23 Disney World Restaurants to Try in 2023 | the disney food blog (2024)

There are dozens of Disney World restaurants within the parks, Disney Springs, and the Walt Disney World resorts — where do you even begin when making 2023 dining plans?

Well, you start right here with us at DFB, of course! We’ve eaten our way through Disney World, shared all kinds of reviews with you, and have a grasp on the new, improved, underrated, and changing Disney dining spots. So, now we’re sharing our list of the 23 restaurants you should have on your radar for 2023!

Magic Kingdom

1 — Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

If you haven’t been to Skipper Canteen, you’re missing OUT. This spot is one of the most underrated restaurants in all of Disney World, but it’s one that true foodies and Disney experts know not to skip.

One big draw is the theming — this spot is based on the Jungle Cruise and has all kinds of amazing details fans of the ride will love (plus a few wacky Jungle Cruise skippers serve up your meal so get ready for the puns!).

But it’s also home to some incredible eats and drinks (both on the regular menu and on the SECRET menu). Some popular picks include the Kungaloosh Ale, secret menu Cheese Bread, the Falls Family Falafel,the “Hardy Har Char” Siu Pork, and the Kungaloosh! dessert.

Yeah, this ain’t your chicken-tenders-and-fries-type of theme park meal! If you’re looking for flavorful and unique dishes in Magic Kingdom, trust us when we say this is the place to go.

Click here to see all of our reviews of Skipper Canteen so you can pick what you’ll eat here during your next meal

2 — Cinderella’s Royal Table

While the menu at Cinderella’s Royal Table might not be as unique as Skipper Canteen’s, the views of Magic Kingdom and the fact that you’re dining INSIDE the Castle make this a must-visit spot (at least once in your life!).

But the restaurant on this list for 2023 for a very specific reason — it’s CHANGING. For a while, Cinderella’s Royal Table has been operating with a limited Cinderella character meet-and-greet before your meal, but starting February 28th, 2023, the characters (a.k.a. the princesses) will return to this spot, restoring it to its former character meal glory!

If you’ve been waiting for those princesses to be back, 2023 will be your year!

See our full page on Cinderella’s Royal Table here

EPCOT

3 — Garden Grill

Looking for a massively underrated character meal? Garden Grill Restaurant is where it’s it. This place serves up a family-style meal of filling and comforting dishes (we’re talking mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, veggies, a berry short cake, and more), in a ROTATING restaurant that takes you through scenes of Living with the Land, AND farmer Mickey & friends come to meet you. Seriously. How does it get better than this?!

Maybe it’s the location or the fact that this isn’t a traditional “buffet” — whatever the reason, this spot often isn’t on people’s radars when it comes to character dining and we’re here to change that. Do yourself a favor and meet farmer Mickey while chowing down on some Southern-stye spoon bread — we have a feeling you won’t regret it.

See more about Garden Grill here

4 — Takumi-Tei

If it’s a fancy meal you’re after, hop on over to the newly reopened Takumi-Tei in the Japan pavilion. Now, don’t say we didn’t warn you about this restaurant’s price! It’s currently serving 2 omakase tasting menus priced at $250 (omnivorous) and $150 (plant-based) per person — so you aren’t exactly dining on the cheap here.

But the unique and flavorful selections here might just very well end up being some of the BEST food you’ve had in all of Disney World (or anywhere). If you love Japanese food or sushi, are looking for a spectacular and surprising meal, and are an adventurous eater do NOT miss out on this experience.

Click here for our FULL REVIEW of Takumi-Tei

5 — Connections Eatery

In terms of new arrivals, Connections Eatery is relatively fresh to the EPCOT scene. This spot opened in early 2022 and features burgers, pizza, salad, and some drinks/desserts.

The French Bistro Burger is one of the best we’ve had in a Disney World park, the Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich is something we’d totally order again, and the Curry-Spiced Pizza is wonderfully flavorful. Oh, and don’t miss out on the Leige Waffle for dessert or the special sauce.

See our FULL REVIEW of Connections Eatery here!

6 — Space 220

If you want an immersive dining experience, then get ready to board a space elevator and eat at Space 220. This is another relatively new spot, having opened in 2021, but it quickly made a name for itself as one of the hot-ticket reservations in the park.

The theming here really is top-notch. After taking the trip on the space elevator, you’ll enter a room that will truly make you feel like you’re floating above the earth — that’s not something you get to say about your ordinary Chili’s back home now is it?!

