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. Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

    $$$ | Disney Springs

    This complex of three restaurants is a haven of authentic Italian cuisine served up by two internationally known chefs (though the Disney "story" tells of an immigrant Italian couple who convert the Disney Springs Air Terminal into the eateries). Maria & Enzo's offers fine Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting; neighboring Pizza Ponte has pizza by the slice, Italian pastries, and belly-filling sandwiches; Enzo's Hideaway, set in a former cast-access tunnel, serves classic dishes seldom seen in Florida, like fried artichokes and house-cured antipasti.

    The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-560–8466

    Known For

    • Authentic Roman and southern Italian cuisine
    • Some of the best steaks in Orlando
    • Whimsical and detail-rich atmospheres
  • 2. Raglan Road Irish Pub

    $$$ | Disney Springs

    If an authentic Irish pub—actually transported from the Old Country plank by plank—is your thing, Raglan Road is the place. In addition to excellent fish-and-chips and shepherd's pie, the inventive chefs twist Irish cuisine to include dishes like Gulf shrimp and risotto with buffalo mozzarella and fresh peas. The entertainment alone makes this place worth the visit. "Trad" bands play nightly, and a troupe of Irish dancers performs several times every evening and during the Rollicking Raglan Sunday Brunch. Musicians also play outside for guests dining alfresco. A store called Shop for Ireland sells Irish merchandise. Around the corner, the Raglan-affiliated Cooke's of Dublin offers fast-take fish-and-chips, pies, and deep-fried "battered burgers."

    The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-938–0300

    Known For

    • First-rate dining and special chef-driven events
    • Extensive beer and ale selections, including exclusive brews
    • Nightly, sometimes hourly, entertainment
  • 3. Sanaa

    $$$ | Animal Kingdom Resort Area

    Most of the flavors are from India, yet Sanaa is really a celebration of the Spice Islands—locales off the coast of Africa that, for centuries, enticed traders from the world's corners. Exotic yet approachable lunches and dinners make it a true find on the outer edges of the Disney empire; views of zebras and giraffes on the savanna right out the picture windows are another draw. Potato-pea samosas are good starters. For the main course, try the tandoori chicken or the potjie-inspired meal, a bowl with a mix of a protein and unique base. This is the only sit-down restaurant open for lunch at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is a reservations-only Dine with an Animal Specialist program consisting of a four-course meal and fascinating company.

    3701 W. Osceola Pkwy., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-989–3463

    Known For

    • Surprising combinations of African and Indian flavors
    • Indian-style bread service
    • African-inspired breakfast
  • 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. Boatwright's Dining Hall

    $$$ | Disney Springs Resort Area

    Located riverside at Disney's Port Orleans Resort, this very impressive, handcrafted dining hall looks like the interior of a wooden sailing ship, complete with an inverted hull on the ceiling and weathered shipbuilding tools. True to the N'awlins theme is a menu of tasty bayou dishes ranging from Louisiana étouffée to crawfish bisque to andouille-stuffed catfish. Decadent desserts include the likes of gooey St. Louis butter cake and Bourbon Street pecan tarts. The River Roost Lounge, a full bar with entertainment, is a great stop before or after dinner.

    Disney's Port Orleans Resort–Riverside, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–5277

    Known For

    • Out of the way resort with a full bar
    • Cajun bayou catfish and jambalaya
    • Charleston-style seafood grits

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 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. Chefs de France

    $$$ | EPCOT

    This plush, bustling brasserie remains true to the spirit and the vision of Paul Bocuse, Gaston Lenôtre, and Roger Vergé, three of France's most famous chefs (Bocuse's son, Jerome, continues to run the restaurant). Classic escargots, a good starter, are prepared in a casserole with garlic butter; you might follow up with salmon marinated in white wine and lemon and served in a champagne sauce or grilled beef tenderloin with green peppercorn sauce; naturally, ratatouille is available, as is the occasional three-course, prix-fixe meal. Finish with a chocolate tart with white mousse.

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

    Known For

    • Sophisticated, classic French cuisine
    • Beef bourguignon
    • French charcuterie plate
  • 8. Coral Reef

    $$$ | EPCOT

    With stunning views of the 5.7-million-gallon aquarium, dining at Coral Reef is as entertaining as it is delicious. As you watch marine life—and sometimes scuba divers—swim by, enjoy dishes from a seasonal menu that's heavy on seafood offerings. Options might include shrimp and grits or seared mahi-mahi in a coconut and cilantro-lime sauce. This is a great option for those wanting to try upscale dining with younger kids, as they'll be able to either test new items such as lobster bisque or play it safe with grilled chicken. Plus, the aquarium is a great distraction while waiting for the food to arrive!

