Here’s the next post in our series based on the Food Network’s (very cool) show, The Best Thing I Ever Ate. As many of you know, due to some keen suggestions from readers we’re splitting our series up into different sections: breakfast, appetizers & side dishes, snacks & drinks, entrees (lunch & dinner), and desserts.
Today, we’re taking a look at entrees! I’ve done my favorite brand of informal polling (i.e. posted questions on twitter and facebook 😉 ) to find out others’ experiences of the “Best Thing They Ever Ate” in Disney parks and resorts.
The following are the answers received from our readers about their favorite main courses and entrees! If your favorites aren’t here, please add them in the comments section below!
Steaks
It’s no secret that Disney World does steak well. You’ve seen my votes for Five Best Steaks in Disney World, and a lot of these made the list in our poll as well! Here are the top contenders according to our facebook and twitter readers:
Mushroom Filet Mignon with White Truffle Butter Sauce and Micro Chevril.
- BBQ Filet Mignon: This steak, recently pulled from the menu, was the restaurant’s signature filet served with cream cheese mashed potatoes and doused in barbecue sauce.
- Filet Mignon with Mushroom Risotto: The current incarnation of the filet is this version. Situated on a bed of delicious mushroom risotto and covered in a white truffle-herb butter sauce.
- Prime Rib: Currently served salt-crusted with Yukon potatoes and horseradish cream sauce, this is definitely a favorite.
- Mushroom-Stuffed Filet: Not to be confused with the mushroom risotto filet, this stuffed version is long-past and no longer on the menu. But it was mentioned a few times, so it gets a spot on the list!
The Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon from California Grill was mentioned several times! This dish is served differently every time I order it, because Cali Grill strives to serve market-fresh produce. You never know what veggies you’re going to get!
California Grill Filet of Beef
Honorable Mentions:
Oak Grilled Filet With Mac and Cheese.
While these steaks were only mentioned a few times, they still deserve a spot in the list!
- Oak-Grilled Steak at Spoodles: While it was clearly a favorite of many, Spoodles was replaced last year by Kouzzina by Cat Cora, a restaurant with more Greek influences, but that still incorporates the classic Mediterranean feel of Spoodles.
- Filet Mignon at Yachtsman Steakhouse: If you know me at all, you know I’ll eat just about anything Yachtsman Steakhouse puts in front of me. The filet is delicious.
- Filet with Macaroni and Cheese and Red Wine Sauce at Jiko: Another favorite. This dish is rich upon rich.
- Maple-Glazed Rib Eye at Kona Cafe: Kona has worked its way up into the upper-echelons of steaks in WDW!
Seafood
We had a nice variety of seafood dishes mentioned on the poll! A couple are classics, but I’ll bet you’ve never even heard of the others. Flying Fish Cafe was the clear winner in this category.
Decorative Tagine
- Narragansett Bay Rhode Island “Rhody Royal” Mussels at Flying Fish Cafe: While technically an appetizer, these can be ordered as a meal. Served with Fennel, Chiles, Pesto Crema, and Grilled Sourdough, you’ll almost be able to hear the ocean.
- Mogador Fish Tagine at Restaurant Marrakesh: This marinated fish dish with olives, lemon, potatoes, green peppers, and chermula sauce will truly introduce you to Moroccan dining. Not sure what a tagine is? Check out this tagine post!
- “Potato-Wrapped” Red Snapper at Flying Fish Cafe: This signature dish served with Leek Fondue, Veal Glace, Red Wine and Cassis Butter is a classic at Flying Fish Cafe. Highly recommended!
- Pan-Seared King Salmon Cakes at Liberty Tree Tavern: This relatively new dish is served with Mixed Greens in a Sherry Vinaigrette. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard folks sing its praises!
Poultry
Ah yes, the white meat! Here are a few of our readers’ favorites in this category:
Wolfgang Puck Express Roast Chicken.
- Thanksgiving Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern: For those who crave Thanksgiving Dinner year-round, this is a great spot to get your fix. Book a dinner meal at Liberty Tree Tavern and get all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving!
- Turkey Legs: Found throughout Walt Disney World, turkey legs are huge — in both physical size and cult following!
- Rotisserie Chicken at Wolfgang Puck Express: This has always been one of my favorite counter service entrees in Disney World. I don’t know how they do it so well, but this is one delicious chicken.
Miscellaneous Entrees
Finally, here are a few of the dishes that didn’t fit into one of our three categories above. (Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough veggie dishes to create a category.) I’m loving the creativity!
Pot Roast at 50's Prime Time Cafe.
- Bobotie at Boma: Bobotie is a South African dish made from minced meat and baked with an egg-based “crust” on top. Click here to learn more about Bobotie and other African dishes at Boma.
