EPCOT at the Walt Disney World Resort is home to some of the most incredible dining options thanks to the many pavilions of World Showcase, each of which features multiple dining locations. However, there are also several wonderful dining locations in World Nature and World Discovery that tend to be overshadowed, yet are still delicious.
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Coral Reef Restaurant is located within The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Nature and welcomes Guests into a unique and gorgeous dining room for an unforgettable meal. The table service location can be accessed by an entrance that is tucked to the side of the pavilion, leading to a quiet walkway that sets the tone for the calming interior.
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Upon entering Coral Reef Restaurant, Guests are greeted with a small lobby featuring a desk area to check-in. The lobby immediately brings Guests under the sea with bright yellow and blue accents, tiled floors that emulate waves, unique lighting fixtures that look like bright pieces of coral. Shelves behind the desk are a vibrant blue and feature artwork and sculptures of ocean creatures.
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The under the sea theme continues inside the main dining room, where Guests are immediately transported to the ocean with an entire wall of massive windows that look directly into the aquarium tanks of The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Each window offers up stunning views of coral and rock formations in addition to over two thousand sea creatures including fish, turtles, stingrays, sharks, and more. Guests should also note that it doesn’t matter where they sit in Coral Reef Restaurant as there are tiered dining levels that all offer beautiful views of the aquarium windows.
The rest of the dining room in Coral Reef Restaurant continues the blue and yellow color scheme of the lobby with carpeting that looks like waves and organic coral, yellow and blue pillar and columns, mosaic tile divider walls between each dining tier. A dark blue ceiling further enhances the feel that Guests are deep under the waves. Finishing off with small details light accent lights that look like shells, the overall ambiance is very calming and Guests are sure to relax as they dine.
Coral Reef Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and features a menu that focuses on fresh seafood and bold flavors inspired by various locations around the world. In addition to the wonderful seafood options, there are also several menu choices for Guests who are looking for a non-seafood dish, making the restaurant a great option for groups of Guests, as there is sure to be something for everyone.
A great way to begin any meal at Coral Reef Restaurant is by ordering a beverage, and Guests can choose from a variety of soft drinks, specialty coffees, wine, cider, and beer as well as some specialty cocktails that feature delicious flavors and ingredients. Guests are sure to love specialty cocktail options like the Coral ‘Rita, Captain’s Rum Runner, The Abyss, Raspberry Mojito, Blood Orange Margarita, and Magical Beacon Cocktail, which is part of the 50th Anniversary celebration.
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The lunch and dinner menus at Coral Reef Restaurant are identical, and Guests can begin with appetizers, including a classic Caesar Salad with Parmesan and croutons or Shrimp Cocktail with traditional cocktail sauce and charred lemon. An indulgent beginning to any meal is the Lobster Bisque which is perfectly creamy and accented with brandy and chervil, and Guests looking for a plant-based option have the Smoked Wild Mushroom Cioppino that features a rich and smoky flavor with toasted crostini for dipping.
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The seafood menu options continue at Coral Reef Restaurant with the popular Shrimp and Grits entrée which features sautéed shrimp, perfectly creamy cheddar cheese grits, corn succotash, Andouille sausage, and creole spice emulsion for the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Other seafood options include the Seared Mahi Mahi, which is served with jasmine rice, coconut and cilantro-lime sauce, and Caribbean shrimp salsa. There is also Seared Sustainable Salmon which is accompanied by the chef’s seasonal risotto.
Guests who are looking to enjoy a meal at Coral Reef Restaurant that is not seafood-based can enjoy the indulgent 10-oz Slow-roasted Prime Rib, which is served with loaded mashed potatoes with bacon and bercy butter. Also available is the Oven-roasted Citrus-marinated Half Chicken with a medley of seasonal vegetables and saffron beurre blanc. Then there is the plant-based Grilled Vegetable Skewer with Impossible Kefta which is accompanied by basmati rice, lentils, and a smoked eggplant salad.
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No meal at Coral Reef Restaurant is complete without enjoying dessert, and there are several decadent options to choose from including the Key Lime Tart which features toasted meringue, EARidescent Shimmer in honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, sprinkles, and chocolate garnish. A lighter, no sugar added dessert is the sweet Mixed Berry Mousse which is served with a vanilla chiffon cake, chocolate sauce, and shortbread cookie.
Coral Reef Restaurant also serves up a duo of more indulgent desserts, including the Baileys Almande and Jack Daniel’s Mousse, which is plant-based and features a chocolate ganache and candied almonds to accompany the delicious after-dinner drinks that are incorporated. The final dessert is The Chocolate Wave, which has been a classic at Coral Reef Restaurant for years and features a flourless chocolate cake served warm with a rich and creamy center and a raspberry gelato.
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Coral Reef Restaurant is an absolutely wonderful table service restaurant to enjoy while in EPCOT, as it features both a calming and beautiful atmosphere and a menu of delicious and fresh seafood favorites. Guests should be sure to enjoy a lunch or dinner at Coral Reef Restaurant and enjoy the unique experience and all it has to offer on their next visit to EPCOT.