While the highlights of any trip to Disney, and rightly so, are the characters and rides, an incredible meal can take your vacation from ordinary to extraordinary. Although Disneyland does serve its fair share of basic burgers, unimpressive pizza and lackluster chicken strips, it wouldn’t be The Happiest Place on Earth without some downright magical dining options.
From next-level menu offerings to transporting atmosphere, stick with us as we dig into all of the best Disneyland dining options.
How to Have a Magical Meal at the Best Disneyland Restaurants
As with most things at Disneyland nowadays, while you could certainly try to wing it and hope for the best, for the best shot at eating at one of the restaurants on our list without too much hassle, you’ll need to plan ahead. Here are some suggestions to help set you and your mealtime up for success.
Quick Service or Table Service – That Is the Question
For many, half the battle is choosing between either a sit-down meal or a fast-casual option. As much as we love many of the table-service restaurants on our list, not everyone has the time (or money), particularly if you only have one or two days at Disneyland or are working with a modest travel budget.
Luckily, as you’ll see in a bit, dining at one of Disneyland’s counter-service eateries doesn’t necessarily need to mean lackluster food. Many quick-service dining outlets hit the sweet spot for those who are short on time and cash or didn’t plan ahead with an advance dining reservation.
If you would like to try a table-service option, consider going for breakfast, especially if there’s character dining. Typically, this morning meal tends to be less expensive and is a great way to get the magic started and fill up for the rest of the day, so you don’t need to eat so much later.
Save Time with Mobile Ordering
There’s nothing worse than waiting in a lengthy line at the height of lunchtime with a growling stomach and some cranky, hungry kids. Fortunately, thanks to Disney’s new mobile ordering functionality on the Disneyland app for some quick-service restaurants, this nightmare scenario doesn’t have to happen.
All you need to do is fire up the app whenever your tummy starts to grumble (even when you’re still waiting in line for a ride), choose when you’d like your food to be ready and make your way over to pick up your items. Or better yet, look at the menu in the morning and place your order for later in the day to avoid waiting too long at more popular eateries.
Remember to Make Your Disneyland Dining Reservations
There can be incredibly high demand to even get a reservation for Disneyland’s most popular table-service restaurants, let alone a walk-in table. Though Disneyland dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, it isn’t unheard of for time slots to book up in front of your eyes.
So, for the best chance at securing a seat at one of Disneyland’s most in-demand restaurants, be sure to make a reservation as soon as possible. If you can’t get a table right away, continue to check back if there isn’t a table available for your desired mealtime, as cancellations do happen.
Try a Disneyland Dining Package to Score Sweet Seats (and Good Food) Without a Wait
Hoping to experience some of Disneyland’s incredible nighttime entertainment but don’t want to waste time camping out for a good seat? It might be a good time to splurge on one of Disney’s table-service restaurants.
While a full sit-down meal might normally be too much time commitment for some, that isn’t the case with a Disneyland Dining Package. Not only will you get to sample some of the resort’s finest fare, but you’ll actually save time since you won’t have to stake out your seats an hour or two before showtime.
Dinner Packages at Disneyland Park and California Adventure include:
- Fantasmic! Dining Package – Blue Bayou Restaurant or River Belle Terrace
- Plaza Inn Dining Package for the Disneyland parade
- World of Color Dining Package – Carthay Circle Restaurant, Wine Country Trattoria or Storytellers Café
Where to Find the Best Food at Disneyland Resort
Now, without any further ado, here are the 19 best restaurants at Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels.
Best Restaurants at Disneyland Park
Disneyland Table-Service Restaurants
Blue Bayou Restaurant | New Orleans Square
No Disneyland eatery is more iconic than the Blue Bayou. Disneyland’s romantic waterfront restaurant doesn’t just gaze out over Rivers of America (it’s an option for the Fantasmic! Dining Package). It also overlooks the boats on Pirates of the Caribbean as they float by. Dine under a dreamy canopy of Spanish moss or beneath the warm glow of twinkling paper lanterns.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $35 to $59.99 per adult
Cuisine: Cajun-Creole
Best for: A quintessential Disneyland dining experience, special celebration or Disney date night
What to Get: Jambalaya, Monte Cristo Sandwich
Café Orleans | New Orleans Square
With a slimmed-down menu, more laidback setting and less prestige than its New Orleans Square neighbor, consider Café Orleans the procrastinator’s alternative to the wildly popular Blue Bayou. Even Walt Disney himself liked stopping by back in the day to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult
Cuisine: Cajun-Creole
Best for: Classic Disneyland dishes in a casual setting, if you can’t get a table at Blue Bayou
What to Get: Battered & Fried Monte Cristo Sandwich with Pommes Frites
Carnation Café | Main Street, U.S.A.
When it came to food, Walt Disney was a man of simple pleasures, and you can sample some of them at the Carnation Café. Disneyland’s culinary ode to all things Americana, the Carnation Café offers a surprisingly affordable selection of comfort food classics.
