The Best Disney Springs Restaurants For Any Situation

Frequent readers of this blog know I love Disney Springs! Even though I am a fan of all of Disney World, I find Disney Springs to be a simple escape from the real world that requires less planning than the theme parks. The food here is amazing too! Because of this, I wanted to share with you what I think the best Disney Springs restaurants are for no matter what mood you are in.

Some may think that Disney Springs is only filled with expensive and time-consuming eateries, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! I will break down options for those on a budget, with dietary restrictions, time constraints or any other situation. This post is broken down by type of restaurant and within each type, I will rank the best.

I tried to write a review for every Disney Springs restaurant before posting, but that has proved to be harder than expected. Of the 53 Disney Springs eateries, I have visited 38 and wrote blog posts about 17 of them. I will continue to try and blog about all of them and update this when I do. In the meantime, the ones I have blogged about have links with the review attached if you want to read more about them. With so many options, it can be hard for even me to choose a place to dine at Disney Springs, so I hope this guide helps you figure out the Best Disney Springs Restaurants for your experience!

disney springs restaurant guide

The Food Stands of Disney Springs

  • 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck
  • YeSake
  • The Daily Poutine
  • B.B. Wolf’s
  • The Basket at Wine Bar George
  • Morimoto Asia Street Food
  • House of Blues: The Smokehouse
  • Disney Springs Food Trucks

The craziest thing about Disney Springs is that they have tons of sit-down restaurants and still some nights, you can’t get seated at any! This is where the food stands come in. This list includes outdoor only kiosks with limited menus. They kind of remind me of the booths at Epcot and you can even do your own mini Food and Wine Festival here if you plan it right!

I have been to almost all of these food stands and it is hard for me to choose a favorite. 4R Cantina and Yesake are my two tops. They are both very affordable options with customizable meals. 4R Cantina makes the best tacos in Disney World and Yesake is one of the few places you get a poke bowl. Vegetarians will find the most options at Yesake, thanks to the customizable aspect as well.

I also love the Daily Poutine and BB Wolf’s Sausage Company. The poutine spot serves bowls of a bunch of different poutine combinations. These are delicious and a ton of food the price of $10.  B.B. Wolf’s has a variety of hot dogs and sausages, some with crazy toppings. I don’t go here often because I can get very delicious hotdog creations at Mustard’s Last Stand in Melbourne, but when I have, I’ve been impressed.

I haven’t been to The Basket yet, but it has a menu full of yummy sounding sandwiches. If it’s anything like Wine Bar George, it’s sure to be good! Morimoto Asia Street Food has a small selection of ramen, sushi and small bites for those looking for a cheaper option to the full restaurant experience.

The last two are lackluster options in my opinion. I went to the Smokehouse a while ago and had very average barbecue nachos, nothing compared to some of the restaurants. And lastly the Disney Springs food trucks menus are constantly changing. I’ve never been blown away by anything here, but if you have a big group with different tastes, it might be worth a stop, especially for the Mac and Cheese truck.

disney springs food stands

Restaurants for Drinks and Snacks

  • Wine Bar George
  • Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
  • The Edison
  • CityWorks Eatery & Pour House
  • Coca Cola Store Rooftop Bar
  • Starbucks West Side

This category is options that are ideal for drinks and some light food if you are hungry. The nice thing about these options is that there isn’t an expectation to order food. Wine Bar George is obviously the top choice. They have a stellar wine list and also some awesome beer and cocktail options as well! If you do want to eat, the small plates menu is perfect! There are a lot of cheesy items good for vegetarians, although not much for vegans.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar is another favorite of mine. This has a slightly better atmosphere than Wine Bar George, but it can be hard to get a seat. The snacks here are all pretty good, but Wine Bar George has higher quality ones and more drink options.

The Edison was hard to fit into a category. I have only ever had drinks here and no food, so this seemed the most fitting, even though they have a full menu. However, there are so many better places to eat at Disney Springs that I wouldn’t buy a full meal here. The Edison is ideal to come late at night and see the burlesque-style dancers!

Lastly there’s CityWorks, the Coca Cola bar and surprisingly a Starbucks. CityWorks has the best craft beer selection in all of Disney Springs and some decent, yet mediocre, food to go along with it. The Coca Cola bar is on the roof so it has cool views, but kind of boring drinks. The Starbucks on the west side actually has wine and beer and some small plates, but it is still just a Starbucks.

disney springs drinks and snacks

Cheap Disney Springs Restaurants

  • Chicken Guy!
  • Earl of Sandwich
  • Blaze Pizza

There are so many quick service restaurants, it was hard to rank them all! So, I split it into two categories. This list is places to go if you want a simple, cheap meal. This is the list for if you are tired of spending so much at Disney World and just want something affordable.

The OG is Earl of Sandwich. Back when it was Downtown Disney, this was the crown jewel and I almost always went there. It’s fallen far since, but the sandwiches are still excellent for the price and at least the lines shorter now.

