We ate at Takumi-tei on our last evening there last month. It was the most expensive meal I’ve ever paid for, but the food and experience made it one of the highlights of our entire trip! Our 13 year old loved the food and ambiance. Not sure if little kids would appreciate it though. A big surprise for us was Garden Grill. It was so delicious and the service was outstanding!
Epcot is so awesome! If you haven’t tried them, I highly recommend Sanaa (very early dinner so you can see the animals come up to you with a window seat!), or Boma (a buffet with traditional and exotic offerings!). I bet your 13 year old would appreciate either, and they are close by if you decide to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. (Savannah view is a bit more expensive, but it is glorious!).
Seating, seating, seating. Why is seating such a problem in Epcot? Quick service and seasonal booths need tables and chairs too, Disney. You’re not forcing anybody into pricier restaurants by eliminating seating. They just eat on trash cans and leave the park earlier. 😅
100% agree. Year round food festivals and not enough tables. My pet peeve is there are not enough umbrellas on the tables. Florida is HOT! Disney somehow does not get it. You need umbrellas everywhere. Who wants to stand and eat in the hot sun while you're sweating and tired from the heat. I can't go anymore in the months when it's hot (and that is March thru October) So I don't spend money there, your loss Disney.
Spice Road in Morocco was our clear favorite! I had some dietary restrictions I wanted to keep to (dairy free, gluten free) and their menu hit the mark with a bullseye. Flavorful, exciting menu and friendly company of the cast members who are so excited about their food, I feel like it beat out many of the attractions for me, being the avid foodie, traveller and home Chef that I am.
Did you know? The chickpea fries take THREE DAYS to prepare. Try the cauliflower, with or without the breading, you’ll crave it when you’re back home. 🎉
@@Knowbuddy55 exactly and happy to help! I noticed most restaurants at Disney did offer GF options, allergy options in their menu. Avoiding the BFP (burger-fries-pizza) is the big task!!
Japanese cuisine for me is always worth it. As a chef I have never been disappointed. Their eating culture has always been an entertainment that's the point. I believe exposing children to all cultures of food. It starts from the beginning of their little lives. Give children experience always.
We highly recommend San Angel Inn. We're not big Mexican food fans but this place has blown us away every time with the quality and presentation. We also love the Garden Grille character dining but make sure your family is starving. Space 220 is gimmicky and will likely be the most expensive place you've ever dined.
Biergarten is such a fun restaurant and a personal favorite of mine in Epcot. It's even better during the holiday season. A lot of people say they don't enjoy the food but to me it's always been good. That's just my opinion.
Agreed! We ate there yesterday. We live near Orlando, so Epcot is our park of choice for date night. My husband went to college in Germany for a year, and this is his favorite, too. We probably go about once a month. It’s expensive, but the quality is good, the entertainment is always fun, and the staff are nice. I’m partial, but I think having a favorite place is nice for building memories. Plus, if you eat out less during the month, I think a monthly splurge is worth it.
this has literally nothing to do with anything but one of my favorite memories ever actually happened at the Katsura Grille nearby the gardens. I got to give my entire group a giant hug after things went downhill a few hours before lol
Did Takumi Tei with the fam last year (Thanksgiving actually), and had ages ranging 8 to 15 on the kids. They all LOVED it. Luckily (well not for my pocket book) they are very adventurous eaters, so they loved all the different courses and since it was soft opening we had a lot of attention paid to us, as we were 1 of 2 parties in the restaurant. The atmosphere was amazing, and now the kids are dying to go to actual Japan to further their experience. It is definitely a splurge, and I believe we were in there about 2.5 hours. But the table discussions, the food, everything was well worth it for us. We are also fans of Shiki Sai, Biergarten, Teppan Edo, and our daughter (9) loved Chefs de France, mainly because she tried the escargots and likes the shock factor. We are also Spice Road Table fans, but before they changed the menu.
Restaurant Merrakesh in the Morocco pavilion is The Bomb! So good. Love, love, love their interpratations of Middle Eastern/Medditteranean Cuisine. Some of the best CMs too! This place is responsible for kicking off my personal still-going-strong foodie love affair with this cuisine. HIGHLY recommended! The counter service spot is also really good too.
French cuisine is my fave, and I've eaten a lot of it around US and Canada. You're better off enjoying the selection at Les Halles if you don't want to splurge on Monsieur Paul (so annoyed they no longer have à la carte). Chefs de France is not that good. Out of the parks but on Disney property, I'd suggest Topolino's though it's a mix of French/Italian Edit: Another alternative is the France Food and Wine booth!
