My Favorite Disney Restaurants
One of my favorite things about Disney is the food. Epcot even has an entire festival centered around it. I love how the restaurants keep improving in quality and options. Even Magic Kingdom, which used to not have anything beyond typical theme park options, has some great choices.
I’ve got my favorite spots broken down by location (Park/Disney Springs/Resorts) and then my favorite Quick Service, Sit Down (what I call the ones where the server comes to you) and Snack/Lounge spots.
When eating at Disney, Mobile Order and reservations are your friend. If you’re headed to a Quick Service or Snack location, check the app to see if they participate in Mobile Order. If they do, you can order and pay within the app and spend your time doing other things in the park instead of waiting in line for your food. For the spots that take reservations - always try to get one even if you don’t think you need one. Having a reservation always gets you seated faster. Right now they are taking them 60 days out (pre-Covid it was 120 days). Even if you don’t see what you want, keep trying - even up until the day of - as spots almost always open up. Do pay attention though when making reservations as some require a credit card to reserve and if you cancel within a certain time period (typically within 24 hours) or are a no-show, you’ll get charged a fee. And even the day of, keep checking the app as they’ll tell you what walk-up wait times are. I ate at Nomad Lounge this summer because as I was browsing for food in the app and saw it was only a 5 minute wait. While everyone always looks for reservations on the Disney site, if they aren’t owned by Disney, check to see what it says on their regular website. Wine Bar George and The Boathouse are some examples of this. You can make reservations through Disney but also through Open Table. I found openings that weren’t showing on Disney’s site AND you can make reservations sooner than the Disney 60 day window. These reservations don’t show up in your My Disney Experience account but I don’t think that’s a big deal.
Magic Kingdom
My go-to Quick Service locations at MK all have Mobile Order options.
Casey’s Corner - Casey’s Corner is right on Main Street and where you can get the famous corn dog nuggets. The best thing to do is to get them to go and sit in the hub grass and enjoy them as you people watch in the best park for that. 🌭
The Friar’s Nook - Back in Fantasyland at this walk-up window, you can get basic things like mac & cheese and tots - but with some super yummy toppings like bacon. 🥓
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe - Pecos has a lighter option - a taco salad that is quite good as is the pork carnitas rice bowl. Pre-Covid they had a salad bar type set up that once you ordered the salad, there were all kinds of free toppings you could add on there. Pecos Bill is back in Frontierland. 🥗
Pinocchio Village Haus - No lie, they have good pizza and the standard chicken nuggets but I like this spot because you can get gluten-free options and, if the table is open, you can sit next to a window looking into the It’s A Small World ride. And it’s right in the middle of everything in Fantasyland. 🍕
My MK sit down list has one lone location. I’ve also eaten at Skipper Canteen but I just haven’t had a desire to go anywhere else. Plus, the theming on this place is so good. Be Our Guest is actually one of my favorites in all of Disney. It’s quick service during breakfast and lunch but becomes a sit down spot for dinner back in Fantasyland. And is one of the few spots in MK that you can order alcohol with your meal (at dinner). I love the French theme of the food and the inside is just stunning - modeled after the Beauty & the Beast animated movie. 🥀
For snacks I have both savory and sweet options.
Aloha Isle - home of the famous, must-try Dole Whip in Adventureland. Also back there is the Sunshine Tree Terrace. You’ll know it because you’ll see the adorable little Orange Bird on its sign. It’s home to my new favorite variety of frozen treat, the Sunshine Swirl. 🍊
At the entrance to Adventureland, you’ll see a long line at the Egg Roll Wagon and it’s not for typical egg rolls. You’ll have an option for pizza or cheeseburger (my personal fave) at the cart. And they’ve had a Rueben one in honor of the 50th Anniversary. 🍔
Sleepy Hollow - Sleepy Hollow is tucked back in Liberty Square but don’t pass it up. They have waffle sandwiches and my favorite, the Nutella waffle with fresh fruit on it. Because #CaloriesDontCountAtDisney 🧇
Epcot
I only have a few quick service spots in Epcot because, especially these days, a festival is going on, so we eat from the variety of food booths.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie back in the France Pavilion is a feast for the eyes. You’ve got options of sandwiches, French pastries (macarons!) not to mention French wine and espresso. And, they are open before the World Showcase opening time of 11am to serve breakfast! 🥖
Also in France is La Crêperie de Paris - while you can sit down inside, it also has a counter service window to get authentic and delicious sweet and/or savory crepes. 🥐
Tangerine Cafe is in the Morocco Pavilion and was always a favorite for falafel and hummus. It was one of the ones not owned by Disney until 2020. It has recently re-opened and I can’t wait to go back. And, no, it has nothing to do with the fact that on two occasions the Moroccan men working there gave us free wine 😂
I don’t do sit-down restaurants in Epcot often but when I do, it’s usually for a special occasion or celebration (see my Food & Wine Festival post as to why) and these are it.
