When visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you basically already know what the park is all about (aside from the rides, that is): animals. And while it is certainly filled with all sorts of animals from around the world and beyond—feathered or hooved, real or imaginary, alive or extinct—there are also some really, really good Animal Kingdom restaurants and other dining options waiting to be discovered. (Updated September 15, 2023)
Overall, the Animal Kingdom dining scene offers quick service, table service, character dining, lounges, and what we’re going to call snack and drink stands. Here are some things to remember as you read through this guide to the best restaurants in Animal Kingdom:
- Quick-service restaurants are casual affairs with mobile and/or face-to-face ordering and some combination of indoor and/or outdoor seating. Rather than your food being brought to you, you typically pick up your order from a cast member once it’s ready. The menu is usually sizeable, and prices tend to be cheaper than what you would find at a table service restaurant.
- Table-service restaurants have a range of atmospheres, from casual and rowdy with kid-friendly activities to quiet, intimate, elevated, and/or romantic. Some restaurants (none at Animal Kingdom) even have a dress code. While most restaurants offer items that kids enjoy, like chicken nuggets, some don’t. That being said, this is Disney; so, children are welcome at all restaurants. They just might not enjoy the experience or the food as much as you. Table service restaurants will at least have indoor seating, and possibly outdoor seating as well. A server will take your order and your meal will be delivered to you. Meal prices can vary drastically.
- Disney character dining experiences are table-service meals with visits from Disney characters. Throughout the meal, characters will stop by your table to sign autographs and take pictures. This can be an especially fun way to meet characters, particularly speaking characters, as interactions between characters are often laugh-out-loud hilarious.
- Snack & drink stands typically have very limited menus and little-to-no seating. Items you can typically find here include classic snacks like popcorn and Mickey pretzels, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and sometimes specialty or seasonal snacks like character-inspired treats or holiday cupcakes.
- Lounges are either in a freestanding space with seating or are attached to a restaurant. Small, shareable plates and occasionally entrees are generally offered, but drinks are definitely the focus. Whether from a lounge or a drink stand, alcohol in Animal Kingdom is more than easy to find.
- At least a few plant-based or allergy/gluten-free options should be available at almost every dining outlet. We recommend scoping out your options before you travel by checking out restaurant menus on the Disney World app. Plant-based items are noted in the item descriptions while allergy and gluten-free options can be found at the bottom of the menu. Remember to let a cast member know about any dietary restrictions when you place your order, if not before.
Now, without any further ado, here’s our list of all the places to eat in Animal Kingdom, along with a few of our favorites.
Best Restaurants in Animal Kingdom
Wondering where to eat in Animal Kingdom? You’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list of the best Animal Kingdom restaurants.
Best Table Service – Tiffins Restaurant
Similar to Epcot, a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is like a trip around the world, with jaunts to African villages, the mountains of Asia, and even the new world of Pandora. So, it’s only right that our top choice for best Animal Kingdom table service restaurant features a worldly menu and wanderlust-inspiring atmosphere to match. With its elevated menu filled with adventurous flavors as well as kid-friendly offerings, Tiffins Restaurant is enjoyable for the whole family. As a signature restaurant, this is probably the priciest dining option in the park, but we think it’s worth it for the quality of food and thoughtfully designed space.
Best Quick Service – Flame Tree BBQ
Without a doubt, Flame Tree Barbecue is our pick for the best quick-service Animal Kingdom restaurant. A ton of outdoor seating is available – all shaded and with fans, and some with a great view of Expedition Everest. While barbecue can be found throughout Disney World, the portions are sizeable and the food is tasty, making this our favorite spot for lunch in Animal Kingdom.
Best Disney Character Dining – Tusker House
Yes, we know that Tusker House is the only Animal Kingdom character dining location, but we still think that it has earned its “best” distinction. Kids will enjoy getting to meet Tusker House characters like Safari Donald Duck, while adults will enjoy eating their way through a selection of African-inspired menu offerings.
Best Lounge – Nomad Lounge
With its laidback setting, patio filled with comfy seating, and worldly inspiration, Nomad Lounge (which is attached to Tiffins Restaurant) is the perfect place to sit back, unwind, and have a drink after a long day of exploring. In fact, this isn’t just the place to get alcohol in Animal Kingdom—it’s one of the best places to grab a drink in all of Walt Disney World. Everything from the drinks to the small plates to the setting—the whole place feels like the kind of bar you’d find in a luxury eco-lodge somewhere in Africa—is inspired by the Imagineers and animal experts who made Animal Kingdom a reality, and the travels they took along the way to get there. Get a drink and a table on the outdoor balcony for a relaxing escape from the crowds.
