Walt Disney World Orlando Restaurants

The dining scene in Orlando was at one time epitomized by a plethora of fast-food fare, but there's been such an explosion of artisanal and locally sourced restaurants over the past five years that there are now seven local chefs and nine international celebrity chefs with James Beard Award nominations around the city. Some of the best restaurants in town can be found in resort hotels and theme-park complexes such as Disney Springs, but if you have the time, explore the local treasures beyond the resorts.

The signs of Orlando's dining progress is most evident in the last place one would look: Disney's fast-food outlets. Every eatery on Disney property offers a tempting vegetarian option, and kiddie meals come with healthful sides and drinks unless you specifically request otherwise. Chefs at Disney’s table-service restaurants consult face-to-face with guests about food allergies.

Around town, locals flock to the Ravenous Pig, the Rusty Spoon, Artisan's Table, and other gastropubs where the menu changes regularly; Luma on Park, a suave home of thoughtfully created cutting-edge meals; and any number of dining establishments competing to serve the very finest steak. Orlando's culinary blossoming began in 1995, when Disney's signature California Grill debuted, featuring farm-to-table cuisine and wonderful wines by the glass. Soon after, celebrity chefs started opening up shop. And in 2013, Disney completely revamped California Grill so it's a trendsetter once again.

Orlando's destination restaurants can be found in the theme parks, as well as in the outlying towns. Sand Lake Road is now known as Restaurant Row for its eclectic collection of worthwhile tables. Here you'll find fashionable outlets for sushi and seafood, Italian and chops, Hawaiian fusion and upscale Lebanese. Heading into the residential areas, the neighborhoods of Winter Park (actually its own city), Thornton Park, and Downtown Orlando are prime locales for chow. Scattered throughout Central Florida, low-key ethnic restaurants specialize in the fare of Turkey, India, Peru, Thailand, Vietnam—you name it. Prices in these family-owned finds are usually delightfully low.

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  • 1. California Grill

    $$$$ | Magic Kingdom Resort Area

    The view of the surrounding Disney parks from this 15th-floor restaurant—which earned a Michelin Plate distinction for quality in 2022—is as stunning as the food, especially after dark, when you can watch the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks from an outdoor viewing area. The space has stylish mid-century modern furnishings and chandeliers, and the exhibition kitchen is so well equipped that it has a cast-iron flat grill designed specifically for cooking fish. The restaurant offers locally sourced foods where possible, made-from-scratch items, such as the duck à l'orange pizza appetizer, and many items cooked in the wood-fired oven. Specialties include oak-fired filet of beef, Florida coast black grouper, and grilled pork tenderloin in a Zinfandel glaze.   If reservations aren't available, try the Grill's Lounge, as the first-come-first-served space offers the same menu and views. Celebration at the Top, a special event held on select weekend evenings in the private Sonoma and Napa rooms, offers cocktails, craft beers, and hors d'oeuvres one hour prior to the fireworks.

    4600 N. World Dr., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Stunning views of the parks and fireworks
    • Great sushi
    • Globally inspired, locally sourced dishes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential; cancel at least 2 hours prior to the dining reservation time to avoid a $10-per-person cancellation fee.
  • 2. Oga's Cantina

    $$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios

    No Star Wars land would be complete without a kooky bar. Here you'll find a variety of beers on tap along with Star Wars themed drinks such as the T-16 Skyhopper with vodka, melon liqueur, kiwi, and half and half; or the Dagobah Slug Slinger, made with tequila, curaçao, citrus, and ginger. Shareable snacks are available to enjoy while you take in the atmosphere. Fans of the former Star Tours attraction will appreciate the cantina's DJ, a familiar R-3X droid who previously piloted Starspeeders.

    Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Beer on tap and wine
    • Meat-and-cheese plate
    • Cocktails and mocktails
  • 3. 1900 Park Fare

    $$$$ | Magic Kingdom Resort Area

    Disney characters delight guests throughout the day at this sprawling, though dainty, lobby restaurant. Mary Poppins and friends join guests during the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast, posing for pics while cheerful tunes are played on an antique organ called Big Bertha, and the buffet features omelets made to order. Midday, the Mad Hatter reigns at the Wonderland Tea Party, for kids only. "Tea" consists of apple juice and cupcakes served by Alice and a very silly Hatter. Dress-up is encouraged but not required. Games and stories fill the hour for the 25 attendees from 4 to 12, who leave with an autographed photo. Dinner is home to Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner, a buffet of worldly cuisine complete with Cinderella, Prince Charming, and their family (including wicked steps) making the rounds.

    4401 Floridian Way, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Florida strawberry soup
    • Character dining buffets throughout the day
    • Wonderland Tea Party

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 4. Baseline Tap House

    $$$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios

    This eatery (re)creates a downtown Los Angeles corner pub, serving California wines and craft beers. Charcuterie boards featuring California cheeses and Bavarian pretzels with fondue are snackable highlights.

