San Angel or Via Napoli?

[Thumper10]

I have dining reservations for Via Napoli at 8:30 pm on Nov 3. I was really looking forward to trying out the restaurant but I just realized that we will probably miss Illuminations while we are eating. San Angel Inn has an opening for dinner at the exact same time that day and I have heard that once it reopens, it will be a prime viewing spot for Illuminations. My family likes both Mexican and Italian and now I am stuck on what to do. Any suggestions?

[johnatthebar]

I can tell you that while on paper the prices look crazy, I found Via Napoli to be a great value (relative to Disney of course). The quality of the food was second to none when it comes to authentic Italian in the US. What makes it a good value is that a single serving of pizza and one appetizer is more than enough for 2 people (in our experience, and we like to gorge).

Our table was right against the windows at Via Napoli, and would have made acceptable viewing for Illuminations, they also had some seating outdoors. Not as great a view as San Angel, but if you can get a decent seat it would probably be pretty good.

[NC_WDW_Daddy]

Depends on what is most important, Illuminations or Via Napoli. If you cna get an earlier ADR or walk-up for Via Naploi, then you can eat and get a good spot for Illuminations. If dinner and a show is more your thing, you might be better off that night at San Angel Inn and try Via Napoli another day for lunch.

[Thumper10]

Thanks for the feedback. I think we've decided to stick with Via Napoli. We're there for 10 days so we can just catch Illuminations another night if we miss it that one and we're gonna try to do a counter service meal in Mexico...that way we'll get the best of everything

[Paul in CT]

I have dining reservations for Via Napoli at 8:30 pm on Nov 3. I was really looking forward to trying out the restaurant but I just realized that we will probably miss Illuminations while we are eating. San Angel Inn has an opening for dinner at the exact same time that day and I have heard that once it reopens, it will be a prime viewing spot for Illuminations. My family likes both Mexican and Italian and now I am stuck on what to do. Any suggestions?

I recently dined at Via Napoli with my DW, SIL, our son and his wife. Although the restaurant is impressive in architecture, we were not overly impressed with the pizza, the prices or the service. We had the salad for 5 ($4/person) and the 1/2 meter pizza ($39), half was sausage and half was the quattro staggioni (sp?). The pizza was delivered on a metal tray and placed on a metal stand just as the small family style salad was delivered. The pizza was nearly at room temp when served and much of the thin crust was soggy in the middle. We also had to serve the salad, which was primarily greens, ourselves. It may be authentic Italian, but we will not be going there again for a while.

I just made an ADR for La Hacienda de San Angel for our next trip. That restaurant has an excellent view of IllumiNations.

[MJMcb]

I can try both next time I'm there

[HauntedGabe]

Yikes $39 for apx. a 18" pizza and $20 dollars for leaves? Authentic or not everything needs to be the best thing you ever ate for that price.

The reviews everywhere are so mixed about this place.

It is disconcerting that the servers are not actually serving the food just delivering it. I'd rather they convert to a counter service then and have a better shot of getting a hot pizza and save the gratuity. They can just give you a buzzer and pick up the pizza when it is hot out of the oven.

[Optimus EO]

The pizza I had was very mediocre! I will probably not dine here again unless it is for their deserts. I rather habe Papa John's or Papa Murphy's. San Angel is a way better choice.

[tiggerbell]

I really enjoyed Via Napoli in September! There were 10 of us and we got 2 meter pizzas - the 4-cheese is best cold: then you can taste the individual cheeses better!

I'll look for photos - where did you end up eating?

[alaskanmommy]

I couldn't decide so we're doing both in a few weeks. I'll let you know how they compare. We are hoping to get an Illuminations view table at La Hacienda!!

[Paul in CT]

Happy New Year! Let us know what you think of both. My DW and I will be dining at La Hacienda in March and looking forward to it. We have a 7:30 ADR so I don't think we will be able to stretch it to IllumiNations, but we will try.

[alaskanmommy]

Happy New Year! Let us know what you think of both. My DW and I will be dining at La Hacienda in March and looking forward to it. We have a 7:30 ADR so I don't think we will be able to stretch it to IllumiNations, but we will try.

I will let you know my opinion when we get back.

We have a ton of great ADR's this trip (besides La Hacienda and Via Napoli): Yak and Yeti, 1900 Park Fare, Le Cellier, WPC, Coral Reef (kids love it), Ohana, Cali Grill, Yachtsman's, Tusker House and Teppan Edo. Should be fun!!

We return from WDW in early February so I'll let you know then.

[Paul in CT]

I will let you know my opinion when we get back.

We have a ton of great ADR's this trip (besides La Hacienda and Via Napoli): Yak and Yeti, 1900 Park Fare, Le Cellier, WPC, Coral Reef (kids love it), Ohana, Cali Grill, Yachtsman's, Tusker House and Teppan Edo. Should be fun!!

We return from WDW in early February so I'll let you know then.

I hope that you get an IllumiNations view table. Those ARE great ADRs. Narcoossees is a favorite of ours that is also wonderful if you have the time. Enjoy the trip!

[alaskanmommy]

I hope that you get an IllumiNations view table. Those ARE great ADRs. Narcoossees is a favorite of ours that is also wonderful if you have the time. Enjoy the trip!

Thanks!! We did Narcoossees last trip and enjoyed it, their Almond Crusted cheesecake is to die for!!!