Which One Expensive Meal Would You Do?

[annnewjerz]

I am trying to plan on surprise dinner for Me, DH and DM for our trip in December. My Mom hasn't been on a trip in about 12 years---so I really want to do something special...one nice, expensive dinner where we can dress a little nicer than t-shirts and shorts and order indulge in some food that we wouldn't usually splurge on at home.

I'm having trouble narrowing it down (and I still have 6 months until ADR time---so no rush on responses )

A. Le Cellier---my DH loves a good steak and it seems like there are a lot of choices on the menu that everyone would love. We have never been but read all of the great reviews and would love to try it.

B. California Grill---someone at work recommended it as a "don't miss" if you can afford it. We would love to see Wishes from the observation deck and it just seems like an unforgettable meal.

C. Flying Fish---we are staying at the BWV and DH and I have eaten at the FF before and LOVED it. We really like seafood (the snapper dish, mmmm) and also like the atmosphere, but are only hesitant because we're wondering if we should try something new (even though DM hasn't ever been).

WWYD???

 

[Tricia1972]

I'd blow the bank and go to Victoria & Albert's. Amazing food and completely elegant. My second choice would be Jiko.

However, neither of my choices are in your top three, so of those three I'd definitely choose California Grill. Flying Fish would be second and Le Cellier would be a distant third.

Le Cellier had good steak (better on our first trip, not as good on subsequent visits), but the atmosphere isn't conducive to dressing up and having an elegant evening. Because it's in the park it's heavily 'park gear' for attire and the seats are very close to each other. It's a great meal, but not what I would choose for the special evening that you are planning.

 

[annnewjerz]

I'd blow the bank and go to Victoria & Albert's. Amazing food and completely elegant. My second choice would be Jiko.

I'd love to---but unfortunately it isn't an option. We aren't on a super strict budget, but we are on a budget that doesn't have that much flex room unfortunately (rented points for a standard view at BWV and aren't getting hoppers).

As far as Jiko goes, I didn't even consider that or Artist Point, but maybe I should. My DH is not all that adventerous when it comes to food and the last thing I would want is for at a nice dinner for all of us...him looking at the menu, seeing ostrich and getting his mind set on the fact that we won't like it.

Le Cellier had good steak (better on our first trip, not as good on subsequent visits), but the atmosphere isn't conducive to dressing up and having an elegant evening. Because it's in the park it's heavily 'park gear' for attire and the seats are very close to each other. It's a great meal, but not what I would choose for the special evening that you are planning.

This is what I'm worried about. We have had FANTASTIC steak before at home and on various vacations---and I keep reading all of these reviews about how great Le Cellier is (maybe it's just over-hyped?? we've never been) and I'm worried about spending the money only to have a disappointing experience. I won't be getting my hopes up too high and am pretty easy to please---but I really want to go somewhere that we will feel like we got our money's worth and really had some great food.

 

[trvlr4301r]

We went to the California Grill on our last trip and it was very nice and the food was really good. The view from the top of the Contemporary is very cool. If you ask for a window seat (you may have to wait a little longer) it is so worth it. You can see the castle from your table. If you don't get a window seat you can go outside on the viewing platform and watch wishes if you time your dinner right. I didn't think the prices were too bad at all. I did however enjoy our dinner at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian more and you could also go out on the deck and see wishes or from your table. The food was much better there and I think the restaurant was a little more upscale.

 

[KatMark]

We did not like Flying Fish; we love LeCellier and we've never done Cali Grill. We don't do any signature restaurants--DH is NOT dressing up on vacation (we can do that at home in Chicago and go to any number of fine dining restaurants). We've always had great meals at LeCellier...from the first visit to our most recent visit in September and outstanding service too.

 

[ChelleinNC]

I would also suggest looking at Jiko. It's a beautiful restaurant, excellent service and you can stroll around AKL before/after dinner. Don't worry about Ostrich If your DH is a steak guy, he'll love the Filet w/Mac & Cheese at Jiko (DS12, just picked the mac & cheese for his bday dinner on Sunday) The short ribs are also very very good and not so "out there"

Artist Point is good, and you'll feel like you're having a special meal. For that reason, I would skip any in-park restaurant.

FF & CG are on my to do list for the next trip(s)

 

[Pakey]

Flying Fish's food is much much better than Le Cellier and also much better than Ca Grill. The view at CG is good and the sushi is excellent but the other food, doesn't compare to FF.

If you are set on the 3 you selected, then I would definitely go with FF. If you are not on the dining plan, you might also want to look at the bluezoo menu over at the Dolphin. It's excellent also and would be a nice walk from where you are staying.

