Coral Reef is a table service restaurant located in the Seas Pavilion of Epcot. Tucked away around the corner from The Seas with Nemo and Friends, you might not even know Coral Reef existed if you were not looking for it specifically. The restaurant’s selling feature is the giant aquarium with 4,000 plus sea creatures meandering by as you dine. The tank can be viewed from any seat but the best views are from the tables directly in front of the glass. You can request one of those tables, however it will most likely mean waiting longer to be seated. The restaurant decor could be described as a bit retro, it’s definitely in need of a sprucing. But that certainly does not affect the food or the service, both of which we enjoyed!
Like most Disney owned restaurants, Coral Reef has an allergy friendly menu with the various options clearly labeled safe for different allergens. The menu is predominantly seafood, which is to be expected, however it does offer a couple of alternatives as well as a vegetarian dish. If nothing on the allergy friendly menu appeals to you, you can always ask to speak with a chef to see if a dish on the regular menu can be modified.
Not being a seafood lover myself, I chose the grilled 10 oz top sirloin steak for my entree. It is served with roasted potatoes and a seasonal vegetable, in this case, broccoli. I was also offered gluten free rolls, which arrived warm with a side of butter. My entree arrived fairly quickly and was cooked perfectly! The steak was well seasoned, the potatoes were still crispy on the outside, and the broccoli was decent for broccoli, just needed a touch of salt. I would definitely be happy to order it again.
Dessert was one of the reasons I had chosen Coral Reef for dinner (that and the fact that my fiance loves seafood). I needed to try the Chocolate Wave! It did not disappoint! Warm, gooey in the middle, chocolatey, flourless cake served with raspberry gelato, a dusting of powdered sugar and a light raspberry sauce. Absolutely perfect for a dessert and I was not sharing!
Overall, I would say Coral Reef is a solid choice for gluten free dining. It probably would not be my recommendation for a first time visitor, as there are some other restaurants higher on my list, but for a repeat visitor, absolutely! I will be returning, even if it’s just for the cake!
Have you dined at Coral Reef before? What were your thoughts? Share yours in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!
Did you like this article? Make sure to share it with your friends! Check below for easy ways to share!
Want to visit the Walt Disney World Resort? Contact The Magic for Less Travel for more information and a free, no-obligation quote.
Incoming search terms:
- gluten free coral reef restaurant