We welcome back guest writer AM Appleby! Today, she’ll take us inside of Narcoossee’s for their once a week morning offering — Sunday Brunch!

We’ve enjoyed dinner at Narcoossee’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, many times, and always love booking a reservation coincident with the Wishes fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.

But recently, this dinner-only spot has begun to offer a leisurely and luxurious Sunday Brunch. We couldn’t wait to take a peek!

Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch

On a glorious and sunny Sunday morning, my daughter and I went to Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

I’ve enjoyed dinner twice at this location and was excited to try brunch. We arrived at the Grand Floridian twenty minutes before our reservation time and walked through the magnificent lobby and out the back doors to the restaurant.

Narcoossee’s has a beautiful spot on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. Tables in Wonderland is accepted, which also provides free valet parking when dining at a resort; and two table service credits are required if using the Disney Dining Plan. Brunch is offered Sundays from 10am-2pm.

We checked in and were seated within a few minutes. Our window table had a beautiful view of the boat dock, Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, and the Contemporary Resort. Nelson, our wonderful server, explained the menu thoroughly before taking our drink order and delivering a basket of pastries.

For those with food allergies, the allergy-friendly menu is extensive. For example, those with gluten allergies or sensitivities can enjoy four of the five appetizers and five of the seven entrées. Dessert options, not listed on the menu, consist of coconut ice cream, raspberry sorbet, fresh fruit, and prepackaged cookies or brownies.

Included in the price ($69 adults, $41 children 3-9) is a specialty beverage. Adults can enjoy bottomless Prosecco and Mimosas, or a Signature Bloody Mary (a meal in itself, it is served with a King Crab claw, a jumbo shrimp, applewood smoked bacon, and a blue cheese stuffed olive in a salt-rimmed glass). Kids or teetotalers can choose a strawberry, raspberry, or mango smoothie.

Other beverages are available and there is a full bar. You’ll choose an appetizer, entrée, and a dessert plate is served at the end of the meal.

The pastry basket was comprised of cheese and cherry Danishes, croissants, twisted cinnamon sticks, and blueberry muffins. Strawberry jam and butter with crystallized hibiscus were served on the side. I really enjoyed the strawberry jam, a not-too-sweet accompaniment to the light pastries.

The pastry basket is filled according to the number of guests at the table. Ask for more of the ones you love. (I mentioned towards the end of brunch how much my daughter loved the blueberry muffins and Nelson returned with a box of extras for her.)

Although there is a children’s menu, they are welcome to order from the adult menu.

My seven-year-old has a rather mature palate and chose the Onion Soup Gratinée for her appetizer and Steak and Eggs for her entrée, while I chose the Romaine Salad and Pan-Roasted Alaskan Line Caught Halibut. I really liked the French press coffee, both in flavor and for the fact that I could warm my cup when needed.

The Bloody Mary also did not disappoint! The crab claw was so sweet and tender and the drink was perfectly spiced. I munched on the garnishes throughout my meal.

Monorails passed in the distance, ferry boats loaded and unloaded passengers, and Sea Raycers splashed by as I drank in the view along with my coffee. My daughter, who was far from the only child present, sipped her raspberry smoothie and colored.

The restaurant was quiet, even though all but two tables had guests. I realized the soft, instrumental music playing in the background was The Police, a lovely bonus for me!

Our appetizers arrived about fifteen minutes after the pastry basket. My Romaine Salad with shaved Pecorino Romano was very fresh and crisp, and the marinated half-dried tomatoes were a welcome accompaniment to this classic salad. I ordered the Caesar dressing on the side and, true to the description, it was creamy and delicious.

The Onion Soup Gratinée was perhaps the best I’ve had. My daughter ate nearly every bit, savoring the delectable broth and saving the nutty and flavorful Gruyère de Comté, generously melted on the ciabatta croutons, for last.

A side note: if you love anything you try, and I’m certain you will, you are welcome to request more at no charge.

They also offer what they call ‘half portions’. If you are having trouble choosing between the Brioche French Toast and the Lobster Eggs Benedict, you can order a half portion of each. I absolutely love the flexibility that allows!

We had adequate time before our next course and never felt rushed.

A sweep of crumbs by Nelson and our entrées arrived. Gorgeously plated, the Halibut was a visual delight. The pan seared fish sat high atop a bed of potato-bacon hash and wilted greens. I almost forgot to take this photo before picking up my fork! The fish was crispy and buttery outside and tender and flaky inside, and the potato slices in the warm mustard vinaigrette melted in my mouth.

Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, the Black Angus Hangar Steak was tender and juicy. The scrambled eggs were fluffy and the potatoes with truffle aioli were exquisite. The portions were very large, especially considering this was the third course. A word to the wise: as delectable as the pastries and appetizers are, save room!

The leisurely pace continued and we had a nice stretch between our plates being cleared and dessert being served. Although not on the menu, I ordered a Cappuccino at no extra charge to sip with my Trio of Desserts.

An assortment of teas and other espresso drinks are also available and included in the price.

Nelson suggested the Nemo cupcake and the chocolate brownie banana split, since my daughter couldn’t decide.

But her mouth dropped open when the Dessert Trio was placed on the table.

A solid white chocolate Minnie Mouse stood watch over the Triple Chocolate Cake, Lemon Blueberry Timbale, and Valencia Blood Orange Bar. Each were luscious and I loved the inclusion of different flavors. Although I typically prefer my sugar in the form of chocolate, the fruity cakes were my favorite. So luscious and light, they were perfect little bites of sweetness after such an extravagant feast.

By far, this was my most relaxing dining experience at Disney World. Nelson took excellent care of us, answered all of my many questions, and made my daughter feel very welcome.

His earlier wish for us to have a blissful experience was granted. Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch exceeded my every expectation. An exquisite treat, it was an excellent value for the quality of food and service that were delivered. I will absolutely return!

Will you be adding Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch to your Disney World dining plans? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!