Disney World's Best Restaurants 2023 - The Points Guy (2023)

Editor's note: This article has been updated with the latest information.

even surroundeddisneyMagic, you still have to eat.

existswalt disney world, meals can range from a quick burger and fries to a fully immersive experience that takes you around the globe - even into space. It's not uncommon to spend a lot of time planning where to eat and which attractions to ride at Disney.

When visiting Disney World, consider dividing your meals into two categories: dining at regular restaurants, as a way to refuel before resuming activities, and dining at unique places that also count as entertainment and a way Ways to see a character or show in a different situation.

When your kids know they can eat in the room, or that Mickey, Minnie or the princesses can join them for dinner, you may have to choose between affordable meals and creating lasting memories on a rather expensive dining outing.

However, not all Disney food and dining experiences are created equal. Here are some options for your next Disney World vacation, whether you're aiming for affordable, upscale, or filled with special Disney moments.

For free help planning and booking your next Disney vacation, check out TPG's Disney Reservations Partners,Mouse advisor.

Best Disney Restaurant

Best Disney World Restaurant: Takumi-Tei

The best restaurants in Epcot and Disney World areTuo Haiting.It is known not only for the quality of its food, but also for its exquisite service, unique atmosphere and unforgettable experiences that will make you think you are still in Central Florida.

There are only two options here, both inspired by traditional omakase meals: $150 per person for the plant-based menu and $250 per person for the meat menu. Children under 8 are not admitted and both menus take two to three hours to eat, so plan accordingly and enjoy your short trip to Japan.

related:The best Disney World hotels for your next magical stay

Epcot's best restaurant for all ages: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Don't worry, we don't just list restaurants that cost hundreds of dollars. While Takumi-Tei tops this list, we're adding another Epcot option that's more affordable and welcomes all guests: Via Napoli.

In the heart of Epcot's World Showcase's Italian Quarter, this longtime favorite may have gone down a notch since reopening, but it still offers authentic Italian fare coming to New York City's Little Italy Recognized.

Prices are reasonable by Disney standards, with most entrees costing no more than $30. Pizzas are more expensive than you'd hope ($44.50 for a large pizza, shown below), but they're good for sharing, as large pizzas can serve a family of three or four. The piccante pizza with pepperoni ($24 to $50, depending on the size you choose) is a solid choice.

Bedste restaurant i Disney's Hollywood Studios: The Hollywood Brown Derby

This Hollywood Studios replica of a California icon has an air-conditioned restaurant, an ideal lunchtime escape from the Florida heat.

The service isn't always quick here and the prices aren't cheap, but it's a great way to fill your belly while taking a legitimate break from the park. The Cobb salad ($22) is great, and you can't go wrong with the filet mignon with horseradish cream and pepper dressing ($49).

Best Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom: Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

Unless an expensive character meal is what you are looking for, there is no better restaurant in the Magic Kingdom than Skipper Canteen. That's especially true if you're into a mix of bush cruising and dining that's more adventurous than stereotypical theme park fare like burgers and fries.

On the lunch and dinner menus, you'll find dishes like the Falls Family Falafel ($11) and "tastes like chicken because it is!" ($28) Sweet and spicy fried chicken with jasmine rice and seasonal vegetables. There's also a sustainable fish course with Asian flavors for $32.

If you like spicy noodles, Skipper Dan's Dan Dan Mian ($28), a noodle dish topped with crispy pork, vegetables and a spicy chili sauce, is unlike anything you'll find at the Magic Kingdom.

Best Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Tusker House Restaurant

It was a tough call, but we think Tusker House has a slight edge over Tiffin's Restaurant, another Animal Kingdom favorite, because Tusker House gives you the chance to see characters in unique, cool outfits.

Tusker House currently offers packages for its special safari-themed dining options. Lunch and dinner are a bit pricey at $59 per person. adult and $38 per child plus tax and gratuity (or $45 per adult and $29 per child excl. tax and gratuity, breakfast), but you get a lot of food - because it's too much for one person.

Your meal consists of a salad and bread plate (with hummus, cilantro and mango chutney) for starters; a large Moroccan spiced beef, curry prawns, grilled herb chicken and marinated pork (plus garnish) for mains; and dessert trio platter. The prawn ice cream was arguably the best of the entrees, but the whole meal was good.

With your meal, you can enjoy a selection of cocktails (from safari-themed drinks like the Tikiti Punch to traditional drinks like the Moscow Mule), beer, wine and cider for an additional fee.

Best fast food: Satu'li Canteen

Next to Animal Kingdom's Avatar Flight Pass, this canteen offers quick service at its Disney-inspired best.

