My WDW Restaurant Recommendations

I read a few Disney fans forums, and one of the most common question being asked is the favorite places to eat. Of course, something like this is highly subjective, and depends entirely one one's palate and tastes. So there's no reason why I can't put out mine. Keep in mind that I haven't eaten at every single food establishment at WDW (but I keep trying), so this recommendation is only based on what I had tasted and where I've gone to. Furthermore, I'm going to restrict this only to table service restaurants, not counter service or quick restaurants, as defined in the Disney Dining Plan.

So here goes. In order of most favorite (i.e. most favorite being #1), they are:

1. Boma

Can there be a better restaurant at WDW than this? A combination of exotic food (african themed) and prices (it's a buffet with a standard WDW buffet price), I can't think of a better place to get good food. Try the coconut seafood soup, or the lamb stew for starters. Just be careful, because you might end up eating too much of them and won't have room for others. Also try the crispy flat breads with various hummus. You can't go wrong there either. For entree, my favorite has always been the fish (usually salmon) grilled in banana leaf.

The atmosphere and the food makes this my all-time #1 most favorite places to eat at WDW.

2. Crystal Palace

Again, another buffet, and with Pooh and Friends. One would expect that a character buffet would have so-so quality food. But surprisingly, the food his rather good here, with a good selection and variety. I tend to skip the soups and go directly to the main entree, that can range anything from fish to prime rib. The vegetable dishes also are surprisingly good, i.e. they are not mushy vegetables that one expects. If you can stand the noise and the commotion, this is a great places to eat.

3. Citricos

We are now talking a bit about fine dining. If you're using the DDP, it uses two table service points. But it is well-worth the price. Focusing more on a "California cuisine" type, the food is top notch. But as with restaurants of this type, the portion is on the "small" scale. I would prefer 4 pieces of lamb chops, please. Service is impeccable, and the wine selection is quite good.

4. Jiko

Same with Citricos as far as price and DDP goes. It really is a toss-up between Jiko and Citricos for #3 and #4. Jiko, as with Boma, has an african theme menu and atmosphere. They have the largest selection of wines from Africa (or was it from S. Africa?) and the food has an exotic tastes to it, even their Mac 'n Cheese.

5. Marrakesh

This is my most favorite restaurant at the World Showcase. I also tend to think that, for most americans, it is also the cuisine that is most "different" or "unusual", when compared to the other pavilions at World Showcase. The food is very tasty, and the portions are generous. Try the hot, mint tea prepared the way it is done in Morocco. It comes unsweetened, but add a couple of packs of sugar to make it authentic. The lamb and beef dishes are outstanding, even if you don't like lamb. If you're lucky, you'll also get some live entertainment.

Zz.