possible exception of some places in WS such as Spice Market or Tutto Gusto.

True hidden gems are the non-signature, non-buffet resort restaurants. My favorite is the Grand Floridian Cafe, I love, love, love taking the boat over for a relaxed and delicious walk up lunch than a short monorail ride back. googy4prez mentions two others above.

 

[luvdisney00]

Our hidden gems are 1) WPE in Disney Springs, CS credit if you are on the DDP reasonable prices if you are not. Great food, try the salmon or the bacon wrapped meatloaf! It's cafeteria style so no ADRs and the best creme brûlée I have tried on property.
2) Trails End buffet. It's off the beaten path but so good. Food is hot fresh and delicious!