Power Rankings of Restaurants in Walt Disney World

Okay–let me first start off by saying that I haven’t eaten everywhere in Walt Disney World. I’ve eaten at about 62.4% of the restaurants in Disney World as of today. (I think there’s currently 85 of them.) The ones that I haven’t eaten at fall into one (or more) of these categories:

• Super fancy and super expensive, and more than I want to spend (Monsieur Paul, Takumi-Tei, Victoria and Albert’s, etc.)
• At one of the resorts, and generally not super accessible (Mangino’s at Shades of Green, Ale & Compass at the Yacht Club, Garden Grove, etc.)
• Just not my kind of thing, either in cuisine, the type of characters being paraded around, or both (Sanaa, Akershus, Cinderella’s Royal Table, etc.)
• New (I haven’t been there yet.)

That being said, I thought it would be interesting to do a “power ranking” of sit-down restaurants (i.e. – full service, not quick service, no snacks, based upon my personal experience.) I’ll include some quick justification with each, but I reserve the right to change the order of this list in the future, as well as add to it (as I’m sure I will eventually experience more restaurants over time.)

The Disney Dining Plan IS considered here, but not widely–only where it really counts.

As are many of the lists on this website, the list is ordered “worst to first.” Without further ado…

The Power Rankings

1. Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary)
2. 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian Resort)
3. Garden Grill (The Land Pavilion, Epcot)
4. Trail’s End (Fort Wilderness)
5. The Plaza Restaurant (Magic Kingdom, Main Street USA)
6. Maya Grill (Coronado Springs)
7. Biergarten (Epcot, Germany Pavilion)
8. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Hollywood Studios)
9. ‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)
10. Boatwright’s Dining Hall (Port Orleans Riverside)
11. Planet Hollywood Observatory (Disney Springs)
12. Rainforest Cafe (Disney Springs / Animal Kingdom)
13. Sebastian’s (Caribbean Beach Resort)
14. Tony’s Town Square (Magic Kingdom)
15. The Edison (Disney Springs)
16. Nine Dragons (Epcot, World Showcase, China Pavilion)
17. Space 220 (Epcot, Future World, Mission Space)
18. Maria and Enzo’s Ristorante (Disney Springs)
19. Whispering Canyon (Wilderness Lodge)
20. La Hacienda de San Angel (Epcot, World Showcase, Mexico Pavilion)
21. Tiffin’s (Animal Kingdom)
22. Coral Reef (Epcot, Future World, The Seas Pavilion)
23. Grand Floridan Cafe (Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
24. The Boathouse (Disney Springs)
25. Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom, Adventureland)
26. Terralina Crafted Italian (Disney Springs)
27. Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland)
28. Paradiso 37 (Disney Springs)
29. T-REX (Disney Springs)
30. Rose and Crown (Epcot, World Showcase, United Kingdom Pavilion)
31. Olivia’s Cafe (Old Key West Resort)
32. Yak & Yeti (Animal Kingdom, Asia)
33. Tutto Italia (Epcot, World Showcase, Italy Pavilion)
34. Steakhouse 71 (Contemporary Resort)
35. Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom, Main Street USA)
36. Frontera Cocina (Disney Springs)
37. Tusker House (Animal Kingdom)
38. Paddlefish (Disney Springs)
39. 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Hollywood Studios)
40. Raglan Road (Disney Springs)
41. Kona Cafe (Polynesian Village Resort)
42. Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Hollywood Studios)
43. Les Chefs de France (Epcot, World Showcase, France Pavilion)
44. Teppan Edo (Epcot, World Showcase, Japan Pavilion)
45. Spice Road Table (Epcot, World Showcase, Morocco Pavilion)
46. Sci-Fi Dine In (Hollywood Studios)
47. Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian)
48. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Disney Springs)
49. La Crêperie de Paris (Epcot, World Showcase, France Pavilion)
50. Via Napoli (Epcot, World Showcase, Italy Pavilion)
51. San Angel Inn (Epcot, World Showcase, Mexico Pavilion)
52. Le Cellier (Epcot, World Showcase, Canada Pavilion)
53. Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios)

Ranking Justification:

53. Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary) – Let’s face it. This expensive, overpriced, uninspired, and boring buffet is here for the kids to take pictures with the fab five dressed as chefs while seeing the monorails flying by overhead. This is a shame, because there’s a lot of untapped potential here. I love the Grand Canyon Concourse of the Contemporary (Mary Blair Art, literally from floor to ceiling) which is the setting for this restaurant, and it even clashes with that or at best Chef Mickey’s minimizes this awesome ambiance. I feel like this is a missed opportunity for Disney. If you want the same ambiance with a slightly more reasonable cost, eat at the immediately adjacent Contempo Cafe (quick service) and look up and admire the Mary Blair mural.

