Which Restaurant Would You Choose and Why?

[KathyTbell]

My husband and I would like to go out to dinner on our arrival day. I'm trying to decide which non-park restaurant to book for a Saturday night. I'd like it to be a restaurant we've never tried before so I've narrowed it down to: Flying Fish (I have been there once but my husband hasn't), Ale & Compass, Narcoossees, or Citricos. I'd also consider Boathouse, Paddlefish, and Edison - however it would take a little convincing since my husband isn't a huge fan of going to Disney Springs. Note: We will be staying at the Dolphin and it would be a perk to not have to do a lot of transportation to get to/from restaurant. Which would you choose and why? Thanks!!

 

[Schneewittchen37]

I've been to Flying Fish and Narcoossee's. Really enjoyed both. If you don't want to spend about 90 minutes suffering through Disney transportation, I'd go with Flying Fish.

 

[Karalee402]

I second Flying Fish, especially if you're at the Dolphin. It'll be a beautiful walk over to the restaurant and you can enjoy the beauty of Crescent Lake on your walk back "home."

 

[DWillowBay]

Flying Fish. Best meal I've ever had on property. However, don't count Ale & Compass out. We've been there several times and are never disappointed by the food, the service or the check. ha. Enjoy!

 

[NYCgrrl]

Another vote for FF. It’s been a favorite since we started going to WDW and has never let us down. Nice to enjoy the Boardwalk activities before or after your meal.

 

[leebee]

If ease of transportation is an issue, either FF or Ale&Compass. We haven't been to FF, mostly because of cost/value. We've eaten several times at Ale&Compass and have always been pleased... and it's "affordable" by Disney standards.

We liked Narcoosee's more than Citricos, not really sure why. The food was outstanding at both places; maybe it's the atmosphere? Not quite sure how you'd get to the MK resorts... walk to Boardwalk, take the bus to Disney Springs, then another bus to the Grand Floridian? Or does the Dolphin run buses to DS?

If you aren't worried about price and don't mind a little bit of a walk, you could walk over to Epcot (or take the boat) and take the Skyliner to the Riviera and go to Toppolino's for dinner. The food was fantastic, and the view is incredible!

 

[Marthasor]

Have you ruled out the restaurants at Swan/Dolphin?

Of the ones listed, I would go to Flying Fish. We like A&C for a casual meal, but it's not spectacular. FF food is outstanding, IMHO. I wouldn't go all the way to GF or DS when you have great restaurants in the EP resort area. We also like Topolino's for dinner if you don't mind riding the Skyliner.

 

[SteveH]

Have you looked at any of the restaurants at S&D? They some outstanding ones.

 

[gharter]

Previously was not a fan of Citricos, however after the re themeing, it is amazing! We love Flying Fish, Citricos and Narcossees. you can't go wrong with any of those. The easy choice is throw out Ale and Compass. Not close to the others.

 

[KathyTbell]

These opinions are very helpful! I'm narrowing it down to either Flying Fish or Ale & Compass so that we don't have to take transportation (good points made here...thanks). I haven't really considered the restaurants at the Dolphin, mainly because my husband isn't a huge Mexican food lover and we want more options besides steak, but I do see there are other options there. Thoughts? Thank you!

P.S. We have been to Toppolino's and loved it, but want to try something new (for at least one of us).

 

[Marthasor]

These opinions are very helpful! I'm narrowing it down to either Flying Fish or Ale & Compass so that we don't have to take transportation (good points made here...thanks). I haven't really considered the restaurants at the Dolphin, mainly because my husband isn't a huge Mexican food lover and we want more options besides steak, but I do see there are other options there. Thoughts? Thank you!

P.S. We have been to Toppolino's and loved it, but want to try something new (for at least one of us).

Swan/Dolphin has, arguably, some of the best restaurants on property. bluezoo is on par with Flying Fish, IMHO. Il Mulino is excellent and if you like sushi, Kimono's is also excellent (again, arguably the best Italian food and best sushi on property). Ale and Compass pales in comparison to just about every restaurant at Swan/Dolphin. Personally, I would take A&C off the list and choose between a Swan/Dolphin restaurant or Flying Fish.

 

[RuntheMouse]

Flying Fish or Il Mulino!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Swan/Dolphin has, arguably, some of the best restaurants on property. bluezoo is on par with Flying Fish, IMHO. Il Mulino is excellent and if you like sushi, Kimono's is also excellent (again, arguably the best Italian food and best sushi on property). Ale and Compass pales in comparison to just about every restaurant at Swan/Dolphin. Personally, I would take A&C off the list and choose between a Swan/Dolphin restaurant or Flying Fish.

I totally agree - Blue Zoo would be an option we'd highly recommend. Wasn't sure if perhaps OP had already been there and was avoiding it. If not - I would recommend it well over A&C, and a little bit over FF. And you can't get more convenient since it's at your resort.....

 

[KathyTbell]

Thank you! I pulled up the menus for FF, Blue Zoo, and II Mulino. I'll have my husband look at them. It sounds like we really can't go wrong with any of them!

 

[Eastern]

On arrival day I like convenient so I would do Flying Fish.

 

[gmi3804]

I don't believe any of the signature restaurants are anything special, especially given the price. Their once-ambitious menus have been dumbed down over the years (there's not much "African" on Jiko's menu, for example, besides some unusual spices here and there) and marketed to an unadventurous market.

Among your list, The BOATHOUSE is my favorite. Great quality, safe. Ale & Compass is more budget-friendly while still having some good options, but don't go expecting any culinary revelations.

 

[hertamaniac]

FF was such a disappointment last year. It was our 2nd visit and I did a dining review on here somewhere (found it...https://www.disboards.com/threads/flying-fish-2nd-visit.3947816/). It was grossly overpriced, miniscule portion size and service was almost to the point of annoying. Unless it is basically a freebie, we will not return.

However, Ale & Compass lounge was an excellent appetizer/drink start for our Yachtsman dinner. So even though it's not on the list, I'd do Yachtsman over any of the above.

 

[sandrews0608]

I think that Flying Fish is a bit more formal than Narcoosees and then Boathouse is even less formal than that. I have yet to try Citricos as the menu has never liked the menu as much as the others. If there are no other factors then I would just pick which one has the best menu for you both. Ale & Compass isn't going to be nearly on the same level as the other restaurants, so I would suggest not doing that one.

 

[KathyTbell]

This is all great input. I appreciate everyone taking the time to answer. Thank you!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Enjoy your dinner, wherever you decide to dine!