Coral Reef
Located in Epcot - Living Seas Pavilion

Cuisine: Seafood
Meal: Lunch
Expense: $$$
Server: Raphael

As you enter the Coral Reef dining room you are greeted by four large windows into the Living Seas’ world. The low lighting accentuates these portholes which give you viewing pleasure of more than a dozen tropical fish swimming around an enormous Disney Reef. The tables are arranged on tiers, so no matter where you are seated you are guaranteed have a great view. We were served our delicious appetizer of lobster soup promptly.

As we waited for our entrées we were accompanied by passing scuba divers. This always makes a great experience as they tend to wave to you as they go by. We chose the grilled Mahi-Mahi as our main cuisine. It is typically served over garlic mashed potatoes, but my dining partner chose to switch this out for a creamy risotto. When the dolphin came it was placed directly on top of the side dish. It was cooked perfectly and the taste was light and delicious.

We didn’t think we would be eating desert, but our server, Raphael, convinced us to take a look at their menu. When it came we decided unanimously we must try the signature desert dish, the Chocolate Wave, which was served as an incredible presentation. It included a warm chocolate cake filled with a white chocolate liquid center. It was served with a scoop of white chocolate ice cream, which emphasizes the temperature difference in this dish. A chocolate web shaped into a wave finished off this delectable desert.

The lunch menu is very similar to the dinner menu, although if you choose to go for lunch you will save about $5 off each entrée. Primarily a seafood restaurant, the Coral Reef’s menu also boasts such dishes as grilled chicken breast and New York strip steak. People of all ages will enjoy this restaurant because of the casual atmosphere and wonderful scenery.

Creamy Lobster Bisque - a creamy soup made with chervil and brandy

Blue Crab Cake - served with Napa Cabbage Slaw

Sweet Beef Skewers - Beef Tenderloin marinated in a sweet and rich glaze, accompanied by Celery Root Puree

Caesar Salad or Mixed Greens

Grilled Mahi-Mahi - served over Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, finished with Shitake Sauce

Seared South African Lobster Tail - served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sugar Snap Peas, and Drawn Butter

Blackened Catfish - served with Pepperjack Cheese Grits, topped with Smoke Tomato Compote, and drizzled with a Balsamic Glaze

Grilled New York Strip - served with Potatoes Au Gratin and Sugar Snap Peas, finished with Beef Demi-Glacé

Selection I - Creamy Lobster Bisque or Mixed Greens

Selection II - Chef's Catch of the Day or Chicken Salad Sandwich on House-made Bread

Selection III - Chef's Featured Cheesecake

Signature Dessert "The Chocolate Wave" - Warm Dark Chocolate Cake with a White Chocolate Grand Marnier Center, finished with Chocolate Ganache and White Chocolate Ice Cream

"California Gold" - California Orange Pudding surrounded by Vanilla Sponge Cake, topped with Whipped Cream ad Orange Zest

Key Lime Brûlée - Key Lime Cream, finished with Blood Orange Sauce

"Chocolate Adrift" - a frozen Chocolate Mart Mousse Raft and White Chocolate Oars