My Top 5 Restaurants in All of Disney World
Disney World is home to a TON of restaurants — how can you possibly know which ones to visit on your next trip?! Luckily, we’ve checked them out, so we can give you our top recommendations!
Cake Bake Shop spread
There are obviously many great options to choose from, but I am partial to some more than others, and I’ll tell you exactly why. Let’s break down my top 5 restaurants in Disney World!
My Top 5 Restaurants in Disney World
Biergarten Restaurant — EPCOT
First up, we have Biergarten Restaurant in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion! This is an all you can eat buffet that is perfect for the whole family.
Photo: Disney
I know what you’re thinking — buffets can be kind of a mixed bag. But, I can promise you that this one is absolutely delicious!
German food doesn’t get a ton of time in the spotlight, but everything I’ve tried here (and I’ve tried almost everything) is great. It’s hearty and filling, and you might need to lie down after you eat here, but it is definitely tasty!
On the buffet, you can find traditional German dishes like seasonal salads, traditional sausages, rotisserie chicken, sauerkraut, potatoes, spätzle, schnitzel, nudel gratin, and more. There are also assorted desserts that should not be missed, like the fresh apple strudel!
There’s also a great selection of German beers available.
But, the atmosphere is what really takes this place to the next level! You’re seated inside of a traditional Bavarian village at biergarten-style tables and get to listen to the lively Polka band as you celebrate over 200 years of Oktoberfest celebrations.
The band will invite you down to dance during your meal so it’s basically a party in here and not one to be missed!
Satu’li Canteen — Animal Kingdom
Next, we’re moving over to Animal Kingdom for Satu’li Canteen! This is a quick service restaurant in the Pandora section of the park.
Satu’li Canteen
It’s located inside of a Quonset-hut structure that used to be an RDA mess hall. It’s now decorated with Na’vi art and cultural items that Avatar fans are sure to love!
Photo: Disney
This place’s specialty is build your own bowl creations where you choose a protein, base, and sauce to make your perfect combination. The proteins are grilled right in the restaurant so they’re super fresh!
It’s also known for the famous Cheeseburger Steamed Pods which are bao buns with a cheeseburger filling. They are delicious and great for kids and adults alike!
There is a bunch of indoor and outdoor seating. Most importantly, in the parks there are a lot of heavy, fried options for quick service meals, and Satu’li Canteen is offering healthier, fresher options that won’t weigh you down! It’s a great change of pace.
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen — Magic Kingdom
Speaking of canteens, another one is on my list, but this one is over in Magic Kingdom! Skipper Canteen is a table service restaurant located in Adventureland and is a very fun time.
The restaurant is themed to the tropical headquarters of the skippers that guide you through the Jungle Cruise! And, the skippers are actually your servers who have the same quick wit and fun jokes as they do on the attraction.
Photo: Disney
There are 3 dining rooms here — the crew’s colonial-era Mess Hall, the Jungle Room, and the S.E.A. Room (which was once a secret meeting place for the Society of Explorers and Adventurers!). This is a great spot to visit for a meal if you’re a big Disney history nerd!
Jungle Skipper Canteen – Interior
As for food, there are exciting options from Asia, South America, and Africa. There are some more adventurous items, like Orinoco Ida’s Cachapas, as well as more familiar items, like fried chicken.
Photo: Disney
This is a great chance to eat some delicious food in a fun environment and get out of the heat and crowds of Magic Kingdom! Plus, it’s a bit easier to get a reservation here than some of the other more popular places in the park.
Nomad Lounge — Animal Kingdom
Let’s go back over to Animal Kingdom to visit one of my favorite places EVER — Nomad Lounge. This is the lounge connected to Tiffins Restaurant on Discovery Island.
Nomad Lounge is just the perfect place to hang out, relax, and cool down while you’re in Animal Kingdom. It has a huge wrap-around outdoor porch complete with lounge areas and fans.
Or cool off in the air conditioning inside on a comfy chair or the full bar (which is first come, first served!). This is a lounge so they don’t take reservations, but you can get on the walk-up list through the My Disney Experience app or in person.
You are waited on here, but you can also grab drinks and food at the to-go section of the bar.
As far as food and drinks go, this place is phenomenal. They have a large selection of adventurous cocktails and mocktails (my favorite is the Annapurna Zing) as well as a beer, wine, and a full bar.
There are also a decent amount of small plates here that include delicious options like the Tiffins Bread Service, the Pineapple-glazed Pork Belly, and the Churros (which are gluten free and the best churros on Disney World property). You can grab a snack here or make a meal with a few!
It can be pretty popular here, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on joining the walk-up list!
Il Mulino — Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Finally, let’s go over to the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel to Il Mulino! This is definitely more of an off the beaten path option.
It’s inside a hotel that’s not owned by Disney, but it is on Disney property and gets many of the same benefits as the other Disney World hotels. Plus, the hotel is right in the EPCOT resort area, so it’s very easy to get to by Friendship Boat or the walking path!
Photo: Disney
Il Mulino is a table service restaurant that specializes in Italian food. Sitting down at a table is a great way to experience this restaurant, but my favorite way to enjoy it is at the bar (if you’re 21 or over).
It’s a large bar area that’s first come, first served, and they serve the full food menu up here! My favorite thing to do after a long day in the parks is to grab a seat at the bar, have an ice cold beverage, and eat a full plate of pasta to replenish my carbs and prepare for the next day.
Photo: Swan and Dolphin Resort
I find that during the super hot months in Disney World, I lose my appetite during the day only to have it return with a vengeance once it cools off at night. So, this spot is a perfect place to eat a meal after a long day because the kitchen is open until 11PM!
There’s not a ton of late night food options around Disney World, so this place already rocks for being open, but the food is delicious as well. Keep it in mind if you’re looking for food after the parks close!
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