Disney Springs water tower in the evening

The Officially Unofficial Disney Springs Dining Guide

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Without a doubt, no questions asked, one of our favorite things – aside from traveling, of course – is food. Wherever we are, whether at home or on vacation, we love going out to eat. Recent favorites, old standbys, places we haven’t tried yet, we love them all. 

So, it should come as no surprise that when it comes to dining at Disney World, we are obsessed. And although you can find some really wonderful dining experiences across Disney property, there’s no better place for foodies than Disney Springs. Restaurants at the massive entertainment district, which is located in Lake Buena Vista near the Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, are plentiful and diverse. In fact, there are upwards of 60 Disney Springs food options. While some may be paralyzed by the sheer amount of dining outlets, Disney foodies look at that number and dream of all the tasty possibilities. 

Pork Barbacoa in a shell

Whether you’re trying to figure out which restaurant you should try or planning your own Disney food tour, we’re here to help you narrow things down with our Disney Springs Best Restaurants guide. 

Disney Springs Food Options

There’s a lot that goes into deciding whether a restaurant will land on our best list: menu options, quality, atmosphere, theming, uniqueness, value, and so much more. The best Disney Springs restaurants on our list boast a little bit of everything, but are usually a magical combination of delicious (and occasionally themed) dishes in a memorable setting. 

Places to eat at Disney Springs run the gamut from simple snack stands and drink kiosks all the way up to intricately themed options, signature restaurants, and unique dining experiences. With so many different dining options available, there truly is something for everyone – whether it’s a family-friendly meal, an elevated dining experience, a satisfying snack or sweet on the go, or a refreshing beverage.

Plant-Based, Allergy-Friendly & Gluten-Free Disney Springs Dining

Blame it on the ever-revolving door of tourists from all over the world, but the Walt Disney World Resort is veritable paradise for those with dietary restrictions. So, whether you have a gluten sensitivity or a nut allergy or you prefer plant-based meals to meat-based options, we guarantee that you’ll be able to find something to suit your stomach and taste buds at Disney Springs. 

Dessert Crepes with fresh fruit

Of every place on property, you can find the greatest concentration of gluten-free dining options at Disney Springs. In fact, this is probably among the most celiac-friendly restaurant spots you can find outside of a major city like New York or Los Angeles. In the mood for a wheat-free treat? Try Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC. Or what about a gluten-free lunch? Give the gluten-free Fish and Chips at Cookes of Dublin or Raglan Road a go. 

Vegetarians and vegans looking for plant-based meal and snack options will also be happy at Disney Springs. Not only are there many meat and dairy-free options directly on the menus of some Disney Springs restaurants, many dishes can also be made vegetarian and vegan-friendly through modification and substitution. This is also the case for gluten-free meals as well. 

Disney cast members are happy to accommodate your dietary needs, as long as they are made aware of them. So be sure to let someone know about your allergy restrictions while looking over the menu or when placing your order. We also suggest that you look over different Disney Springs restaurant menus before you go so you can get an idea of where and what you would like to eat. 

Disney Springs Reservations

Exterior of dining shop

Considering how popular Disney Springs restaurants are with Disney guests, other tourists, and locals alike, dining reservations are a must whenever possible. Many restaurants will use the Disney advanced dining reservations system which is convenient to use if you have the Disney World app downloaded. 

However, our favorite app to use to make dining reservations for Disney Springs restaurants is OpenTable.  This free app is available on both the App Store and Google Play, perfect for if you’d rather not download Disney’s app. Plus, it can be used to make reservations at restaurants throughout the United States and many other locations throughout the world. We’ve also noticed that there tends to be more reservation availability on OpenTable versus the Disney World app.

Talk about a pleasant surprise, thinking that all Disney Springs dining reservations were taken for the evening (because the Disney app should know best, right?) only to discover that there was availability on OpenTable! To cap it all off, you can even earn points to spend on things like dining rewards and Amazon gift cards by simply making and showing up to your reservations. 

Of course, if you’re stuck without a reservation, you can always try to get on the walk-up list. Although, depending on what time you visit, your wait time can vary greatly, from a reasonable 10 to 15 minutes to closer to an hour or more. Or, if you’d rather not spend time waiting, you can always stick with a counter-service restaurant or grab something quick from a snack stand instead. 

