Best to Worst: 10 Restaurants and 10 Snacks

Joined
Jul 23, 2017
Just finished a food centric, mostly solo trip. I love the Deluxe Dining Plan. Prepaying for food gives me the freedom and the permission to order whatever I want.

I am an adventurous eater living in NYC who prefers a diverse set of cuisines and prizes unique or unusual menu items. I am one of those people who is constantly complaining about how the menus at Disney World are being dumbed down for the lowest common denominator. Sorry about that. Just because it’s true doesn’t make me complaining about it any less annoying. :)

Here's where I ate, from best to worst:

1. Dinner at SEBASTIAN’S BISTRO at Caribbean Beach Resort

I hesitate to put this at the top of my list because I want this place to remain a secret, but I feel like I had to spread the good news. This place is crazy good. Wonderful design with great views of the resort. Pretty affordable for out of pocket.

The best appetizer I had during my trip was the jerk chicken wings. The best entrée I had during my trip was the goat curry. Normally when you eat goat it has a ton of bones in it and just tastes weird and fatty. This was like a pulled pork or a pulled chicken, but with so much more flavor. This is my new must visit restaurant on every trip.

2. Dinner at JIKO at Animal Kingdom Lodge

I’m gonna skip straight to dessert because the African Drum Beets was the best dessert during my trip. I hate desserts that are super sweet and that’s like 95% of the desserts at Disney. This was a beet and strawberry mousse with a thin chocolate cake bottom and a crispy coconut shell top served with candied beets. If you’ve never had beets in a dessert before, it might sound gross, but they’re actually super delicious.

I also tried some of the South African wines for the first time. Let’s just say it was a good thing I was taking Disney transportation back to Pop Century. They were all so incredible and I couldn't try just one.

3. Dinner at JALEO at Disney Springs

The hype is real, people. Yes, it’s expensive. But yes, it’s also to die for. My only complaint is that they still seem very unsure about what is and what isn’t on the Dining Plan. Three people had to be called over.

Each plate was more enticing than the last. The octopus was delicious if you’re not squeamish about eating a giant tentacle. And the chorizo had a great depth of flavor.

A dozen of the Basque-style goat cheese cheesecakes can be mailed to my apartment immediately.

4. Lunch at TIFFINS at Animal Kingdom

Tiffins is my favorite restaurant inside a park, but every time I’m there it’s half empty. During my lunch there was an insane thunderstorm and even that couldn’t fill the place. It’s always solid, terrific food. Even if you’re not using the Dining Plan, the $35 two-course lunch is a good deal for a Signature Restaurant experience.

This is where I had the whole fish pictured above. At first I felt bad for the little guy, but he was just so delicious. Glad I tried it. The mushroom soup was also excellent and made for a nice, light pairing with the heavy, fried entrée. Their take on halo halo was also surprisingly restrained and refreshing.

5. Dinner at LE CELLIER at Epcot

I had the filet on my last visit and decided to try the ribeye this time. I should’ve stuck with the filet. The ribeye wasn’t bad, but it just doesn’t compare.

Props to Le Cellier for being one of the few restaurants with a handful of featured cocktails that aren’t super sweet (another Disney World complaint of mine). I tried the new appetizer, which is basically Clams Casino but with oysters, and it was good.

I really love the atmosphere here. I know a constant complaint is that the tables are too close together, which really makes me laugh coming from NYC. I think the setting is just perfect.

Second half of the list coming shortly…
 
6. Brunch at CALIFORNIA GRILL at the Contemporary

Sigh. Was it good? Yes. Was it everything I wanted it to be? No. I thought the buffet was a little uninspired. I don't care for Bloody Marys. The carved meat was...fine. The pastries weren't great or inventive. The sushi was all American starter sushi. I don't know. I just expected a little more. Not in quantity (there was plenty of quantity), but in quality.

The entree was killer though. I had the shrimp and grits. It was described to me as small. It was not small. I can eat a lot and I couldn't believe people were ordering 2nd entrees. Liked the mimosas with the popping pearls and the dessert tray, what I could eat of it, was mostly great save for a weird pile of nuts and chocolate shavings.

The real treat of brunch is the view. As impressive as the view is at night, I think it's even better during the day. I really wish it were available more than once per week.

7. Dinner at BIERGARTEN at Epcot

First time here. Is the food objectively great? No. But it's hard to argue with the atmosphere. The setting, service, and show were all terrific. There were a bunch of waiters in training and they were very eager to talk to us since they just got here. Really made the experience.

The German meatloaf at the carving station was gross, but there were a good selection of salads and sausages. The real unexpected treat here was the warm German potato salad. I had a giant helping of it on my second go around. I liked being able to talk with other guests at the table, although I realize that's not a selling point for everyone.

