While often considered for families, Walt Disney World vacations also appeal to couples taking a romantic getaway and to parents seeking a family vacation with the potential for an adults-only evening. With a wide range of restaurants at the various theme parks, Disney can create a memorable date night that offers a touch of romance as well as the promised Disney magic.
There are many fine dining experiences at Epcot World Showcase, which offers international food, so that choosing a restaurant is almost a matter of personal taste. Couples may select their favorite cuisine and wine, or choose by destination, to enjoy a romantic fantasy getaway to another place. However, a few restaurants do provide quieter, more intimate atmospheres or offer menus more likely to appeal to adults.
Romantic Dining in Epcot’s France at Le Chefs de France and Bistro de Paris
In the France pavilion, couples may choose to eat at Les Chefs de France, the table-service brasserie located under Disney’s version of the Eiffel Tower. The sunlight dining area brings out the room’s warm tones, which features redwood tables, high ceilings and mosaic tiles.
The menu is equally sophisticated, with its onion soup and escargot appetizers. Typical entrees include roasted duck, braised short ribs or broiled salmon, and vegetarians can enjoy rich pastas. Of course, Le Chefs de France offers decadent desserts such as crème brulee, crepes and chocolate pastries. A 3-course prix fixe is available, as are a number of French wines.
Le Chefs de France does feature Character Dining of a sort, with a visit from a small-sized Remy, the rat from “Ratatouille” who is a culinary prodigy. For that reason, couples seeking an extra-special gourmet meal at France might make reservations at Bistro de Paris, located just upstairs from Le Chefs.
Bistro de Paris also offers French cuisine and wine, but in a quieter atmosphere that evokes turn-of-the-20th-century Paris. Its chandeliers and leaded glass lend a formality to the restaurant that complements its menu. Featured menu items include mussels, veal, filet mignon and the Bistro's signature chocolate soufflé. In fitting with its focus on adult evenings, Bistro de Paris offers no children’s menu. The restaurant is a bit of a splurge, but one worth considering for a special occasion.
Epcot’s Restaurant Marrakesh, Mediterranean Food in a Romantic Setting
Guests who seek a livelier atmosphere might consider Restaurant Marrakesh, one of the overlooked gems of World Showcase. The menu appeals to those with slightly more adventurous palates, which means families with young children don't necessarily make Restaurant Marrakesh a top dining choice as, for instance, American, Italian or Mexican food.
The Moroccan table-service restaurant serves Mediterranean food such as bastilla, shish kebab, lemon chicken and couscous, Morocco's national dish. Dessert options include baklava and mint ice cream. Specialty drinks include the Casablanca Sunset and the the Sahara Splash, as well as coffees, cognac and Moroccan wine.
Certain dining options also enhance a sense of intimacy and romance. The menu offers shared meal options, such as appetizers for two and two different types of communal feasts.
But it is the atmosphere at Restaurant Marrakesh that can make the meal a romantic experience. The restaurant is themed like a sultan’s palace, with luxurious silks and tapestries, and dim mood lighting. Guests are entertained by belly dancers who move to the music.
Romantic Disney Dining, an Extended Tour Around Epcot World Showcase
Romantic meals may be experienced at other Epcot table-service restaurants as well. These places offer picturesque views or intimate settings. Because their menus enjoy a broader appeal, they may also attract more crowds, including families with children, and be noisier.
Tutto Italia Ristorante: Located in the Italy pavilion, Tutto Italia offer an Old World ambiance and classic Italian cuisine. The menu offers antipasto, a variety of pasta dishes, fish and veal, and cannoli and gelato. Espresso drinks and Presco are among the beverage options.
San Angel Inn: Located inside the Mexico pavilion, the table-service restaurant is set at the foot of Mayan ruins. Familiar Mexican food options include tacos, tortillas, flan and churros. Entrees include fish, shrimp and sirloin. San Angel Inn also serves margaritas as the house specialty. For couples seeking a view of World Showcase Lagoon, La Hacienda de San Angel serves similar menu.
Rose and Crown Dining Room: Located at the United Kingdom pavilion, Rose and Crown serves hearty British food: fish and chips, stews, shepherd’s pie, beef and chicken. What makes Rose and Crown a potentially romantic spot is its outdoor seating and view of the World Showcase Lagoon. The restaurant can become especially busy for seatings close to the performance of Epcot’s IllumiNations, but a late lunch or early dinner can provide a serene and almost private dining experience.
Although there’s something romantic about a spontaneous dinner date, Walt Disney World table-service restaurants are very popular. Advance Dining Reservations are recommended.
Orlando visitors who are interested in eating at one of these Epcot restaurants or other options should visit the Walt Disney World Dining website or call 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463) for more information or to make reservations.
For romantic dining options at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, see Walt Disney World Dining: Romantic Restaurants at Deluxe Resorts.
Other articles for planning romantic Disney vacations:
- Romantic Activities at Walt Disney World
- Romantic Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World
- Romantic Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World
Debra Peterson - A freelance writer and scholar, Debra Peterson specializes in Disney Studies, with particular interests in Walt Disney World and ...
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