42 Best Restaurants in Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida

The view of the surrounding Disney parks from this 15th-floor restaurant 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. California Grill offers a three-course prix fixe menu, with dishes incorporating locally sourced foods where possible. Sushi and California stone fruit make up much of the appetizer list; entrées such as the Wagyu strip loin and fire-roasted venison are unlike anything you'll find elsewhere at Disney. A large tea selection can add depth to your dessert choice, whether it's a California cheese plate or one of the various tortes. Consider adding the wine pairing for a special night out.   If reservations aren't available, try the Grill's Lounge. The first-come-first-served space offers the same menu and views. 

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.

If you grew up in Middle America in the 1950s—or you're just a fan of classic TV series like I Love Lucy and The Donna Reed Show—you'll appreciate the vintage atmosphere and diner-classic menu here. At tables with Formica tops, you can feast on meat loaf, pot roast, or fried chicken accompanied by a malted milk shake, a root-beer float, or a bottle of wine or a cocktail from the Tune-In Lounge next door. The place also offers lighter dishes like a grilled salmon salad. If you're not feeling totally wholesome, go for Dad's Electric Lemonade (vodka, blue curaçao, sweet-and-sour mix, and Sprite). Just like Mother, the menu admonishes, "Keep your elbows off the table."  If you're a party of two looking for a way to eat here without a reservation, grab a seat at the bar in the attached Tune-In Lounge. The entire menu is offered here, and the bartenders are some of the best on Disney property.

Assorted produce, tiny packs of oranges, and churros make this a great spot for an afternoon, pick-me-up snack. Featured craft beers, such as Kona's Longboard Island Lager or Schofferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen can help calm you down after riding the Tower of Terror.

Looking for a snack on the go? Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies offers milk shakes, smoothies, and floats that are easy to eat while walking.

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.

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.

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 (the native of Jasper, Florida, 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 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 eggs and frittatas, a ham and beef brisket carving station, and, naturally, Mickey waffles. The family-style dinner doesn't disappoint either, with shrimp and grits, house-made macaroni and cheese, and a Mickey Mouse Dome for dessert. A large selection of specialty cocktails is available for the grown-ups, morning and evening.

Family-style meals are 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 grilled beef, barbecue chicken, and seasonal veggies, plus kiddie favorites like mac and cheese. Beer and wine are available as well. Those who prefer a plant-based diet will appreciate a feast crafted just for them.  Except for the princess meals in Norway, this is the only EPCOT restaurant that has Disney character meet and greets during meals.

Cinderella and other Disney princesses appear at this eatery in the castle's old mead hall, offering prix-fixe Fairyland dining as only Disney can supply. The Fairytale Breakfast offers options such as beef tenderloin and eggs and caramel apple–stuffed French toast; the Fairytale Lunch or Dinner includes entrées like spiced-crusted pork tenderloin or Parisian gnocchi. When you arrive at the Cinderella Castle, a photographer snaps a shot of your group in the lobby.  Extremely advanced reservations are required.

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 nachos and wings to whet your appetite. The multitude of 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.

Those looking for their Starbucks coffee will appreciate the large space and quick-moving lines at this spot to the left of Spaceship Earth when you enter EPCOT. Disney-crafted bakery items change out regularly here, with some items inspired by whichever festival is happening in the park at that time.

With three kitchens offering a range of American-, French-, and Asian-inspired dishes, there's something for everyone at this brightly covered eatery. Picky eaters can enjoy an American burger or chicken sandwich, while those with sophisticated taste buds can savor the French Bistro Burger or an Asian-inspired salad. Disney is working on expanding its plant-based offerings, shown here in the California Burger or Niçoise-style salad. And make sure to save room for dessert. The Liège waffle and Black Forest baumkuchen (tree cake) are both delicious!