I enjoyed my meal here for what it was. (It's hard to argue with unlimited sausage.) Don't feel the need to return here in the future though.

8. Lunch at SKIPPER CANTEEN at Magic Kingdom

Skipper Canteen was one of my favorite meals during my last trip, but this time...ugh. The shu mai tasted like it had been sitting under a broiler. The edges were crispy. Shu mai should never be crispy. The seafood stew entree was full of overcooked seafood and didn't taste like much. The banh bong lan cake tasted like a nothing sponge. I was really excited about everything, and while nothing was terrible, it really fell short of my expectations based on my last visit.

This isn't at the bottom of the list because I had possibly the best server of my trip here. The pineapple sangria was terrific and not too sweet (so perfect for me). I also love all of the little decorative Imagineering touches.

During my meal the tables on either side of me were going on and on about how exotic the menu was and how they couldn't possibly eat most of the items on offer. Maybe they should turn this into a jungle burgers place or something? If the so-called "exotic" food doesn't improve, I won't be coming back to eat it and then no one will be there.

9. Breakfast at BE OUR GUEST at the Magic Kingdom

My family had an unforgettable dinner in the West Wing a few years ago. I wanted to relive those memories and unfortunately chose breakfast to do so.

The open-faced bacon/egg sandwich was so salty I couldn't finish it. The pastries tasted like nothing. The mimosa was mostly orange juice. The front door was open the entire time and the ambiance of the ballroom was completely lost. It just felt like a dirty, chaotic, overrun cafeteria serving breakfast for an insane $28 a pop. (Thank God for the dining plan.)

Based on this experience, I wouldn't recommend BOG to anyone. Plus they don't have enough tables. The busser saw I only had two pastries and a couple sips of mimosa left and literally stood over me at my table until I got up.

10. Lunch at MAMA MELROSE'S at Hollywood Studios

Look, I'm from NYC. When eating Italian food at a theme park in Florida, I don't go in with high expectations. I was just out of options at HS. Hollywood Brown Derby was the worst meal of my last trip, Sci-Fi ADRs are extremely difficult, and I'm not interested in the worst character buffet on property or in bland 50s Americana foods.

The setting is lovely and my waiter was nice. The watermelon margarita was also pretty good.

That's really all I can say. All three courses were so terrible that I really don't think they should legally be able to call what they're serving Italian food. Ick.

I'm waiting to visit Hollywood Studios again until that Toy Story BBQ restaurant opens up. Otherwise, I'm walking over to Epcot.
 
A Word About Snacks

This was my first visit to Flower and Garden and I took advantage of the food booths. The Tandoori Chicken Flatbread at the Honey Bee-stro booth tasted nothing like tandoori chicken. It just tasted like it had been sitting out under a heat lamp forever. The other two items I tried were excellent: The fried tomatoes with mozzarella and balsamic in Italy and the tlacoyo in Mexico. Both highly recommended. I just wish they were clearer about the serving size of the alcohol. They were all around the same price booth to booth, but sometimes you'd get a little and sometimes you'd get a lot and there was no way to know unless you asked.

I tried a bunch of the Instagram desserts and they were all OK. Not terrible, not outstanding. The violet Cronut at Taste Track would be fine if you've never had a real NYC Cronut. Disney is way off on the texture and consistency that make that pastry special. The Peter Pan float at Storybook Treats didn't taste like anything. The churro ice cream sandwich at Sleepy Hollow had weird, gummy churros and was impossible to eat as a sandwich. No disrespect to the people of Municiberg, but key lime pie does not belong on a stick.

The pulled pork macaroni and cheese from Eight Spoon Cafe was gross.

The best snack came from The Mara. It was my first time trying zebra domes and I thought they were the best thing ever. I would've taken a bunch home if they could've survived the plane.

As I finish writing this review, I'm eating my final snack: Goofy Candy Company sour balls. I know many people consider spending a snack credit on overpriced Goofy candy a waste, but I always like to buy a bag of the sour balls. It's like bringing a bit of the park back home for those first few days after a Disney trip where everything feels a little bit sad.

Overall, this was a wonderful trip with some great food. Thanks for reading about my adventures. :)
 




Thanks so much for sharing. Sounds like we have very similar food preference so you have me very excited for our upcoming stay at Caribbean Beach and of course eating at Sebastians. I'll also have to try that Jiko dessert! We had our best meal of our trip there last time, but didn't have room for dessert. If you go again try the mac and cheese with elk. It is unquestionably the best I've ever had.
 
