Walt Disney World has tons of desk service eating places, and this checklist ranks the ten finest in 2023. We’ve carried out all the prime eating in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, resorts, Disney Springs, plus third-party motels in Orlando, Florida–these are our favorites. With so many nice choices, it’s troublesome to slim down this checklist! (Up to date January 23, 2023.)
Stable decisions that didn’t make the minimize embody Hollywood Brown Derby, Boma – Flavors of Africa, Be Our Visitor Restaurant, Morimoto Asia, Jaleo, Chef Artwork Smith’s Homecomin’, Raglan Street, STK, and Skipper Canteen. A number of of those are wonderful, and we wouldn’t fault anybody for together with them of their private prime 10 lists.
Frankly, over half of this checklist could possibly be dominated by Disney Springs eating places, which have a tendency to supply higher high quality and worth as they compete with actual world eating choices. Past that, eating places in resorts are inclined to outperform these within the parks, except for just a few areas in EPCOT’s World Showcase.
It’s additionally price noting that these rankings revolve round delicacies somewhat than theme. Many Walt Disney World fan-favorite eating places, together with some that we completely adore, have been “snubbed” from this prime 10 checklist because of this. That doesn’t imply that they aren’t nice choices, particularly for households. (See our High 10 Themed Eating places at Walt Disney World for essentially the most enjoyable, family-friendly, and distinctive eating choices.)
One other caveat to this checklist is that there’s an enormous hole between the highest 3 and the whole lot else. That is reality in high quality, fashion, and–particularly–value. Every of those serves excessive finish prix fixe menus that vary from round $195 to over $600. It’s possible this trio is chasing Michelin stars now that the long-lasting information has a Florida version.
However, we don’t view these eating places as practical suggestions for many Walt Disney World guests. Since this can be a planning useful resource at first, we’re increasing our checklist to the highest 10 entries along with the highest tier trio. So in different phrases, it’s now a prime 13 checklist.
Beneath is a short synopsis why every restaurant makes this checklist of the most effective Walt Disney World desk service eating places for 2023. Click on the restaurant title for our full evaluation of every restaurant. Okay, let’s check out which Walt Disney World eating places made the minimize…
T10. Tiffins – A tribute to the explorations and travels that supplied the genesis of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Tiffins concurrently seems like eating in an artwork gallery, and consuming at a high-end, low-key restaurant the place globe-trotting Imagineers would themselves dine. Happily, it’s not a hodgepodge or scholar’s den of eccentricities, and as a substitute is a carefully-curated artwork gallery, with nice consideration to element.
The menu at Tiffins is pleasant, with quite a lot of bold dishes which might be adventurous and reflective of the restaurant’s overarching theme. Once more, it’s all about consideration to element right here, with the whole lot from presentation to the confluence of flavors making Tiffins a winner. There are a number of approachable choices right here, however Tiffins is a superb place to problem your style buds, step exterior your consolation zone, and take a veritable journey in eating.
T10. Yachtsman Steakhouse – A carnivore’s paradise, Yachtsman Steakhouse is the place to go at Walt Disney World for wonderful cuts of meat. That is obvious as quickly as you stroll within the entrance the place you see…a butcher in a case sales space making the “magic” occur. It additionally manages an upscale setting, with refined design, wealthy woods, and an aesthetic inside.
You actually can’t go flawed with the cuts of meat right here–it doesn’t matter what you get, you’re in for a deal with. Though Yachtsman Steakhouse has different menu gadgets apart from colossal cuts of meat, these are the place the magic occurs. The ‘classics’ makes it essentially the most approachable Signature Restaurant at Walt Disney World, and one thing that even “meat and potatoes” sorts of company will get pleasure from and admire.
T10. Sanaa — Sanaa scores lots of factors for providing a novel and wonderful menu, and for higher value factors than the Signature eating places on this checklist. Sanaa additionally has unimaginable ambiance, with views of animals grazing exterior the restaurant. The out of the best way location of Sanaa at Kidani Village signifies that Sanaa isn’t overly crowded, which provides to its intimacy and in addition means you’ll often have an attentive server.
The menu at Sanaa is kind of exceptional for a Walt Disney World restaurant, with lots of choices which may scare away the common vacationer who merely needs meat and potatoes. You will discover choices like that at Sanaa (don’t fear, there’s a “common” steak), however the majority of the menu is a little more adventurous. This wonderful distinctive menu is what separates Sanaa from lots of different Walt Disney World eating places, and cheap costs (particularly at lunch) on many scrumptious menu gadgets makes it one of many 10 finest desk service eating places at Walt Disney World.
T10. The Boathouse — The transformation of Disney Springs has completely reinvigorated the eating scene. This district has gone from a spot solely to be visited if you happen to needed to get some procuring carried out, or perhaps dinner at Raglan Street, to an integral a part of any Walt Disney World trip. There are a selection of causes for this, however the primary one is definitely the upscale eating scene.