Best Snack & Drink Stand – Pongu Pongu
Pandora may not have the most Animal Kingdom food options, but it definitely has some of the best and most unique. Pongu Pongu is no exception. Stop here for a grab-and-go breakfast or fun snack and drink options like Pongu Lumpia and the frozen Blossom.
Best Plant-Based and Allergy & Gluten-Free – Satu’li Canteen
There aren’t a ton of plant-based and allergy & gluten-free options at Satu’li Canteen, but what is here is flavorful, hearty, and healthy. The Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl is a great choice for plant-eaters, while any of the bowls can be easily made to accommodate gluten allergies.
Best Savory Snack – Cheeseburger Steamed Pods from Satu’li Canteen
Although it may not be our pick for best Animal Kingdom quick service, Satu’li Canteen has plenty to make it worth a visit including our choice for the best Animal Kingdom snack: the delightfully portable Cheeseburger Steamed Pods Bao Buns. Served with crunchy vegetable slaw and vegetable chips, these bao buns are the perfect lunch on the go.
Best Sweet Treat – Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse from Satu’li Canteen
Satu’li Canteen also boasts the Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse, our pick for the best Animal Kingdom dessert. Made with a vibrant blue mousse and passion fruit curd, this light and airy dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. If you’re looking for a ‘grammable sweet treat, this is for you.
Animal Kingdom Food Options
Table Service Restaurants
- Rainforest Café at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Tiffins Restaurant
- Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Quick Service Restaurants
- Flame Tree Barbecue
- Harambe Market
- Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery
- Pizzafari
- Restaurantosaurus
- Satu’li Canteen
- Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes
- Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages
Disney Character Dining
- Tusker House Restaurant
Lounges
- Dawa Bar
- Nomad Lounge
Snack & Drink Stands
- Anandapur Ice Cream Truck
- Caravan Road
- Creature Comforts
- Dino-Bite Snacks
- Dino Diner
- Drinkwallah
- Eight Spoon Café
- Harambe Fruit Market
- Isle of Java
- Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Mahindi
- Mr. Kamal’s
- Pongu Pongu
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments
- Terra Treats
- The Feeding Ground
- The Smiling Crocodile
- Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks
- Trilo-Bites
- Warung Outpost
Animal Kingdom Dining Outlets
Anandapur Ice Cream Truck – Asia | Snack & Drink Stand
Cool off with a Float, Soft-serve Waffle Cone, or a Yeti Sundae, which features chocolate and vanilla soft-serve sprinkled with blue cake crumbs, sugar and candy snowflakes, from the Anandapur Ice Cream Truck. Located near Expedition Everest, this little Snack & Drink Stand rarely has a line, making it a nice place to grab something sweet in a hurry.
Caravan Road – Asia | Snack & Drink Stand
Looking for a small snack to bring along for the Feathered Friends in Flight show? Pop by the Caravan Road snack stand for something to drink or an icy snack of shaved ice in flavors like watermelon, mango passion fruit and piña colada. Or, go for a Japanese-style Kakigori shaved ice with sweetened condensed milk (a boozy version spiked with vodka is also available).
Creature Comforts – Discovery Island | Snack & Drink Stand
Wondering where to get your caffeine fix at the beginning of your day at Animal Kingdom? Head on over to everyone’s favorite coffee shop Creature Comforts, also known as Starbucks, for all of your frappuccino, latte, cold brew, and iced tea needs. As you might expect, lines can get very long here throughout the day but especially in the morning, so be ready for a wait.
Dawa Bar – Africa | Lounge
Drink in the African rhythms – and a refreshing alcoholic beverage – at this open-air lounge near Tusker House Restaurant. The lengthy beverage menu takes its inspiration from the continent of Africa, with a selection of South African wines and African beers, as well as specialty cocktails like the African Margarita with a South African tangerine liqueur or the Ngumu Jungle Juice made with everyone’s favorite blend of pineapple, orange, and guava juices. No food is available here, but there is plenty nearby.
Dino-Bite Snacks – DinoLand U.S.A. | Snack & Drink Stand
Take a trip to the Ice Age with a frozen treat from Dino-Bite Snacks. For something sweet, grab an Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich with vanilla ice cream nestled between two freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, an Old-fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae, or a Float. Salty snacks include a Mickey Pretzel with cheese dip. Soda and adult beverages are also available.
