His name has graced our web page a few times now, but I’d like to welcome Dennis Conroy (@oakmanner on Twitter) of the “WDW Magical Main Street Memories Podcast” directly to All in WDW!

On his most-recent visit to Walt Disney World, Dennis visited our reigning Favorite Epcot Table Service Restaurant.  Awarded that title in 2013, by All in WDW readers far and wide, Le Cellier slipped past Via Napoli by the slimmest of margins.

Seemingly a favorite of everyone, what’s the latest on Disney’s most-infamous steakhouse?  Let’s find out!  Take it away, Dennis!

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Hi, Bob. Here is my Le Cellier review!

It had been about a year or so since I last ate at Le Cellier, and I remember thinking, back at that time, that the food quality was beginning to slip.  The meal, this time, validated the feelings I had about my previous dining experience.

By far, the best part of the meal was Le Cellier’s renowned, warm Pretzel Bread.  The pretzel bread was served warm with salted butter.  I tried but didn’t really care for the other two bread offerings – a sourdough roll and some sort of oatmeal roll.

Their Seared Scallops were stars as well.  Four were served hot with lots of flavor.  It was an excellent appetizer!  I’m glad I chose them over the Cheddar Cheese Soup that I would normally have ordered.

The entree, unfortunately, was not really up to par with the previous dining experiences I have had from three to four years ago.

Mind you, Le Cellier sets high standards for itself.  There was a time when I declared to anyone that would listen that, ‘I had the best steak I’ve ever eaten in or out of WDW at Le Cellier’.  That statement is true no more.

The steak was good.  It was cooked correctly, but it was not of the quality I once remembered.  At $45, it just isn’t worth it!

I believe Free Dining is one of the reasons for the decline in Le Cellier’s quality.  However, in my opinion, whether I had free dining or not, this restaurant is not worth two dining credits.  There are better options on property … California Grill and Jiko, to name two.

I will give Le Cellier another shot at some point in the future, but, for now, I will make ADRs elsewhere when booking WDW Signature Dining experiences.”

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First, let me thank Dennis, once again, for his contribution.  Second, I want to thank him for his candor.  Le Cellier is a very popular Disney dining destination.  His words might come as a bit of a shock.

Having said that, I’m afraid I have his back.  I, too, used to rate Le Cellier’s filet as “… the best steak I’ve ever had in or out of Walt Disney World”.  Like Dennis, however, I’ve, now, discovered better filet on (at Shula’s) and off (at New York Prime – Atlanta) property.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, I still really appreciate Le Cellier’s  recipe – actually, I really love the risotto.  I just know that there are better options for the same, or less, money elsewhere on property.  Again, agreeing with Dennis, California Grill stands out in my mind.

The ambiance and atmosphere at Le Cellier is phenomenal.  Although we’ve seen issues from time to time, the service is usually outstanding.  It is a fine restaurant.  But, is it the best place for a steak, or for a meal, in WDW?  Maybe not.  Is it worth fighting to acquire an ADR or waiting hours for a table?  Maybe not.

Will we return to Le Cellier at some point?  Of course, we will.  Will it be a high priority?  That’s a good question.

My friends, Le Cellier is a consistent favorite of guests from all over the world.  What do you think?  Are we being too harsh?  Do you agree with us?  Please let us know.  What have your experiences been with Epcot’s epic steakhouse?