Restaurant Review - Wolfgang Puck Cafe Downtown Disney

Date of Service: August 28, 2010
Server: Kyle
Dinner Service
Location: Downtown Disney West Side

Items Ordered:
Butternut Squash Soup
Butter Lettuce Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Smoked Salmon Pizza

First time dining at Wolfgang Puck. After looking at the menu posted outside we entered a very busy lobby area and proceeded to put our name on the waiting list. Were quoted 20-30 minutes and seated within that time. We had already decided on a steak platter and we very excited to try something new. Because of the name and it being a restaurant on Disney property our expectations were very high. Never assume or expect for you will likely be disappointed.

We proceeded to the bar area to have a drink while waiting. The bartender was very helpful in suggesting drinks and offered us complimentary wine tastings which was great. After a short while our buzzer went off and we we guided to our table. So far so good.

Our first point of disappointment was our seating area. The restaurant is very loud and was not very clean. We were taken to a room with glass windows in front of the bar area. It was extremely dark. You could tell the restaurant had been very busy and no effort was made to clean the floors or chairs between guests. I pulled out my chair to sit down and wiped off the food left by the previous guests prior to sitting down. The floors all around me had bread, food, and straws that had not been cleaned up. Chairs and tables that had been reconfigured to accommodate larger parties had not been put back making for a very disorganized and chaotic dining area. Although the servers had reset the tables while we were eating they did not tend to the reorganizing of the furniture or cleaning.

Our server greeted us and went over the menu. He was nice and helpful in suggesting a plate. I did not see the steak I was looking for which he then explained could only be ordered upstairs. He also explained that Wolfgang Puck was three separate restaurants in one. Something he agreed they should have told us when we arrived. Or have asked, "Where would you like to dine tonight?" So no steak for us as we were not going to wait any longer. After looking over the menu there was not much of a selection. The food is very straightforward and non-interesting. At least not what I expected for all the hype.

We ordered the Butternut Squash 'Signature' Soup, a Butter Lettuce Salad, and the Salmon Pizza. The server was quick to explain the the flavor of the Salmon Pizza was very strong and that we may not like it. We chose to try it regardless.

The first item to arrive was a few pieces of a very soft, flavorful bread. Which was very good except for the fact that it was ice-cold! I am not sure if this is the way it was intended to be served but it would have been much better warm or room temperature with a bit of olive oil and maybe a few spices, but hey what do I know my name is not Wolfgang Puck! Shortly after, the Butternut Squash Soup, and salad arrived. The soup was very sweet and tangy. It was average and ok. The salad was a dense bed of unchopped lettuce with minimal dressing, and topped with a very strong cheese and hard bread with bruschetta topping. Also, ok. Lastly, the Salmon Pizza arrived and just as the server had described a very strong flavor. The pizza had a sour cream base with a very strong dill flavor and was generously topped with loads of smoked salmon. A great idea for an appetizer for a larger party to share because it was very good but I could not stomach more than one slice.

All in all the experience was very average. The quality similar to what I could eat at a usual local cafe except with a much higher price tag. The feeling at our table was so 'blah' at the end of our meal that we opted not to bother with dessert.

I have to say I would not recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a dinner 'experience'. I will also not eat at the cafe again. Because I do want to be fair in my review we do have another night scheduled to dine in the upstairs dining room which is supposed to be more upscale. I will certainly provide an update when we do!

-Sharon

Restaurant reviews are solely the opinion of the contributer and are not endorsed by HolidayVillaz.com.