Coral Reef is the only restaurant in the front area of the park that we’ve eaten at. As the name suggests, it is seafood based but the best part is that it is set up with huge windows to look into the Living Seas exhibit. Jenn and I love eating here because we once got to scuba dive in the Living Seas exhibit! 🐟
The Mexico Pavilion has two sit down restaurants but I think La Hacienda de San Angel is the best. The food and drinks are great but they have huge windows looking out onto Bay Lake. Which makes it a good spot to eat indoors but still catch whatever nighttime show is going on. 🌮
The France Pavilion also has two restaurants. And, again, while both are good, we like Monsieur Paul. It’s located on the second floor and the entrance is in the middle of the pavilion so it feels a bit more secluded, especially when you can look out into Epcot above the crowds. This was our celebration spot after running the 2018 Princess Half Marathon. 🍾
We were so excited when Spice Road Table opened in the Morocco Pavilion because we love the food in this pavilion but, they built this one right on the water. So you have awesome views in addition to a fairly spacious outdoor area. You can also go in and just order a drink from the bar and head back out. 🧆
Like other pavilions, Japan has two and I absolutely love both. Teppan Edo is the type of restaurant where they cook the food in front of you. So it’s good AND entertaining. It was my spot of choice for my bachelorette party. Sushi is our go-to at Tokyo Dining. Like Monsieur Paul, it is on the second level with views out towards Bay Lake (making it another good spot for nighttime show viewing). Jenn and I celebrated here after finishing the 2019 WDW Marathon. 🍣
Via Napoli back in the Italian pavilion has the best pizza on property. If their walk-up window happens to be open (it’s seasonal) you can grab a slice without having to make a reservation. The quality may have something to do with the fact that the tomatoes and flour are shipped in directly from Italy. 😋
Epcot obviously has plenty of snack spots, especially when it comes to Festivals. If you can stand waiting, while expensive ($15), the margaritas from La Cava de Tequila are so so good. The waiting part comes in with the fact that it is inside the Mexico Pavilion so there isn’t a lot of space. So even pre-Covid, there was often a wait to get in. But, at least you can wait in the AC. 🍹
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar is in the Italy Pavilion and is just a super cool wine bar. It’s a bit dark inside because you’re meant to be in a wine cellar. But the wine and food options are off the charts good. 🍷
Hollywood Studios
While Sunset Blvd at DHS has multiple quick service options, my favorites are in the two new areas of the park. Mobile order is available at both of them.
Ronto Roasters is in Galaxy’s Edge. Their specialty is the Ronto Wrap (aka an animal from the movies that lives in Tatooine). It’s a pork sausage in a pita and what I love about it is they have both a breakfast and lunch/dinner version. We’ve sometimes ordered from here and taken it to eat at Baseline Tap House. Mobile Order is available. 🐖
Woody’s Lunchbox is in the sweltering desert of Toy Story Land where finding a seat is a competitive sport. But don’t let that deter you because they have super yummy Totchos and a grilled cheese my nephew loves. They also have a changing menu of Lunch Box Tarts - Disney’s version of a Pop Tart. But better. Mobile order is strongly suggested so you can stalk a table while you wait. 🥔
Because of the multitude of quick services spots in DHS, I’ve somehow only eaten at one Sit Down restaurant and that is the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater. It was just okay. I didn’t particularly like eating my food in the dark. A sit down has been announced for Toy Story land so we’ll certainly be checking that out when it opens. 🙈
DHS probably has my two favorite snacks/lounge spots on property.
Baseline Tap House is outside the entrance of Galaxy’s Edge on the Muppet side. It has seats inside (very few) and outside. Their thing is California beer and wine. They always have something good on tap and when you can sit inside it’s a nice AC break. They also have some yummy snacks include an awesome charcuterie board. Unfortunately mobile order isn’t available. 🍺
Oga’s Cantina back in Galaxy’s Edge is rarely accessible by walk-up so plan ahead (as of now, 60 days out) to make your reservations. While it’s primarily a bar, there are non-alcoholic drinks for the kids. And it’s a must-do to complete your Batuu experience. There are limited seats but a fair amount of standing only tables. You will likely share a table that way so if that isn’t for you, let them know when you check in -although larger parties will likely get the seats anyway. There is a two drink max and a selection of snacks. This is designed to limit your time there so they can accommodate more people. The drinks are super fun and creative as is their charcuterie board - they use some crazy looking snacks to compile it. 🍸
Animal Kingdom
My two favorite Quick Service spots at AK are my favorites because they aren’t typical theme park food.
Satu’li Canteen is in the very back of Pandora. It’s probably my favorite healthier spot in all the parks as you can get bowls with a base of salad, beans or rice and protein that is not deep fried. They also have a beer created just for Pandora (#balance). They have a rather spacious indoor area and their outdoor area is covered. Mobile order is available. 🍜
Yak & Yeti Local Food Café has been a favorite of mine since we first got our passes back in 2009. It’s a version of the sit down one so you can get good, quick Asian dishes like Honey Chicken or Sweet & Sour Shrimp. It’s also one of the few (only?) places to get breakfast in AK. Seating is limited and located behind the restaurant. Mobile order is not currently available. 🥡
The sit down version of Yak & Yeti Restaurant is our go-to when we make reservations. They also have Asian fare but way elevated beyond their counter service with things like seared tuna, miso salmon and lo mein noodles. There is a small bar inside that is first come first serve if you don’t have reservations. 🥠
For AK snacks/lounges I’ve got a few locations.