The food here is a bit pricey as it is served via a prix fixe menu, but some of the options are truly delicious. Our favorites include the Blue Moon Cauliflower, 8oz Filet Mignon (dinner exclusive), and the 1.5 lbs baked whole lobster stuffed with jumbo crab (an add-on at dinner for an additional cost).

Don’t forget you can eat at the Space 220 lounge if you want some smaller bites with that out-of-this-world experience (the lounge does require reservations), or you could try to grab a walk-up seat at the bar for a last-minute experience.

We have eaten basically EVERYTHING on the menu. Here are some posts to help you decide what to get:

• PHOTOS andFULL REVIEW: Lunch at Space 220 in Disney World (Including the Lounge!)
• Disney Food BlogPHOTOS and REVIEW: We Ate EVERYTHING on the Dinner Menu at Space 220 in Disney World!
• PHOTOS and FULL REVIEW of the Space 220 Lounge in Disney World: The Cheaper Way to Eat in SPACE!
• Ranking EVERY Item on Space 220’s Dinner Menu from Worst to Best!
• Ranking EVERY Item on Space 220’s Lunch Menu from Worst to Best!
• Ranking EVERY Item On The Space 220 Lounge Menu From Worst To Best
• Disney Food Blog REVIEW: Space 220’s NEW Menu Items in EPCOT Might Be the BEST Ones Yet

7 — Biergarten

While you might know about the classic Le Cellier Steakhouse or the relatively new La Creperie de Paris in EPCOT, Biergarten (in the Germany pavilion) can often get overlooked, but it shouldn’t!

This place really has it all — fun entertainment, a beautiful indoor setting, a buffet with lots of tasty German dishes (bratwurst, spaetzle — the works!), giant beers, and MORE.

And if you’re eating in a big group, this spot’s large tables can be perfect for the whole family. If you haven’t already eaten here, consider adding it to your 2023 list of spots to try!

Check out our FULL REVIEW of Biergarten here

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

8 — Roundup Rodeo BBQ

We technically haven’t eaten at Roundup Rodeo BBQ yet so we can’t speak to whether the food will knock your socks off or not, but when this spot opens in spring 2023 we have a feeling it’ll be popular (and for good reason!).

Roundup Rodeo BBQ will bring a table service meal to Toy Story Land (a much-needed addition) and will be themed to…you guessed it…Woody and friends and their new rodeo playing area.

With house-smoked meats, classic sides, and mini sweet surprises served family-style, plus those colorful play sets adorning the rooms, and real plates made to look like paper plates(?!) — it’ll be a new spot you won’t want to miss.

Click here to see EVERYTHING we know about Roundup Rodeo

9 — Fairfax Fare

You’ve likely walked past Fairfax Fare a dozen times, assuming this spot serves up your typical fast Disney food. But recent menu changes have brought dishes to this spot that are the ULTIMATE fast meals with flavor!

Fairfax Fare is currently serving up some unique waffle bowls filled with meats, veggies, and sides that you cannot miss! The star of the show is really the mashed potatoes served in most of these bowls — it’s creamy and OH-SO-DELICIOUS! Our favorite of the new bowls is probably the BarbecuedBeef Brisket Bowl, but there are some really great picks here.

Drop that burger and pick up a savory waffle bowl — see our full review here!

10 — ABC Commissary

ABC Commissary is another restaurant that you may have assumed just serves up standard theme park eats in a large, air-conditioned environment. But you’d be SO wrong. You’re not expecting this restaurant to deliver on flavor and unique eats, but it DOES.

The Mediterranean Salad with Chickenis full of flavor, the Pork Carnitas Tacosare delicious, and the Shrimp Tacos are a hit too. What’s the moral of the story here? Don’t settle for basic theme park food in Disney World (unless you want that) — there are some delicious and more unique eats hiding, you just have to know where to look!

Click here for one of our reviews of the eats at ABC Commissary

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

11 — Mr. Kamal’s

Animal Kingdom is FULL of hidden gems — the churros (and other amazing eats) at Nomad Lounge, the cheeseburger pods at Satu’li Canteen, the mac & cheese at Eight Spoon Cafe, the corn on the cob from Harambe Fruit Market — the list goes on and on! But for this post, we’re focusing on one location — Mr. Kamal’s.

2 incredibly underrated snacks are hiding at Mr. Kamal’s — the Chicken Dumplings (which are fried crispy, served with ponzu sauce, and SO tangy and wonderful), along with the Seasoned Fries (served with curried honey mustard or Korean chili ketchup). Forget the standard hot dog or the bag of chips — THESE are the flavorful and unique theme park snacks you’re looking for.