Best Disney Springs Restaurants

Boat on the water with dining

There are so many places to eat at Disney Springs that trying to pick the best one can often seem impossible. On the bright-ish side, at least long lines and a lack of dining reservations can help to narrow things down a bit. All crowds and lines aside, however, there’s no denying that there are tons of pretty delicious Disney Springs restaurants with atmospheres and menus that simply can’t be missed. So, without any further ado, here’s our complete list of the best Disney Springs restaurants.

Best Disney Springs Table Service  & Signature Restaurants

Of all the different kinds of restaurants at Disney Springs, most are table service and signature restaurants. While both table service and signature restaurants involve placing your order with a server and having your meal delivered directly to you, Disney Springs atmospheres vary greatly depending on which restaurant you choose. We’re talking everything from intricate dining rooms designed to look like prehistoric forests and caves to restaurants with simple yet elevated décor.

Although children are welcome at all restaurants on Disney property, you may find that the vibe isn’t exactly what you’d call kid friendly. That being said, children’s menus are offered at almost all table service restaurants, so you should never have to worry that your little one won’t be able to find something to eat. 

Chocolate cake with peanut butter cups

Unless we’re starting our day with a big character breakfast, we like saving our sit-down meals for dinner. However, these can be great options any time of day, especially since it can be hard to get a reservation sometimes in the evenings at Disney World.

Unlike the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort, most restaurants at Disney Springs aren’t actually owned and operated by Disney. Even though that’s the case, however, there are still many Disney Springs table service and signature restaurants, as we’ll outline below, that are included in the Disney Dining Plan. Basic sit-down restaurants use only one table-service dining credit while signature restaurants use up two table-service credits. 

The BOATHOUSE | The Landing

With its surf-and-turf menu, waterfront view, and upscale atmosphere, The BOATHOUSE is an excellent choice for those looking for an elevated end to their day. If you couldn’t already guess from the name, The BOATHOUSE boasts a nautical theme. In fact, you can even go on a vintage amphicar ride. The service here is wonderful, the food is high quality – trust us, just go. The BOATHOUSE uses two table service dining credits on the Disney Dining Plan. 

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ | The Landing

Bundt Cake on platter

Spearheaded by a local Floridian, former Disney cast member, and former personal chef for Oprah (yes, celebrity chef Art Smith is all three), Homecomin’ is all about Florida-fresh southern cuisine. We like coming here for everything from Hush Puppy Benedict and Church Lady Deviled Eggs at brunch and Fried Chicken & Doughnuts for dinner to moonshine-based specialty cocktails in adult-sized squeeze bottles.  Homecomin’ uses one table service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

The Edison | The Landing

Made to look like an old power plant, The Edison is a steampunk-inspired Disney Springs restaurant serving up American eats and live entertainment. Dishes here are huge, flavorful, and often feature creative plating. For comfort food at its finest, try the Organic Tomato Soup and Gooey Grilled Cheese. The Edison uses one table service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Frontera Cocina | Town Center

When it comes to celebrity chefs, there’s probably nowhere as spoiled for choice – outside cities like New York and Los Angeles, of course – as Disney Springs. Headed by James Beard Award superstar, Chef Rick Bayliss, Frontera Cocina serves authentic Mexican cuisine filled with vibrant flavors. The décor is simple here, but the view over the water is lovely. Frontera Cocina uses one table service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Jaleo by José Andrés | West Side

Pot of broiled seafood

Another celebrity chef-headed Disney Springs restaurant, Jaleo is the brainchild of restaurateur José Andrés. The only Spanish tapas restaurant at Disney World, guests here enjoy a perfectly choreographed parade of small plates like chicken croquetas and patatas bravas. Be aware that this can get pricey quick if you aren’t careful, but the flavors and experience are worth it. Jaleo uses two table service dining credits on the Disney Dining Plan.

