The 17 Best Disney World Restaurants in 2023

The 17 Best Disney World Restaurants in 2023

Disney World is not only a place for thrilling rides, spectacular shows, and beloved characters. It’s also a place for amazing food. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a lavish meal, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste buds and your budget.

But with so many restaurants to choose from, how do you decide where to eat? And how do you plan ahead for your dining reservations? And what are some of the new and exciting restaurants that are opening or changing in 2023?

In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and more. We’ll share our picks for the best restaurants in Disney World in 2023, based on our personal experiences, reviews from other guests, and the latest news from Disney. We’ll also give you some tips on how to make the most of your dining experiences at the most magical place on Earth.

So grab your fork and knife (or chopsticks or spoon) and let’s dig in!

Best Restaurants in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the heart of Disney World. It’s where you’ll find iconic attractions like Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Haunted Mansion. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Disney World. Here are two of our favorites:

Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s more than just food, you’ll love Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen. This is the most underrated restaurant in Disney World, in our opinion. It’s based on the Jungle Cruise attraction, and it has all kinds of amazing details that fans of the ride will appreciate. Plus, the servers are hilarious and witty, just like the Jungle Cruise skippers.

But the best part is the food. This restaurant offers unique dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Disney World. You can enjoy flavors from Asia, Africa, and South America, such as falafel, pork, curry, noodles, and rice. And don’t forget to try the secret menu cheese bread and the Kungaloosh! dessert.

If you’re looking for a flavorful and adventurous meal in Magic Kingdom, this is the place to go.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s more than just food, you’ll also love Cinderella’s Royal Table. This is the ultimate princess dining experience in Disney World. You’ll get to dine inside Cinderella Castle, with views of the park and character interactions with Cinderella and other princesses.

The food here is not as exotic as Skipper Canteen’s, but it’s still delicious and elegant. You can choose from dishes like beef tenderloin, chicken breast, salmon, and vegetarian cassoulet. And for dessert, you can indulge in chocolate cake, cheesecake, or sorbet.

But the real reason to eat here is the atmosphere. You’ll feel like royalty as you enjoy your meal in a medieval-style dining room, with stained glass windows, tapestries, and chandeliers. And you’ll get to meet some of your favorite princesses, who will greet you at your table and pose for photos.

This restaurant is currently operating with a limited Cinderella character meet-and-greet before your meal, but starting February 28th, 2023, the characters will return to this spot, restoring it to its former character meal glory. If you’ve been waiting for those princesses to be back, 2023 will be your year!

Best Restaurants in EPCOT

EPCOT is the park for foodies. It’s where you’ll find World Showcase, a collection of pavilions that represent different countries and cultures. Each pavilion has its own restaurant (or restaurants) that serve authentic cuisine from that region. You can also find some futuristic and innovative restaurants in Future World, the other section of EPCOT. Here are five of our favorites:

Garden Grill

Looking for a rotating restaurant with views of Living with the Land, family-style comfort food, and farmer Mickey and friends? Then Garden Grill is the place for you. This restaurant is one of the best character meals in Disney World, especially for families with young kids.

The food here is simple but satisfying. You’ll get to enjoy dishes like turkey, roast beef, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, salad, and berry shortcake. The best part is that some of the ingredients are grown right in EPCOT’s greenhouses.

The restaurant itself is also a treat. It rotates slowly as you eat, giving you different views of the scenes from Living with the Land attraction below. And you’ll get to see Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip ‘n’ Dale dressed as farmers. They’ll come to your table and interact with you in a fun and safe way.

Le Cellier

If you’re looking for a cozy Canadian steakhouse with mouthwatering meats, cheeses, and desserts, you’ll love Le Cellier. This restaurant is located in the Canada pavilion of World Showcase, and it has a warm and inviting atmosphere that resembles a wine cellar.

The food here is rich and decadent. You can start with the famous Canadian cheddar cheese soup or the poutine (fries topped with cheese curds and gravy). Then you can move on to the steaks, which are cooked to perfection and served with various sauces and sides. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with the maple crème brûlée or the chocolate moose (a chocolate mousse shaped like a moose).

This restaurant is not cheap, but it’s worth it for a special occasion or a splurge.

Via Napoli

If you’re looking for a casual Italian eatery with authentic pizzas, pastas, and gelato, you’ll adore Via Napoli. This restaurant is located in the Italy pavilion of World Showcase, and it has a lively and colorful atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Naples.

