Authentic Neapolitan pizza, a buttery steak over tomato risotto, and the best Cobb salad you’ll ever have are just three entrees you can experience at Walt Disney World. While your image of theme park food may include buffets loaded with bland food, Walt Disney World is home to many delicious restaurants that are attractions in themselves.
There are so many options that you’ll want to choose based upon what type of experience you’d like to have, and where you’ll be at dinnertime. Looking for the best places to eat in Disney World? Here are our favorites.
Note: These best places to eat in Disney World were all experienced by us. Your experience may vary depending on the ages of your kids, and you should review menus before committing. Some of these restaurants have dress codes. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.
There are other great restaurants in Disney World that we have not experienced and therefore didn’t recommend. In addition, we have experienced some of these places to eat in Disney World at no cost (while we have paid for others). All opinions are my own.
Save money on your Walt Disney World theme park tickets by booking through Get Away Today. They offer vacation packages as well as individual ticket sales. Disney travel agents don’t charge guests an extra commission and can help you find deals.
The Best Disney World Restaurants
Our list of the best places to eat at Disney World includes both quick-service restaurants and table-service restaurants. We have favorite restaurants in both categories, and it’s best to include both in your Walt Disney World vacation plans.
EPCOT Restaurants
It is so hard to pick out just a few restaurants in EPCOT because it’s home to so many fantastic restaurants. We have a post dedicated specifically to EPCOT restaurants that has more information about other places. You almost can’t miss choosing an EPCOT restaurant, specifically one in the World Showcase.
Via Napoli – One of two restaurants in the Italy pavilion, Via Napoli offers authentic Neapolitan pizzas in a fun, casual environment. I dream of this pizza when I’m not at Walt Disney World, so it’s always one of my must-dos when I am there. When traveling with kids, this can be one of the best restaurants to include in your list.
San Angel Inn – The San Angel Inn is located in the Mexican pavilion, along the Gran Fiesta Tour ride. The atmosphere feels like an outdoor Mexican restaurant, and the food is delicious and authentic. If you are of legal drinking age, don’t miss the margaritas. It’s one of the best places to eat based on atmosphere.
Sunshine Seasons – Sunshine Seasons is another quick service location, but this one is in the Land pavilion in Future World. There’s plenty of seating, but it still gets very crowded, so I recommend getting there early. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – As you pass the Norway pavilion, you’ll see loads of little princess-loving kids in costume, waiting to enter Akershus. I prefer Akershus to the other princess meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table because there’s more room and it’s a little easier to get a reservation. We’ve gone for breakfast and found the “all-you-care-to-enjoy” food delicious.
Garden Grill – This rotating restaurant in the Land pavilion features Chip ‘n’ Dale along with other Disney friends. It’s a unique place to dine, and my kids loved seeing us slowly move. The healthy food is also delicious, and some is grown right there in the Land.
Magic Kingdom Restaurants
The Magic Kingdom may have some of the more classic rides and attractions, but it doesn’t have as many great restaurants, unfortunately. There have been a few new spots that recently opened that have taken some of the pressure off of the other locations.
Skipper Canteen – On my latest trip to Walt Disney World, I enjoyed dinner at the Skipper Canteen. Themed after the classic Jungle Cruise attraction, the Skipper Canteen is one of only two places at the Magic Kingdom where you can get an alcoholic beverage. The food is good, and it’s a nice spot to relax and cool off after a long day at the park.
Be Our Guest – Since Be Our Guest restaurant opened at Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, it’s been almost impossible to get in for dinner. This restaurant in Beast’s Castle offers delicious food and an enchanting environment.
It’s also open for quick service lunch, but I enjoy the table service dinner more. It’s one of the best places to eat in the Magic Kingdom.
Columbia Harbour House – This quick-service restaurant across from the Haunted Mansion can feel like a bit of an oasis among the crowds of the Magic Kingdom. With loads of seating upstairs, it can be easier to find a seat here than other quick service spots. It offers what I would describe as New England comfort food, and you can get clam chowder and a lobster roll along with other menu items.
Crystal Palace – My kids’ all-time favorite character meal is hosted at the Crystal Palace. This is a popular spot, so definitely make reservations well in advance. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Crystal Palace serves a buffet meal hosted by Pooh and Friends. It’s perfect if you want a sit-down meal – especially if you plan on doing some character meals.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some of my favorite attractions and some great restaurants. I have three favorites at the park.
Hollywood Brown Derby – A trip to the Hollywood Brown Derby is worth it, just for the Cobb salad alone. Although the restaurant boasts several other fabulous entrees, I prefer to go for a lunch of Cobb salad and grapefruit cake. It’s a bit more formal than some of the other restaurants, so check the dress code before you go.