52. 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian Resort) – Just re-opened on 4/10/2024! 1900 Park Fare is the character buffet at the Grand Floridian. It’s low on my list because it is primarily face characters at the buffet (Alice from Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Aladdin etc.) and the food is otherwise unremarkable. I’m not a huge face character guy, and if I’m going to go to a character buffet, this is one of the last ones I’d go to. Generally speaking, the food at the character buffets is all about the same quality, with few notable exceptions.

51. Garden Grill (The Land Pavilion, Epcot) – It’s not that it’s bad per se–but I don’t like Thanksgiving food. Never did. And that’s what this place is… Plus the characters costumes are boring to me, and it’s expensive. The ambiance is actually really cool, though, as about half of the restaurant overlooks the “Living with the Land” attraction as boats float by down below. Perhaps the kiss of death here is that this place violates rule # 18 of my Dad’s Rules of Life of Eating Out: don’t eat at restaurants that rotate.

50. Trail’s End (Fort Wilderness) – Expensive, boring, a challenge to get to, and not great. This place is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue minus the best part of the Hoop-Dee-Doo (i.e. – the show). If you are going to pay this much for uninspired comfort food, just go to the Hoop-Dee-Doo already.

49. The Plaza Restaurant (Main Street USA) – It’s not bad (but honestly, it isn’t great). This is the most basic starter restaurant in all of Walt Disney World with the most boring, basic menu of the whole resort. Nothing is really bad as much as it is boring. (Burger & mashed potatoes pictured above.) The quality of the food is only a little better than just eating at one of the other nearby quick service restaurants. You could do worse, but you could do a heck of a lot better.

48. Maya Grill (Coronado Springs) – The food here is actually quite good, but overpriced. (It’s pretty good for a Disney Dining Credit, though!) It’s a basic Mexican restaurant, and it’s not overly themed to the nines or anything, though looking at the menu you’d think it was. This restaurant is here for people staying at Coronado Springs on the Disney Dining Plan who couldn’t get a better reservation. If you aren’t at Coronado Springs or on the Disney Dining Plan, you’d be much better off spending your money at El Patron on Apopka Vineland Road–the food is much better and much more reasonably priced. But, it isn’t bad by any means. (I like the cute little tortillas they serve with fajitas.) If there weren’t better options for more reasonable prices, I’d probably list this higher.

47. Biergarten (Epcot, Germany Pavilion) – I LOVE German Food. I LOVE German Music. I LOVE themed dining. So Biergarten should be at the top of my list, right? Nope. The buffet-quality food is disappointing and doesn’t do German cuisine (one of my favorite things) justice. And the price is absurd for what you get. This upsets me because there is so much untapped potential here because the entertainment and ambiance you’re getting with your meal is pretty great. Though, it’s still not worth the price of entry into this buffet, unfortunately.

46. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Hollywood Studios) – Just a boring, low-quality, overpriced Italian restaurant in Hollywood Studios. There’s so much better dining experiences to be had in that park, including #1 on this list. Again, I think this place exists for people who are on the Disney Dining Plan who want to feel like they’re getting a good bang for their buck.

45. ‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) – They say ‘Ohana means family, but by my experience, it means “overpriced chow mein.” (Pictured above.) This is easily the most overrated restaurant in Walt Disney World, and one of the hardest reservations to get. I was so excited when I finally got a reservation at ‘Ohana and when I ate there, the food didn’t just live up to the hype–it didn’t even live up to half of the hype. I don’t get it. And it’s super expensive to boot. And again… I love all things tiki. Save your money for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto downstairs–that DOES live up to the hype.

44. Boatwright’s Dining Hall (Port Orleans Riverside) – This place is actually pretty good, and in my experience, it’s overpriced, but not too badly for Disney. It’s kind of a pain to get to, though. The theming of the restaurant could be better for what you get. I don’t typically go due to the fact that it’s a good bit out of the way, as it is for anyone not staying at Port Orleans – Riverside, and while the food is decent, you can go to many more places off property and get even better food. However–the real reason to go here is to see “Yehaa Bob” Jackson perform at River Roost Lounge, which is next to this restaurant. During COVID, they pulled the plug on him for a while, but I think he’s now back to performing every Wednesday – Saturday night–so if you want to try Boatwright’s, work in a trip to see Yehaa Bob as well.

43. Planet Hollywood Observatory (Disney Springs) – It’s a big Planet Hollywood (I don’t really care for their food that much), and the large globe building was rethemed to be the “observatory” of Disney Springs. The new theming doesn’t really work for me. If you like all of the Hollywood props, you may want to check it out. Overall, it’s kind of underwhelming, in my opinion, despite the facility (which should be far more impressive). The reason it’s here is because Universal nabbed the Hard Rock Cafe (which in the early 90’s was one of the most successful restaurant locations in the world, pulling in over $45 million a year by the late 90’s), and Disney had to respond. But that’s a whole other story.