The food here is simple but delicious. The pizzas are the star of the show, made with fresh ingredients and baked in wood-fired ovens named after Italian volcanoes. You can choose from various toppings and sizes, including a giant 20-inch pizza that can feed a whole family. You can also enjoy pastas like spaghetti carbonara or lasagna napoletana, salads like caprese or caesar, and desserts like tiramisu or gelato. And don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine, a beer, or a limoncello.

This restaurant is a great place to enjoy a relaxed and satisfying meal with your family or friends.

Space 220

If you’re looking for a futuristic restaurant that transports you to a space station, with panoramic views of the Earth and beyond, you’ll be amazed by Space 220. This restaurant is one of the newest and most exciting additions to EPCOT, located in Future World next to Mission: SPACE.

The food here is inspired by the stars, with dishes like Galactic Lobster Globe, Centauri Burger, and Supernova Sweets. You can also enjoy drinks like the Planetary Punch, the Big Tang, or the Stargarita. The menu is not very extensive, but it has something for everyone.

The restaurant itself is an experience. You’ll board a special elevator that will take you 220 miles above the Earth, where you’ll enter a circular dining room with giant screens that show you the stunning views of the planet and the solar system. You might even see some astronauts or satellites floating by.

This restaurant is not cheap, but it’s worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Takumi-Tei (currently closed)

If you’re looking for a high-end Japanese restaurant with exquisite sushi, sashimi, and wagyu beef, you’ll be impressed by Takumi-Tei. This restaurant is located in the Japan pavilion of World Showcase, and it has a serene and elegant atmosphere that reflects the harmony of nature.

The food here is artfully presented and expertly prepared. You can choose from various courses that showcase the best of Japanese cuisine, such as omakase (chef’s choice), kaiseki (seasonal dishes), or teppanyaki (grilled meats). You can also enjoy drinks like sake, wine, or cocktails.

This restaurant is currently closed due to the pandemic, but we hope it will reopen soon. It’s one of the most expensive restaurants in Disney World, but it’s worth it for a special occasion or a splurge.

Best Restaurants in Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is the park for movie buffs. It’s where you’ll find attractions based on Star Wars, Toy Story, The Twilight Zone, and more. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Disney World. Here are two of our favorites:

The Hollywood Brown Derby

If you’re looking for a replica of the famous Hollywood restaurant, with signature dishes like the Cobb salad and the grapefruit cake, you’ll enjoy The Hollywood Brown Derby. This restaurant is located on Hollywood Boulevard, and it has a classy and nostalgic atmosphere that evokes the golden age of cinema.

The food here is refined and delicious. You can start with the famous Brown Derby Cobb salad or the shrimp cocktail martini. Then you can move on to the entrees like the char-grilled filet of beef, the roasted duck breast, or the vegetarian pho. And for dessert, you can’t miss the grapefruit cake or the chocolate three ways.

This restaurant is not cheap, but it’s worth it for a taste of Hollywood history.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic restaurant that resembles a drive-in movie theater, with burgers, shakes, and sci-fi clips, you’ll have a blast at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. This restaurant is located near Echo Lake, and it has a cool and quirky atmosphere that transports you to the 1950s.

The food here is simple but satisfying. You can choose from burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pastas, such as the classic American burger, the fried dill pickle and blue cheese salad, or the sci-fi barbecue platter. You can also enjoy drinks like milkshakes, sodas, or cocktails. And for dessert, you can indulge in the warm glazed doughnut or the house-made sci-fi candy bar.

The restaurant itself is an experience. You’ll sit in a car-shaped booth that faces a giant screen that shows clips from old sci-fi movies and cartoons. You’ll also hear the sound of crickets and see the stars in the darkened room.

This restaurant is a great place to enjoy a fun and casual meal with your family or friends.

Best Restaurants in Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is the park for nature lovers. It’s where you’ll find attractions based on animals, conservation, and adventure. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Disney World. Here are three of our favorites:

Tusker House

If you’re looking for a buffet-style restaurant with African-inspired flavors, live music, and safari-themed characters, you’ll adore Tusker House. This restaurant is located in Africa, and it has a colorful and lively atmosphere that reflects the culture and cuisine of the continent.

The food here is varied and delicious. You can enjoy dishes like spit-roasted meats, curries, stews, salads, and breads. You can also find some American favorites like macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, and corn dogs. And for dessert, you can savor treats like banana bread pudding, chocolate cake, or fruit salad.

The restaurant itself is also a treat. You’ll get to see Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy dressed in safari outfits. They’ll come to your table and interact with you in a fun and safe way. You’ll also hear live music from African drummers and singers.