I really get that the food in Epcot is great and this review is really helpful but I disagree with AJ who says that the buildings and food are really authentic. For anyone who has travelled - they are certainly not authentic. However I do still love the world showcase!
25:48 is that a change they made Thai year? I went there during a trip last July (July of 2022) and they sold it to me for a discounted price. Maybe it’s a “secret” thing.
Love the food options at Epcot! Just an fyi, “taglio” is actually pronounced without the “g” (TAH-lio). If you want to get technical, I think the real difference between saying it “talio” vs “taglio” comes down to how the tongue touches the roof of your mouth on the L sound. “Talio” would have the tip of your tongue touch while “taglio” would get more of the flatter part of your tongue, but either way, don’t pronounce the g :-)
I think they chose washi paper/ tape because they were playing with the Japanese artist restaurant theme and washi paper/ tape is used in arts and crafts projects alot these features
Garden Grill with that steak & chimichurri right after the boat ride was my favorite! The characters come around so much it feels like you know them
We ate at Takumi-tei on our last evening there last month. It was the most expensive meal I’ve ever paid for, but the food and experience made it one of the highlights of our entire trip! Our 13 year old loved the food and ambiance. Not sure if little kids would appreciate it though.
A big surprise for us was Garden Grill. It was so delicious and the service was outstanding!
Epcot is so awesome! If you haven’t tried them, I highly recommend Sanaa (very early dinner so you can see the animals come up to you with a window seat!), or Boma (a buffet with traditional and exotic offerings!). I bet your 13 year old would appreciate either, and they are close by if you decide to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. (Savannah view is a bit more expensive, but it is glorious!).
@@RLucas3000 Yep, we stayed at AKL last month (savanna view) and ate at Sanaa for dinner. Got to see lots of animals while there.
Via Napoli’s pizza is amazing. My family and I always get the margarita pizza. It’s great every time.We also love Nine Dragons too.
Seating, seating, seating. Why is seating such a problem in Epcot? Quick service and seasonal booths need tables and chairs too, Disney. You’re not forcing anybody into pricier restaurants by eliminating seating. They just eat on trash cans and leave the park earlier. 😅
for real!
And, you can’t bring in your own chairs!
I agree it is a huge problem! How do you have food festivals and not enough tables or chairs.
It's an accessiblity issue too. Sometimes people need to sit down and take a little rest.
100% agree. Year round food festivals and not enough tables. My pet peeve is there are not enough umbrellas on the tables. Florida is HOT! Disney somehow does not get it. You need umbrellas everywhere. Who wants to stand and eat in the hot sun while you're sweating and tired from the heat. I can't go anymore in the months when it's hot (and that is March thru October) So I don't spend money there, your loss Disney.
Spice Road in Morocco was our clear favorite! I had some dietary restrictions I wanted to keep to (dairy free, gluten free) and their menu hit the mark with a bullseye. Flavorful, exciting menu and friendly company of the cast members who are so excited about their food, I feel like it beat out many of the attractions for me, being the avid foodie, traveller and home Chef that I am.
Did you know? The chickpea fries take THREE DAYS to prepare. Try the cauliflower, with or without the breading, you’ll crave it when you’re back home. 🎉
It really is such a hidden gem
@@Knowbuddy55 exactly and happy to help! I noticed most restaurants at Disney did offer GF options, allergy options in their menu. Avoiding the BFP (burger-fries-pizza) is the big task!!
Japanese cuisine for me is always worth it. As a chef I have never been disappointed. Their eating culture has always been an entertainment that's the point. I believe exposing children to all cultures of food. It starts from the beginning of their little lives. Give children experience always.
We highly recommend San Angel Inn. We're not big Mexican food fans but this place has blown us away every time with the quality and presentation. We also love the Garden Grille character dining but make sure your family is starving. Space 220 is gimmicky and will likely be the most expensive place you've ever dined.
Oasis sweets and sips was a great discovery for us. Frozen mint tea was soooo good and refreshing
That ice cream brioche has been on my list to try for a long time!
Biergarten is such a fun restaurant and a personal favorite of mine in Epcot. It's even better during the holiday season. A lot of people say they don't enjoy the food but to me it's always been good. That's just my opinion.
