The 18 Best Disney World Restaurants

From signature dining to character meals, discover the best restaurants in Disney World

Walt Disney World offers an incredible array of dining experiences that rival the world's best culinary destinations, featuring award-winning chefs, innovative cuisine, and magical atmospheres found nowhere else on Earth. This comprehensive guide showcases the 18 best Disney World restaurants spanning all four theme parks and resort hotels, from intimate signature dining establishments to beloved character meals that create lasting family memories. Whether you're seeking the most romantic restaurants at Disney World, the best family dining experiences, or hidden culinary gems, these exceptional eateries represent the pinnacle of Disney dining and prove that the best restaurants in Disney World offer experiences that are truly magical.

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18

Disney World Dining Excellence

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Walt Disney World has revolutionized theme park dining by bringing world-class culinary experiences into the heart of the magic, featuring renowned chefs, innovative concepts, and immersive themed environments. The best restaurants at Disney World go far beyond typical theme park food, offering everything from James Beard Award-winning cuisine to interactive character dining experiences that create memories lasting a lifetime. From intimate fine dining perfect for special occasions to family-friendly restaurants that accommodate every palate, the restaurants in Disney World represent a diverse culinary landscape that makes dining an integral part of the Disney experience rather than just a necessity.

These 18 restaurants represent the absolute pinnacle of Disney World dining, each offering unique flavors, magical atmospheres, and unforgettable experiences that make meals an integral part of your Disney vacation. From world-class signature dining that rivals the finest restaurants anywhere to character experiences that delight children and adults alike, the best restaurants in Disney World create memories that extend far beyond the food itself. Whether celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying family time, these Disney World restaurants prove that exceptional dining and Disney magic create the perfect recipe for unforgettable experiences.

1

Victoria & Albert's

Grand Floridian - Ultimate Fine Dining

Fun Fact: Disney's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant offers an unparalleled fine dining experience with a multi-course tasting menu, impeccable service, and elegant Victorian atmosphere. This adults-only restaurant represents the absolute pinnacle of Disney World restaurants, featuring seasonally-changing menus from award-winning chefs and wine pairings that create an unforgettable culinary journey.

The restaurant has maintained its AAA Five Diamond rating for over 15 years, making it the only theme park restaurant in the world with this distinction. Each table is served by a dedicated Victoria and Albert team, and the restaurant sources ingredients from around the world for its nightly-changing tasting menu.

Location: Grand Floridian Resort | Price: $$$$ | Dress Code: Formal

2

California Grill

Contemporary Resort - Rooftop Fine Dining

Fun Fact: Perched atop Disney's Contemporary Resort, this award-winning restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and an innovative menu featuring California-inspired cuisine with Asian influences. The open kitchen, extensive wine list, and prime fireworks viewing make California Grill one of the most sought-after dining experiences among the best Disney World restaurants.

The restaurant features a 15th-floor location with 360-degree views and was one of the first Disney restaurants to feature an open kitchen concept. Guests can watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from the outdoor observation deck, and the restaurant dims its lights and plays the fireworks soundtrack during the show.

Location: Contemporary Resort | Price: $$$$ | Specialty: Fireworks Views

3

Monsieur Paul

Epcot France - French Fine Dining

Fun Fact: This elegant French restaurant in Epcot's France Pavilion offers authentic haute cuisine from renowned chef Jérôme Bocuse, son of legendary French chef Paul Bocuse. The sophisticated atmosphere, expert wine pairings, and meticulously prepared French cuisine make Monsieur Paul a standout among the most refined Disney World restaurants.

The restaurant is named after chef Paul Bocuse, who was personally involved in the restaurant's development until his passing. Chef Jérôme Bocuse trained under his father and maintains the restaurant's authentic French techniques, importing many ingredients directly from France.

Location: Epcot France Pavilion | Price: $$$$ | Cuisine: Authentic French

4

Topolino's Terrace

Riviera Resort - Italian Rooftop Dining

Fun Fact: This stunning rooftop restaurant at Disney's Riviera Resort offers Northern Italian cuisine with panoramic views of Disney World and character dining featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in European vacation attire. The combination of excellent food, character interactions, and spectacular views makes Topolino's a unique entry among the best restaurants in Disney World.

The restaurant's design was inspired by Walt Disney's family travels through Europe, and the character costumes reflect European vacation themes. The rooftop location provides views of both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios fireworks, making it one of the few restaurants where you can see multiple fireworks shows.

Location: Riviera Resort | Price: $$$ | Features: Character Dining & Views

5

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Yacht Club Resort - Premium Steakhouse

Fun Fact: This sophisticated steakhouse offers some of the finest cuts of beef at Disney World, featuring dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list in an elegant nautical setting. The open kitchen with wood-fired grill and premium ingredients make Yachtsman Steakhouse the premier steakhouse among Disney World restaurants.

The restaurant dry-ages its steaks on-site for 28 days and features a unique exhibition kitchen where guests can watch their steaks being prepared over the wood-fired grill. The wine list features over 100 selections, and the restaurant offers rare cuts like dry-aged porterhouse for two.