The fast food spot's beef, chicken and fish bowls ($12.99 to $17.49 each) are a quick, cheap and healthy lunch or dinner that's delicious. As an added bonus, there is also a selection of wine and beer if you want to unwind after your Avatar experience.

If you're saving room for dessert, order the blueberry cream cheese mousse ($5.79). It's easily the highlight of the entire menu.

related:How to eat healthy in Disney World

Best food: Victoria & Albert's

If you're looking for some of Disney World's best award-winning food while celebrating a special occasion like a big anniversary, milestone birthday, or epic celebration, head toexists.Just don't expect to roll in straight from the park as this is an exclusive venue with a strict dress code.

Children under 10 are not admitted, and a meal for two can cost hundreds of dollars—more than $1,000 is common if you and your dining partner decide to include wine. Book a chef's table and watch the kitchen team prepare delicious meals for you.

related:How to Save Money Renting Disney Vacation Club Points

Best casual dining: Nomad Lounge

If you're looking for a great daytime experience at Animal Kingdom, there's no better place than the Nomad Lounge. In fact, the park is worth a visit.

Nomad Lounge Just before you enter the city of Pandora, the world of Avatar, Nomad Lounge is definitely the place to go for a snack if you prefer something more worldly and delicious. While it can easily take an hour or more to get on the walking waiting list, you'll be well rewarded once you're inside (or on the patio).

Nomad Lounge favorites include bread service ($14) at the attached Tiffins restaurant, delicious yucca fries ($15) and fries ($9). Menu items can be shared by everyone, so you and your group can try a few things without overeating during the day.

best street food

Dole Whip

While there are plenty of great snack options around the parks and resorts, if you're looking for the best street food in Disney World, there's no better place: Dole Whip.

What is a Dole Whip? It's a pineapple flavored soda mix that you can add pineapple juice to if you're smart. This pick-me-up (from $5.99 per cup) is perfect on a hot day.

At Disney World, you can get your Dole Whip outside of Aladdin's Carpet in the Magic Kingdom on Aloha Isle. You can also find Dole Whip at Animal Kingdom's Tamu Tamu Refreshments - adding some alcohol to the treat is an option - atDisney's Polynesian Village ResortJust behind the main building when you go to the pool.

If you want a change, Disney now offers a few other flavors, including raspberry, strawberry, lime, and mango. Of the newer flavors, we're big fans of the coconut version, although you can never go wrong with the original.

freshly baked cookies

If you love cookies, the hottest thing on the Disney block is the half-pound cookie at Gideon's Bakehouse in Disney Springs. These cookies are large and decadent and come in a variety of delicious flavors.

On the regular menu, you'll find the original Chocolate Chip Cookie ($6) with Peanut Butter Shortbread ($6), Triple Chocolate Chip ($6) and a few other more unique limited-time flavors that can and will go on sale early in the year sold out that day. There is also a selection of cake slices, chocolate dipped biscuits and cold drinks.

If you want one or more of these cookies (you can only buy up to six at a time), plan to join the virtual line as soon as you arrive at Disney Springs by going to Gideon's and adding your number to the list, for There's usually an hour or two of virtual waiting, and then you have to wait 10 to 20 minutes in a physical line to get your treats. The cut-off time to enter the virtual queue is sometimes a few hours before closing, so you need to be in the queue before Enjoy biscuit bliss.

Ronto Wrap

Best food in Hollywood Studios if you ask usStar Wars: Galaxy's EdgeDefinitely a ready-to-eat package for Ronto Roasters.

The delicious Ronto Wrap, available in two versions (both around $13), features grilled pork sausage wrapped in warm pita bread. The breakfast version (premium option) adds eggs and cheese, while the original comes with pepperoni sauce, roast pork and salad.

egg roll

It's not always open, but if you're hungry and see the long line in front of the egg roll cart at the entrance to Magic Kingdom World of Adventures, you better get in line.

Here you can get omelets in two flavors such as pepperoni pizza, cheeseburger and buffalo chicken. It might sound strange, but every version tastes amazing. You pay $9.50 to choose two egg rolls.

Best Disney Character Dining Experience

Best Magic Kingdom Character Meals: Cinderella's Royal Table

It's an expensive meal, but it's worth it since you and your kids will be dining in the castle with all their favorite Disney princesses.

Breakfast here is the cheaper option at $65 per adult and $39 per child. Lunch and dinner are slightly more expensive at $79 for adults and $47 for children, but you'll get better food options during those serving times, including chicken teriyaki with fettuccine, a mix of romaine and Brussels sprouts, and seasonal cheesecake.