After reading a handful of favorable reviews I cannot wait to make it over to Sebastian’s! I’ve enjoyed goat every time I’ve had it and your description sounds great.

Agreed on the California Grill sushi. The texture was way off. Also agreed on the cronut. The one I had at Epcot was soft and what felt like under baked. No crispy flaky goodness going on.

Pineapple sangria sounds SO good. Last time we had the shu mai it had the aftertaste of the Orlando water in which it was steamed. Not a pleasant experience.

We got lucky with the churro ice cream sandwich from sleepy hollow. The churros were super crispy and fresh. I loved it but can also see how it could go horribly wrong.

Jaleo... I dream of the day! Never had a Jose Andres restaurant disappoint.

Thanks for taking the time to write everything up :)
 
Great reviews! I LOL'd at your review of Mamma Melrose. I'm from NYS and I really steer clear of any Italian cuisine whilst in Disney (or anywhere south of DC for that matter).

I love the original cronut, but mine was fresh out the fryer, which I think makes all the difference with pretty much any snack at WDW.

Biergarten is so classic in terms of themeing and overall World Showcase vibes that I really enjoy it. The cold salads were the standout for me...and the giant mugs of beer :)

We do not deserve Jose Andres in general....he is SUCH a good human. I will be checking out Jaleo on our next trip too!
 
Those are great reviews, thank you! I enjoyed reading about everything.
Jiko had the best server we had on our last trip (a gentleman called Darrell) but I didn't order any dessert or wine than I can remember - must rectify next time!
I enjoy Skipper Canteen for the atmosphere, the alcohol and the servers, but the food for me depends on the dish. Like you I love discovering new things and love spicy (as in, lots of different spices) and hot food.
Surprised about your past experience at Hollywood Brown Derby. While I wouldn't say it was one of the best meals of our last trip, it was certainly very good (I went for a safe choice with the Cobb Salad and our waitress was fine).
 
Lovely reviews. We think a lot alike. I do chuckle at the comments (not just by you) about Italian food and NYC. No offense, but NYC doesn't have a monopoly on quality Italian. Per capita, perhaps it has a greater concentration of fine Italian, but I can vouch for several places all over the country as far south as Hilton Head and west as Alaska. Truly, it's an unfair burden to put on Disney for any regional cuisine. No place in Disney serves fresh seafood like Alaska. Fried chicken can be had at Homecoming, but it's not the stuff dreams are made of in many parts of the South. BBQ? There are as many great techniques and places to find topnotch meats and smokes as there are states in the Union. Still, we go and we try, and sometimes we find treats as you did. Sometimes, we find disappointment. . .like you did. Ah, but the quest is where the fun lies. Thanks again for timely and pithy reviews. pirate:
 
Lovely reviews. We think a lot alike. I do chuckle at the comments (not just by you) about Italian food and NYC. No offense, but NYC doesn't have a monopoly on quality Italian. Per capita, perhaps it has a greater concentration of fine Italian, but I can vouch for several places all over the country as far south as Hilton Head and west as Alaska. Truly, it's an unfair burden to put on Disney for any regional cuisine. No place in Disney serves fresh seafood like Alaska. Fried chicken can be had at Homecoming, but it's not the stuff dreams are made of in many parts of the South. BBQ? There are as many great techniques and places to find topnotch meats and smokes as there are states in the Union. Still, we go and we try, and sometimes we find treats as you did. Sometimes, we find disappointment. . .like you did. Ah, but the quest is where the fun lies. Thanks again for timely and pithy reviews. pirate:
NYC certainly doesn’t have a monopoly on quality Italian. I would argue we DO have a monopoly on pizza, but that’s different. New York style pizza isn’t Italian.

That being said, Mama Melrose’s is not quality Italian. It’s not quality anything. I just want quality. I don’t care where I am. :)
 
That being said, Mama Melrose’s is not quality Italian. It’s not quality anything. I just want quality. I don’t care where I am. :)
On that we agree, as well. . .both about MM's, in particular, and quality, in general. The latter is elusive, although not just at Disney. It's just that at Disney we tend to accept a little less and pay a lot more for the experience! ;)
 
Really enjoyed your thoughts & reviews! It would be so nice if the WDW resort restaurants could remain somewhat consistent. It's always a crap shoot. We've also found Biergarten to be consistently good food for the price, and you're right, you can't beat the ambiance & entertainment. Sebastian's Bistro sounds like a restaurant we're going to have to visit, although the thought of giant tentacles and goat makes me :scared: ! I'm a very adventurous eater, and will eat just about anything, but for some reason the thought of eating tentacles, goat and lamb makes me queasy. I don't know why. I know my husband would love that menu!
 

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