Alexandra Ramirez
Disney World is one of the most popular vacation places in the United States and possible the World. People come from all over to enjoy the many theme parks, attractions, and of course, don’t forget the restaurants. There are tons of restaurants in the Disney World theme park network from casual walk up food court style places to the most incredible, fine dining restaurants around. With all of these choices it can make you nuts trying to figure out which ones to try, especially if you are only visiting Disney World for a week or two. We have listed the best places to eat at Disney World below to help get you started on a fun and delicious culinary adventure through one of the most magical places in the world.
Johnny’s Hideaway
Visit: Johnny’s Hideaway
The chef-inspired cuisine at Johnny’s Hideaway draws tons of guests who love delicious fresh fish that have been hand-cut daily, USDA Prime steaks that are dry-aged on-site, a tasty raw bar with plenty of things to try and much more. Johnny’s has won numerous awards for their exceptional cuisine including Best Outdoor Dining and more. The focus of Johnny’s Hideaway is fresh. The food is prepared with an old Florida focus that people love. It is the perfect restaurant for special occasions, casual dining, and even business meetings. The service at Johnny’s is one of the spectacular things about this restaurant. The staff is dedicated to making each guest’s experience one that is special and enjoyable. Dine inside or choose to sit outside the Hideaway Tiki Deck where you have a lakeside view. Whatever you choose, the staff and chefs at Johnny’s Hideaway will make sure that every aspect of your visit is perfect.
Earl of Sandwich
Visit: Earl of Sandwich
This unique restaurant has a wonderful history. In 1762, John Montagu who was the fourth Earl of Sandwich at the time invented a meal that would forever change dining. The story is that he was at the gaming table and did not want to interrupt his playing to go eat. He asked for his roast beef to be served very uniquely for the time, between slices of bread, so he stay and continue playing and eat the food with his friends and continue playing…the rest is history and sandwiches are one of the most popular foods around the world now with variations as wide as the people who make them. At The Earl of Sandwich you can try incredibly delicious sandwiches that the chefs have prepared for you with the freshest ingredients. There are some signature sandwiches to try such as the Original 1762 and then the “Full Montagu”. One major secret to these incredible sandwiches is the artisan bread that is fresh baked and used as the foundation for the sandwiches on the menu. You won’t want to visit the Magic Kingdom without a visit to Earl of Sandwich.
California Grill
Visit: California Grill
A meal at California Grill is much more than just a meal. From the moment you reach the restaurant via a private elevator that takes you to the 15th floor you will experience a fine dining “event” like you have never had before. The views are incredible and include the shimmering Lagoon, Cinderella’s Castle and Floridian woodlands. The onstage kitchen provides plenty of lively excitement as the chefs prepare and create exceptional dishes that will make your mouth water and taste buds sing. California Grill only uses fresh seasonal ingredients and has included such dishes as Florida swordfish, oak-fired Filet Mignon or made-from-scratch Sonoma goat cheese ravioli. Don’t forget to complete your meal with a decadent dessert and coffee. On Sundays California Grill offers an incredible Brunch feast that features a host of sophisticated foods and beautiful views of Disney World. Reservations are recommended especially if you want to enjoy the fireworks from the restaurant. There is a dress code but it is not too restrictive.
Jiko – The Cooking Place
Visit: Jiko – The Cooking Place
Jiko – The Cooking Place is a combination of traditional Indian, African and Mediterranean cuisine that includes seafood, steak, chicken, vegetarian and vegan dishes that have been infused with a mouthwatering blend of spices and flavors that are unforgettable and addictive. The menu changes seasonally depending on what is available and in season, but is always filled with delectable choices that are sure to please. Jiko has a great children’s menu that includes kid favorites like pizza, grilled chicken, fish and vegetables. The open show kitchen provides diners with a rare form of entertainment as they create the delicious foods that the guests can enjoy. Reservations are recommended and there is a dress code as well but it is not overly strict.
