You know all about the Dole Whips (delicious!) and the turkey legs (a classic), but did you know that there is also fine dining at Disney World? That’s right, Disney signature restaurants serve up elevated cuisine, great atmosphere and thoughtful service – all with a price tag to match, of course.
Whether you’re looking for a little Disney luxury on your next vacation or Disney adults planning your next date night, read on for our picks for the best Disney signature dining.
The Top Disney World Signature Dining Experiences for Any Occasion
There are fancy Disney restaurants sprinkled like pixie dust throughout Walt Disney World. Needless to say, with signature dining options available at all four theme parks, five resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk and Disney Springs, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed about which ones you’d like to try. Well, we’re here to help!
Because food preferences are so personal and service so fluid from day to day, we’ve instead decided to categorize the best signature restaurants at Disney World by things like where they’re located, the cuisine they serve and the atmosphere. So, sift through some of our favorites below and choose whatever looks good to you. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to have a memorable, magical meal.
Best Disney Fine Dining Experience
Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The ultimate Disney fine dining experience, Victoria & Albert’s at the Disney Grand Floridian Resort is a truly iconic signature restaurant. At this AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant (every year since 2000, in fact), guests dine on course after course of haute American cuisine – ten courses, to be exact, during the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Diners can choose from either The Dining Room, Queen Victoria’s Room, or Chef’s Table. And like the food here, the service at Victoria & Alberts is impeccable, with personalized menus, two dedicated servers per table, and even roses for the ladies.
Delicious Disney: A Chef Series at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando
While not a restaurant, the Delicious Disney Chef Series, hosted by the Four Seasons Resort in Disney World’s exclusive Golden Oak neighborhood, is the definition of Disney signature dining. During this decadent meal priced at $349 per person, guests feast on sophisticated dishes inspired by beloved Disney attractions and films and created by Disney’s award-winning chefs and sommeliers. A must for any Disney foodie.
Best Disney Signature Restaurants in the Theme Parks
Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom Park
What could be more elegant than dining with royalty in a castle? Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom Park lets guests do just that. A Disney character dining experience, Disney princesses like Cinderella and Jasmine mingle with tables as guests tuck into American-style dishes with an upscale twist. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available here. However, if you decide to dine later in the evening, you might even be able to catch some glimpses of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Monsieur Paul at Epcot’s France Pavilion
While Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and the new France Pavilion expansion are dedicated to the Little Chef, Monsieur Paul at Epcot pays homage to Chef Paul Bocuse, a renowned French chef. Here, guests dine on traditional French cuisine with modern flair, with dishes served either a la carte or prix fixe. Best of all, since the restaurant’s chic dining room overlooks World Showcase Lagoon, you can even watch bits of the Epcot fireworks if you’re lucky enough to nab a seat near the window.
The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Styled after the classic Los Angeles restaurant of the same name, The Hollywood Brown Derby takes its inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood. This inviting signature restaurant is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with celebrity caricatures lining the wood-paneled walls. The menu is filled with fresh California flavors and old-school sensibilities, starring such classic dishes Our Famous Cobb Salad, which was said to have originated at the LA Brown Derby, or the citrusy Grapefruit Cake. And be sure to pop into The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge for a Grapefruit Cake Martini.
Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park celebrates the creatures of our world, from Africa to Asia and even the fictional planet of Pandora. But, there’s another global adventure happening right inside the park at Tiffins Restaurant on Discovery Island. This vibrant restaurant is an ode to the animal experts and Disney Imagineers who helped bring Animal Kingdom to life, dishing up flavors and decor that celebrates their journeys around the world in search of theme park inspiration. If you don’t have time for a full meal, stop by the attached Nomad Lounge for a cocktail on their wraparound balcony.
Best Disney World Signature Dining With a View
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
For incredible views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks outside the park, there’s no better place than California Grill at the Disney Contemporary Resort. Nestled on the 15th floor of the iconic Disney World resort, California Grill boasts panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom and delicious California-style cooking. If you can’t get a reservation here during the show, the attached California Grill Lounge is an equally lovely place to take in the sights and nosh on hand-rolled sushi.