    Grand Avenue, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Urban Los Angeles feel
    • Casual snacks
    • California beers, ciders, and wines
  • 5. Big River Grille & Brewing Works

    $$ | EPCOT Resort Area

    Strange but good brews—Rocket Red Ale, Southern Flyer Light Lager, Steamboat Pale Ale, Gadzooks Pilsner—abound at this microbrewery, where you can sip your suds inside amid giant stainless-steel tanks or outside on a lake-view patio. The menu emphasizes meat and fish, with baby back ribs dry-rubbed and topped with honey chipotle barbecue sauce, elaborate hamburgers, or blackened fish tacos. Wine and cocktails are available for the nonbeer-drinking crowd.

    2101 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-560–0253

    Known For

    • Massive burgers
    • Disney's only microbrewery
    • Ribs, steaks, and fish
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  • 6. Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'

    $$$ | Disney Springs

    Superstar chef Art Smith, recognized by foodies for having worked for Oprah and cooked for heads of state, incorporates ingredients from nearby farms, ranches, and fisheries in this tribute to down-home Southern cooking. Having been a part of Disney's College program (he started his career with a culinary internship here), he's returned to present dishes like his famous fried chicken, deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, pork chops, fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes, and Southern slaw. The portions are enormous, and the flavors are bold. Try the Jasper Board sampler—smoked fish dip, pimento cheese, Tasso hams, bread-and-butter pickles, candied pecans, and buttermilk crackers—for a taste of everything. Save room for the Moonshine Mash (there's a long list of cocktails) and Smith's signature hummingbird cake.

    The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–5277

    Known For

    • Celebrity chef Art Smith's comfort food
    • Fried chicken
    • Signature cocktails and hummingbird cake
  • 7. Chef Mickey's

    $$$$ | Magic Kingdom Resort Area

    The fact that the Disney monorail zooms overhead right through the Contemporary Resort, and that Mickey, Minnie, or Goofy hangs around for breakfast and dinner, would be enough to make it popular, but the food here is surprisingly good. Chef Mickey's is shiny and bright, offering a breakfast and brunch that includes banana bread French toast, potato-cheese casserole, and the "Celebration" Mickey pancake. The family-style dinner doesn't disappoint either with prime rib, roasted salmon, potato gnocchi, and a Mickey Mouse Dome for dessert. A large selection of specialty cocktails is available for the grown-ups.

    4600 N. World Dr., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Character meals and Storybook Moments
    • Family-style servings
    • Specialty cocktails for the grown-ups

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 8. Chip 'n' Dale Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant

    $$$$ | EPCOT

    Family-style dinner fare is served here as the restaurant revolves, giving you an ever-changing backstage view of the Living with the Land boat ride. Offering quantity over quality, the restaurant serves all-you-can-eat meals with visits from Chip ’n’ Dale, Pluto, and occasionally Mickey. Typical choices include beef, turkey, and a sustainable fish with trimmings, beer and wine selections, plus kiddie favorites like mac and cheese and oven-roasted chicken drumsticks.  Except for the princess meals in Norway, this is the only EPCOT restaurant that has Disney character meet and greets during meals.

    World Nature, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Character dining
    • Unusual revolving restaurant within The Land pavilion
    • Family-style servings with beer and wine available
  • 9. City Works Eatery and Pour House

    $$ | Disney Springs

    Nearly 100 beers as well as eight wines on tap provide reasons enough for Disney guests and a fair share of Disney cast members to frequent what's called the "ultimate sports bar." Paired with a global collection of rare, limited, and special brews are meals large enough to share; burgers big enough for one; and bar bites like flatbreads, nachos, and wings to whet your appetite. The 17 high-def televisions make watching live sporting events a natural in this active joint. Happy Hour specials run from 3:30 to 6 on weekdays, and there's a weekend Rock n' Roll Brunch from 10 to 3.

    West Side, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-801–3730

    Known For

    • Extensive selection of beers on tap
    • Over-the-top sports bar atmosphere
    • Discounted drinks and food during extended happy hours
  • 10. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

    $$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios

    This hangar bay transformed into a quick-service-restaurant by Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs serves out-of-this world meals. Try the braised beef stir fry or the fried chicken tip yip with roasted vegetables. Those with egg or gluten allergies will find multiple options here, and if the line looks overwhelming, order online with the My Disney Experience app.

    Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Vegetarian hummus spread on pita
    • Gluten-free options
    • Authentic Star Wars atmosphere
  • 11. Garden Grove

    $$$$ | EPCOT

    With twinkling lights draped on its oversize, 25-foot, signature tree, this restaurant, designed to evoke New York's Central Park, specializes in character meals. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night, guests dine on classic American fare like prime rib while Goofy and his buddies make their rounds. Seafood buffets are featured Thursday through Sunday evening. Weekend mornings, Pluto leads the fray as families fuel up on day starters from raisin bread French toast to a create-your-own omelet station. The restaurant is open for lunch but without characters.