Location: Yacht Club Resort | Price: $$$$ | Specialty: Dry-Aged Steaks

6

Chef Mickey's

Contemporary Resort - Character Buffet

Fun Fact: The most famous character dining experience at Disney World features Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto in a fun monorail-themed setting. While known more for the character interactions than gourmet cuisine, Chef Mickey's remains one of the most beloved restaurants at Disney World for families seeking the classic Disney character dining experience.

Chef Mickey's is located inside Disney's Contemporary Resort where the monorail passes through the building. The restaurant has served over 1 million guests annually and is often the first restaurant families book when planning their Disney vacation due to its iconic status.

Location: Contemporary Resort | Price: $$$ | Features: Classic Character Dining

7

Ohana

Polynesian Resort - Family-Style Polynesian

Fun Fact: This beloved family-style restaurant captures the spirit of the Pacific Islands with all-you-can-eat grilled meats, tropical sides, and warm Polynesian hospitality. The famous bread pudding, skillet offerings, and "Ohana means family" atmosphere make this one of the most popular restaurants in Disney World for both adults and children.

The restaurant's name means "family" in Hawaiian, and the family-style service encourages sharing and bonding. The famous bread pudding has achieved cult status among Disney fans, and the restaurant's Polynesian fire dancer entertainment adds to the authentic island atmosphere.

Location: Polynesian Resort | Price: $$$ | Style: Family-Style All-You-Can-Eat

8

Be Our Guest

Magic Kingdom - Beauty and the Beast Themed

Fun Fact: Set in the Beast's enchanted castle, this stunning restaurant features three uniquely themed dining rooms that bring the Beauty and the Beast story to life through immersive décor and magical details. The French-inspired menu and elaborate theming make Be Our Guest one of the most visually spectacular Disney World restaurants.

The restaurant features the most elaborate theming of any Disney restaurant, with the West Wing including the Beast's cursed rose under glass and falling snow effects. The Grey Stuff dessert, mentioned in the song "Be Our Guest," has become a must-try item that lives up to its reputation as "delicious."

Location: Magic Kingdom Fantasyland | Price: $$$ | Theme: Beauty and the Beast

9

Space 220

Epcot - Space Station Dining

Fun Fact: This innovative restaurant simulates dining in a space station 220 miles above Earth with floor-to-ceiling windows showing "views" of Earth and space. The contemporary American menu and incredible immersive technology make Space 220 one of the most unique and technologically advanced restaurants at Disney World.

The restaurant uses massive LED screens and custom video content to create the illusion of being in space, with views of Earth, satellites, and space debris floating by. The "space elevator" entrance experience and astronaut-inspired menu make it unlike any other restaurant in the world.

Location: Epcot Future World | Price: $$$$ | Experience: Space Station Simulation

10

Jiko

Animal Kingdom Lodge - African-Inspired Fine Dining

Fun Fact: This award-winning restaurant celebrates the flavors of Africa with an innovative menu that blends African ingredients with international techniques. The extensive South African wine list, open kitchen with wood-burning ovens, and sophisticated African-inspired décor make Jiko a standout among Disney World restaurants for culinary adventurers.

Jiko means "cooking place" in Swahili, and the restaurant features one of the largest collections of South African wines in North America. The chefs incorporate authentic African ingredients like berbere spice and bobotie, and the open kitchen features wood-burning ovens that add smoky flavors to many dishes.

Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge | Price: $$$$ | Cuisine: African-Inspired

11

Sanaa

Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas - African & Indian Fusion

Fun Fact: This unique restaurant combines African and Indian flavors in a stunning setting overlooking the animal savannas at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The famous bread service with exotic dips and the ability to watch giraffes and zebras while dining make Sanaa one of the most memorable restaurants in Disney World.

The restaurant's name means "artwork" in Swahili, and guests can observe over 30 species of African animals from the dining room windows. The famous Indian-style bread service includes nine different accompaniments, and the restaurant's fusion menu reflects the historical Indian influence in African cuisine.

Location: Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas | Price: $$$ | Views: African Animals

12

Narcoossee's

Grand Floridian - Waterfront Seafood

Fun Fact: This elegant lakefront restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and steaks with stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom. The romantic waterfront setting, open kitchen, and nightly fireworks views make Narcoossee's a premier choice among Disney World restaurants for special occasions and romantic dinners.

The restaurant is housed in a reproduction of a classic Florida fish camp and offers some of the best views of Magic Kingdom fireworks from its lakefront location. The open kitchen features a wood-burning grill, and the restaurant flies in fresh seafood daily from both coasts.

Location: Grand Floridian Resort | Price: $$$$ | Setting: Lakefront with Fireworks Views

13

The Crystal Palace

Magic Kingdom - Winnie the Pooh Character Buffet

Fun Fact: This beautiful Victorian conservatory-style restaurant features Winnie the Pooh and friends in a garden setting with a generous buffet offering something for every palate. The stunning glass ceiling, character interactions, and family-friendly atmosphere make Crystal Palace a beloved choice among Disney World restaurants for character dining.

