Walt Disney World has tons of desk service eating places, and this listing ranks the ten finest in 2023. We’ve achieved 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 tough to slim down this listing! (Updated January 23, 2023.)
Solid selections that didn’t make the lower embrace Hollywood Brown Derby, Boma – Flavors of Africa, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Morimoto Asia, Jaleo, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Raglan Road, STK, and Skipper Canteen. Several of those are glorious, and we wouldn’t fault anybody for together with them of their private prime 10 lists.
Frankly, over half of this listing may very well 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. Beyond that, eating places in resorts are likely to outperform these within the parks, apart from a number of areas in EPCOT’s World Showcase.
It’s additionally price noting that these rankings revolve round delicacies reasonably than theme. Many Walt Disney World fan-favorite eating places, together with some that we completely adore, have been “snubbed” from this prime 10 listing in consequence. That doesn’t imply that they aren’t nice choices, particularly for households. (See our Top 10 Themed Restaurants at Walt Disney World for essentially the most enjoyable, family-friendly, and distinctive eating choices.)
Another caveat to this listing is that there’s an enormous hole between the highest 3 and the whole lot else. This is reality in high quality, type, and–particularly–value. Each of those serves excessive finish prix fixe menus that vary from round $195 to over $600. It’s seemingly this trio is chasing Michelin stars now that the long-lasting information has a Florida version.
Nevertheless, we don’t view these eating places as real looking suggestions for many Walt Disney World guests. Since it is a planning useful resource at the start, we’re increasing our listing to the highest 10 entries along with the highest tier trio. So in different phrases, it’s now a prime 13 listing.
Below is a quick synopsis why every restaurant makes this listing of one of the best Walt Disney World desk service eating places for 2023. Click the restaurant title for our full evaluation of every restaurant. Okay, let’s check out which Walt Disney World eating places made the lower…
T10. Tiffins – A tribute to the explorations and travels that supplied the genesis of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Tiffins concurrently looks like eating in an artwork gallery, and consuming at a high-end, low-key restaurant the place globe-trotting Imagineers would themselves dine. Fortunately, it’s not a hodgepodge or scholar’s den of eccentricities, and as an alternative is a carefully-curated artwork gallery, with nice consideration to element.
The menu at Tiffins is pleasant, with a wide range of bold dishes which might be adventurous and reflective of the restaurant’s overarching theme. Again, 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 superb cuts of meat. This 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 subtle design, wealthy woods, and an aesthetic inside.
You actually can’t go incorrect with the cuts of meat right here–it doesn’t matter what you get, you’re in for a deal with. Although 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 visitors will get pleasure from and respect.
T10. Sanaa — Sanaa scores plenty of factors for providing a singular and glorious menu, and for higher value factors than the Signature eating places on this listing. Sanaa additionally has unbelievable ambiance, with views of animals grazing exterior the restaurant. The out of the way in which location of Sanaa at Kidani Village implies that Sanaa is never overly crowded, which provides to its intimacy and likewise means you’ll normally have an attentive server.
The menu at Sanaa is sort of exceptional for a Walt Disney World restaurant, with plenty of choices which may scare away the common vacationer who merely desires meat and potatoes. You can discover choices like that at Sanaa (don’t fear, there’s a “regular” steak), however the majority of the menu is a little more adventurous. This glorious distinctive menu is what separates Sanaa from plenty 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 wished to get some procuring achieved, or perhaps dinner at Raglan Road, to an integral a part of any Walt Disney World trip. There are numerous causes for this, however the primary one is definitely the upscale eating scene.
Our listing of one of the best desk service eating places at Disney Springs options 5 areas that arguably might’ve made this listing. The finest amongst these is The Boathouse, which affords fantastic eating and a enjoyable ambiance. While the theme could seem at odds with the Signature standing, it really works for the type of restaurant on the waterfront at Disney Springs. Then there’s the meals, which is sort of all glorious, and it’s straightforward to see why the Boathouse has already attracted a legion of devoted followers.
9. California Grill — Offering unbelievable ambiance, subtle decor, and undoubtedly one of the best views of any restaurant at Walt Disney World, California Grill is a winner. When eating right here, a window desk is sort of 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 a number of slots this yr resulting from its prix fixe menu for the fiftieth Anniversary. While we loved our expertise (see Review: California Grill fiftieth Anniversary Celebration Dinner), this menu is undeniably limiting and surprising of a Signature Restaurant. Additionally, we miss the (nonetheless!) quickly unavailable “Brunch at the Top”, which was one of the best 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 not often are they each this good and nonetheless underrated. In equity, an enormous motive why Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood isn’t significantly in style proper now’s the shortage 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 way in which for many informal vacationers.
Nevertheless, 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 indisputable fact that Toledo caters closely to conventioneers performs an enormous half in all of this, and can seemingly be certain that the restaurant maintains its excessive requirements. Toledo is completely well worth the difficult commute.