Deep Blu Seafood Grille
Visit: Deep Blu Seafood Grille
A dining experience at Deep Blu Seafood Grille includes impeccable service, exceptional and sustainable food and an atmosphere that inspires relaxation. All of the seafood that Deep Blu uses in their entrees is direct from Clean Fish which is an organization that works with the finest fisheries in the area. The produce used in the restaurant comes from local farmers to support the local industry. The décor at Deep Blue Seafood is warm and inviting and includes an open kitchen where the guests can watch the chefs do their culinary magic. Dishes include fresh Atlantic seafood, mouthwatering beef and incredible, fresh sushi that will make your meal one you will remember for a lifetime. The secluded dining settings are perfect for romantic dinner for two, business meetings, and families that just want to relax in a quiet spot and enjoy exceptional food and service.
Bull & Bear
Visit: Bull & Bear
Bull & Bear was named the Diner’s Choice Top Restaurant by Hilton Hotels and once you have experienced a meal there you will understand without a doubt why. The menu offers plenty of delicious selections including steakhouse classics and also innovative trend-setting entrees like the Pasta Explosion, Flaming Lobster on the Spit Escargot and Gnocchi and of course their signature 32 day dry aged Ribeye. Their tableside preparation is very popular with guests as are the high level of professional and personal service that the staff provides. The décor of the restaurant feels like a private club and offers diners a view of the resort’s pool and golf course. From a few of the restaurant’s tables the Epcot Center’s fireworks can be seen as well. Don’t forget to save room for some of the most decadent desserts you’ve ever tasted as well.
La Luce
Visit: La Luce
If you love exquisite Italian food with a modern flair, you’re going to love La Luce, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s signature restaurant. Every night guests can enjoy family style pastas, crispy, thin-crust pizzas, and much more. They also offer plenty of Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and a wine program designed Trattoria-style. This is the perfect spot to celebrate your last day at the Magic Kingdom, have a romantic and intimate dinner for two or reconnect with friends and family while enjoy fare that will have you wanting to go back for more again and again. The traditional family recipes that are used to create the delicious food at La Luce have been passed down for generations, using only the freshest local ingredients. Every dish that La Luce offers has been crafted by chefs that are passionate about what they do. They want every bite to be an experience not just a meal. Once you’ve dined at La Luce, it will be the standard of excellence you measure all other Italian restaurants to for years to come.
Victoria & Albert’s
Visit: Victoria & Albert’s
If you are looking for an incredible fine dining experience, you’ll find it at Victoria &Albert’s, one of the best restaurants in the South. The cuisine at V & C is modern American with the absolute finest ingredients that have been sourced from round the world like the truffles that is flown in from Italy, the Osetra caviar from Russia Shrimp from Florida waters and Beef from Japan. Chef Hunnel and his team source the local markets on a daily basis for the finest fish, produce and meats available to create incredible menus for all of Victoria &Albert’s dining rooms. The menu is filled with exquisite entrees that you will love to try and never forget once you have. Everything created here at Victoria&Albert’s is done so with one objective from the service to the food to the drinks and that is to provide every guest with a dining experience that they will never forget.
1900 Park Fare
Visit: 1900 Park Fare
You may not be able to tell just by the name of the restaurant but 1900 Park Fare is the place to come for the most magical and enjoy breakfast and dinner buffet imaginable. It is the perfect family place to get exceptional food while enjoying Big Bertha, the turn of the century organ from France that is ornately and fancifully designed. You may also be thrilled to see some of the beloved Disney characters come visit while you eat including Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins and Winnie the Pooh. The dinner buffet is filled with culinary favorites like seafood, salads, beef specialties and pastas. There are plenty of delicious choices for every member of the family no matter how picky they may be. 1900 Park Fare offers families the most magical evening they could hope for while ensuring that every bite of food is the best quality and freshest possible.
Garden Grove
Visit: Garden Grove
Garden Grove is a beautiful restaurant with large, open windows that let in plenty of sunshine and fresh air while you dine on some of the most exquisite food around. In the evening, the ambience changes as night falls and the views become enhanced with the glow of old fashioned street lamps, paper globes and the night sky. Every night, a duo of beloved Disney Characters visit while you are dining so you can introduce the kids to their childhood heroes. This also happens at Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays and will be an unforgettable experience for the children. The buffets offer every member of the family plenty of food that is delicious, fresh and carefully prepared for your enjoyment. There are also some ala’ carte selections as well. Reservations are recommended for this wonderful dining experience and can be made as much as 6 months in advance.