Our checklist of the most effective desk service eating places at Disney Springs options 5 areas that arguably might’ve made this checklist. One of the best amongst these is The Boathouse, which provides high quality eating and a enjoyable environment. Whereas the theme could appear at odds with the Signature standing, it really works for the fashion of restaurant on the waterfront at Disney Springs. Then there’s the meals, which is nearly all wonderful, and it’s straightforward to see why the Boathouse has already attracted a legion of devoted followers.
9. California Grill — Providing unimaginable ambiance, refined decor, and undoubtedly the most effective views of any restaurant at Walt Disney World, California Grill is a winner. When eating right here, a window desk is nearly a should. Make ADRs for about 60 to 90 minutes earlier than the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks, and be keen to attend for a window desk.
California Grill falls just a few slots this yr attributable to its prix fixe menu for the fiftieth Anniversary. Whereas we loved our expertise (see Evaluation: California Grill fiftieth Anniversary Celebration Dinner), this menu is undeniably limiting and sudden of a Signature Restaurant. Moreover, we miss the (nonetheless!) briefly unavailable “Brunch on the High”, which was the most effective meal at California Grill. With one other prix fixe menu coming in April 2023, it’s unlikely California Grill will regain its spot within the prime 5 anytime quickly.
8. Toledo Steakhouse – Walt Disney World all the time has some “hidden gem” eating places, however hardly ever are they each this good and nonetheless underrated. In equity, an enormous motive why Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood isn’t notably common proper now’s the dearth of conventions at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (these occasions are the explanation Gran Destino Tower was constructed within the first place)–it’s fairly out of the best way for many informal vacationers.
However, Toledo’s idea is bold and enjoyable, the meals is scrumptious, the views are distinctive, and the costs–for the standard of the delicacies–aren’t inflated an excessive amount of by Walt Disney World requirements. The truth that Toledo caters closely to conventioneers performs an enormous half in all of this, and can possible be certain that the restaurant maintains its excessive requirements. Toledo is totally well worth the difficult commute.
7. Jiko — The Cooking Place — That is one restaurant that’s effectively well worth the detour to an in any other case out-of-the-way resort. Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge is one among our favourite date night time locations, and we particularly love doing it at Christmas-time. The wild boar, lamb shank, and beef quick rib are nonetheless all-stars, and are each bit pretty much as good as we bear in mind. These dishes are additionally creative whereas being approachable, which is a typical theme of our favourite Signature Eating places.
Furthermore, ambiance of Jiko continues to make it an Animal Kingdom Lodge spotlight. The colour palette of the restaurant adjustments to imitate an African sundown because the night time progresses. The service can also be wonderful, with servers who’re educated concerning the menu and the in depth drink checklist. Its costs are in step with different Signature eating places, so it’s no gem from a price perspective, however the delicacies is well worth the costs.
6. Citricos – We’ve by no means been big followers of Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort prior to now, however the reimagined restaurant that gained us over. The menu is superlative, with refined Floridian delicacies and an abundance of citrus infusions. These dishes are creative, beautifully-plated, scrumptious, and in step with the spirit of Citricos. The one draw back is parts and pricing–that is arguably the closest Walt Disney World will get to haute delicacies.
The environment is a marked enchancment over the earlier incarnation of the restaurant. The fashion is supposedly influenced by Mary Poppins, however that’s virtually completely unnoticeable. It’s merely modernized with design motifs that vaguely evoke visuals from the movie. Citricos is now virtually excellent, and this reimagining was a supercalifragilistic improve to each the menu and inside.
5. Flying Fish – Situated on the BoardWalk, Flying Fish is the right grownup’s night time out, as you possibly can benefit from the ambiance of the BoardWalk after a meal on the restaurant. The ambiance of Flying Fish can also be nice, with good decor and an open kitchen and good bar that add to the vitality of the restaurant.
Flying Fish is concurrently fancy however approachable, with bold and creative menu gadgets which might be additionally comforting, tried and true favorites. For entrees, the Flying Fish’s Signature Chef’s Duo is the Char-crusted New York Strip Steak and Potato-wrapped Purple Snapper. These are superlative, arguably the most effective 1-2 punch in all of Walt Disney World eating. Whereas these are the unequivocal highlights, the menu is powerful from prime to backside, with distinctive appetizers, desserts, and different entrees. Whereas it doesn’t push the envelope as a lot as Citricos, Flying Fish delivers scrumptious outcomes that make it extra interesting, in our view, to a wider vary of company.
4. Topolino’s Terrace – Together with Toledo, that is one among two new eating places that supply superlative rooftop eating that surpasses perennial favorites. Because it opened, we’ve carried out a number of dinners at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, which has change into our go-to restaurant for a top quality and filling high quality eating expertise that additionally provides nice views and environment.
