As we were planning out our last trip, I was researching food spots and was shocked to see that there was a new Louisiana style restaurant that just opened in Downtown Disney. This restaurant Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill and Patio. Offering a modern, upscale twist to Creole dishes. This restaurant is serving up Louisiana classics that are elevated! This restaurant stays true to what New Orleans cuisine is all about. Ralph Brennan is the driving force behind this amazing restaurant right in the heart of downtown Disney.
Ralph Brennan is known for many restaurants but most importantly Brennan’s in New Orleans. He has been a driving force in the culinary world for years and years. It’s no surprise that this restaurant is so well done. It’s like being whisk away to French quarter New Orleans as you walk into the courtyard of the restaurant. From the jazz music to the smiling faces welcoming you in, you feel like you’re in New Orleans.
As we approached the restaurant we immediately noticed the bright accents. Loved the bright orange accents against the white. The restaurant is two stories with outdoor seating options.
We decided to sit inside because it was very hot that day. The restaurant had a very clean, classy interior.
Our waitress arrived to our table to take our drink orders and asked if we had any questions about the menu. She made a few recommendations.
The menu was filled with lots of Louisiana inspired dishes that were familiar to us.
For my drink, I ordered one of their refreshing mocktail drinks. Let me start out by saying, if you’ve been following me any length of time you know that I love mocktails. Mocktails are popular right now and I think every restaurant should have a mocktail menu.
I ordered the Sunset Spritzer. A simple mocktail that consisted of Raspberry, Peach and Sprite. A well-balanced drink with a great flavor. It was simple visually but it made up for it in taste.
As a starter, we ordered the Crispy Calamari. This dish consisted of Crispy, Fried Calamari that’s dusted with Korean Chili Flakes and served with Marinara Sauce and Lemon Aioli.
This dish was superb. The calamari was fried perfectly and seasoned to perfection. The Lemon Aioli was the perfect dipping sauce.
For entrees my husband and I ordered the Reef and Beef. We decided to share it because we weren’t going back to resort and didn’t want to end up with leftovers.
The Reef and Beef consisted of Jumbo Gulf Shrimp and Braised Short Ribs that was served over creamy grits. Topped with green tomato chow chow and finished with chile-garlic butter sauce.
This dish was superb! Very unique. WOW! A Mouthwatering visually appealing dish. The flavors were phenomenal. The braised short ribs were so tender. The shrimp were succulent. The chow chow added a great balance to the dish. Adding the acidity to balance the richness. Delicious.
The portion sizes were huge!
Our kiddos ordered Spicy Grilled Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Bowl. This dish consisted of penne pasta with smoked gouda cheese sauce, roasted broccolini, applewood smoked bacon, roasted cherry tomatoes and finished with toasted brioche breadcrumbs.
This dish was a winner with our kiddos. Cheesy pasta topped with well seasoned chicken. An incredibly delicious dish.
The restaurant staff even divided the portions sizes for us without us asking. We thought they would just bring out extra plates and we would do it ourselves, but they went above and beyond. The staff was friendly and accommodating.
The food was incredible. We have no complaints at all about the restaurant. I highly recommend this spot for lunch or dinner. You won’t be disappointed.
Be sure to grab some Beignets from Beignet express on the way out of the park. We didn’t try any but I know they are delicious.
Overall we loved our time at Jazz Kitchen. I’m so glad that we stopped in for lunch. One of the best dining experiences in California.
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio is located in Downtown Disney District at 1590 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802.
