<p>I’ve posted this on the Disney boards, but wanted to get feedback from my CC friends.</p>
<p>We’ll be celebrating our 30th anniversary next fall at Disneyworld, the site of our honeymoon, and we’ll be on the Deluxe Dining Plan, which means we can eat at even a “signature” restaurant without OOP except for tip and alcohol.</p>
<p>Looking for a nice, quiet restaurant, great view, and not too exotic, as I’m a bit picky. We’re not drinkers, so wine list is not important.</p>
<p>And Victoria and Albert is not an option, because you have to “dress” for dinner, which is no go for hubby. And no buffets.</p>
<p>It was some years ago… but my family had a special anniversary dinner at the California Grill at the Contemporary, timed so that we could watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle. We could see the fireworks through the window by our table, and if you wished, you could also walk out onto the outdoor observation deck to watch. It was really a memorable event.</p>
<p>The nice restaurant at Wilderness Lodge is awesome – Artist Point? I had a wonderful meal there a few years ago and would definitely go back.</p>
<p>My other choice would be at Epcot, the Bistro de Paris – upstairs in the French pavillion. Also wonderful. And if you time it right, great seats for the fireworks.</p>
<p>As I mentioned on your other thread, H and I had our 30th anniversary dinner at Narcoossee’s. It was wonderful! We had notified them when we made the reservation that it was our 30th anniversary, and we were treated so well. They presented us with personalized menus that we could take with us, they gave us a table next to the window overlooking the lagoon and MK, and they had a special dessert for us at no charge. The food was great and atmosphere was perfect. After dinner, we walked out on the dock to watch Wishes (the MK fireworks show) and the electric water parade. Beautiful night, beautiful memories.</p>
<p>There are several nice restaurants that could suit you. Check out the comments of the various restaurants on Disboards under the Disney Restaurants forum and you will get an idea of which places you would prefer.</p>
<p>We had an anniversary dinner at Citrico’s in the Grand Floridian. The menu is Mediterranean-inspired, and the seafood there was excellent. Elegant, contemporary decor. The service was very good and we too received personalized menus. At dessert, “Happy Anniversary” was painted around the plate rims in frosting (or something), which was fun.</p>
<p>Agree with the Epcot French restaurant suggestion Bistro de Paris. We had a delightful dinner and watched the fireworks from the upstairs restaurant. You do not have to be dressed up. They do not reserve the window seats but if you mention the anniversary you never know. </p>
<p>Not permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While T-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that T-shirts with offensive language or graphics are not acceptable.
Specialty celebration cakes are available for an additional charge and should be ordered 48 hours in advance by calling (407) 827-2253.
To make reservations, book online or call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 up to 180 days prior to your visit.</p>
<p>In Epcot, we liked Le Cellier, i know you don’t care about wine( they have a great wine list), and great aged steaks/beef…it has been a few years, so maybe someone can give you an update</p>
<p>Le Cellier Review
With the best Canadian wine cellar in the state, this charming eatery with stone arches and dark-wood paneling has a good selection of Canadian beer as well. Aged beef is king, although many steaks appear only on the dinner menu. The chefs have chosen a representative menu for a fixed price dinner for $37 for adults (and an $8 menu for kids). The prix-fixe menu for adults has choices ranging from pan-seared salmon to porcini mushroom ravioli. But you can also go </p>
<p>I apologize for not knowing the name, but there is an Italian restaurant in Epcot that has amazing food. I lived in Milan for three years, so I know Italian food! It was delicious. We went there once and loved it so much we went a couple of more times that week. It was mighty pricey but like you, we had the dining plan, so it was a steal!</p>
<p>I have eaten in Tutto Italia. There is also Via Napoli in Epcot. We enjoyed our dinner in Tutto Italia very much, but I would try one of the other restaurants suggested for the anniversary meal. If you do eat in Tutto Italia, I highly recommend their Zabiaone gelato/ ice cream with chocolate drizzle and fruit dessert (not sure what it is called)! I never heard of Zabaione gelato, but this one of the best desserts that I have ever tasted. BTW, I believe it was $15, but we were on their meal plan.</p>
<p>Bistro de Paris at Epcot is out - it doesn’t take the Disney Dining Plan.</p>
<p>I also recommend the California Grill - it’s a lovely setting and they treat you well. Contemporary cuisine - their flat bread appetizers are amazing. The Wave at the Contemporary is also very good (and only 1 credit).</p>
<p>I just ate at Citrico’s. I wouldn’t suggest it for a non-adventurous eater.</p>
<p>And congratulations on your anniversary! We’re celebrating our 30th in August, too!</p>
<p>One of my favorite places to eat is the California Grill restaurant. Time it right and you’ll have fireworks as a dining backdrop. You can view the fireworks from the dining room or go out on the terrace to get a closer look. There is a small dining room (about 10 tables) that is adjacent to the main dining area, which feels secluded and romantic. I believe they call it the “Wine Room”, no wine drinking required however, sometimes it is booked for a private party. The main dining room is very active with an open kitchen, I’ve always enjoyed eating there. When you book, ask for a window seat for your anniversary. Get your reservation early (you will need to guarantee the reservation with a credit card).</p>
<p>I would not consider the California Grill a quiet restaurant, it was fairly noisy the last time I was there. I have heard good things about the Bistro de Paris and it is a more “adult” restaurant, but I’ve never been there. I love Le Cellier and I don’t drink wine (much).</p>
<p>We are going to Disneyworld for Christmas so I have been thinking about Disney restaurants lately. Have never eaten at California Grill, so can’t comment on that choice. LeCellier used to be one of our favorites but we have been disappointed the last two times we were there, so it is not on our list for this trip. (Also, it doesn’t have a view of anything, if I remember correctly.) Sadly, Cinderella’s Royal Table is now all character meals, I am pretty sure. We ate dinner there once when it was not a character meal, and it would have met all of your criteria. </p>
<p>One possibility is a new Indian-themed restaurant that opened recently at the DVC part of Animal Kingdom Lodge. The food has gotten good reviews, and it seems that you have a view of the safari animals. It is on our list for this trip, so I will try to remember to post about it when we get back.</p>
<p>Amesie, I have eaten at Sanaa and I enjoyed it. I liked Boma (buffet in AK Lodge) too. I also liked the Cape May Dinner Buffet because I love eating crab legs. I am not going to say anymore about buffets because I don’t want to hijack the OP’s thread. I just had to mention this buffet since you are going to Disney in a few weeks.</p>
<p>We went to Artist’s Point for our anniversary last year and it was very nice. Personalized menus, champagne toast, complimentary dessert. Lovely view and room. I believe H had steak and I had salmon with cheeses to start. The menu is fairly straightforward. Really loved the experience.</p>
<p>I loved Sanaa this last trip (we did Dine with an Animal Specialist so got the “family style” tasting meal), but it is not for unadventurous eaters. While it’s not true Indian, it does have Indian flavors. It is not a straightforward menu at all. We were also disappointed in Jiko this trip, which we had previously loved, but the chef changed. He is now at Narcoosees, which may also fit the bill for you, Montegut. The chef just knows how to marry flavors.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Personally I’d choose Narcoossees and time it with Wishes fireworks</p></li>
<li><p>check out reviews of all restaurants at debs allears.net site. Debs will also inform you of changes in chefs, etc.</p></li>
</ol>
however, sometimes it is booked for a private party. The main dining room is very active with an open kitchen, I’ve always enjoyed eating there. When you book, ask for a window seat for your anniversary. Get your reservation early (you will need to guarantee the reservation with a credit card).</p>