BY DANNY SHUSTER
Stepping into the cool embrace of Coral Reef Restaurant is a welcome respite from the Florida sun . The ambiance is tranquil , with dim , but not dark , lighting . Look closely at the ceiling to see how subtly placed lights project lapping water onto the surfaces . Behind the chatter of diners , you ’ ll hear a relaxing soundtrack — not quite whale songs , but a natural , oceanic score to complete the underwater immersion .
The seating inside Coral Reef is arranged in a tiered setup , with tables facing the giant glass windows of the massive aquarium of the Seas Pavilion . These views are the highlight of the experience .
According to Disney , the Seas Pavilion is one of largest human-made ocean environments on earth , with enough water in the tanks to fill 54 Olympicsized swimming pools . More than 2,000 creatures representing 60-plus species call this pavilion home . In 1987 , the pavilion was awarded an Achievement of Merit by the American Society of Civil Engineers .
We had to consciously pull our focus away from the tanks to study the menu when our server arrived to take our order . The menu is compact but offers a good variety . The focus is primarily seafood , but there are both plant- and land-based options to keep everyone happy . There ’ s also a robust cocktail menu , including some excellent zero-proof cocktails .
WHAT WE ORDERED Pink London Spritzer Lyre ’ s Pink London Spirit , grapefruit soda , pomegranategreen tea , lime , and mint ( nonalcoholic )
Agave Garden Lyre ’ s Agave Reserva Spirit , coldpressed lime juice , passionfruitpapaya-green tea , and cucumber ( non-alcoholic )
Shrimp Cocktail Traditional cocktail sauce , charred lemon
Seared Mahi Mahi * Jasmine rice , coconut and cilantrolime sauce , Caribbean shrimp salsa
Grilled Vegetable Skewer with Impossible Kefta Roasted plant-based kefta , lentil rice , eggplant spread
The Chocolate Wave Warm flourless chocolate cake , raspberry gelato
* Since our visit , Coral Reef has updated the Mahi Mahi offering . It is now grilled and served with a street corn-style salad and cilantro-lime crema over garlic jasmine rice .
LEFT : Even at its most crowded , there ’ s perhaps no more serene dining vista in all the world . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG