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Categories: American (New), Seafood [Edit]
Epcot's Living Seas Pavilion
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Another impressive restaurant at Disney's EPCOT.
Yes, I used to work at Disney...and thank them immensely for feeding me well...LOL.
Let's start with ambiance. Located at EPCOT's Living Seas pavilion, the restaurant has giant windows into a large aquarium of salt water creatures. AWESOME.
The butternut squash soup...soothing.
Mahi Mahi...grilled...very flaky and juicy.
And yes...butterscotch creme brulee...yup...definitely shed a tear on this one too!
I dropped by Coral Reef for lunch on my visit to Epcot (of course I had an ADR, to tell you the truth I don't think I needed it, but I wouldn't risk it during a busier time of year though). Anyway, the restaurant is pretty nice inside with the ambiance being a gigantic aquarium with some cool fish, sharks, and gigantic turtles swimming around. Ask for a table by the aquarium for a better view. That's pretty much the main selling point. With all Disney restaurants the service is very friendly, and the food of course will never be quite worth what you pay. But if you keep your Disney hat on you can get past the price thing, especially if you're on a dining plan.
Anyway, I'm not sure if it was just because I ate at Victoria and Alberts the night before. But I just wasn't too impressed with the food at Coral Reef. I mean it wasn't good or bad, but out of the two appetizers, entrees, and desserts we got to try with our deluxe dining plans. The fact I can't remember any of what we ordered (other than my drink with the lite cube in it) and our trip was only a month ago isn't a good sign.
On top of that, I hear every now and then you see diver Mickey come out. We didn't get to see him, and I'm sure if we did it would've made our experience much more Magical. So in this case I just felt like I was eating at another underwater world/aquarium restaurant. Anyway Coral Reef isn't a bad choice, so if it's the only ADR you can get I wouldn't be too disappointed. Who knows maybe you get to see diver Mickey and that would be awesome. But in my case the next visit to WDW I'm gonna try somewhere else for lunch.
~G
If you're planning a trip to Epcot, definitely try to book a meal at Coral Reef. The restaurant serves as an attraction all by itself, with its tank-side seating and rich themes throughout. A staple in The Seas, here's hoping that Coral Reef will be there for many, many years to come.
Aside from the beautiful surroundings you enjoy just by stepping into the place, the food here really is outstanding. During our 8 day vacation to the Magic Kingdom, Coral Reef served up the highlighted meal by far. We were on the dining plan, but splurged on the Appetizer for Two as well. The apps were incredible! The scallops were buttery and sweet, perfectly cooked and served over a unique cauliflower foam with truffle oil - fantastic! The taste of lobster bisque was so flavorful and rich, a perfect portion for the intense flavor of this fabulous soup. For our entrees we both ordered the catch of the day, which was halibut, served over a fantastic scallop risotto with wild mushrooms and truffle oil. Perfectly seasoned, fresh flaky fish, beautiful presentation. Even though you expect outrageous prices for sub-par quality when dining in theme parks, Coral Reef exceeds those expectations and adds a truly unforgettable experience to your already magical vacation.
My husband and I came here and had a great place right in front of the aquarium. This was a fantastic restaurant. The food was outstanding and the ambiance was great. We sat at a booth and just watched the life swim around and past us. It's a great spot for a romantic evening. The service was great. And again with the dining plan, we get too much food! Although the food was good, the scenery is what you really come for!
When I walked up to get a table, the serve said that they were booked solid for 2 months out. What a pain!! So now I have to plan where I want to eat 2 months in advance? What if I am not hungry or not in Epcot on that day? The Disney Dining Plan is the culprit, while it is a good deal, it forces them to remove the higher-priced items from the menus and causes everything to fill up (use those points or LOSE them.) This is Disney's response to the bad economy I guess. They should lower the prices and refuse to take reservations after a point, and allow for 30% walk-ups, or something like that. This stinks.
I walked into the resteraunt and noted that it was rather small. Only if you are really lucky will you have a table up against the glass. I wonder how do you get one of those tables? I also saw the resteraunt from INSIDE the tank because I did the Disney Dive Quest where you scuba dive in the tanks. It was OK.
Great food. A little on the higher end as far as price. Plan on spending about $25-$35/person...but its a wonderful place to go! I'm a fan of sea life and fish....that have a HUGE aquarium! You can even see the divers in there playing with the fish. Some people like sitting next to the glass, but I personally like sitting a little far back so you can take in the whole experience. Can't go wrong with anything you order in here! My roommate used to work here and I'd sneak in just to look at the tank! LOL I'd come back again!