Best for Character Dining (and Breakfast!)
Breakfast à la Art at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort
That’s right, this next signature restaurant isn’t just our pick for the best fine dining Disney character experience, but it also dishes up some tasty breakfast. Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort is a rooftop restaurant home to Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends in the morning and elevated French and Italian-inspired eats in the evening (no characters at dinner). One of our favorite Disney character meals, Breakfast à la Art features fancy AM favorites and visits from Mickey, Minnie and their pals all decked out in their artsy finery.
Best for a Disney Date Night
Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Thanks to the resort’s charming Victorian-inspired setting, Cítricos at the Grand Floridian was a popular spot for date night even before its revamp. Now, with elegant touches inspired by Mary Poppins Returns and a focus on refined American dishes, it’s a stylish place to go for a Disney World dinner with your nearest and dearest.
Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Upscale African cuisine may not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of Walt Disney World, but Jiko – The Cooking Place at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge does it right. With its fire-kissed meats, redolent spices, intimate setting and extensive South African wine list, this romantic signature restaurant transports guests to the soul of Africa. A welcome retreat from typical theme park fare, Jiko dazzles guests with its evocative flavors. Wine lovers also won’t want to miss the Jiko Wine Tasting, a whirlwind tour of South Africa’s varietals.
Jaleo by José Andrés at Disney Springs
For a truly fun date with some incredible food, check out Jaleo by José Andrés at Disney Springs. This warm and welcoming tapas restaurant combines shareable plates filled with Spanish flavors and perfectly timed service for a memorable, expertly choreographed meal. As this is a tapas restaurant, the cost can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. But, if you’ve got a light appetite and you keep an eye on the total, it can also be a great way to test out some of those Disney Springs fine dining eats at a more reasonable price.
Best for Seafood
Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom beyond, Narcoossee’s is inspired by its waterfront setting. Another Grand Floridian signature location, the restaurant is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach, serving up coastal cuisine and picturesque panoramic vistas. If you aren’t in the mood for seafood, some turf-y dishes are also available.
The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs
Another one of the best Disney Springs restaurants, and a great place for some seafood, is The BOATHOUSE. This unique restaurant celebrates all things nautical, from its waterfront location to the vintage amphicars (or amphibious cars) that ferry guests around on the water. Best of all, you can slurp down oysters here any time of day thanks to the restaurant’s incredibly popular The Captain’s Sing-Along brunch, complete with dueling pianos.
Honorable Mention: Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk
When strolling along the boardwalk, what better way to get in the seaside spirit than with some seafood? Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk takes guests under the sea with its ocean-inspired décor (hello, gorgeous fishy blown glass chandelier!) and sustainable seafood. And while it isn’t attached, the nearby AbracadaBar is an excellent place to stop for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
Best Steakhouse
Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Nothing says fine dining quite like a steakhouse, and the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Disney Yacht Club Resort is one of the best that Disney World has to offer. You’ll find plenty of nautical touches here, from the porthole-like windows to the knotty pine accents. Of course, just like any self-respecting yacht club steakhouse, guests can dine on an array of surf and turf favorites, including steaks and seafood towers for two.
Le Cellier Steakhouse at Epcot’s Canada Pavilion
Epcot has a world (showcase) full of delicious global eats to try, but one of the enduring favorites through the years has long been Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion. Here, you’ll find a smorgasbord of steakhouse classics inspired by our neighbors to the north. Try the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and thank us later.
Best for Asian Food
Takumi-Tei at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion
Takumi-Tei had only been open in World Showcase for a little over six months before it was forced to close due to the pandemic, and that’s a shame because this Epcot Japanese restaurant is a cultural delight. This elegant kaiseki, or Japanese haute cuisine, meal takes place in a zen-like setting, with a gracious server attending to you throughout the meal. For an authentic culinary journey, try the omakase tasting menu.
Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs
Guided by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Asia is a thrilling tour of Asian cuisine. Here, guests can try a vast array of dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Japan, China and Korea. With such an extensive menu, you’re sure to find something to satisfy everyone in your party. However, if you’d like to sample some of the signature dining eats at quick-service prices, the attached Morimoto Asia Street Food counter is a tasty, affordable alternative.
Things to Know Before You Go
Ready to don your vacation best and head to one of the signature restaurants above? Read these tips and tricks first to make sure you have the best experience possible.
1. Disney signature restaurants aren’t cheap.
As you can imagine, dining at one of the fancy restaurants in Disney World isn’t exactly a budget-minded endeavor. Meals here can be on the steep side, and that’s putting it mildly. Depending on what you order, you could spend anywhere from $35 just for the entrée to $185 or more for a prix fixe menu. We suggest you check out the dishes and prices ahead of time so you don’t suffer from sticker shock once the check comes.
2. Remember that a dress code may be required at Disney World fine dining restaurants.
One does not simply walk into a signature restaurant at Disney in flip-flops and cut-off shorts. Well, at least at most Disney World fine dining options anyway. Though not all, many of the fancy restaurants at Disney World require diners to follow a dress code. Now, while you don’t need to show up in an evening gown or a tux, guests must comply with the following guidelines:
- Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional.
- Women must wear capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
- Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.
3. Advance dining reservations are encouraged.
Keep in mind that signature restaurants aren’t just a great place to splurge or go on a date; they’re also some of the best Disney World restaurants, period. As such, reservations can be hard to come by, especially during these pandemic times we live in. So rather than hoping that you can just walk up and get a table, we recommend you plan in advance so you don’t miss out on the meal you want. Currently, reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance.
4. Disney World signature restaurants are part of the Disney Dining Plan.
For guests staying in one of the Disney World resorts, the Disney Dining Plan is a popular add-on that can often help save you a substantial amount of money on food expenses, depending on how you use your dining plan entitlements. Many signature restaurants are included in the Disney Dining Plan. However, unlike regular table-service restaurants, which cost only 1 entitlement, fine dining locations are worth 2 entitlements per person.
So, if you do plan on using the Disney Dining Plan at your next signature dining meal, be sure to budget your entitlements accordingly so you aren’t left having to pay out-of-pocket for these more expensive dining options.
5. Kids are welcome at Disney World signature restaurants, but there are some caveats.
This is Walt Disney World, so of course, children are welcome to dine at signature restaurants. The only exception to this is Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian, where kids must be at least 10 years old to eat there. At every other restaurant, no age limit is in place. Having said that, it’s important to remember that the ambiance in fine dining restaurants at Disney World isn’t like what you’ll find at other table-service restaurants.
Other guests may be celebrating something or trying to have a romantic date night, so you might find a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. If you do decide to bring your little ones to a signature restaurant, think about bringing something along to entertain them so as not to distract from the upscale vibe.
6. Don’t skip lunchtime or the attached lounges at fancy Disney restaurants.
Remember those pricey meals and necessary dining reservations we mentioned? Well, one way to avoid some of that is by checking out the lounges attached to many Disney signature restaurants or booking your reservation for over lunch instead. Not only do the bars not require a reservation, but you’ll also find a selection of some of the same food items with smaller portion sizes and lower prices. Alternatively, while you still might need a reservation for lunch, restaurants will occasionally offer menu items at lower rates.
Well, all you fancy foodies, that wraps our guide to the best Disney signature restaurants. Hopefully, we’ve helped you decide where you’d like to splurge, both culinarily and financially, for your next Disney World vacation. Of course, to help offset your fine dining experience, you can also book our discounted Walt Disney World tickets.
Have you dined at any of Disney World’s signature restaurants? Which one is your favorite? Are there any we left off our list? Let us know in the comments!
