Have you ever wondered what the best steaks in Disney World are? Well, you’re in the right place!
The Boathouse steak, served medium-rare
If you’re all about some great beef, there are some unique and incredibly tasty options in Disney World — you just have to know here to look. Just note that this post isn’t about the best steakhouses in Disney World — that’s another post altogether!
Hope you’re hungry! Here’s our breakdown of the 5 best steaks in Disney World.
Yachtsman Steakhouse Cowboy Steak
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a tidy little nondescript restaurant churning out some really incredible food. All light woods, white tablecloths, and windows, you really don’t know what to expect when you walk in; but do me a favor and order yourself a steak.
The Cowboy Steak is just about my favorite cut of meat. It’s a ribeye that still has its bones, and it has an incredible flavor all on its own. However, I always order it with some melted garlic butter, making it even better.
Cowboy Steak with Potato Gratin
Sadly, the Cowboy Steak isn’t on the menu at the moment, but they can change the steaks up at Yachtsman Steakhouse, so think happy thoughts and maybe it’ll be there when you are.
For more about Yachtsman’s Steakhouse, click here to see our FULL review
Le Cellier Filet
Ah, yes. How would I dare do a “best steaks” post without including this darling of the Disney set? Luckily, I’m right there on the bandwagon with everyone else who loves the Le Cellier Filet Mignon with Mushroom Risotto and Truffle-Butter Sauce from Le Cellier in EPCOT’s Canada pavilion.
Le Cellier Filet Mignon
The filet is always tender, and coupled with that superstar mushroom risotto it just can’t go wrong.
Click here to check out one of our reviews of Le Cellier
Jiko Filet
Found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko is a bit of a dark horse in the favorite steak category. But anyone who’s tasted it knows that their Oak-grilled Filet Mignon with Macaroni and Cheese and Red Wine Sauce is a force to be reckoned with.
Oak-grilled Filet at Jiko
The macaroni and cheese adds a sharp taste while the red wine sauce adds a tangy accompaniment to the smooth Filet. It really is an orchestration of flavors that anyone can enjoy. I mean, just look at that picture! Don’t you want to dive in?!?
Click here for a full Jiko review
Shula’s Steak House Cowboy Steak
What can I say — another cowboy (did you know I currently live in Texas?). Shula’s Steak House in the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort is a fascinating place for so many reasons — Don Shula himself, the 48-ounce eat-it-all-and-you-get-your-name-on-a-plaque steak, the menu on a football, and so much more. But today we’re just talking about steak, and the steak is luxurious.
Cowboy Ribeye at Shula’s
Shula raises his own cattle, and there is a bit of a “Dolphin Difference” at this place. The meat isn’t dressed in any special way, but the taste is out of this world.
Click here for a full review of Shula’s Steak House
Flying Fish New York Strip Steak
While there are several restaurants that I could slide into this final spot, Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk wins the slot because it’s innovative and eager to please. It’s an incredible steak at a seafood place — pretty hard to come by, yet I’m always hearing recommendations about it! When I finally tried their signature Char-crusted New York Strip Steak with Potatoes and Sauce Foyot, I understood what all the shouting was about.
Char-crusted Angus New York Strip Steak
It has a different taste to it than any other steak I’ve eaten in Disney restaurants. The char-crusting gives it a depth that might be a bit too much for some folks, but for a steak lover like me makes it just unique enough to edge out other favorites.
Click here for a full review of Flying Fish
Let the Discussion Begin!
I know that there are a lot of you meatheads (haha) out there who have different ideas about the best steaks in Disney World, so let’s hear ’em! Let us know your favorites in the comments section below ?
Click here to see the best pizza places in Disney World!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What is your favorite steak in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
The best steak I ever had at Disney was the steak and smashed cheese potatoes at 50’s Prime Time, severely overlooked due to the other classic dishes the restaurant serves. We also loved the braised beef from Whispering Canyon Skillet. Hopefully we will be tring a LeCellier steak this coming October! Cant Wait!!!! Great Article!
