One of the questions we get asked most often is:
“Where should we eat at Walt Disney World?”
The truth is there isn’t one perfect answer. Walt Disney World has hundreds of dining options ranging from quick-service locations to signature dining experiences and character meals.
After many trips together, we’ve developed a list of restaurants we find ourselves returning to again and again. These may not be the most expensive or hardest reservations to get, but they’re the places that consistently provide great food, atmosphere, and memories.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World.
Favorite Character Breakfast: Topolino’s Terrace
If we could only choose one character breakfast, it would be Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Located on the rooftop of the Riviera Resort, Topolino’s offers beautiful views while serving one of the best character breakfasts at Walt Disney World. The food quality is a noticeable step above many character meals, and the character costumes are some of Disney’s best. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy appear in unique artist-inspired outfits exclusive to the restaurant.
The atmosphere feels relaxed and upscale while still being fun for families. We also enjoy taking time to explore the Riviera Resort before or after breakfast.
Why we love it:
- Rooftop location with beautiful views
- Excellent breakfast menu
- Unique character costumes
- Beautiful Riviera Resort setting
- Easier to enjoy than many crowded character meals
Favorite Character Buffet: Crystal Palace
Sometimes you simply want classic Disney nostalgia.
For us, that’s Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom.
Meeting Winnie the Pooh and friends inside Magic Kingdom never gets old. It is one of our favorite character dining experiences and a great option for families with younger children.
Favorite Disney Springs Restaurants
Raglan Road
Raglan Road is one of the most entertaining meals on Disney property.
The live Irish music and dancers create an atmosphere that feels completely different from anywhere else at Walt Disney World.
Wine Bar George
For a more relaxed adult experience, we love Wine Bar George.
Whether you’re stopping in for a glass of wine, a shareable plate, or brunch, it consistently delivers excellent food and service.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
No Disney Springs visit is complete without a stop at Gideon’s Bakehouse.
The cookies are huge, rich, and worth sharing—although we rarely do. If you’re lucky enough to visit when your favorite flavor is available, don’t pass it up. We also love Gideon’s enormous cake slices, which are every bit as decadent as the famous cookies and easily large enough to share.
One of our favorite tips is to visit during Cookie Hour, when Gideon’s serves its famous warm Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with vanilla ice cream. It’s an indulgent treat, but if you’re a dessert lover, it’s absolutely worth trying at least once.
Favorite Breakfasts
Kona Cafe
Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Kona Cafe remains one of our favorite breakfast spots.
The famous Tonga Toast gets most of the attention, but the entire breakfast menu is excellent.
Boma
Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney’s hidden gems.
The breakfast buffet offers a unique mix of traditional breakfast favorites and African-inspired dishes.
Even better, you can spend time exploring Animal Kingdom Lodge and viewing the animals before or after your meal.
Favorite Buffet Without Characters
If we’re choosing a buffet based strictly on food, our answer is easy.
Boma
The variety, quality, and unique flavors make Boma our favorite buffet at Walt Disney World.
Even guests who normally avoid buffets are often surprised by how good Boma is.
Favorite Steakhouses
Jiko – The Cooking Place
Jiko combines outstanding food with one of Disney’s most unique atmospheres.
The restaurant feels special without feeling stuffy. We especially enjoy pairing dinner with time spent exploring Animal Kingdom Lodge and watching the animals on the savanna.
Steakhouse 71
Steakhouse 71 offers tremendous value compared to many Disney signature restaurants.
The food is excellent, and we love the classic Disney history theme throughout the restaurant. It’s also a great place to take a break from Magic Kingdom and enjoy a relaxing meal at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Favorite Barbecue
The Polite Pig
At Disney Springs, The Polite Pig serves some of the best quick-service barbecue on property.
The portions are generous, and it’s an easy stop during a Disney Springs day.
Favorite Lounges
Sometimes we aren’t looking for a full meal. We just want a relaxing place to grab a drink and a snack.
Nomad Lounge
Nomad Lounge is probably our favorite lounge at Walt Disney World.
The atmosphere is peaceful, the food is excellent, and it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds of Animal Kingdom. Whether we’re stopping in for a specialty cocktail or one of the lounge’s small plates, it never disappoint.
Tambu Lounge
Located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Tambu Lounge is one of our favorite places to relax outside the parks.
One of the best parts is that you can order some of the same famous items served at Ohana without needing a dining reservation. The noodles and potstickers are particular favorites of ours and make for a perfect snack or light meal while enjoying the Polynesian atmosphere.
Baseline Tap House
When we’re in Hollywood Studios, Baseline Tap House is a great place to relax for a few minutes before heading to the next attraction.
Runner-Ups
The Beak and Barrel
The Beak and Barrell at the Magic Kingdom for a fun family friendly experience.
Space 220 Lounge
Getting a lounge reservation at Space 220 Lounge can be much easier than securing a dining room reservation.
You still get the incredible space station atmosphere while enjoying smaller plates and drinks.
Favorite Casual Table Service Restaurants
Three Bridges Bar & Grill
Three Bridges Bar & Grill continues to surprise guests who haven’t tried it.
The food is excellent, the setting over the water is beautiful, and prices are reasonable by Disney standards.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Geyser Point offers one of the best outdoor dining experiences at Walt Disney World.
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or just a drink while enjoying Bay Lake views, it is a fantastic hidden gem.
Favorite EPCOT Restaurants
La Hacienda de San Angel
One of our favorite dining experiences anywhere in Walt Disney World is watching EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular from La Hacienda de San Angel.
Request a window table if possible and enjoy dinner while watching the fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon.
Chefs de France
Chefs de France consistently delivers great food and a classic Parisian atmosphere.
It’s become one of our favorite sit-down meals in EPCOT and a place we find ourselves returning to regularly.
Favorite Italian Restaurants
Il Mulino
Located at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Il Mulino is our favorite Italian restaurant on Disney property.
The portions are generous, and the menu feels much closer to a traditional Italian restaurant than many theme park dining locations.
Trattoria al Forno
Trattoria al Forno is a close second and one we visit frequently during evenings spent exploring Disney’s BoardWalk.
Favorite Counter Service Restaurants
Satu’li Canteen
Satu’li Canteen is our top quick-service restaurant at Walt Disney World.
Fresh ingredients, customizable bowls, and consistently great food make it an easy choice.
Columbia Harbour House
Columbia Harbour House is one of Magic Kingdom’s most underrated dining locations.
It’s a great alternative to burgers and fries and often offers a quieter place to sit and relax.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers solid barbecue and plenty of indoor seating, making it one of our favorite EPCOT quick-service stops.
Final Thoughts
Everyone’s Disney dining favorites are different, but these are the restaurants Mike and I find ourselves returning to trip after trip.
Whether we’re enjoying breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace, relaxing at Nomad Lounge, watching the fireworks from La Hacienda de San Angel, or sharing a giant cookie from Gideon’s, these locations have become part of our Disney traditions.
We also look forward to sampling the food booths during EPCOT’s festivals. From the Festival of the Arts to Flower & Garden and Food & Wine, trying new dishes and returning to a few favorites has become one of our favorite Disney vacation traditions.
If we had to narrow it down to just a few can’t-miss dining experiences, Topolino’s Terrace, Boma, Nomad Lounge, La Hacienda de San Angel during the fireworks, and Gideon’s Bakehouse would be at the top of our list.
The great thing about Walt Disney World dining is that there is always something new to discover. Some of our best Disney memories have been made around the table, and we’re already looking forward to finding our next favorite meal.
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What are your favorite Walt Disney World restaurants? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!