Favorite restaurant theme or decor

[epcotisbest]

As a foodie and as one who enjoys ambience as an almost equal part of the meal, I love this topic!

I really like the atmosphere in a lot of the Epcot restaurants that have been mentioned (Le Cellier, San Angel, etc.), but a lot of them are VERY seat dependent and crowd dependent. Visits at these places are fantastic if they are not crowded and you get a good seat, but they can also be a lot less enjoyable if they are crowded or you end up in a bad seat.

Worst case scenario was being at a table for two at an extremely crowded Le Cellier. I didn’t mind the smaller table as it was just my wife and I, but our small table was sandwiched between two other tables on both sides of us. We were less than arm’s distance away from the other tables and all of the conversations could be heard by all of the parties (even a low level speaking). It totally negated the charming and romantic atmosphere.

We’ve also had the exact opposite experience at Le Cellier where on another visit the restaurant was quieter and less crowded and we were seated in a large corner booth, allowing for a much lovelier and intimate meal. It was a completely different (but wonderful) experience than the one mentioned above.

And I would say that most of the Epcot restaurants are hit-or-miss in this way as very few have much room between tables.

I don’t think Monsieur Paul was mentioned, and while the interior isn’t as “unique” in terms of special theming, it had a beautiful and elegant exterior that completely matched the upscale dining, and it’s one of the few places in Epcot that seems to have slightly more breathing room between tables. It doesn't seem to be all that popular of a restaurant, but a birthday meal at MP last year has easily been my favorite meal at WDW.

Space between tables is one of the reasons I tend to prefer the resort restaurants; tables are given much more generous space and some of the visual theming of the signature restaurants is quite nice. I’d definitely list Jiko, Sanaa and Flying Fish as some of my visual favorites, though I believe Flying Fish will be undergoing a reno early next year, but I don’t know to what extent.

We too enjoy resort restaurants. Fun to visit while resort hopping.

 

[JandT2014]

As a foodie and as one who enjoys ambience as an almost equal part of the meal, I love this topic!

I really like the atmosphere in a lot of the Epcot restaurants that have been mentioned (Le Cellier, San Angel, etc.), but a lot of them are VERY seat dependent and crowd dependent. Visits at these places are fantastic if they are not crowded and you get a good seat, but they can also be a lot less enjoyable if they are crowded or you end up in a bad seat.

Worst case scenario was being at a table for two at an extremely crowded Le Cellier. I didn’t mind the smaller table as it was just my wife and I, but our small table was sandwiched between two other tables on both sides of us. We were less than arm’s distance away from the other tables and all of the conversations could be heard by all of the parties (even a low level speaking). It totally negated the charming and romantic atmosphere.

We’ve also had the exact opposite experience at Le Cellier where on another visit the restaurant was quieter and less crowded and we were seated in a large corner booth, allowing for a much lovelier and intimate meal. It was a completely different (but wonderful) experience than the one mentioned above.

And I would say that most of the Epcot restaurants are hit-or-miss in this way as very few have much room between tables.

I don’t think Monsieur Paul was mentioned, and while the interior isn’t as “unique” in terms of special theming, it had a beautiful and elegant exterior that completely matched the upscale dining, and it’s one of the few places in Epcot that seems to have slightly more breathing room between tables. It doesn't seem to be all that popular of a restaurant, but a birthday meal at MP last year has easily been my favorite meal at WDW.

Space between tables is one of the reasons I tend to prefer the resort restaurants; tables are given much more generous space and some of the visual theming of the signature restaurants is quite nice. I’d definitely list Jiko, Sanaa and Flying Fish as some of my visual favorites, though I believe Flying Fish will be undergoing a reno early next year, but I don’t know to what extent.

Was MP snooty? Are the menus in English? I never made reservations there because I don't know ANY French and didn't want to feel like my server hated me.

 

[JandT2014]

I think you have both made excellent points but i'd have to say it's BOG for me. It was amazing and I felt like I was in the movie. that and I haven't been to Sanna or Y&Y yet (hangs head in shame) I'll fix that next August

Oh Sanaa was fun. We went for an early lunch, wasn't busy and leisurely made our way through the naan/bread platter, sipped African wine and great coffee. The animals were great to see outside as well, true Disney magic for me you'll have a great meal!