7. Jiko — The Cooking Place — This 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 in all our favourite date evening 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 keep in mind. These dishes are additionally creative whereas being approachable, which is a standard theme of our favourite Signature Restaurants.
Moreover, ambiance of Jiko continues to make it an Animal Kingdom Lodge spotlight. The coloration palette of the restaurant adjustments to imitate an African sundown because the evening progresses. The service can also be glorious, with servers who’re educated in regards to the menu and the intensive drink listing. Its costs are consistent 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 enormous followers of Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort up to now, however the reimagined restaurant that received us over. The menu is superlative, with subtle Floridian delicacies and an abundance of citrus infusions. These dishes are creative, beautifully-plated, scrumptious, and in step with the spirit of Citricos. The solely draw back is parts and pricing–that is arguably the closest Walt Disney World will get to haute delicacies.
The ambiance is a marked enchancment over the earlier incarnation of the restaurant. The type 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 – Located on the BoardWalk, Flying Fish is the right grownup’s evening out, as you may 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 power 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 Red Snapper. These are superlative, arguably one of the best 1-2 punch in all of Walt Disney World eating. While these are the unequivocal highlights, the menu is robust from prime to backside, with distinctive appetizers, desserts, and different entrees. While 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 visitors.
4. Topolino’s Terrace – Along with Toledo, that is one in all two new eating places that supply superlative rooftop eating that surpasses perennial favorites. Since it opened, we’ve achieved a number of dinners at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, which has develop into our go-to restaurant for a top quality and filling fantastic eating expertise that additionally affords nice views and ambiance.
Located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, it’s a straightforward Skyliner gondola journey from a number of resorts plus each Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and affords fireworks views of each parks. While dinner is the primary motive it makes this listing, households mustn’t overlook the distinctive Breakfast Á la Art with Mickey & Friends, which is our new favourite character meal at Walt Disney World. Topolino’s Terrace is rather a lot 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 incorrect both means.
Top 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 in style since returning regardless of this severe value enhance and extra restricted lineup of menu gadgets. It’ll be fascinating to see how lengthy this continues; Monsieur Paul had hassle filling tables pre-closure, and supplied a summer season particular to draw patrons.
Nevertheless, Monsieur Paul is a chic eating expertise–among the best at Walt Disney World. It’s opulent and well-appointed with out being too intimidating or overly stuffy. The Art Nouveau design, particulars, and desk settings clarify that Monsieur Paul is a fantastic eating restaurant, however wall images of the late Chef Paul Bocuse with large mice and a rat assist to remind that this restaurant is certainly in a Walt Disney World theme park.
Cuisine at Monsieur Paul is a veritable Tour de France, with every dish providing great nuance and selection. Presentation is meticulous and beautiful, flavors are daring and creative, and repair is attentive. With that stated, Monsieur Paul received’t be for everybody. As famous, Monsieur Paul is okay eating, and the emphasis right here is on high quality over amount. If you’re on the lookout for among the best meals you may have at Walt Disney World, look no additional. If you’re on the lookout for one of many greatest 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 conventional selection–that includes Japanese A5 wagyu steak–prices $250. This is one other very important value enhance.
Takumi Tei is rather a lot like Monsieur Paul, however completely totally different. Whereas France’s flagship eatery is Epcot’s most refined, Takumi Tei is its highest idea. Both are extremely subtle, however in the end illustrate the variations between service and delicacies in Japan and France.
While the meals is completely spectacular (particularly the Omakase Tasting Menu, which is highlighted by Wagyu and bone marrow), Takumi Tei is all about Omotenashi. This 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 missed–from seafood to duck to that superb 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 best possible restaurant at Walt Disney World, and by a large margin. Everything in regards to the restaurant is beautiful, making it far and away one of the best 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 affords a prix fixe six-course meal consisting of connoisseur and specialty fantastic eating choices, together with different “premium” gadgets that may be ordered for an extra cost. If you’re an actual foodie, you too can e book the Chef’s Table for a singular, albeit much less romantic, eating possibility. Given all of this, why would Victoria & Albert’s not be #1 on anybody’s listing?
Price. The fixed-price value for the common eating room begins at roughly $300 per particular person. With wine pairings and upgrades, the associated 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 in contrast to 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! Beyond that, most planners in all probability aren’t debating between Sebastian’s Bistro and Victoria & Albert’s for his or her evening out. The two merely are incomparable in each means, save for each serving meals of meals.
There you’ve got it, our prime 10 listing of desk service eating places at Walt Disney World. You might discover that plenty of in style eating places didn’t make this listing. This features a handful of Signature Restaurants, a excessive variety of superlative Disney Springs choices, and some under-the-radar fan favorites. As we stated above, it was tough to slim the listing right down to the ten finest desk service eating places at Walt Disney World…however we managed to do it!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about motels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To lower your expenses on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips publish takes a singular take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for the whole lot that you must know!
Your Thoughts
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 listing? Any eating spots we listing that you don’t suppose are worthy of a spot? What are your favourite desk service eating places in Walt Disney World? Any questions? Hearing your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!