My last visit was two weeks ago during a vacation. The food was.... I love seafood from the Gulf Coast area, and this easily met expectations.
The food was quite simply incredible. The appetizer for two consisting of their lobster soup, a bit of steak, shrimp and scallop was a true delight with every bite. The main course (I ordered tilapia, my girlfriend ordered the mahi mahi) was flavorful, flaky, and so full of flavor (as I described it then), was like a "song in my mouth" due to all the multiple levels of taste and seasonings. The fish was cooked perfectly.
Dessert was no less a delight, with a chocolate cake with a warm liquid-filled center, and the creme brulee was exceptional.
Our server was wonderful, helpful, and funny, and the ambience (the giant wall aquarium FILLED with a wide variety of fish) made for a relaxing, intimate and wonderful dining experience.
The next time we return to Disney World, Coral Reef is going to remain a staple. I noticed that a few people reviewing the restaurant said they had some issues with seating and food quality, but for our visit, all of the elements lined up perfectly, so it was hassle free and delicious.
This place is gorgeous!!!
A great sight from any seat in the restaurant of the tank filled with beautiful creatures! Sometimes Mickey will scuba and go up to the windows and wave at you.
Our waiter was absolutely fabulous! He has a great sense of humor and is good about changing is tone of voice when talking to children, then talking to adults, and right back to children again! I think his name is Paul?? He was extremely helpful and knowledgable about anything Disney, so if we had any questions that weren't related to Coral Reef, he would know!
Daniel had the New York steak which was perfect! I had the Mahi Mahi which was also very good! For dessert we had a Jack Daniels Chocolate Mousse along with the 'Wave". Its like a chocolate bundt cake with a light vanilla filling with brandied cherries on top!
Coral Reef made our last night at Disney World very memorable!
Picture it, you walk in to levels of tables, each level set up or down from the other by a few lit steps. The restaurant is beautiful with earth tones accenting the aqua blue waters from the adjoining coral reef aquarium of the Living seas, which fills an entire wall.
All tables are lined to give each guest a full view of the aquarium, where you will view a swimming sushi of sharks, tropical fish, sting rays, sea turtles and an occasional scuba diver.
The Coral Reef offers a calming and relaxing atmosphere with well trained and attentive service. The food is some of the best you will find in WDW as is the entire dining experience.
The chef serves a very creative menu which leaves you wanting to return to try more. Like seared scallops served on a cauliflower foam with a truffle vinaigrette or shrimp and lobster cake served on a bed of napa cabbage with a Vietnamese vinaigrette.
I never pass up the creamy lobster soup laced with brandy, they also offer a curry corn chowder. When ordering the lobster salad served on a toasted baguette, you will receive a cup of the lobster bisque and a small green salad.
Blackened tilapia or catfish, a barbecued salmon sandwich with pepper jack cheese, grilled mahi mahi, ahi tuna or the fresh catch of the day are some of the fish dishes.
Tired of looking at fish swimming around and do not want to see it on your plate, have a steak, beef skewers, chicken, pork tenderloin or a mushroom lasagna of roasted wild mushrooms, arugula and spinach, fontina, parmesan, mascarpone and ricotta cheese and a tomato ragu.
Sit down, relax, enjoy the beautiful views and the calming effect and enjoy one of the best meals you will experience when in Walt Disney World.
The most attractive aspect of dining at The Coral Reef is the ambiance. The restaurant is located in the right side of the Living Seas attraction (the name was recently changed to "The Seas with Nemo and Friends" after the re-imagination and reinvention of the sea cab ride, now featuring the story of Finding Nemo in 3 minutes or less!) Diners are seated in a long room with a 3 tiered floor, allowing all diners to peruse the room-long aquarium view and search for their favorite fish using the aquarium fish guide on their table. The restaurant is meant to give the effect that you're dining undersea, and it sure does feel like you are!!
I'd wanted to dine at The Coral Reef for ages, but my husband's dislike of seafood caused me to make other selections during our Disney vacations. Finally, after perusing the menu and finding several non-seafood selections that sounded like something my husband might try, I made the decision to visit and we haven't stopped dining their since.
I can't recall what we've eaten every time, but during our last trip to Disney at the end of June, myself and my parents ALL chose the catfish (over cheese grits and blackened with cajun spices). Our server warned us that the fish had a kick and may be too spicey, but it was perfect. Not spicey at all, though I definitely understood where the "kick" came from (the spices and pepperjack, I'm sure). My husband had the NY Strip steak, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Oh! the bread that they brought out was absolutely delicious, and since hubby and I were on the dining plan, we were able to share our desserts with my parents - Excellent!
