Monsieur Paul Review
Monsieur Paul is the Signature Restaurant in Epcot’s France pavilion, and is one of our top 5 meals of all time at Walt Disney World. Certainly our best dinner ever in World Showcase, and right up there with great experiences at Yachtsman Steakhouse, Jiko, California Grill, and Flying Fish. The only meal it ranks behind would be Victoria & Albert’s.
The meal blew us away, surpassing our last dinner at Bistro de Paris, which was good enough to rank at the time as the #2 restaurant at Walt Disney World. However, after hearing hit or miss things about Monsieur Paul from friends the last several years, having only an okay experience last time we dined at Chefs de France, and seeing the menu prices, we’ve been putting off a return visit.
When it came to this menu, we were also worried that rather than being a great value, Monsieur Paul’s dinner special would cut corners or otherwise fail to deliver. Fortunately, that was not even remotely the case. It was a superlative experience in literally every single regard…
We arrived at 7:30 p.m., and Monsieur Paul was less than one-quarter full, with guests only being seated at window tables. This is great news for guests, as it’s a comfortable environment and everyone would have a fireworks view.
Although it’s not the greatest view in Epcot, we were really looking forward to watching Epcot’s fireworks from Monsieur Paul. Alas, it was not to be, as the fireworks show was repeatedly postponed. Instead, we were treated to a cool show throughout our meal–some of nature’s fireworks via an epic lightning show.
In terms of atmosphere, Monsieur Paul is similar to its predecessor, and offers a classic and authentic Parisian sensibility (minus the smoking). We previously described that as “restrained elegance” and that description remains apt.
This is one instance of a restaurant modernization being an actual plussing. In comparing my new photos to ones from my archives, the light fixtures have been upgraded, as have the window treatments and some of the seating. There are also some vaguely Art Nouveau flourishes, but it’s all fairly subtle.
What’s great about Monsieur Paul is that it’s opulent and well-appointed without being intimidating or overly stuffy. It’s very obviously a fine dining restaurant, but wall photos of the late Chef Paul Bocuse with giant mice and a rat help to remind that this restaurant is indeed in a Walt Disney World theme park.
In other words, Monsieur Paul is fairly approachable. I’d still recommend avoiding standard theme park attire, as most guests do dress for the occasion and the restaurant has a loosely-enforced dress code. (Monsieur Paul is a good option if you’re staying at a Crescent Lake Area Resort and can walk to your room to shower and get changed.) I would also hesitate to bring children unless they’re well behaved, but the restaurant is unlikely to turn anyone or any attire away.
Our server was attentive and excellent; in fact, our interactions throughout the meal with the entire restaurant staff were great. With that said, don’t be surprised if you’re met with a cold response upon requesting a window table upon arrival, or if your server’s interactions are a bit brusque.
Your mileage may vary with French service; don’t take it personally if you don’t receive warm and bubbly Disney encounters at the France pavilion.
Here are the drinks: Monsieur Paul’s Cocktail, and a non-alcoholic alternative.
The drink is essentially a champagne cocktail while the non-alcoholic version is a fruit cocktail. Nothing particularly noteworthy here.
Next is the amuse bouche.
It doesn’t photograph well, but this is a spectacular tomato and mozzarella dish. It had a zesty and piquant flavor, and was a refreshing start to the meal.
For our first appetizer, we had the Watercress Soup with fish quenelles, vegetables, croutons.
The creamy soup here was poured table-side (I wish I had gotten a photo before that, as there’s an abundance of fish quenelles and vegetables under the sea of green). Sarah described this as a “Tour de France,” as each bite offered something different, and exceptional flavors. A real standout.
For our second appetizer, we had the Smoked Salmon and Ricotta Tart with arugula coulis and marinated vegetables.
The smoked salmon itself here was good, but it was the perfect marriage of literally everything itself that took everything to the next level and made this an interesting and exceptional dish. Still, it wasn’t quite as good as the Watercress Soup.
For our first entree, we had the Roasted Red Snapper with stuffed calamari, grilled shrimp, ratatouille, plus fish and tomato stock.
Another dish that was finished table-side, and another incredible symphony of flavors. The light sweetness of the red snapper contrasted nicely with the punch of the tomato stock; often, I find snapper a bit too mild and dull, but this dish was bold and inventive. The ratatouille was likewise wonderful.
Next, the Peach Glazed Duck Breast with savory savarin, baby turnip, radish puree with brown butter, and duck jus.
