Storytellers Cafe -- Lunch -- Table Service -- Disney's Grand Californian

*This dining review took place in October 2017 at the Disneyland Parks & Resort in California.

Lunch at Storytellers Cafe

Storytellers Cafe is a table service restaurant located in Disney's Grand Californian Resort. On my final day in California after my work conference (and without a park pass), I decided to spend some time in Downtown Disney and at the resorts exploring. I'd already had some amazing meals at the Disneyland Hotel restaurants, so I decided to grab a meal at Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian. I ate at Storytellers once for dinner back in 2006 and prior to being gluten free, so this was going to be a new experience -- on that I was looking forward to.

Atmosphere

One of the things that I love about Storytellers Cafe is the atmosphere. It reminds me a lot of the area near Artist Point in the Wilderness Lodge at Disney World. The arts & crafts movement of the early 20th century is the theme of the Grand Californian, and you can see it beautifully reflected at Storytellers.From the moment you step into the restaurant, you're greeted with a wonderful theme and story that tells you you're about to enjoy a delicious meal.With the theme of California folklore, you see...well, stories...everywhere. From the lighting to carved benches, the rich history of California is in every detail of Storytellers Cafe.I really wish I would have taken a bit more time to look around the restaurant. The details in it are incredible. From cozy fireplaces to rich dark wooden decor, you feel at home here instantly.One of the first things you'll see too when you arrive is the buffet area of Storytellers. But, fear not. If you don't feel comfortable with the buffet (which is served only at breakfast and dinner), there's an a la carte menu that you can order from too. Lunch is only a la carte, which is when I decided to go. I went near the end of the lunch hour, so it was very quiet in here making for an even cozier meal.

The Food

Of course, I was excited to try the food at Storytellers Cafe. I remember enjoying my dinner, but I wasn't sure what I could get as a special diets diner. And, as I learned, there were plenty of options.Storytellers Cafe does offer an allergy-friendly lunch menu, but of course, you can always speak to a chef if you have questions or wish to discuss any part of your meal.Before my lunch arrived, I was given some allergy-friendly bread. At first I thought it might be Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust, which is both gluten free and dairy free, but I believe it was actually Deanna's Gluten Free pizza crust, which is also gluten free and dairy free. This was well heated and quite tasty as a bread service. I do wish they offered Earth Balance vegan buttery spread, but alas no non-dairy butter options exist at Disneyland as of this post.I didn't order any other appetizer, but I have to admit, I sort of wish I would have ordered the Grand Californian Roll which had Salmon-Bacon Salad, Avocado, Cucumber, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Wasabi, and Ginger and was listed as both gluten free and dairy free. Next time I go, if it's on the menu still, I will have to order it!For my entree, I ordered the Turkey Clubhouse Sandwich served on Allergy-Friendly Bread with Bacon, crushed Avocado, Mayonnaise, Lettuce, and Tomato It is listed as gluten free, egg free, fish/shellfish free, milk free, peanut/tree nut free, and soy free. If you have an egg allergy, I would double-check this, as both Udi's and Deanna's Gluten Free pizza crusts contain egg in them.Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this lunch entree. Was it anything super special? No. Was it delicious and a solid lunch option. Absolutely.The turkey was a nice hand carved turkey breast, and I love the nice thick cut bacon, crushed avocado, and mayonnaise. Plus, the sandwich was served on the same flatbread I had as an appetizer. Super delicious. On top of this, I had some expertly fried French fries that were out of this world good.

Overall

I have to admit that Storytellers Cafe was a surprise hit with me. I expected an OK meal, and what I got was a delicious meal option at a restaurant that has a fairly extensive amount of gluten free options. I even loved how many flatbread options were available too. The next time we go to Disneyland, Storytellers is on my list. I'd love to go there for their character breakfast too!Have you been to Storytellers Cafe? What did you think of the options there?