Restaurant Reviews

San Angel Inn Restaurant Review at Disney’s Epcot Mexico Pavilion

by josh on March 16, 2010

Wondering how San Angel Inn stacks up against the other Epcot Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of all 15 Epcot restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: Mexican

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service.

Cost:  Lunch appetizers are $7-$11 and entrées cost $17-$22.  Dinner Appetizers are $6-$11 and entrées cost $24-$33.   Margaritas are $10-$13.

Setting: The San Angel has one of the best settings at Disney World.  According to Disney, “San Angel Inn simmers with romance under perpetual twilight where Mayan ruins lend an ancient ambience.”  The restaurant is styled like a traditional Hacienda and is located inside of the Mexican Pavilion right on the same water that the boat cruise is on.  The restaurant is raised off the water giving you plenty of privacy and offers a great view of the boats and Mayan temple.

Advantages: The setting can’t be beat.  The chips and guacamole are now freshly made and delicious.  There are several interesting meal choices for children, including a quesadilla and flautas.  It’s cool and dark, making it a pleasant retreat after a hot day in the sun.  The menu has been expanded to include entrées people will be more familiar with, including burritos and enchiladas to go along with the more traditional Mexican recipes.

Disadvantages: Margaritas and entrées are expensive.  The tables are close together and not all of them have the best view of the water.  Some people refuse to return here after having had a poor meal in the past.

Value: Below average to average.  This restaurant is expensive, especially for a type of food that is generally much cheaper.  That being said, the food is much higher quality fare than your typical $8 burrito platter.  The presentation is also top-notch.

Reputation: San Angel Inn used to have one of the worst reputations of any restaurant at Disney World.  Luckily, it has improved immensely over the past year.  The chips and guacamole are now freshly made and the food is prepared with much more care and consistency.  Make sure you ask to sit near the water and if they try to sit you next to the bathrooms, politely ask to be seated elsewhere.  If you have had a bad meal here in the past, I would recommend giving it another chance, especially if you are on the Dining Plan.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants: 14th out of 15

{ 2 comments }

Teppan Edo Teppanyaki Review at Disney’s Epcot Japan Pavilion

by josh on March 16, 2010

Wondering how Teppan Edo stacks up against the other Epcot Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of all 15 Epcot restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: Japanese

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service.   Salad or soup is extra.

Cost:  Appetizers: $5-$8, Entrées: $16-$30.  The menu is the same for lunch and dinner.

Setting:  Teppan Edo is a hibachi grill restaurant, which means guests are seated around a grill where the food is prepared and cooked in front of you by a traditional Japanese hibachi chef.

Advantages: Teppan Edo is a fun experience for adults and children, especially if you haven’t experienced a hibachi meal in the past.  The quality of the ingredients is high and all meals are prepared fresh on the grill.  Service is usually excellent.  Kids can get chicken, shrimp, or a combination of both grilled as well.

Disadvantages: This was one of the noisiest restaurants before the redesigned interior and it is even louder now.  Your experience relies heavily on the hibachi chef.  Some are more “fun” and do tricks and tell stories during dinner while others are more traditional and say almost nothing during the entire meal.  The grills seat eight people, so if your party is smaller you will be seated with others.  Portions are on the smaller side.

Value: Above average.  Many cities have hibachi grill restaurants (think Benihana) with similar options and lower prices.  However, Teppan Edo’s food is probably higher quality and the authentic hibachi chefs add a great deal to the atmosphere.  On the Dining Plan you can order the filet mignon, green tea pudding, and a soft drink for about $40, making this a good choice to “maximize” the Plan as well.