This restaurant is one of the best character meals in Disney World, especially for families with young kids.

Satu’li Canteen

If you’re looking for a quick-service restaurant in Pandora that offers customizable bowls, pods, and desserts, you’ll be impressed by Satu’li Canteen. This restaurant is located in Pandora – The World of Avatar, and it has a futuristic and alien atmosphere that matches the theme of the land.

The food here is fresh and healthy. You can choose from bowls, pods, or desserts, and customize them to your liking. For the bowls, you can pick a base (rice, noodles, salad, or potato hash), a protein (chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp), and a sauce (charred onion chimichurri, black bean vinaigrette, or creamy herb dressing). For the pods, you can pick a filling (cheeseburger or vegetable curry) and a side (vegetable slaw or chips). And for the desserts, you can pick a flavor (blueberry cream cheese mousse or chocolate cake).

The restaurant itself is also an experience. You’ll see the Na’vi art and culture on the walls and tables. You’ll also hear the sounds of Pandora’s wildlife and music.

This restaurant is one of the best quick-service restaurants in Disney World, especially for vegetarians and vegans.

Nomad Lounge

If you’re looking for a relaxing lounge with exotic drinks, small plates, and views of the park, you’ll love Nomad Lounge. This lounge is located next to Tiffins Restaurant in Discovery Island, and it has a cozy and elegant atmosphere that invites you to unwind and explore.

The drinks here are inspired by different regions of the world, such as Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. You can enjoy cocktails like the Annapurna Zing (gin, passion fruit puree, mint, lime juice, ginger beer), the Tempting Tigress (bourbon, allspice dram, tamarind syrup, lime juice), or the Night Monkey (rum, guava puree, coffee syrup, lime juice). You can also enjoy wines, beers, ciders, or mocktails.

The food here is also inspired by different regions of the world, and it’s meant to be shared. You can enjoy small plates like tuna tataki (sesame-crusted tuna with ponzu sauce), charcuterie board (cured meats and cheeses with accompaniments), or churros (fried dough with vanilla crema and chili-strawberry sauce). You can also enjoy bread service (assorted breads with dips) from Tiffins Restaurant.

The lounge itself is also a treat. You’ll see the travel-inspired decor and artifacts on the walls and shelves. You’ll also see the views of the park from the indoor or outdoor seating areas.

This lounge is one of the best places to relax and enjoy a drink and a snack in Disney World.

Best Restaurants outside the Parks

Disney World is not only about the parks. It’s also about the resorts and Disney Springs, where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Disney World. Here are four of our favorites:

‘Ohana

If you’re looking for a Polynesian-themed restaurant that serves all-you-care-to-enjoy skewers, noodles, and bread pudding, with views of the fireworks, you’ll adore ‘Ohana. This restaurant is located at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and it has a warm and festive atmosphere that makes you feel like family.

The food here is hearty and delicious. You’ll start with a welcome bread and a salad. Then you’ll get to enjoy noodles, stir-fried vegetables, pot stickers, and chicken wings. And then you’ll get to enjoy skewers of grilled meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. And for dessert, you’ll get to savor the famous ‘Ohana bread pudding with banana-caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.

The restaurant itself is also an experience. You’ll see the Polynesian decor and music on the walls and tables. You’ll also see the views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the windows. And you’ll get to participate in some fun activities, such as coconut races and hula dancing.

This restaurant is one of the best all-you-care-to-enjoy meals in Disney World, especially for meat lovers.

California Grill

If you’re looking for a contemporary restaurant on top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with sushi, steaks, and a special 50th anniversary menu, you’ll enjoy California Grill. This restaurant is located on the 15th floor of the resort, and it has a sleek and sophisticated atmosphere that offers panoramic views of the park and the fireworks.

The food here is refined and delicious. You can start with sushi rolls, flatbreads, soups, or salads. Then you can move on to entrees like oak-fired filet of beef, seared scallops, pork tenderloin, or plant-based cashew cheesecake. And for dessert, you can indulge in chocolate pudding cake, lemon cheesecake, or seasonal sorbet. You can also enjoy drinks like wine, beer, or cocktails.

The restaurant itself is also an experience. You’ll see the modern decor and artwork on the walls and tables. You’ll also see the views of the park and the fireworks from the windows or the observation deck. And you’ll get to enjoy a special 50th anniversary menu that features dishes inspired by Walt Disney’s vision and legacy.

This restaurant is one of the best high-end meals in Disney World, especially for a romantic occasion or a splurge.