- Lamb at Restaurant Marrakesh: A staple in Moroccan cooking, this lamb entree is served, of course, with rice.
- Pork Tenderloin at Hollywood Brown Derby: Served with white cheddar mustard spaetzle, swiss chard, onion relish, and cider jus, this dish is absolutely outstanding. I can almost taste it now.
- Pot Roast at 50s Prime Time Cafe: This is the quintessential classic, but delicious dish. If you loved your Mom’s pot roast as a kid, this will bring the memories back.
- Alligator Sausage at Coral Reef: OK, I’ve never had this, and I don’t know that I ever will, but it’s a pretty cool mention. I’ll admit, this only got one vote, but it was too interesting to take off the list!
Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list of the delicious entrees and main courses available in Disney restaurants and counter-service spots — it’s just a snap-shot list from a few of our readers! If you didn’t get a chance to chime in with your favorite, please add to the list in our comments section below! Have you had a not-to-be-missed entree in Disney? Let us know your “Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!”
And stay tuned next time for the continuation of the series with the “The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!”: Desserts!
For other posts in this series, check out these links:
The Five Best Things I Ate in Disneyland
The Best Thing I Ever Ate at Disney!: Breakfast
The Best Thing I Ever Ate at Disney!: Appetizers and Side Dishes
The Best Thing I Ever Ate at Disney!: Snacks & Drinks
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Oh. My. Goodness. So many great ideas! The only place I have an ADR for my next trip from that list is Hollywood Brown Derby. Your previous review of the pork tenderloin had me salivating. I don’t think I’ve ever decided on what I am going to eat so far in advance!
I will have to respectfully disagree with you on the steak category. Last trip, we went to The Wave and i go the Grilled Beef Tenderloin and it was the best steak I have ever had on property!
(typing on iPhone so pardon the typos). I’m a fish guy* and agree that the potato wrapped red snapper is fantastic. The leek fondue is just as good. I can’t say enough about this dish. Fish isn’t something that Disney excels at so I feel it’s worth seeking out.
I’m thrilled to see so many dishes from Marekesh on the menu. Their lamb is usually perfect. I’m also happy to see the dish from Kona. There two resteraunts are among the wonderful undiscovered places that more people need to seek out.
If I could add anything to this list, and it is a very good list, it would be the Asian Tuna Salad at Sunshine Seasons. It’s not the best dish at Disney by any means buy as far as quick service goes I don’t think you can top it. It is cool and very refreshing on a hot day. Great filling light food for park commandos like me.
*that’s right. I’m a merman.
Great list, making me hungry and wanting to go back to WDW! I’d also put the Maize crusted Monkfish or Wreckfish from Jiko under the seafood category. Such good stuff.
I need to make it over to Flying Fish! I am a sucker for mussels and now I am convinced; the ones at Artist Point are just fantastic, too. I am hoping my non-fish eating husband will find something he likes there. Now I just need to figure out when we’ll ever get back to WDW!
Wow, I know vegetarian options are covered pretty well elsewhere online but I was a little that that vegetarians/vegans were left out. We don’t get an entree?
Peter — Brown Derby is wonderful! Truly amazing! Looking forward to your review.
Caitie — I know you’ve mentioned the steak at The Wave here before, and I agree — it’s delicious!
GG — Great addition to the list! Always looking for more counter service. Also, I didn’t know you were a merman! If you’d ever like to do a “best Fish in WDW” guest blog, you’re welcome to it!
Davina — Thanks for the additions! I’ve heard great things about the Jiko Maize-crusted fish!
Morgan — Oh, you guys will LOVE Flying Fish! Can’t wait to see the pics.
Jenna — Just a reminder that this isn’t an exhaustive list — this was taken from a poll I did over in our social media communities. There are definitely holes, and I hope you’ll be kind enough to suggest a few of your favorite veggie dishes!
if you decide to do a veg category, I had the spiced briami at Kouzzina in June. It was amazing! It’s a Greek veg stew on orzo and one of the best things I’ve had in the parks!
Without taking time to think, just going by the first three things to pop into my mind I’ll have to say-
1. King Crab Legs at Fultons. Where else can you get these at Disney World? Delicious.
2. Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Poly. The show is great and the food is really good, from pineapple bread through to chocolate volcano dessert.
3. Sushi at Kimonos-Dinner there was a perfect ending to a very busy first day. Karaoke from staff and customers added that extra bit of magic.
The very first thing that came to mind when I read the seafood category was the fish dish I had at Brown Derby. It was a spice-rubbed black grouper with rainbow carrot slaw, sauteed haricots verts and sunchokes in citrus butter.