Reputation: Teppan Edo is regarded extremely well and many people who visit Disney World often return to Teppan Edo each trip.  I went to Teppan Edo for the first time when I was about 10 years old and it is my most vivid memory of that vacation.  For that reason, this is my favorite restaurant at Epcot.  Food, service, and atmosphere are all top-notch.  The restaurant does get noisy and the seating setup does not lend itself well to conversation.  If your party is less than eight people then you will be seated with strangers, which makes some people uncomfortable.  I wouldn’t let either of those potential problems deter you from enjoying a meal here though.  Overall, I would rate Teppan Edo as one of the best restaurants at Epcot both in terms of food quality and entertainment.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants: 4th out of 15

{ 3 comments }

Tokyo Dining Table Service Review at Disney’s Epcot

by josh on March 16, 2010

Wondering how Tokyo Dining stacks up against the other Epcot Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of all 15 Epcot restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: Japanese

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service.   There are several sushi platters and sushi/tempura platters included.

Cost:  Sushi generally $4-$8.  Appetizers: $5-$10.  Entrées: $15-$27.  Lunch menu is largely the same.

Setting: Tokyo Dining features large windows that overlook the Japanese Pavilion in Epcot.  It is much quieter and calmer than sister restaurant Teppan Edo and is a more traditional dining experience, without the hibachi grills.  You can also sit with a view of the sushi chefs or a television playing a video of serene Japanese landscapes.

Advantages: Tokyo Dining is one of the more intimate restaurants at Epcot and has a more relaxing atmosphere than Teppan Edo.  The menu features many variety plates so you can easily try the tempura, shrimp, and sushi in one meal.  Service is exceptional.  There are many options for vegetarians and those who don’t like sushi.

Disadvantages: The lobby area is shared with Teppan Edo and it can become hectic and confusing during peak times. Children may be apprehensive about eating here, but they should enjoy either the tempura or teriyaki meals.  All a la carte sushi (i.e. the $6 two piece sushi rolls) is not included on the Dining Plan.

Value: Above average.  Sushi prices are in line with restaurants outside of Disney World and the quality is high.  The service is usually outstanding and portions are large.

Reputation: Tokyo Dining is one of the newer restaurants at Disney World and many people are unaware that it exists or erroneously believe it is not on the Dining Plan.  Now you know it does exist and it is on the Dining Plan.  This is a particularly restful location to have a nice lunch, especially if you like to get to the Parks early and eat a little later in the afternoon.  Since the menu is largely the same for lunch as it is for dinner, this also makes a good last minute lunch reservation on the Dining Plan when other restaurants are full for dinner.  The food is usually great with high quality sushi and lightly battered tempura shrimp and vegetables.  Overall, this is one of the top dining destinations at Epcot.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants: 8th out of 15

{ 0 comments }

Tutto Italia Ristorante Review at Disney’s Epcot

by josh on March 16, 2010

Wondering how Tutto Italia stacks up against the other Epcot Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of all 15 Epcot restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: Italian

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service.

Cost:  For lunch, appetizers are $7-$25 and entrées are $15-$30.  For dinner, appetizers are $8-$29 and entrées are $24-$36.

Setting: Tutto replaces Alfredo’s as the Italian restaurant in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion.  The restaurant is set in the “Old World” and features sprawling murals and glittering chandeliers.

Advantages: Tutto serves the best, most authentic Italian food at Disney World outside of Il Mulino at the Swan resort.   Service is attentive and charmingly Italian.  Every meal includes bread with dipping oil and marinated olives and peppers.

Disadvantages: Tutto is one of the most expensive restaurants at Disney World with most entrées exceeding $25.  Tables are close together and it can get crowded.  Entrées are served so quickly it seems like they must be prepared beforehand.

Value: Poor to average.  Although the quality of the food is high, it’s difficult to justify a $25 Caesar salad or $30 bowl of pasta.  The prices are too high and I would not recommend this restaurant if paying out of pocket.  Tutto is a perfect restaurant on the Dining Plan since its cost is prohibitive otherwise.