I’m a sucker for a good filet. Most of the time I wind up disappointed at restaurants because I can cook a better steak at home. Too many places dress it up with sauces instead of just focusing on good, quality meat. Plus, how many times do you order it cooked one way, and it comes out another! So frustrating.
Hands down, my favorite is the filet at Jiko. I went with my friend a few years back…she ordered hers medium well (ugh! the horror!) and I ordered mine medium rare. Both came out absolutely perfect and tender. Besides, my two favorite foods are steak and mac & cheese…how in the world can you go wrong here?!
Wow! I’m a huge steak lover, so now I have loads of great suggestions to try the next time I’m there.
Thanks for the amazing articles and mouth-watering pictures!
My oh my; what to choose?
Nondescript? Really? How about a sleek, elegant, classic restaurant, with phenomenal food, great attention to detail and impeccable service.
I’m a BIG fan of the Yactmans Steakhouse and my husband loves the Cowboy Steak. When we were there it was covered in Marrow and came with a piece of marrow still in the bone. He adored it. I had the Filet with red wine sauce and grilled onions, it was amazing, simply melted in my mouth. I couldn’t give a higher recommendation to this restaurant, especially for adults traveling (or just eating) without kids.
That steak from Jiko looks wonderful, I may have to indulge in that one when we go in May.
We’ve been to both Jiko and Yachtsman. When we first went to Jiko, I thought that was the best steak..and with mac and cheese, how can you go wrong! But after going to Yachtsman, I am Hooked!! Best steak I’ve had in a long time! Definitely one of my new favorite Disney restaurants! Everyone was wonderful….the food, our waiter was fantastic, and the entire setting.
Your including Le Cellier makes me even more excited now to go there at the end of this month!
A well cut, straight up, nicely marbled cut of steak will be good anywhere. Not all ribeyes are created equal, in other words. (full disclosure – my dad was a butcher so I’m wildly picky about cuts of meat) The shops you listed all do a good job of getting high quality cuts. That’s also possibly why the Yachtsman changes recipes so frequently. It’s a good sign that the chef/cook is looking for the best cuts and not just sticking with the same menu.
My main complaint about Shula’s is that it’s way overpriced for what you get. Come to my place and Ill grill you up a cut that’s just as good as there or Yachtsman’s tenderloin. If I’m going to pay $40 for a fillet (a remarkable mark – up) then I want them to do something other than put it on a risotto. The Choron Sauce they put on the steak at Narcoosie’s hits the mark for me there. The Char Crusted Angus at Flying Fish and Oak Grilled steak at Jikio you mentioned is also that little extra that will make me think about ordering one when I go out.
I’ve had both the Le Cellier and Jiko filets and both were wonderful, though I think I love Jiko more because of the mac & cheese and red wine sauce. YUM.
There is a Shula’s here in Birmingham and I’ve always wanted to go. Yachtsman and Flying Fish are on the bucket list — but I would porbably end up getting seafood at Flying Fish. (:
Nicola — Thanks for the recommendation at 50’s Prime Time! If I can ever tear myself away from the fried chicken, I’ll try it! 😉
Kelly — I know. Ordering a steak one way and getting it completely differently is pretty bad…and happens all too often. Luckily I haven’t had any problems at these places (save the one bad situation at Le Cellier) for the most part. And, I agree — you can’t go wrong with Mac and Cheese and steak 😉 Yachtsman has a truffle mac and cheese on the sides menu now!
Disney Canuck — My pleasure! Let me know which are your favorites.
Bruce — Looking forward to your take the the steak situation!
DVCMom — Touche! It is a lovely restaurant. I’m just used to more “theme” in WDW….but the same could be said for Narcoossee’s, Citricos, and many other favorites of mine!
Melissa — Let me know how you like your Le Cellier visit! I’m very interested to see if that restaurant is still on the upswing, or on a downturn!
GG — Sounds good! Steak at your place! I’m there!! Seriously, though, agreed that not all rib eye steaks are created equal — FOR CERTAIN! I feel like the restaurants listed here are “trustworthy” in that they’ve got your back in choosing the best cuts of meat.
SWG — Jiko’s filet is a winner, but, oddly, I feel like women like it more than men! My husband and I had an argument about whether or not to include it in the list…he wanted Cali Grill to take that spot. Hmm…
I adore the char-crusted steak at Flying Fish. There is just so much flavor going on in there!
Le Cellier Steakhouse best Prime rib I’v ever had. Cooked to perfection (Rare to medium-rare) it is fork tender, extremely juicy with fantastic flavor. MAN WISH I HAD ONE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
We really like the steak at the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs. It is a grilled New York strip topped with crumbled blue cheese, sauteed portobello mushrooms, and balsamic-port glaze served with potatoes. I love crumbled blue cheese on top of my steak but I’m sure you can get it without if that’s not your thing. Also, the price can’t be beat for a restaurant on Disney property at $28.
I haven’t had the cowboy steak at Yachtsman, but we certainly enjoyed our meal there in January. The steak was to-die-for and the service was impeccable. My husband loved the truffle mac and cheese there, too. The filet and mushroom risotto at Le Cellier are a must-have on every trip, too.
We haven’t tried Shula’s even though there’s one 5 blocks from my office. Hubby refuses to go there on principle (it’s a long, football-related story).
I’m now drooling over that steak at Flying Fish. I love a steak with a good char on it, and that one is calling my name!
We had the steaks at Turf Club during our last visit. This has got to be one of the best kept secrets on disney property.
Can I nominate the prime rib at Steakhouse 55 in Disneyland? I know it’s not in WDW but I haven’t had a better steak since.
The best steak I’ve ever had at WDW was at Artist Point. I think it’s a NY strip? It was just about the best steak I’ve had anywhere.
I don’t care for the filet with teriyaki BBQ sauce at California Grill. The sauce makes it taste like something out of a 1970s TV dinner (my mother was a bad cook, so I know these well). I wonder how it would taste without it? Usually I don’t like my steak with too much “stuff” on it.
The Flying Fish Char Crusted takes top place for me. I will admit it doesn’t hurt that they serve it with the foyot (bearnaise), which is my favorite steak accompaniment. It blew that Le Cellier filet out of the park (Pun intended!). It was the second best steak I’ve ever had in my life, after a Chateaubriand at Bern’s in Tampa.
If it’s any help, as a man, I much prefer the Jiko steak to the California Grill one. I think you ranked them correctly.
I have also had the Yachtsman’s cowboy, but I have had better rib clubs elsewhere. It seemed overpriced to me. As far as the theming goes though, how can you go wrong with a live butcher hacking up pieces of beef for your viewing pleasure? Remember that the theming of the entire Yacht Club is very understated and elegant. I think the steakhouse fits in with the overall design quite well.
Ah, Le Cellier’s filet — the best steak you’ll never eat.
I have to say, it’s been frustrating trying to get a reservation at Le Cellier. I’ve been attempting to do so for the past 5 years (and we start planning 3-6 months out) and Le Cellier is never available.
I’m with you on the Shula’s and Yachtsman. Those are two of our favorites. Haven’t tried Jiko or Flying Fish yet, but will put them on the list for 2012.
I’d be only TOO happy to vomit out (ew!)) a write up of the best steakhouses on WDW property, but I wouldn’t feel it’d be a fair write up, as I’ve not yet eaten at Shula’s, and that, to me, seems like a pretty significant omission. Plus, the last time we ate at Le Cellier was five years ago, and I’m sure a lot has changed since then.
Tell you what (and I think I said this when last we talked about this): You pony up the scratch for a WDW vacation for two (can’t leave wifey out of this; I like intercourse too much to do that), complete with Deluxe Dining Plan (hey, in the interest of journalistic thoroughness, I’ve got to get an app, a main, and a dessert everywhere I eat – correct?) and Park Hopper options, and air fare, and I *promise* you that I will deliver to you the BEST damned WDW steakhouse review you’ll ever have the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of reading, in under a week.
Deal?
Also: Agreed that the cowboy steak at the Yachtsman was the shiznit. It’s too bad that it’s currently not on the menu (*plus*, from what I’ve seen of the most current menu, they’ve tinkered with the *PERFECT* chilled seafood salad that I had there back in ’08; why, oh why did they do that?).