See our full reviews of these eats at Mr. Kamal’s here

Disney World Resorts/Resort Areas

12 — The Cake Bake Shop

Opening in 2023 is the NEW Cake Bake Shop — you’ll find it on the BoardWalk in the former home of the ESPN Club. This restaurant will have a little bit of everything — a savory menu, a sweet menu, bakery items you can get to-go, a table service option, and even afternoon tea!

We visited another Cake Bake Shop location outside of Disney World and had a fantastic Croque Monsieur sandwich, some of the best chocolate cake we’ve ever had, and more. So we cannot wait to see what the Disney version of this restaurant is like.

Click here to see our page with details about the restaurant, a link to our full review of the other location, and an exclusive interview with the creator of the Cake Bake Shop!

13 — Capt. Cook’s

Need a quick and delicious meal? But you’re looking for something more special than your usual burger and fries? Want something that’ll make you feel like you’ve entered a tropical vacation? Hop over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, that’s where you’ll find Capt. Cook’s — a quick service spot that has something to please the whole family.

At breakfast, the Tonga Toast (banana-stuffed sourdough bread that’s deep-fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar) is a MUST. For lunch/dinner/snack, grab the amazing Pulled Pork Nachos, (typically) wonderful Thai Coconut Meatballs, and Pan Asian Noodles. And don’t forget to check for seasonal cupcakes too!

Click here to see more about Capt. Cook’s!

14 — Jiko

Boma and Sanaa often get mentioned as amazing restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (deservedly so), but today we want to shine a light on the fantastic Jiko!

What do you get at Jiko? A lot — a romantic and tranquil atmosphere, and tastes of Africa with adventurous flavors you may have never tried in your life. Grab the filet mignon with macaroni and cheese, the beef short rib, or the seared scallops — or one of the other wonderful items on the menu. It’ll be the relaxing, delicious dinner in Disney World you never realized you needed.

See our most recent review of Jiko here!

15 —

If youreally want to go to an underrated Disney World spot, visit Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and pull up a chair at Geyser Point Bar & Grill! This place has a table service lounge and quick service walk-up counter — and typically 2 different menus are served.

At the lounge, the cheesy barbecued brisket is the small bite to get. Follow that up with their popular Bison Cheeseburger (a real winner) and you’ve got a relaxing meal out by the water that’ll give you that slice of peace you need in the middle of a hectic trip.

Learn more about Geyser Point here!

16 — BoardWalk Deli

NEW to Disney’s BoardWalk is BoardWalk Deli — it replaced the BoardWalk Bakery. Here, you’ll find baked goods, bagels, sandwiches, and more — all ready for you to grab and devour before, after, or as a break from your busy park day.

What are the highlights here? Well, you’ll definitely want to look for seasonal desserts — some of those can be truly delicious! At breakfast, grab an Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich or Cinnamon Yummy.

For lunch/dinner, try the Grilled Cheese with Tomato-Basil Soup, the Warm Pastrami Reuben (warning: must love sauerkraut), or the Roasted Chicken Sandwich. Get a side of house-made chips too, and pick up a dessert while you’re there!

See our FULL REVIEWof Breakfast at the NEW BoardWalk Deli in Disney World

And see our Full Reviewof the LUNCH Menu at the New BoardWalk Deli in Disney World

17 — Grand Floridian Cafe

We’ve long sung the praises of Grand Floridian Cafe, but this spot continues to be a more underrated restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, so we wanted to highlight it for you here! With some awesome brunch eats (grab the chicken and waffles, trust us), the Lobster Thermidor Burger (a stand-out dish), and a relaxed environment, it’s a win all around.

Check to see if the Resort’s famous Strawberry Soup is available and don’t miss your chance to grab a secret menu item or two.

Click here for more about Grand Floridian Cafe

18 — Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera

Topolino’s Terrace is a place you very well may need to visit twice in one trip because its breakfast and dinner services vastly differ and are both fantastic. At breakfast, you’ll meet Mickey and friends in some amazing outfits and enjoy some delicious eats (the fresh pastries are fun, the Butcher’s Steak is excellent, and the Sour Cream Waffles are fluffy and wonderful).

But, come back for dinner and you’ll be met by handmade pasta (seriously, the stuff of dreams), amazing EPCOT nighttime views, and lots of cheese.

Go for one meal or opt for both — whatever you decide, we have a feeling your stomach and taste buds will be satisfied.

See all of our reviews for Topolino’s Terrace here!

19 — Kimonos Sushi Bar

Sushi and karaoke — what more do you need?! Kimonos Sushi Bar is tucked away at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, which is why it often flies under the radar for many folks, but now that you know about it, you can give it a try and be one of those “in the know.”

