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10 Underappreciated Restaurants At Walt Disney World

One of the most amazing parts about a Walt Disney World vacation for guests is the opportunity to enjoy literally hundreds of dining options located throughout property in the Disney Parks, Disney Springs, Disney Resorts, and Water Parks. Guests can enjoy everything from an on the go snack from a cart to a multi course fine dining experience and everything in between. In addition, there are different flavor and cuisines found in every single restaurant which makes it a wonderful way to spend time while on a Disney vacation. While there are certainly some very popular dining locations such as ‘Ohana and the California Grill, Walt Disney World is home to its fair share of underrated restaurants. Some of these locations are underrated because of their vicinity to other popular dining options, and others are tucked away and falsely considered to be off the beaten path. No matter why they are considered to be underrated, each of these restaurants serves up delicious cuisine in amazing settings and should be enjoyed. Here are ten underappreciated restaurants that all guests should enjoy in Walt Disney World.

1. Kona Café

Many guests travel to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to enjoy breakfast or dinner at the very popular restaurant ‘Ohana, however they might be totally unaware that there is another delicious full service restaurant only steps away! Kona Café is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves up the flavors of the islands through delicious dishes such as Tonga Toast, Macadamia Nut Pancakes, Pork Belly Noodle Bowl, Dashi with Grouper, Kona Coffee-Rubbed Filet, Five-Spice Ahi Tuna, Ginger-Soy Chicken, and an impressive menu of fresh sushi options. No matter what meal of the day a guest enjoys at Kona Café, they are sure to love it!

2. The Plaza Restaurant

Many guests who head to the Magic Kingdom for a day love to either eat on the go and enjoy as many attractions as possible, or head to the very popular Be Our Guest Restaurant for a meal. However, at the end of Main Street is The Plaza Restaurant which is definitely underappreciated. The location is themed to feel like the turn of the century with gold gilded mirrors, wrought iron tables and chairs, and beautiful views of Cinderella Castle. Guests who dine at the full service location for lunch or dinner can enjoy menu options such as Home-Style Meatloaf, Vegetable Burger, Plaza Club, Grilled Reuben, Chicken-Strawberry Salad, and Backed Honey-Barbecued Brisket Mac & Cheese.

3. Boatwright’s Dining Hall

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside is home to the charm and elegance of the South and guests can stroll through stately mansions or quaint riverside pathways while visiting. In addition, guests can enjoy a delicious dinner at the often underappreciated Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Designed to feel like a vintage ship yard, guests can enjoy the ambiance while dining on options such as Cajun Bayou Catfish, Lake Charles Risotto, Chicken and Dumplings, Boatwright’s Jambalaya, Jackson Square Etouffee, and Turbodog Barbecued Ribs.

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4. Olivia’s Café

Disney’s Old Key West Resort brings the charm and relaxing feel of the Florida Keys to life through wonderful architecture, décor, landscaping, and an underappreciated restaurant that is delicious. Olivia’s Café is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves up island inspired options in a nautically themed location. Guests who enjoy a meal at this full service restaurant can enjoy menu options such as Crab Cake-Eggs Benedict, Waffle and Eggs, Banana Bread French Toast, Steak with Pommes Frites, Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken, Plantation Key Pork Chop, Seven Mile Sea Scallops, and Tortuga Seafood Stew. Guests should also be sure to save room for the delicious Key Lime Tart!

5. The Wave…of American Flavors

Guests who visit Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a meal tend to head to the very popular California Grill, leaving another full service restaurant there to be considered underappreciated. The Wave…of American Flavors is located on the ground floor of the Disney Resort and serves up contemporary American cuisine daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests who dine at this wonderful restaurant can enjoy options such as Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, Chicken & Waffles, Noodle Bowl, Signature Burger, Pappardelle Pasta, Seared Potato Gnocchi, Spring Chicken, and Seared Lamb Loin.

6. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to several very popular full service dining locations such as the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and the 50s Prime Time Café. While these locations are wonderful, there is another full service location that tends to be underappreciated in comparison. Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano is located in the Grand Avenue section of the park and serves up Italian food with a Californian twist for lunch and dinner each day. Menu options at the location include Saltimbocca, Seafood Cioppino, Charred Strip Steak, Chicken Campanelle, and Spaghetti and Meatballs.

7. La Hacienda de San Angel

One of the most popular locations that guests head to in Walt Disney World to enjoy a meal in is Epcot’s World Showcase. The Mexico Pavilion is home to some amazing dining locations, including one full service option that tends to be underappreciate in comparison to the others. La Hacienda de San Angel is located in the front of the pavilion on the shores of World Showcase Lagoon and serves up authentic Mexican cuisine from across the country for dinner only. Guests can choose from wonderful menu options such as Carnitas Yucatecas, Pan-Seared Snapper, Costillas en Salsa de Chile, New York Strip, and Tacos de Camarones.

8. Spice Road Table

Another underappreciated dining option in Epcot’s World Showcase can be found along the shores of World Showcase Lagoon in the Morocco Pavilion. Spice Road Table is a full service location that is open daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant features beautiful details and views from an open air patio while dining on Mediterranean flavors. Delicious menu options at Spice Road Table include Yellowfin Tuna, Mix Grill Skewers, Coriander-Crusted Rack of Lamb, Mediterranean Vegetable Platter, and All Natural Roasted Chicken.

9. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

Guests in the Magic Kingdom have plenty of dining options to choose from including a full service location on Main Street that tends to be underappreciated. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is inspired by the classic Tony in Lady and the Tramp and is open daily for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy a classic décor with beautiful views of Main Street while dining on traditional Italian options such as Ravioli, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, Margherita Pizza, Shrimp Scampi, Chicken Parmigiana, and Spaghetti.

10. Yak & Yeti Restaurant

The final underappreciated dining location on this list is a full service restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While many guests love to enjoy a character meal at Tusker House Restaurant, the Yak & Yeti Restaurant in the Asia section of the park tends to be less noticed and popular. Guests who dine at the location for lunch and dinner can enjoy authentic artifacts and items from Southeast Asia while dining on delicious Pan-Asian cuisine. Popular menu items at Yak & Yeti Restaurant include Ahi Tuna Nachos, Dragon Roll, Lo Mein Chicken, Seared Miso Salmon, Coconut Shrimp, Korean Beef, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Sriracha Seafood Mac & Cheese, and Korean BBQ Ribs. Guests should also be sure to leave room for the delicious and unique Fried Wontons!

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a child and has developed a deep love and appreciation of the Disney Parks with a particular interest in the small details and history that can be found all around. Visiting every chance she gets, Caitlin loves to enjoy the ambiance of the Disney Parks and try something new every time. She can often be found eating and drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, riding the Haunted Mansion, sipping on a Lapu Lapu, pretending Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was still in existence, and enjoying seeing the magic through the eyes of her children. When not in WDW, Caitlin can be found at home in New York dreaming of a ride on Living with the Land and counting down the days until her next trip.