The restaurant's architecture was inspired by the Crystal Palace in London's Hyde Park, featuring a soaring glass ceiling and lush plants throughout. Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger visit every table, and the restaurant has been serving families since Magic Kingdom's opening in 1971.

Location: Magic Kingdom Main Street | Price: $$$ | Characters: Winnie the Pooh & Friends

14

Artist Point

Wilderness Lodge - Pacific Northwest Fine Dining

Fun Fact: This rustic yet elegant restaurant captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest with a menu featuring fresh seafood, game, and regional specialties in a stunning lodge setting. The massive stone fireplace, Native American artwork, and seasonal menu make Artist Point one of the most atmospheric restaurants at Disney World.

The restaurant features authentic Native American artwork and a dramatic stone fireplace that rises four stories. The menu changes seasonally to reflect Pacific Northwest ingredients, and the restaurant's wine list focuses on selections from Washington state and Oregon.

Location: Wilderness Lodge | Price: $$$$ | Theme: Pacific Northwest Lodge

15

Citricos

Grand Floridian - Mediterranean Fine Dining

Fun Fact: This sophisticated restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an open kitchen, elegant atmosphere, and creative menu featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The extensive wine list and refined service make Citricos a hidden gem among Disney World restaurants for guests seeking exceptional fine dining without character distractions.

The restaurant features an exhibition kitchen with a wood-burning oven and rotisserie, and the menu incorporates ingredients from Mediterranean regions including Spain, Italy, and Greece. The restaurant's wine list includes rare selections from Mediterranean wine regions.

Location: Grand Floridian Resort | Price: $$$$ | Cuisine: Mediterranean

16

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Epcot Norway - Princess Character Dining

Fun Fact: This medieval castle setting provides the perfect backdrop for dining with Disney Princesses while enjoying a Norwegian-inspired buffet with both familiar and traditional Scandinavian dishes. The royal treatment and princess interactions make Akershus one of the most popular character dining experiences among Disney World restaurants.

The restaurant is designed to resemble a medieval Norwegian castle, complete with suits of armor and royal banners. Multiple Disney Princesses visit during each meal, and the buffet includes traditional Norwegian items like gravlaks and fårikål alongside familiar American favorites.

Location: Epcot Norway Pavilion | Price: $$$ | Characters: Disney Princesses

17

Flying Fish

BoardWalk - Coastal Fine Dining

Fun Fact: This upscale seafood restaurant features an exhibition kitchen, fresh daily catches, and creative preparations that make it a favorite among Disney World restaurants for seafood lovers. The sophisticated atmosphere and consistently excellent cuisine have earned Flying Fish recognition as one of Disney's premier dining establishments.

The restaurant features a unique "flying fish" design element suspended from the ceiling and an open kitchen where guests can watch chefs prepare their meals. The menu changes regularly based on the freshest available seafood, and the restaurant has received numerous culinary awards.

Location: BoardWalk Resort | Price: $$$$ | Specialty: Fresh Daily Seafood

18

Tusker House

Animal Kingdom - African Character Buffet

Fun Fact: This vibrant African-themed restaurant features Donald Duck, Mickey, Daisy, and Goofy in safari attire while guests enjoy a buffet with African-inspired dishes alongside American favorites. The lively atmosphere, unique character costumes, and diverse menu make Tusker House a standout among character dining restaurants in Disney World.

The restaurant's name refers to the large elephant tusks that frame the entrance, and the buffet includes authentic African dishes like bobotie and African curry alongside familiar items. The characters wear special safari outfits unique to this location.

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Top 18 Disney World Restaurants

Restaurants by Park and Style

Location: Animal Kingdom | Price: $$$ | Characters: Fab Four in Safari Gear

Signature Fine Dining

Upscale restaurants featuring award-winning chefs, premium ingredients, and sophisticated atmospheres perfect for special occasions and romantic dinners at Disney World.

Victoria & Albert's, California Grill, Monsieur Paul, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Jiko, Narcoossee's

Character Dining Experiences

Restaurants where beloved Disney characters visit tables for photos and interactions, creating magical memories while families enjoy quality meals together.

Chef Mickey's, Topolino's Terrace, Be Our Guest, Crystal Palace, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Tusker House

Theme Park Restaurants

Dining establishments located within the four Disney World theme parks, offering convenient meals without leaving the magic of the parks.

Be Our Guest, Space 220, Crystal Palace, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Tusker House

Resort Fine Dining

Upscale restaurants located in Disney resort hotels, offering refined dining experiences with easy access for resort guests and convenient transportation.

Victoria & Albert's, California Grill, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Jiko, Artist Point, Flying Fish

Unique Themed Experiences

Restaurants with elaborate theming and immersive experiences that transport guests to different worlds while providing exceptional dining.

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The best Disney World restaurants can be organized by their locations across the four theme parks and resort hotels, as well as their dining styles and experiences. From the romantic ambiance of signature restaurants to the excitement of character dining and the convenience of quick-service gems, these categories help navigate Disney World's vast culinary landscape to find the perfect dining experiences for your magical vacation.

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