A lot has been changing at restaurants in the Disney World hotels!
Over the past two years, the BoardWalk Bakery transformed into the BoardWalk Deli, Carousel Coffee (a new coffee shop) opened at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and Citrico’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa reopened with a new menu and subtle Mary Poppins theme. And, more is coming soon! Last year, another restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa closed for refurbishment and we’ve got an update on when it will reopen and what’s changed!
Disney has announced that Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will reopen on April 1st, 2023! The lake-side signature restaurant originally closed in July of 2022, so this will be rounding out a little under a year of refurbishments. And, the entire restaurant has been reimagined, including the decor AND the menu!
Inside, you’ll find a revamped atmosphere that is designed to the concept of “land and sea.” Disney didn’t elaborate much on exactly what that will look like, so we’re excited to see come opening day.
And, to match the “land and sea” concept, the menu received an overhaul from Chef Noah Estabrook and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer! It includes original recipes crafted exclusively for the restaurant, along with longtime fan favorites that will be returning.
For example, your meal will begin with Artisan Boule of Sourdough that is made fresh daily at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bakery…
…and, you can pair your bread service with the Lobster Bisque, which is a returning menu item that will be enhanced with a new tableside presentation.
There are also a few additional starters on the menu that are brand new including the Blueberry and Barrel Aged Feta Salad, the Romaine and Hearts of Palm, and the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board.
When it comes to entrees, you’ll find new options including Chef Noah’s signature dish, the Blackened Redfish, Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potato pave and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus, and plant-based options like the Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon.
But — don’t worry — Disney didn’t replace everything on the menu! Fan favorite dishes, like the Plancha-Seared Scallops & Parisian Gnocchi and the Surf and Turf featuring tender filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail are coming back.
If you’re sticking around for dessert, be sure to try the returning Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream (it’s legendary!), or go for something new like the Berry Pavlova or the Pineapple Bavarois.
And, of course, what’s a signature meal without something fancy to drink? Narcoossee’s will have a full wine list along with other cocktails including a new signature Empress Lime Gimlet, which is “a modern twist on a classic gimlet” with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime.
Don’t forget that there is a dress code when you dine at Narcoossee’s since it’s a signature restaurant. Here’s Disney’s official policy:
“Guests are expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition. Please no swimwear.”
Like before, Narcoossee’s will open for dinner only and reservations will officially open on March 1st, 2023 for the opening date and then be available up to 60 days in advance. Of course, we’ll be on the lookout for any other Disney hotel updates and share a first look inside the restaurant when it opens in April, so stay tuned to The VacationEAR!