Which One Expensive Meal Would You Do?

[annnewjerz]

Thanks again for all of the input. After looking at my itinerary that I have drawn up (which with our trip being so far out---is obviously just rough at this point)...I'm really starting to think Jiko would be a good choice.

I hadn't considered it originally but after looking through the menu and talking to my DM and DH about whether or not they'd be willing to try this type of food, they were both surprisingly up for it. As long as they have a steak (which it looks like they do) I know that no matter what, my DH will be happy, ostrich appetizer and all!

If for some reason I decide that Jiko just isn't going to be the one, I think I'll stick with Flying Fish. It'll be close to our hotel, I have dreams about the snapper and if we got a late ADR like we did last time---we were one of only a few tables of people in the entire restaurant.

Thanks everyone!!
Ann

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

I will say Narcoossee's, b/c it was sooooooo good. Sorry I know its not on our list. Also Fultons Crab House was excellent!

 

[oybolshoi]

If you are seafood lovers then your best bets are Flying Fish or Blue Zoo - they both offer amazing menus and we've had tremendous meals at both restaurants.

I think you mentioned that you'd already tried FF, so Blue Zoo would be a great option that is within easy walking distance (located at the Dolphin resort). It's a bit pricey but very much worth the expense, in my opinion.

Narcoossees is good, but not in the same league as Flying Fish or Blue Zoo.

Some other ideas ...

Citricos in the Grand Floridian is quite good - the food and service and setting were lovely and we would definitely go back again.

Bistro Paris is located in Epcot (second floor above Chef's de France) they do not accept the dining plan and I think that's one reason it's seldom crowded like the other restaurants. It's a step below V&A but still very very good; however, if your hubby doesn't like French food you might not want to risk him not enjoying a meal there.

If you really want a special steak dinner why not try the Yachtsman Steakhouse? It's located in the Yacht Club Resort which is across the lake from the Boardwalk (easy walking distance again). We've never eaten at any steakhouse at WDW because we can get tremendous steak dinner here at home all the time, but I've heard very good things about Yachtsman from people here whose opnion I trust.

CA Grill is nice but it's so crowded and so noisy that we find it hard to enjoy. Also, on our last visit we didn't think that it was as good as it had been on our last visits. Could have been an off night - that happens - but we won't be repeating there this fall because of it.

Jiko is excellent, too - one of our favorites due to the food and service. They have a nice variety on their menu and the we love to wander around the resort after we've finished stuffing our faces.

Hope this helps a little ... it can be hard to make a final decision, especially when you're trying to pick something to make someone else happy. Have a lovely trip once it gets here!

 

[BriarRosie]

I wanted to add my .02 about Todd English's bluezoo™.

It's not on the Disney Dining Plan, and so you will see more of an adult atmosphere, fewer families. More conventioneers seemed to be waiting to eat there. I found it to be an adult, upscale atmosphere, and the sun dress is a decent choice. Resort casual is fine.

I did a review with photos on the Nosh link in my signature, if you wanted to see it for yourself.

I do like all the restaurants everyone else listed, but I tend to find that California Grill can be hit or miss. If you stick with the flatbreads and sushi, I don't think you can go wrong. All of my choices (mostly with appetizers as my meal) were fantastic, but some of the main dishes fall flat. I see more people rave about the scallops or the filet, and not so much about the other offerings.

Anyway, I don't think there's really anything wrong with any of the signature restaurants suggested.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

California Grill... we go every few years!

 

[donaldndaisy]

After reading this thread, I think I'll book Jiko's for our upcoming trip, in May. I booked V&A, but since we're staying at the GF, in September, I think I'll change the ressie and replace with Jiko's and just pay out of pocket

 

[MinnieLee]

How about Fulton's Crab House at DTD? Food is great, not just seafood. A nice table overlooking the water.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just to note that as far as dress goes, our photo is at the bar at Flying Fish. We were at the very top of the dress code "chain" that evening and should add that about 3/4 of the folks were dressed in a similar casual fashion while the rest were in park attire.

 

[fey_spirit]

If hubby wants a really good steak, and you're looking for a nicer meal I would suggest Jinko over LeCellar. The Steak w Mac N Cheese is phenomenal.

But my choice would still be FF - best meal on property... along with the best service I have ever had anywhere.

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???

 

[fey_spirit]

Citraco's rocks.
It wasn't just low expectations leading to a great meal, because I had only the highest of expectations and they still exceeded anything I had hoped for.

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.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Flying Fish is insanely wonderful! DH had the best NY Strip there! He loved it so much he requested it for our June trip

 

[grace&philipsmom]

I have heard really god things about Artist Point. DH and I are planning to go there for our one evening without the kids.

 

[rudy7696]

You cant go wrong with Victora & Albert's it is sooo elegant and a once in a lifetime experience. Plus you ladies will receive a rose at the end of the meal.

 

[JMD]

Of the ones you listed, I would pick CG. But honestly, all 3 are excellent and you can't go wrong with whichever you choose.