Best Resort Restaurants at Disney World

There’s a little secret we love to share with our clients: some of the most magical dining experiences at Walt Disney World aren’t in the parks at all, they’re at the resorts.

Over the years, it’s become our family tradition to plan a non-park day right in the middle of our trip. It’s our chance to slow down, enjoy the pool, explore the resort, and savor a really great table-service meal. Sometimes that means a fun character breakfast or brunch… other times, a slow, delicious dinner to cap off a relaxing pool day.

But here’s the catch: these hidden gems book up fast. That’s why we always recommend booking dining reservations at 6 a.m. EST, exactly 60 days out—or better yet, letting us handle it for you.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are our favorite Walt Disney World Resort restaurants that are absolutely worth the reservation hustle:

1900 Park Fare (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)

Step into the whimsical charm of this beautifully reimagined buffet at Disney’s flagship resort. 1900 Park Fare brings together delicious food and delightful character encounters, including Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Tiana. With elegant Victorian flair and plenty of kid-approved dishes, it’s a great pick for both first-timers and seasoned Disney fans. It’s especially perfect for a late morning meal and monorail hopping afterwards!

Must-Try Dish: Strawberry Soup – A refreshing, creamy favorite that blends sweet strawberries with a hint of citrus—equal parts unexpected and unforgettable.

‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)

You can practically feel the island breeze as soon as you step into ‘Ohana. With its tropical decor and welcoming vibe, this fan-favorite serves up family-style meals in generous portions. Breakfast includes appearances by Lilo, Stitch, and friends, while dinner is a festive, all-you-care-to-enjoy feast of grilled meats, stir-fried veggies, and savory noodles. The atmosphere is warm and lively, making it one of those places you’ll want to return to every trip.

Must-Try Dish: ‘Ohana Bread Pudding à la Mode – Warm, soft bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream and drenched in rich banana-caramel sauce. Save room—it’s worth it.

California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)

This signature dining experience sits atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort and delivers both incredible cuisine and one of the best views in Walt Disney World. The sleek, modern interior is perfect for a special night out. And while dining during fireworks is a dream, here’s a tip: if you dine earlier, you can return that evening with your receipt to access the private viewing deck. It’s fine dining with a side of magic.

Must-Try Dish: Sonoma Goat Cheese Raviolo – A flavorful blend of basil-saffron pasta, tomato broth, mushroom ragoût, and fennel. It’s elegant, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

Steakhouse 71 (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)

Named for the year Walt Disney World opened, this modern American steakhouse is a love letter to the ‘70s—with a contemporary twist. The menu is full of elevated comfort food favorites, and the décor pays tribute to Walt’s legacy. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—especially if you’re heading to or from Magic Kingdom.

Must-Try Dish: Steakhouse 71 Burger – A thick, juicy Angus beef patty topped with cheddar, tomato, lettuce, and bacon-onion jam. Served with perfectly crispy fries—it’s an instant classic.

Trattoria al Forno (Disney’s BoardWalk Inn)

This casual yet elegant trattoria is a hidden gem along the BoardWalk, serving up hearty Italian fare with a modern touch. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and rich sauces make this feel like a cozy dinner in the Italian countryside. We love dining here after a day at EPCOT or just to enjoy the lively BoardWalk atmosphere after dark—it’s a peaceful way to slow down and savor vacation.

Must-Try Dish: Spaghetti alla Carbonara – Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor thanks to pancetta, egg, Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.

Sanaa (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)

Dining at Sanaa is like stepping into a beautifully designed safari lodge. With views of the savanna, you might spot giraffes or zebras while enjoying vibrant African and Indian-inspired dishes. It’s the perfect blend of bold flavors and beautiful ambiance. If possible, dine before sunset so you can enjoy both the food and the views.

Must-Try Dish: Butter Chicken – Tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato curry sauce served with basmati rice and naan. Comforting, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Bonus Must-Try: Sanaa Bread Service – A favorite among Disney foodies: five types of naan paired with nine accompaniments ranging from mango chutney to spicy jalapeño-lime pickle.

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Disney’s Riviera Resort)

Perched on the top floor of the Riviera Resort, this elegant rooftop restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with stunning views. Breakfast here features Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald in stylish European artist outfits—adorable and Insta-worthy. In the evening, the space transforms into a romantic dinner spot with twinkling lights and sophisticated cuisine.

Must-Try Dish: Breakfast à la Art – Start with fresh pastries, then choose from entrees like the Sour Cream Waffle, Quiche Gruyère, or Smoked Salmon. The setting, characters, and food make this one of our favorite non-park morning experiences.

Cape May Café (Disney’s Beach Club Resort)

A favorite of ours for a laid-back character breakfast with Minnie and friends, dressed in their adorable beachy outfits. This spot has a charming New England coastal vibe and an impressive buffet with everything from Mickey waffles to seafood frittata. It’s the perfect choice for a no-rush morning—especially if you’re staying nearby or want to wander over to the BoardWalk after. We love that it feels festive without the park hustle.

Must-Try Dish: Salted Caramel “Beach Buns” – A gooey, pull-apart cinnamon bun with a hint of sea salt and drizzled with warm caramel sauce. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

Yachtsman Steakhouse (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort)

This upscale steakhouse is perfect for guests who want a refined dining experience without leaving the Disney bubble. The nautical decor, top-tier service, and premium cuts of beef make it a must for steak lovers. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a hearty dinner, this restaurant delivers.

Must-Try Dish: Dry-Aged Prime New York Strip – A beautifully marbled, expertly aged cut of beef, seared to perfection and served with your choice of classic steakhouse sides.

Dining at Disney with Food Allergies

Disney understands that dining should be a worry-free experience for all guests, including those with food allergies or special dietary restrictions. They’re committed to providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for everyone, regardless of their dietary needs.

Allergy-Friendly Menus: Most restaurants offer allergy-friendly menus or can accommodate special dietary requests upon request. These menus clearly list options that are free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, nuts, and more, making it easier for guests with allergies to make informed dining choices.

Special Dietary Requests: If you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies not covered by the allergy-friendly menus, the chefs are more than happy to accommodate your needs. Simply inform your server of your dietary requirements, and the culinary team will work diligently to create a delicious meal tailored to your specifications.

Allergy-Friendly Precautions: Disney chefs undergo extensive training in allergen awareness and cross-contamination prevention to ensure the safety of guests with food allergies. From dedicated kitchen areas and utensils to stringent food handling protocols, they take every precaution to minimize the risk of allergen exposure and provide peace of mind to their guests.

Ready to plan your Walt Disney World Trip?

When you plan your trip with us, you’re not just getting theme park tickets and hotel reservations—you’re getting expert guidance, personalized recommendations, and someone to handle the details (like those 6 a.m. dining bookings!). At Where To Go Travel Co, my goal is to make your dream vacation as seamless and stress-free as possible, from start to finish—including the best resort dining reservations that often get overlooked.