I'll start with a bit of background: My father can be difficult to please, and while he's a decent sport about Disney vacations, he tends not to get as much benefit from them as the rest of the family. Hence, I was DELIGHTED when he and my mother ate at Citricos in fall 2006 and completely loved it--best meal they'd ever had. The consensus was that the menu included well-prepared items that were high-end without being too fancy (read: unusual, "baroque," etc.).

When I made a trip with a friend last year, my father insisted that we go to Citricos, and that he would pay for it. We graciously accepted his offer and had a similarly stellar experience--terrific waiter, excellent food.

Alas, when my parents and I ate at Citricos last week, the experience was a letdown. I would rate the server a B- at most, and my father didn't care for his entree. Then there was a bit of rudeness and confusion regarding payment of the meal using the DDP.

This really broke my heart, since it meant a lot to me that my father appreciated the restaurant so much. After reading many restaurant reviews, it seems like any Disney establishment can be hit or miss. That being said, I am curious to know if others could recommend a restaurant that meets the following criteria:

- Familiar, well-prepared entrees (e.g., filet mignon, pork tenderloin--stuff the average American would recognize)
- Pleasant, efficient waitstaff (not even necessarily a "super-waiter," but people who are consistently good about checking in on you and bringing what you've asked for after no more than a reasonable wait)
- NOT located in World Showcase (this criterion is optional; it's a bit of a walk to get back there if you don't happen to already be in the park)

Thanks in advance for any advice! I doubt my parents will head back to WDW before 2010, but I'm already plotting how I can redeem the experience for my father...

I'd suggest Artist Point (http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=BLW401) in the Wilderness Lodge. Really excellent menu and sparkling service.

I compare Artist Point favorably to Napa Rose (http://www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=ALB401). It's that good.

Le Cellier - but that's in WS....

In theory, any of the Signature restaurants SHOULD meet the excellent food and service criteria - though that's sometimes (as you discovered) not fully embraced by all the service staff.

I haven't been to Jiko since the new chef took over, so I don't know how 'out there' it is now. And Artist's Point is generally excellent. I enjoyed my meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse (in the Yacht Club), too. California Grill MIGHT be a bit too fancy schmancy for your Dad, but then again, maybe not. I think Narcoossee's might be seafood heavy (haven't looked at the menu lately) so that may or may not fit the bill for you.

Good luck!

I had thought about Artist Point or Narcoosee's but haven't been to either place myself. I'm pleased that (if I'm inferring correctly from Andrew's post) Artist Point has provided consistently positive experiences for someone.

Re: California Grill, I share your concern, Drince--it's probably a bit to fancy schmancy. Le Cellier is a good thought, as we did eat lunch there, and it was good. I doubt we'll ever get to have dinner there, though, as we tend not to even book our trips until we're already within the 180-day ADR window!

Thanks to all three of you for such prompt, helpful replies.

I will say that one of the best steaks I've ever had was the Filet at Jiko. It was one of their signature dishes so I think it's still on the menu.

I think that most of the menus at WDW are pretty user-friendly not too crazy gourmet at all.

My Dad's a meat and potato kind of guy. He really enjoyed 'Ohana. He does not like most sauces, but the meat was really flavorful, even without the dipping sauces. The side dishes and appetizers were not too exotic for him. His favorite meal of our trip was LeCellier (World Showcase), and he got his steak without the sauce.

the best is Shula's, but maybe too fancy, and pricey,although we love it. the NEXT best steak is at Yachtmans at the Yacht club. a short walk from Epcot and you're there. I cannot understand the fascination with LeCellier, it's OK but it isn't in the same class.

the best is Shula's, but maybe too fancy, and pricey,although we love it. the NEXT best steak is at Yachtmans at the Yacht club. a short walk from Epcot and you're there. I cannot understand the fascination with LeCellier, it's OK but it isn't in the same class.

I think I can help you understand the fascination with LeCellier... Those of us without a ton of money to spend, like myself, can not really afford the signature meals. Now I have only been to DW once, but we used the dining plan and could eat at Le Cellier for 1 TS credit. For a couple of college kids that was great. It IS great in my opinion and was my favorite meal, which is why I plan to go back in May :)

But if you have the money... go all out. I'm satisfied otherwise.