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante | The Landing

Inspired by a 1930s airport terminal, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante is one of several sit-down Italian restaurants at Disney Springs, but the only one to make our list. With vaulted ceilings and plenty of retro, travel-themed details, Maria & Enzo’s dishes up a whole lot of house-made pastas and other authentic Italian eats. Maria & Enzo’s uses one table service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Morimoto Asia | The Landing

The next stop on our unofficial tour of Disney Springs’s celebrity chef-driven restaurants is Morimoto Asia. Headlined by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Morimoto Asia is an elevated dining experience serving Pan-Asian items like dim sum, sushi, chicken ramen, bibimbap, and Peking duck. Menu prices vary greatly here depending on what you get. Morimoto Asia uses two table service dining credits on the Disney Dining Plan.  

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant | The Landing

Irish themed bar and stools

An authentic Irish pub that was constructed in Ireland and reassembled in Orlando, Ragland Road is about as close as you can get to Dublin this side of the Atlantic. Come for the Irish brown bread with Guinness reduction dipping sauce and Ger’s Bread & Butter Pudding, stay for the imported live music and step dancing. Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant uses one table service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Splitsville Dining Room | West Side

A bowling alley might seem like a strange suggestion to get a meal at Disney World. But, with a surprising menu packed with crowd-pleasing eats like sushi, pizza, nachos, burgers, and so much more – all served lane-side or at a table – Splitsville is a dining experience unlike any other at the Walt Disney World Resort. Despite what you might expect from a bowling alley, the food tends to be pretty great here, plus we love being able to practice our strikes in between bites. Splitsville uses one table service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

STK Orlando | The Landing

STK Orlando is a modern steakhouse experience unlike any other at Walt Disney World. This swanky spot transforms into a club as the evening wears on and an in-house DJ spins tunes. Sink your teeth into a large menu of steakhouse favorites or sip on a handcrafted cocktail on the restaurant’s outdoor patio. 

T-REX | Marketplace

T-REX dinosaur in restaurant

Although you can find the family-friendly Rainforest Café at Disney Springs as well, our top pick for dining the kiddos are sure to enjoy is T-REX. The entire restaurant is intricately themed to look and sound like a prehistoric world. Unlike the design inspiration, the menu is thoroughly modern American, with palate-pleasing entrees like burgers, grain bowls, pastas, and more. T-REX uses one table service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Wine Bar George

At Wine Bar George, Napa Valley doesn’t feel all that far away. Designed to feel like an estate-style wine bar, Wine Bar George pairs up over 140 wines and frozen wine cocktails with cheese, charcuterie, and other small bites and family-style sharing platters. If you can, grab a seat in one of the extra-comfy sofas upstairs to truly feel like you’re having a glass of vino at your rich friend’s vacation home. 

Best Disney Springs Counter-Service Restaurants

While there aren’t as many Disney Springs counter-service restaurants, the ones that do exist are all pretty good! There’s a great deal of variety here too, as you can get everything from locally made food truck tacos and smoked barbecue to food concepts led by celebrity chefs. 

Fresh fried fish and tartar sauce

Quick service restaurants are casual dining options. You usually place your order at a counter or by using the My Disney Experience app, then wait to pick up your own food to bring back to your table. Prices here tend to be cheaper, sometimes by a lot, than what you’d find at a sit-down restaurant, making them our top pick if you’re on a budget. They’re also a great choice if you’re in a hurry. Although most of our Disney Springs best restaurants have seating (a mix of indoor and outdoor), some only offer very minimal seating. So, be sure to keep this in mind when making your decision. 

Many counter-service restaurants at Disney Springs are part of the Disney Dining Plan. Each counter-service restaurant only uses one quick-service dining credit regardless of which restaurant you choose. 

4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck | West Side

The 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck in Exposition Park is run by a beloved, local Orlando restaurant chain that is usually known for their smoky barbecue. But with another local favorite running Disney Springs’s BBQ spot, they opted for something different for their food truck instead. Stop here for authentic Mexican flavors on the go, like the portable Taco Cone or a variety of Birria options. 

The Basket at Wine Bar George | The Landing

With Wine Bar George being one of our favorite sit-down spots at Disney Springs, it’s no wonder that the restaurant’s counter-service location landed on our list as well. Stop by for finger foods like charcuterie, cheese, and local bread to go, and be sure to grab a cocktail while you’re at it. 

