Brilliant neon stretches above the front door,
a grand introduction to Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's BoardWalk.
The sign's brilliant blue hues carry right inside the front
door, where the decor conjures up thoughts of the deep sea. Giant
shimmering fish scales hug the walls. Delicate lights dangle
from oversized fish hooks. Sleek, golden fish arc overhead.
This stylized interior sets the stage for the cuisine of Chef
Jens Dahlmann, who calls his cuisine "seasonal, creative American
with European foundations." Dahlmann brings his talents to Walt
Disney World Resort from the renowned Café L'Europe in
Palm Beach, Fla.
Flying Fish favorites like the potato-wrapped red snapper remain
on the chef's menu, but Dahlmann adds his own signature dishes
like pan roasted Alaskan halibut with a fennel-red pepper compote,
and a crisp salad of fennel and watermelon with red onion vinaigrette.
The cafe's stage kitchen is a high-energy dinner show for guests,
with a handsome gold-tiled countertop for casual dining right
in front of the oak-fired grill. A team of busy chefs turns out
nightly specials like wood-fired mahi mahi with morel and chanterelle
mushroom risotto and grilled baby leeks, coriander-crusted yellowfin
tuna and grilled Columbia River salmon.
The menu changes frequently, with major changes each season,
featuring "whatever is freshest," said Dahlmann. "The 'Chefs
Thunder' on the menu is my playground for exciting specialty
items," he explained, "so there is always something new when
you come back."
Though fish dominates the menu, the char-crusted New York strip
steak with roasted corn, Yukon Gold potatoes and sauce Foyot
is a favorite, said Dahlmann. That and the banana Napoleon with
crispy phyllo dough, vanilla crème brûlée
and warm caramel sauce to top off the evening.
An extensive wine list offers more than 50 selections by the
glass and there are suggested food and wine pairings on the menu.
Flying Fish Cafe is named for a Coney Island roller coaster,
called "The Flying Turns," with cars emblazoned with "flying
fish." Lighted parachutes suspended from the restaurant's ceiling
pay homage to the Coney Island parachute jump, an unforgettable
challenge for young daredevils. A floor-to-ceiling Ferris wheel
is the most literal reminder of carefree summer days.
Dahlmann was classically trained in Swiss and German restaurants,
including the Widder Hotel in Zurich and the Hotel Intercontinental
in Dusseldorf, then spent his early career as a chef on cruise
ships that took him to ports in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean.
On one of the ships he met Sirio Maccioni, owner of New York's
famed, Five-Star Le Cirque 2000, who offered him a job. He worked
at Le Cirque 2000 for three years before moving to Palm Beach's
Four-Star, Five-Diamond Café L'Europe.
The restaurant is open 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday,
5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Essential Information
Location
BoardWalk Inn and Villas
Type
Sit-down restaurant.
A la carte.
Cuisine - seafood.
Included in Disney Dining Plan
Yes (2 credits)
Tips & Fun Facts
 Save
some room for a delicious assortment of desserts, including the renowned
chocolate lava cake.
For
the real "foodie," ask for seating at the chef's counter to see the cooking
action up close.
This
location can accommodate most special dietary needs. Advance notice may
be required and cancellation fees may apply. Please indicate any special
dietary need at time of reservation booking.
Business Casual dress code -- t-shirts, pants, jeans, collared shirts, sweaters, blouses, dress shorts. No hats, swim suits, coveralls, tank tops, flip-flops, torn clothing.
Advanced Dining Reservations
Reservations recommended. Book up to 180 days in advance (or
up to 190 days for Disney Resort guests).
Call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463)
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Recommended For
 Adults
Seniors
Romance
Meals
Meals Served
Dinner
Average Cost for full meal
$35 - $70 per person
Typical Menu Items
Crab cakes, red snapper, mahi mahi, salmon, veal, steak, lobster bisque, swordfish,
scallops, key lime tart.
Most popular menu items
Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper. Another creation that's never left the menu at
Flying Fish Cafe, the snapper is wrapped in paper-thin slices of potato and
fried, then served with a creamy leek fondue and red wine reduction. The
crunchy potato crust and tender white fish are a sensational combination.
Strawberry napoleon, a stacked concoction with fresh berries, phyllo and fresh
whipped cream.
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