Drinkwallah – Asia | Snack & Drink Stand
Coca-Cola signs from across Asia bedeck the walls of Drinkwallah, a snack and drink stand near the bridge back to Discovery Island. Snag some Cinnamon-Glazed Almonds or Pecans and a refreshing Frozen Coca-Cola (with or without Captain Morgan Spiced Rum or Jack Daniel’s).
Eight Spoon Café – Discovery Island | Snack & Drink Stand
Exploring the massive Animal Kingdom park can be exhausting. Luckily, there’s nothing like a stick-to-your-ribs bowl of comfort food to keep you going. Stop into the Eight Spoon Café across from Adventurers Outpost for the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork or the sweet-meets-savory Pulled Pork – Jelly Doughnut Sandwich.
Flame Tree Barbecue – Discovery Island | Quick Service Restaurant
Refuel for your Animal Kingdom day on heaping piles of hearty smokehouse favorites from Flame Tree Barbecue. Located next to the walkway to DinoLand U.S.A. with plentiful outdoor seating, the Flame Tree Barbecue menu is filled with smoky dishes like the St. Louis Rib Dinner, Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich, and the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork. For something lighter, try the Smokehouse Chicken Salad or the plant-based Hot Link Smokehouse Sandwich. Be sure to save room for the restaurant’s signature baked beans or the Rotten Apple cocktail with hard cider, cinnamon whisky, and gummy worms.
Harambe Fruit Market – Africa | Snack & Drink Stand
Looking for a healthy snack? Swing by the Harambe Fruit Market. A variety of grab-and-go options are available including Corn on the Cob, a Mickey Pretzel with Cheese, and Babybel Cheese. Oh, and of course, plenty of Fruit.
Harambe Market – Africa | Quick Service Restaurant
Hoping for something more substantial but still healthy? Stop by the Harambe Market, an open-air Animal Kingdom quick service spot with a bunch of outdoor seating and a collection of healthful bowls and salads on offer. Not sure whether you should get the ribs or chicken? Have the best of both worlds with the Ribs & Chicken Bowl. Or take a surprising trip to the Mediterranean at this African-inspired option with the Harambe Salad. Then, follow up your healthy meal with the decidedly-unhealthy-yet-Instagram-ready Simba Cupcake.
Isle of Java – Discovery Island | Snack & Drink Stand
Need a caffeine fix or a breakfast snack to jumpstart your Animal Kingdom day? Pay a visit to the Isle of Java next to Flame Tree Barbecue. Handhelds include a Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit, a Tiger Tail Chocolate Twist, and a Churro with chocolate sauce. A variety of coffee drinks and other beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are available. Kiddos will enjoy the Macaw Specialty Beverage, a fruity fusion of lemonade, Fanta Cherry and Fanta Blue Raspberry, while adults will like the Island Cappuccino with white chocolate and spiced rum.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – Asia & Main Entrance | Snack & Drink Stand
Joffrey’s is a mainstay throughout Disney World and offers up tons of hot, iced, and frozen coffee beverages and tea. Pastries are usually available as well, and kiosks will often feature seasonal drinks for a limited time. This is just a kiosk, so expect lines to get long and move slowly.
Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery – Africa | Quick Service Restaurant
Looking for a handheld breakfast for your early-morning ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris or a quick lunch before the Festival of the Lion King? Visit the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery for eats like the Colossal Cinnamon Roll, Pistachio Honey Croissant, or a flatbread with marinated chicken or pork and a cup of African Coffee with Amarula Cream Liqueur.
Mahindi – Africa | Snack & Drink Stand
Have a craving for something salty or need a refreshing drink? Stop at Mahindi, a snack stand next to the Africa bridge. Popcorn is available—in both single servings and a refillable souvenir bucket valid for your entire trip—as are Chips, non-alcoholic beverages, and Beer.
Mr. Kamal’s – Asia | Snack & Drink Stand
Hoping for a savory snack with some unique flavors? Meet Mr. Kamal at his snack stand near the Feathered Friends in Flight show for some of the best snacks in Animal Kingdom: Chicken Dumplings and Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries.
Nomad Lounge – Discovery Island | Lounge
Inspired by the travels of the Imagineers and animal experts who brought Animal Kingdom to life through Africa, Asia, and Central & South America, Nomad Lounge, part of Tiffins Restaurant, is a welcome escape from the bustle of Animal Kingdom. The entire menu is like a love letter to those adventures, from the bar food offerings to the cocktails. Even the beers on offer are what you’d call worldly, with bottles available from Thailand, Kenya and more. We recommend enjoying the Tiffins Bread Service and one of the many signature cocktails out on the patio.