Also also: You have a good point (in the comments) about women liking the Jiko filet more than men do. I have a theory on that, to wit: I think it all has to do with the fact that it’s a filet, and not something more “manly” like, well, a cowboy ribeye, or even a sirloin strip. It’s that whole “it’s ‘petit’, so it’s made for the women” thing.
Having said that, though, I have had it (back in ’05), and it is *damned* good.
Great article and a great discussion thread.
I’ve dined at four of the five eateries (no Shula’s yet), but alas the only steak I’ve had is the filet at Jiko (which I agree is awesome).
Oh well, more reasons to keep returning!
For me, there’s only one steak in WDW that makes the cut (pun intended). The filet at the California Grill is unparalleled – the flavor! the marinade! the way its cooked to perfection – every time!
For an underrated steak, but also could be one of the 5 best steaks in WDW, I’m gonna suggest Kona’s Teriyaki-style New York Strip – which is a sirloin strip grilled with pineapple teriyaki glaze served with sticky rice and stir-fried broccolini. It is amazing! Really, delicious!
Hands down I have to give my vote to Jiko. Granted, I have not eaten at all the places mentioned but, I have had the fillet at Le Cellier (I prefer the NY Strip) and I’ve had the fillet at Jiko and it is AMAZING! It melts in your mouth! It’s really hard to say that about a fillet mignon because they tend to be less flavorful because they are the leanest of the cuts. I don’t know what kind of pixie dust they put in that thing, but I keep coming back for more and I hope that on the day I die, I get to eat the fillet and mac and cheese from Jiko as my last meal on earth!
Shula’s has to be the best. By far.
I’ll take Le Cellier’s Fillet or the Yachtsman’s Chateaubriand over anything else on property!!!!!
I vote for the coffe crusted KC strip at Le cellier.. my wife had the filet and she really liked it too.. i will be there in 3 weeks. i have 2 reservations for my trip .. YUM YUM
i meant coffee
I realize I months behind on this post, but I had to put in my two cents that the BEST steak I’ve had on property is definitely the ginger crusted ribeye from Kona Cafe. Mmmmm with potatoes and stir-fried broccolini. I sure hope it’s still on the menu when I return in December of this year!
Well there is a lot to be said for all of these steaks. I have had the Filet at Le Celliar and thought it was very good. For the money though the New York strip and Ribeye at the Grand Floridian Cafe is tops. The Grand Floridian Cafe has its own butcher on staff that selects the cuts daily. We eat there every trip to WDW and have never been dissatisfied. Last time there I even had 2 steaks. I was really hungry or they are just that good. The brocollini and steamed vegtiables and mashed potatoes were also good and the Pomigranite Lemonaid was a life saver in the summer heat. Every one needs to try the GFC once you wont be sorry. see my pictures on facebook disneyfoodblog
Bob, thanks for the feedback! Since writing this article I’ve had the ribeye at Grand Floridian Cafe. I enjoyed it!
I was at JIKO last week and sadly, the Beef Filet with Mac and Cheese is no longer on the menu 🙁
My husband votes for the NY strip at the yachtsman!
Just reading this makes me wish I was eating at ANY of these places tonight for dinner!! We ate at the Yachtsman in January and it was very good…our server Suzann was also outstanding! Probably THE best service at any restaurant that we have ever had at WDW. The combination of the awesome food and service probably put that in the number one spot for me. I think the filet at Jiko with the Mac’n cheese comes in a close second for me…yum!! Another beautiful place to eat as well…great atmosphere if you’re looking to get away from the hustle & bustle of the parks:) Le Cellier’s filet was also top notch..albeit the risotto was a bit on the salty side…but all still great! Atmosphere is good but a bit noisier as the seating is very ‘cozy’. I have not eaten at Shula’s so can’t comment on that. We ate at Flying Fish but not steak so can’t comment there either. We did have the filet at California Grill…twice in this last trip! First one was fabulous…2nd time we went, it was very disappointing:( 2nd time though we were able to watch the fireworks while we ate so that helped with the disappointing meal somewhat. We also had the filet at The Brown Derby…again twice in that last trip (once during the Dining with An Imagineer lunch which was out of this world awesome!!). I would say it was consistently very very good! I think I’ll have to put the Grand Floridian Cafe on the list of possibilities for the next WDW visit:)
Not impressed with Yachtsman Steakhouse at all. We won’t be back. I do love Shula’s, pricey but worth it. The oak fired filet at California Grill is one of my favorites.
