Which upscale restaurant for kids?

[lmhall2000]

Our children are ages 9-12....they recently attended a class at our local dinner club on etiquette and dining...they were kind of begging me not to do it, but they acquiesced and LOVED it! They went on and on about how you eat this or that, how you hold this spoon or this fork...it was really cute. I thought it would be nice to take them to a nice restaurant while we're at Disney so they could "try out their new found manners."
Our last visit we hit Yachtsman's steakhouse...we really enjoyed it but wondered if there might be another restaurant that would put their skills to the test....I would even consider V&A but I thought I heard they banned children from the restaurant (not that I'm offended at all, just thought I heard this)...can any of you recommend a nice restaurant that might be intimidating for these young dining pro's? I think it's really cute to see them acting so proper and polite...not that we're pigs at our own table, but you will see the occasional elbow on the table or burping contests (yes, yes, we know in Hungary that's a compliment to the chef???)

thanks for any help!!

Tara

 

[ang]

I would check any resort restaurants out, like Kona cafe. Great food or Coral reef at the living sea in Epcot.
Your kids sound really cute!

 

[Pakey]

I think the most upscale, with the exception of V&A is Bistro de Paris. They do not have a children's menu, it's a pretty grown up place. The napkins are folded like little tuxedos. Food is upscale French.

You do not generally see children in here and I would not normally recommend it to anyone with children but your situation seems a bit different. It might be just what you are looking for.

FYI--you cannot book Bistro at 180 days. They only take reservations 30 days in advance. Also,they do not accept the dining plans.

 

[tinkandpan]

I would probably say Jiko or Artist Point. California Grill would be a fun one but I think it is a zoo up there so manners around you might be interesting.

 

[lmhall2000]

Thanks! I wish Bistro was on the Dining plan, that may make me rethink the plan...we're thinking of doing the Land/Sea so I guess we'd come out better avoiding the plan and eating what we want, it was always too much food the first time...I think they'd love the French side of things and we could brush up on our French ordering skills! I thought about CG but it seems pretty loud and busy not so much "refined" as I'm looking for...I've never been to Artist's Point...might have to check that one out! Thanks!!!!

Tara

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would also say that Bistro is probably second to V&A in WDW. The waiters are all in Black Tie and it is a leisurely dinner.

 

[the Fidge]

HOw about Narcoossee's and take in the water pagenat and end the evening at the dock outside the restaurant to view the fireworks from Magic Kingdom.

My DS's table manners were put to the test there and really enjoyed it!

 

[Mackey Mouse]

We have eaten at Citrico's and have seen children there.. also if you time it right you can sort of see Wishes from the windows......a bit of an obstructed view, but some of them at least...

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=186

and they have a children's menu...

 

[TisBit]

Our last visit we hit Yachtsman's steakhouse...we really enjoyed it but wondered if there might be another restaurant that would put their skills to the test....I would even consider V&A but I thought I heard they banned children from the restaurant (not that I'm offended at all, just thought I heard this)...

Tara

Actually, if you wanted to, V&A would not be out of the quesiton. They banned YOUNG children, not older children. Basicly anyone who would be considered a "child" on the DDP (I believe that is under 9, so both of your kids would be eligible to eat there).

 

[laughinplace199]

I would recommend Jiko. Also, AKL is a beautiful resort to explore before or after dinner.

 

[shellybaxter]

I thought children had to be 10 to attend Vic and Als?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Actually, if you wanted to, V&A would not be out of the quesiton. They banned YOUNG children, not older children. Basicly anyone who would be considered a "child" on the DDP (I believe that is under 9, so both of your kids would be eligible to eat there).

The cutoff is 9/10, not 8/9. And one of the OP's children is only 9 so would not be allowed.

 

[daisy112878]

We love Bistro and is second on our list under V&A. Like someone else said there is no children's menu but the menu is great. Check it out on allearsnet.

Another choice is Citricos which is on the ddp. They have a great menu and to us its more upscale in the restaurant. Usually pretty quiet in there and they have an open air kitchen. So from parts of the restaurant you can see the cooks.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I would recommend Blue Zoo or Shula's.
2) Both get a lot of business people, as well as vacationers.
3) Not only would the kids get to practice, but have good examples.
4) Without making an issue, WDW does not always attract well behaved diners.
5) If eating WDW, try Bistro de Paris or Citricos, as they get a different crowd.

 

[Booyakasha]

I think you should let them take a look at the menus from all the signatures and pick what food looks best to them. It is great that you have taught them good manners but it will be even more fun if they enjoy the food as that is the real purpose for dining at the better restaurants. Outside of the California Grill the atmosphere is going to be pretty similiar at all of them.

B.

 

[lmhall2000]

They're kind of funny about food....if I cook it and put some "unusual ingredients" in there they kind of look at me cross-eyed, but when given ANY of the food at the local dining club they didn't even hesitate to try it...I asked them why that was, and they said..."I'll try anything once"....hmmmm...I don't get the same response, I think the finer restaurants bring out the adventurer in them

But, you have me thinking....I might just try to ask about V&A..we're not set on our travel dates yet and it may work out better for us to go later in the year...I wonder if I speak to them about my 9 year old if they would make an exception for her....she turns nine in April....I was just under the notion that V&A banned all children under 18...if it's just under 10's hmmmm...I might have a shot! And it would be quite the memory to have their menu to take home with them.

thanks sooo much for everyone's tips..I'm going to check out Citrico's and Narcoossee's as well...we've never tried there either....we don't have much in the form of fine dining where we're at so I'd like to treat them to the finer side....I remember watching a foreign film about turtle soup one time and just being mesmerized at how this lady cooked...it's an art form I believe and what a way to experience other's creations!!!

Thanks!!!
Tara