If you can wander slightly off-site, Charley's was about the best steak I have ever had. Simple and delicious. I think it was 10 minutes from PopCentury. You could take a cab.

Kona Cafe is fantastic. Not very fancy, but nice... and the food is wonderful.

Re: California Grill, I share your concern, Drince--it's probably a bit to fancy schmancy. .

Oh man...I really want to try Cali Grill next year-but DH fits in the no "fancy schmancy" category. Not just for the food but the atmosphere and view...ackkk....Granville's Steakhouse in DLH was more than DH felt comfortable with. Would Yachtsman or Artist Pointe be better in terms of atmosphere-though of course no where could that MK view be beaten.....

Yep-Le Cellier here too. and yeah, it's that 1 credit on the DDP thing....

O'hana's looks like fun too.

Oh man...I really want to try Cali Grill next year-but DH fits in the no "fancy schmancy" category.

One of the many MANY things I like about the California Grill is that while it's a truly stellar restaurant it's in no way fancy schmancy. It's bright, airy, there's a central show kitchen where you can watch them cook, and your waiter is always friendly. The food preparations can be a bit arty, but the food is still really REALLY good. My meal of choice is the sushi appetizer (prepared by one of the top sushi artists in the world), followed by the tamarind bbq marinated beef filet. This piece of meat is one of the tenderest and tastiest you'll ever enjoy. It's not huge, but it is oh so yummy! I'm usually stuffed by then, but I try to have something light for dessert like a berry sorbet with a few berries on the plate - just the right touch. They have an excellent wine list, and again are not at all snooty about it.

I'm really just a jeans and t-shirt schlub, but can't speak highly enough about the CG - my favorite restaurant on the planet. The dress code is resort casual, which means you can wear a golf shirt and nice shorts and tennis shoes (no tank tops or cutoff jeans). Some people dress up for their dinner here, and some folks (like me) come in nice park attire. Ask for a table overlooking the Magic Kingdom, and plan your meal time so that you can go outside on the 15th floor balcony after dinner and enjoy the fireworks over the MK. Even if the fireworks come up during your dinner, the waiters are prepared for it, and will allow you to go out, enjoy, and then come back and continue your meal.

Please, please, don't miss this incredible dining experience because you're afraid it's too fancy schmancy - it's so not!

The food preparations can be a bit arty, but the food is still really REALLY good. ...

Please, please, don't miss this incredible dining experience because you're afraid it's too fancy schmancy - it's so not!
See, to me 'arty food prep' is fancy schmancy food - regardless of the ambiance of the place. That doesn't mean it's not good (I've enjoyed all the food I've eaten there) and it doesn't mean that you are treated nicely regardless of how you're dressed, it's just that the food is a little 'fancy'.

My dear friend whom I've never met Cathy - I agree with you. Preparation is a big thing. When I go to a steak place, I want a big ol' slab of meat on the plate. Next to it should be a baked potato covered with butter, sour cream, bacon bits and a bucket of cheese. Now, if I get a big giant round bowl/plate kinda thing with a smallish scoop of potatoes, a drizzle of some kinda sauce on the plate, and the hunk of beef on top of it all, I'm gonna cry FOUL!!! But I grew up with Sizzler and Ponderosa, and still I scream from the highest rooftop that the food at the California Grill is so freakin' worth it that you just don't care that the presentation is a bit different from what you're used to.

Look, I'm a big guy - food is very important to me. So when I say that the California Grill is my favorite restaurant on the planet, that's not an award that I would give lightly. The combination of the food, the service, the wine, the view, and if you're lucky the fireworks, is simply something that anyone would be a fool to pass by just because they were afraid that something would be prepared in a way different from what they were used to. And again, I have to say that the atmosphere at the CG is really friendly. There is no judgement going on, no one looking down at anyone because they're not fancy enough to be a customer there. It's just a really incredible place to dine, and I think the OP and family would very much enjoy their time there.

Look, I'm a big guy - food is very important to me. So when I say that the California Grill is my favorite restaurant on the planet, that's not an award that I would give lightly. The combination of the food, the service, the wine, the view, and if you're lucky the fireworks, is simply something that anyone would be a fool to pass by just because they were afraid that something would be prepared in a way different from what they were used to. And again, I have to say that the atmosphere at the CG is really friendly. There is no judgement going on, no one looking down at anyone because they're not fancy enough to be a customer there. It's just a really incredible place to dine, and I think the OP and family would very much enjoy their time there.


Dan-I'm printing this out to give to DH. I think I can convince him to give it a try because I've told him that it's the one place I skipped when I took our boys a couple of years ago that I really, really wanted. And it's only the one meal. I'll do my best to make sure he's extra happy with the other places the rest of the trip.
And for him, and me for that matter, it's not necessarily the food prep-it's the atmosphere and service-so your second to last sentence in the paragraph above makes me very, very happy.:)

tjrj, that's good to hear. You'd think after reading my writing that I get a commission or something for new diners at the CG! I'm betting your husband and I are very much alike in our dislike of the hoity toity fancy joint that looks down of everyone that they decide in their snooty wisdom doesn't belong there. The CG is absolutely nothing like that. It's a very nice place with a very cool atmosphere. I think you and your husband are both going to love it!

And for him, and me for that matter, it's not necessarily the food prep-it's the atmosphere and service-so your second to last sentence in the paragraph above makes me very, very happy.:)
I want to shout this (but won't since I'm just agreeing with Dan (again))

The service and atmosphere is NOT hoity-toity!!!

I do like to dress a notch nicer than park attaire (but I am always inclined to dress up 1/2 a notch from what's required, that's just a personal preference). But generally, I'd say well less than half the guys are in ties.

And I think it's safe to say that at least half of the clientele are indeed dressed in park attire (nice shorts, collared golf shirt, tennis shoes), and we all fit right in!

We found it to be a very relaxed atmosphere. Very few men were in ties. A collared polo shirt and khakis would be just fine for a man. The food is nice, the presentation is beautiful, but it's not fancy-shmancy. I'd take my parents there.

So my tankini is out?;)

I love Cali Grille. The pork tenderloin and polenta has been in my dreams for YEARS. I need to get this one back on my list of "must dos." The kids were too little (we went to CG as a date night), although there are kids there. I just CHOSE to make it an adult-only dinner. Now the kids are older (13 and 6) and the 6 yo is a sushi enthusiast. He loves the stuff!?!?!

Yes, this thread has reminded me of my first love. Must go back soon!

It's just a really incredible place to dine, and I think the OP and family would very much enjoy their time there.

Thanks so much for the recommendation. I've been to CG twice and liked it (more so the first time), but my dad did declare it too fancy after he and my mother ate there in 2002 (I believe that was the year--it's in the ballpark). Has the menu changed much since then?

One thing that I do appreciate from CG is, in my experience, they are very willing to alter their dishes--for example, to omit sauces, to substitute mashed potatoes for a more "exotic" side dish, etc.

Has the menu changed much since then?

I'd have to say that the menu probably has changed. I know the appetizers have changed with the addition of a world class sushi artist. But there are other, more traditional appetizers available as well. The tamarind bbq marinated beef filet has been my entree of choice for 15 years, and it's remained mostly untouched on the menu.

I just have to tell you about my buddy Sergio, a work friend that I had the pleasure of taking to the CG when we were both working at a convention in the Orlando Convention Center a few years ago. Serg is a great guy, but he's salt of the earth working class, and the CG was probably the fanciest restaurant he'd ever been in. He was having a great time, enjoying the appetizer (no sushi for Sergio!), drinking a beer or two and anxious for the beef filet entree that I'd been bragging about. When it came in all of its artsily prepared glory, he took one look at it, looked up and me, and said "Where's the baked potato?" It just wasn't prepared like he was used to, but one bite and he was hooked. He says to this day that that was the best meal he's ever had.

We were very happy with Narcoossee's. As was said earlier, it is a little seafood heavy, but they have a nice fillet and a chicken dish also. The server we had there was as good as any server we've ever had anywhere too.

CA Grill had more meat but the service was average at best and it is a pretty "trendy" place. We compared it to what we'd see in a popular LA hot spot.

Haven't been to LeCellier but hear good things about it.

Best of luck.