42. Rainforest Cafe (Disney Springs – Pictured above, or Animal Kingdom) – It’s a rainforest cafe, which isn’t that special, though I appreciate all themed dining. The food is okay but chances are you’ll be able to get this in your own hometown anyhow, so I don’t see the point in going to one of these specific locations unless your other options are exhausted, your kids are begging you for it, if you have a Landry’s select club deal, or similar.

41. Sebastian’s (Caribbean Beach Resort) – The food here is actually pretty good! It’s a bit out of the way, though, unless you are staying at Caribbean Beach or you’re checking out the resort, which may be more likely with the Skyliner transfer between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It’s worth checking out if the menu appeals to you and you’ve got time.

40. Tony’s Town Square (Magic Kingdom) – I think this place is generally underwhelming for where it is. (It’s literally one of the first places you encounter when entering the Magic Kingdom. It’s not bad but the theming and food could be better. (I do really dig their pumpkin soup.). There’s better dining experiences available at the Magic Kingdom, but you could do much worse than this.

39. The Edison (Disney Springs) – An interesting concept which I think Disney developed to respond to the very popular Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal, but the Chocolate Emporium is better, in my opinion.

38. Nine Dragons (Epcot, World Showcase, China Pavilion) – In my experience, this is one of the easiest to get reservations in Epcot. The food is good, though the food is nothing special. It’s basic Chinese food, after all. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice but again nothing special. It looks like a nice Chinese restaurant you could go to in many places in the US. So, it’s hard to justify the Disney cost differential. The reason to come here is if you feel like Chinese and want a relatively lower-cost sit down restaurant while trekking around the World Showcase.

37. Space 220 (Epcot, Future World, Mission Space) – SUPER overrated restaurant. The ambiance is themed around being a restaurant in a spaceship accessible by space elevator, 220 miles above the Earth. The elevator ride is fun, but not worth the exorbitant cost of the limited menu here. It’s one of the hardest reservations to get in Walt Disney World, despite there being many other places to eat that are better and less expensive. The desserts are probably the highlight of the restaurant because they’re generally pretty good and odd (as they’re themed around space). I don’t really feel like I’m on a spaceship here—I feel like I’m watching boring projectors of stars with borderline cheesy computer animated figures. Suspension of disbelief here–I just can’t.

36. Maria and Enzo’s Ristorante (Disney Springs) – It’s an okay Italian restaurant, overpriced, but the theme is kind of cool if not a bit vanilla. It is supposed to be themed around an old-school airport. The wide open space is pretty and fun but does make me miss the Adventurer’s Club, which previously occupied this site. But—it’s not bad. (The hideaway nearby looks good also, but I haven’t been able to eat there yet.)

35. Whispering Canyon (Wilderness Lodge) – Not too shabby! You can opt to get an “all you can eat” skillet here or other more “finite” items. (This is probably lower on the list due to the focus on the “all you can eat” side of things, which isn’t my favorite.) The food is good and I’ve had some excellent service here. I kind of have to be in the mood for this kind of comfort food, and it’s not cheap, but it is fun and pretty tasty. It’s not that remarkable, though, and getting to the Wilderness Lodge is kind of a pain in the butt unless you’re staying there. Of course, don’t ask for the ketchup. (Or… DO ask for it.)

34. La Hacienda de San Angel (Epcot, World Showcase, Mexico Pavilion) – This is good, and I’m saying that as a self-respecting Texan I’m a fan of Mexican food. There’s more of a focus on seafood here. There’s also more of a Tex-Mex take on Mexican here when compared to it’s sister restaurant, San Angel Inn (#3 on this list–more on that later), but if it’s more Tex-Mex that you’re after, I have to recommend El Patron, just off property, not far from Disney Springs. But if you’re after the view of the lagoon or a place to sit somewhere in Epcot, it’s a solid bet. It’s hard for me to come here when I can go to San Angel Inn for about the same price.

33. Tiffin’s (Animal Kingdom) – It’s arguably the best food in the Animal Kingdom (though that’s not saying much), and some would say it’s the best in-park food in any of the Disney parks, but the menu is kind of strange for my taste. It’s more African inspired, for sure, but that’s not really my thing. Also, it ain’t cheap, even compared to other restaurants in Walt Disney World. As of 12/2023, the Szechuan Noodles are the cheapest entree on the menu at $34. (Note: This is classified as a “signature” dining location for the Disney Dining Plan.) Maybe it’s the “ugly American” in me, but if I’m going to spend that much money, there’s other signature restaurants higher on this list that are more suited to my palate.

