Which between the 3 higher end restaurants?

[nikerbokers]

I’m a DL vet and AP but I need a little help with this decision as reservations open tomorrow for my trip. Im going on my annual solo trip and would like to try one of the following restaurants...
Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, or Catal.

I’m already going to eat at Carthay another evening.

I love every type of cuisine except sushi. Seafood is fine except I’m not into oysters, clams, or octopus type dishes. I was considering Chefs Table at Napa but I was concerned that I would be a tad too picky (I like only some veggies). I also would love a nice cocktail or wine selection.

Thanks in advance!

 

[BayouQueen]

You'll get lots of opinions. Mine would be to narrow the choice between SH55 and NR. We've dined at Catal a couple of times and had a nice time, but just that. I'd personally always now choose one of the other two over Catal, depending on if I'm in a meat and potatoes mood or more of a "foodie" mood.

 

[MPLsDad]

Of the two, I have only experienced SH55, which was last week. I highly recommend this restaurant. The service is attentive (if not a little robotic), the atmosphere is comfortable and the food was delicious! Everything our table of 4 ordered was served perfectly and was completely finished. The portions did not leave room for dessert. Enjoy!

 

[julesann]

Disclaimer: I haven't dined at Steakhouse 55. I really enjoyed Chef's Table at NR with the wine flight. I found the interactions with our waiter (sommelier) around our choice of wine with each course great fun as well as our engagement with the pastry chefs as they created beautiful desserts. If you are by yourself, I think this is a great option for interaction--though I think you need to be willing to initiate conversation.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Having never been to any of the 3 my imho is not worth much. That said I've read many reviews over the years & I would do the Chef's table at Napa Rose in a heartbeat! Straight up tell them what you don't like, or if that is an extensive list tell them some of the main veggies you do like. Their wine selection is supposed to be very extensive and you could do a pairing to get a different wine with each course!

 

[Malcon10t]

We love Steakhouse 55. I've enjoyed the Chef's counter and regular dining at Napa, but prefer STeakhouse.

 

[BayouQueen]

We love Steakhouse 55. I've enjoyed the Chef's counter and regular dining at Napa, but prefer STeakhouse.

Really, SH55 would be my choice as well, but I'm traditional in my tastes; and then I have a more "hip" daughter who really loves the modern flavor combinations found at NR. Ultimately it kind of depends on what you're in the mood for, I suppose. Or flip a coin -- it's a win-win, and you can always do the other one next time!

 

[nikerbokers]

Thank you for taking the time and giving your opinions. I am thinking either Chefs Table or Steakhouse 55 for sure. I love steak- probably my favorite food on the planet. Chefs Table is calling me because it’s such an one of a kind experience and I haven’t heard a single person say they didn’t love their food. I’ll sleep on it tonight and let y’all know what I end up picking

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Here's some more opinion/information to throw into the mix:
Catal: We enjoy our meals here, but it is much more casual than NR or even S55 (which we think is more casual than NR). The big plus here is sitting upstairs on the patio (if the weather permits) or by the large windows right across from where BAB used to be. Time your meal so that you are facing the parks when the fireworks start. Dinner and a show! We're such nerds that we even have the music ready to go on our phones -- hit the button as soon as the show starts!
NR: great tip above to initiate interaction with the chefs at the counter and with the servers. They won't intrude if they think you don't want to be bothered, so feel free to ask any and all questions about e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. The last time we were at the counter, we ended up talking with several CMs about their culinary school backgrounds (turns out they went to school together and wound up working at NR!), plans for next season's menus, catching up on various servers' families (the kids get big sooo fast), etc. The synergy will build as the CMs learn more about you and your tastes. Very fun. But sitting at a table in the dining room or in the lounge or even at the bar is also fun. We've done all those, too. Interact and ask questions. The Vintner's Menu is a seasonal tasting menu (bit larger portions than a standard tasting menu) and changes weekly. If you don't do the Chef's Counter, you might enjoy that. One thing to note: no AP discount at NR, unlike Catal or S55. So budget accordingly.
S55: We've had great experiences here and also not so great. It all depends on our server. When we get a good server and have good communication, things go very well. Once in a while we get a server who is inexperienced or a poor listener. This can happen anywhere, and we do what we can to remedy things while we are still in the restaurant. Overall, things go very well as long as we speak up and let the CMs know exactly what we need. We do prefer breakfast here over dinner. (And that would be one way to fit in both S55 and NR on your trip -- just do different meals at each location.) AP discount comes in very handy here!
Wherever you dine, have a great time!

 

[goooof1]

Love Steakhouse 55 !! So many good choices and 24 layer chocolate cake!!! (even the leftovers are great!)

 

[tarheelalum]

55.

 

[keywis25]

I would go with the Steakhouse too... it is a nice atmosphere and good food

 

[nikerbokers]

I reserved dinner at S55 as of now. I’m still contemplating the Chefs Table/Counter at NR and will change the reservation or heck, maybe I’ll do both during my trip. Thank you so much again for everyone’s responses. I’m so excited for a great meal and experience.

