Discovering (and devouring) amazing food is all part of the Disney World experience, but the sheer number of restaurants and food choices can be overwhelming. Even the most experienced Disney park visitors are constantly finding new places that they haven’t tried yet, so imagine how confused first-time guests are! The best advice is to read up on what people are raving about. Here are 14 that are worth reading about; you can visit two per day!
1. Steakhouse 71, Disney’s Contemporary
The Park Prodigy chose this new restaurant as the best in the park, and it is good for both kids and adults. The upscale menu features steak bites, amazing burgers and of course, full-sized, juicy steaks (priced at under $40), chicken, fish, desserts, breakfast and lunch.
2. California Grill, Contemporary Resort
This award-winning restaurant is elegant and pricey, with a Pacific-Coast themed menu that’s more geared towards adults (children are also welcome). Top choices here include the gouda mac and cheese, Cowboy-cut ribeye steak and Sonoma goat cheese ravioli.
3. Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Thought to be the best character-dining experience in Disney World, this is located inside Cinderella’s castle and offers American-style, three-course meals. Try the Tenderloin of Beef and their Jaq & Gus whipped cheesecake dessert.
4. Victoria & Albert’s, Grand Floridian Resort
Chosen number one by Zizzy Knows Disney, this fine dining establishment is known for its high-end food, wines and prices. Don’t wear jeans and short here, and consider getting a babysitter.
5. Takumi-Tei, EPCOT
Also geared more for adult dining, this Japanese steak and sushi restaurant is elegant and well worth the high prices. Try the Wagyu steak, ponzu crab and the sushi and sashimi.
6. Toledo, Coronado Springs Resort
With its Spanish-inspired seafood, steaks and tapas, Toledo is a newer restaurant that offers amazing views and treats like braised lamb shank, sustainable fish and a tapas bar dessert.
7. The Boathouse, Disney Springs
With its dock location and gigantic menu, this well-loved eatery has a raw bar, baked crab-stuffed lobster, baby back ribs and their renown S’mores Baked Alaska.
8. Citricos, Grand Floridian Resort
Located next to Victoria & Albert’s but more casual, this cool little spot has a colorful ambience and delicious Mediterranean food. It’s not particularly kid-friendly, but if you dine here try the tuna tartare, Berkshire pork belly and scallop risotto.
9. Homecomin’ by Chef Art Smith, Disney Springs
This is Disney World’s top spot for Southern comfort food; they have a lovely veranda for outdoor dining. Don’t miss their famous fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and amazing hush puppies.
10. Space 220, EPCOT
This is one of the park’s most unique dining experiences, with a dining room that looks down onto Earth and out into space. They have an amazing filet mignon, short rib and lemon mousse; your kids will love this place.
11. Via Napoli, EPCOT
The Points Guy likes this restaurant for its “legitimate Italian food,” pizzas and reasonable (for Disney World) prices; he recommends the Piccante Pizza.
12. The Hollywood Brown Derby, Hollywood Studios
Designed as a replica of the original Hollywood landmark, this pricey restaurant has a great Cobb salad and French fries.
13. Tusker House, Animal Kingdom
Go here for the safari-themed character dining option, which isn’t cheap but provides a ton of food. Their shrimp and rice is highly rated, and they also have great desserts and cocktails.