32. Coral Reef (Epcot, Future World, The Seas Pavilion) – One of the more iconic locations to eat in Walt Disney World (lots of people remember the Full House episode), the ambiance of this restaurant is one of the best in Walt Disney World. The aquarium themed restaurant offers a stadium seating view of the large aquarium focal point of the restaurant (and of the pavilion). The dining area is accented with mosaic tilework which adds a nice touch. The food (seafood, of course) in my experience is pretty underwhelming, though–especially the portions, which are smaller than they should be. Part of the reason that this restaurant is so far down the list is because it is in Epcot and there are so many great options that make this less worthwhile. But if you love aquariums and seafood, it’s worth at least one shot. Also, it’s luck of the draw–but the dining experience is WAY more enjoyable if you get a seat on the aquarium wall.

31. Grand Floridan Cafe (Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) – The decor of this restaurant leaves a lot to be desired (it feels like a stuffy retirement home cafeteria to me), but the food is pretty good. It’s kind of hidden as it’s in the Grand Floridian and it’s overshadowed by the far more well-known and expensive restaurants of the resort (like Narcoosse’s, Citrico’s, and the infamous Victoria & Albert’s) and 1900 Park Fare (discussed previously). If you don’t mind the commute, the crowds are especially bad, and/or you need a break from the Magic Kingdom, it may be worth taking the Resort Monorail around the Seven Seas Lagoon to hit up the Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch. It’s a pretty well-kept secret.

30. The Boathouse (Disney Springs) – Expensive (as all of these restaurants are), but kind of a cool vibe and an anchor of the new Disney Springs theme of the area. If reservations here are a bummer, you might be able to sneak into the bar and nab a tall table. I haven’t had a lot of the menu, but the food I’ve had there was pretty decent. Part of the draw of this restaurant are the Amphicars which “dock” adjacent to the entrance of the restaurant. Not a bad place to get some fish for dinner.

29. Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom, Adventureland) – The menu is strange, for sure, but the food is pretty good and I have to admire the Imagineers for coming up with a concept that builds on the Jungle Cruise theme. It’s one of the better options for a place to eat in the Magic Kingdom, and you can usually pick up a reservation, as the menu scares off a lot of less-adventurous palates, including many children. But, the food is reasonably priced for the Magic Kingdom and enjoyable. And any time you can get off your feet and at a table to cool off and relax at the Magic Kingdom, it’s a “win” in my book. There are multiple rooms of the restaurant–some have better theming than others–but all of them come with corny Jungle Cruise skipper jokes from the host staff and wait staff. It is good, tasty fun.

28. Terralina Crafted Italian (Disney Springs) – It’s good, but there again, it’s overpriced and not in a park. It’s hard to justify coming here unless you have a Disney Dining Plan with credits to burn or you have no way to jump in a car and head over to Carrabba’s (near the Vineland Outlets) or similar to get an Italian meal. The food is very good–but you can get very good food elsewhere for cheaper, and the theming isn’t that remarkable.

27. Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland) – This is definitely one of the better ambiances available in a Walt Disney World dining restaurant. There are three dining rooms of this restaurant. The first is the “ballroom,” which is the main room of the restaurant with a window in back where it looks like it is snowing–a nice touch. The second is the “portrait gallery” which has big paintings and tapestries on the walls, which is my least favorite place to sit in the restaurant as it’s the most boring. The third is the “West Wing,” which is super cool and recreates the forbidden West Wing from the Beauty and the Beast film. There’s the famous “rose” on display and a Beast-clawed picture of Prince Adam (the beast in his human form) atop the fireplace of this room. Periodically, the painting morphs from Prince Adam into his beast form. This is done really well. Regarding the food though: This used to be the best quick service breakfast on property with some great selections and some tasty pastries. But that offering is no more, since COVID. The food is good, but expensive and underwhelming. (Note: I haven’t eaten here since they went to the prix fixe model, so I’m not sure if it changed.) It is a character meal, though, and you get to meet the Beast in person, which is a highlight of the experience. But–like many of the other places on this list–you’re paying for the ambiance and the experience, so the food is underwhelming.

26. Paradiso 37 (Disney Springs) – Paradiso 37 was the first newly renovated location that formally ushered in the Disney Springs era of the area. (Raglan Road has been around longer, but was around for both Disney Springs AND Pleasure Island.). This place has a very eclectic menu (Latin / Caribbean / American) which is kind of hard to make heads or tails of, but it’s actually pretty good! Though not cheap, it’s not super expensive, and the items on the menu are pretty tasty. It is also not hard to get reservations here, so it is usuallly a pretty easy place to nab a last minute reservation at Disney Springs. The untapped potential of this restaurant lies in its ambiance, which is kind of boring.

