Here’s another restaurant review from our recent family trip to Central Florida, this time the Coral Reef located at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center. While not directly connected, the restaurant is in the same building as the Living Seas exhibit, and you need to walk around the right side of the building as you approach to get to the Coral Reef. This is the only sit down, full
The entrance hall
service restaurant in Future World, and it’s a good one.
Since it’s in the same building as a gigantic salt water aquarium, they manage to make use of that splendidly with large glass viewing ports at the front of the restaurant, with all the tables in terraced rows that provide sort of a stadium effect. Many of the tables are clam shaped banquettes which provide everyone with a more or less front view of the marine life. Colors are soft, with lots of blue and silver, and the whole effect is a soothing, calm feel which is great when you come out of the hectic park outside. You can relax here.
View from our seats
The menu is centered around seafood, as you would expect. There are other options as well, and everyone in a party should be able to find something. We ordered Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jasmine rice, lobster bisque, crab cakes, a lobster oriechetta dish, a chicken cesar salad and a vegetarian chicken with veggies and black rice. The chicken cesar was a good chicken cesar and not much more to say there. The other dishes were all quite excellent. Even the vegetarian chicken was pronounced delicious (which was a soy based protein that tasted like chicken!).
I had the Mahi Mahi and it was really outstanding. It was perfectly grilled with a subtle lemon sauce. The rice and veggies were tasty and served in a nicely sized portion, which let me clean
Mahi Mahi and Rock Shrimp
my plate while not feeling full. Everyone else did the same. There were no complaints here, as service was also well executed and our waitress was friendly and efficient.
The wine menu is pretty decent with some reasonably priced options. They also have a full
The Blue Glowtini
bar and a selection of specialty drinks. Alex ordered the Blue Glowtini. As you can see it is aptly named, and excellent according to his report.
If you’re looking for a place to get out of the parks and have a quiet lunch without actually getting out of the park then the Coral Reef is a good choice. Combine good food and service with excellent ambience and you have a winner. The prices are reasonable here, but it’s not counter service so you’d expect to pay between $20 – $30 a person with a drink.
We’ve been several times now and have not had a bad meal. I know it gets mixed reviews from some but for us it has always meant enjoyable food and a relaxing hour. It’s on our go to list at the Mouse House and our wallet will be open next time. Recommended.
A votre sante!
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