Best Special Brunch: Topolino's Terrace — The Taste of the Riviera

Cinderella's slippers top the list, as Topolino's Terrace serves up an equally memorable brunch specialty at the topDisney's Riviera ResortGreat service, great food and some very famous characters in memorable costumes.

Breakfast at Topolino's Terrace includes a pastry basket, juice, coffee and a main course from an adult or children's menu. For adults, options include smoked salmon, avocado toast, sour cream waffles and wild mushrooms, all for $45. Meanwhile, kids 9 and under can choose from $29 options like fruit and yogurt, Mickey waffles and scrambled eggs.

The food is as good as ever, but it's the character that really sets this dining experience apart. Minnie, Mickey, Daisy and Donald Duck put on their best Mediterranean clothes and are introduced to the place's very fun and unique music.

Epcot's Best Character Meal: Barbecue

Located in the Living with the Land pavilion at Epcot, the Garden Grill is not that interesting or impressive at first glance. In fact, we've been just walking past it for years. But now that we've tried it, we recommend giving it a shot, especially if you're after some fun time with the classic characters.

Lunch and dinner at Chip 'n' Dale's Harvest Feast are $55 for adults and $36 for children (or breakfast for $42 for adults and $27 for children, returns starting June 14) featuring family-style platters of barbecue chicken, seasonal vegetables, roast beef, salads, macaroni and cheese, bread and more. The restaurant actually rotates and sometimes you can see scenes from the Living with the Land tour where some ingredients can be grown.

While the food here is solid, the characters stole the show. Chip, Dale, Mickey and Pluto make regular visits while you dine at your stand.

Best Character Meals for Teens and Teens: Snow White's Storybook Dinner by the Artist

One of Disney World's new character meals is also one of the best.

found inDisney Wilderness Lodge(Which means you don't need a park ticket to visit.) Artist Point's three-course meal is much more than burgers and fries. Menu options include shrimp cocktail appetizers, sustainable fish with risotto, and truly delicious vegetarian dishes including asparagus, leeks, arugula, and gnocchi. In addition, you have four desserts to choose from, from "poison" apples to biscuits and panna cotta with chocolate pearls.

The biggest draw, however, is the meet and greet with the evil queen herself. Also keep an eye out for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as they have been known to hang out in the dining room.

Best whole hearted meal

'ohana

If you're looking to indulge your vacation but don't want to sit down to a traditional meal, consider dining at 'Ohana. Places to indulge in an iconic buildingPolynesian Village Resort, 'Ohana has been popular for a long time ... and for good reason.

At $59 for adults and $38 for children, dining at 'Ohana is an investment in calories and cash. However, it's a must for any foodie, especially if you love the restaurant's 'Ohana noodles, signature bread, pork buns, bread pudding and more like we do.

Time your meal around the Magic Kingdom fireworks so you can enjoy them in the restaurant, which plays music to match the show. Save time and grab a pre- or post-dinner drink at Trader Sam's for an epic (and delicious) night in the park.

expert tips: If you don't want the whole 'Ohana spread, you can order noodles, potstickers and bread pudding a la carte next to the restaurant in the Tambu Lounge.

Disney's best outdoor dining

houseboat

This Disney Springs waterfront restaurant offers a wonderful alfresco dining experience and is the perfect place to sample fresh seafood.

Start your meal with a special honey butter roll (it's free and worth the trip alone) before enjoying seafood dishes such as crab cakes ($32.50), tuna poke ($19.75) and macaroni and cheese with shrimp and sausage ($25 Dollars) . If seafood isn't your thing, don't worry: the cheeseburger ($19) and yacht club sandwich ($22), both served with delicious fries, are also popular.

related:Best Disney World Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining

Geyser Point Bar and Grill

The outdoor Geyser Point Lounge, overlooking Bay Lake at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, is a worthwhile walk-in spot, even if you have to wait to get in.

Menu items range from the cheesy BBQ brisket with fries ($11) to the braised glazed chicken wings ($15) to the bacon bison cheeseburger ($21). Mixed cocktails are also available if you want a drink after a busy day at the park.

best dinner show

Hoop Dido Musical

If you like to laugh until your stomach hurts, this is the restaurant for you. If laughing doesn't make your stomach hurt, then gorging on fried chicken and side dishes is enough.

the dinner showDisney's Wilderness Resort is a Disney classic, and it's fun for kids and adults alike, as long as you enjoy singing along to American classics and listening to little jokes. Strawberry shortcake and bottomless sangria, wine and beer are other reasons why you should check out this lively spot.