The miso soup is a great starter, but (as you might expect) sushi is the highlight here. There is a good variety to pick from, it’s beautifully plated, and it’s incredibly tasty. If you love sushi, do NOT sleep on this restaurant!

See our review of Kimonos here

20 — Olivia’s Cafe

This next restaurant is another that typically has open reservations, likely because many guests don’t even know it exists! Olivia’s Cafe is hidden at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, but it can be well worth the trek over there. Brunch here is now a DAILY offering, so you can fill up on brunch eats any day you want. And with SPAM biscuits and tasty omelets, why wouldn’t you want to do that?!

But don’t miss out on dinner here too.

The Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken is a great pick for fried chicken fans, and you can finish the meal with a Key Lime Tart — a true delight!

Click here to see more about Olivia’s Cafe and why it’s a guest-favorite but also a BIG secret!

Disney Springs

21 — Summer House on the Lake

In 2023, Disney Springs will be getting a brand NEW restaurant — Summer House on the Lake! The folks behind Summer House already have locations in Chicago and Maryland, with menus that include pizza, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more.

While we’re still waiting for the Disney menu to be revealed, we hopped over to the Summer House spot in Chicago to see what the Disney Springs location could be like. The Crispy Chicken Sandwich was one of the best chicken sandwiches we’ve ever had and the Spicy Salumi and Burrata Pizza was fantastic.

If you’re looking to try something NEW in Disney, this will be one of the places you’ll need to add to your list for 2023.

Click here for our full review of the Summer House Chicago location!

22 — Cookes of Dublin

Our next stop in Disney Springs takes us to an existing restaurant that can often be overlooked. You may have heard about Raglan Road, with their Irish eats, drinks, and entertainment. But did you know that there is a quick service spot right next to Raglan Road that has some INCREDIBLE Irish dishes?!

Cookes of Dublin is essentially the quick service location attached to Raglan Road, and when you’re in the mood for a quick and tasty meal in Disney Springs, it’s the place to go! (and a good one here), but you can also pick up the wonderful Hog in a Box, a variety of sandwiches, and, perhaps most importantly, a Dubliner Irish Cheese and Bacon Dip — YUUUUUUUUUUM.

Take a look at our FULL PAGE on Cookes of Dublin so you can pick your next meal here!

23 — Swirls on the Water

And finally, we end our trip at Disney Springs with something sweet — a DOLE Whip, of course! But we’re not talking about just any ordinary DOLE Whip here (though those are good too!). If you’ve done the pineapple thing already, you can branch out and get some really unique DOLE Whip creations at Swirls on the Water!

Here, you’ll find a DOLE Whip flight with 3 flavors (in the past we’ve had Habanero Lime, Pineapple and Vanilla Swirl, and Cookie Dough and Lemon Swirl but flavors can change). You’ll also find a 50th Celebration Cone (during the 50th Anniversary celebration) and even DOLE Whip NACHOS! Look for seasonal specialties here too, and if you want to grab a DOLE Whip alcoholic float with coconut rum or spiced rum, know that you can find that here too!

Click here to see all of our reviews of Swirls on the Water

Honorable Mentions

And finally, we end this wrap-up of selections for 2023 with 2 honorable mentions. The first isCarousel Coffee, a brand NEW coffee shop at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. If you want a snack and specialty coffee drink, this is a small but nice place to go. We loved the NJ Crumb Cake and the Crunchy Raspberry Danish too! And the Cinnamon Bun Frozen Blended Coffee was good, but a little less cinnamon-forward than you might hope.

And, finally, 2023 will bring another new restaurant to Disney World — Rosa Mexicano. This restaurant will be located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and will feature an “elevated fiesta dining experience,” award-winning margaritas, and signature menu items that’ll highlight authentic Mexican cuisine! If you want to try the newest of the new restaurants in Disney World, add this spot to your list.

And that’s it for the 23 restaurants (and some honorable mentions) that you’ll want to check out in Disney World in 2023! What made this list that totally surprised you? What other restaurants do you think are a must-try in 2023? Tell us in the comments!

Check out our video for more restaurant tips!

And don’t forget to grab a copy of the DFB Guide for ALL of the restaurant information you need to plan the perfect meals for your trip!

We’ve compiled all of our BEST tips and tricks from years of Disney World travel into one eBook that you can download to your tablet or smartphone and take with you! We’re offering our readers 25% off with code WDW2023.

Click here to check it out!

What restaurants from this list will you try in 2023? Tell us in the comments!