Tasty Treat Tuesday – Top 5 Restaurants in Disney Springs
Welcome back to Tasty Treat Tuesday here at MickeyBlog.com!
We are taking a small detour from our traditional Tasty Treat Tuesday report to discuss one of my favorite spots at Disney World – Disney Springs. This outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex originally opened in 1975 and has been expanded and renamed multiple times over its 40+ year history. The most recent change has been a drastic three-year transformation from what was previously known as Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. Comprising four districts – the Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side – Disney Springs contains 50+ dining options located throughout this complex that has doubled in size over the past three years!
Although nearing its completion, Disney Springs continues to add amazing new dining and shopping destinations that make this complex a “must stop” for any Disney World guest. Shhh … don’t tell Epcot fans, but with each new and amazing restaurant addition, Disney Springs is quickly overshadowing Epcot’s World Showcase as having the best collection of delicious treats, eats, and drinks.
For today’s Tasty Treat Tuesday, we are going to feature the top 5 restaurants in Disney Springs … at least for now!
1. Raglan Road
Opening in 2005, Raglan Road is the veteran of the list and one of the few restaurants from the old “Downtown Disney” that did not require a complete rehaul in order to compete with the new guys in town. Touted as the only authentic Irish pub in Orlando, this pub-style location features a 130 year old bar that was shipped from Dublin, Ireland. Raglan Road has been serving guests award-winning Irish pub food that is comforting with a modern twist. Sample classic dishes such as Bangers & Mash, or Fish & Chips are served with a contemporary twist. Everything is served fresh, not frozen and you can tell the difference. But even if the food does not entice you, the live entertainment will! Seven days a week, Raglan Road’s group of talented dancers and musicians will provide you with a live show that is exciting and energizing!
2. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Florida native and celebrity chef, Art Smith, chose Disney Springs to open his second Florida restaurant in 2016. His menu is a homage to Florida comfort food with a focus on local Florida products sourced from farms, ranches or fisheries. With a focus on home-cooking, the menu is approachable for kids and adults, but features unique and modern twists to elevate each dish to “finger licking good” status. Start with an order of house-made hushpuppies served with the most delectably creamy pimento cheese and red jalapeño jelly for dipping (if you don’t end up eating it first with a spoon!) And if you can tear your eyes away from Art’s tender and juicy fried chicken that is buttermilk brined for one whole day, venture into the sea and try his delightfully flaky and fresh Florida grouper. Not only is the food tasty, but the restaurant features moonshine, resulting in a variety of wonderfully fresh and unique crafted cocktails that pair perfectly with your meal.
3. Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza
Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is the dark horse on the list. It is not a signature restaurant, nor is it run by a fancy celebrity chef. It is also not unique to Disney Springs. So, why include it? Because sometimes, we need something quick to eat so we can get back to shopping! With 100+ shopping options located in Disney Springs, we don’t always have the time to sit and enjoy a three course experience. When you need a quick bite, but want to rest your legs for a bit, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is the spot to go. Each pizza is customized and cooked on the spot in 180 seconds! So, the line moves fast and you will have your food faster than you can say “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” Finally, it’s all about location. location. location! With an outdoor (and covered patio) located directly over the beautifully imagined “natural” spring that runs throughout the complex, this spot has a million dollar view for a $20 buck budget!
4. The Boathouse
The Boathouse is my top pick to take your sweetheart out on a romantic date night in Disney Springs. This signature restaurant serves day-boat, line-caught seafood and USDA certified Angus beef with an extensive wine list and hand-crafted cocktails. The interior is stunningly retro and casual making the restaurant feel approachable enough for a family friendly meal, but with a touch of class. Seafood is the star at this restaurant with fresh starters such as Oysters on the Half Shell and local Cedar Key Middleneck Clams or entrees featuring Gulf Red grouper and Pacific white shrimp. But landlubbers shouldn’t shy away from this spot. Their steak offerings are beautifully seared and delightful! Finally, save room for their popular S’mores Baked Alaska which can easily serve four. Or, for more local flavor, the Key Lime Pie in a Mason Jar will be the perfect end to a great meal! Looking to impress your date, spring for a ride in one of those amphibious cars located just outside the restaurant. As Hercules would say, you’ll go from “Zero to Hero”!
5. Morimoto Asia
Last, but certainly not least, is Morimoto Asia. Most people are familiar with Japanese master chef Masaharu Morimoto from his regular appearances on Iron Chef America. His Disney Springs restaurant, Morimoto Asia, has a carefully crafted menus that includes both approachable offerings for those new to asian cuisine and intriguing options for adventurous eaters. In addition to some of the most amazingly beautiful and flavorful Asian food available throughout Walt Disney World, Morimoto Asia’s interior is a feast for the eyes. The restaurant’s towering two-story interior features 20 foot long crystal chandeliers, private dining spaces, and a Shanghai-influences lounges. Featuring pan-asian cuisine from Chef Morimoto of Iron Chef America, this signature dining experience offers sushi, dim sum, and entrees that will delight the senses and the palate. The food is perfect for sharing … decadent Peking Duck, spare ribs, and rock shrimp tempura. But my top pick is the Morimoto “Buri-Bop” rice bowl of korean style yellowtail which is served in a piping hot clay pot, finished with egg yolk and prepared table-side.
Did your favorite spot make the list? Let me know in the comments below!
I am a self-professed Disney foodie who loves planning Disney vacations! Want to eat around the world with me on a Disney vacation? Contact me today for a FREE quote!
Kelli Hughes
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – Platinum Level
1-214-458-4626 (cell)
1-855-MICKEY-9 (toll-free)
khughes@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com