When most Guests think of hearty and comforting Italian meals, their minds immediately jump to pasta, but risotto is a wonderful alternative that is filled with flavor, endlessly versatile, and nothing short of comfort on a plate. Risotto is a traditional northern Italian meal made with rice that is cooked in a flavorful broth until fluffy and delicious. While plain alone, risotto can be infused with amazing spices and ingredients to create unique meals inspired by cuisines from around the world. The Walt Disney World Resort is home to literally hundreds of dining locations for Guests to enjoy, including some popular spots that serve up unique risotto dishes. From traditional Italian flavors to lighter summer options and more, here are some of the best risotto dishes to enjoy at restaurants throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Risotto allo Zafferano e Capesante – Ravello
While not technically a Disney Resort, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is locate on property at the Walt Disney World Resort and is home to a fantastic eatery that combines modern sophistication with old world favorites. Ravello features a bright and airy dining room with elegant, modern décor featuring muted colors, metal accent walls, and bright pops of orange. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, the table service restaurant focuses on indulgent American options in the mornings and authentic Italian cuisine in the evenings. Ravello’s menu features several decadent pasta options in addition to the Risotto allo Zafferano e Capesante which tops a bed of fluffy saffron risotto with sea scallops and asparagus for an unforgettable dinner.
Tomato Risotto – The Hollywood Brown Derby
The Hollywood Brown Derby is a popular table service restaurant located at the end of Hollywood Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, across the courtyard from Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The restaurant is based on the iconic original in California and welcomes Guests into a dining space with classic art deco décor, unique details, and hundreds of caricature sketches of Hollywood’s elite on the walls. The lunch and dinner menus at The Hollywood Brown Derby focus on contemporary American cuisine, and Guests who are looking for a lighter, vegetarian option have a flavorful risotto to enjoy. The Tomato Risotto features a generous portion of fluffy risotto topped with eggplant fritters and pepper relish for added flavor and texture that Guests are sure to love.
Asparagus & Summer Truffle Risotto – Hollywood & Vine
Also found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Hollywood & Vine, a table service location in the Echo Lake area of the Disney Park that features a retro exterior and a name that pays homage to a famous intersection in California. Hollywood & Vine is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features a menu of American favorites that Guests can enjoy while meeting Disney Junior characters in the morning and Minnie and friends in seasonal costumes in the afternoons and evenings. Guests who dine at Hollywood & Vine for lunch and dinner can enjoy the plant-based Asparagus & Summer Truffle Risotto which combines sautéed green asparagus, sliced black truffle, plant-based Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and arugula.
Risotto Tomato – Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
Moving over to Disney Springs, many Guests love to enjoy a meal at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, a popular table service location in The Landing area. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant welcomes Guests into a lively Irish pub where musicians, Irish step dancers, and other performers keep the energy up throughout the day. The menu at the table service restaurant focuses on Irish pub favorites, all of which feature unique and cheeky names that are sure to make Guests chuckle. While there are plenty of heavier pub options to choose from, Guests looking for a lighter alternative can enjoy the Risotto Tomato, which tops a smoked tomato risotto with confit heirloom tomatoes, basil croutons, and Parmesan crisp, with the option of adding chicken or shrimp for an additional fee.
Spring Peas and Carrots Risotto – California Grill
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to some of the most popular table service restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort, including one that combines contemporary American cuisine with stunning views. California Grill is a table service restaurant located on the very top floor of the Disney Resort that features a modern and elegant décor that perfectly compliments floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. While soaking in the beautiful views (including an unforgettable vantage of the nightly fireworks over the Magic Kingdom), Guests can enjoy a dinner menu carefully crafted to help celebrate the Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary. The Spring Peas and Carrots is a plant-based option that features the chef’s garden heirloom carrots, English peas, green garlic, confit onion, and sweet carrot foam for a beautiful presentation that is almost too good to eat.
Risotto con Funghi – Il Mulino
The final risotto option that Guests should not miss out on at the Walt Disney World Resort can be found at Il Mulino, a table service restaurant found at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel. The restaurant features a modern and industrial dining room with exposed brick, large overhead lights that are reminiscent of factory lighting, and cozy seating that lends a level of intimacy. Open only for dinner each evening, Il Mulino features a menu of traditional Italian cuisine that is both hearty and packed with flavor. Guests looking for a delicious and fresh pasta option should absolutely try the Risotto con Funghi, which features traditional Arborio rice complimented by wild mushrooms and truffle oil.