    1200 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-934–1618

    Known For

    • Character meals
    • Cedar plank–blackened salmon
    • Seafood buffet
  • 12. House of Blues

    $$ | Disney Springs

    Be prepared for a soundtrack of music that's equal parts groovy, funky, and soulful as you dine on an eclectic menu that offers everything from ribs to shrimp and grits to a tasty chicken Caesar salad. Consider trying the Juicy Lucy, a bacon cheeseburger with jalapeño and chipotle mayo; the pulled-pork sandwiches and the cornbread are also delicious. A worthy dessert is the bourbon-white-chocolate-banana-bread pudding. Consistently popular is the Gospel Sunday Brunch, where an elaborate Southern buffet (chicken and waffles, made-to-order omelets, shrimp and crawfish étouffée, bourbon bread pudding, etc.) is served with a side of live gospel music. For a faster meal, visit the quick-service barbecue counter The Smokehouse.

    West Side, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-934–2583

    Known For

    • High-end burgers and Southern fare
    • Sunday gospel brunch
    • Loud background music at all times
  • 13. Milk Stand

    $ | Disney's Hollywood Studios

    Stop by the Milk Stand to grab a glass of blue milk, Luke Skywalker's favorite drink (green milk is available, too—who knew?). Both drinks are made with coconut and rice milk mixed with different fruits. Adults can have rum or tequila added to their beverage.

    Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Plant-based beverages
    • Star Wars collectibles
    • Blue milk
  • 14. Pongu Pongu

    $ | Animal Kingdom

    Na'vi-inspired treats, such as pineapple cream cheese spring rolls and giant pretzels, can be found here. But what kids will love is the Night Blossom, a limeade topped with passionfruit boba. Pongu Pongu also offers breakfast, so if you find yourself deep into the park without having stopped to eat, grab some French toast sticks here.

    Pandora–The World of Avatar, Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Breakfast
    • Specialty mocktail
    • Draft beers
  • 15. Ronto's Roasters

    $$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios

    If you're looking for a quick meal in Galaxy's Edge, this is the place. Among the meats that have been "roasted over a pod racer engine," you'll find pork rinds, roasted pork, and vegetable wraps. Groups who just want a small bite should consider the snack sampler in a droid bucket. Those who rushed straight for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run will be happy to know they can pick up breakfast here between flights.

    Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Pork rinds
    • Specialty beverages
    • Quick meal
  • 16. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

    $$$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios

    If you don't mind zombies leering at you while you eat, then head to this enclosed faux drive-in, where you can sit in a booth that looks like a candy-color, 1950s convertible while watching clips from classics like Attack of the Fifty-Foot Woman and Teenagers from Outer Space. The menu includes a variety of burgers, from barbecue to salmon, as well as pan-seared chicken pasta and oven-roasted turkey sandwiches. End with a hot-fudge sundae or warm glazed doughnut.

    Grand Avenue, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Milk shakes
    • Specialty chef burgers
    • Wine, sangria, and fun cocktails
  • 17. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

    $$$$ | Magic Kingdom Resort Area

    This family-style restaurant deep inside the Wilderness Lodge offers character dining with Snow White and Dopey. The prix-fixe menu includes a shared appetizer, a single entrée per person, and then a shared dessert. There's a good northwestern U.S. wine list to choose from as well. The lobby of the hotel is its own entertainment, with giant totem poles and a huge stone fireplace that features rocks from every strata of the Grand Canyon.

    901 Timberline Dr., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Slow-braised pork shank
    • Butter-poached sustainable fish
    • Shrimp cocktail

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 18. Sunshine Seasons

    $ | EPCOT

    This market-style restaurant is great for a substantial meal or just a quick, healthy bite. Made using food sourced primarily on site, dishes might include stir-fried chicken or shrimp, vegetable korma, or oak-grilled salmon. Fruit and cheese plates plus assorted fruits and vegetables grown in the Living with the Land attraction are also available. 

    World Nature, Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Local veggies, fruits, and fish
    • Grilled salmon
    • Quick, cafeteria-style service
  • 19. The Land Cart

    $ | EPCOT

    If you're looking for a break from greasy vacation food, stop by The Land Cart for a fruit and cheese tray or a veggie and hummus tray. It's a short walk to benches where you can eat overlooking the upside-down water fountain by Journey in Imagination.

    World Nature, Walt Disney World, Florida, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Fresh fruits and veggies
    • Easy walk-up
    • Pretty views
  • 20. The Polite Pig

    $$ | Disney Springs

    The James Beard Award–nominated chef-owners of the Ravenous Pig gastropub in nearby Winter Park opened this sit-down restaurant to give Disney visitors a taste of Orlando's finest. They do it by sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local farmers and purveyors, as well as by house-smoking the ribs, brisket, and chicken and offering special Southern sides like tomato-and-watermelon salad or smoked corn with lime butter. The bar offerings include locally made beer and cocktails; a selection of nearly 100 whiskies adds an extra kick.

    Town Center, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-938–7444

    Known For

    • Locally sourced ingredients
    • Meats smoked on premises
    • Locally owned and operated by critcally acclaimed chefs

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