While prices vary depending on where you sit, expect to pay $66 to $74 per adult and $39 to $44 per child.

honorary award

Roundup Cowboy BBQ

If you're in Hollywood Studios and need a big protein boost and childhood nostalgia, this is the winner: Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

Disney World's newest restaurant will open in Spring 2023 inside Toy Story Land. It may not have character encounters or live entertainment (although there are occasional voiceovers shouting Andy is coming), but it's a nice addition to the park and offers plenty of mouth-watering food.

For $45 per adult and $25 per child, you can treat yourself to a selection of meat, starters and desserts. In addition to beef brisket, smoked ribs, pork sausage and grilled chicken, which are standard on the meat platter, there are four side dishes to try such as mac and cheese, baked beans, mashed potatoes and fries with pickles. As an added bonus, all tables order a homemade biscuit served with a really good pepper jelly.

220 seat restaurant

Epcot's new members, Space 220 virtually transports diners to dine in "space" 220 miles above Earth.

At Space Dining, enjoy food like Starlight Calamari, Galaxy Miso Salmon, Gemini Burger and Space Getty Shrimp, all of which are multi-course options for $55 for lunch and $79 for adult dinner, $29 for children. Extras such as side dishes, desserts and alcoholic beverages (all with names that fit the bill) are also available.

While the food was solid (albeit expensive), the highlight of the experience was the feeling of being lifted off the planet and then eating. As you dine, you'll be able to watch ships and space tourists pass by your windows, an experience you won't get anywhere else in Disney World.

If you can't quite get over the high prices or don't have time for a multi-course meal, visit a lounge or bar and see if there's a walk-in spot or make a reservation. These high demand options are a great way to experience experiences for less money.

Yak and Yeti Restaurant

Yak & Yeti is a sit down and quick service place in Animal Kingdom, the quick service window offers a condensed version of the menu available inside.

While Yak & Yeti isn't cheap, with entrees starting at $21.49, the pan-Asian cuisine is pretty good and one of our animal kingdom favorites. The decor mimics what you would expect when dining in a Nepalese market.

To keep your total check affordable, order one of the shareable plates, like the tuna nachos ($21.99). Portions are large enough for two or more people.

Regal Eagle Smoking Room

The Regal Eagle is a new addition to the Epcot neighborhood.

Housed in the American Explorer and former home of the Liberty Inn, this restaurant offers a variety of grill plates and beers on tap. However, unlike the grill in Toy Story Land, this option only offers a la carte items, making a meal cheaper and easier to share.

Purists from barbecue meccas like Central Texas won't necessarily fall in love with the food, but the barbecue is good and it's a good value for the family (especially by Disney standards).

crystal palace

On the way from Main Street America in the Magic Kingdom to the World of Adventures, this cafeteria offers food and a few characters from the Hundred Acre Forest. Some even say that the food at Crystal Palace is better than the food at Cinderella's royal table.

Dishes you'll find here include seasonal salads, fried chicken with gravy, shrimp Creole, and dessert plates. All buffet food is included in the fixed price of $59 per adult and $38 per child, although alcoholic beverages are an additional charge.

To save a little money, skip the lunch and dinner service and get breakfast for $45 per adult and $29 per child. The breakfast buffet offers a selection of breakfast items including yogurt, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and a selection of pastries.

Oga's Tavern

Oga's Cantina, the Star Wars-themed bar in Hollywood Studios' Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, serves real food. However, the experience was so over the top and unique that we had to include it on this list.

You don't come here for the food, not even for the quality of the drinks. Instead, you'll see a DJ R-3X spinning tunes and interacting with bartenders in full costume and character. The atmosphere will make even the most anti-“Star Wars” attendees smile.

Book in advance if you want to visit, even if it's just for a drink, as the place gets very busy. Try the Fuzzy Tauntaun ($18) for a fun twist.

Sci-Fi-biografrestaurant

Cool and atmospheric, this restaurant is located on a well-traveled sidewalk in Hollywood Studios. You can watch old movies while eating in your own "car". Better yet, let your kids have their own car so you can eat in relative peace.

The menu is à la carte and has everything from burgers to pasta to salads. It's easy to stay on a budget here, as entrees cost between $19 and $27.

Screenings of old movie clips are unlikely to get your kids' attention, and the food isn't always the star of the show, but it's still a cool experience to try at least once, especially considering how much the actors really get into their roles.

Rose and Crown Restaurant

This Epcot restaurant with British cuisine is a convenient place to grab real fish and chips ($26) or bangers and mash ($23) without jumping across the pond.

If you can't or don't want to sit down, there's a takeout counter next to Rose & Crown, which often serves up classic food for those on the go. But if you're not in a rush, book a table at Rose & Crown and enjoy the atmosphere while enjoying pub food.

