Which restaurants?

[VianSa]

Hi we are a couple in our late thirties and want your recommendations on which two restaurants you would pick. We are looking at California grill, Blue zoo, Narcoossee, Artist Point, Flying Fish. But need to pick just two! Poor us I know lol. We like restaurants with a more lively atmosphere, but since we are doing two then if one of them is not so lively it would be ok. Thanks for your help!

 

[Barbydoll8]

IMO CG is modern yet sophisticated. AP is a little more romantic. Narcoosee's can be romantic but I would classify this as classic intimate. FF is a bit more modern/classic. I have never been to BZ so can't comment on that. The food is rated high on all these places. I would say to go Disney Food Blog or Disney's web site and view the menus. They are all very different for these places and that can really make or break the meal not just atmosphere.

 

[L&Lfan]

We'd pick bluezoo and Artist Point from your list. We love them both, especially bluezoo!

 

[VianSa]

Thank you both. Yes last night I was perusing the menus and the type of food will definitely make up more than half of the decision process. I actually booked California Grill for one of the nights but I'm torn for the other night. Regardless of where we pick for the second night, we may also visit a few of the other resto's as on other nights with the children!

 

[JZCubed]

Hi we are a couple in our late thirties and want your recommendations on which two restaurants you would pick. We are looking at California grill, Blue zoo, Narcoossee, Artist Point, Flying Fish. But need to pick just two! Poor us I know lol. We like restaurants with a more lively atmosphere, but since we are doing two then if one of them is not so lively it would be ok. Thanks for your help!

We stay at both Contemporary (CA Grill) and Dolphin (blueZoo).

Disney-run places tend to have more children. That can impact a decision.

But Disney-run places can offer a view of Fireworks or tickets to a nighttime show (like for Rivers of Light or Fantasmic!).

My two-cents on your four places (in your order):
a.) CA Grill - can be a truly magical experience. Can also be hit-or-miss with an ambiance that can be less than you might expect for a Signature (because children, Park attire being worn, noisy near kitchen, not every table is remarkable, etc.). Not the best view of the fireworks, but certainly spectacular from so high up. Sushi is recommended.
b.) BlueZoo - our favorite (not named Victoria & Albert). We enjoy the food and ambiance. Lounge can get a bit livelier, but their remains an ice cream parlor outside the front door. Whole fish, tempura string beans, fennel butter with bread basket! Main hotel lobby being remodeled through Thanksgiving (??).
c.) Narcoossee's - we enjoy the New England-y (mostly seafood) menu, but it is limited. Food is nothing special, but it's not being sold that way either. Closer to Main Street, so better angle towards fireworks. Can be charming. We also enjoy the opportunity to stroll the Grand Floridian and enjoy the shops and live jazz.
d.) Artist Point - maybe the most quiet and least bustling of the bunch. Cedar plank-cooked Salmon is the 'must-have' menu item. The nearby Lounge is a hidden gem - because it's not lively. Lovely resort, so take a boat to get there. Meh.

Recommendation: blueZoo is our favorite. Your calculus can determine the other.

Suggestion - look at Capa (Four Seasons) & Disney Springs (Paddlefish, Boathouse) too.

 

[VianSa]

Thanks that's great. How do we get a better positioned table at CG? Email or call the restaurant directly once we have a reso?

 

[sleepydog25]

For the buzz: California Grill - I've never considered this a quiet restaurant, so if "lively" is what you seek, this is a good choice. Pricey but generally excellent food, great views, nice service. Most everyone wants a window seat, so I'm not sure emailing or calling will help. We usually have fair success by getting a reservation as close to when the restaurant opens as possible. That usually means not being around for Wishes (or its substitute coming in May); however, you can come back and walk out on the observation deck.

For date night: Artist Point - Tucked away at WL, it's infrequently busy or noisy. Window seat is easier to get which might allow you views of the courtyard, pool, and even geyser. Generally excellent food, service, and certainly ambiance. Again, we tend to go early, get a window seat, and eat a very leisurely meal. It's a superb place to reconnect and just each other's company. After, stroll the quiet grounds, though construction is ongoing so you can't go down the full length of the nature trail; however, you can still walk the paved path toward FW.