Reputation: This is another fairly recent addition to the Epcot lineup.  The setting of the restaurant is quite pleasant and service is generally excellent, although your waiter may not communicate well because of the language barrier.  The food here is generally more authentic and better tasting than you would find at the Olive Garden or either Mama Melrose’s at the Hollywood Studios or Tony’s at the Magic Kingdom.  I would visit Tutto Italia on the Dining Plan, but would think twice before making a reservation out of pocket due to its hefty price tag.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants: 12th out of 15

{ 0 comments }

Boulangerie Patisserie Review at Disney’s Epcot France Pavilion

by josh on March 14, 2010

Food Type: Le France

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Most items under $5

Unique Items: Just about everything.  Your chances of finding a Napoleon this good at Animal Kingdom are nonexistent.

Value: Above Average to Excellent.  Maximize a Dining Plan snack credit with a $3.95 treat.

Reputation: If there’s one thing the French do well, it’s pastries.  The Boulangerie has chocolate éclairs, raspberry schuss, cream puffs, and about 20 more items for under $4.  Just about every single one is freshly made and delicious.  I recommend the chocolate croissant in particular, but I don’t think you could go wrong here.

{ 1 comment }

Kringla Bakeri og Cafe Restaurant Review at Disney’s Epcot

by josh on March 14, 2010

Wondering how Kringla Bakeri og Cafe stacks up against the other Epcot Counter Service Locations? Check out The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations for a comparison of the nine Epcot counter services in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Seating, Best Food, and Best Overall Counter Service.

Food Type: Norweigan

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Between $2 for a pastry to $10 for a sandwich

Unique Items: Just about everything.

Advantages: The sandwiches are large, unique, and quite possibly big enough for two.  The seating area is ample, covered (though outside), and one of the best spots at Epcot to take a rest.  The school bread, apple and ham sandwich, and just about everything else are freshly prepared and delicious.  Pastries in particular are an outstanding value.

Disadvantages: Line may be long and slow moving, especially at lunch time when people are more likely to order a hot sandwich.

Value: Excellent.  School bread and lefse are both great desserts or snacks and will set you back less than $3 or a measly snack credit.

Reputation: Kringla is a favorite of anyone “in the know.”  Still, it is not particularly popular due to the perceived “exoticness” of Norway and its food.  Don’t be frightened though.  Kringla is one of the best kept secrets at Disney.  If you do anything for me during your entire trip, get a school bread.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations: 3rd out of 9

{ 4 comments }

Liberty Inn Quick Service Review at Disney’s Epcot

by josh on March 14, 2010

Wondering how Liberty Inn stacks up against the other Epcot Counter Service Locations? Check out The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations for a comparison of the nine Epcot counter services in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Seating, Best Food, and Best Overall Counter Service.

Food Type: American

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrees between $7-$9

Unique Items: Hot Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich and Baked Apple Dumpling.  Otherwise, the Liberty Inn is a standard Disney counter service with burgers, chicken nuggets, a salad, and not much else.

Advantages: Frozen Cokes for a snack credit.  It’s air conditioned.  Picky eaters will be happy with their hamburger and chicken nuggets.  The Hot Roast Beef and Cheddar sandwich is a little different and the baked apple dumpling is better than most counter service desserts.

Disadvantages: Booooooorrrrrrriiiiiinnnnggggggggg.  The menu is limited to standard Disney fare and the food isn’t prepared as well as Pecos Bill or Cosmic Ray’s.  There are more interesting dining options in every direction.

Value: Poor.   More than $10 for a fast food burger, fries, and drink isn’t a good deal anywhere other than the moon.

Reputation: Liberty Inn is decent.  I’m not sure why you would choose it considering all of the other options available though.  The frozen coolers, or “Icees”, are a great treat to help cool off.  The baked apple dumpling is also worth checking out for dessert.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations: 8th out of 9

{ 0 comments }

Lotus Blossom Cafe Review at Disney’s Epcot China Pavilion

by josh on March 14, 2010

Wondering how Lotus Blossom Cafe stacks up against the other Epcot Counter Service Locations? Check out The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations for a comparison of the nine Epcot counter services in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Seating, Best Food, and Best Overall Counter Service.

