EPCOT’s World Showcase is home to some of the most amazing table service restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort that serve up an array of international cuisine that Guests can’t get enough of. Each restaurant features its own unique menu and stunning atmosphere that transport Guests to another country, and one location in the China Pavilion cannot be missed in the Disney Park.
Nine Dragons Restaurant can be found near the front of the China Pavilion adjacent to the quick service Lotus Blossom Café and across from the Temple of Heaven which leads to the Reflections of China film. The restaurant combines contemporary pan-Chinese cuisine with a beautiful and traditional setting that creates a calm and relaxing meal.
Immediately upon entering Nine Dragons Restaurant, Guests are greeted with a large jade wall featuring an ornately sketched dragon winding its way around a large luminescent pearl. The detail of this work of art is indicative of the wonderful theming to come once inside of the main dining area.
Featuring one large dining area divided by ornate wooden panels, Nine Dragons Restaurant is brimming with details and décor to welcome Guests. Dark wooden accents and molding are brightened by pops of jade on chairs and curved booths and traditional lanterns and glass chandeliers hang from above in bright colors.
There are so many examples of intricately carved wooden artwork scattered throughout the restaurant including designs on the panels and walls and traditional animal figures guarding the entrance to the dining room.
In addition to the calming and wonderful atmosphere inside, Guests can also be seated near large windows that offer views of the China Pavilion, World Showcase Promenade, and World Showcase Lagoon in the distance. This beautiful view paired with the dining experience at Nine Dragons Restaurant is one that Guests absolutely have to enjoy at one point.
Nine Dragons Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and features a limited menu of pan-Chinese cuisine that combines regional specialties including Szechuan, Mongolian, Hunan, Cantonese, and Kiangche. The menu for both meal periods is identical, and Guests are sure to find a flavorful and delicious item to enjoy.
Before digging into the food options, Guests can enjoy an array of beverages including traditional soft drinks and coffee as well as Chinese favorites. Those looking to try something unique should order the Shangri-La Slushy which blends strawberry and mango, Iced Green Tea, or Hot Jasmine Tea.
Nine Dragons Restaurant also features a menu of alcoholic beverages including sparkling, white, and red wine options, Jasmine Draft Beer, and Foo Draft Beer. Specialty cocktails are also available with options including the Ginger Zinger, South Seas Breeze, and Jade Beauty.
To begin any lunch or dinner at Nine Dragons Restaurant, Guests can peruse a menu of appetizers which are delicious as an individual serving or to share amongst the table. A comforting and hearty option that can only be found at the restaurant is the House Hot & Sour Soup which is warm, filling, and packed with flavor.
Other appetizer options include traditional Chicken Pot Stickers which are pan fried and served with soy sauce, Vegetable Spring Rolls with a sweet chili aioli, Crispy Duck Bao Buns, and Sichuan Chicken Dumplings. Also available is a side of Vegetable Egg Fried Rice which is a great enhancement to add to any entrée option.
The entrees at Nine Dragons Restaurant feature an array of proteins and spice levels, ensuring that there is something for every single Guest to enjoy. Some classic options that have been on the menu for some time include the Honey Sesame Chicken and the Canton Pepper Beef which are both served with a side of rice to round out the meal.
The Crispy Duck Fried Rice is a flavorful option that combines hearty and filling rice with perfectly crunchy bites of juicy duck making it a great option. Also packed with flavor are the Kowloon Spare Ribs which are prepared to perfection and so tender that they are falling off the bone.
Guests who are looking to enjoy seafood options at Nine Dragons Restaurant can dig into the Kung Pao Duo which pairs chicken and shrimp with peanuts. Also available is the Salt and Pepper Shrimp which is extremely flavorful and accompanied by spinach noodles.
Several menu options at Nine Dragons Restaurant pack a serious punch of heat and spice lovers will definitely want to try them. The Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken is a popular favorite as well as the Spicy Mala Happy Family which serves up a medley of beef, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables.
Guests who have dietary restrictions or are looking for a meatless meal at Nine Dragons Restaurant can order the Vegetable and Tofu Stir Fry which features a mix of fresh vegetables including broccoli, carrots, spinach, and more paired with a side of white rice.
Dessert can’t be missed at Nine Dragons Restaurant and a duo of ice cream options serve up unique flavors that Guests will definitely enjoy. The fruity Strawberry-Red Bean Ice Cream features a vibrant color and bright flavor and the Caramel-Ginger Ice Cream is the perfect combination of sweet and creamy caramel and spicy note from the ginger.
Also available for dessert is the Boba Blue Magic which is a part of the Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and tops house-made butterfly pea flower ice cream and blue lychee jelly with creamy milk cap, blueberry popping boba, toffee, and a fortune cookie.
Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase is a wonderful table service restaurant that perfectly combines a relaxing and elegant setting with pan-Chinese menu options brimming with flavor. It’s a great option for any lunch or dinner in EPCOT and Guests should be sure to dine there at least once!