 

[alissafalco]

Tusker house & San Angel

 

[Fingal O'Flahertie]

I think my personal favorite for theming and ambience goes to The Biergarten. It is such a beautiful restaurant that truly represents and captures the story its trying to tell. The flag's, music, theater feel paired with great food and drink in a cozy and friendly setting is a ton of fun.

Narcoosee's is a fun restaurant to watch the sunset on the MK. I really enjoy being able to watch the lights turn on... its an event in itself.
Sanaa is an absolute favorite.
'Ohana has really cool tiki's and interactive games...
Coral Reef has a lot of fish!
Shula's for Dolphins fans (and anyone who loves an abundance of food)

 

[KaliSplash]

Purely for the execution of the Theme, Sci-Fi Dine In. The food is average. But the drive-in, the nigh sky, and the out-of-this world movie trailers and features are just superb.

 

[JenniferS]

San Angel (we actually like the food - a lot!) and Narcoossee's.

 

[catmom46]

California Grill is my current all-time favorite, but there are still many other restaurants I haven't tried yet. I also really like Coral Reef for theme - it's so much fun feeling like you're eating underwater.

 

[epcotisbest]

I am kind of surprised no one has mentioned House of Blues. It is very interesting theme wise both inside and out. And, the new Boathouse is very well done, but I won't be taking one of those amphibious car rides, just to pricey for me.

 

[catmom46]

I am kind of surprised no one has mentioned House of Blues. It is very interesting theme wise both inside and out. And, the new Boathouse is very well done, but I won't be taking one of those amphibious car rides, just to pricey for me.

I guess I would never think of HOB because I look at it more as a concert venue rather than a restaurant. I've only been to the one in Hollywood and always for concerts.

I agree the Boathouse is very nice, but not one of my favorite themes, despite being water-related.

 

[JandT2014]

San Angel (we actually like the food - a lot!) and Narcoossee's.

I didn't make reservations here only because we have so much Mexican food here on the Westcoast, and I actually thought we'd skip the Mexico pavilion. I was wrong. Mexico was so great! I wish I would've made it a point to eat here, it's on the list for the next visit... At least I got some great margaritas at the bar there

 

[JenniferS]

I didn't make reservations here only because we have so much Mexican food here on the Westcoast, and I actually thought we'd skip the Mexico pavilion. I was wrong. Mexico was so great! I wish I would've made it a point to eat here, it's on the list for the next visit... At least I got some great margaritas at the bar there

The Mexico pavilion is hands down my favourite.
I even love the tame little boat ride. My kids used to call it "Mexican It's a Small World".

 

[Matt_Black]

I'm going to also go with Be Our Guest. As someone who played the everloving HECK out of Kingdom Hearts 2, it felt like stepping into the game.

 

[Figgy1]

I'm going to also go with Be Our Guest. As someone who played the everloving HECK out of Kingdom Hearts 2, it felt like stepping into the game.

I'm not alone! YEA!

 

[Matt_Black]

I'm not alone! YEA!

Did you see the new trailer for 3? Oooooh, man!

 

[EvilQueen-T]

Be our guest for the decor, not so much the food and service tho...they're hit or miss from our experiences but it certainly makes you feel like you're in the middle of the movie.

 

[epcotisbest]

I guess I would never think of HOB because I look at it more as a concert venue rather than a restaurant. I've only been to the one in Hollywood and always for concerts.

I agree the Boathouse is very nice, but not one of my favorite themes, despite being water-related.

Food and decor are both quite good at HOB. The Sunday gospel brunch is one of our all time favorites.

 

[JusticeDisney]

V&A
Yak and Yeti
Jiko
Flying Fish

Flying Fish is God awful. Unless, of course, you like portions the size of a quarter.

 

[patch553]

in park would be be our guest,yes peoples flash photography can get a little annoying but the look on my wifes face as she watches the rose petals fall is priceless.
out of park would be raglan road, the food is great and the entertainment is cool, weve never not enjoyed the place

 

[DisneyDukie]

I can really dig the cheesy restaurants at WDW.

Columbia Harbour House reminds me of a squicky local seafood chain that used to operate in my area. All overdone fake colonial stuff. Fantastic.

I'm glad someone mentioned CHH - that's always one of our go-to stops in MK, I adore their broccoli peppercorn salad.

I've never eaten at Y&Y, it's always on my list, we just never make it in.

We've had excellent meals at Ohana, too, and The Crystal Palace is always on our list for breakfast.