Disney for Adults: Top Restaurants for an Enchanted Evening

When planning a trip to Disney World, one of the first things you need to figure out is what restaurants to dine at. To avoid settling for overpriced chicken fingers and hot dogs, it’s crucial to plan your meals in advance. This guide highlights the finest restaurants at Disney World that cater specifically to adults, ensuring you can enjoy more sophisticated dining options during your visit.

In addition to choosing where you would like to eat, you will also need to make a reservation months ahead. For adults planning a vacation, this is vital, as the most popular spots run out of availability fast. I will make this easy by walking you through the premier dining locations within each theme park and across the resort, helping you determine where to reserve your table for a truly memorable experience.

Resort Restaurants (Outside the Theme Parks)

First things first, there is more to Disney World than just the theme parks. I often recommend adult vacationers make a point of visiting the resorts outside the theme parks for meals. These are usually a short walk or bus ride away and offer a better experience for a lower price. Keep these eateries in mind for when you want a relaxed place to eat.

1. Roaring Fork

• Price Range: Affordable ($20 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Rustic Cabin
• Cuisine: Homestyle Comfort Food

I will start with the best counter-service restaurant on the property! Roaring Fork at the Wilderness Lodge has a wide variety of tasty dishes for less than $20. This includes potato hash and Mickey waffles for breakfast and barbecue brisket and burgers for dinner.

I recommend coming here early for breakfast before Magic Kingdom rope drop. Conversely, you could take the boat ride from Magic Kingdom here for a relaxing lunch or dinner. It’s also a great opportunity to explore this gorgeous national park-inspired resort. Roaring Fork is my number one recommendation for an affordable gem that grown-ups can enjoy.

2. Trattoria al Forno

• Price Range: Moderate ($35 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Tuscany Style Kitchen
• Cuisine: Italian

Next up, I highly recommend heading to the Boardwalk for the finest Italian restaurant at the resort. This spot offers a lovely atmosphere and an ambitious menu with most entrees under $30. The portions are huge too, so couples can split the lasagna and a salad and be full!

Trattoria Al Forno is a quick walk from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can also take a boat or gondola from multiple locations. I recommend having dinner here and if you are hungry enough, be sure to order the delectable arancini!!

3. Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

• Price Range: Splurge ($35+ per person)
• Atmosphere: Rooftop Restaurant with Spanish Vibe
• Cuisine: Tapas

For outstanding tapas, Toledo at Coronado Springs is a must-visit. This beautifully appointed rooftop restaurant has a diverse menu and stunning views. Though the charcuterie board is my favorite thing to order, I also find the steak to be on par with any fancy steakhouse in Orlando.

This restaurant is a bit more challenging to get to and you will most likely have to drive or take a bus from the parks. But it is a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Between the wine list, flavorful cuisine, and surrealist art-style atmosphere, I think this is just the restaurant duos looking for a date night will love.

4. Jiko – The Cooking Place

• Price Range: Splurge ($35+ per person)
• Atmosphere: Cozy, yet Exotic Dining Room
• Cuisine: Fine Dining with an African Twist

Though I love those three options, the crème de la crème of WDW dining is Jiko – The Cooking Place. The menu is both ambitious and traditional and has flavors for all!

If you eat steak, the oak-grilled filet mignon with one of the exquisite sides like the peri peri prawns is irresistible. However, vegans will also love the artfully prepared injera basket. This restaurant even boasts a dedicated staff and we really felt doted upon. For my birthday, we even got our own private wine tasting during the mal!

Located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, this restaurant can also be difficult to get to. You need to take a bus or drive there. However, it is so worth it for anyone wanting an upscale dinner. You can make it an even more unforgettable evening by getting there early and seeing the giraffes on the savannah!

Magic Kingdom

It’s hard to resist the siren song of the Magic Kingdom when visiting Disney World. Being the original park, this theme park offers classic rides and a spectacular fireworks show. Unfortunately, it has the worst dining options for both food quality and price. If you don’t feel like leaving the parks during your day at the Magic Kingdom, I recommend adults check out these restaurants.

5. Columbia Harbour House

• Price Range: Affordable ($20 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Colonial Eatery
• Cuisine: New England Style Fast Food

For a quick lunch, the Columbia Harbour House is my go-to. This restaurant has more fresh food options than other counter-service spots and most are less than $15 per entree. If you like seafood, the shrimp boil and the lobster rolls are actually quite tasty.

This is located between Peter Pan’s Flight and the Haunted Mansion so you can conveniently eat here before or after riding the mountains of Frontierland (aka some of the best Magic Kingdom rides for adults). Since it is a quick-service restaurant, you cannot make a reservation but try and go before 11:30 or after 1 PM to wait in less of a line.

6. Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen

• Price Range: Moderate ($35 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Themed Restaurant with South Asian Style
• Cuisine: Tropical Fusion

As far as sit-down restaurants at the Magic Kingdom go, the only one worth it for adults visiting without kids is the Skipper Canteen. This is located in Adventureland and has a quirky explorer theme that goes along with the Jungle Cruise. Fans of the attraction will adore the hidden references and foodies will appreciate the intricate menu.

This is one of the few places in the park to get adventurous cuisine like crispy pork Dan Dan Noodles and curried vegetable stew. They also offer more traditional offerings like hanger steak or fried chicken. No matter what you are in the mood for, this restaurant has plenty of fresh options at a more reasonable price than dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table or Crystal Palace.

Epcot

For adults vacationing, Epcot is a can’t-miss park, and not only for drinking around the world. The park boasts a top-tier dining scene, informative and thrilling rides, and interesting shows. Though many opt for trying the different festival dishes instead of sitting down to eat, I like to plan at least one meal for the day to rest and get out of the sun. Here are my picks for adults looking to dine at Epcot.

7. Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

• Price Range: Affordable ($20 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Parisian Cafe
• Cuisine: French Bakery

Pretty much everyone, young and old, will love Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, but I especially think adults will appreciate the options. This French bakery is tucked away in the back of the pavilion and has delicious sandwiches, snacks, and desserts to try any time of day.

Some top picks include the jamon beurre sandwich, the vegetarian brie au pommes sandwich, the lobster bisque, and the bacon and cheese roll. Those are just the savory options though and sweet tooths will rejoice with all the bakery treats to try. This is one of those Epcot finds that really does transport you to a different place, so be sure to stop by, even if it’s just for a croissant.

8. Le Cellier Steakhouse

• Price Range: Splurge ($35+ per person)
• Atmosphere: Canadian Chateau
• Cuisine: Refined Steakhouse

I don’t often splurge for steak dinner at Epcot with all the snacking to choose from but when I do, Le Cellier is at the top of my list. This is one spot you will need to secure a reservation for as early as possible. It is located right in Canada at the start of the World Showcase, but its location feels like a cozy cellar in Montreal.

The highlights here are definitely the steak with options like the ribeye with onion-cognac gravy being a hit.  However, most will be enchanted by the cheddar cheese soup and pretzel bread alone! With entrees being at least $45, it’s a splurge, but after a romantic day in Epcot, I can’t imagine a better place to dine!

Hollywood Studios

The focus of Disney’s Hollywood Studios tends to be more on the rides than the food, but that is not to say there are not some gems for dining. This park is all about transporting you into the world of movie-making so that you will feel like you are on a set or inside a fictional world itself. I would avoid most of the quick services here except for the one below and plan to dine at a sit-down restaurant for dinner.

9. Docking Bay 7

• Price Range: Affordable ($20 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Star Wars Themed Cafeteria
• Cuisine: Unique Fast Food

Star Wars fans can finally dine in a different galaxy with the addition of Docking Bay 7 at Hollywood Studios. This is space space-themed quick service restaurant with fast food-type meals with a creative twist. Expect to find options like beef stir fry or tuna poke with some interesting takes on shapes and garnishes.

Everything on the menu is under $20 and you get the added bonus of the Star Wars atmosphere. Adults can also try themed cocktails like the dragon berry rum Takonda quencher. Do not expect an intimate atmosphere by any means, but it is an unforgettable place for lunch or dinner.

10. Hollywood Brown Derby

• Price Range: Splurge ($35+ per person)
• Atmosphere: Old Hollywood
• Cuisine: Classic Californian

For a more traditional sit-down experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I recommend the Hollywood Brown Derby. This spot has an old California vibe with a vintage feel and a simple, yet satisfying menu. It is one of the easier options for getting a reservation, and there is usually room for walk-ups at the bar as well.

I find it to be one of the more reasonable signature restaurants with the Famous Cobb Salad being just as filling of an entrée at $22 as the Braised Short Rib at $41. Between excellent food and fun drink choices like a margarita flight, it’s perfect for a chill night after a day of rides and shows!

Animal Kingdom

My favorite Disney theme park for both rides and atmosphere is Animal Kingdom. Not surprisingly, the food here also outshines the rest of the parks. There are tons of food stands around always experimenting with different offerings and a few must-visit bars. If you plan to only spend one day here, these are the two eateries I recommend for adults, for lunch and dinner respectively.

11. Satu’li Canteen

• Price Range: Affordable ($20 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Avatar-themed cafeteria
• Cuisine: Healthy Fast Food

First up for Animal Kingdom, Satu’li Canteen might seem like an odd choice with its Avatar-meets-army mess hall theme, but the food makes up for any strangeness with the theme. This is one of my most recommended quick-service Disney options, especially for adults, because there are healthy and eccentric dishes. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and mainly serves grain bowls.