 

[Malcon10t]

Thank you for taking the time and giving your opinions. I am thinking either Chefs Table or Steakhouse 55 for sure. I love steak- probably my favorite food on the planet. Chefs Table is calling me because it’s such an one of a kind experience and I haven’t heard a single person say they didn’t love their food. I’ll sleep on it tonight and let y’all know what I end up picking

I didn't love my food there. I did like it for the most part. Chef Sutton was there than night, and when I explained I didn't care for game meats, fish, or spice, he did kind of take that into account. He did bring me the Smiling Tiger salad, and he had Siracha sauce, and informed me I'd like it the way he did it. I didn't. He switched up the Diver Scallop dish and used prawns instead, adn I did really like that. I had slices of filet mignon for meat (it was about 4 ounces) with brussle sprouts. It was good, I had the wine pairings, I was with friends, it was fun. But, my preference runs more towards Steakhouse.

 

[Niltiac]

I'm surprised to see so many people going for SH55. I've only eaten there once, but I thought it was just ok. It was a nice meal, but there was nothing memorable about it - pretty much like eating out at any restaurant. I don't remember loving or hating the food. I found myself wishing we had spent the time on something more interesting. I really liked the Napa Rose chef's counter, but I didn't have the experience that I've read about in reviews. We weren't asked for our likes and dislikes, and there was no interaction from the chefs (because of where we were seated they weren't working within talking-range). But it's just as well that they didn't ask for likes and dislikes, because I found that I actually liked what they brought out even when it was something I thought I wouldn't. I think there might have been one dish (out of many) that I didn't care for.

I'll definitely do Napa Rose again someday, probably in the regular dining room this time. I may or may not try SH55 for breakfast or tea one day, but not for dinner - it just wasn't worth the time and money in my opinion when there are so many more unique places nearby.

 

[Jedi Mouse]

I've eaten once at Napa Rose for an anniversary dinner this past July and it was amazing. Catal was good, but not great and I've only had breakfast at Steakhouse 55, which was very good. So I'd go with Napa Rose.

 

[Nonsuch]

I'm surprised to see so many people going for SH55. I've only eaten there once, but I thought it was just ok. It was a nice meal, but there was nothing memorable about it - pretty much like eating out at any restaurant. I don't remember loving or hating the food. I found myself wishing we had spent the time on something more interesting. I really liked the Napa Rose chef's counter, but I didn't have the experience that I've read about in reviews. We weren't asked for our likes and dislikes, and there was no interaction from the chefs (because of where we were seated they weren't working within talking-range). But it's just as well that they didn't ask for likes and dislikes, because I found that I actually liked what they brought out even when it was something I thought I wouldn't. I think there might have been one dish (out of many) that I didn't care for.

I'll definitely do Napa Rose again someday, probably in the regular dining room this time. I may or may not try SH55 for breakfast or tea one day, but not for dinner - it just wasn't worth the time and money in my opinion when there are so many more unique places nearby.

I agree

I've dined at all 3 restaurants, although Catal was several years ago.
My preference is Napa Rose regular dining room, usually go there every visit.

 

[Malcon10t]

I'm surprised to see so many people going for SH55. I've only eaten there once, but I thought it was just ok. It was a nice meal, but there was nothing memorable about it - pretty much like eating out at any restaurant. I don't remember loving or hating the food. I found myself wishing we had spent the time on something more interesting. I really liked the Napa Rose chef's counter, but I didn't have the experience that I've read about in reviews.

This is why I am glad there are so many different restaurants at the resort. For us, Steakhouse wins hands down. But I do know others prefer Napa or Carthay better. The Executive chef at Steakhouse is the old Club 33 chef, and he is great about remembering likes and dislikes. One night we (my adult daughter and I) were arguing over sides. I really wanted asparagus, and she didn't, and she commented the only way she would eat it if it was wrapped in bacon. Our server informed the chef, and out came a dish of bacon wrapped asparagus, in a brown sugar Hennesey sauce. (She was even eating them for dessert!) I prefer steak to game meats, and Napa has a lot of game on the menus.

Bacon wrapped asparagus and ribs

e weren't asked for our likes and dislikes, and there was no interaction from the chefs (because of where we were seated they weren't working within talking-range). But it's just as well that they didn't ask for likes and dislikes, because I found that I actually liked what they brought out even when it was something I thought I wouldn't. I think there might have been one dish (out of many) that I didn't care for.

They still will ask likes and dislikes, but they are using items from the menu now and not making dishes designed for the guest like they did previously.

 

[hootey]

Steakhouse 55

 

[DLgal]

I think you made a good choice.

You can always hit up the Napa Rose Lounge without a reservation and the full menu can be ordered.

I wouldn't bother with the chef's table at NR since you won't eat basically "whatever." It is truly designed for people who are happy to try anything. When you put restrictions on the chef, you end up with a sub par experience. But, I think a regular meal at Napa Rose is worth it every time.