The Wave -- Dinner -- Table Service -- Contemporary Resort

*This gluten free dining experience took place in April 2018.

Dinner at The Wave

The Wave at Disney's Contemporary Resort has quickly risen to one of our favorite hidden gem restaurants at Disney. Brandon and I have always really enjoyed our meals here, and we love the fairly quiet and low-key atmosphere. On this particular occasion, we had dinner at the Wave with Brandon's parents. They had never been, and so we wanted to bring them to a restaurant that we really enjoy.

Atmosphere

Although I wouldn't say that the Wave's atmosphere at first glance is anything special, if you take some time to look around, you'll find some lovely decor and theming.One of my favorite touches at the Wave are the food prints found throughout the restaurant. The one above here represents pomegranate and the one in the photo below is an artichoke. Such a fun and subtle nod to all things food!As you can see by the photos, the "wave" theme is present in the waves on the chairs, in the candle holders at your table, and if you look at the ceiling, waves below the light fixtures.The Wave includes a side room, which is not always open when you dine there. On this occasion, they had opened it, and we were seated in a nice low-key corner of the room, which made for a nice meal with family.

The Food

The Wave does carry an allergy-friendly dinner menu, and you can always speak with a Disney chef at any time to discuss options.Prior to my meal, I was brought Udi's Gluten Free Bread which is both gluten free and dairy free, toasted. It came with some regular butter, as I forgot to ask for Earth Balance. But, the restaurant does have it on hand. I have found that the bread option here is my least favorite part of the meal, as the bread is often under-heated or not heated at all. So, if anything it was nice to see it toasted (they do have a dedicated allergy toaster).Because I have reintroduced dairy back into my diet, Brandon and I decided to split the Bacon and Eggs Appetizer. This comes with Maple-lacquered Pork Belly with Perfect Egg and Tillamook Smoked Cheddar Grits and is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies.As always, this is a WOW appetizer. The flavors are incredible, and this is one dish we have a hard time not ordering when we visit the Wave. It's that good!For my entree, I ordered the Pork Two Ways with Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Slow-roasted Berkshire Pork Belly, Spiced Apples, Bourbon-Bacon Jam, and Chestnut Puree. This is marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut, and Soy Allergies.This was another WOW dish for me. I have ordered the pork entree from the Wave before, and it was good, but this one was so completely elevated. It was hands down the best thing I've ever ordered at the Wave. I think after I took about two bites I proclaimed that the Wave had stepped up their culinary game. It was just a show-stopper.From the gorgeous presentation to the combination of flavors, it was just perfection. I also shared a bite of this with Brandon, and he agreed that the pork on this dish was just outstanding. This was definitely heaven on a plate.Both Brandon and his mom ordered the Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Winter Vegetables, Potato-Celeriac Mash, and Red Wine Reduction. This was marked safe for Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies. They both raved about the steak and said it was one of the most well-cooked steaks they'd had at Disney. Brandon also said that the potatoes were incredible. So, if you're a steak lover, this might be the dish for you at the Wave.

Overall

We were so pleased with our meal at the Wave. The food was absolutely incredible and really did feel like a step up from what was already a very solid restaurant. Everyone loved their dishes, and we all agreed that the new menu updates really elevated the restaurant's dining options. We will definitely be back again, and hopefully, before they update the menu again, because I definitely want to order the pork dish again. It was so good!Have you been to the Wave? What did you order when you dined there?