Nomad Lounge has become my favorite spot in AK. It’s attached to Tiffin’s but much more casual. You can’t make reservations but you can keep an eye on the walk-up wait time in the MDE app. They have inside and outside (covered) seating. The inside is themed to travel which is one of the reasons why I love it. But also, you can get an actual meal as well as some really good churros. And who doesn’t like churros? Some of the outside seats offer a view of the river and you can catch the ‘floatillas’ of the characters as they go by on a boat. 🥃
We only get one thing at Tamu Tamu. And that is Dole Whip with rum. 🍿
Mr. Kamal’s was a snack spot that one of my Disney loving friends turned me on to. They have these chicken dumplings that are SO good. Pair it with their seasoned fries and you’ve got a meal. 🥟
Disney Springs
Disney Springs seems a bit limited on the quick service spots but we like Blaze for pizza, D-Luxe Burger (where mobile order is available) and Polite Pig for some really good BBQ. 🍕🍔🐖
The bulk of restaurants in the Springs are sit down and I have an extensive list of ones that I like. My top two are Wine Bar George for their fantastic wine collection and can’t miss brunch and The Boathouse. As you would expect, it is boat themed. They have a great selection of oysters and an outdoor seating area behind the main part of the restaurant on the water. Frontera Cocina has really great Mexican and Jaleo is an amazing (and expensive) spot for tapas. We did a birthday celebration there and did the Chef’s Tasting Menu where they pick what comes out and it was an unforgettable experience. For awesome Asian and sushi selections Morimoto Asia is the spot to go. Paradiso 37 has great Latin American/Caribbean type options. And, when we're in the mood to get transported back to Ireland, Raglan Road Irish Pub is the obvious choice. 🍀
DS also does not have a lack of snack options. If you’re in the mood for baked goods, Erin McKenna’s Bakery has all gluten free choices. You can also get some seriously over-the-top donuts at Everglazed and you can always count on Amorette’s to have some macarons and unique Disney themed creations. If you want something cold on a to-be-expected hot Florida day, I like going to Vivoli Il Gelato to get my favorite pistachio gelato. If you’re wanting something more on the savory - or alcoholic - side go to Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar. It’s a fun Indiana Jones-esq themed spot with unique cocktails and food options. It’s definitely a good spot to pop into before dinner. 🛫
Resorts
All of my choices here are at Deluxe Resorts. Go figure. They just have way beyond the typical theme park burgers/pizza chicken tenders. Plus, going to these places is a good way to check out the resort without paying to stay there. 🤷♀️
For quick service, first up is at the Polynesian. Captain Cook’s is where we’ve gone a few times before/after Magic Kingdom by taking the monorail there and, you could get a drink at Trader’s Sam’s while you're at it! Primo Piatto is at the Riviera and is my absolute favorite of resort quick service. At lunch or dinner you can get a Croque Monsieur and they have these amazing Lemon Blueberry Pancakes at breakfast. Both of these spots offer mobile order. 🍋
Top of my sit down list is also top of the Contemporary - California Grill. They have a Cali inspired menu with awesome sushi and you have epic views of Magic Kingdom. They’ll even pause service so you can watch the fireworks and they pipe in the music. What’s not to love? At Animal Kingdom Lodge is Jiko. They have African inspired entrees and the largest selection of South African wine in the United States. At the Swan you can get some awesome Italian at Il Mulino. They have a huge bar making it easy to just walk in and sit down without having to wait. 🍴
A lot of the sit down restaurants have lounges attached to them and share the same kitchen. One of those is Ale & Compass Lounge at the Yacht Club. It shares a kitchen with the popular steakhouse there. You can get a taste of the food (and usually for cheaper) in a more relaxed environment. And there are typically TV’s so you can watch your favorite team - a rarity outside of ESPN on Disney property. For snacks the Swan and Dolphin win hands down with their spots, Java & Fuel. I wish every Disney resort had something like this. They have a cooler of to-go drinks (alcoholic & non) and snacks or pre-made items and, at certain times will also offer hot options like Mickey waffles or toasted sandwiches. And, best of all, they have a legit espresso bar. ☕
Up Next On The List
Our list of ‘we need to try this’ is ever growing. I’m trying to work on going to new spots as often as we can but these are currently at the top: Enchanted Rose Lounge in the Grand Floridian. We haven’t been since they re-themed it to Beauty & the Beast. At Disney Springs I want to try Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante and Paddlefish and the cookies at Gideon’s. Epcot has a lot of new ones we’ve yet to get to - the Muppet themed Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the American Pavilion (it has mobile order), Space 220 even though it has an expensive pick one app/entrée/dessert design. I hear the lounge attached has different a la carte options so we’ll likely try that first. And, most recently opened is a new counter service in the front of the park called Connections. Something new up front was desperately needed and it’s also where they put the Starbucks!
If you want to see an entire list of all WDW restaurants, I love using the menus section of All Ears. And, for tips and tricks on eating and finding the newest stuff, I love Disney Food Blog.
