Before going on this latest trip to Walt Disney World, I scoured everything from food reviews, blogs and even Buzzfeed’s Top Ten Desserts to Try (more on that later.) Epcot is a hub of deliciousness from around the world. We were even more spoiled when we realized our trip would also coincide during the Flower and Garden Festival, which offers even more snack-sized treats.
When it came time for arranging our dinner reservation, though, I opted for La Hacienda de San Angel, in the World Showcase. It is one of the few I haven’t been too and went on a whim even though it doesn’t receive the same following as Le Cellier Steakhouse in the World Showcases’s Canada or Monsieur Paul in the World Showcase’s France.
La Hacienda de San Angel sits on the water, with large windows overlooking the lagoon. It is a perfect spot to watch IllumiNations: Reflections of the Earth (9:00 p.m.) from indoors. We had 5:15 reservations, though, so the blinds were closed to offset the blinding sun. It was still nice to sit at the window and was relatively quiet.
We started out with the Queso Fundido, which consisted of melted cheese with chorizo, Poblano and Serrano peppers, avocado-tomatillo sauce, and flour tortillas. Despite having a number of copycat recipes on Pinterest, I wouldn’t recommend it personally. It was way, way too oily for my liking. For us, the free chips and salsa was a perfect way to start out the dinner and skim out an unnecessary cost. The salsa verde was perfectly sweet and had us asking for seconds anyways.
Brandon ordered the NY steak dusted with pumpkin seed, garlic and Habanero pepper, atop a Tequila-butter Cascabel pepper reduction. Served with roasted tomatillos, onions, chiles toreados, grilled queso fresco, and corn mashed potatoes. ($32) This was divine and I couldn’t help but keep sneaking a spoonful of corn mashed potato.
Meanwhile, I had the fried shrimp tacos with chipotle-lime aioli, cabbage, lime and salsa verde, all served over flour tortillas. ($25) These are an absolute must order.
Overall: I would recommend going here without hesitation. It was quiet, intimate and the perfect way to end a busy day at Epcot. In fact, it didn’t actually feel like we were in Disney. If I were to go back, I’d definitely get the shrimp tacos again. I would skip appetizers in lieu of the free chips and salsa to save some money. Perfect for a couple or family with older children. Not exactly appropriate for extremely young children. To keep them entertained, I’d opt for Mexico’s San Angel Inn Restuarante, which has a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere.
Tell us, what are some of your favorite restaurant’s at Epcot?