Pizzafari – DinoLand U.S.A. | Quick Service Restaurant
Animals are all around you—well, in the art at least—at Pizzafari, a quick-service restaurant on Discovery Island along the path to Africa. Pizza, as you probably guessed, is the focus here. Toppings are pretty standard: just your basic Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza and Cheese Pizza, along with a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich. Better yet, there’s even a Gluten-Free Pizza available.
Pongu Pongu – Pandora – The World of Avatar | Snack & Drink Stand
Looking for an adventurous snack with otherworldly inspiration? Swing by Pongu Pongu outside the Satu’li Canteen for sweet treats like Pongu Lumpia, a spring roll filled with pineapple and cream cheese, or for something savory, Marshall’s Favorite Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit or a Na’vi-sized Pretzel with beer cheese. Drinks get in on the fun here too with the non-alcoholic Night Blossom (apple and desert pear limeade with passion fruit boba pearls) and boozy concoctions like the Rum Blossom, Mo’ara Margarita, and Avatar–inspired beer.
Rainforest Café at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Main Entrance | Table Service Restaurant
Immerse yourself in adventure at the Rainforest Café, a highly-themed table service restaurant located at the entrance to Animal Kingdom. As far as Animal Kingdom table service restaurants go, this is about as kid-friendly as it gets, with everything from Spinach & Artichoke Dip to the Sparkling Volcano, a towering chocolate brownie sundae, and the largest kids’ menu in the park.
Restaurantosaurus – DinoLand U.S.A. | Quick Service Restaurant
Dig into all-American favorites like the Chili-Cheese All-Beef Foot-long Hot Dog, Chicken Breast Nuggets, a Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Restaurantosaurus Cobb Salad at Restaurantosaurus, a quick service restaurant with a sense of humor in DinoLand U.S.A.. For the plant-based eaters, the Impossible Spicy Southwestern Burger brings the heat with “pepper jack cheese” and chipotle sauce. Fun theming makes this another fun dinner option for families.
Satu’li Canteen – Pandora – The World of Avatar | Quick Service Restaurant
Ever watched the movie Avatar and thought, “huh, I wonder what they eat there?” Then the Satu’li Canteen is for you. Meals here are wholesome and filling, like the Smoked Chimichurri-braised Beef Bowl, Chili-Garlic Shrimp Bowl, and Chili-Spiced Crispy-Fried Tofu Bowl. Kids will enjoy the Cheeseburger Steamed Pod. And be sure to save space for the Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse, a light dessert as blue as the Na’vi themselves.
Tamu Tamu Refreshments – Africa | Snack & Drink Stand
In the heart of Harambe Village, Tamu Tamu Refreshments serves up handheld pastries like the Guava and Cream Cheese Danish, Chocolate Twist, and Colossal Mickey Cinnamon Roll, as well as a tempting selection of boozy and virgin Dole Whip desserts. We recommend the Simba Sunset, pineapple Dole Whip with watermelon, strawberry, and coconut-flavored syrup (add some dark or coconut rum and call it the King’s Cooler).
Terra Treats – Discovery Island | Snack & Drink Stand
Terra Treats is a snack stand of few, yet fun, options. Go for the deep-dish Tomato and Cheese Pizza or Buffalo Chicken Pizza for something savory and The Loggerhead, a Sprite and sour apple mocktail crowned with a rock candy straw and a gummy worm.
The Smiling Crocodile – Discovery Island | Snack & Drink Stand
Stop by The Smiling Crocodile next to Adventurers Outpost for flavorful, and surprising, eats that are sure to make you smile. Those hankering for Mexican may want to go for the Chips and Salsa or Street Tacos. Wash it all down with a beer or soda.
Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks – Asia | Snack & Drink Stand
Wanting a drink as you wait in line for Expedition Everest, or to calm your nerves once you’ve ridden? Visit Thirsty River Bar & Trek Snacks for cocktails like the Khumbu Icefall (a blended mix of guava rum, coconut, and raspberry puree), mocktails like the Pink Lotus (lemonade with lychee and wild strawberry), wine and beer.