If there had been any way to accomplish it, I would have licked my plate.
My two favorite entered are the Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese Polenta at California Grill, and the Curried Chicken at Tusker House. Delish.
Again with my iPhone auto-correct! Entrees!
I have to say the Tandoori Lamb Chops from Sanaa was the best meal I had at Disney last May. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
My vote for current favorite is Le Cellier’s filet with mushroom risotto, it combines three things that I love independently into one incredible dish. I was not a fan of the defunct BBQ filet though. I made the mistake in ordering that one time and I couldnt eat it. A great steak should stand up on its own without an overpowering sauce.
Also in April we ate at Raglan Road and I loved the Bleedin’ Chowder. It was awesome.
Sadly one of my favorite dishes as not been in existence for many years. Boatwrights once served a dish called Pirogue of Seafood. It has probably been off of menu since the days of Dixie Landings. It was a tasty combination of blackened catfish, scallops and shrimp served over a bed of fettuccine and creamy garlic alfredo. That dish followed by a melty Mississippi Mud Pie for dessert made for a perfect evening.
Absolute best dish would be the veal at Victoria & Albert’s. For an unsung hero, I would nominate Sanaa’s red curry made extra spicy and washed down by a nice Kingfisher.
The NY strip steak at Flying Fish is to die for. Yes, I go to seafood place to eat beef, but it’s one of the best steaks I’ve ever eaten. (And it better be for the price!)
He he he. My LTT pix keeps showing up on here! Glad it’s going to good use 🙂
My fiance and I just got back from a week in WDW on the QS dining plan. We did take one night and go to Kona though, because it’s a must-do on our list (mainly because we can never get into Ohana….), but anyway, when we go, we always order the Tuna Oscar – it’s seared tuna (a HUGE portion!), served over fried green tomatoes (what exactly makes these so good is beyond me), pieces of tempura fried crab (mmmm) and served with a Wasabi Hollindase sauce over top. We don’t even look at the menu when we go—it’s just what we order. This past trip, my fiance actually looked at me and goes “If I’m ever on the show “Best Thing I Ever Ate”, I will pick this.” It’s only fitting that I comment with that entree here then…lol.
I will second Dana’s fave!! Whenever we go to Kona, I look at the menu and order the Tuna Oscar anyway. It’s everything she posted.
The rack of lamb at Tutto Italia, was to me, the best meal I’ve had at WDW in a long, long time. The fact that it is only a single table service meal on the DDP makes almost anything at that restaurant a bargain. Since the dining plan came into existence the choices and quality of the food has declined. Does anyone remember when the current Fultons was the Empress Lilly and had three restaurants? The one on the upper deck was a gourmet type place, with a quality similar to Victoria and Alberts.
for the record, i don’t believe the maple barbecue filet was ever le cellier’s signature dish. for at least 6 years, the mushroom filet has been the official signature dish of the menu, though the barbecue filet was definitely a featured item.
both are delicious though! and i know that a couple of times that i’ve visited le cellier since they removed the barbecue filet, i asked the server and they said it could still be done (they keep a bit of the sauce around, and the cream cheese mashed potatoes are still on the menu as a side).
Where is the pomegranate poblano pepper from San Angel Inn?
I have to add the wild mushroom ravioli at Akershus is amazing. I mean, lick the bowl amazing. At least I think so. 🙂
In my not so humble opinion — the Filet Mignon from Jiko deserves to be placed much higher than honorable mention! As a frequent visitor over the years to Jiko, Cali Grill, Le Cellier, Yachtman’s SH and other comparable Signature Restaurant at WDW, the Filet Mignon preparation at Jiko is miles above the competition.
It melts in your mouth with a consistency and flavor not achieved by the other restaurants/sous chefs mentioned, though they all serve enjoyable food. I also find their service staff to be some of the most intelligent and well trained servers you’ll find anywhere at WDW — with a passionate belief in their food and wine selections.
Jiko remains one of the best kept secrets of Signature Disney Dining to non-locals. But please don’t let the word out – I don’t want to fight for a table here like I do at other enjoyable WDW spots when I visit for vacation!
OK. After dining at many many places and eating some pretty extraordinary dishes I would have to say the best seafood dish is the Cantonese Lobster at Todd English’s Blue Zoo at the Dolphin resort. Pricey, around $60, but well well worth it.
Surprisingly and unexpectedly the best thing I have eaten at Disney was the Cat Fish Nuggets at The Garden Grill. Of course a Filet Mignon at Jiko will not dissapoint.