 

[amberpi]

Bluezoo and Flying Fish, with CG third. Bluezoo is populated with less children, the menu is a bit more interesting and expansive, and the cocktails are expert level. Both FF and CG are solid choices. Getting a decent table at CG is a total crap shoot.

 

[Pirate6518]

If you already picked Cali Grill, then I'll definitely fight for Flying Fish. Food and drinks are fantastic here.

 

[kastoney]

Honestly, you really can't go wrong with any Disney signature. They are signature for a reason and they are all great for different reasons. As a thought, why limit yourself to just two? All of the ones you listed have a bar or a lounge. You could sample them all but siting at the bar, having a drink, and sharing an appetizer or an entree

 

[NickEslick]

1. California Grill
2. Flying Fish
A very very very close 3rd is Narcoossee

I go to all three every trip, and they are all fantastic. My personal favorite restaurant is California Grill. If you can get a reservation I highly recommend it.

 

[karly05]

I ate at BlueZoo for the first time this year and the food was great. I am still thinking about those tempura green beans. I ate early, so it was quiet, but a sophisticated atmosphere, definitely one of the more adult places at WDW. In addition to the tempura beans, I had the clam chowder and the "simply fish" with grilled corvina and the crab Dijon sauce. The bread service had lavash (so?), focaccia and ciabatta. Everything was soooo good.

 

[VianSa]

@kastoney Never thought of that. I like the idea! The variety would be nice as we never know when we'll be back.

 

[cole4/25]

two

Oh I hope my quote worked......
I LOVE kastony's reviews!!! So whatever she said.....
On a side note - kastoney I would love to get together with u!! We eat & drink the same - hubs would get along too (mine can't cook but loves food!!). We both enjoy adult beverages with our only child..it's like we are meant to be!!!

 

[cole4/25]

Oh....I see now my quote didn't work. I WAS TRYING to quote what kastoney said cuz I agree!! All about apps & drinks!!

 

[cole4/25]

@kastoney .....oh. That's how u do it. Sorry. I'm done now!!

 

[Nancyg56]

If you already picked Cali Grill, then I'll definitely fight for Flying Fish. Food and drinks are fantastic here.

I agree, Flying Fish is a crazy fun restaurant. I like kids, and I know children are welcomed in all disney restaurants but I did not see many in FF the night we dined there. It was good food, excellent service, and while the atmosphere had changed some since the renovation, it still retained the energy that reminds me of my visits to my beloved New England shore.
From FF is is a short walk next door to Abracadabar for a nightcap.
OP- have you considered Il Mulino? I like that one too. The food and service is awesome as well, and while you did not say you wanted an adult atmosphere, it is another that is not so conducive to children.

 

[kastoney]

Oh I hope my quote worked......
I LOVE kastony's reviews!!! So whatever she said.....
On a side note - kastoney I would love to get together with u!! We eat & drink the same - hubs would get along too (mine can't cook but loves food!!). We both enjoy adult beverages with our only child..it's like we are meant to be!!!

Wow, thanks so much!!!! Good to know there are more eatin, drinkin', and totin' your kid around Disney people in the world. There really should be more of us

 

[sdd1841]

1. California Grill
2. Flying Fish
A very very very close 3rd is Narcoossee

I go to all three every trip, and they are all fantastic. My personal favorite restaurant is California Grill. If you can get a reservation I highly recommend it.

HI - I wanted your opinion on Narcoosse - we are a party of 5 including 2 boys - 12 and 13. I am considering Narcoossee because of the fireworks and water parade. I have looked at the menu and think it will work out ok for us - can you tell me about your experience there?? This is our only Disney experience this trip so trying to pick the perfect place. Thanks!

 

[DisneyDinks]

Hi we are a couple in our late thirties and want your recommendations on which two restaurants you would pick. We are looking at California grill, Blue zoo, Narcoossee, Artist Point, Flying Fish. But need to pick just two! Poor us I know lol. We like restaurants with a more lively atmosphere, but since we are doing two then if one of them is not so lively it would be ok. Thanks for your help!

We just got back from WDW. We ate at O'hana (in the Polynesian) and LOVED it! The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was really fun. Highly recommend it.