Cost: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult, $14.99 or less for breakfast
Cuisine: American
Best for: Picky eaters, Disneyland history buffs and folks looking for a sit-down meal in the park without the steep theme park price tag
What to Get: Walt’s Chili, Braised Short Rib
Plaza Inn | Main Street, U.S.A.
Open since the park’s opening day, the Plaza Inn is a Disneyland institution. In fact, not only did Walt love to eat there, but his wife, Lilian, even lent her feminine touch to some of the restaurant’s decorations. Stop by in the morning for dining with Disney characters at Breakfast with Minnie & Friends.
Cost: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult, $35 to $59.99 per adult for character breakfast
Cuisine: American
Best for: Kid-friendly dishes and Disney characters with oodles of Disneyland history
What to Get: Fried Chicken
River Belle Terrace | Frontierland
From its cottagecore vibe to its menu bursting with Southern comfort classics, a meal at River Belle is like a cozy hug. Best of all, this quaint restaurant is the cheapest Disneyland restaurant offering a Fantasmic! Dining Package.
Cost: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult
Cuisine: American
Best for: Palate-pleasing, Southern-style cooking and great views of Fantasmic without the long wait
What to Get: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, Seasonal Monkey Bread
Disneyland Quick-Service Restaurants
Bengal Barbecue | Adventureland
In between all the churros, funnel cakes and corn dogs, it’s nice to enjoy something at Disneyland that hasn’t been fried. But, what if you don’t have time for a full sit-down meal? Enter Bengal Barbecue. Nosh on the grilled meat and veggie skewers as you walk to your next ride or in the new seating area.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American
Best for: Healthy(ish) eats on the go
What to Get: Skewers of grilled meats and vegetables, including the Bacon-wrapped Asparagus Safari Skewer; Tiger Tail Breadstick
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo| Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Don’t be fooled by the names of out-of-this-world ingredients like “Tip-Yip” or “Dewback” Chili Noodles at Docking Bay 7. They’re actually decidedly terrestrial – think chicken and pork. Overall, this rough-and-tumble restaurant in Black Spire Outpost pleases picky eaters, foodies and Star Wars fans alike. Or, for otherworldly eats on the go, try a wrap from Ronto Roasters next door.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American & Vegetarian
Best for: Approachable flavors with intergalactic flair
What to Get: Endorian Fried Chicken Tip-Yip, Felucian Kefta & Hummus Garden Spread
French Market Restaurant | New Orleans Square
The French Market Restaurant is proof that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to have a memorable dining experience at Disneyland. Sit outside on the open-air patio and sip on one of the famed (non-alcoholic) New Orleans Mint Juleps from the attached Mint Julep Bar – don’t forget the Mickey Beignets – as you listen to live jazz on the nearby stage.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: Cajun-Creole
Best for: Live music and elevated flavors with Big Easy attitude at a wallet-friendly price
What to Get: New Orleans Mint Julep, Creamy Corn Chowder in a Sourdough Bread Bowl, Jambalaya
Best California Adventure Restaurants
California Adventure Table-Service Restaurants
Carthay Circle Restaurant & Lounge | Buena Vista Street
Nothing says glamour like Old Hollywood. The Carthay Circle Restaurant & Lounge pays homage to that sophisticated time, and the start of Disney’s own Golden Age – the premiere of Snow White, the first feature-length animated film, at the restaurant’s namesake theater. Expect an upscale menu and setting with a price tag to match.
Cost: Dinner – $35 to $59.99 per adult
Cuisine: American, Californian
Best for: An elegant Disneyland date night or as a fancy prelude to World of Color
What to Get: Signature Pork Chop, Warm Cheddar Parkhouse Rolls
Lamplight Lounge | Pixar Pier
While Disney started with a mouse, for Pixar, it all began with a pint-sized lamp. Taking its name from Pixar’s spunky Luxo Jr, the Lamplight Lounge (and Boardwalk Dining) dishes up waterfront views, Pixar-inspired atmosphere, California cuisine and, as it is a lounge first and foremost, a killer drink menu. Time your reservation right for unbeatable views of World of Color.
Cost: Brunch, Lunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult
Cuisine: American, Californian, Vegetarian
Best for: Foodie-friendly dishes and drinks in an Instagrammable setting
What to Get: Lobster Nachos
California Adventure Quick-Service Restaurants
Seasonal Festival Marketplaces | Paradise Gardens Park & Other Locations
Ok, we’ll admit that the Festival Marketplaces for foodie events like the California Adventure Food & Wine Festival or Lunar New Year aren’t technically restaurants, and they do change around the year. However, they always cook up some worthwhile dishes and drinks no matter what festival.