Jiko was a dissappointment to me…not worth the two table service credits for dinner…..my filet was avergae, nothing overly fabulous…..my boyfriend tried the duck which he said was very good, dessert was ok…..Now, Fultons in Downtown disney — that’s a dinner to remember!! While it’s not included in the Disney dining plan, it’s so worth the money!! Lobster Naraggansset was AMAZING!!!! Cesar salad was really boring but the Lobster and Calamari made up for it!!!
One word, Arrachera. I realize the comments are mostly old but this steak at La Hacienda de San Angel is wonderful and beautifully presented. Perhaps it was the late meal supplanted with the view of the fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon and the Dos Equis Amber but I was taken back to the view from the restauntes on the beach at Mazatlan.
Marc — Nothing beats fireworks and a Dos Equis. But I do like that steak! 😉
I find it hard to imagine that no one has mentioned Artist Point yet. Last time I ate there with my family there were only 3 different dishes ordered among 9 people, and only one of those dishes was ordered by one person. The 2 main ones were the cedar plank wild caught Alaskan salmon and the buffalo striploin. Both were amazing! The other dish ordered was their potato gnocchi (my sister was going for eating vegetarian on this trip even though she’s not a vegetarian) and I have to say it was really good too, at least from the small bit she let me try.
It may be rather pricey, but I also HIGHLY recommend the Prime Rib at Cinderellas Royal Table. Paired with the Lobster Bisque, its absolutely AMAZING. Probably one of the best things I’ve ever had at Disney!
I hope someday soon you’ll do a “Best Thing I Ever Ate” Counter Service. We’re going to WDW in May and won’t be doing any table service for the first time. We need some ideas on decent counter service meals – not just burgers and chicken fingers.
Does anyone remember the chocolate lava cake w/blood orange sauce that was served at The Flying Fish? I remember that it was unbelievably good! Caused me to order lava cake at other restaurants, but none could come close the FF version.
Curried chicken at Tusker House. Just awesome with the couscous.
One of the best things I had the pleasure of eating at Disney would have to be the Coffee Encrusted Short Rib I had at Jinko’s. I have to say Animal Kingdom Lodge offers some of the best food all around, then again what can I say I am a sucker for Zebra Domes, So I am always sure to stop over there.
Lacy — Ha ha! I think a lot of us are suckers for Zebra Domes!
I couldn’t agree more with the Red Snapper at Flying Fish Cafe. AMAZING!!! As for steaks, many restaurants at WDW have good steaks. One left off the list is the Prime Rib at Cinderella’s Royal table. Oops! I just pulled up the menu and noticed that it is no longer there…shame. It was quite good. The fried chicken is good there though (and the mac and cheese.) Back to steaks, a couple of restaurants that have good steaks that many may not consider are Tony’s Town Square and the Coral Reef. The New York strips at both of these are surprisingly good. So, don’t avoid Tony’s if you’re not a pasta person, and don’t avoid Coral Reef if you don’t like seafood. There is always something on the menu for everyone.
The Pork Chop at the Hollywood Brown Derby is one of the best meals I have had- not just in Disney, but anywhere! I dream about that pork chop!
I ate in my last vacations the Oak Grilled Filet Mignon, from California. It’s great and the taste is gorgeous. I recommend this place and this food for everyone!
Hmm…Grilled pork chop with grown up mac and cheese at the Artist Point, and 2 years ago at Narcoossee’s there was a chicken dish, it was fall and the chicken was delish!
Candele at Via Napoli….. to DIE for!
Hands down: the Pork Chop at Carthay Circle, DCA. When I asked our server, Liz, for her recommendation, she said without hesitation, “Pork chop.” Double-thick cut, topped with peaches, on a bed of applewood-smoked bacon, potatoes, and green beans, perfectly grilled, practically steak like in richness. I would absolutely order that again!
The Cobb salad at Brown Derby! Definitely passes as a light meal. Best salad I’ve ever had.
Corn dogs at the red corn dog cart!
The venison at Akershus! Absolutely delicious. For dessert, fried pound cake topped with ice cream at Liberty Tree Tavern.
The George’s Scallops dish at California Grille was truly delicious. We happened to have horrible service the 2 times we went, but that dish was worth going through that. Unfortunately they changed the recipe and I’m pretty disappointed about it. (nicely put!) 😀
The Bread Pudding at O’hana is also scrumptious. I can only imagine how good it would taste if I hadn’t just dated a huge meal.
I like the Louisiana beef stew at the French Market
Allen/ I do remember Empress Lilly.
I like the chopped salad at Brown Deeby. And the pot roast at Liberty Tree
Not sure if it’s land food only but my wife says the best thing she has ever eaten in her life is the Grape Gargonzolla Pizza at Palo on the Wonder.
Jay — That sounds amazing!