There is nothing like a romantic night out – enjoying some dinner, some wine, and the company of your significant other – what could be better? Well, adding some DISNEY to the mix of course! There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in Disney World – I mean let’s face it, they tend to cater to kids and families – but that doesn’t mean that the adults looking for some “alone time” are out of luck – not at ALL! There are also many adult friendly date night worthy restaurants at WDW – many of which can be found at the WDW Resorts. So if you’re looking for a place to eat with your better half, then check this out – My top 5 date night WDW Resort restaurants:
Kouzzina – This Greek inspired restaurant is located at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, which can be easily accessed by boat (from Epcot or Hollywood Studios), or via bus from other Parks/locations. The restaurant is run by celebrity chef Cat Cora, and features some really unique items – cinnamon stewed chicken, Greek style lasagana, and a traditional whole fish entrée. The intimate feel and enticing aroma is the perfect spot for a date night – complete with fresh coffee and a shared baklava dessert to top it off! After your dinner you can spend a night on the boardwalk and make it a date night to remember. SIDE NOTE – Kouzzina will be closing (boo!) at the end of September so you better get there soon! If you aren’t able to get there in time, check out Flying Fish Café also located at the Boardwalk Resort
Boma – You may be shocked to see a buffet on a list of romantic date night restaurants – but I personally truly believe this is a great spot for families and couples alike. The main reason is the atmosphere – Boma’s location at the gorgeous Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great place to explore – I recommend heading over there early, and taking in the savannah views and grazing animals. Once dusk sets, you can head inside to the Victoria Falls bar and sip on a unique cocktail while you wait for your meal time. Once in the restaurant, you will get a great chance to try some delicious and different dishes – like a variety of soups, salads, assorted meats (roast chicken/ribs/salmon), and a personal favorite – bobotie – a spiced lamb and beef quiche-like dish that is a staple here (and its out of this world good!). Don’t forget to save room for dessert – the Zebra domes are an “adults only” favorite here (there’s liquor in their filling!). So yes, it’s a buffet, and yes – it can be loud and full of children – but the lighting is nice and low, the food is great, and the setting is perfect – all adding up to a great date night spot
California Grill – Book the kids a sitter and get a late reservation here so that you can enjoy the amazing view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks! The restaurant is located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and the views are simply amazing up there! If you are a bit early for your reservation don’t worry – you can grab a spot in the lounge and try a wine off of their impressively huge list – and take a stroll on the observation decks for an even closer glimpse at the Castle. Once seated, you will have a view of the open exhibition kitchen, where you will watch the chefs prepare beautiful sushi, and specialties like their oak-fired filet and red snapper. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a table by the window for optimal fireworks viewing – but even if you don’t, this posh attractive restaurant (which was recently redone!) is perfect for celebrating an anniversary, engagement, or just a night of one on one time!
Yachtsman Steakhouse – Carnivores everywhere will love this upscale steak house located at the Yacht Club Resort, a lakeside hotel with amazing New-England style charm. The restaurant is large and airy, with nautical touches and an amazing menu that includes plenty of steak – done pretty much any and every way you can imagine, and should beef NOT be your first choice – assorted fish and chicken options are available as well. Should you have the time then you might want to head over to the Resort early (you can get here by boat from Hollywood Studios, or its walking distance from Epcot too), you can rent a motorboat or other watercraft, or even just take a leisurely stroll around this beautiful Resort. Oh – and did I mention they have a fabulous crème brulee on the menu? Yum!
Artist Point – Located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Just a short boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, Artist Point serves delicious Pacific Northwest Contemporary fare. What does that mean exactly? Well, it means you can start off with an assortment of artisanal cheeses and confit bacon, followed by entrees like seared diver scallops, slow roasted buffalo strip steak, and wild cedar plank roasted king salmon. Dessert options here include baked Alaska and a seasonal berry cobbler – both of which pair perfectly with their French press coffee. The menu here changes seasonally so that they can offer the freshest ingredients available, and the restaurant also feature an award-winning wine list – including over 130 selections from Pacific Northwest wineries. Not sure which one to try? Then a wine flight would be just the thing for you. Sip and enjoy while you take in your surroundings – murals that capture the essence of the American frontier, and beautiful wood décor everywhere
All of these restaurants are amazing and unique, but they all have one thing in common – they are great places for a romantic adult date night! But I would love to hear what YOU think – where do you like to head for some romantic candlelit dining and conversation at WDW?