25. T-REX (Disney Springs) – The food comes up a bit short of “stellar,” but the ambiance is what this restaurant is all about–especially for kids. This is my 7-year old son’s favorite restaurant in Walt Disney World. Landry’s Select Club members rejoice–you CAN get points here, and for you, reservations are not a necessity, and this is a good thing as T-REX is one of the hardest reservations to get in Walt Disney World. The fisheye picture above is taken in the ice cave area of the restaurant. Like the sister Landry’s property the Rainforest Cafe, periodically, there’s a meteor shower with noises, lighting effects, and audio animatronics. Also not unlike the Rainforest Cafe, there are some impressive aquariums in the dining area.

24. Rose and Crown (Epcot, World Showcase, United Kingdom Pavilion) – Rose & Crown is a fun pub in the World Showcase. The portions are on the smaller side and the interior is a little stuffy looking and dated, but the food isn’t bad, which is kind of remarkable considering that this pavilion is in the UK pavilion! (I kid, I kid…) The reservations generally aren’t too hard to get here, though, and you don’t have to trek far into the World Showcase to get here, no matter where you enter the park. Raglan Road has way more depth on their menu and a much more exciting ambiance. But Rose and Crown isn’t a bad bet.

23. Olivia’s Cafe (Old Key West Resort) – As the Disney resorts don’t get as much foot traffic as the parks, Olivia’s often goes unnoticed due to its location at Old Key West. This is a shame–it’s actually quite good. The cafe offers a charming & relaxed atmosphere with pictures on every wall with nice but subtle traditional touches, like the long belt-driven ceiling fan on the ceiling in the middle of the dining room. The food is very good. (I’d give the dinner menu my pick over the brunch menu, but you can’t go wrong.) Reservations are generally really easy to get, but if you can’t, I’ve had some great luck (even with big parties) showing up last minute and snagging a table with minimal wait.

22. Yak & Yeti (Animal Kingdom, Asia) – Nestled in the back of the Animal Kingdom, Yak and Yeti is a subtle sit-down place. (This is not to be confused with the adjacent Yak & Yeti quick-service offering.) Yak & Yeti rises like a gastronomic phoenix from the rear of the park, offering a beacon of hope for those tired of settling for theme park cardboard pizza straight out of the Disney flavor vaccuum. (I’m looking at you, Pizzafari.) Reservations can be hard to come by, but Yak & Yeti is owned by Landry’s, so Landry’s Select Club members won’t have much issue getting a table. The 2 story restaurant is vibrant yet relaxing. For the discerning diner, the window tables on the 2nd floor provide a panoramic view of the walkway. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching, and if you’re lucky, catching glimpses of Kevin the Bird from “Up.” Their eclectic Asian menu items range from very good to excellent. The Chicken Tikka Masala is very good here, which is on the printed menu. One of the best parts of the restaurant are their “secret” menu items. (The Pad Thai comes to mind.) They also have had some delicious seasonal offerings that they may be able to make for you (like the Ahi Tuna nachos) which they might be able to make for you.

21. Tutto Italia (Epcot, World Showcase, Italy Pavilion) – For those seeking a more elegant Italian culinary option in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion, Tutto Italia will fit the bill.  Located in the shadow of the mini-St. Mark’s Campanile, Tutto Italia replaced the iconic, opening-day Alfredo’s.  (This was the Disney location of the restaurant where fettuccini alfredo was originally created.)  Today, Tutto Italia brings a bit of sophistication to the World Showcase.  The menu features Italian comfort food classics like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, chicken parmesan, and (of course) fettuccini alfredo, but also features some more fancy options like gnocchi, salmon, and steak.  The food is good, though a bit spendy–again, you’re paying for the location here.  (Note: If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, this is a darn good value for your credit.) But the food is pretty good–Tutto Italia transforms each dish into a flavorful masterpiece of which even nonnas would approve.

20. Steakhouse 71 (Contemporary Resort) – I’ve only been here once since the re-model (note: this restaurant used to be “The Wave”), and it was for breakfast, but the one time I went, I was impressed. The ambiance is like a stylish breakfast joint meets Disney charm. It’s the perfect start to a day at the parks or a lazy morning with the family. It’s a good bet (a heck of a lot better than Chef Mickey’s, in my opinion), and unlike most other Disney resort restaurants, it isn’t hard to get to as it is walking distance (or a short monorail ride) to the Magic Kingdom.

19. Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom, Main Street USA) – At the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom at the end of Main Street USA, the hundred acre wood comes to you.  All of the Winnie the Pooh characters are out and about and will visit your table before the end of your meal.  The charming atmosphere adorned with Victorian elegance and an abundance of natural light sets a great scene for your family photos with the characters.  The prime rib on this buffet is a highlight, though they have a lot of “meat and taters” comfort food to help satisfy even the more picky palates.  Of course, like all of the other character buffets, this is very expensive and frankly overpriced.  But, if you have your heart set on doing one character buffet while visiting Walt Disney World, I’d argue this is your best option.