Tiffins Restaurant – Discovery Island | Table Service Restaurant
When visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we think that the perfect way to end your day is with a visit to Tiffins, a signature restaurant inspired by the people, and the adventures, that helped create the theme park. From the moment you step inside, you feel as if you’ve been transported to a grand library or study in some luxury lodge on an African game reserve. Animal Kingdom’s worldly roots can also be seen throughout Tiffins’s menu in dishes like the Tamarind-braised Short Rib, Lamb Merguez-stuffed Medjool Dates and Charred Octopus. Keep in mind that while kids’ dishes are available here, the vibe is definitely on the adult side of things.
Trilo-Bites – DinoLand U.S.A. | Snack & Drink Stand
Needing a small snack so you don’t go extinct? Pay a visit to Trilo-Bites near the entrance to DinoLand. The menu is small, just Buffalo Chicken Chips and ice cream options like Milk Shakes and soft-serve in a waffle cone, along with beer and a margarita.
Tusker House Restaurant – Africa | Disney Character Dining
Tusker House serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner brimming with Disney character dining fun and vibrant African flavors. Worried that your little one won’t have anything to enjoy? Don’t be! There’s plenty of food here that’s sure to make everyone happy, whether that’s Beef Bobotie and Simba Waffles for Tusker House Breakfast, Curry Chicken, Green Curry Shrimp, and Hummus for the adults, or Corn Dog Nuggets and Macaroni & Cheese for the kiddos. And be sure to have your camera and autograph book ready for Tusker House characters like Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy.
Warung Outpost – Asia | Snack & Drink Stand
Looking for a refreshing, and possibly alcoholic, beverage to help get you through the rest of your Animal Kingdom day? You’ve come to the right place. Grab some chips and a cup of something yummy like the Maharaja Lime Margarita, the Shangri-La Berry Freeze with raspberry puree or a beer or soda.
Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes – Asia | Quick Service Restaurant
Wanting a quick meal before heading on to your next adventure? Consider a stop at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes. This Yak and Yeti quick service restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a ton of seating. Breakfast options are pretty standard, while lunch and dinner are Asian-inspired (re: Americanized) cuisine like Sweet-and-Sour Tempura Shrimp, Honey Sesame Chicken, and Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant – Asia | Table Service Restaurant
Aside from all the rides and food, one of our absolute favorite things about Animal Kingdom is all the incredible design details. You truly feel immersed in a different world from the moment you walk through the doors. That’s why we love Yak & Yeti—it makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to some travel-worn guest house in the mountains of Nepal. Menu options include a variety of Asian cuisines, from Bhaktapur Duck and Lo Mein to Malaysian Seafood Curry and Korean Beef. As for your kiddos, expect a mix of Asian-ish and American flavors. Think Stir-fry Noodles and Mini Corn Dogs.
Zuri’s Sweet Shop – Africa | Snack & Drink Stand
Located in the heart of Harambe Village, Zuri’s Sweet Shop serves up sweet treats perfect for refueling after an animal-filled safari on the African savanna. Stop by for such sweet treats as Werther’s caramel bars, Caramel and Candied Apples, cookies, crisped rice treats, cupcakes, and much more.
Allergy & Gluten-Free Options in Animal Kingdom
From thrilling rides to immersive Animal Kingdom restaurants, a trip to Walt Disney World can be great for many reasons. Another reason is the accommodation of food allergies. For those with gluten or other sensitivities, traveling can often be a pain. Fortunately, that isn’t the case at Disney. Cast members are happy to do whatever they can to make sure you have something delicious to eat on your Disney World vacation.
At Animal Kingdom, guests receive the same accommodations found throughout the rest of the park, such as a guided tour of the buffet given by one of the chefs showing you want you can and can’t eat, a separate fryer for allergies, and the substitution and/or elimination of ingredients. Some chefs will even make special off-menu concoctions. To find out what options are available for you, simply let a cast member know when you place your order, if not sooner, about your allergy.
We also recommend that you take a look at the various menus before your arrival to get an idea of where you would like to eat. This will help you save both time and stress once you’re actually in the parks. In general, there are plenty of items available. You just need to ask or know where to look.
That concludes our guide to Animal Kingdom dining. We hope we helped you narrow down your list of the best places to eat at Animal Kingdom on your next vacation. To make the most of your day, be sure to check out our 1-day Animal Kingdom plan. We’ll help you get through everything on your to-ride and to-see list and still have time for everything on your to-eat list. If you’re looking for other theme parks, be sure to see our Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot food guides as they provide all the same great information!
Have you been to Animal Kingdom before? Let us know all about your favorite Animal Kingdom foods and restaurants!
