Top 5 Restaurants I Want to Try!
Did you know that Walt Disney World is home to over 400 dining locations?
From spaghetti to sundaes, sushi to sauerkraut, or steak to swordfish, sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and more flavors can be found within the Disney World gates! No matter what kind of food you’re craving, chances are you can find it at one of the resorts, parks, or Disney Springs!
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to enjoy meals at many of the different Disney restaurants, but there are still tons of places I want to try and haven’t managed to get to just yet! In an effort to try and keep things manageable on my ever-growing list, I’ve tried to narrow it down to the top 5 table service restaurants I want to try, and I thought it would be fun to share them with you!
5. Narcoossee’s
I have to admit, this restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been on my must-try list for quite some time! While it’s known for upscale coastal cuisine, it’s the mix of the elegant charm of the dining room and the amazing waterfront location that really catch my interest. Between the soft glow coming from inside the restaurant after the sun has set and the Magic Kingdom sparkling off in the distance, the whole ambiance of this Signature Dining experience looks pretty enchanting!
When it comes to the menu, those who love seafood won’t be disappointed! Shrimp and Crab Cake, Maine Lobster Bisque, and Pan-seared Line Caught Swordfish are just a few of the offerings to choose from. Those like me who prefer more turf than surf can select entrees such as Grilled Milk-brined Duroc Pork Chop or Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! There’s Almond-crusted Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Banana Cream Tart, and more to choose from to finish off your experience at this fan-favorite restaurant!
4. Sanaa
Located at the Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village, Sanaa is definitely another fan-favorite among our DVCR team members! While I haven’t eaten here myself yet, I can certainly understand why others adore it! I’m told that the Indian-Style Bread Service alone is reason enough to visit but add to that a menu full of savory, exotic flavors and a unique ambiance, and you’ll have just a few of the reasons I’ve put this African-inspired eatery on my list.
Beyond the reputation for high quality and flavorful food, this restaurant also provides a magical setting! The décor is absolutely stunning, with warm earthy tones, detailed designs and patterns, and bright pops of color that seem to mimic the bursts of flavor you’d find in the menu’s dishes. What really drives me to want to visit, however, is the large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer diners the chance to gaze out at the beautiful savanna during their meal! The savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas are home to over 200 animals from 30 different species, and it’s got to be pretty amazing to see giraffes and zebras strolling by while you enjoy your entrée!
I love Italian food, and I have heard nothing but rave reviews of Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante since it opened at Disney Springs!
The theme here is pretty unique, with the restaurant paying homage to the glamour associated with aviation and air travel in the 1930’s. The dining room looks bright and airy, with splashes of vivid color keeping the atmosphere as lively as a real, busy airport terminal!
Tet, what really draws my attention to this eatery, is the menu! Dishes such as Ravioli and Pollo alla Parmigiana call out to my tastebuds, and I can practically taste the garlic and cheese just by reading the dish descriptions!
And who could resist some Gelato or Chocolate Ganache for dessert?! I’ve also heard glowing praise for the Cannoli Siciliano, Spaghetti all Chitarra, and many of the other southern Sicilian dishes on the menu! Once I get the chance to visit, I will definitely be partaking in an Italian feast here!
I have always been fascinated by the stars and stories of Hollywood’s golden age, and with this restaurant being modeled after a famous landmark eatery in Tinseltown, it’s definitely on my must-try list! Caricatures of celebrities line the walls, and the art-deco-inspired décor and dark wood paneling make for a sophisticated and chic atmosphere. I like to imagine myself being seated at one of the cozy, curved booths enjoying a glamourous meal, just like the cast and crew from the films I love would have!
Though it’s located in Hollywood Studios, you won’t find traditional theme park fare like burgers or pizza here. The Hollywood Brown Derby has many menu items that I’ve heard positive reviews for, with the Famous Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake seeming to be the breakout stars most often in the spotlight. Other offerings to choose from including Angus Filet Mignon, The Brown Derby Cioppino, Decadent Flourless Chocolate Mocha Cake, along with After-Dinner Drink Flights and appetizers such as Lobster Bisque and Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with Roasted Pork Belly.
1. Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera
Though it is Disney World’s newest Signature Dining location, I have heard nothing but fantastic reviews for this restaurant that showcases French and Italian-inspired cuisine!
Located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest member of the DVC family, Topolino’s Terrace (a nod to the Italian name for Mickey Mouse) offers stunning rooftop views, high-end elegance, and the promise of delicious dishes! With different styles of dining experiences for breakfast and dinner, I had to put this new location at the top of my list, as I’d like to check it out twice!
In the morning, visitors can start their day with a heaping helping of Disney fun with breakfast a la Art with Mickey & Friends, which is currently a modified character dining experience. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy have new Riviera-exclusive outfits and are ready to show them off as they parade through the restaurant and wave to guests! The morning menu offers entrees such as Quiche Gruyere, Sour Cream Waffles, and Spiced Sausage Hash.
Dinner-time diners have the chance to experience meals made up of menu options such as Escargot en Coquille, Rigatoni, Filet Mignon, Braised Lamb Shank, Pistachio Mousse, and more, all prepared in the restaurant’s wood-burning grill or expo-kitchen.
With a combination of the views of the glittering lights across the Skyliner route and the sumptuous menu items, I think dinner at Topolino’s Terrace sounds like the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, or even just to treat yourself while enjoying a magical vacation!
One thing’s for sure, with so many options to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy, from picky eaters like me to adventurous foodies looking to try as many new dishes as they can.
Beyond these five restaurants, there are still so many more magical meals and dining experiences I want to try, and with new locations opening each year, I’m sure the list will keep growing!
To me, Disney and dining go hand in hand, and I can’t wait to see what new restaurants will come in the future! Be sure to let me know what restaurants are on your must-try list!
~Stacy