They offer different variations of grilled beef, chicken, tofu, or shrimp bowls with a tasty base of veggies, rice, and toppings. There are also a few snacks, like bao buns and cakes, but I would plan to come here for a fresh and filling lunch. The bowls hover around $15, but the ingredients are very high quality and unexpected for a cafeteria.

12. Tiffin’s

• Price Range: Splurge ($35+ per person)
• Atmosphere: Upscale Explorers Club
• Cuisine: International Dining

Lastly, if you want an upscale bite at Animal Kingdom and don’t feel like driving to the nearby lodge, Tiffin’s is a fabulous option. This is a hidden gem, as it could compete with fine dining spots in the real world. The menu features a variety of different African and Asian cuisines and the restaurant has an explorer vibe to it.

The entrees are very impressive with options like braai-spiced veal with ruffle polenta and Chermoula-marinated ofu. Drinks are another high point with a number of cocktails and African wines to choose from, and even a loose-leaf tea menu. If you do not plan to eat here for lunch or dinner, at the very least come to the lounge for a luxurious midday break and unwind with a drink on the patio!

Disney Springs

If you are taking an adult’s trip to Disney World, you definitely need to spend an evening at Disney Springs. This is an immersive shopping and dining district with all sorts of cool restaurants, bars, and stores. Each place is specially themed, and the food is much better here than inside the theme parks.

The following three establishments are my go-to for adults dining at Disney Springs, however, it’s hard to go wrong here. These three are easier to get a reservation at and often take walk-ups. So, if you are struggling to get into any of the theme park restaurants listed above, head to Disney Springs and try one of these!

13. Polite Pig

• Price Range: Affordable ($20 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Rustic Kitchen
• Cuisine: Barbecue

Both delicious and fast, The Polite Pig is a counter-service smokehouse restaurant. A couple can easily share a platter with the meat of their choice and a few sides (or a selection of savory sides for vegans!) for less than $30 total. They also have tasty cocktails and indoor and outdoor seating.

14. Wine Bar George

• Price Range: Moderate ($35 per person or less)
• Atmosphere: Napa Valley Casual
• Cuisine: Upscale Bar Food

Of all the restaurants at Disney Springs, Wine Bar George is the one I have visited most. This restaurant never gets old! In addition to its amazing wine selection, it also has some savory shareables, like fried mac and cheese balls that I can’t resist.

This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, but if you visit on the weekend, I recommend going for brunch. I have tried almost all the entrees and they are incredible, especially the burrata avocado toast and the sausage biscuits and gravy. You can even get a dole whip mimosa slushie, which is truly the best way to start your day!

15. Jaleo

• Price Range: Splurge ($35+ per person)
• Atmosphere: Modern Spanish Kitchen
• Cuisine: Tapas

Lastly, I have to recommend Jaleo for an adult dinner at Disney Springs. With such a sophisticated menu, families may struggle to eat here but it is perfect for adults dining without kids. Jose Andres has outdone himself with this spectacular tapas restaurant.

This is the closest I have found to dining in Barcelona inside the United States, with authentic dishes like gambas a la zahara and cebolla asada. You can either order a couple of entrees or go all out with small plates galore. Regardless, it is an authentic experience, worth spending at least an hour at for foodies.

Know Before You Go

Whether you are planning a romantic Disney World getaway with your spouse or a fun vacation with your friends, there are so many fantastic places to eat to include in your itinerary. I hope this guide helped you pick a few places to ensure you have a magical AND delicious time. Before you go, here are a few tips to keep in mind for dining during your trip.

• I recommend making a reservation for any of the sit-down restaurants. You can make one up to 60 days in advance at this website or by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE to make reservations
• For places with hard-to-get reservations, you can always try day-up walk-ups. Groups of two that can sit at the bar can usually be accommodated in a timely fashion.
• Some restaurants do have dress codes, although they are not very strict. If you are dining at any of the “Splurge” category restaurants, check to see what the dress code is ahead of time.
• Disney World is a bubble and with that comes inflated prices! Expect to spend at least $15 per person for quick-service meals and at least $30 per person for sit-down meals.
• If you are taking an adult-only trip, make sure to find out the best rides to prioritize here!
• For those looking for hotel options, here are my picks for the best Disney World hotels for adults to stay at.

I hope this guide helped you decide which restaurants to prioritize at Disney World! If you need help planning a trip, I am partnered with Kelly’s Magical Vacations and highly recommend her services. Find out more here!

For more tips on where to eat in Orlando, be sure to check out my dining guides to the Best Orlando Restaurants and my favorite date night spots in Orlando.