That being said - The Coral Reef is a moderately expensive restaurant - as ALL table service dining options at Disney are. With the Disney Dining Plan, you can't go wrong. Of course, choosing a place to dine at Epcot is the hardest part. Epcot has the most amazing food at the Disney resort by far, but definitely, DEFINITELY plan to dine at The Coral Reef sometime in your Disney vacationing future. The plastic dolphin surfing in my drink was definitely worth it ;)
PS And as with all Disney table service restaurants - MAKE RESERVATIONS AHEAD OF TIME. Walk-in service is rare in the summer and is only available due to cancellations made by other guests.
Coral Reef used to be great and a must for dinner. Now it is only good and has been downgraded to a lunch destination. Taking Maine lobster off the menu can do that to a place.
The fact that one entire wall of the restaurant is a window into the main aquarium at the Living Seas makes this a can't miss dining destination. Try to sit on the glass if you can but even if you don't the terraced seating ensures that every table has a very good view of the fish swimming by.
The menu tends to change with the seasons but you won't find a fish that most people would classify as exotic. It's pretty much your standard shrimp, Mahi Mahi, Catfish and Salmon kind of seafood restaurant. There are some non-seafood options as well for those of you that only want to look at the fish.
I have always enjoyed the lobster bisque at the Coral Reef and I believe it is the only item that is from the original menu. That should tell you something right there. On my last trip I have the lobster salad and it was very tasty, with a surprising amount of lobster meat.
The desserts are nothing special but a lot of people around us ordered the Chocolate Wave. I went with the Key Lime Tart and it was delicious.
This restaurant serves mainly seafood. There is an aquarium inside the restaurant where children observe fish and other aquatic life roaming in the tanks. It's literally dining with Ariel in "Little Mermaid." Mickey will wave to you at a distance ensuring children eat their seafood goodies! This venue is also host to private weddings and other business meetings.
I believe the decor has recently been updated to also include "Finding Nemo" as it sits adajent to "The Living Seas" attraction.
My fiancee and I really tried to do our research and plan ahead before our trip to Disney World. We called as early as possible to reserve our table at Coral Reef because we both love seafood and the fact that you are right there looking out into the water sounded pretty amazing to us.
I hate to say our experience did not live up to our high expectations. First, even with having made reservations months in advance, we had to wait a half hour for a table. I understand that practically all of restaurants in the parks that need reservations are very busy but what is the point of a reservation if people still have to wait that long? We could have been using that time in the park enjoying ourselves. When we finally were seated, I did calm down a bit since we were seated right in front of the windows, so we had the best seats in the house to see all of the fish. The food was fine, but not memorable at all. I have had much better seafood here in Chicago. At least the drinks were strong, and they complimented the meal well. In the end, Coral Reef is passable, but you might have a better experience at one of the other many restaurants at Epcot.
I'm not going to lie: I'm way biased because I am both an alumni of Disney's intern program, used to be friendly with the cast members who worked at the Coral Reef, and Epcot is my favorite park.
That said, I have been to the Coral Reef Restaurant about 6 times in the last 8 years, and I have enjoyed my experience each and every time. I've ordered the same thing almost every time because it's so good and I have it so rarely that I can barely bring myself not to order it. (FYI: it's the blackened catfish over cheddar grits w/ a smoked tomato compote.) Even if you don't like sea food, they do have a few turf dishes, but I pity you if that's all you'll eat. The view of the Living Seas aquarium adds a fantastic ambience that entertains both children and adults alike.
Speaking of kids, I will say that this is a good restaurant for them because they'll probably like said aquarium, but deep down I wish it was more like Victoria and Alberts: adults only. There is a children's menu, but this is an upscale dining experience and best food is over their heads. If you can picture it with just the grown up folk, you don't feel like you're in the middle of an amusement park, but a 4 or 5 star romantic restaurant. (Side note: I don't dislike children.)
This is one of my most favorite restaurants of all time, period. I can't wait for my next opportunity to go back.
The Coral Reef Café is one of the classic WDW restaurants. I remember going to it on my first trip to WDW and will probably always stop by on my future visits. The food is pretty good, however most will come just to eat beside the huge aquarium in the dining area. My recommendations are that you use the dining plan as prices are quite high, make reservations WAY in advance (my last visit required reservations 8 weeks in advance and we still were not able to get a dinner seating) and to ask when feeding time is.
Kids loved the aquarium where we seated right up front. A giant sea turtle and sting ray were in a territory battle, which was fairly entertaining.
Had the Tilapia and it was perfectly prepared. The shrimp cocktail was fresh and the cocktail sauce had a little bit of a bite.
