The 10 Best Restaurants at Walt Disney World
The Top 10 Disney World Restaurants
With a huge number of table service restaurants from which to choose at Walt Disney World, I keep a running list of my top 10 favorites, which are reflected on this list. This list is based on dinner at restaurants located onsite at Disney World parks, hotels and Disney Springs. This list is updated periodically when a change is warranted.
Please see the end of this post for notes on the criteria use to create and manage this list of best Disney dining.
The 10 Best Restaurants at Walt Disney World
These are the 10 best restaurants at Walt Disney World for table service dining at dinner, in no particular order.
The Boathouse, Disney Springs.
The Boathouse (Disney Springs)
The Boathouse has a lot of things going for it. The location on the water in Disney Springs offers multiple seating choices indoors and out, and the overall ambiance is upbeat and suitable for gatherings of all kinds. Service is very good and the food quality is consistently above average.
Steak (in particular the NY Strip) and fish are both good picks here, however, as a special note I would recommend avoiding the Maine Lobster Tail Oscar, as it has proven to be a letdown on the menu recently and not up to par with the other dishes on the menu. All in all, however, The Boathouse is one of my top picks at Walt Disney World.
The Sphere, Monsieur Paul, Epcot.
Monsieur Paul (EPCOT)
If you are looking for an authentic French fine dining experience, Monsieur Paul is worth visiting. This is an upscale restaurant where food quality and service are quite good. It can get a little crowded in the dining room, but that is part of the charm here (and is reflective of a typical dining experience in France). Monsieur Paul is currently offering a fixed price menu.
Favorite picks here include the snapper and beef tenderloin. The Sphere du Chocolat au Lait (pictured) is a longtime classic Monsieur Paul dessert and definitely a photo-worthy must-try.
Takumi Tei, Epcot.
Takumi-Tei (EPCOT)
If you are looking for a fine dining experience with a Japanese ambiance, Takumi-Tei is a top pick. This very unique dining establishment offers minimalist upscale ambiance and attentive service that is second to none. Takumi-Tei has an interesting prix-fixe menu, with the wagyu beef well worth trying (even the children's menu includes wagyu).
They also have an extensive list of sake and Japanese whiskies.
California Grill, Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
California Grill (Disney's Contemporary Resort)
From the stellar views, to the open and spacious dining area, and the well-conceived menu, California Grill is a top pick. The menu here is currently a three-course prix-fixe menu that is considerably less expensive than both Takumi-Tei and Monsieur Paul by comparison. The food here, however, is consistently good with some perennial top pick favorites, including the Oak-Fired Filet of Beef and the Florida Black Grouper. The menu should appeal to diners of all kinds and there is an extensive wine list of California wines as well.
Le Cellier, Canada Pavilion, Epcot.
Le Cellier (EPCOT)
In the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT, Le Cellier is one of our favorite stops for a good steak dinner at Walt Disney World. But there's much more to Le Cellier than steak. The ambiance here is dark and cellar-like (hence the name), but the service and food quality has been consistent for many years.
From the popular cheddar cheese soup, to the rib eye, New York Strip, bison and wild caught scallops, the menu leans meat, but has a few options for others in your group. For dessert, the Maple Creme Brulee is a good pick and yes, there are two poutine options on the menu.
Citricos, Grand Floridian Resort.
Citricos (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)
Citricos is located upstairs at the Grand Floridian, right next door to Victoria and Albert's. The whimsical dining room has a subtle Mary Poppins theme, but is elegant and airy at the same time.
Here you will find a fairly large menu with a good variety of options equally covering food choices for virtually all diner preferences. If you're looking for something a little different, try the Guava Barbecued Short Ribs or the Domestic Golden Tilefish.
Grand Floridian Cafe.
Grand Floridian Cafe (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)
The Grand Floridian Cafe is the most approachable table service dining restaurant on this list.
From it’s well-priced menu to its ideal location on the main level of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, the Grand Floridian Cafe is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a nice dining experience that isn't too upscale or stuffy. Good service and consistent food quality are delivered here.
Dining at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Topolino Terrace (Disney's Riviera Resort)
One of the newer restaurants on this list, Topolino Terrace has quickly proven itself to be a worthy destination for an upscale dining experience at Walt Disney World. Located atop Disney's Riviera Resort, the great location is matched by the top quality menu here. With a Riviera theme, the menu is decidedly French and Italian inspired and should be suitable for diners of all kinds.
Narcoossee’s.
Narcoossee’s (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)
Following a refurbishment in 2023 that included a refreshed dining room and menu, Narcoossee's has reclaimed its spot as one of the 10 best table service restaurants at Walt Disney World.
The dining room is clean, fresh and feels spacious, with a wonderful location on Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Service here is attentive and exceptional, among the best we have experienced at any Walt Disney World restaurant.
The menu leans towards seafood, but there is something for everyone. The surf and turf is my personal favorite (lobster tail with filet), while the 12-ounce New York Strip is equally tasty. All seafood dishes are up to par and the beverage list is quite good, including a list of premium wines available in various serving sizes.
If you are looking for an upscale dining experience in a great location, Narcoossee's is definitely one to consider.
Victoria and Albert’s.
Victoria & Albert's (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort)
As the undisputed ultimate fine dining experience at Walt Disney World, Victoria & Albert's is an experience unlike any other. The multi-course meal is tailored to each diner, as the restaurant will contact you a day or two in advance of your reservation to confirm menu options and choices for each course.
There are different dining options if you really want to upscale your experience to a Chef’s Table approach, but the standard dining experience here is anything but standard, so don’t feel you would be missing out. The attention to detail at all levels is second to none.
Note that there is a minimum age of 10 to dine here and a dress code is in effect. You will need to set aside several hours for this experience, but it is well worth it. I recommend an earlier seating time if you do not want to be out too late, as our most recent visit lasted five hours.
A Note About How the Disney Dining List is Created
This list is based on a number of criteria, including consistent food quality, menu creativity, consistent service, dining room ambiance, service efficiency and overall experience. I visit Walt Disney World table service restaurants multiple times over a rolling 12-month period. As a formally-trained chef, I assess and consider food quality and protocols as part of these reviews.
This list was most recently updated on 23 August 2023.
By Mike Belobradic