18. Frontera Cocina (Disney Springs) – This Mexican-inspired eatery seamlessly blends bold, south-of-the-border flavors with a more contemporary twist.  The restaurant has a lively, modern feel, which matches their modern (albeit kind of strange) menu.  The menu has a number of Mexican staples, of course, but then mixes in some more of the odd, fancy, and somewhat pretentious items mixed in (like, eggplant tacos).  I’ll admit, I haven’t tried the stranger stuff on the menu but stuck with some of the more basic staples, and they were pretty delicious.  Of course, it’s pricey, but not overly so.  Reservations can be hit or miss, but it’s generally a good option, especially if you can snag a reservation last minute and you’re looking for something that’s good and a little different.

17. Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) – Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is probably the best character buffet on property. I’ve been for breakfast. The setting of the restaurant is like a vibrant African marketplace. The buffet blends American breakfast staples with some African-inspired dishes, though I mostly stayed away from those when I went in the past. Safari Donald Duck and friends roam the dining area, providing delightful interactions and photo opportunities. Tusker House is also a great spot for families to start their day at Animal Kingdom, combining good food and magical experiences. Depending on what time you get your ADR, you may be able to position yourself in the back of the park at opening–putting you a bridge away from rope-dropping Avatar: Flight of Passage.

16. Paddlefish (Disney Springs) – Paddlefish at Disney Springs presents a distinctive dining experience aboard a refurbished paddleboat with panoramic views of the waterfront. (It was the old “Fulton’s Crab House” in the Pleasure Island / Downtown Disney of yesteryear.) The menu highlights higher quality seafood dishes. The ambiance combines nautical charm with a modern twist, making it a stylish spot for both casual and special occasions. If possible, try to score a table on the first level looking out on the water. You’ll see little amphibious cars from the nearby Boathouse driving (floating) by–a really cool experience. With attentive service and a relaxing atmosphere, Paddlefish is a top choice for those looking to enjoy upscale dining in a pretty unique setting.

15. 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Hollywood Studios) – 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios transports diners back to a 1950s-themed family kitchen, complete with kitschy decor and black-and-white TVs playing classic clips. However–the biggest draw to me is the server, who scolds you to wash your hands and eat all of your vegetables. The menu features comfort food favorites like meatloaf, fried chicken, and creamy milkshakes. The waitstaff acting, atmosphere, and pretty excellent food (For Disney property) makes for an immersive, fun, and interactive meal.

14. Raglan Road (Disney Springs) – Raglan Road Irish Pub at Disney Springs offers an authentic Irish pub experience, complete with live music and energetic Irish step-dance performances. Like anything else at Disney, the dancers are super talented. The menu serves traditional Irish dishes, like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, crafted with a bit of a contemporary flair. The interior boasts a warm, wood-paneled ambiance that transports diners to the heart of Ireland. Raglan Road is perfect for those seeking a lively dining atmosphere with hearty food and vibrant entertainment. If you can get a table near the step dancers, it really brings you into the action.

13. Kona Cafe (Polynesian Village Resort) – Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a laid-back dining experience with a menu inspired by Asian and American flavors. The food is a lot better than Ohana, which gets all the love–and yet Kona gets completely forgotten about. (Also, it’s notably easy to get a reservation here–and darn near impossible to get one at Ohana.) The restaurant is known for its Tonga Toast and Kona coffee, making breakfast especially popular. Dinner features dishes like sushi and other Pacific-Asian fusion dishes that are on the fancier side of the Disney pallate (steak, chicken, and, of course, seafood dishes). (My picky eater son demonstrated to us here that he would eat–and enjoy–sushi. Thank God for that.) The theming of the restaurant is pretty basic, though, and is Kona Cafe’s lone weakness.

12. Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Hollywood Studios) – Roundup Rodeo BBQ immerses guests in a playful, toy-themed environment inspired by the “Toy Story” movies. It’s like a character buffet–but without the characters. This is “Andy’s Room” that you’re dining in, complete with scaled-up toys and cut-outs, somewhat reminiscent of the nearby Midway Mania line (i.e. – the one in Walt Disney World–not in Disneyland). This family-friendly restaurant serves up hearty barbecue favorites like smoked brisket and pulled pork, all presented in a colorful and whimsical setting. It is a buffet where the servers will bring you mains (or sides) to your table upon request. It’s “all you can eat,” but served to you. The most fun of the environment is the “ANDY’S COMING” acting between the servers and guests, as well as the little broomstick horsies that offer photo opportunities at the host stand of the restaurant. The food is good, but the environment provides the lion’s share of this meal’s experience.