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza | Town Center

Cooked pizza with fresh veggies

We love pizza. Honestly, who doesn’t? Craft your perfect pizza pie with more than 40 different toppings and sauces at Blaze Fast-Fired’d Pizza. If you’ve got a big appetite, you may even be able to finish the whole pizza yourself, or share it with a friend for a light, quick lunch that’s easy on the wallet. Although there is a gluten-free crust option available here, we don’t recommend Blaze for true celiacs as cooking surfaces are shared with wheat-based crusts as well. Blaze uses one quick service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan. 

Chicken Guy! | Town Center

Take your Disney vacation to Flavortown at Chicken Guy!, a counter-service Disney Springs restaurant headlined by Food Network star Guy Fieri. As you could probably guess from the name, poultry is the star here. Sandwiches, salads, and tenders are all on offer here, along with more than 20 different sauces exploding with the celebrity chef’s signature pizzazz. Chicken Guys! uses one quick service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Cookes of Dublin | The Landing

Part of Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, Cookes of Dublin serves up fast, fresh Irish classics and pub favorites like Fish and Chips (even a gluten-free option!) and The Cookes Classic Battered Burger. We love Raglan Road, but if you don’t have time for a full, sit-down meal or you can’t get a reservation, this is a worthwhile substitute. Cookes of Dublin uses one quick service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Disney Food Trucks | West Side

Food trucks at night

We already told you about one of the food trucks at Disney Springs, but there are actually even more of these trendy meal options at Exposition Park. Keep in mind, however, that food trucks may not always be available. Currently, Hot Diggity Dogs serves, you guessed it, loaded hot dogs and house-made chips. Nearby, the Mac & Cheese food truck offers similarly loaded boats of cheesy pasta. Seating here is minimal, with even less in the shade. Disney Food Trucks use one quick service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

D-Luxe Burger | Town Center

Creative burgers, artisanal gelato shakes (including some with booze!), and crispy fries dipped into house-made sauces are the name of the game at D-Luxe Burger. Burgers here are huge and flavorful, the fries are fresh, and the shakes are gloriously thick. D-Luxe Burger uses one quick service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan. 

Earl of Sandwich | Marketplace

Owned by the actual descendants of the inventor of the sandwich, Earl of Sandwich serves an array of tasty hot and cold sandwiches – breakfast sandwiches, too – on some really tasty bread. The Holiday Turkey is a fan favorite. The line can get long here, though it typically moves fast, and there’s plenty of seating inside and out. Earl of Sandwich uses one quick service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Morimoto Asia Street Food | The Landing

Asian Street Food on plates

Part of the signature Morimoto Asia, this walk-up window with outdoor seating offers a limited menu of ramen and a few other Pan-Asian bites. If you’re looking for elevated, Asian-inspired cuisine in a more relaxed setting or can’t get a reservation for the real thing, this is a small but pleasant replacement. 

Pepe by José Andrés | West Side

Based on his food truck of the same name in Washington DC, Pepe by José Andrés serves a rather short menu of Spanish sandwiches, gazpacho, and sangria. But what it lacks in menu items, it more than makes up for with high quality ingredients. Fresh, simple flavors quickly and for a reasonable price – it doesn’t get much better than that. Pepe by José Andrés accepts snack credits for the Disney Dining Plan. 

Pizza Ponte | The Landing

Right next door to Maria & Enzo’s, Pizza Ponte specializes in massive slices of pizza, sandwiches, and other Italian-inspired items. If you’re looking for a lot of bang for your buck, this is the place. The pizza is yummy and affordable, at least by Disney standards. Plus, there’s usually not much of a wait. Pizza Ponte uses one quick service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

The Polite Pig | Town Center

A sister restaurant to popular local spot The Ravenous Pig, The Polite Pig is like one big, Florida-inspired cookout. Smoky barbecued meats and flavorful sides filled with fresh ingredients are the stars here. Though it’s a counter-service restaurant, there is even a small bar pouring craft beers and small-batch craft cocktails. Of all the Disney Springs quick service restaurants, this is the standout. The Polite Pig uses one quick service dining credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Best Disney Springs Snack Stands, Sweet Shops & Bakeries

Ice Cream shakes topped with cookies in a jar

Are you just looking for a small bite to eat rather than a full meal? Then you might want to consider one of the different Disney Springs snack stands, sweet shops, or bakeries. Although you could make a meal out of some of these dining options, most are better for if you’re looking for a sweet end to your day. These spots don’t usually offer any seating, so be prepared to eat as you go. 