Cost: Served all day – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American
Best for: A quick, kid-friendly and affordable meal that doesn’t skimp on atmosphere
What to Get: Ka-Cheeseburger, Flo’s Famous Fried Chicken, Flo’s Classic Shakes topped with “Road Gravel”
Flo’s V8 Café | Cars Land
If you’ve ever wished you could cruise right into the gasoline-fueled world of Cars, this is your chance. From the All-American diner classics to the neon and chrome, Flo’s V8 Café is a vibe and an undeniably fun place for a quick pitstop to refuel.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American
Best for: A quick, kid-friendly and affordable meal that doesn’t skimp on atmosphere
What to Get: Ka-Cheeseburger, Flo’s Famous Fried Chicken, Flo’s Classic Shakes topped with “Road Gravel”
Pym Test Kitchen | Avengers Campus
It’s said that you eat with your eyes first. If that’s the case, you’re sure to be satisfied from the first time you look at some of the creative eats on offer at Pym Test Kitchen at the Avengers Campus. Here, average dishes get a shrunken or supersized makeover, courtesy of Pym Particles.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Best for: Marvel fans or diners with big appetites (or who are willing to share) and a sense of humor
What to Get: Family-sized Pym-ini, Not So Little Chicken Sandwich
Best Downtown Disney Restaurants
Table-Service Downtown Disney Restaurants
Catal Restaurant
With so many tasty things to be had over in the theme parks, you might wonder why you should leave the magic to dine at Downtown Disney. Catal Restaurant might make you change your mind, featuring approachable, though spendy, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with Spanish flair. And don’t miss the eatery’s extensive drink menu or all of the boozy beverages on offer at the downstairs Uva Bar.
Cost: Brunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult
Cuisine: American & Mediterranean
Best for: A pre-park brunch, post-park nightcap or a Disney date night without the pricey park ticket
What to Get: Traditional or Vegetarian Paella, Nebraska Angus Filet Mignon, Steakhouse Burger
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
For a fun and surprisingly yummy meal kids and adults alike will love, check out Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Even if you aren’t planning on bowling, Splitsville is still well worth visiting. This isn’t the kind of menu usually offered at your neighborhood alley. Instead, enjoy sophisticated takes on predictable dishes like burgers and pizza, and more surprising eats like sushi. You may even get to eat to the beat during some live entertainment.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult
Cuisine: American
Best for: Family-friendly meals and entertainment outside the theme parks or a playful Disneyland date
What to Get: Sushi, Pizza, Macho Nachos
Quick-Service Downtown Disney Restaurants
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
If there’s one food pairing that continues to win over hungry hearts and minds, it’s a juicy burger, crispy fries and creamy ice cream. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes offers all of that with flair and pizzazz. The food is a bit spendier than your average fast-casual burger joint, but it’s worth it for the over-the-top shakes or award-winning wagyu beef burger.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 and under per adult
Cuisine: American
Best for: A quick lunch break from the theme park crowds or to satisfy a massive sugar craving
What to Get: The Greg Norman, The All-American Burger, The Impossible All-American, The Vegan Nashville Hot, CrazyShake Milkshakes
Best Disneyland Hotel Restaurants
Table-Service Restaurants at Disneyland Resort Hotels
Napa Rose | Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Although theme parks aren’t exactly known for their elegant dining, Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel flips that on its head. Not just arguably the best restaurant at Disneyland, Napa Rose is one of the best eateries in all of Anaheim and maybe even Orange County. From the seasonal, locally inspired menu of Californian cuisine to the Arts & Crafts-style interior, the whole place is an ode to the Golden State.
Cost: Breakfast and Dinner – $60 or more per adult
Cuisine: American & Californian
Best for: Couples or foodie families with older kids, unless you’re going to the extravagant Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures
What to Get: Chef’s Four-Course Prix Fixe Tasting Menu, California wine
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar | Disneyland Hotel
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel isn’t just the best bar at the resort; it’s also an incredibly fun place for a meal. Whether you’re admiring the many artifacts collected by Trader Sam over the years, munching on sweet-meets-savory South Seas cuisine or, of course, sipping on one of their famous tiki cocktails, you’re sure to have a good time. Remember that, as it is a bar, guests below the age of 21 aren’t allowed in after 8 PM.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $15 to $34.99 per adult
Cuisine: American
Best for: An iconic Disneyland experience, drinks and some shareable bites after a long day in the parks
What to Get: Pu Pu Platter, Panko-crusted Long Beans
Quick-Service Restaurants at Disneyland Resort Hotels
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill | Disneyland Hotel
If you’re craving a breakfast that’s a cut above your basic bacon and eggs (or an equally tasty lunch or dinner), then Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill at the Disneyland Hotel is for you. This poolside fast-casual café transports you and your tastebuds to the South Pacific, from the collection of Hawaiian-style favorites to gently burning tiki torches.
Cost: Breakfast, Brunch and Dinner – $35 to $59.99 per adult
Cuisine: American
Best for: A quick and casual breakfast with a Polynesian twist or DOLE Whip outside the parks
What to Get: Tangaroa Toast, Poke Bowl, DOLE Whip
Well, Disneyland foodies, that’s everything on our list of the best places to eat at Disneyland. Which restaurants in Disneyland can’t you get enough of? Are there any spots we left out? Let us know in the comments!
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