Top 5 Disney World Steaks
Currently, alternative and ‘healthy-living’ diets are an incredibly hot topic in the blogosphere. Same goes for the Walt Disney World fan community, where discussions of how Walt Disney World restaurants can accommodate all sorts of health preferences, food allergies, and special dietary restrictions are prevalent. It’s truly great that people are concerned with their diets and that Walt Disney World does everything it can to provide a great experience to everyone. However, there seems to be a lot less buzz about delicious meats at Walt Disney World. The fact is, Walt Disney World can also “accommodate” those of us who love a good steak.
Whenever we’re dining at Walt Disney World, my eyes instantly lock-in on whatever steak is on the menu, and often times, that’s what I order. It’s almost like a sixth sense (or perhaps my super power involves some sort of “steak sensing ability”). Of course, we haven’t had every steak on Walt Disney World property (now that would be a good entry for the Bucket List!), but we have had our fair share. Based on those meals, here’s our list of the top steaks at Walt Disney World.
#5 – Hollywood Brown Derby Charred-glazed Filet of Beef – This one makes the list at Sarah’s insistence. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a top notch steak, but my favorite entree at the Brown Derby is actually the Duck Two Ways. Unpatriotic, I know, but it’s just so good. As for this steak, not only is it tender and succulent, but it also is served on a bed of White Truffle Forest Mushroom Whipped Potatoes that are absolutely to die for, and are easily the best potatoes at Walt Disney World.
#4 – Kona Cafe Teriyaki-Style New York Strip Steak – I’ll bet not many of you saw this coming. I mean Kona Cafe…a Polynesian restaurant?! Not exactly what you think of when you think of great steaks. However, not only is the Kona Cafe strip steak a perfect cut cooked to perfection, but with its inventive pineapple teriyaki glaze, it’s a steak that tastes a bit different than what you’ll find elsewhere on property. Throw in a side of Yukon Mashed Potatoes (although the current menu looks like rice is the side–yuck!) and you have one of the best meals at Walt Disney World for steak lovers.
#3 – Monsieur Paul Grilled Beef Tenderloin – When Bistro de Paris became Monsieur Paul, one of my biggest concerns was that this mushroom crusted tenderloin would disappear. Fortunately, it did not, and it looks as good as ever. The tenderloin itself is everything you’d expect from a great tenderloin, and the Bordelaise sauce was a nice compliment, and there was no overpowering seasoning or over-salting, which is an issue with some Disney steaks. The real star of the show here is the mushroom crust, which ties the whole entree together and makes it a standout. Overall, the tenderloin has a great flavor with a certain richness that gave each bite a wonderfully complex mix of flavor. The only disappointment here is the mashed potatoes, which are basically a throw-away side.
#2 – Jiko Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon with Mac & Cheese – Confession: I’m not a big filet mignon guy. Don’t get me wrong, any steak that’s put in front of me is going to quickly disappear, but filet mignon is just not my preference. Because of that, it takes a pretty special filet mignon to rank highly for me. Well, the Jiko Filet is that special steak. A big part of the appeal is the interesting South African Red Wine reduction, which gives it a distinct flavor. The bed of mac & cheese doesn’t hurt either, and melds the entree together with an oddly perfect mix of flavors. You’ll have to go off-menu to order the filet with the mac & cheese, but this is such a popular order (it used to be on the menu and was a fan favorite for years) that it will typically be no issue. Not your most adventurous meal at Jiko, but an amazing steak that cannot be missed.
#1 – Yachtsman Steakhouse Porterhouse – Since I prefer something larger and with a bit more marbling, this Porterhouse is right in my wheelhouse. While strip steaks are great, my all-time favorite cut of is a porterhouse. From the moment you walk in the door and see the in-restaurant butcher, you know that Yachtsman Steakhouse is going to be a paradise for carnivores. Yachtsman Steakhouse truly delivers with its Porterhouse, a no-nonsense cut the size your head. It’s so juicy and delicious that it would make Ron Swanson shed a single tear. Yachtsman Steakhouse really ought to offer a “clean plate” sticker for any guest who finishes this–as those folks are true heroes.
So, what didn’t make the list? The most notable “omission” is probably a steak from Le Cellier Steakhouse, such as the eponymous Le Cellier Filet. However, these steaks didn’t make the list for good reason: they’re not better than what’s on there. We’ve been to Le Cellier many times (but won’t be back again anytime in the near future), and I would describe it as a fading star. Its over-salted steaks aren’t bad, it’s just that they are overpriced and none of them are top 5 material.
Another conspicuous absence from the list is the Oak-Fired Filet of Beef at California Grill. This is (was?) one of my favorite steaks at Walt Disney World before California Grill closed for its extensive refurbishment earlier in 2013. Disney has confirmed that several favorites are returning on the new menu, and our fingers are crossed that this is one of those favorites. If it does return, pencil it in as #3 on this list!