While not all snacks qualify for the Disney Dining Plan, you can find items at many Disney Springs food locations that do qualify for a snack credit. Just keep an eye out on the menu for the logo. 

Amorette’s Patisserie | Town Center

Do you have a thing for sweets that are as beautiful as they are delicious? Then Amortte’s Patisserie is for you. This pastry shop is bursting with eye candy like desserts inspired by Disney characters, loaded crepes, and other sweet treats, and you can even watch the pastry chefs work their decorating magic. Or, grab a sandwich instead if you prefer something savory. 

The Daily Poutine | Town Center

TurkeTurkey Poutiney Poutine

Fries topped with cheese and gravy. That’s the basic premise of The Daily Poutine. While you can find the classic Canadian version here, you can usually also find an Italian, Latin, French, and Indian-inspired takes. Flavors here due tend to rotate, so keep an eye out for seasonal options. 

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC | The Landing

Those with dietary restrictions and a sweet tooth will rejoice at Erin McKenna’s Bakery. You can indulge in all manner of vegan, kosher, and gluten-free sweets and snacks including donuts, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, and more. These tasty treats are baked fresh daily on-site. 

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew | West Side

Donuts can be breakfast, lunch, and dessert at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew. One of Disney Springs’s newest food locations, this spot serves up hand-crafted cake and yeast donuts as sandwiches, loaded with toppings, or simply fried and glazed. Lines can be very long here, but the payoff is donuts that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious. 

The Ganachery | The Landing

Chocolate bubbles in bottles

Technically a shop, we decided to include The Ganachery on this list anyway. Why? All the amazing, chocolatey confections, of course! Swing by for a sweet gift or a sugar rush on the go, like Disney character chocolate lollipops or house-made s’mores. 

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop| Marketplace

The chocolate love continues over at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. Grab some decadent treats to go at the store, then enjoy rich, icy delights like shakes, sundaes, and Frozen Hot Chocolate. Or, try a warming cup of hot cocoa instead. Be sure to see this and the other top Ice Cream Shops at Disney World.

Gideon’s Bakehouse | The Landing

Chocolate cake with chocolate chips

Yet another Orlando institution, Gideon’s Bakehouse bakes up approximately half-pound cookies which one can only describe as luxurious. Buy one to share with a friend or enjoy it all by yourself over a few days or hours. Or, try one of their limited-availability cakes or Peanut Butter Iced Coffee. Lines here are long, but oh so worth it. 

Sprinkles | Town Center

One thing’s for certain, there is no shortage of sweets at Disney Springs. Visit Sprinkles for famous handcrafted cupcakes in an array of flavors. You can even grab one from the Cupcake ATM right outside. Like Erin McKenna’s Bakery, Sprinkles serves gluten-free cupcakes as well, though the majority aren’t wheat-free. 

Vivoli il Gelato | The Landing

Days in Orlando can get hot all year long. Cool down with a refreshing, frozen treat from Vivoli il Gelato. The second location of a family-run gelato shop based in Florence, Italy, Vivoli il Gelato has tons of fresh, exciting gelato flavors. Get yours in a dish, cone, shake, float, sundae, or even a bombolato (an Italian donut stuffed with ice cream).


Well, that wraps up our ultimate guide to the best restaurants at Disney Springs. As you may have noticed, there were some long-time dining options, like Rainforest Café and Planet Hollywood, that didn’t make the cut. There were even some newer Disney Springs restaurants that failed to make our list such as Paddlefish, Terralina Crafted Italian, and Enzo’s Hideaway.

Themed bar with bartenders

We felt that while many of these are perfectly good options – heck, some might even be great – they’re still missing that special something, whether that’s a more interesting menu, higher quality food, more immersive theming, or a better atmosphere. That being said, these are still decent options if one of our top picks above is packed or if you’re looking for something specific. 

What do you think of our Disney Springs best restaurants list? Are there any restaurants you think we missed or that we should’ve sent to the meh pile? Let us know in the comments!