Agreed! We ate there yesterday. We live near Orlando, so Epcot is our park of choice for date night. My husband went to college in Germany for a year, and this is his favorite, too. We probably go about once a month. It’s expensive, but the quality is good, the entertainment is always fun, and the staff are nice. I’m partial, but I think having a favorite place is nice for building memories. Plus, if you eat out less during the month, I think a monthly splurge is worth it.
Totally agree. Awesome atmosphere & the food is good.
Can we have a best Mac and cheese across the parks video please :)
this has literally nothing to do with anything but one of my favorite memories ever actually happened at the Katsura Grille nearby the gardens. I got to give my entire group a giant hug after things went downhill a few hours before lol
Did Takumi Tei with the fam last year (Thanksgiving actually), and had ages ranging 8 to 15 on the kids. They all LOVED it. Luckily (well not for my pocket book) they are very adventurous eaters, so they loved all the different courses and since it was soft opening we had a lot of attention paid to us, as we were 1 of 2 parties in the restaurant. The atmosphere was amazing, and now the kids are dying to go to actual Japan to further their experience. It is definitely a splurge, and I believe we were in there about 2.5 hours. But the table discussions, the food, everything was well worth it for us.
We are also fans of Shiki Sai, Biergarten, Teppan Edo, and our daughter (9) loved Chefs de France, mainly because she tried the escargots and likes the shock factor. We are also Spice Road Table fans, but before they changed the menu.
I love the Morocco restaurant!!❤
Yes it’s our favorite too!!
New DFBGuide video, AND it involves food? It's a great day.
Garden grill is our favorite restaurant on property
Talking about sweets, you should mention the candies in world showcase gift shop!
Love those treats at the kiosk in Morocco area. Always get the dozen option with that handy carrier.
Heat index must be 110°at Orlando in August
Restaurant Merrakesh in the Morocco pavilion is The Bomb! So good. Love, love, love their interpratations of Middle Eastern/Medditteranean Cuisine. Some of the best CMs too! This place is responsible for kicking off my personal still-going-strong foodie love affair with this cuisine. HIGHLY recommended! The counter service spot is also really good too.
French cuisine is my fave, and I've eaten a lot of it around US and Canada. You're better off enjoying the selection at Les Halles if you don't want to splurge on Monsieur Paul (so annoyed they no longer have à la carte). Chefs de France is not that good. Out of the parks but on Disney property, I'd suggest Topolino's though it's a mix of French/Italian
Edit: Another alternative is the France Food and Wine booth!
I really get that the food in Epcot is great and this review is really helpful but I disagree with AJ who says that the buildings and food are really authentic. For anyone who has travelled - they are certainly not authentic. However I do still love the world showcase!
How long was dinner for Takumi-Tei? I have reservations for my anniversary and curious how long dinner is so we can plan accordingly.
I hope your Disney Dining Plan guide comes out very soon for my upcoming trip on January 10, 2024, 🙏🙏🙏🙏
I took my daughter to le cellier this past March and she is still talking about the poutine!!!
Looks like a fun video! I’m excited to watch!
Going to Epcot tomorrow to try some of these foods, looking forward to the France and Italy pavilions
Thanks for the list
Via Napoli is crazy loud.
Coral Reef....literally watching the fish you're eating swim around you🤦♀️
25:48 is that a change they made Thai year? I went there during a trip last July (July of 2022) and they sold it to me for a discounted price. Maybe it’s a “secret” thing.
How’s Tutto Italia? My daughter loves Italian so we booked there.
Love the food options at Epcot! Just an fyi, “taglio” is actually pronounced without the “g” (TAH-lio). If you want to get technical, I think the real difference between saying it “talio” vs “taglio” comes down to how the tongue touches the roof of your mouth on the L sound. “Talio” would have the tip of your tongue touch while “taglio” would get more of the flatter part of your tongue, but either way, don’t pronounce the g :-)
I think they chose washi paper/ tape because they were playing with the Japanese artist restaurant theme and washi paper/ tape is used in arts and crafts projects alot these features
Thanks AJ
At Kringle I do not see the Kristoff on the menu???
HI AJ!! 🥰💜
You're telling me PizzeRizzo isn't the best pizza in Disney World?!
Disney Diet: eat literally anything you want because you're gonna walk it off lol
I love japan but damn how much i hate sushi it makes me so sad 😢
What do you mean the chip n Dale harvest doesn’t include chipmunk?!?!?! SCAM!!!!! I ain’t going lol
Germany was the worst restaurant in Epcot. Don’t waste your money.
i love it.