11. Les Chefs de France (Epcot, World Showcase, France Pavilion) – Les Chefs de France offers a sort of “caricature” version of the French bistro experience that you’d experience on one of the street side cafes in Paris. The ambiance is cozy yet elegant–probably more so than what I’d actually expect in most street side cafes in Paris. The menu features classic French cuisine, including escargot, beef bourguignon (one of my favorite items on the menu), and crème brûlée. (For some reason, the Gratin de macaroni also stands out in my mind.) Large windows provide views of the pavilion, enhancing the Parisian café feel. Americans and theme park goers alike will appreciate that the service at this French cafe doesn’t emulate what you’d experience in France–they’ll push to turn your table quickly. It feels like almost a signature restaurant, and it is expensive if you’re paying for it without a dining credit. (This is one of the best uses of a dining credit on property, though.) The food is pretty good–but the food & experience are casual, despite the more formal feel.

10. Teppan Edo (Epcot, World Showcase, Japan Pavilion) – Simply put, this hibachi grill is the Benihana of Walt Disney World. It’s pretty much a standard (though expensive) hibachi with some Disney flair. As hibachi is, the experience is very immersive. The atmosphere is pretty much like any other hibachi, though. Overall, it’s a pretty expensive hibachi meal (though still high quality with a great entertainment experience built in), but perhaps the reason it’s this high on the list is that it isn’t considered a “signature” credit. This is about as close to “signature dining” as one can get on the Disney Dining Plan without actually using 2 sit-down meal credits. It’s a heck of a bang-for-your-buck for your dining credit. (Actually, I’d be willing to bet it’s the best bang for your buck on property with a dining credit.)

9. Spice Road Table (Epcot, World Showcase, Morocco Pavilion) – Here, you can get a picturesque dining experience with its lagoon views and Mediterranean-inspired decor. The menu showcases a variety of small plates like hummus, lamb sliders, and seafood, emphasizing flavors from the Mediterranean and North Africa. I walked past this restaurant for about 10 years before I finally tried it. I’ll admit–I missed out. The food here is fantastic. This tapas-style approach allows diners to sample a wide array of dishes in a relaxed setting. Specifically, I recommend the Tiropitakia–a Cheese-filled Phyllo with Cucumber-Tomato Relish–and the naan bread with chutneys that they serve. VERY tasty. Spice Road Table is perfect for those looking to enjoy a leisurely meal with a scenic backdrop, offering a taste of exotic flavors in a beautiful environment.

8. Sci-Fi Dine In (Hollywood Studios) – Let’s be honest–at Disney, you’re largely there for the immersive experience (and if you aren’t, you’re doing it wrong), so it should follow that some of the dining experiences that are accented by the unique ambiances. The Sci-Fi Dine In offers a quite a unique retro dining experience, where guests walk into a convincing movie set and sit in car-shaped booths. Once “parked,” you watch sci-fi movie clips on a large drive-in theater screen. The menu features classic American diner fare, including burgers, milkshakes, and sandwiches. The simple menu is reflective of a snack bar at a drive-in theater. I like the simple menu, though! The menu has notably improved–their BBQ burger is a lot better than what it used to be. Further–I also really enjoy their drink menu. (While it’s no longer available, the Magical Star Cocktail caused me to get a bottle of X-Rated Liquor and got me to try and reverse engineer the cocktail.) The dimly lit, starry ambiance and vintage movie clips create pure nostalgic magic. And overall, it’s not too expensive!

7. Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian) – Narcoossee’s offers a sophisticated dining experience with panoramic views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom. This restaurant is the little octogonal building on the edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon–quite a special place. Of course, this is a signature restaurant, so you may be better off paying for this one in cash, as I don’t think it’s worth the 2-credit Disney Dining Plan cost. The restaurant specializes in seafood, serving dishes like lobster bisque, pan-seared scallops, and a surf and turf option. (I really liked their steak, though.) The elegant coastal décor complements the upscale menu, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion. Guests often time their meals to coincide with the Magic Kingdom fireworks, which can be seen from the restaurant’s wraparound porch, adding a magical touch to the dining experience. It’s a great splurge for a Disney date location.

6. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Disney Springs) – Homecomin’ at Disney Springs celebrates Florida’s rich culinary heritage with a menu of Southern favorites and farm-to-table ingredients. Renowned for its fried chicken and doughnuts, the restaurant also features hearty dishes like shrimp and grits and fried catfish. The rustic, homey atmosphere reflects the comfort food theme, creating a welcoming environment. With its focus on local flavors and ingredients, Homecomin’ offers a genuine taste of Southern hospitality right in the heart of Disney Springs. It’s on the expensive side, but in my experience reservations are quite hard to get–perhaps the hardest ADR to get in Walt Disney World. As such, I’ve only gotten to eat here one time. But if you can get in, it is quite delicious.