Unsurprisingly, no counter service steaks made the cut either. The words “counter service” and “great steak” are not normally found in the same sentence, although there are a couple of counter service steak options that are shockingly good–for what they are. The best of these is the 6 oz New York Strip Steak at Liberty Inn (American Adventure, Epcot). Once one of the worst restaurants in all of Walt Disney World (and still a huge disappointment when presented to “the world” as what American cuisine can offer), this steak is one of the menu items that has started a turn-around for the restaurant. Just go in with appropriate expectations. It is a $10 steak, after all.
Also absent from the list are the steaks served at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin restaurants. Namely, Shula’s Steak House. We’ve heard that these are some of the best steaks at Walt Disney World, but we have yet to dine there. As mentioned, this is a list based on what we have tried, and we haven’t consumed every cut of beef at Walt Disney World. Yet.
In the end, Walt Disney World is a very carnivore-friendly place, so you don’t need to feel left out if you’re not a vegan, gluten-hater, etc. In fact, some sort of steak is served at just about every table service restaurant in Walt Disney World, so you can have a good time sampling steaks at Walt Disney World. As we point out in our Disney Dining Plan “Value Maximization” article, steaks are typically the most expensive menu items, so you might want to consider the Disney Dining Plan (or a second mortgage) if you plan on undertaking the noble goal of “Steaking Around the World” at Walt Disney World. Just remember, not all steaks were cooked equally, so make sure to try some of these top picks on your tour!
Read our Walt Disney World restaurant reviews and Walt Disney World Trip Planning resources.
Your Thoughts…
Which steak is your favorite at Walt Disney World? Do you agree with our picks? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
The steak at Sanaa was pretty yummy as we have had at WDW. We are very disappointed with the jacked up prices/2-meal credits at Le Cellier.
The filet at Wolfgang Puck’s dining room at Downtown Disney is amazing!
So Tom, where was that lead photo taken?… Because that looks like a great meal!
Also, one of the best steaks I had on the last trip (April) was at Kona Café… For BREAKFAST 🙂 nothing gets this Americans day started quite like steak and (ironically) coffee from a French press
That was taken at Narcoossee’s. Awful steak. I just used it for the lead photo because it looked nice!
Was disappointed in Narcoosee’s as well and I had such high hopes!
I booked a reservation at Kona on my first solo trip (in December) based solely on your rave of the stake in your full review. I love me a good steak, and I don’t want to use two dining service credits to get a delicious one (although maybe for Jiko)
NY Strip at Flying Fish is better than Porterhouse at Yachtsman. You are missing out, if you are not dining at Swan and Dolphin restaurants.
Wow, more praise for the Flying Fish steak!
We just got back from Disney World. My husband had the steak at Coral Reef and said it was great. However my dad also had the steak and he said his was very grissly, and didn’t enjoy it at all. On a side note, the lobster tail that you can add for $9 is totally not worth it. It was the smallest little tail ever. I had more lobster in my Lobster Pasta.
And maybe you don’t consider this a steak, but I had the Carne Asada at San Angel and it was delicious.
My mouth started watering just reading the title of this blog.
Shockingly, I had one of the better steaks in my life… at Mama Melrose. Perhaps just luck of the draw.
I’ve never eaten at the Yachtsman, but that picture is making me realize the error of my ways.
I’ve heard several others who have mentioned their Mama Melrose steak was super awesome as well.
My son just had the steak at Mama Melrose a couple of nights ago and it was surprisingly great. The mac and cheese side is heavenly as well.
The steak at Mama Melrose is awesome! I get it every time-has the 5 cheese macaroni paired with it which complements it very well, believe it or not.
I have a hard time eating steak in Walt Disney World because I’ve had delicious steaks in the real world at a lower cost and higher quality. How do you think the top notch Disney steaks compare to top notch “real world” steaks? For example, the filet at Le Cellier now costs $42. I’ve had filets at Ruth’s Chris that are better, (and now cheaper with the new LC prices) and Ruth’s Chris is far from my favorite real world steakhouse. Thoughts?
When you are in Disney you pay extra for everything. From a Mickey Mouse pencil or a bag of pop-corn to a steak. You cannot compare ‘any’ of it to the real world! You are paying for eating in “Disney”. If it is not important to eat “in” Disney, then eat somewhere else and get more for your money!
Shula’s is #1 for me. My personal favorite is the Steak Maryanne, it’s two 5 oz filets with a peppercorn brandy sauce that is to die for. If you like more marbling my father always orders the 22 oz bone in ribeye and claims it to be his favorite of all the bone in ribeye’s he has tried. They accept TIW and I already have a reservation for my upcoming trip in October!
That sounds delicious! I’m surprising hubby with a dinner at Shula’s for our trip in December. Just reading your description makes me want steak (even though it’s only 9 AM!)
100% agree about the steak at Jiko…soooo yummy!! I will be seriously considering it when we head back to Jiko in October….fingers crossed for it to still be available off-menu!!!
P.S. Love your blog Tom! It definitely helps to get me even more excited, if that’s possible, for all things Disney!
Shula’s DOES have wonderful steaks but they can be found around the country. Since I’ve been to the one in my hometown, as much as I love their steaks, I don’t plan on going to the Shula’s at WDW. I would rather try a WDW-unique restaurant.