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

    Known For

    • Lobster bisque
    • Scenic aquarium views
    • Baileys almond and Jack Daniel's mousse
  • 9. Jaleo by José Andrés

    $$$ | Disney Springs

    Jaleo (pronounced huh-lay-oh) means "revelry," and in this contemporary and spacious setting, diners celebrate with authentic paellas cooked over a wood fire, as well as chef and humanitarian José Andrés's signature gambas al ajillo (shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili) or croquetas de pollo (Spanish chicken fritters). The extensive tapas options are perfect for taste-driving a variety of items: the Jaleo Experience prix-fixe includes traditional and modern tapas, or go Jose's Way, with a larger and more elaborate selection of the chef's favorite tapas and plates. And remember: when you hear the bell, it’s paella time! Entire pans of paella are available for parties of eight or more with advance notice. Pick up a container of beautiful gazpacho next door at Pepe, a stationary food truck offering grab-and-go items.

    West Side, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    321-348–3211

    Known For

    • Authentic Spanish entrées and tapas
    • Fire-pit prepared paellas and steaks
    • Contemporary, multilevel design
  • 10. Kimonos

    $$$ | EPCOT Resort Area

    Knife-wielding chefs prepare world-class sushi and sashimi, as well as other Japanese treats like soups and salads, at this sleek sushi bar, where bamboo-style floor tiles and dark teakwood furnishings set the scene. Popular items include the Dragon Roll (giant shrimp and tuna), Banzai Roll (spicy tuna, avocado, and eel), and Bagel Roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber). Cocktails are a draw, too, along with entertainment in the form of nightly karaoke.

    1200 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-934–1609

    Known For

    • Open until midnight
    • Nightly karaoke
    • Extensive sushi menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations not accepted
  • 11. Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano

    $$$ | Disney's Hollywood Studios

    To replace the energy you've no doubt depleted by miles of theme-park walking, load up on carbs at this casual restaurant that looks like a classic San Francisco Italian eatery. Good main courses include spaghetti with meatballs and sautéed shrimp in a four-cheese sauce with pasta and vegetables. The sangria is popular. Book the Fantasmic! dinner package in advance if you want priority seating for the show.

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

    Known For

    • Old-fashioned Italian restaurant atmosphere
    • Fantasmic! dining package
    • Tiramisu and traditional cannoli
  • 12. 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
  • 13. Terralina Crafted Italian

    $$$ | Disney Springs

    Under the guidance of James Beard Award–winner and Top Chef master Tony Mantuano, Terralina brings back sophistication and southern Italian cuisine to Disney Springs. Meticulously planned to look like a resort in Italy's Lake District, Terralina's open design and wood-fired grills provide a stylish atmosphere and some of the best recipes Mantuano can create, including wood-fired, hand-tossed pizzas along with salads and sandwiches. The antipasti tower is a starting course eye-opener, and steaks and seafood delight.

    The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-934–8888

    Known For

    • Antipasti tower starter
    • Wood-fired pizzas, steaks, and seafood
    • Stylish, Italian country atmosphere
  • 14. The Edison

    $$$ | Disney Springs

    A massive brick structure that, according to Disney lore, was the original power plant for the town of Disney Springs, now houses The Edison, an entertainment arena of more than a half-dozen distinct and richly themed rooms where food and drink mingle with palm readers, aerialists, contortionists, and other sideshow acts. The steampunk decor includes a massive clock in the main lobby and a dramatic, working steam engine. The daytime menu reinvents bar food like signature burgers, hawker-style lamb balls, and the whimsical candied bacon strips hung on a miniature clothesline. After 10 pm, a dress code goes in effect as the space becomes an over-21 club with dancers and a live band powering up the power plant.

    The Landing, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-560–9288

    Known For

    • Sophisticated bar food like lamb balls and candied bacon
    • Late-night club with entertainment
    • Intriguing industrial atmosphere in a "power plant" setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Dance club dress code after 10 pm
  • 15. Trattoria al Forno

    $$$ | EPCOT Resort Area

    This restaurant melds old and new, with the cozy decor of a traditional Italian home and a menu of Italian-American dishes refreshed for today's tastes. Share a pizza topped with prosciutto, salami, sausage, and capicola, or indulge in wood-fired swordfish salmoriglio. Other entrées include veal osso buco, chicken parmigiana, and truffle gnocchi. All the wines are from Italy, and you can finish your meal with a grappa, a limoncello, or some tiramisu.

    2101 EPCOT Resorts Blvd., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, USA
    407-939–3463

    Known For

    • Large portions
    • Roasted fish
    • House-made gelato and other desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch

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