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I really don’t know of any other place that has as many incredible dining options as Disney World. The plethora of options leaves something for everyone, no matter what your palette is.
In order to alleviate some stress of trying to figure out dinner plans, I have compiled the ultimate list of the best restaurants in Disney World. In this post, you will find my top 5 Table Service options and my top 5 Quick Service options in each of the four Disney World theme parks.
Scroll to the end of this post for a printable PDF version of every restaurant listed in this post.
But first, let’s answer some questions about Disney World dining:
Do I Need Reservations?
It is highly recommended that you book table service reservations well in advance. Time slots fill up fast!
When I was in college, my whole family went to Disney together and I was tasked with choosing the restaurants. We had no idea that we should make reservations ahead of time so I ended up in the resort lobby for over two hours trying to scramble and get reservations for the week we were there. As a result, we were at the mercy of the restaurants and the times that they happened to have available. Save yourself the unnecessary stress and book ahead of time!
Is Dining Expensive?
It depends. Table service meals are definitely more expensive than quick service. On average, you can expect to pay $10-15 per person for quick service and around $20+ for table service per person.
How Do I Pay for Food?
If you have the Disney dining plan then you don’t have to do anything besides scan your wristband. The meals are already included in the total price you paid for your Disney vacation.
If you do not have the Disney dining plan, then you can pay with credit/debit card. Cash is also accepted. If you do not feel comfortable carrying cash, however, you can use cash to purchase a Disney gift card at the resort which you can use towards any purchases you make in the parks.
Should I opt for the Disney Dining Plan?
My personal opinion is yes. I think the convenience of the dining plan is worth any extra cost. With the dining plan you will get one quick service meal, one table service meal and two snacks per day per person. This cost can add up, especially for the whole family. Even a bottle of water isn’t cheap.
Besides, with the dining plan, your drinks, meal and dessert are included. If you bought all of these separate every day it would add up fast.
If you don’t end up using all of the snacks or meals then they will just carry over for you to the next day. The night before we left, we ended up cashing in all of our leftover snacks and had them on the trip home.
Can I Bring my Own Snacks?
Yes!! Disney does allow you to bring your own snacks and water into the park. You are also allowed to walk around with food in the park.
Does Disney Give Free Water?
Yes! You can stop at any food service station in any of the parks and ask for a cup of water free of charge.
Okay, now that we have answered some of the basic questions let’s get into the best restaurants in Disney World! Also, check out my list of Top 10 Rides and Attractions in each Disney Theme Park here!
Magic Kingdom
Table Service
- Be Our Guest Restaurant
Located in Fantasyland. Here you can pretend you are Belle and dine in the Beast’s enchanted castle! This restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Reservations are needed and this option is not included in the Disney dining plan.
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
Located in Fantasyland. This is a one of a kind fine dining experience. This option serves lunch and dinner and reservations are most definitely needed.
- Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
Located on Main Street U.S.A. Tony’s is an Italian restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Inspiration for this restaurant comes from Lady and the Tramp and you can spot them throughout the restaurant. Don’t forget to save room for their cheesecake, it is delicious!
- Liberty Tree Tavern
Located in Liberty Square. What’s really cool about this restaurant is that it pays tribute to our Founding Fathers. There are six rooms and each is dedicated to a prominent figure in U.S. history (Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, George Washington, John Paul Jones and Paul Revere). Here you will dine buffet style with New England inspired dishes.
- The Plaza Restaurant
Located on Main Street U.S.A. Here you can dine for lunch or dinner in a casual, 20th century style atmosphere.
Quick Service
- Pinocchio Village Haus
Located in Fantasyland. The specialty here is flatbread pizza!
- The Friar’s Nook
Located in Fantasyland. You can’t go wrong with a classic hot dog!
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
Located in Frontierland. Stop by for some great salads or fajitas, and of course try the delicious churros!!
- Columbia Harbor House
Located in Liberty Square. Where else can you get authentic New England clam chowder that isn’t in New England? — HERE! Also try the shrimp and fish baskets!
- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Located in Tomorrowland. After riding Space Mountain stop by for some classic burgers and fries or chicken nuggets for the kids!
Bonus: Snacks Spots
Gaston’s Tavern –Located in Fantasyland. Try the grey stuff (cupcakes) and LeFou’s Brew (non-alcoholic).
Cheshire Cafe – Located in Fantasyland. This is your go to stop for an iced/hot coffee.
Sunshine Tree Terrace – Located in Adventureland. You have to stop here for the “Citrus Swirl” – a frozen orange juice slushy with vanilla ice cream – YUM!
Animal Kingdom
Table Service
- Tiffins Restaurant
Located in Discovery Island. This is a great choice for those who like fine dining. Here you can experience flavors from around the world – such as charred octopus or tamarind-braised short ribs. Try cuisine from Africa, Asia and many other places around the world.
- Rainforest Cafe
Located at the Main Entrance of the park. Step into the sounds, and smells, of the Amazon rainforest. This is an incredible themed dining choice that the kids will surely love. I was personally in awe of the decor, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. While waiting for your table, check out the cafe gift shop.
