When people think of amusement park food they think of hamburgers and chicken fingers, but the restaurants at Walt Disney World are even more than that. I’ve had delicious fish, amazing ice cream sundaes, and romantic dinners.
Best Restaurants in Walt Disney World
How I chose the Best Restaurants in Walt Disney World
There are so many restaurant’s throughout the parks and the property it’s hard to pick the best restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. I have chosen these 10 places for many different reasons; theme, food, parade views, originality, and location. This list is in no particular order, and offers something for the whole family, both young and old.
Please note that restaurants located inside Walt Disney World Parks require Park Admission in order to dine there.
Disney Dining Reservations at the Best Restaurants in Walt Disney World
Unlike Disney FastPasses that can only be made 30 days in advance (60 if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort.) you can reserve dining experiences 180 days before your arrival at Disney World. The best dining experiences, get booked very early so if you want to eat at places like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest Restaurant, just to name a few, book early.
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop is located near the pool area at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This hidden gem offers both sit down service and a walk-up ice cream window. Beaches and Cream serves up some of the best ice cream sundaes found at Walt Disney World with a retro beach side ice cream shop vibe.
Besides ice cream you can grab a delicious burger or hot sandwich (I recommend the reuben!) with some perfect fries and a root beer float. Finish off your meal by splitting the Kitchen Sink, just make sure you have a few friends to share it with because it’s HUGE!
View the Beaches and Cream menu here
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop photo courtesy of Disney
Coral Reef Restaurant: Epcot’s The Seas
I first saw this restaurant on Full House as a kid when Uncle Jesse and Uncle Joey went swimming in the giant viewing tank that is the main attraction to this restaurant. A few years ago while visiting Epcot with my Nanny Family, we took the kids their. We had a booth down close to the tank and the kids loved every second of our dining experience.
All of the fish is super fresh and cooked to perfection. The kids meal is diverse and has plenty of small servings of the delicious fish that is on the adult menu. To end the meal we enjoyed light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with adorable candy starfish.
Be Our Guest Restaurant: Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Would any Disney restaurant list be complete without this fan favorite? If you haven’t been, the Be Our Guest Restaurant located in Beast’s Castle in New Fantasyland is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And honestly, might be the best restaurant at Walt Disney World.
Each meal offers delicious offerings in an enchanted setting. Dinner is a 3 course french inspired meal. And yes you can try the grey stuff with the White Chocolate “Chip” Cup.
Pro Tip: Reserving the earliest breakfast time gets you in the park before opening and can help get you in line for Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train first thing in the morning!
View the Be Our Guest menu here
Be Our Guest Restaurant Photo courtesy of Disney
Read more: The Best Snacks at Walt DisneY World
Artist Point: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney is at it’s best during this Storybook Dining experience at the Wilderness Lodge. Step into the Enchanted Forest and meet your favorite characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This themed experience is not frequently talked about, but is a personal favorite of mine.
The Prime Rib is superb and for all your vegetarians out there try the Stroll Through Nature, with tasty butternut squash arugula, and gnocchi. Watch out for The Queen and maybe try a “Poison” Apple to round out this magical meal.
View the Artist Point menu here
Spice Road Table: Epcot’s World Showcase
Whether you’re drinking around the world or need a gorgeous spot to stop and have a bite, Spice Road Table will be perfect. It’s about halfway around the World Showcase in the Morocco Pavilion on the lagoon side.
While all the entrees are to die for if you’re just looking for a snack get the hummus and imported olives from the small plates menu. It is some of the best hummus I’ve had outside the Middle East. If you leave without trying the baklava, you’ve completely missed out and need to go back!
If you book your reservation at just the right time you’ll have one of the best seats to see Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot’s laser, water, and fireworks show. In this Disney Fan’s opinion, it is the best nighttime show in all of Walt Disney World.
View the Spice Road Table menu here
Spice Road Table Photo courtesy of Disney
Cinderella’s Royal Table: Disney’s Magic Kingdom
As I kid I wanted to go inside Cinderella’s Castle so bad! It always held some kind of fascination. Am I the only one? Then when Tinkerbell started flying from the Castle during the nighttime spectacular, Wishes, I was even more intrigued. When Cinderella’s Royal Table finally opened I was WAY too excited! For everyone else that has always wondered what was inside the Castle, you won’t be disappointed.
While dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is a character dining experience where you meet various Disney Princesses, later in the evening it can be very romantic. With the towering archways and stained glass windows I felt like complete royalty while inside. The 3 course meal served at both lunch and dinner are extremely filling.
View Cinderella’s Royal Table menu here
California Grill: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Everyone loves the fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom, but no one loves the crowds leaving the park afterwards. Why not have a scrumptious meal and watch the fireworks from the Contemporary Resort’s California Grill?
While the restaurant serves brunch and dinner, I highly recommend making a reservation around the time of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Remember: do this WAY in advance of your trip as this is a very popular at this time of day. They even dim the lights and play the accompanying music. If you can’t get a reservation for the time of the fireworks. Book either before or after. While you won’t have your table, if you have your receipt or proof of your reservation, you’ll be allowed on the outdoor observation deck or in the Lounge. Because of this many adults consider this to be the Best Restaurant at Walt Disney World
View the California Grill Menu here
California Grill Photo courtesy of Disney
Satu’i Canteen Restaurant: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While Satu’i Canteen is the only quick service restaurant on the list don’t be fooled, there is nothing ordinary about the food here. The theme of the Canteen is classic Disney transporting you to another world. You’re not just getting lunch or dinner, you’re a traveler to Pandora, being immersed is the culture and cuisine of the Na’vi.
I love the creative drinks served up at Satu’i Canteen including a Pandoran Sunrise and Dreamwalker Sangria. The blueberry cream cheese mousse comes served up in the most original way (and it’s so instagrammable!)
Of all the restaurants in the Animal Kingdom this is the best choice for those with food allergies.
View the Sati’i Canteen Restaurant menu here
Prime Time Cafe: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Stepping into the Prime Time Cafe is taking a step back in time to the 1950’s. “Mom” is out back cooking up some of her most famous recipes from some crispy friend chicken to chicken pot pie. But keep those elbows off the table or you’ll get in trouble!
The decor is something out of a 1950s TV show. Throughout the restaurant you’ll find black and white TVs showing classic 50s television shows like Dennis the Menace and the Mickey Mouse Club. Your waiter or waitress might even give you some homework, so brush up on your Disney movies and trivia!
View the Prime Time Cafe menu here
Prime Time Cafe Photo courtesy of Disney
Yak & Yeti Restaurant: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
On the outside Yak & Yeti looks like it could be a house found in the mountainside in the Himalayas. Inside you’ll find a restaurant filled with a collection of “artifacts” from all over the Asian continent. The decor is a feast for the eyes.
The fully stocked bar offers a variety mixed drinks and imported Asian beers. As for food the sweet and sour chicken and the pork pot stickers are my personal favorites. While those are my favorites, this is an excellent choice for vegetarians as there are a plethora of meat free options.
If you’re lucky enough to get seated up stairs by the window, you’ll have an excellent view of the afternoon parade. When you show up for your reservation you can request a seat for parade viewing, but it cannot be guaranteed.
View the Yak & Yeti Restaurant menu here
Sanaa has been my favorite! We love trying all the restaurants, especially in Epcot!
Epcot has so many good ones with the BEST food!