Walt Disney World has tons of desk service eating places, and this checklist ranks the ten greatest in 2023. We’ve completed all the high eating in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, resorts, Disney Springs, plus third-party inns in Orlando, Florida–these are our favorites. With so many nice choices, it’s troublesome to slim down this checklist! (Updated January 23, 2023.)
Solid decisions that didn’t make the reduce 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 high 10 lists.
Frankly, over half of this checklist 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, aside from a couple of areas in EPCOT’s World Showcase.
It’s additionally price noting that these rankings revolve round delicacies relatively than theme. Many Walt Disney World fan-favorite eating places, together with some that we completely adore, have been “snubbed” from this high 10 checklist consequently. That doesn’t imply that they aren’t nice choices, particularly for households. (See our Top 10 Themed Restaurants at Walt Disney World for probably the most enjoyable, family-friendly, and distinctive eating choices.)
Another caveat to this checklist is that there’s an enormous hole between the highest 3 and every part else. This is fact in high quality, type, and–particularly–worth. 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 enduring information has a Florida version.
Nevertheless, we don’t view these eating places as reasonable suggestions for many Walt Disney World guests. Since it is a planning useful resource initially, we’re increasing our checklist to the highest 10 entries along with the highest tier trio. So in different phrases, it’s now a high 13 checklist.
Below is a quick synopsis why every restaurant makes this checklist of the most effective Walt Disney World desk service eating places for 2023. Click the restaurant identify for our full evaluation of every restaurant. Okay, let’s check out which Walt Disney World eating places made the reduce…
T10. Tiffins – A tribute to the explorations and travels that offered 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. Fortunately, 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. Again, it’s all about consideration to element right here, with every part from presentation to the confluence of flavors making Tiffins a winner. There are a number of approachable choices right here, however Tiffins is a good place to problem your style buds, step outdoors 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. This is clear 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 objects moreover colossal cuts of meat, these are the place the magic occurs. The ‘classics’ makes it probably the most approachable Signature Restaurant at Walt Disney World, and one thing that even “meat and potatoes” sorts of company will take pleasure in and respect.
T10. Sanaa — Sanaa scores quite a lot of factors for providing a singular and glorious menu, and for higher worth factors than the Signature eating places on this checklist. Sanaa additionally has unimaginable ambiance, with views of animals grazing outdoors the restaurant. The out of the way in which location of Sanaa at Kidani Village signifies that Sanaa is never overly crowded, which provides to its intimacy and in addition means you’ll normally have an attentive server.
The menu at Sanaa is sort of outstanding for a Walt Disney World restaurant, with quite a lot of choices which may scare away the common vacationer who merely needs 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 quite a lot of different Walt Disney World eating places, and affordable costs (particularly at lunch) on many scrumptious menu objects makes it one of many 10 greatest 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 should you needed to get some buying completed, or perhaps dinner at Raglan Road, to an integral a part of any Walt Disney World trip. There are a variety of causes for this, however the principle 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 may’ve made this checklist. The greatest amongst these is The Boathouse, which gives superb eating and a enjoyable environment. While the theme could appear 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 nearly all glorious, and it’s straightforward to see why the Boathouse has already attracted a legion of devoted followers.
9. California Grill — Offering unimaginable ambiance, subtle 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 a couple of slots this 12 months 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 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 high 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, a giant motive why Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood isn’t significantly fashionable 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 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–will not be inflated an excessive amount of by Walt Disney World requirements. The incontrovertible 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 totally definitely worth the difficult commute.
7. Jiko — The Cooking Place — This is one restaurant that’s nicely definitely worth the detour to an in any other case out-of-the-way resort. Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge is certainly one of our favourite date night time locations, and we particularly love doing it at Christmas-time. The wild boar, lamb shank, and beef brief rib are nonetheless all-stars, and are each bit nearly as good as we bear in mind. These dishes are additionally ingenious whereas being approachable, which is a typical theme of our favourite Signature Restaurants.
Moreover, 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 glorious, with servers who’re educated in regards to the menu and the intensive drink checklist. Its costs are consistent with different Signature eating places, so it’s no gem from a price perspective, however the delicacies is definitely worth the costs.
6. Citricos – We’ve by no means been big followers of Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort previously, 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 ingenious, beautifully-plated, scrumptious, and consistent 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 environment is a marked enchancment over the earlier incarnation of the restaurant. The type is supposedly influenced by Mary Poppins, however that’s nearly 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 night time out, as you’ll be able to 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 ingenious menu objects 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 the most effective 1-2 punch in all of Walt Disney World eating. While these are the unequivocal highlights, the menu is robust from high 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 company.
4. Topolino’s Terrace – Along with Toledo, that is certainly one of two new eating places that provide superlative rooftop eating that surpasses perennial favorites. Since it opened, we’ve completed 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 superb eating expertise that additionally gives nice views and environment.
Located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, it’s a simple Skyliner gondola trip from a number of resorts plus each Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and gives fireworks views of each parks. While dinner is the principle motive it makes this checklist, 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 lots like Flying Fish, in that it’s each ingenious and approachable–this will get the slight fringe of the 2 because of its rooftop setting and barely deeper menu, however you really can’t go incorrect both means.
Top Tier Trio
3. Monsieur Paul – Upon reopening late final 12 months, Monsieur Paul launched a brand new prix fixe menu beginning at $195 per particular person, plus tax and gratuity. It has been extremely fashionable since returning regardless of this critical worth improve and extra restricted lineup of menu objects. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see how lengthy this continues; Monsieur Paul had hassle filling tables pre-closure, and provided a summer season particular to draw patrons.
Nevertheless, 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 Art Nouveau design, particulars, and desk settings clarify that Monsieur Paul is a superb 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.
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 ingenious, and repair is attentive. With that mentioned, 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 in search of top-of-the-line meals you’ll be able to have at Walt Disney World, look no additional. If you’re in search of one of many largest meals, look elsewhere.
2. Takumi Tei – Sadly, it’s an analogous 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. This is one other very important worth improve.
Takumi Tei is lots 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 totally 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 ignored–from seafood to duck to that wonderful beef, Takumi Tei is an absolute winner, and its high 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 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 gives a prix fixe six-course meal consisting of gourmand and specialty superb eating choices, together with different “premium” objects that may be ordered for a further cost. If you’re an actual foodie, it’s also possible to guide 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 checklist?
Price. The fixed-price price for the common eating room begins at roughly $300 per particular person. With wine pairings and upgrades, the price 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 another 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 night time out. The two merely are incomparable in each means, save for each serving meals of meals.
There you may have it, our high 10 checklist of desk service eating places at Walt Disney World. You could discover that quite a lot of fashionable eating places didn’t make this checklist. This features a handful of Signature Restaurants, a excessive variety of superlative Disney Springs choices, and some under-the-radar fan favorites. As we mentioned above, it was troublesome to slim the checklist right down to the ten greatest desk service eating places at Walt Disney World…however we managed to do it!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about inns 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 submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips submit takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to begin is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for every part it is advisable know!
Your Thoughts
Do you agree with our high 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? Hearing your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!