Mama Melrose – This sit-down Italian restaurant features flatbreads, pasta, and other Italian specialties. It’s casual and great with kids.
Sunset Boulevard Kiosks – if you are looking for a quick service meal, I like the group of kiosks by Sunset Boulevard. there are a few different options, so it’s good for a family with a bunch of different preferences. There’s a good amount of seating, but it does fill up, so it’s best to eat early.
Animal Kingdom Restaurants
Animal Kingdom is currently THE park to visit, thanks to the Pandora. Luckily, Animal Kingdom also boasts some delicious restaurants. My two favorites are quick service spots.
Satu’li Canteen – Animal Kingdom’s newest restaurant is my current favorite. Satu’li Canteen, located right near Flights of Passage, offers unique and healthy food options. It’s a challenge to choose between the delicious cheeseburger pods (pictured above), and the healthy bowls.
Flame Tree BBQ – Another favorite is the Flame Tree BBQ, located in the center of the park. This BBQ restaurant is delicious and is a great value – offering lots of food for a relatively low price.
Tiffins – this deluxe, international restaurant, located in Animal Kingdom, is a great splurge. The food and atmosphere are both excellent. There’s also the attached Nomad Lounge where you can get drinks and small plates.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Restaurants
In addition to the theme parks, you’ll also find some delicious restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. The moderate and deluxe resorts also offer table service and quick service restaurants, while the value resorts usually have large food courts with lots of options.
The table service restaurants at these hotels are still popular, so definitely make reservations if you want to eat at one of them. Here are my favorites.
The Flying Fish – This fine dining restaurant on the Boardwalk (which does have a dress code), offers fresh fish and delicious steak. If traveling without kids, stop by the adjacent AbracadaBAR for a drink.
Beaches and Cream – This fun soda shop at the Beach Club offers one of the most popular items at Walt Disney World – the Kitchen Sink Sundae!
Boma Flavors of Africa – This buffet at the Animal Kingdom Lodge offers delicious African and American dishes for breakfast and dinner. It’s one of our favorites, especially if we are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Jiko – The Cooking Place – Adjacent to Boma is Jiko, a fine dining restaurant (with dress code), offering a seasonal menu including a delicious steak entree.
The California Grill – The best views on the property can be found at the California Grill at the Contemporary. This fine dining restaurant (with a dress code) is perfect for a special dinner. The views and the entrees are amazing. If you love sushi, there are some great options here too.
Il Mulino – Il Mulino is a bit different from the other restaurants mentioned here. Located at Disney’s Swan Resort, Il Mulino isn’t owned or operated by Walt Disney World. It’s a delicious option, however, offering fabulous, upscale Italian food.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs has recently been completely renovated with some fabulous new restaurant options. We have a whole post here featuring some delicious restaurants and shops at Disney Springs.
Paddlefish – this new seafood restaurant located in a paddleboat features inventive seafood dishes such as crab fries and lobster guacamole.
Blaze Pizza – This chain restaurant has locations across the country, with one at Disney Springs. The pizza is made quickly and is delicious. It’s one of the menu quick-service locations at Disney Springs.
The Boathouse – The Boathouse is another delicious seafood restaurant in Disney Springs. Grab a seat outside and enjoy a nice glass of wine with your meal.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ – Looking for some Southern comfort food? This restaurant offers favorites including shrimp and grits and fried chicken.
Wine Bar George – This upscale restaurant in Disney Springs has some delicious food options on the menu. They serve lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekends.
Mobile Ordering
When dining at quick-service locations, you may consider placing a mobile order. Use the app, order your food, and pay for it without having to wait in line. It’s a great way to save time.
Read more Walt Disney World tips here.
Mary Badami
Thursday 5th of July 2018
Our favorite is Tiffins, a signature restaurant in Animal Kingdom. It is a relaxing experience and we are treated as honored guests. It is worth it to research the decor and theme. If you like the history and process of how things came to be and where things come from at Disney, you will love Tiffins. Most of all, the food is delicious. And the service is impeccable.
Cheryl Anderson
Friday 4th of May 2018
I LOVE eating at Disney. This is a really great list. I completely agree, Satu' li Canteen is my new favorite place to eat out of all the parks. I also really enjoy the Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom for great table service. Depending on what you order, you can make it an affordable table service meal that is delicious too! I have not made it to Be Our Guest yet but I hope to on our next visit! Thanks for sharing this inspiring post!