Which are the Nicest and Best Overall Restaurant in and around WDW?

[jrt1176]

I'm planning a trip in Sept or so. I have been many times, but this is the first with my niece, who will be 2.5.

A big part of our vacations is the meal, at least dinner! We might sit down for lunch here and there, but we get off to the parks around 11 or so, since we have been many times, and usually pick at things during the day.

Basically this trip we will have 5 dinners. So, I'm trying to find the best restaurants in and around WDW, money isnt a matter when it comes to this!

Victoria and Albert's is out, since we have my niece.

We love Steak...I'm thinking Shula's, Charlie's Steakhouse, Vito's Chophouse...They all carry prime meat, Shula's had their Shula Cut which is supposed to be better than prime? I have heard about Le Cellier, but I'm alwats skeptical on the world showcase restuarants, as they seemed to be watered down versions of authentic food, especially if you have been to those countries. Although, Bistro de Paris is very good.

We may also go to Bistro de Paris for French food...

Seafood, we were thinking Blue Zoo and Flying Fish, although maybe sneak in Flying Fish for a lunch.

Also a stop at Wolfgang Puck's upstairs...

Please let me know where you would go for 5 nights, if you could pick any and please throw in your own fav's as well!

 

[JT4Ever4Ever4Ever]

I'm planning a trip in Sept or so. I have been many times, but this is the first with my niece, who will be 2.5.

A big part of our vacations is the meal, at least dinner! We might sit down for lunch here and there, but we get off to the parks around 11 or so, since we have been many times, and usually pick at things during the day.

Basically this trip we will have 5 dinners. So, I'm trying to find the best restaurants in and around WDW, money isnt a matter when it comes to this!

Victoria and Albert's is out, since we have my niece.

We love Steak...I'm thinking Shula's, Charlie's Steakhouse, Vito's Chophouse...They all carry prime meat, Shula's had their Shula Cut which is supposed to be better than prime? I have heard about Le Cellier, but I'm alwats skeptical on the world showcase restuarants, as they seemed to be watered down versions of authentic food, especially if you have been to those countries. Although, Bistro de Paris is very good.

We may also go to Bistro de Paris for French food...

Seafood, we were thinking Blue Zoo and Flying Fish, although maybe sneak in Flying Fish for a lunch.

Also a stop at Wolfgang Puck's upstairs...

Please let me know where you would go for 5 nights, if you could pick any and please throw in your own fav's as well!

1) Bistro de Paris - This is our favorite restaurant in all of WDW. Really quiet, the food is exquisite, service is top notch, and the desserts are remarkable. Would highly recommend the crepe suzettes if you still have an appetite.

2) Shula's - This is the best steakhouse in WDW. Very pricey but I think if you don't mind the cost, go for it.

3) I've never been to FF but we will be going this year. We had planned for Fulton's but decided to replace it with FF.

4) Would definitely go to JIKO at the AKL. Exotic Food and a little different menu selection from other WDW restaurants.

5) And maybe do a character dining for your niece so she can have some fun too

I WOULD SKIP WOLFGANG. I went there last year and thought it was absolutely awful. The food was horrendous and the service was even worse.

 

[jrt1176]

I have been reading about Jiko, will have to think about it...

We are doing character breakfast or two for my niece and maybe a lunch also...we love her, but dinner is our choice!!! She behaves well and loves to watch people, so she will be fine at WDW...

We used to own some restaurants and a prime nyc style steakhouse, so food is a big part of our vacation, dinner especially!

 

[luvpooh]

I'm not sure where Charlie's or Vito's are but am assuming they are offsite. If that it the case, you are really opening yourself to a ton more options, and may want to check out the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board. I know there is a place offsite that they rave about on the podcasts, but I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it. There's also a slew of 'high end' chains, like Roy's, Morton's, Ruths Chris, etc.
Onsite, I love bluezoo and Jiko and would recommend them. Flying Fish is not open for lunch.

 

[jrt1176]

Well, Morton's and Ruths Chris are something we can eat anywhere...

Jiko and Flying Fish seem to be very popular, I will have to look at them further.

Like I said, Dinner is a big part of the vacation for us!

I'm not sure where Charlie's or Vito's are but am assuming they are offsite. If that it the case, you are really opening yourself to a ton more options, and may want to check out the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board. I know there is a place offsite that they rave about on the podcasts, but I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it. There's also a slew of 'high end' chains, like Roy's, Morton's, Ruths Chris, etc.
Onsite, I love bluezoo and Jiko and would recommend them. Flying Fish is not open for lunch.