California BBQ

If you want an upscale Disney dining experience that isn't as fancy (or expensive) as Victoria & Albert's, try the California Grill.

The check-in desk is on the second floorDisney's Contemporary Resort, but the restaurant itself is on the 15th floor. This elevated location — which enforces a dress code, though not as strict as Victoria and Albert — offers guests stunning views of the Magic Kingdom and surrounding resorts for sunsets and nightly fireworks.

Currently, California Grill offers a multi-course dining experience for $89 for adults and $39 for children. Expect menus inspired by fresh dishes from the Pacific Rim, such as sushi and sashimi, goat cheese ravioli, oak-grilled Angus filet mignon and fire-roasted venison.

related:How Much Does a Disney World Vacation Cost?

Steakhouse 71

Newer to Walt Disney World is Steakhouse 71, another Disneyland eaterymodern resortThe restaurant, which replaces The Wave, links the menu and history to Walt Disney's roots and the opening of Disney World in 1971.

Specialties here include potato brioche with a sprinkle of sea salt ($12), Stack Burger with premium flavors like lemon aioli and brioche bread ($21), vegetable "Wellington" ($26), signature 16-layer chocolate cake to match the 16-story Contemporary ($11) and even the surprisingly delicious ambrosia ($8).

Our Least Favorite Disney Meals

Although Disney World is full of magical fairy dust, there have been cases of misfires. While all of these may have their supporters, for us the food was either too plain or too bland, too out of the way or too crowded.

• Akershus Royal Festival Hall:Character dining is an important part of the Disney experience. You might think you'd save a few bucks by dining with the princesses in Akershus' royal ballroom at Epcot instead of Cinderella's royal table, but it's a poor substitute (unless you need to be in Norway's Frozen "near the rides to get something to do" eat). While your favorite princess will join you for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the food here is on par with other Disney restaurants. That said, it's easier to order than Cinderella's King's Table, so keep it in your back pocket if you need a last-minute princess meal.
• Teppanyaki Edo:This place at the Epcot Japan Pavilion was another disappointment, especially compared to the spectacular Takumi-Tei. The food here is good, but the performance factor of this teppanyaki place is not much. Honestly, we've seen mall teppanyaki restaurants closer to home offer better performance at more reasonable prices. At Disney prices, your hard-earned money is much more bang for your buck, and the themes are ones you can't easily recreate anywhere else.
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe:With few exceptions, it's hard to find good food in the Magic Kingdom, but you should avoid the worst, the latest being Pecos Bill. The fast food menu looked interesting, a mix of rice bowls, nachos, fajitas and burgers, but ultimately the service can be spartan and the food a bit disappointing (and barely edible).
• Starlight Café at Cosmic Ray:Another flaw in the Magic Kingdom is cosmic rays. The menu is very limited to theme park items like chicken fingers, burgers and fries, which are theoretically available if you want them. In practice, Cosmic Rays can get very crowded and orders are way behind...all for a plate of typical American fare. If you are going to eat here, order in advance on your phone.

Disney Dining Tips

• Book in advance, up to 60 days after the start of the trip. It can be canceled or changed if you change your mind, but it would be nice to have the option of an air conditioned wait. services such asmouse mealHelps you focus on ease of use if you don't want to keep looking for places in your favorite places.
• Book your Disney trip withAgents specializing in Disney, such as oursMus Counselors Partnere, to get professional help securing those hard-to-get dining reservations.
• When ordering from counter restaurants, please do so through the My Disney Experience app to avoid wasting time waiting in line to order.
• For extra points, you can credit Disney meals to your room (using the app or yourmagic bracelet), then pay with one card at the resort checkout to receive rewards on all in-park mealsgive you travel rewards.payment methodYou buy Disney gift cards at a discountAnother great way to save a little money while dining at Disney World's best restaurants.
• You can usually save 10% if you have an annual pass, so don't forget to ask for the discount.
• If you pay for your Disney meal onsite with a credit card, use the one that gives you the best payout for your meal. Even in the parks, most Disney World restaurants charge the code as a meal fee. This means that when you haveAmerican Express® Gold Cardor for every $1 spent withChase Sapphire Preferred Card, among otherBest cards for dining.

Related reading:

• 2023 Disneyland Visitor Tips: 18 Ways to Save Money and Have Fun
• New rides, attractions and experiences at Disney World in 2023
• This affordable new Disney Springs hotel offers free hot food and 6 evening drinks
• How to Save Hundreds of Dollars Renting Disney Vacation Club Points
• How to use points to buy Disney tickets