Ribeye is my favorite cut of steak and that being said the Yachtsman does have the best steak on property! I did have several bites of the filet at Cali Grill and it was also very delicious!
Kristen — Love Cali Grill’s steaks, too!
Sherri — Would love to hear the experience at Yachtsman that would make you not go back. Sounds like a bummer! 🙁
Michelle — LOVE your feedback and review!! Brown Derby’s filet is AWESOME!
prttynpnk — Got it! 🙂
Ben — Yep, the filet has had different side dishes for about a year now, but you can still order it with mac and cheese if you’d like (the mac and cheese is on the kids menu now). Personally, I order it with the side dish on the menu, and then order a side of mac and cheese 😉 YUM! What’d you order at Jiko on your visit?
I simple cannot wait to taste the Filet for Le Cellier! We were unable to get a reservation the last my we went a couple of years ago and begged my sis that the nest time we visit WDW, that she try to get us in for lunch.
That char-crusted steak from Flying Fish would be my next must try! Unfortunately, my sis and I agreed that we would not go for any 2-TS ticket places this time.
On our last 10 day trip to WDW I had steak 6 or 7 times, and my favorite was the Prime Rib at Boatwrights at Port Orleans Riverside. I thought every steak I had on that trip was good, but that one was great.
I’m a big fan of Mama Melrose Charred Steak & Mac & Cheese. The steak is my favourite that I’ve had in the park so far. Get the same thing everytime I got 😀
There’s no longer a steak on the menu at 50’s. It really was one of the best steaks on property. Especially for a single DDP.
The steak we had at California was awesome. Sadly it will be closed when we go end of May.
We have discussed Yachtsman, after reading this I may have to reconsider and go there.
Hubby loves the steak at Brown Derby.
We’ve had steak at several different locations. For us, its Narcossee’s in the Grand Floridian. Excellent steak.
We though Le Cellier was good, not great.
Yachstman was great, possibly number 2 on our list.
Always do the Brown Derby (Fantasmic Package) always get the Filet. Excellent as always.
I will say that we did Victoria and Alberts one evening and add the Kobe-Style Beef Tenderloin to our menu. Exceptional.
I have had all of those steaks But for me it is Big River Grille in Boardwalk They have the best steak 🙂 We always makes sure we go back there every visit 🙂
How about the steaks at Bull & Bear? Its technically not on Disney property since its at the Waldorf, but they have some tremendous steaks there.
My favorite steak hands down @ WDW is Artist Point’s Buffalo Strip Steak.
Yachtsman’s comes in second.
Agree with all,but have not tried Flying Fish Restaurant yet.
Not to disparage any of the above, but where is the Iwate Japanese Beef with Oxtail Jus from Victoria & Alberts? Chef de Cuisine, Scott Hunnel, the master of beef, never disappoint. This is the melt in your mouth, most tender beef you may ever have in your life. It was accompanied by a smoked garlic-potato puree. The potato puree was topped with shaved bits of braised short ribs. Pure heaven on a plate. I can provide photos of it, if you let me know where to post them.
Shula’s was way too much money for the end product. We were a party of 7 and it cost us over $600, and 4 of us shared steaks. We also were not happy with the customer service. Never had any issue at The Yachtsman. I have NEVER had a good experience or a good meal at Le Cellier. I have given them too many chances. I won’t waste my money again. I agree with Galluping Gourmand. I also agree with the comments regarding the steak at the Grand Floridian Cafe. I haven’t eaten at Flying Fish, so I cannot comment on the steak there. I am up for trying Flying Fish now that I know they have a god steak. I am allergic to fish. Haven’t been to Jiko since it first opened.