Blaze and Chicken Guy are both chains you can find in the rest of the world. If you don’t have one near you, they are nice for a quick meal. With the exception of Chicken Guy, all of these are good options for vegetarians. Blaze Pizza definitely has the most modifications available for any diet though.
cheap disney springs

The Best Restaurants for Counter Service

  • The Polite Pig
  • D-Luxe Burger
  • Cookes of Dublin
  • Pizza Ponte
  • Pepe by Jose Andres

I separated out the unique to Disney Springs Quick Service spots because they are more of an experience. This is more for if you don’t have a reservation, but still want a unique Disney World dinner. They are also a little more expensive than you might expect for a non-sit down. Lines can also be long for a few of these, but I find it to be worth it.

The Polite Pig is my favorite option as it serves the best barbecue in Disney World and even some non-barbecue options. It also has an excellent bar selection of craft cocktails and beer. D-Luxe Burger comes in second as they have a variety of burger toppings and patties made with a high-quality blend of meats.

Cookes of Dublin is the quick service version of Raglan Road and serves typical pub food. I have thought about going here on several occasions, but couldn’t resist the real Raglan Road. The menu is similar, and this is a good option if you want Irish food and don’t have a reservation.

Pizza Ponte is a New York style pizza place that serves pizza by the slice, as well as sandwiches. This is probably the best for vegetarians on this list because of the many pizzas without meat toppings. Lastly Pepe’s is the quick service version of Jaleo. I haven’t been here yet, but reviews say the portions are pretty small and the prices are expensive, so don’t rush to this one.

counter serve disney springs

The All-Around Best Disney Springs Restaurants

  • The BOATHOUSE
  • Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
  • Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant
  • Frontera Cocina
  • Enzo’s Hideaway

This group is the best of the best Disney Springs restaurants. You can’t go wrong with any of these five restaurants. They all have options at varying prices and require a reservation most nights.

The BOATHOUSE is a longtime favorite of mine. This Disney Springs restaurant has a variety of seafood and American food served in a nautical atmosphere. I love that you can have a splurge meal here or just go for a sandwich and drinks.

Homecomin’ is a southern style restaurant with a Florida twist, that’s impossible not to love. They have a variety of cocktails, delectable fried chicken and many other guilty pleasures.

Raglan Road has been a staple since Downtown Disney transformed to Disney Springs. This is an Irish pub that has long waits every night. The food is excellent though and the entertainment is so much fun.

The next two are a bit underrated, but I’ve still only had great experiences at them and they round out the list nicely. If you are in mood for Mexican food and margaritas, check out Frontera Cocina. For Italian food in a relaxed setting, Enzo’s Hideaway is the place to go. These two have more vegetarian options than the other three as well. Regardless, if you can get a reservation, these are the five Best Disney Springs restaurants for a sit-down meal.

top 5 disney springs

Restaurants for Date Nights

  • Morimoto Asia
  • Jaleo
  • Paddlefish
  • Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
  • STK Orlando

I’m sure people are wondering how I left the beloved Morimoto off the last list, but I saved a few of the best Disney Springs restaurants for the Date Night list. These are the upscale restaurants that I think are best for adult only experiences. They all have kids’ menus, but I can’t see kids enjoying them as much as others restaurants on the list. These five spots are all considered Signature Restaurants on the Disney Dining Plan as well.

Morimoto is definitely the best splurge spot and has a unique pan-Asian menu. After visiting Jaleo for the first time, it also earned a spot on this list. Since its tapas, it’s ideal for a group of adults. Jaleo probably has the most options for vegetarians including paella, cheese plates and many veggie tapas, but there is meat hanging from the walls, which can be an issue for some.

Paddlefish rivals the Boathouse, but is so much more expensive. This is ideal for a seafood dinner splurge. We loved our romantic dinner at Wolfgang Puck as well. It is a relaxed restaurant with elevated Californian cuisine. STK Orlando has mixed reviews, and my experience has been mixed as well. We thought it was a decent place to eat during Magical Dining Month. However, the quality I received at this had a hard time justifying its usual prices. The rooftop is an amazing spot to grab a drink though!

When dining at any of these five spots, make sure to get a reservation and check the dress code. Expect to spend at least $100 per couple, unless you are just going for a drink and appetizers. These restaurants are expensive, but you will definitely have a memorable meal at them!

date night disney springs

Restaurants for Families

  • Splitsville
  • T-REX
  • Mario & Enzo’s Trattoria
  • House of Blues: Crossroads

I decided to add one more category that caters more towards families and large groups. Most of the best of the best restaurants are good for families as well, but these four Disney Springs restaurants have less of an adult atmosphere.

Splitsville is a restaurant that really works for so many situations from date nights to drinks and snacks, but I have found it to be especially good for larger groups. The menu includes everything from sushi to pizza to taco bowls, so there is something for everyone, including vegetarians. You can also go bowling, or for a cheaper experience, play a game of pool!

T-Rex is obviously a favorite for the kids, as there are animatronic dinosaurs throughout the restaurant. It’s a very unique experience if you can get a reservation. I haven’t been, but I hear the food is a lot better than you would expect and there is a variety of American style options.

