Disney Springs is one of our favorite places to spend a non-park afternoon or evening at Walt Disney World. We love strolling through the shops, listening to the live entertainment and, of course, deciding where to eat.
With everything from quick-service burgers and barbecue to date-night restaurants and over-the-top desserts, choosing where to eat can be a little overwhelming. These are some of our favorite places to eat at Disney Springs, along with a few honest opinions that may be a little controversial.
Of course, Disney Springs is about more than food. Before or after your meal, don’t forget to visit World of Disney. It offers the biggest selection of Disney merchandise at Walt Disney World and is a must-do when you are looking for clothing, souvenirs, gifts or a little extra Disney magic.
Our Favorite Quick-Service Restaurants at Disney Springs
D-Luxe Burger
When we are craving a burger, D-Luxe Burger is hard to beat. The burgers are consistently delicious, and the hand-cut fries make the perfect addition.
Be sure to check the menu for a seasonal or limited-time burger. We enjoy trying something different, although you cannot go wrong with one of the regular favorites.
D-Luxe Burger is also conveniently located in Town Center, making it an easy stop while shopping and exploring Disney Springs.
The Polite Pig
The Polite Pig is another one of our favorite quick-service restaurants at Disney Springs. In our opinion, it serves the best barbecue anywhere on Walt Disney World property.
The menu includes smoked meats, sandwiches and plenty of flavorful sides. It is a great option when you want a filling meal without committing to a longer table-service reservation.
The Polite Pig can get busy, but the food is worth the wait.
Chicken Guy!
Chicken Guy! is a fun choice for a quick and casual meal. The chicken tenders are good, but the impressive variety of sauces is what really makes this restaurant stand out.
Your meal includes a couple of sauces, but you can add more flavors for a small additional charge. We recommend ordering a few extras and turning lunch into your own little sauce-tasting experience.
Pizza Ponte
Pizza Ponte is a convenient pizza counter serving large slices of thick, square pizza. The slices are filling enough for a quick lunch or dinner without taking too much time away from shopping and exploring.
There are several toppings available, along with Italian desserts such as cannoli and tiramisu. It is an especially good choice when you want something fast that still feels more substantial than a snack.
Our Favorite Disney Springs Restaurants for Dinner
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
Raglan Road is one of our longtime Disney Springs favorites. The restaurant has a lively, high-energy atmosphere that makes dinner feel like part meal and part entertainment.
Check the menu for the Scallop Forest appetizer. The presentation alone makes it fun to order and share.
We also think Raglan Road serves some of the best fish and chips around. The crispy batter, flaky fish and thick-cut chips make this one of our go-to meals at Disney Springs.
Morimoto Asia
For excellent Asian cuisine, Morimoto Asia is a great choice. The beautiful restaurant feels upscale without being overly formal, and the menu includes everything from sushi and noodles to ribs and Peking duck.
This is a good option when you want a nicer dinner with plenty of different flavors and dishes to share.
The BOATHOUSE
The BOATHOUSE has a fun atmosphere and one of the most varied menus at Disney Springs.
You will find seafood, steaks, chops, pasta, burgers, sandwiches and lobster rolls, making it a helpful choice when everyone in your group wants something different.
The waterfront setting also makes it a wonderful place to relax over a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Our Favorite Disney Springs Restaurant for Couples
Wine Bar George
For a couples’ night out, we love Wine Bar George. It has an impressive wine selection, but the food is just as much of a reason to visit.
Rather than ordering separate entrées, choose several small plates, cheeses or charcuterie selections and share everything. It makes dinner more interesting and allows you to sample several different flavors without committing to one large meal.
Wine Bar George is also an excellent brunch destination. It is a great choice for a relaxing weekend meal before spending the afternoon exploring Disney Springs.
More Great Brunch Options at Disney Springs
Summer House on the Lake
Summer House on the Lake is another very good choice for brunch at Disney Springs.
The bright, relaxed restaurant has a beautiful lakeside setting and a menu filled with fresh, California-inspired dishes. It is a particularly nice choice when you want a leisurely brunch before spending the afternoon shopping.
Be sure to look at the cookies and other treats available from The Cookie Bar before you leave.
House of Blues
House of Blues also serves a very good brunch. The Southern-inspired menu and energetic atmosphere make it a fun place to begin a Disney Springs day.
It is a good alternative when you want a hearty brunch in a casual setting.
Our Possibly Controversial Homecomin’ Opinion
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is a favorite among many Disney fans, but we have never been quite as excited about it as everyone else seems to be.
We are not saying the food is bad. The fried chicken is good, but for us, it has never lived up to the tremendous amount of hype surrounding it.
With so many excellent restaurants at Disney Springs, Homecomin’ simply is not at the top of our personal list.
We know this may be an unpopular opinion, so tell us what we are missing!
The Best Desserts at Disney Springs
Gideon’s Bakehouse Hot Cookie Hour
For us, one of the best desserts at Disney Springs is Gideon’s Hot Cookie Hour.
During Hot Cookie Hour, you can order a warm Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie topped with vanilla ice cream. It is rich, gooey and definitely large enough to share—although you may not want to.
Hot Cookie Hour is offered during select afternoon and evening times, so check the current schedule before your visit. Gideon’s can become extremely busy and may use a virtual queue, so arrive early and do not wait until the final few minutes.
Do not overlook the cake slices, either. Gideon’s cakes are every bit as decadent as the cookies and are worth trying when you want something different.
Ghirardelli
Sometimes a classic hot-fudge sundae is exactly what you need.
Ghirardelli is one of our favorite places to stop for a big chocolate sundae that can easily become a dessert for two. It may not be the most unusual Disney Springs dessert, but warm Ghirardelli hot fudge over ice cream rarely disappoints.
Salt & Straw
For more adventurous ice cream flavors, head to Salt & Straw. The menu often combines familiar ingredients in creative and unexpected ways.
Ask for a few samples before choosing your scoop. You may be surprised by which unusual flavor becomes your favorite.
Our Disney Springs Wild-Card Pick
Planet Hollywood’s Chicken Crunch
Here is another choice that may be controversial: we love the Chicken Crunch at Planet Hollywood.
These crunchy chicken tenders are normally found among the appetizers, but you can ask whether an entrée-sized order is available.
They may not be the most sophisticated food at Disney Springs, but they are fun, satisfying and something we continue to crave.
Final Thoughts
There is no shortage of places to eat at Disney Springs. Our choice usually depends on what kind of experience we want that day.
For a quick meal, we love D-Luxe Burger, The Polite Pig, Chicken Guy! or Pizza Ponte. Raglan Road, Morimoto Asia and The BOATHOUSE are among our dinner favorites, while Wine Bar George is our pick for a couples’ night out.
For brunch, Wine Bar George, Summer House on the Lake and House of Blues are all excellent options.
And no Disney Springs visit is complete without at least considering a warm Gideon’s cookie, a Ghirardelli sundae or a scoop from Salt & Straw.
After your meal, take some time to stroll through the shops, enjoy the entertainment and browse the huge selection of Disney merchandise at World of Disney.
Now it is your turn: What is your favorite place to eat at Disney Springs? And do you agree with our Homecomin’ opinion, or do we need to give it another chance?