A hidden gem, a cannot miss, and a don't waste your time

[Chovy]

Like most overplanners, I spend a silly amount of time obsessing about our ADRs, guessing what my family will order, and analyzing to determine best dining plan options and best places to dine. Just for fun, I'd love to hear what restaurants other DIS'ers would list in these categories.

So what restaurant have you found that doesn't get a lot of attention but is a great value?

Which dining option is a must-visit for your family on every trip?

Is there a dining option that you would rather forget? One that you don't ever want to visit again?

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

Hidden gem- Garden Grill
Can't miss - Be Our Guest
I haven't had any yet that I wouldn't return to!

 

[kimj88]

Hidden gem - Tusker House breakfast
Can't miss - Yachtsman Steakhouse
Don't waste a dining credit - Beaches & Cream

 

[L&Lfan]

Hidden gem: Il Mulino
Must visit: Shula's
Would rather forget: Cape May Cafe


We don't do the dining plan.

 

[alex9179]

We don't use the dining plan, but I'll keep my answers to what's available on it.

Hidden gem - The Wave breakfast/buffet. It was a lovely way to end our mad dash of a trip.
Can't miss - Via Napoli for pizza and gelato
Don't care to try again - Landscape of Flavors at AOA. The Bounty platter was just awful at breakfast. We got two to share with the kids and most of it went uneaten.

 

[galaxygirl76]

Hidden Gem: Grand Floridian Cafe.

 

[Chovy]

Instead of "don't waste a dining credit" please substitute "don't waste your time."

Thanks!

 

[PrncessA]

Hidden gem- Garden Grill- Love breakfast there!
Can't miss - Kona Cafe
Don't waste your time- Be Our Guest Breakfast

 

[linana514]

Hidden Gem: Electric Umbrella for QS, La Hacienda de San Angel for TS
Can't miss: Casey's Corner
Don't waste your time: Hollywood & Vine

 

[holden]

Hidden Gem: The Wave
Can't miss: Jiko
Don't waste your time: Mama Melrose

 

[Crazyhorse]

Great thread! Let's keep'm coming!

 

[ChasingLeslie]

Hidden Gem: Bongos Cuban Cafe (or Express)

Can't Miss: 1900 Park Fare (dinner)

Skip: Liberty Tree Tavern (especially the wilty salads)

 

[Aravan24]

Hidden gem: Tangerine Cafe (Epcot - Moroccan Pavilion)
Must visit: Ohana (The Polynesian Resort)
Would rather forget: Big River Grill and Brewing Works...specifically the food...didn't try the beer (Disney's Boardwalk)

 

[nj disney family]

Hidden gem(s)... another vote for The Wave, and Olivia's

Can't miss.... Columbia Harbour House

Skip... not a fan of Coral Reef

 

[Roxyfire]

Hidden gem, Las Ventanas Breakfast / Maya Grill dinner (If you happen to be staying at Coronado Springs)
Must visit: Ohana
Skip: 50s Prime Time, for us. Took way too long to get seated, wait staff was not fun, food was ok not great, other patrons were rude.

 

[gorkt]

Hidden gem: Yorkshire Fish and Chips
Must visit: HDDR
Skip: Via Napoli - I know! I know! But the pizza we got there was just very average. No one in my family really loved it.

 

[AngiTN]

Our Hidden Gem, Mama Melrose
Our Skip, never again, Coral Reef (well, this list is longer than 1 but it's the one that I bring to mind today)
Our Must Visit, hmmm... this is much harder. I think we have a tie between Via Napoli, Rose and Crown and Tiffin's.

 

[jrmasm]

Hidden Gem: Nomad Lounge
Can't miss: Most drink stands in Epcot
Don't waste your time: Ohana and Chef Mickey's

 

[ajwolfe]

Hidden Gem - Mama Melrose
Must visit - O'Hana for breakfast
Our skip - Via Napoli

 

[need2travel]

Hidden Gem: Trattoria al Forno!!!!
Must Visit: San Angel Inn
Don't waste your time: Ample Hills Creamery