Topolino’s Terrace

If you’re looking for a rooftop restaurant at Disney’s Riviera Resort, with French and Italian cuisine, a character breakfast, and stunning views, you’ll love Topolino’s Terrace. This restaurant is located on the 10th floor of the resort, and it has a chic and elegant atmosphere that showcases the beauty and charm of Europe.

The food here is exquisite and delicious. You can start with appetizers like escargot, burrata, or gnocchi. Then you can move on to entrees like filet mignon, bouillabaisse, rigatoni, or ratatouille. And for dessert, you can savor profiteroles, apple tarte tatin, or chocolate cake. You can also enjoy drinks like wine, champagne, or cocktails.

The restaurant itself is also an experience. You’ll see the French and Italian decor and music on the walls and tables. You’ll also see the views of the resort and the fireworks from the windows or the terrace. And you’ll get to enjoy a character breakfast with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck dressed as artists, writers, sculptors, and dancers.

This restaurant is one of the best character meals in Disney World, especially for adults and older kids.

The Boathouse

If you’re looking for a waterfront restaurant at Disney Springs, with seafood, steaks, and amphibious car rides, you’ll have a blast at The Boathouse. This restaurant is located on the lake at Disney Springs, and it has a nautical and vintage atmosphere that celebrates the boating lifestyle.

The food here is fresh and delicious. You can start with oysters, shrimp, calamari, or crab cakes. Then you can move on to entrees like lobster, salmon, mahi mahi, or filet mignon. And for dessert, you can indulge in key lime pie, chocolate cake, or baked Alaska. You can also enjoy drinks like wine, beer, or cocktails.

The restaurant itself is also an experience. You’ll see the boating decor and memorabilia on the walls and tables. You’ll also see the views of the lake and the boats from the windows or the dock. And you’ll get to enjoy a ride on an amphibious car that takes you on a tour of the lake and the land.

This restaurant is one of the best outdoor meals in Disney World, especially for seafood lovers and thrill seekers.

Conclusion

As you can see, Disney World has some of the best restaurants in the world. You can find something for every taste, budget, and occasion. Whether you want to enjoy a quick bite or a lavish meal, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs.

But remember, dining at Disney World is more than just food. It’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in different themes, cultures, and stories. It’s also a chance to meet some of your favorite characters, see some of your favorite shows, and create some of your favorite memories.

So don’t miss out on these amazing dining experiences. Plan ahead, make your reservations, and get ready to enjoy some of the best Disney World restaurants in 2023.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Disney World dining in 2023:

• Q: How do I make dining reservations at Disney World?
• A: You can make dining reservations online, on the My Disney Experience app, or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. You can make reservations up to 60 days in advance of your arrival date, or up to 10 days in advance if you’re staying at a Disney resort hotel.
• Q: What are some of the new or changing restaurants at Disney World in 2023?
• A: Some of the new or changing restaurants at Disney World in 2023 are Space 220 at EPCOT, which opened in September 2021; Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom, which will resume its character meal service in February 2023; California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which will offer a special 50th anniversary menu; and BoardWalk Deli at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, which will replace BoardWalk Bakery.
• Q: What are some of the best restaurants for special occasions or splurges at Disney World?
• A: Some of the best restaurants for special occasions or splurges at Disney World are Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which is the only AAA Five Diamond Award restaurant in Florida (currently closed due to the pandemic); Takumi-Tei at EPCOT, which is a high-end Japanese restaurant (currently closed due to the pandemic); California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which offers sushi, steaks, and a special 50th anniversary menu; and Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom, which offers a princess dining experience inside Cinderella Castle.
• Q: What are some of the best restaurants for families with kids at Disney World?
• A: Some of the best restaurants for families with kids at Disney World are Garden Grill at EPCOT, which offers a rotating restaurant with views of Living with the Land, family-style comfort food, and farmer Mickey and friends; Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Hollywood Studios, which offers a fun and nostalgic restaurant that resembles a drive-in movie theater, with burgers, shakes, and sci-fi clips; and ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which offers a Polynesian-themed restaurant that serves all-you-care-to-enjoy skewers, noodles, and bread pudding, with views of the fireworks.
• Q: What are some of the best restaurants for vegetarians and vegans at Disney World?
• A: Some of the best restaurants for vegetarians and vegans at Disney World are Satu’li Canteen at Animal Kingdom, which offers customizable bowls, pods, and desserts; Le Cellier at EPCOT, which offers a vegetarian cassoulet and a plant-based chocolate mousse; and Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom, which offers a vegan churros and a plant-based slider.