Le Cellier Review

Le Cellier Dining RoomGiven the fact that everyone loves Canadians the world over, it is surprising to see how divisive the issue of Le Cellier Steakhouse has become. Because it is likely the single hardest dining reservation to get in all of Disney World, many people have decided it's simply not worth the effort. I had dinner there recently to try to decide whether Le Cellier is worth all the hype.

Appetizers

We'll start with the less contentious elements of the Le Cellier experience. First of all there are the breadsticks which are pretty much universally loved. There are three varieties: Sourdough, Multi-Grain and Pretzel Bread.

They each have their own charm, but the pretzel bread is a particular specialty. It can be dipped in another favorite on the appetizer list: The famous Le Cellier Cheddar Cheese Soup. Now I don't love this soup quite as much as everyone else seems to, but I will definitely admit it's very tasty and goes perfectly with the pretzel bread. I miss the beef & barley soup, but alas it is no longer with us. Instead we get the rich and intense flavor of the cheddar cheese soup. You can definitely taste the Moosehead Beer in the soup.

Le Cellier Breadsticks

Le Cellier Cheddar Cheese Soup

Le Cellier also offers a Caesar salad which is a pretty typical Caesar for Disney World. I've generally had pretty happy experiences with Caesar salads in Disney however, so I have no problem ordering them. They are generally a pretty mild dressing but still pretty tasty.

Le Cellier Caesar Salad

Then we come to a more controversial element of the first course: The Poutine. I very much enjoy this concoction of fries, cheese and gravy but the Canadians among us will be lining up to tell you that this is not authentic poutine.

I will not disagree with them, but I also won't deny that it's tasty. The fries at Le Cellier are quite good, so they're working with a good base. They are crisp but with a considerable amount of potato in them, so they provide some interesting textures to go with the cheese and gravy. I recommend this appetizer, just don't let any Canadians see you eating it.

Le Cellier Poutine

Entrees

On this particular trip we ordered the mushroom filet. This dish, in conjunction with the breadsticks, is one of the big things that keeps me coming back. The meat itself is delicious, but isn't really superior to Yachtsman Steakhouse and certainly not to the Bull and Bear Steakhouse at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, but it's the accompanying risotto that gives it the drawing power. It's deliciously rich and the taste of mushrooms isn't overpowering at all. Count me among the many people who aren't big fans of mushrooms but still love this side dish.

At lunch time I also highly recommend the burger. It is one of my favorites in Disney World, along with the Liberty Tree Tavern burger.

Le Cellier Mushroom Filet

Desserts

One of the biggest problems with Le Cellier, other than having to call 180 days in advance to get a reservation, is the dessert. After such a wonderful meal it's disappointing to end with mediocre desserts. They aren't bad, they just aren't very compelling.

We had the maple creme brulee, which is probably the most consistently good offering there. It has a very nice maple taste and a great consistency, but I can never get that excited over a creme brulee. I enjoy it, but I wish they'd add something to the dessert menu that I truly crave.

Le Cellier Maple Creme Brulee

Is it Worth It?

Overall I'd disagree with the growing crowd of Disney fans who argue that Le Cellier simply isn't worth the trouble. I think it's a wonderful dining experience and one of my favorite places to eat in Disney World. I wouldn't however wake up early 180 days out to get the reservation. If you don't get it, there are plenty of other great places to try. Go if you can, but don't be overly disappointed if you can't get in.