50th Anniversary: Ranking Walt Disney World Sit Down Restaurants

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Although we like to fit in as much as possible when we visit Walt Disney World, sometimes we like to slow down and enjoy a full-service meal (versus just scarfing down three rice krispie treats on our way to ride Space Mountain for the 5th time). Here are some of our favorite options for a fine dining experience while at Walt Disney World. 

10. 50’s Prime Time Cafe

Listen. We get that this isn’t a high brow choice. However we find the whole experience truly delightful. Sure, is it a bit absurd to eat a a giant plate of friend chicken and mashed potatoes on a 90+ degree day in Central Florida? Yes. But man, is it delicious.

9. San Angel Inn Restaurante

Our biggest complaint about this restaurant is that it’s too dark to see the delicious food you’re consuming...though maybe that’s secretly a good thing. The closest you can get to a Blue Bayou experience at Disney World, we love the elevated take on Mexican food this restaurant presents. 

8. Boma Flavors of Africa

If you are looking for an incredible breakfast buffet, look no further than Boma. Boma has all the classic items you want from a Disney breakfast (Mickey waffles), with an incredible amount of assorted foods with an African flair. Plus, sometimes you get to see giraffes while eating! 

7. Storybook Dining at Artist Point

This is one of the more recent editions to our fine dining catalog, and we couldn’t be happier we were able to score a reservation here. This is a character dining experience that is totally themed around Snow White, complete with a visit from Dopey, Grumpy, the OP (original princess) herself as well as a meet and greet with the Evil Queen. On top of this fantastic experience, the food is a definite highlight as well. 

6. Le Cellier Steakhouse

The two of us had our first meal here after we ran our second princess half marathon. We considered this our victory dinner, and boy was it the perfect way to celebrate. Yes, the steak is good, but the poutine and the side dishes were really what makes this meal stand out. Plus, it’s probably the best dining you’re going to find in Canada…the maple popcorn wishes it were the caramel popcorn from Germany.

5. Skipper Canteen

Skipper Canteen is one of the most underrated and best restaurants in the Magic Kingdom. For Megan, who has a gluten intolerance, this is a restaurant that truly doesn’t need must alteration. Additionally while we LOVE to eat pizza, burgers, pasta, etc at the parks, this restaurant offers a meal that is full of fresh and mostly clean ingredients. There’s usually dining reservations available here (it doesn’t appeal to kids as much as other locations on property) so if you’re ever wondering where to eat, check it out!

4. California Grill

When the two of us made a reservation here the night before we ran the Princess Half Marathon, we were mostly going because we heard the sushi was good. We. Were. Not. Ready. Imagine our reaction when we walked into the restaurant and saw the majestic view of the entire Magic Kingdom. We quickly abandoned our plan for a sensible meal, ordered some wine, and enjoyed a fabulous meal complete with a front row firework show. Funnily enough, we both had a race PR the next morning, proving that all you need to run fast is a little bit of pixie dust the night before. 

3. Topolino’s Terrace--Flavours of the Riviera 

When we say we were delighted by the original Topolino’s Terrace experience, that is an understatement. We were able to score a reservation to brunch shortly after the restaurant opened, and were thrilled not only by the delicious mediterranean inspired breakfast, but by the unique presentation of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. We can’t wait to go back and try the dinner service, which we hear is equally delicious!

2. Be Our Guest

Although lately the prix fixe menu has been criticized (see our review of the experience here; we enjoyed it), you don’t eat at Be Our Guest for the food. You eat there so you can be transported directly into one of the greatest animated films of all time. We will never forget the moment we first stepped foot in the ballroom, which even features the same falling snow outside the windows that is featured in the movie. This is what Disney is all about, getting the chance to be fully emerged in your favorite films, and no restaurant does that better than Be Our Guest.

1.’Ohana

Ohana means family, and there is no better dining experience to have with your family than dinner at Ohana. The meal is served family style and everyone has their favorite part of the meal (we love the noodles and of course the bread pudding). It can even be adapted to be gluten free, and they have also added a plant-based dining option. This dining experience also offers a full view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, which is truly the cherry on top of whatever delicious pineapple drink you’re having with your meal.