Again, we have another dish where presentation was meticulous and exquisite, but that’s not the only thing here. The duck breast was phenomenal, on par with what I’ve had at a Michelin-rated restaurant in Paris. The meat itself was perfectly prepared–tender with a slight fattiness for flavor layered below the crispy-glazed skin. That peach glaze provided a nice sweetness without overwhelming the natural flavor of the duck.
Desserts are variants of items you’ll find on the regular Monsieur Paul menu. First, the Meringue with vanilla ice cream, raspberry sorbet, vanilla chantilly, raspberry coulis.
This is actually like a mash-up of two regular desserts: the Meringue and Vacherin Glace Vanille. It was exceptional, with the variety of textures and mix of sweet and tart flavors making for a playful and delicious dessert.
Our other pick was the Warm Chocolate Almond Cake with raspberry coulis in the center, hazelnut crust, and hazelnut ice cream.
This is one of the highlights from the regular dessert menu, and is a holdover from Bistro de Paris. Sarah likened this to the Chocolate Soufflé we had ages ago at Victoria & Albert’s (that she still talks about!), which is about the highest praise possible. Rich, dense, and offset perfectly by the creamy hazelnut ice cream.
Oh, and as for the fireworks, although it was a disappointment to not see it out the window at Monsieur Paul, it did end up running after the lightning ‘show’ was over, starting just after 10 p.m. We ended up having the best of both worlds there, enjoying the lightning from Monsieur Paul (and audibly reacting to it with frequent wows like we’d never seen lightning before!), and then being able to stroll into what’s normally a reserved waterfront viewing area for Epcot’s fireworks after dinner.
Overall, this review probably undersells just how phenomenal our experience was at Monsieur Paul. Despite more exposure to haute cuisine and fine dining, I still often find myself at a loss when it comes to describing the cuisine. My palate knows nuanced and superlative cuisine when I taste it, but my brain is lacking in the whole “words for that” department. Suffice to say, this was one of our best meals of all-time at Walt Disney World, and that is not hyperbole in the slightest. We highly recommend Monsieur Paul–it’s well worth the splurge!
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Your Thoughts
Have you dined at Monsieur Paul lately? Do you agree or disagree with our review? Does this prix fixe menu at Monsieur Paul strike you as a good deal, or is it still too much to spend on food at Walt Disney World? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Currently on Day 1 of Disney World and the only “characters” I want to meet are Tom & Sarah! Can’t thank you enough for all of your humor-filled help planning our first ever family Disney trip! We are heading out to MK Dessert Party tonight after dinner w/ Snow White (thanks to you guys recs) and hoping we don’t get rained out as well!
One blog request – please compare the different Bibbidi Bobbidi location pros and cons! I can’t decide which one to keep a resy at Friday!
I really respect your opinion on a great deal of Disney, however, when broaching the subject of Monsieur Paul, nothing is going to change my husbands mind about going back , because the snottiest waiter made our last meal there “our Last meal there”. Can’t say the time before was nice either ,however , we wanted to try again and see and “yep” just snotty behavior”. So they do have great food , so does California Grill, Sanaa “the Duck” and bread service, Yachtmans and many more! As well these places also have great attentive service ! Enjoy the Stories, the smiles and interaction with with the Cast members. Don’t enjoy the snotty why don’t you drop dead attitude at Monsieur Pauls.
$59 for the four-course meal you just described is cheap not even just by Disney standards, but also by NYC standards, a city that arguably has the most fine dining options out of every city in the country. I’m impressed! We won’t be having this Summer Special, as we have some dietary restrictions in our dining party, but we might consider going back to Monsieur Paul again just for great food.
I agree with you. I’m sure there are plenty of people who think $59 for dinner is ridiculously over-priced by real world standards, but I’d disagree with that.
It’s fair to say that anywhere you can find a French restaurant of this caliber in the U.S., this price would be a good value for a four-course meal.
I suppose it would still be a great meal, but not such a good deal, if one adds in airfare from Seattle to take advantage of it . . .
Thank you for the tip, I’ve just booked it for my stay in September. A 4 course menu in a signature restaurant for $59 is an absolute bargain (for Disney standard).
Were you also able to use any discounts? (AP, DVC etc) I am sure you would have mentioned it if you had.
Monsieur Paul is a fabulous experience. We even enjoy it after living in Paris for a few years! Plus no smoking and accommodating waiters.
Thanks for the review and advice! I had seen the menu elsewhere and wasn’t sure about it, but with your glowing review I went ahead and booked an ADR for our trip next week!
Well, Tom, there goes the intimacy!! With a review like this, I cannot imagine that the place will not be crawling with people very soon!!! I’m headed down next Saturday, and I am trying to convince my wife to let me cancel our reservation at the Trat and make one here. As always, thanks for your enlightenment – and the great photos! Are you ever available to tutor a lesson while at WDW?