5. La Crêperie de Paris (Epcot, World Showcase, France Pavilion) – The fact that this restaurant is at spot #5 may be the hottest take on this list. I’d argue that La Crêperie is the the most underrated restaurant in Walt Disney World. Relatively new (it opened in the expansion of the France pavilion, accommodating Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure), it offers a charming spot to enjoy authentic French crepes and galettes. The menu divides between sweet crepes and savory galettes made with buckwheat (though you can request that the savory crepes are prepared with the sweeter batter–this is a good move to please your children’s palate), and crepes offer a wide variety from the classic ham and cheese to the more indulgent chocolate hazelnut. (The “Pomme” (apple) one is perhaps my favorite dessert one.) I highly recommend the Prix Fixe menu–$33 for a soup or salad, savory crepe, dessert crepe, and your choice of hard cider (go with the demi sec) is a unheard of deal in Disney! And honestly–it’s enough food to split. One last note on the food: if their soup of the day is the Cauliflower Vichyssoise, MAKE SURE TO GET IT. It is FANTASTIC. In short, La Crêperie is perfect for a quick yet delightful meal, offering a taste of French culinary tradition in a casual and inviting atmosphere.

4. Via Napoli (Epcot, World Showcase, Italy Pavilion) – Via Napoli offers some very authentic Neapolitan pizzas, baked in wood-fired ovens named after Italian volcanoes. The menu features a variety of pizzas, alongside Italian specialties like pasta and salads. (This is a good place for the Disney Dining Plan–but if you’re on the plan, you’re better off skipping the pizza and getting one of the more expensive items ($40+) on the menu.) The airy space adorned with rustic Italian decor provides a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. (Another sidenote: If you go to the restrooms while dining, you’ll see some of the concept art from the Imagineers as they designed the space–very cool.) Known for its thin-crust pizzas made with fresh, imported ingredients, Via Napoli offers a slice of Italy with every dish, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers and those seeking a genuine Italian dining experience at Disney World.

3. San Angel Inn (Epcot, World Showcase, Mexico Pavilion) – San Angel Inn offers an enchanting dining experience with its perpetual twilight setting overlooking an ancient Mexican pyramid and a gently flowing river. The ambiance is compared to that of the Blue Bayou in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square (which overlooks the begining of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride). The menu features traditional Mexican cuisine, including tacos, enchiladas, and mole poblano, accompanied by a robust selection of tequilas and margaritas. I haven’t been super impressed with the margaritas and cocktails here, but I love the food. On the Disney Dining Program, the prix fixe option is an excellent one. I highly recommend the Carne Asada here. But the ambiance here is the best in Walt Disney World. The dim, romantic lighting and the sound of a distant volcano enhance the immersive atmosphere, making it feel like a serene, starlit evening in Mexico. San Angel Inn is one of the original restaurant contracts awarded in Epcot and is managed by the ownership of San Angel Inn in Mexico City–a personal bucket list item for me.

2. Le Cellier (Epcot, World Showcase, Canada Pavilion) – Nestled under the tall castle structure of the Canada pavilion, Le Cellier offers a cozy, cellar-like setting where diners can enjoy a sumptuous menu of Canadian steakhouse classics. Known for its signature dishes like the Canadian cheddar cheese soup and the “Le Cellier” mushroom filet mignon, the restaurant provides a sophisticated (but not stuffy!) dining experience. The ambiance, reminiscent of a wine cellar with low lighting and stone arches, creates an intimate atmosphere. The food is excellent, the ambiance is warm and inviting, and while expensive, I’d argue the meal is worth the cost–especially in Disney World. In addition to the aforementioned soup & steak, I have to recommend the excellent macaroni and cheese side, their mashed potatoes, the delicious house pretzel bread (and butter!), and the chocolate mousse (or is it moose?) provided to children. (Though, skip the poutine here. It’s okay, but not worth the price.)

1. Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios) – The Hollywood Brown Derby is the best restaurant in Walt Disney World. The Brown Derby recreates the classic glamour of the famous Los Angeles landmark. Known for its signature dishes like the original Cobb salad and the grapefruit cake, this restaurant offers a high-end dining experience. (I can vouch for the salad’s excellence, though I haven’t personally tried the Grapefruit Cake. I’ll be back to do that someday…) The filet mignon here is one of the top 5 steaks I’ve ever had in my life. The décor features dark wood paneling and caricatures of celebrities, contributing to its old-Hollywood charm. This iconic dining spot is perfect for those seeking a taste of movie star elegance along with a menu of American gourmet classics, making it a highlight of any visit to the park.

What do you think? Do you agree? Let me know in the comments below!