Le Cellier Dinner Review
Le Cellier, located in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a signature table service restaurant that both Brandon and I haven't been to in years. We both have really enjoyed our meal experiences at Le Cellier over the years, but we haven't been in so long due to the hefty price of this steakhouse's meals. In September, during our mini-staycation at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, we decided to finally make a visit back to Le Cellier for a late afternoon/early evening dinner.
*This gluten free dining experience took place in September 2020. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, cabbage, and chicken & turkey allergies.
Dinner at Le Cellier
Le Cellier, located in the Canada Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase, is a signature table service restaurant that both Brandon and I haven't been to in years. We both have really enjoyed our meal experiences at Le Cellier over the years, but we haven't been in so long due to the hefty price of this steakhouse's meals. In September, during our mini-staycation at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, we decided to finally make a visit back to Le Cellier for a late afternoon/early evening dinner.
COVID-19 & Reopening Notes
On this particular visit, we made reservations for the restaurant several weeks before we dined there using the My Disney Experience app. The app worked as it normally does, and we were able to add in our special dietary needs in the app and alert cast members of our needs when we arrived at the restaurant. We also utilized online restaurant check-in when we arrived at Le Cellier. Online check-in includes using your My Disney Experience app to check-in yourself. It’s super easy, and I hope Disney keeps this going forward too.
All cast members wore facial masks and some cast members wore protective shields, as well. All servers in the restaurant wore both facial masks and protective shields. Throughout Epcot, we did see many cast members cleaning, and there were many opportunities to sanitize, including hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.
As a note, at the time of writing this review, we have been to Epcot and Animal Kingdom theme parks along with several of the Disney Resorts, including the Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Old Key West Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Riviera Resort. All locations have the same protocols, as far as we have observed. Be sure to check with restaurants and the official Disney World website for additional information about current guidelines and recommendations.
Atmosphere
One of the things that we love most about Le Cellier is the cozy atmosphere. It's meant to resemble a wine cellar in a Canadian chateau. You'll notice that the moment you walk-up to the restaurant, where you'll see the entrance nestled below a sprawling chateau.
Le Cellier - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Even more impressive before you even walk into the restaurant is the area's recreation of Boutchart Gardens, located in British Colombia. The exterior really helps transport you to Canada.
Le Cellier - Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As you enter the restaurant, the feelings of a wine cellar are ever present -- with beautiful wine bottles displayed, rich dark woods, and the subtly dimmed lighting. Everything about the theming really works.
Le Cellier - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Once seated, you'll notice some of the more elegant and elaborate features of the restaurant -- the beautiful woodwork. The colors of the wood are rich and dark, helping reinforce that cozy vibe. And, I absolutely love the beautiful metalwork edged above the wood the highlights cities and areas within Canada. In fact, if you look closely, you'll see that each section of the restaurant is broken up by Canadian provinces.
Le Cellier - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our visit, we were seated in Ontario. I was so excited to see a tribute to Prince Edward Island, because one of my favorite book series from childhood was Anne of Green Gables.
Le Cellier - Interior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
It really is worth the time to take a look at the impressive handiwork throughout the restaurant. It's one of the things that makes Le Cellier's theme even better.
The Food
Like most restaurants at Disney World, Le Cellier does offer an allergy-friendly menu. But, I highly recommend speaking directly to a chef when you dine at Le Cellier. Chef Tony, who works here, is fantastic at accommodating and making amazing dishes that are safe for a variety of special dietary needs, if you ask!
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On this visit, we spoke with Chef Tony, and he was able to make quite a few things for us that were either slightly modified or aren't listed on the menu -- like gluten free & vegetarian (and easily made dairy free and vegan) poutine!
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Before we started our meal, Brandon and I did order drinks. I wanted to highlight the drink that I got -- the Montreal 75. Spirits can be tricky when you're gluten free. And while most medical research indicates that spirits distilled with gluten-containing grains are considered safe (unless they've had added flavors that have gluten added to them after distillation), they can still be an issue for many who have celiac disease.
I wanted to highlight my drink because it contains Dillon's Small Batch Gin produced in the Niagara Region in Canada and is made entirely from Niagara grapes and is not made with any gluten-containing grains. So, if you're a fan of gin drinks and are gluten free, this is a great option. Plus, the gin is really tasty and has a unique flavor that's really refreshing for a slightly different take on gin. I recommend this gin and the drink I had at Le Cellier -- which is essentially a twist on a French 75 -- highly.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon, ever the whiskey fan, got a whiskey drink and really enjoyed it too.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For our bread service, Chef Tony brought out Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Spread and extra virgin olive oil for me. It's always nice to know that you can get a dairy free or vegan butter option in most Disney-owned restaurants.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
The Earth Balance worked perfectly with the Bloomfield Farms Gluten Free & Dairy Free Rolls I was given. Even better? Chef Tony brought me a container of maple sugar to add to my Earth Balance for a sweet and salty twist to bread service.
I have to admit, this might be one of the best bread service options I've had in a while. I absolutely loved the subtle, sweet flavors in the maple sugar on the warm gluten free & dairy free rolls. Definitely be sure to ask about the maple sugar when you dine at Le Cellier!
Le Cellier - Bread in this photo is NOT gluten free / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon was able to get the regular gluten-filled bread service. If you're nut free, of course, always speak with a chef to determine cross-contamination risks and your comfort level for consuming breads.
The bread service included a multi-grain roll, sourdough roll, and pretzel rolls. Of all three breads, Brandon said the pretzel bread was by far his favorite.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
When we arrived at Le Cellier, I had a feeling that poutine was going to be off the table for me and Brandon -- primarily due to all of our special dietary needs. Imagine our surprise when Chef Tony said that we could get a poutine that was not only gluten free, but chicken & turkey free for Brandon's allergies. Though not listed on the menu, you can request a vegetarian (and easily made vegan and dairy free by swapping out the cheese for a DF option) poutine.