Food Type: Americanized Chinese

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrees between $7-$8

Unique Items: Unique to Disney perhaps, but if you’ve been to Panda Express or any other fast food Chinese restaurant then you’ve seen this kind of thing before.

Advantages: There’s a chance you might get the Panda Express itch during your Disney vacation and this is the closest you’ll get to quenching that thirst.  The Chinese gardens are pretty and right next to the seating area, making this one of the more pleasant places to sit at Epcot.  Service is usually fast.  Peach Oolong Tea is refreshing.

Disadvantages: It’s like Panda Express, only more expensive, not as good, and portions are smaller.  The only dessert options, red bean or caramel ginger ice cream, are a bit unusual and may not be appealing.

Value: Poor to average.  Three potstickers for $5 is not a particularly good deal if you ask me.  Portion sizes are small for the $8 price tag, but it should leave room for a delicious school bread from Kringla later in the day.

Reputation: Lotus Blossom is not a particularly well regarded counter service.  You could do worse, certainly, but it shouldn’t be at the top of your list.  The quality of the food isn’t anything to write home about and the portions are small for the price. I would stick with the entrées and skip the overpriced appetizers if you do choose to dine here.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations: 6th out of 9

{ 0 comments }

Sommerfest Dining Review at Disney’s Epcot Germany Pavilion

by josh on March 14, 2010

Wondering how Sommerfest stacks up against the other Epcot Counter Service Locations? Check out The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations for a comparison of the nine Epcot counter services in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Seating, Best Food, and Best Overall Counter Service.

Food Type: German

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrees about $7

Unique Items: Bratwurst or Frankfurter served with sauerkraut on a bun.  The salted pretzel is also excellent and a little different than other Disney pretzels.

Advantages: If you like bratwurst and frankfurter served with sauerkraut on a bun then you will like this place.  Service is fast and lines are rarely long.  Desserts, pretzels, and beer are better than average.

Disadvantages: Sommerfest only offers two entrées and there is extremely limited seating.

Value: Above average.  The pretzel can be had for around $3 and is one of the best on property.  Although $6 for a bratwurst may seem expensive, it’s cheaper than most other counter service entrées and the quality is high.

Reputation: Sommerfest is not particularly popular because of its limited menu.  The brats really are good though and if you’re in the mood for some sauerkraut then this is it.  The pretzels also make a great snack even if brats don’t interest you.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations: 5th out of 9

{ 3 comments }

Tangierine Cafe Review at Disney’s Epcot Morocco Pavilion

by josh on March 14, 2010

Wondering how Tangierine Cafe stacks up against the other Epcot Counter Service Locations? Check out The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations for a comparison of the nine Epcot counter services in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Seating, Best Food, and Best Overall Counter Service.

Food Type: Moroccan

Dining Plan: One Quick Service or One Snack

Cost: Entrees $10-$14

Unique Items: Everything

Advantages: Entrée platters are in the $14 range which makes this a great value on the Dining Plan.  Seating area is interesting.  Tangierine Café serves some of the best vegetarian entrées at Disney World.  The food is healthier than any of the fried options and portions are large.  Although the food is a bit “different” it should appeal to most people’s tastes.

Disadvantages: Tangierine Café is one of the more expensive counter service options at Disney.  The meatball platter is not recommended.

Value: Above average to excellent.  On the Dining Plan this is a must.  Off the dining plan, try sharing the chicken and lamb Shawarma Platter.  It should satisfy two and there is enough food to be found around Epcot that you’ll be happy you aren’t stuffed.

Reputation: Tangierine Café is a favorite among many and it is rare to hear bad things about it.  The menu may seem a bit “out there” for some, but trust me, your palette is refined enough to enjoy this.  Tangierine also boasts healthier, fresher tasting options than many of the other Disney restaurants.  I would recommend Tangierine Café to anyone looking for something a little adventurous, while still appealing to the masses.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Quick Counter Service Locations: 2nd out of 9

{ 1 comment }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →