Romantic Restaurants around Disneyland

[bennette]

I have to agree with Adrienne. I can't imagine getting much of anything special at that price point. I'd rather spend the money on something else in the park or maybe see if I can get a seat at the bar in California Adventure at sunset and have some drinks and lobster nachos.

The Roy's right there in GardenWalk has their Winter prix fixe menu right now for $36. Includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert. (Roy's is mentioned somewhere in this thread and is a great place to celebrate, although more lively than loverly.)

I've done the prix fixe at our local Roy's several times and never been disappointed.

They are also running a special Monday pre fixe that is any appetizer, any entree, any dessert (the regular one is limited to three-four choices per course).

It's a really good deal for Roy's in general and the Disney area. It's been a while since I've had them do this but they've taken our picture and given it to us in a little frame if you let them know it's a special occasion. (Then e-mailed us the original.) As far as I recall, that was a free service.

Ruth Chris also sometimes runs a similar deal but I didn't see one on their site today.

[Malcon10t]

I will agree that we really like Storytellers. Back at Christmas, we lost our reservations at Club 33 due to power outages, they offered reservations at Napa Rose to make up for it (2 hour notice!!!) and they were very surprised when we asked for Storytellers instead! Most of us usually get the buffet. But of the entrees, I would not recommend the raviolis though! (MDM can reply herself...) It is more casual, but the price point is closer to what you are looking for.

[Toocherie]

Another idea would be to go the Napa Rose lounge and have a glass of wine and an appetizer each or share the cheese plate (then later when you get hungry again have corndogs!)

Would still get the ambiance of Napa without a large cost. And corndogs. Yum.

[Malcon10t]

Sorry! Our price range for our nicer dinner would be around $25-$30MAX. I had read through the entire thread and the dinner prices all seemed to be over $30/plate. My search continues... again, thank-you for all the suggestions!

Need to clarify, $30 max per person or $30 for the couple?

Even Storytellers, is going to be above the $30 max per person (include soda/tax/tip, your minimum is going to be $40.)

So, we need to pair it down some. Maybe Cafe Orleans? Carnation Cafe? These are sit downs.

Rainforest and ESPN? I have gotten out of there for under $30 per person, but you have to be careful.

[Malcon10t]

Would still get the ambiance of Napa without a large cost. And corndogs. Yum.

One of these trips, we will have to join you for the cheese plate. But this is an excellent idea (just dont do the hot chocolate, $10 a cup...)

[bennette]

Another idea would be to go the Napa Rose lounge and have a glass of wine and an appetizer each or share the cheese plate (then later when you get hungry again have corndogs!)

Would still get the ambiance of Napa without a large cost. And corndogs. Yum.

I think the lounge there can get a little crowded but going there later in the evening isn't a bad idea. The lounge's patio is nice and (sometimes) pretty empty. The servers may not visit you as often on the patio but I'm not sure that's a bad thing for romance.

[Malcon10t]

Also, I doubt this, but will anywhere in the park do something special if they know it's your anniversary or something? Thank-you!

You can get "Happy Anniversary" buttons and the Cast Members (and other guests) will wish you happy anniversary!

[crissy89]

$30 Max/person. I was kind of thinking about the Cheesecake Factory which is about a mile away from our hotel, but I won't want to walk in heels... especially at night. Do you think it'd be worth it to get a taxi or something of the sort?

[Toocherie]

$30 Max/person. I was kind of thinking about the Cheesecake Factory which is about a mile away from our hotel, but I won't want to walk in heels... especially at night. Do you think it'd be worth it to get a taxi or something of the sort?

Where are you staying? For a recent taxi ride from the Grand Calif. to the Carousel it was $10 or so each way with tip. That would be 2/3 of one of your meals.

I would rather eat something at the resort and save the money on the taxi. What about a late-night dessert at Blue Bayou? But then, you probably would not want to walk into the park with heels either . . . .

[Malcon10t]

$30 Max/person. I was kind of thinking about the Cheesecake Factory which is about a mile away from our hotel, but I won't want to walk in heels... especially at night. Do you think it'd be worth it to get a taxi or something of the sort?

We've done the Hilton to the GCH hotel, about $12. From Disneyland (Harbor side) to Residence inn on Clementine was $25 round trip, tip included. Its about .75 miles.

[Promo-Man]

MAMA COZZA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
2170 W. BALL ROAD
ANAHEIM, CA 92804
(714) 635-0063


They are to the west of Disneyland
the cross street is Brookhurst

[stan4d_steph]

Think of the cost of the cab and apply that to the cost per person you are thinking of spending. Why not spend that on a nice dinner instead of transportation to an overrated chain restaurant?

I would not consider dinner at Rainforest romantic in the least, although it is probably in your stated price range. Way too loud and likely to be full of kids.

I would second the recommendations for doing the Lounge at Napa Rose for a light bite and some drinks.

[adriennek]

I would second the recommendations for doing the Lounge at Napa Rose for a light bite and some drinks.

Third.

The Lounge is romantic because the seating is cozy.

For $30 per person you still could do something off the menu and a drink. You could also do a starter and dessert with a non-alcoholic drink.

I can't remember how much Roy's is in the Garden Walk but I'd probably choose Roy's over Cheesecake Factory if I was going to do a chain.

Adrienne

[leota's necklace]

If you're willing to bump up your limit a tetch, Steakhouse 55 offers a fixe menu for $35 that includes a salad, petite steak, smashed potatoes and a dessert tart and is DELICIOUS. You will need to budget for gratuity and drinks, though.

Now, my idea of romance might skew a little weird, and I do agree that the Napa Lounge would be quite nice, but one of my most romantic dinners was a couple corndogs with my sweetie after the fireworks. We were separated during the actual show and I was missing him immensely and then got a text as the show ended that he was waiting at the Wagon for me, corn dogs at the ready.

Of course, the way to my heart IS corndogs from the Wagon, but romance is what you make it. That same trip we had another romantic dinner made up of treats from Cost Plus that I had hidden in our luggage -- I knew our flight was going to arrive too late to get anything decent at an actual restaurant. We had crackers and cheese and pate' and fancy chocolates and a tiny bottle of champagne. Very nice after a hot shower; lounging around in hotel bathrobes enjoying champagne is in no way overrated.

[CariBelle]

Now, my idea of romance might skew a little weird, and I do agree that the Napa Lounge would be quite nice, but one of my most romantic dinners was a couple corndogs with my sweetie after the fireworks. We were separated during the actual show and I was missing him immensely and then got a text as the show ended that he was waiting at the Wagon for me, corn dogs at the ready.

Of course, the way to my heart IS corndogs from the Wagon, but romance is what you make it.

I am 100% with you on this one. Whenever we try to plan a romantic evening it always feels forced and we feel awkward. I can easily pinpoint the three most romantic times we have ever spent together and all three of them were at Disneyland. Two of them were waiting for the fireworks, hot chocolate and gumbo in a bread bowl in hand, all bundled up in the cold just sitting on a bench together for 2 hours.
My vote would be for a dessert date in a little corner at Gibson Girl or camping out to watch Fantasmic! or the fireworks together.

[CMHusband]

I am in the military and on my 3rd deployment in Northern Afghanistan working with the Germans and Norwegians. The deployment is almost over and we are going home soon. This year, 2011, is the year my wife and I hit a milestone that is rare with young couples these days, especially in the military, which is 10 years of being married.

We plan to vacation around Disneyland in July, which is where we will celebrate our 10 year anniversary together. I wish to do something special for her and show the love I have is stronger than it was 10 years ago. Are there any romantic restaurants around Disneyland that you would suggest? I thought of the Melting Pot down the street, but that is it.

After 10 years, I want to plan an evening to let her know how thankful I am that she has been by my side as a military wife (which in some cases is harder than what I do). In addition, we plan to renew our vows. Thank you for reading and thank you ahead of time for you input.

Thank you to you for serving and to your wife for being strong for you while you are gone. I don't know how you all endure it but you are right, it probably is harder for your wife than people realize.
Napa Rose is a beautiful restaurant - but...If you are willing to drive about 20 minutes to Los Alamitos - there is an incredibly romantic restaurant called Shendandoh. It has an outdoor seating area under this huge tree that is lit up and ponds around, the restaurant is set up in an old house. This is my wifes all time favorite, romatic place to have dinner. Its a change from anything you are used to and the food is simply amazing. (It also won't break the bank like Napa Rose can)

[CMHusband]

$30 Max/person. I was kind of thinking about the Cheesecake Factory which is about a mile away from our hotel, but I won't want to walk in heels... especially at night. Do you think it'd be worth it to get a taxi or something of the sort?

Cheesecake Factore: so NOT romantic. Shenandoah fits your price range easily!
http://www.shenandoahatthearbor.com/

Everyone who is local should try this place. It really is a wonderful little secret in the area.

[Malcon10t]

Cheesecake Factore: so NOT romantic. Shenandoah fits your price range easily!
http://www.shenandoahatthearbor.com/

Actually, the restaurant is probably right at their max range. (Choosing a mid range entree, no starter, no dessert, add in tax and tip, it is $28. But it does look interesting, we might try it next time. We go to Los Alamitos for other reasons once every couple trips.) Calculate in the taxi costs, it will push it over the top.

[CariBelle]

I was just looking at restaurant.com and there are some offers up in the Anaheim area that might help you fit in your budget. There is even one for House of Blues at Downtown Disney. With code SPRING you can get 70% off a $25 voucher (the deal is $25 for $10) so it's only $3.

[newhdplayer]

- but...If you are willing to drive about 20 minutes to Los Alamitos - there is an incredibly romantic restaurant called Shendandoh. It has an outdoor seating area under this huge tree that is lit up and ponds around, the restaurant is set up in an old house. This is my wifes all time favorite, romatic place to have dinner. Its a change from anything you are used to and the food is simply amazing. (It also won't break the bank like Napa Rose can)

Is this the same folks who used to have the Shenandoah Cafe on 2nd street in LB? I believe the owners name was Rick?

[Promo-Man]

Is this the same folks who used to have the Shenandoah Cafe on 2nd street in LB? I believe the owners name was Rick?

With all of the talk about this place I just had to look them up on the internet
here is the link Shenandoah at the Arbor yes it is the same owners

[newhdplayer]

With all of the talk about this place I just had to look them up on the internet
here is the link Shenandoah at the Arbor yes it is the same owners

Doh! I forgot to use the Internets.

and, you can't go wrong with this place.

[adriennek]

MAMA COZZA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

We had dinner here on Saturday night. The portions were very generous and my group (four women) had a good time. But. We agreed that we would not consider it for a romantic dinner. It was rather loud and busy. We described it as an "Old Fashioned Family Italian Restaurant." But not really "romantic."

Adrienne

[Promo-Man]

But. We agreed that we would not consider it for a romantic dinner. It was rather loud and busy. We described it as an "Old Fashioned Family Italian Restaurant." But not really "romantic."

Adrienne

Just depends on where you are seated in the restaurant

[CMHusband]

Is this the same folks who used to have the Shenandoah Cafe on 2nd street in LB? I believe the owners name was Rick?

Yes. The left 2nd street because the rents got too high. This place is way nicer too.