Epcot's Coral Reef

By: Nick Maglio, co-writer of the Disney Musings Blog.

Tucked behind The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion in Walt Disney World's Epcot, you many never know a restaurant, Coral Reef, is here unless you check out the park map, or are looking for it.

Really, as someone who has been to Epcot dozens of times, I don't consult a park map any longer, and never knew where this restaurant was located. I'd heard of Coral Reel, sure. It usually gets mixed reviews, so it's taken a few years to get around to trying it out. But, as we like to try new restaurants each trip, this finally came up in our plans.

Now that we've found it, let's go on in, shall we.

There is a lovely entryway to the restaurant, which evokes the sense of entering the sea, from a sandy beach, into the surf, and then fully submerged...

 

...where you encounter aquatic life...

 

...until you enter the restaurant, and you ARE aquatic life!

 

The dining area has a terrific view of the Sea's massive aquarium. There were 4 of us in our party, and we were seated in a booth with a great view of the tank. Left to right, me, my wife, Barbie, our friends Kandi, and John.

 

So far so good, we're loving the place, But how's the food and service? Our waiter was very attentive, and we never had to ask for a drink refill. When he brought bread, it was warm, and  the butter a perfect consistency.

Kandi had the Field Greens and Endive Salad, with pears, goat cheese, spiced walnuts, and cranberry vinaigrette for $8.49.
She asked for the dressing and goat cheese on the side. I tried the goat cheese, and it was really good.
She had another appetizer as her entree, the Rustic Seafood Stew, with Cedar Creek Clams, Mussels, White Fish, and Toasted Ciabatta , $11.99.

John had the Seared Chicken Breast, served over spaetzle finished with Applewood smoked bacon - chicken broth, $21.99.

 

Barbie had the  Grilled Mahi Mahi, with Laughing Bird Shrimp, Hearts of Palm, Jasmine Rice, Cilantro, and a Coconut-Lime Sauce $24.99

I had the Seared Rainbow Trout, with warm salad of white beans, arugula, tomatoes, crispy bacon, aged balsamic vinegar and brown butter, $19.99.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal, and speaking for myself, the rainbow trout was delicious, and the bacon brought perfect balance to the tastes. Well, it IS bacon, after all, would you expect anything less?

We were too full for dessert.  a

Were we happy with the food and service? Absolutely!

Was it overpriced for what we got? I am going to admit something to you all right now, and I'd appreciate if you'd keep it amongst yourselves, but my parent's favorite restaurant is Red Lobster.
So I am a frequent visitor to Red Lobsters, and can say that my meal here was comparably priced to what I might pay for a dinner portion there.

Will we return? Without a doubt!

This article was originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Nick is a contributing writer.