I have reservations at LeCellier on a Monday night (may give it up) but then Yachtsman on Tuesday night. Was thinking about giving that up too for Big River Grille and Brewing Works in the Boardwalk instead. They have a Rib Eye and brew their own beers. My kind of place. Plus less expensive.
Big River’s ribeye rivals that of Le Cellier, only for half the price. Identical and incredible. Taste and value for your dollar I would put it Top 5 on property.
I have not been to the Shula’s in Disney, but the one in Indy has the best steak in town. My husband is slightly obsessed with it and with the calamari fries. I would be surprised if the Disney version was not just as good. We thought about trying it when we were there in March but we opted for trying something new instead.
We had fantastic steaks at Wolfgang Puck’s in the Dining Room, although Shula’s would be a close second if not a tie
I have always had a decent steak or as we say in Ireland shteak in Raglan Road.
Many of us who can’t do gluten love a good steak – it’s naturally gluten free! 🙂
Have you tried the steak at Flying Fish? It’s pretty darn delicious!
I thought Sarah had it at one point, but I know I’ve only ever had the fish. Thanks for the recommendation!
It’s hard to pass up the delicious fish there, but the steak is worth a try. The sauce is delicious! The Fresh Mozarella di Bufala is a great salad/appetizer, too. Now I’m sad I didn’t stop there in June, but we tried Sanaa for the first time – awesome!
Plus-one on the Flying Fish steak. The secrets are the dry rub, and the fact that if Chef Tim was going to put a steak on the menu, he damned well wanted to be a standout. He won’t divulge the butcher, other than to say it’s not from a usual WDW supplier and he’ll start taking practice swings with the cast iron skillet if one doesn’t drop the subject.
I don’t get the Shula’s fanbois. Maybe its because the Dolphins are the usual home game in my teevee market, and I had to suffer through years of past-their-prime senile Shula and stonehanded Dan Marino, but the whole undefeated season theme is a dumb gimmick. I’ve been to three different outlets (including WDW), none thank the Baby Jesus on my own dime, and found in each the service stilted and indifferent, the relentless upselling tedious, and the steaks not up to the hype.
Best WDW steak I had was on a trip where I had a Saratoga Springs one bedroom and did all my own cooking. Brought a 2″ thick prime ribeye from Costco (yes, they have excellent meat), carpet-bombed it with sea salt and black pepper, and grilled some asparagus along with it over a hardwood charcoal fire by the Congress Park pool. Ate it at the adjacent picnic tables with a really nice 2000 Pauillac, having already knocked back a couple of martinis. Oh yes, first course was a real Caesar salad where I made the dressing and used a damned raw egg in it. Yip yip de hootie.
I’ve been letdown by most of the high-end chain steakhouse (Ruth’s Chris is a particular disappointment), so your sentiment about Shula’s makes sense. It’s tough to try anything but seafood at Flying Fish, but you’ve convinced me. If it’s not good, I’m holding you personally accountable.
As for your best steak, it sounds delicious. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can add it to the list. 😉
I may shill relentlessly for the Flying Fish, but they can carry their own water, thank you very much. If you’ve liked what you’ve had there, the steak won’t disappoint.
Of the steakhouse chains, I like Capital Grille, though more for the non-steak main courses and side dishes. The others are pretty much worhtless. Oh, and Ruth’s Chris? Yeah, let’s serve your rare steak on an 800-degree ceramic platter so it cooks itself to well done unless you’re eating like Adam Richman late to catch a plane.
The Kona steak is fantastic. I love the mix of sweet and salty. Nom.
Last trip I also tried the Serious Steak at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney (I know you guys don’t go there) – but it was FANTASTIC!
We are staying at Saratoga Springs on an upcoming trip, so we might finally have to go back to Downtown Disney. We’ll see…
The Bistro (monsieur paul) steak is incredible- one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. As for Le Cellier- I had the new york strip there and it was soooo salty that I could barely eat it, and I’m not even all that picky when it comes to steak.
Now- since I’m going to disneyland next month I would love to see tons of new posts about disneyland food! In the meantime- I will dig through the archive!
I have a bunch of Disneyland food photos that I need to get edited. More Disneyland content is coming, it’s just a matter of when. Soooo much to do, so little time!
Love the steak at Kona Cafe! We always eat there the first night we are at Disney. I’ll be dining there next Thursday!
You’ll have to report back on whether it’s as delicious as ever! 🙂
I wii definitely let you know. Last time when I ate there in May I was really disappointed. My husband and I both ate the steak. His steak was great and mine was awful. Super chewy, hard…my jaw hurt from eating it and I couldn’t finish it. I hope it was just a fluke because like I said my husbands was great.
I need to eat at Jiko. I always stay at AKL in December and we have never gone.
Just had the steak at Kona 2 days ago…better than ever! Didn’t like the fact we waited 30 minutes after our reservation to be seated though.
Glad to hear! Although that 30 minute wait is pretty surprising (and hopefully abnormal).