Top 9 Meals at Walt Disney World

The following list is going to be controversial and chances are that you won’t agree with all of the choices on it. I apologize for that in advance. Since everyone has different tastes everyone is going to have different favorites. This list is a compilation of what many people think are the top meals at Walt Disney World. It is to give you an idea of what to try if you are looking for the best.

I have purposely not repeated types of food. You’ll only find one pasta dish, one burger, etc. Don’t limit yourself to the options here. These restaurants are well known for excellent food, if you see something you’d prefer on the menu give it a try. There are no family style or buffet restaurants listed so please don’t think that your favorite was slighted. I also stayed away from places that change their menus often.

I’ve included both counter service and full service restaurants to give the list more variety. Remember that you will want to make a reservation for full service, visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance.

9. 1/3 Pound Angus Bacon Burger, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland, counter service

When you arrive at Cosmic Ray’s head go to any of the 3 bays. Many people consider this burger the best counter service burger at Walt Disney World. While the burger itself is excellent, what makes it special is the toppings bar. You can add lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, sautéed or raw onions, cheese sauce and many other things. There are also the traditional condiments on the toppings bar. It turns your simple burger into a feast. All of the choices from Bay 2 include either french fries or apple slices. You can order regular fries, chili-cheese fries or strawberry yogurt there as well. Desserts include chocolate or carrot cake. You can also order cold drinks or hot beverages. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating but it can get crowded on busy days.

8. 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs, Flame Tree Barbeque

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island, counter service

Flame Tree Barbeque is a fan favorite because the food is fast, filling and delicious. There are other places at Walt Disney World where you can order excellent ribs but you will not end up with the same value. The ribs are served with cole slaw and baked beans, which are also exceptional. Additional sides include french fries or onion rings. Chocolate mousse or key lime pie can add the perfect finishing touch. Hot and cold beverages, as well as beer and wine, are also served. The restaurant gets crowded quickly so plan accordingly.

7. Sushi, California Grill

Disney’s Contemporary Resort, full service

While there are many places to get great sushi at Disney, what sets California Grill apart is the fact that they have sushi that anyone will be able to enjoy. They make sushi for those with a dairy allergy, a shellfish allergy, and a fish allergy. They also have sushi made without gluten, soy and eggs. Although it’s not listed on the menu they make vegetarian sushi as well, just ask your server. They have an extensive wine list and also serve incredible desserts. Remember to make your reservation to coincide with Wishes Nighttime Spectacular for a view that you will never forget.

6. Cobb Salad, Hollywood Brown Derby

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Boulevard, full service

If you’re in the mood for something simple and delicious, try “Our Famous Cobb Salad” at Hollywood Brown Derby. It can be ordered as an appetizer or an entrée. Chopped greens are served with bacon, egg, turkey breast, tomato, blue cheese, avocado and chives. The one of a kind Cobb dressing makes the salad special. If you decide to order the Cobb Salad as an appetizer then consider the American Bison or the Noodle Bowl for your entrée. Wine pairings are listed on the menu. Try the Grapefruit Cake for dessert, it’s another Hollywood Brown Derby original.

 

5. Penne alla Vodka, Momma Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Backlot, full service

One thing is sure if you eat at Momma Melrose’s, you won’t walk away hungry! The Penne alla Vodka is a favorite of many. Penne pasta is served with pancetta (an Italian bacon) and onion, along with cream, vodka and a tomato basil sauce. It’s a delicious combination that you won’t soon forget. Try the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale along with it. Momma Melrose’s also has great appetizers such as Crispy Calamari or Fresh Mozzarella and Vine-ripened Tomatoes. Tiramisu Semifreddo or Chocolate Cannoli Cake make the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.

4. Crispy Pork Scnitzel, The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck

Disney Springs, full service

The Wolfgang Puck choices can be a bit confusing at Disney Springs. Wolfgang Puck Express, with two locations, is counter service. Wolfgang Puck Café is a chic, informal full service restaurant. The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck is more intimate and romantic. That is where you will find the Crispy Pork Scnitzel. It’s one of the famous chef’s signature entrées. It’s a simple dish; marinated cherry tomatoes, austrian potato salad, and grain mustard sauce. It’s unique and delicious. Make sure you start your meal with a bowl of Butternut Squash Soup. The Five Layer Chocolate Cake is the perfect ending to your meal.

3. Tonga Toast, Kona Café

Disney’s Polynesian Resort, full service

If you are surprised to find a breakfast item on this list you obviously have not tasted the Tonga Toast at Kona Café. It is simply amazing. They start with sourdough bread and stuff it with bananas. It is then rolled cinnamon and sugar. Strawberry compote is served on the side, you’ll want to use every drop. You also get your choice of bacon, ham or sausage. It is a breakfast that will fill you up and get you ready for a fun day in the theme parks.

2. Build Your Own Pizza, Via Napoli

Epcot, World Showcase, Italy Pavilion, full service

If you ask ten people where the best pizza at Walt Disney World can be found nine of them will say Via Napoli and the tenth will not have eaten there yet. It is that good. They’re made with flour that’s been imported from Naples and hand made mozzarella and they’re cooked in wood fired ovens. Pizza is a very personal thing for some people so you can create your own or order one of their specialties. The “normal” toppings of pepperoni, mushrooms, and anchovies are all available, or you could add artichokes or zucchini. Pizzas can be ordered individual sized, large for 2-3 people, or “Mezzo Metro”, which will serve 3-5. Beer, wine and signature drinks can accent your pie. If you have room for dessert try the Tiramisu or the Zeppole di Caterina, which are cheese fritters served with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

1. Le Cellier Filet Mignon, Le Cellier Steakhouse

Epcot, World Showcase, Canada Pavilion, full service

No matter what you order at Le Cellier Steakhouse you will love it. Fans of the place will tell you that they have the best steak at Walt Disney World. The Le Cellier Filet Mignon is cooked to perfection and served with a Mushroom Risotto, Asparagus-Tomato Relish, and Truffle-Butter Sauce. A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon will go nicely with your meal. Finish your evening with their famous Maple Crème Brulee and a cup of Canadian Coffee. Make your reservation early, this is one of the most popular places to eat at Walt Disney World.