The version we received was made with a gluten free and vegetarian/vegan/dairy free gravy. While our version had a small amount of regular dairy-filled cheese on it, you can order it dairy free and vegan. The restaurant is currently using Violife gluten free, dairy free, nut free, and vegan cheese for those DF/vegan guests.
Goodness gracious was this poutine amazing. We were both expecting it to be tasty, but we were entirely unprepared at how good it would be. The gluten free, dairy free & vegan gravy was rich and had a depth of flavor that really surprised me. It had an almost meaty taste to it, and I think even the biggest of meat eaters would enjoy this.
Both Brandon and I devoured this dish quickly, and we both said we'd love to come back to Le Cellier for drinks and orders of poutine. It's just that good. If you're debating on an appetizer at Le Cellier, just order this poutine. You won't regret it!
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For our main entrees, I ordered a modified version of the USDA Prime New York Strip Steak. I was able to swap out the potatoes it normally comes with for the mushroom risotto usually served with the filet mignon. This entire dish was easily made gluten free & dairy free by swapping out the side dish.
The mushroom risotto usually contains cheese and butter, but those are added as finishing touches to the dish. So, you can easily get it gluten free & dairy free by omitting the cheese and butter. Easy peasy!
Overall, I can't say enough good things about the dish. The steak was cooked perfectly and was really well-seasoned. The chimichurri that comes with the steak was absolutely delicious. I also really enjoyed the mushroom risotto, which was super rich and creamy -- even without the dairy. This was definitely a solid dish that I would highly recommend to anyone who is gluten free & dairy free.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
As a bonus, Chef Tony brought out a side dish of Brussels Sprouts, as he said I had to try them. And, like the poutine, I was absolutely blown away by this dish.
The Brussels Sprouts are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and top 8 allergy-friendly. Made with maple syrup and a lot of roasting, the Brussels Sprouts were sweet, salty, and just perfection. I would 100% get these again. In fact, I'm not sure I could go to Le Cellier and NOT get them. They were that good.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
For Brandon's entree, he opted for the Filet Mignon. Like me, his dish was slightly modified. Instead of the risotto, he was able to get mashed potatoes with this dish. His dish was safe for his allergies: fish/shellfish, peanut, hazelnut, chicken/turkey, and cabbage. It is also gluten free too.
Brandon also said his filet was perfectly cooked and that the mashed potatoes were excellent.
Le Cellier / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Of course, Brandon loves gluten-filled macaroni & cheese, and he just couldn't pass up ordering a side of the version from Le Cellier. It contained 5 different types of cheeses, and Brandon raved at how good it was. You know it's high praise when Brandon says it's a must order after a few bites -- which he said with this version from Le Cellier!
If you want to get more information about our visit to Le Cellier, we did film our visit and included it in our Mini-Staycation video day on our YouTube channel.
Overall
While it's been many years since we've been to Le Cellier, Brandon and I were beyond impressed by our most recent visit. Not only was the atmosphere just as cozy and inviting as we remembered, but the food there was absolutely delicious. If you're a steak lover, you'll really enjoy the well-cooked, high-quality steaks at Le Cellier. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or not a steak fan, you'll find plenty of options and the ability to get customized dishes too. And, don't forget to order poutine on your visit. There are several other options, beyond the version we tried, and we can't recommend the poutine enough! Overall, we had a great time and really appreciated how accommodating the restaurant was for all of our special dietary needs. We'll definitely be back again sooner, rather than later.
Have you been to Le Cellier? What was your experience dining there?
Le Cellier--Table Service--Epcot
One of my favorite restaurants, pre-dietary restrictions was Le Cellier. The steaks have always been amazing, the cheddar soup fantastic, and the overall service excellent. My mom wanted to stop here as we celebrated her birthday. However, we all quickly made the discovery that some things have changed at our favorite restaurant, and not for the better. Unfortunately, I think Le Cellier has suffered some major changes since the dining plan has become so popular. The menu has drastically changed and the restaurant always seems packed to the hilt. That being said, my meal wasn't horrible, but not great either.
When the chef came to greet me, he seemed less than thrilled. He asked what I wanted, and I mentioned that I'd be interested in the salmon. He said there would be no way that could be safe. After several minutes, I finally just asked him what he suggested. But he wouldn't give me much direction. I finally said that I just wanted something, "remotely safe," which made him laugh, but still didn't get me much assistance. We finally came to an agreement on the spice crusted pork chop and that he would replace the polenta with roasted potatoes. I also salad of mixed greens with a white balsamic vinaigrette. This turned out to be a big NO-NO for me. I have some issues with vinegar and this did not sit well at all. The pork chop was served medium, but more on the medium-rare side. To the point that I really had wished I would have asked it to be well-done. It seemed very pink. But, I was assured it was safe to consume and that this is the common way to serve pork these days. Well, consider me not common. I didn't like it this way. The spice crust was also very overpowering and a bit bitter. I wasn't a huge fan of it. The potatoes also had balsamic vinaigrette (double whammy on the vinegar) and I wasn't a fan of the citrus endive salad either. I was given tapioca rolls with olive oil, but nothing new there. I was offered a blood orange sorbet, but I passed.
Spice crusted Pork Chop with roasted potatoes and citrus endive salad.
I wish I could give Le Cellier a glowing review, but I can't. Even those without dietary restrictions did not enjoy this meal. The service was subpar and the accommodations for dieatary restrictions were not much better. Overall, I'd give this a 5 out of 10.