Hi Tamara!
Happy (almost) birthday to your hubby! We love both Portobello and Fulton's Crab House for special occasions (well, actually for any occasion) at Downtown Disney! These restaurants are very different, but can both accommodate larger parties (be sure to mention your party size, and your husband's birthday when you book your reservation.) Here are some thoughts on both to help you decide.
Fulton's Crab House offers unbelievably fresh seafood, prepared classically. It is so fresh, in fact, that the packing slips from daily deliveries of Alaskan Crab Legs and other specialties are pinned up inside the lobby as you enter! My absolute favorite dish here is the Australian Lobster Tail, and my hubby loves the Filet. The specialty is Crab Legs, however, and you'll see plates and plates overflowing with giant legs being delivered to happy patrons all over Fulton's! They also make a super yummy Bloody Mary, and have an incredible wine list. The atmosphere is lovely, as the restaurant is set on a Riverboat permanently "docked" at Downtown Disney. My kids love eating on this "big white boat", and we've celebrated several special occasions here.
Portobello (formerly, Portobello Yacht Club) is an Italian restaurant set in a festive atmosphere overlooking Buena Vista Lagoon. It's menu includes wonderful antipasti, fabulous salads, pizzas pasta and meats. The wine list is great, and the desserts are amazing! Oh, I almost forgot, their bread is so good, that I have a hard time not eating the entire basket before my entree is served!
Both restaurants are fabulous choices, and even if you can't squeeze both into your upcoming trip, I highly recommend a visit to each in the future!
Bon Appetit!
Tanya