A lovely Victorian setting is the perfect place for the old-fashioned and lovable Winnie the Pooh and friends to greet your kids via A Buffet with Character, offered here three meals a day. Upscale goodies are served for adults while a separate children's spread features foods more appealing to them. A pre-9 am breakfast reservation is available. Request a window table for the spot to watch the Magic Kingdom parades and fireworks.

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.

Specialty hot dogs such as bacon, macaroni, and cheese or a California BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado) make this a great stop for quick meal. In addition to vanilla and chocolate, shakes can be made with Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlúa liqueur, while the Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade adds Tito's Handmade Vodka.

Here you'll find small cups of mac 'n' cheese with or without pulled pork on top. Those looking for a true culinary adventure can try the pulled-pork jelly doughnut sandwich.

A 25-foot tree is draped with twinkling lights at this breakfast-only restaurant that's open Thursday through Monday. It's a great place for families to fuel up on everything from French toast to a pork roll on everything bagel.

If you're looking for a snack to satisfy even the most villainous of appetites, come to Gaston's Tavern. While you won't find his four dozen eggs on the menu, the warm cinnamon roll is big enough for an entire family to split, and you'll have chance to "try the grey stuff" in cupcake form. But the real star of the show—and the song—is, of course, LeFou, whose brew will have you raising a glass.

Disney Channel stars come to life at this restaurant (a great choice for toddlers) through its Disney Junior Play n' Dine breakfasts. Vampirina, along with friends of Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins, are among the cheerful characters marching around the room, singing and dancing to the delight of energetic fans. During lunch and dinner Minnie takes over the dining room, offering seasonal events where she and her friends don various costumes. The buffet features entrees such as carved turkey breast or beef tenderloin, or macaroni and cheese with shrimp.

At this reproduction of the famous 1940s Hollywood favorite, the walls are lined with caricatures of old-time movie stars, and the specialty is a Cobb salad, which was invented by Brown Derby founder Robert Cobb and is still tossed table-side. Waiting for a table might take a while, so as an alternative, try the outdoor lounge, where you can order appetizers and drinks. Other menu choices include filet mignon and seafood cioppino.    If you request the Fantasmic! dinner package, make a reservation for no later than two hours before the start of the show.

In addition the wide-ranging musical soundtrack that's equal parts groovy, funky, and soulful, the House of Blues has a 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.

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 plate. It's a short walk to benches where you can eat overlooking the upside-down water fountain by Journey in Imagination.

The Liberty Square Market is filled with all sorts of fruits, trail mixes, yogurts, and cheese. Those looking for a heftier option can pick up a turkey leg to enjoy with their orange. This place is located perfectly along the parade route: grab a spot in the shade, and send one adult over to pick up a few items while you wait.

Every day is Thanksgiving in this tavern, which holds a prime spot on the parade route, so you can have a good meal while you wait. Each of the six dining rooms commemorates a historical U.S. figure (e.g., Betsy Ross or Benjamin Franklin), and both lunch and dinner feature the family-style, "all you care to enjoy" Patriot's Platter, with turkey, pot roast, sliced pork, and sides. A protein-based alternative is always available as well. The restaurant is decorated in lovely Williamsburg colors with Early American–style furnishings and lots of brightly polished brass. Wait times may be long, but don't let the always-crowded lobby put you off—the food is surprisingly good.

Most people stop here on their way into the park—and end up waiting in their first long line of the day. Instead, return to the Main Street Bakery in the afternoon for a coffee and a delicious brownie. In addition to the usual Starbucks offerings, there are specialty cakes that kids will enjoy and giant cinnamon rolls that everyone can split.

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.

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. Not only do they source as many ingredients as possible from local farmers and purveyors, but they also house-smoke the ribs, brisket, and chicken, and they offer special Southern sides like tomato-and-watermelon salad or smoked corn with lime butter. Bar options include locally made beer and cocktails; a selection of nearly 100 whiskies adds an extra kick.

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 boba. Pongu Pongu also offers breakfast, so if you find yourself deep into the park without having stopped to eat, grab a biscuit here.