“Are you ever available to tutor a lesson while at WDW?”
I’m not sure to what this refers, but I’m not qualified to teach anyone about anything.
Hope you’re able to cancel the other reservation and book one here! 🙂
I meant a photo lesson. Your stuff ranges from the very interesting to stunning – and there is always something to learn from a master. If I ever see you – I WILL ask. Cheers and thanks again.
OK – I made the change – my wife was eager to try Monsieur Paul, so we will be there next Monday. Thanks for the tip.
Can you do the Summer Special Discovery deal as a vegetarian? It sounded like there were only two options with this special prix fixe menu, so I wasn’t sure if we would be able to use the deal to eat here or not!
I’m not sure, but I doubt it.
While Walt Disney World restaurants are really accommodating, I think at that point they’d just ask you to order from the regular menu. I could be wrong, though!
You should just order from the regular menu as they don’t do substitutes. Hope that helps
Thank you! Just booked table for 2 in August 19 based solely on your review.
Also, I very much enjoy all of your articles and appreciate the obvious efforts you put into your work.
Thanks–glad you enjoyed it!
I set the alarm early (which didn’t matter because the cat woke me up even earlier, ha) to get this written and the photos edited for today.
I am assuming the answer is no, but is the DDP accepted for the Special summer menu?
I’m sorry, but I didn’t even ask.
For what it’s worth, Monsieur Paul is a horrible (objective) use of Disney Dining Plan credits. The normal prix fixe menus require 2 credits AND a surcharge, making it one of the lowest dollar per credit table service redemptions possible.
There are no discounts at Monsieur Paul’s. No annual pass no tables in wonderland nor Dvc members.
My husband and I ate her for our anniversary. I was a bit intimidated by the menu but we had a phenomenal experience. Our waiter was so kind and explained each course to us (not snobby at all). Disney is the perfect place to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. We walked away from our meal shocked. Everything about the experience was perfect.
Of course my Epcot day on my trip is Septemeber 28th, the day after this ends. Oh well!
After hearing the description of Monsieur Paul’s menu and dining experience with somewhat “snobby” waitstaff I don’t think that restaurant belongs in the World Showcase at Epcot. That type belongs in a deluxe hotel or somewhere that patrons can enjoy a quiet refined dinner atmosphere. The food described was not appealing whatsoever. Especially not after walking through the park for several hours. I’ll stick with Chefs de France where the food is good and the waitstaff is wonderful!
To clarify, we have never encountered snobby servers or Cast Members anywhere in the France pavilion at Epcot. That is an occasional complaint some guests have, though.
If you enjoyed the service at Chefs de France, you’d likely enjoy it at Monsieur Paul. Same company runs both restaurants.
This is simply one of the best restaurants in all of Disney so glad you went. And I know it’s expensive but it’s worth it. And don’t care about fireworks when the meal is this good. I suggest if you want to see them then book a 630 reservation and get out in time to see them on the street. The service here is exceptional and the management top shelf.If you have little ones please take them early they make a wonderful chicken finger — or pasta for them.
Dining here earlier and watching IllumiNations from ground level is one option. If you’ve already seen the show a few (or few hundred) times, I think there’s really something to be said from enjoying the obstructed view from the elevated and air-conditioned perspective of the window tables, finishing your meal after the park is closed, and letting your food digest with a peaceful lap around an empty World Showcase.
For me, that is up there as one of the best ways to end an evening at Epcot. Of course, reasonable minds may vary on that! 🙂
I have to agree with James… I looked at the pictures and thought “cute…might be tasty… when is the food coming?” I guess I don’t watch enough Chopped or Iron Chef to be serving snob.
Sounds like so much came together for an extremely enjoyable and memorable evening together! These are some of your best food pics I’ve seen yet, and everything looks wonderful and artfully presented, while still looking so appealing (Watercress soup and Meringue I’m looking at you). And, I can imagine the romantic ambience of the lightening show. Nature gives the most inspiring displays of all, appreciated for its unpredictability, and by open minds.
Might have to check it out when we are there this weekend. Thanks for the tip on the secret menu.
I am sorry, I agree with you on most occasions. Although I don’t share your views on Epcot or maybe other things here or there. But I don’t respect somebody’s opinion on food who thinks places like Victoria and Albert’s is good food. The nonsense they serve does not even look like food. It looks like what the 1st class fools on the Titanic eat. It looks beyond ridiculous honestly. I would much rather go to Sci-Fi Dine-in!
James, it is possible to have a different opinion than someone else and still respect their opinion.