Situated at Disney’s Riviera Resort, it’s a simple Skyliner gondola experience from a number of resorts plus each Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and provides fireworks views of each parks. Whereas dinner is the primary motive it makes this checklist, households mustn’t overlook the distinctive Breakfast Á la Artwork with Mickey & Associates, which is our new favourite character meal at Walt Disney World. Topolino’s Terrace is loads like Flying Fish, in that it’s each creative and approachable–this will get the slight fringe of the 2 due to its rooftop setting and barely deeper menu, however you actually can not go flawed both approach.
High Tier Trio
3. Monsieur Paul – Upon reopening late final yr, Monsieur Paul launched a brand new prix fixe menu beginning at $195 per particular person, plus tax and gratuity. It has been extremely common since returning regardless of this severe value improve and extra restricted lineup of menu gadgets. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how lengthy this continues; Monsieur Paul had bother filling tables pre-closure, and supplied a summer season particular to draw patrons.
However, Monsieur Paul is a elegant eating expertise–top-of-the-line at Walt Disney World. It’s opulent and well-appointed with out being too intimidating or overly stuffy. The Artwork Nouveau design, particulars, and desk settings clarify that Monsieur Paul is a high quality eating restaurant, however wall photographs of the late Chef Paul Bocuse with big mice and a rat assist to remind that this restaurant is certainly in a Walt Disney World theme park.
Delicacies at Monsieur Paul is a veritable Tour de France, with every dish providing super nuance and selection. Presentation is meticulous and beautiful, flavors are daring and creative, and repair is attentive. With that stated, Monsieur Paul gained’t be for everybody. As famous, Monsieur Paul is okay eating, and the emphasis right here is on high quality over amount. When you’re on the lookout for top-of-the-line meals you possibly can have at Walt Disney World, look no additional. When you’re on the lookout for one of many largest meals, look elsewhere.
2. Takumi Tei – Sadly, it’s an identical story with the recently-reopened Takumi-Tei. This restaurant dropped its a la carte menu in favor of solely providing Omakase Tasting Menus, its twist on prix fixe. The vegetarian model is $150 and the traditional selection–that includes Japanese A5 wagyu steak–prices $250. That is one other very important value improve.
Takumi Tei is loads like Monsieur Paul, however completely totally different. Whereas France’s flagship eatery is Epcot’s most refined, Takumi Tei is its highest idea. Each are extremely refined, however finally illustrate the variations between service and delicacies in Japan and France.
Whereas the meals is totally spectacular (particularly the Omakase Tasting Menu, which is highlighted by Wagyu and bone marrow), Takumi Tei is all about Omotenashi. That is the Japanese idea of service with nice consideration to element and from the underside of the center. It’s extremely heat, gracious, and welcoming. Oh, and the meals can’t be neglected–from seafood to duck to that wonderful beef, Takumi Tei is an absolute winner, and its prime tier meals give Victoria & Albert’s a run for its cash…
1. Victoria & Albert’s — Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the very best restaurant at Walt Disney World, and by a large margin. Every thing concerning the restaurant is beautiful, making it far and away the most effective restaurant at Walt Disney World. It’s the one AAA 5-Diamond restaurant within the Orlando space and one of many top-rated eating places in all of Florida. The restaurant is quiet and well-appointed, and the service is beautiful.
Victoria & Albert’s provides a prix fixe six-course meal consisting of connoisseur and specialty high quality eating choices, together with different “premium” gadgets that may be ordered for an extra cost. When you’re an actual foodie, you may also ebook the Chef’s Desk for a novel, albeit much less romantic, eating choice. Given all of this, why would Victoria & Albert’s not be #1 on anybody’s checklist?
Value. The fixed-price value for the common eating room begins at roughly $300 per particular person. With wine pairings and upgrades, the fee can simply eclipse $800 for a pair–perhaps even $1,000. That alone makes us tempted to even exclude Victoria & Albert’s from eligibility, because it’s not like every other restaurant at Walt Disney World. If a meal right here prices 5 occasions as a lot as the opposite entries, one would hope that it’s a bit higher! Past that, most planners in all probability aren’t debating between Sebastian’s Bistro and Victoria & Albert’s for his or her night time out. The 2 merely are incomparable in each approach, save for each serving meals of meals.
There you could have it, our prime 10 checklist of desk service eating places at Walt Disney World. You might discover that lots of common eating places didn’t make this checklist. This features a handful of Signature Eating places, a excessive variety of superlative Disney Springs choices, and some under-the-radar fan favorites. As we stated above, it was troublesome to slim the checklist right down to the ten finest desk service eating places at Walt Disney World…however we managed to do it!
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Your Ideas
Do you agree with our prime 10 desk service eating places at Walt Disney World? Any eating places that you just’d add to the checklist? Any eating spots we checklist that you don’t assume are worthy of a spot? What are your favourite desk service eating places in Walt Disney World? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!