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Located in Asia. After you’re done exploring Mount Everest you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. This restaurant serves American/Asian cuisine located at the base of Expedition Everest. Save room for the fresh pineapple and the fried won-tons!
- Nomad Lounge
Located in Discovery Island. This table-service restaurant has a unique selection of small plates and signature drinks from various locations around the world. My favorites were the Snow Leopard Salvation and the Leaping Lizard!
- Tusker House Restaurant
Located in Africa. This is Animal Kingdom’s character dining location. It is a buffet, family-style restaurant with an African flare. You will see Safari Donald Duck and his friends!
Quick Service
- Pizzafari
Located in Discovery Island. The name says it all.
- Flame Tree Barbecue
Located in Discovery Island. Try some incredible barbecue accompanied with baked beans and coleslaw!
- Restaurantosaurus
Located in DinoLand U.S.A. Burgers and nuggets for the kiddos!
- Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe
Located in Asia. The sister to the table service restaurant. Try fried rice, bowls, egg rolls and other Asian favorites.
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments
Located in Africa. In case you want to skip lunch and go straight to dessert! This is a desserts-only menu!
Bonus: Snacks Spots
Dawa Bar – Located in Africa. Try the South African wines and African beer selections.
Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks – Located in Asia. Serving a selection of frozen drinks and snacks like hummus and veggies.
Harambe Fruit Market – Located in Africa. Shop like you are in a real African market and grab snacks like apples, bananas, pretzels and chips.
Dino-Bite Snacks – Located in DinoLand U.S.A. I can’t pass up a spot that has ice cream cookie sandwiches!
Epcot
This list was REALLY hard. Epcot has the best restaurants in Disney World, in my opinion. I think the best way to choose here is to pick what kind of food you are in the mood for, and head to that ‘country’ in the World Showcase. You have 11 different countries to choose from.
Table Service
- Space 220
Dine amongst the stars and the planets in this ALL NEW restaurant located in World Discovery. This is the hardest reservation to get in Disney World, but believe me if you do get one it will be a dining experience out of this world! - Teppan Edo
Located in World Showcase – Japan. This is by far, hands down the BEST hibachi I have ever had. - Coral Reef Restaurant
Located in Future World. Here you get to dine under the sea with wall to wall aquariums showcasing many different species of fish. They serve some, yep you guessed it, great seafood options. - Garden Grill Restaurant
Located in Future World. This is your character dining destination for Epcot. What’s cool about this option is that it is a rotating restaurant where you will see rainforest, prairie, farmhouse, thunderstorm and sandstorm scenes. Chip & Dale are among the characters you will get to meet here. - Spice Road Table
Located in World Showcase – Morocco. Here you get to experience some Mediterranean flare with a waterfront view.
Quick Service
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Located in World Showcase – United Kingdom. The fish and chips are a must.
- La Cantina de San Angel
Located in World Showcase – Mexico. Taco Tuesday … or any day! .
- Lotus Blossom Cafe
Located in World Showcase – China. Have some fried rice, egg rolls and other Chinese favorites!
- Katsura Grill
Located in World Showcase – Japan. If you’re looking for a lighter Japanese flare then stop by here for some sushi, teriyaki and some sake!
- Les Halles Boulangerie – Patisserie
Located in World Showcase – France. A French bakery serving scrumptious sandwiches and soups. Or if it’s your happy hour – they serve beer, wine and champagne too! Belle would love it!
Bonus: Snack Spots
Popcorn in Canada
Joy of Tea
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe – (Norwegian specialties)
Hollywood Studios
Table Service
- Hollywood & Vine
Located in Echo Lake. This is the spot for Character Dining buffet style. You can expect to see Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy here!
- 50’s Prime Time Cafe
Located in Echo Lake. This is like Mom’s Kitchen so mind your manners .. except here you get to watch tv while you eat!
- The Hollywood Brown Derby
Located on Hollywood Boulevard. This is a fine dining restaurant where you get to dine in the glitz and glamour of the famous Brown Derby.
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Located on Grand Avenue. Homestyle Italian …. Need I say more?
- Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant
Located on Commissary Lane. Here you get to watch scary sci-fi scenes while sitting in booths that look like cars!
Quick Service
- Woody’s Lunch Box
Located in Toy Story Land. Make sure to try the old fashioned soda floats!
- PizzeRizzo
Located on Grand Avenue. When can you ever pass up a good pizza?
- Rosie’s All American Cafe
Located on Sunset Boulevard. Serving all of the classic American dishes …. Burgers and fries 🙂
- Dockside Diner
Located on Echo Lake. They serve foot-long hot dogs!
- Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo
Located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors while you try exotic options from across all of the galaxies.
Bonus: Snack Spots
Hollywood Scoops – Located on Sunset Boulevard. Serving ice cream and sundaes
The Trolley Car Cafe – Located on Hollywood Boulevard. Serving baked goods and Starbucks coffee.
I hope you found this list of the best restaurants in each Disney World theme park helpful!! Let me know what some of your favorite places to eat in Disney World are in the comments! Also, check out the Top 10 Rides in each Disney theme park here!
To check out all of the dining options Disney World has to offer, visit their website. Here you can filter choices by dining plan, price, etc and you can make reservations online.