Service was fantastic and our waiter was around at least a half dozen times, even through it was incredibly busy.
Well worth it if you are in Epcot.
We went here when we went to Disneyworld. The reason my sister and I picked this restaurant was because we remember it from Full House. Weird reasoning, I know. But hey, the concierge of our hotel (the Swan) got us a reservation and we got to sit right next to the huge aquarium. It was pretty awesome! The wait staff was extremely nice, and the food was delicious. Don't get the pirates punch though, because it tastes like a glass of sugar. Other than that, fun experience!
This place is WAY cool, you get to eat with the fishies !!! one whole wall is a view into the Living seas aquarium. We got to see a Brown Shark, Stingrays, Grouper, Tarpon, and a really cool Green Sea Turtle.
Think i like it more than my 21 month old !! I had my game plan weeks in advanced so i got ~ Braised Barbecued Beef with polenta, Mixed Greens Salad with Key Lime herb vinaigrette & shared the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake with the hubby.
He had the Grilled NY Strip Steak with potatoes au gratin, and the kido had Pizza with Diced Chicken with Veggies and Brown Sugar Apples.
Every thing was very tasty & the server was great with the little guy even tho he kept huckin' things towards the aquarium.... what a brat *snicker*
(Mar/ 2006)
How could you not love dining "under the sea" (Little Mermaid)?
You really can't go wrong while you're in the happiest place on earth. We had a magical time here and the restaurant is breath- taking. Ever had butter in the shape of a seashell? Well you will here. The details are to be appreciated.
Order the burger! The string fries served with it is delicious. The burger was not too shabby either. Top it all off with the flourless chocolate cake!
You cannot beat the atmosphere of this restaurant anywhere! You are basically seated inside of a giant aquarium with fish swimming around you. Mickey Mouse scuba dives during certain prime times. He kept waving at us while we were eating! Sort of odd and cute at the same time.
This place mostly serves seafood. If you want anything else, it is very, very limited!
I was so looking forward to eating here a few years ago but it was horrible.
The food sucked, the service was worse and the only decent thing was the aquarium view from our table.
It was overpriced, the food was cold and it was just a bad experience. I might try it again though if I'm ever down that way because of the other good reviews I'm seeing...
I guess I kind of expected to be surrounded by the aquarium, but it only takes up one wall, and you don't see anything really interesting swim by. I wouldn't choose this place just because of the aquarium.
I started with the cod cake, which was mainly potato, not cod. The chilled shrimp are also a nice starter. I had the Mahi Mahi with cashew nut rice, which was nice, but once again, just meat and starch with no veggies. The desserts were done quite well, my lava cake was nice, but skip the brandied cherries, they taste like cough syrup. My mom's sorbet came with a lovely sea horse shaped wafer.
This place was very busy at lunch, and was one of the few places to get lunch in Epcot on that side of the park. Our waiter seemed a bit unsure of himself but service overall was fine.
Like all Disney restaurants, its pricey but you're paying for the overall experience. And if you can, make reservations in advance.
Personally I love this restaurant. The food isn't the greatest but your not going to find a view like this in many restaurants. Try and go around "feeding" time. I do find it a bit weird that your eating fish while watching what they would have done in the wild but hey... they are tasty!
I ate here a few years ago and the Salmon Dish I had was amazing, it had like a crust of sugar on it. On the side was whirled peas which looked gross but were delicious. Great atmosphere and I loved watching the fish go by while eating them off of my plate.
This was our favorite place last year, but has lost a star this year. The main reasons are poor service and the fall of crab legs from the menu. This was our first dinner at WDW this year and we were all set for a big start. Due to the change in Disney dinning plan, appetizers and tips were no longer included. While it meant less food per meal, we thought it was still enough, and maybe service would be even better now that there was no guaranteed tip. Wrong. Put it this way, I couldn't pick my waiter out of a police line-up if I had too. Barely saw the guy, yea, I think it was a guy. Second the menu, no crab legs? Okay, maybe they're too pricey, what's the replacement... ah nothing. Yup, top of the line at the Coral Reef Seafood Restaurant is a strip steak. Want seafood? Sadly, Red Lobster has a better selection. So why 4 stars? Well, what they go is still very good. I had the Seafood Combo Pack (my words) over pasta. Quite light on the pasta, very European, but the seafood was excellent, no Red Lobster here. The Jack Daniels Mousse was still on the menu, and that is just a great dessert. So I'll go again, and you should too, but don't expect a "huge" selection of seafood, after all , you're supposed to look at them in the big tank, not eat 'em!
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