Mario and Enzo’s is similar in a lot of ways to Enzo’s Hideaway, but it is in a bigger airier space and a more varied menu. Enzo’s is my preferred spot for Italian food, however, Mario and Enzo’s has more classic options. Lastly, House of Blues was a family favorite of mine for years before all the new Disney Springs restaurants showed up. They have a variety of barbecue, burgers and Cajun cuisine that will please most!

family restaurants disney springs

Disney Springs Restaurants to Avoid

  • Rainforest Café
  • Plant Hollywood Observatory
  • Paradiso 37
  • Terralina Crafted Italian

I feel bad singling out four Disney Springs restaurants that I recommend avoiding, but I feel it has to be mentioned. It is mainly my opinion and if you love any of these options, feel free to tell me in the comments. However, these are the least appealing Disney Springs restaurants to me.

First is Rainforest Café, a spot I loved as a child in the nineties. It does not seem to have changed much since then, and the menu looks way less appetizing than the similar T-Rex restaurant. I think the animatronics chimpanzees and fake thunderstorms could use an upgrade too!

This may be controversial, but I do not recommend Planet Hollywood Observatory. This recently got a Guy Fieri refresh, but it seems to mainly consist of giant, overpriced burgers and shakes. I would have considered putting it on the family list, but I hear the kid’s meals are very overpriced as well. Between this and an atmosphere consisting of large TV screens, there are better places to have a meal at Disney Springs!

Lastly Paradiso 37 and Terralina are just too lackluster to recommend. I have been to Paradiso 37 a bunch, and while they have good margarita deals, they aren’t nearly as flavorful as most drinks around Disney Springs. The food has never been a hit with me either. I have never visited Terralina, mainly because poor reviews I always see for it and boring menu can never justify a visit. Everyone has different taste, so feel free to give these a try, but I wouldn’t recommend any of these four!

restaurants to avoid

Dessert Spots at Disney Springs

  • Amorette’s Patisserie
  • The Ganachery Chocolate Shoppe
  • Sprinkles Bakery
  • Vivoli il Gelato
  • Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC
  • Ghirardeli Soda Fountain
  • Wolfgang Puck Gelato
  • Sunshine Churros
  • Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company
  • Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
  • Gideon’s Bakehouse

There are so many dessert spots at Disney Springs that it can be so difficult to choose! I rarely order dessert at any of the restaurants above because I know there are too many delicious options outside to pass up. If you walk around a bit after dinner, you can usually make room!

Everyone’s favorite is Amorette’s, as this is the cutest little Disney bakery with Instagrammable treats. I love the little tarts, especially the Key Lime Pie one, but there are also cakes, crepes and macaroons.

My other favorite options are The Ganachery and Sprinkles. The Ganachery offers handmade truffles and smores, and Sprinkles is the famous spot for cupcakes. I love both because they are easy to take home and enjoy later!

For a cold treat, Vivoli il Gelato, Ghirardeli and Wolfgang Puck Gelato are all excellent options. Both Vivoli and Wolfgang both have a lot of flavors and fresh waffle cones! I love Ghiradeli’s ice cream, but the line is often long here.

Erin McKenna’s bakery has tons of cakes, cookies and more and everything is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan! If you prefer a more classic dessert, Susnhine Churros has these crispy treats in a variety of flavors. Two new options include Gideon’s Bakehosue which features Orlando’s best cookies and  Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, Lastly Joffrey’s has some baked goods and cocktails made with tea! This list doesn’t even include all the candy options at Goofy’s Candy Company. There’s pretty much every dessert imaginable to be found at Disney Springs, so those with sweet tooth’s will be satisfied.

disney springs dessert

Know Before You Go: The Best Disney Springs Restaurants

Whether you are coming to Disney Springs for an extravagant meal or a quick bite, I hope this helps you narrow down your choices! One thing for sure is I have never left here hungry! With so many Disney Springs restaurants to choose from, I definitely think there is something for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your visit.

  • Disney Springs is currently open from 10 AM to 11 PM each day, although hours change throughout the year. Restaurant opening times vary, so be sure to check their website ahead of time.
  • I recommend making a reservation for a meal at any of the sit-down restaurants. You can make one up to 180 days in advance at this website or by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE.
  • Parking and admission is free at Disney Springs and you can park in either the Lime or Orange garage.
  • Some restaurants do have dress codes, although they are not very strict, so make sure you check if you plan to dine at a signature restaurant.
  • If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, current restaurant tiers for Disney springs can be found here.
  • In addition to restaurants, Disney Springs also has countless stores and live entertainment. You can also purchase experiences like a hot air balloon ride, bowling, a virtual reality game, or a Cirque Du Soleil show.
  • If you are staying on Disney World property, you can take a bus to any hotel from here or the boat from Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans and Old Key West.
  • Every September, many Disney Springs restaurants participate in Magical Dining Month where you can get a prix fixe menu for $35. Find out which ones are participating in this post!
disney springs best restaurants

What’s your favorite Disney Springs restaurant? I could never choose just one! For more ideas of places to eat in the area, check out my Orlando restaurant guide!