 

[Disneynut322]

Another vote for Narcoosee's -- beautiful restaurant, wonderful food, and an incredible atmosphere overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon -- book an ADR so you can see Wishes from the deck. Definitely a special and memorable place. We dressed up too and enjoyed a wonderful night out. You could also ride the monorail from the GF and visit the Poly, Contemporary, and GF on the monorail line.

 

[AlternateEgo]

We decided to go to Narcoossee's at the GF for our special "honeymoon" dinner in September.

 

[Cinderella94]

Never been to California Grille or Flying Fish, but I will say that I think Le Cellier is overhyped. Nothing special to me.

 

[celerystalker]

Never been to California Grille or Flying Fish, but I will say that I think Le Cellier is overhyped. Nothing special to me.

I completely agree!
Of course, I don't ever order steak.

Thanks for this thread - I'm debating a similar thing.
I am on the dining plan and might splurge two table service credits for a signature meal -
just not sure which restaurant to go with.
Keep the thoughts coming!

 

[bri911e]

Took DM to California Grill 2 years ago and it was great! Prices were inline I thought and the food was very good, try the pizzas.

 

[dizfan]

Of the three you listed, IMHO Californina Grill will be the most memorable.

One of the best views in all of Disney World to entertain you during the meal.

 

[PookieB]

Of the three you listed, IMHO Californina Grill will be the most memorable.

One of the best views in all of Disney World to entertain you during the meal.

Totally agree with this! I loved the food at CG also. V&A's is nice also if you are really into a fancy meal.

 

[annnewjerz]

Thanks for all of the input thus far everyone.

I guess since lots of people are suggesting alternates to the places I have listed, I'll open up the original post to include ANY "Signature" dining experience (even if it's not considered signature to WDW---any nicer spots are still acceptable to me).

On the note of Jiko---can anyone tell me how far a ride it is from AK and also what type of clothing is acceptable?? We plan to do evening EMH at AK and would head over to AKL for a late dinner (8:30 or so) and just wondering if something comfortable for the parks but a little nicer looking than a t-shirt (i.e. sundress or something) would be okay.

Keep the suggestions coming!!

 

[DannysMom]

If you are into seafood, have you checked out the Narcoosees menu? Last year we took FIL & his wife there (both seafood lovers) and both really like it.

The signature restarunts we are trying this year (DxDP) are Citricos, Artist Point, & Yachtsman Steakhouse.

The only time we tried California Grill (on our first trip, years ago now) we were not that impressed, so we haven't been back.

We have eaten as Jiko as well & had some awesome meals there too.

 

[QueueCT]

Of the ones cited:
1. Flying Fish
2. California Grill
3. Le Cellier

My issue with CG isn't really the quality of the food but more the atmosphere. It's a beautiful space with a great view but incredibly noisy. And the noise and hustle/bustle really detracted from my ability to enjoy the food.

As for other places . . . we went to Jiko for the first time last month and enjoyed it quite a bit. And don't knock the ostrich, it was delicious! We hopped the bus from AK to AKL and had put a change of clothes in our backpack. It wasn't required that we change but I was more comfortable doing so. You'll likely have to pay for a cab on the way back unless you decide to take the bus to DD then back to BWI.

Other good option for us is Citricos. I find it to be highly underrated though maybe our low expectations resulted in the meal tasting better than it really was.

 

[ScottJoseph]

I recommend California Grill. If you're looking for something memorable, this is it.
But to answer your question about attire at Jiko, you would definitely want to wear something better than t-shirts. A collar shirt for gentlemen (caps off, please); your sun dress should be fine.
I have a review of Jiko on my site.

Scott
Scott Joseph's Orlando Restaurant Guide

 

[DISHUD]

We love Cali Grill.......the view is awesome and like it was said above, you can see the Castle lit up in the distance. You can watch Wishes tableside or go outside to the observation deck.....it's beautiful!

 

[figment814]

Of the three originally listed, I have eaten at Le Cellier and California Grill. (I do have ressies at Flying Fish next week!)

If I had the choice to do one, I would pick California Grill, especially if you can see wishes. It was one of my most memorable Disney experiences.

To me, Le Cellier is just okay. The atmosphere is not good, loud and cramped, and not overly special.

As one person mentioned, Jiko might be a good option. My BF is the pickiest person I have ever met, every restaurant we go to must have steak, a burger, or spaghetti on it. He really enjoyed Jiko and would like to go back again for our October trip. If your mother and you are more adventurous, try the ostrich appetizer, it is one of the best things I have ever eaten anywhere. (It tastes like the most amazing beef.)