Pick the best overall restaurant to eat

[RedFoxRunner]

Ok so I've never had a real sit down dinner at WDW minus Sci Fi Dine in Theater at MGM back in the day. My family, friends, and I are headed to WDW in about 2 weeks and decided we'll try one "sit down" meal together. (I always say I'm going to try out a bunch of places, but feel like I'm missing out on a ride and just want to make it quick).

We don't want something ridiculously expensive, but understand Disney's pricing. We're not doing the dining plan nor do we need to have it be super fancy, just decent food, with either a well themed place or something unique.. good view, etc w/o a ton of hassle.

Soo.. what, in your opinion, would be the best overall restaurant to eat at between the 4 parks?

Thanks for your input.

 

[Donald Duck]

Ok so I've never had a real sit down dinner at WDW minus Sci Fi Dine in Theater at MGM back in the day. My family, friends, and I are headed to WDW in about 2 weeks and decided we'll try one "sit down" meal together. (I always say I'm going to try out a bunch of places, but feel like I'm missing out on a ride and just want to make it quick).

We don't want something ridiculously expensive, but understand Disney's pricing. We're not doing the dining plan nor do we need to have it be super fancy, just decent food, with either a well themed place or something unique.. good view, etc w/o a ton of hassle.

Soo.. what, in your opinion, would be the best overall restaurant to eat at between the 4 parks?

Thanks for your input.

Try Jiko, it is in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Make sure you leave time to explore the lobby and the outside area where the animals are. Great food and great atmosphere...very unique. Good Luck.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

:wave:
IMO, California Grill is a wonderful restaurant. While pricey, it offers an amazing view of MK and the food is to die for.
Give it a shot!

 

[reptar77]

Yatchmans steakhouse or imulinos both are very good.

 

[blackthidot]

Out of the places Ive ate nothing is better than Le Celier.

 

[rkelly42]

If I had to pick one place and you figure in atmosphere, food quality and service, I would pick the California Grill at dinner time during the fireworks.

 

[daluke]

RedFox,

You prob know, getting a reservation two weeks out may be difficult, so you may need to be flexible both on the time and location. Plenty of restaurants I haven't seen...but I can tell you what we have liked...

Also, regarding the more expensive restaurants...we sometimes will split an entree. There's usually a lot of food, so splitting an entree is pretty filling and cuts the bill $20-$40 before tip.

(1) Looking for something sophisticated/expensive: Love Jiko, but it is expensive. Best meal I have ever had in WDW. And the AK Lodge is a great place to look around. Get a drink at the bar.

Others that people mentioned here already (le cellier, Yachtsmans, Cali Grill) get high marks on most boards, but are also expensive. If you are willing to go expensive, any of these would be great.

(2) Less expensive but still nice: We get an outside table at Rose and Crown around 7:15 and then stay for illuminations. Prob tough to get now, but worth a try. Earlier would be easier to get and still be nice, say 4:00 or 5:00 dinner. Good beer, good food, nice view of the water.

(3) Fun and not so expensive - 50s Prime Time Cafe. Good fun food. Chicken, meat loaf, pot roast. And if you have the right attitude, it is fun to mess around with the CM. If you don't like CMs who poke fun at you, then you shouldn't go here.

(4) Risky, but can be impressive...Coral Reef. Gets some bad raps for food. I haven't been there in years so I can't say anymore. But the huge tank is cool. Should be able to get a reservation this late (altho what does that tell you about the food?) I would look around and see what others say about the food.

Dave

 

[Disney Soldier]

Teppan Edo or Fulton's Crab House

 

[ThinkTink721]

My favorites would have to be Ohana's & Whispering Canyon. :slurp: :wave:

 

[Buckeye]

Ok so I've never had a real sit down dinner at WDW minus Sci Fi Dine in Theater at MGM back in the day. My family, friends, and I are headed to WDW in about 2 weeks and decided we'll try one "sit down" meal together. (I always say I'm going to try out a bunch of places, but feel like I'm missing out on a ride and just want to make it quick).

We don't want something ridiculously expensive, but understand Disney's pricing. We're not doing the dining plan nor do we need to have it be super fancy, just decent food, with either a well themed place or something unique.. good view, etc w/o a ton of hassle.

Soo.. what, in your opinion, would be the best overall restaurant to eat at between the 4 parks?

Thanks for your input.

In the parks, we love LeCellier and Brown Derby; never tried it but heard good things about Teppan Edo.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

Since you're just looking for something between the 4 parks, I'll leave out my resort dining suggestions. If you decide to consider the resorts though, there's a lot of great things there too.

I like Garden Grille at Epcot. It spins, and you can overlook the Living with the Land ride. We always loved the theming & the food too. There are no longer characters at the experience, which used to be fun. Not terribly expensive or fancy either, but very fun. Teppan Edo is also a must-eat for us.

At Magic Kingdom, I would try Crystal Palace. You get to eat with Pooh & Friends which I always think is a unique experience. The food is also very good there. Cinderella's Royal Table is the best experience, IMO, because you eat in the castle. The food is just pretty average though, and it's tough to get a reservation there. Another more casual place at MK is Tony's on Main Street. It's themed after Lady & the Tramp =-)

 

[toystorymaniacs]

I would go with either Liberty Tree Tavern at MK for lunch. The pot roast is probably my favorite meal at WDW or at EPCOT Le Celiar or Rose and Crown.

 

[LiveyMouse22]

There are so many great restaurants in WDW but one of my favorites is the Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge. It's a ton of fun, everyone is super nice, and the food is great. I totally recommend it!