 

[luvpooh]

okay, not knowing where you are located I didn't know if they were someplace you frequented or not. Try to go on the podcast board and see if someone can tell you the name of the place they all love. It's supposed to have almost a supper club feel to it I think, like a place where Sinatra and the Rat Pack would have hung out.

 

[galnar]

Maybe Timpano's?

 

[Brygida]

I'm planning a trip in Sept or so. I have been many times, but this is the first with my niece, who will be 2.5.

A big part of our vacations is the meal, at least dinner! We might sit down for lunch here and there, but we get off to the parks around 11 or so, since we have been many times, and usually pick at things during the day.

Basically this trip we will have 5 dinners. So, I'm trying to find the best restaurants in and around WDW, money isnt a matter when it comes to this!

Victoria and Albert's is out, since we have my niece.

We love Steak...I'm thinking Shula's, Charlie's Steakhouse, Vito's Chophouse...They all carry prime meat, Shula's had their Shula Cut which is supposed to be better than prime? I have heard about Le Cellier, but I'm alwats skeptical on the world showcase restuarants, as they seemed to be watered down versions of authentic food, especially if you have been to those countries. Although, Bistro de Paris is very good.

We may also go to Bistro de Paris for French food...

Seafood, we were thinking Blue Zoo and Flying Fish, although maybe sneak in Flying Fish for a lunch.

Also a stop at Wolfgang Puck's upstairs...

Please let me know where you would go for 5 nights, if you could pick any and please throw in your own fav's as well!

Food is a big part for us too. I am going in September too with my 4 year old... and have been with him about twice a year since he was born. I think that Bistro de Paris, Flying Fish are good choices. I have tried them. However, these will probably be my choices for our 5 days this year:

1. Wolfgang Puck downstairs - this was my son's favorite place I think last year. Especially loved the artist pallette desert (make your own ice cream sundae, served on an artist's palette dish). Food was phenomenal! The best steak according to my niece she has had at Disney (Iam not huge steak fan).
2. Raglan Road - great food - no one around at lunch. My son has a late bedtime, so we got to see the Irish dancers once. Also, dancing in the streets outside to the disco being played at Pleasure Island.
3. Boma - the best buffet at WDW! the best desert buffet at WDW! My son loves going to visit the savannah before/after dinner and the fountain at the restaurant.
4. Chefs De France - best appetizers for kids... most places don't do appetizers for kids at all.
5. Akershus Princess Lunch - best character dining at WDW! I know I have a son, but he likes getting hugs from all the pretty young princesses. Being from Eastern Europe, the food here is closest to my heart.

 

[Debbie-TN]

We really enjoyed Crystal Palace last year. It's a Pooh character meal. They have lots of kid-friendly food.

 

[homedad]

CG and Jiko, we took our 4 and 2yo at the time and last year 6 and 4 with no issues. they loved the food too......

 

[webray]

First, Flying Fish isn't open for lunch. For dinner it is wonderful.
For those steak lovers, they also have one of the best steaks on Disney property. Definately put Flying Fish on your list for one night.

Le Bistro, another wonderful choice. Keep in mind, this is a slow, relaxed meal, no rushing, so make sure the little one will be patient.

We recently tried Tutto Italia in EPCOT, we were blown away. Definately worth a stop. Also for Italian, Il Mulino over at the Swan is wonderful.
We could go back and forth between the two, no problem.

Blue Zoo at Dolphin is also fantastic.

Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge is another favorite.

If you are going to be in the downtown disney area one day for lunch or dinner give Raglan Road a try.

Jiko used to be top of our list, however they do have a new chef and are still working things out. We tried it recently, the sous chef was cooking as the new chef was in Africa.
We were with two other couples who also rated it as one of the best, all six of us were disappointed. It will be a while before we return.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I went to Charley's last time we were in the World and it was Great! Very $$$ though...but very good.

Our favorite restaurants in Disney are Raglan Road, Le Cellier and Cali Grill. My husband is a steak eater and had great steak at all three. Raglan Road is also known for their seafood (they fly it in daily). I had the Its Not Bleedin Chowder there and it was great.

A few friends of mine LOVE Blue Zoo and we are trying there next week. The food sounds and looks amazing.

Have a great trip!

ETA: I will be doing a dining review when we return. We are going to RR, House of Blues, Blue Zoo and Yak and Yeti...I am sure others too but they are not planned.