With a variety of hotels at Walt Disney World, there are an outstanding amount of restaurants to enjoy on each property. They vary in theming and cuisine, but each resort has that one go-to restaurant that outshines the rest.
Here is my "unofficial list" of the best places you can eat at each Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Art of Animation: Landscape of Flavors
Granted this is the only restaurant at the Art of Animation, but out of all the value resort food courts, Landscape of Flavors is the most aesthetically pleasing. Its theme colorfully follows the animated movies the hotel is based around. The food item to get here is the Gluten-Free Waffles. They are wonderfully crunchy on the outside and have a warm, soft inside. Plus, each one features your favorite Disney characters.
All-Star Resorts: World Premiere Food Court
There are actually three different All-Star Resorts at Walt Disney World, and each one has a food court as the main restaurant for the hotel. Since all the hotels are pretty much in the same area, the best out of the three is World Premiere. It features a retro-movie theme, and serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more.
(#Spoon Tip: This is also the only restaurant out of the three where you can get the All-Star secret menu. Just ask a cast member behind the counter and they will give you a viewfinder (yes, a viewfinder) with the menu on the insider. The three items to choose from are the Poutine with Gravy and Cheese Curds, Bacon Mac and Cheese Dog, and Cinnamon Bun and Candied Bacon Cheeseburger.)
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Jiko - The Cooking Place
Jiko is one of over fifteen signature dining locations at Walt Disney World. At these restaurants, you can expect the fine dining experience with a Disney flair. Located near the Animal Kingdom Lodge's savanna, Jiko serves gourmet African cuisine with Mediterranean, Indian, and European influences. They also have one of the most expansive South African wine lists in the United States.
Beach Club: Cape May Cafe
If you're looking to meet your favorite Disney characters while enjoying amazing food, then Cape May Cafe is the place to go. (This experience is only available in the mornings.) For steak and seafood fans, the rest of the day features the restaurant's famous New England Clam Bake Dinner. Expect to dine on steamed clams, mussels, BBQ ribs, corn-on-the-cob, and much more.
BoardWalk: Flying Fish
As probably assumed from its name, the Flying Fish serves signature seafood dishes. It offers a vibrant atmosphere and an open, interactive kitchen. Flying Fish also had a major refurb in 2016, now featuring dishes with more of a focus on freshness and sustainability (which is something we can all get behind). Some of the famous menu items to try are the Ocean’s Bounty Sustainable Fish and Wagyu Filet Mignon.
Caribbean Beach: Spyglass Grill
Spyglass Grill is a simple, yet delicious, place to eat when staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. It is great for grab-and-go items, however, they do still offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner for those who want to sit outside and enjoy the Florida sunshine. Spyglasses' menu features American cuisine with a Caribbean twist.
The Contemporary: California Grill
If you have ever wondered was was on the very top of The Contemporary, it is their signature restaurant, California Grill. Because of its unique location, the only way you can get there is by a special, escorted elevator that will take you to the highest floor. The overall theme is a simple, yet elegant, atmosphere. Guests can enjoy views from Epcot to the Magic Kingdom while enjoying a gourmet American cuisine.
(#Spoon Tip: For dinner, try and snag a late reservation that occurs about 30-40 minutes before the fireworks start. You can enjoy your meal then head over to the observation deck to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks before dessert.)
Coronado Springs: Maya Grill
Coronado Springs is centered around a Mexican theme, and the restaurants at the resort follow suit. Maya Grill is the paramount eatery at Coronado Springs and features a variety of authentic Mexican dishes. They are also well known for their margaritas.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Trail's End Restaurant
Trail's End Restaurant is one of the best buffets on Walt Disney World property. They are also known for being fairly inexpensive to dine at. Trail's End gives off a warm, cozy vibe as the theme is a homey lodge. Like a home you could only dream of, they serve unlimited American comfort food. Overal, it is a great place to indulge and rewind without breaking the bank.
The Grand Floridian: Victoria & Albert's
The Grand Floridian features amazing signature dining restaurants such as Citricos and Narcoossee's. However, nothing compares to Victoria & Albert's. It is hands down the most exclusive restaurant on Walt Disney World property and certainly the most expensive (menus can cost upwards of $185). But as hard as it is to get a reservation and can be quite pricey, Victoria & Albert's is certainly worth the cost. They are known to serve the best American and world cuisine out of any restaurant on Walt Disney World property.
Old Key West: Olivia's Cafe
Located at the quaint Old Key West resort, you can find Olivia's Cafe. The restaurant has a cute, beachy atmosphere nodding to the Florida Keys. Olivia's serves classic American cuisine that is full of tropical flavor. Fan favorites include the Mallory Square Cobb Salad (pictured above), Banana Bread French Toast, and Conch Chowder. Also, make sure you save room for dessert as the Key Lime Tart is a definite must.
The Polynesian: 'Ohana
'Ohana is an extremely popular dining destination at the Walt Disney World resort. In keeping with the resorts fun atmosphere, the restaurant features live entertainment during breakfast and dinner (Polynesian-themed character meet-and-greets in the morning and singing musicians who play the ukulele in the evening). One of the stand out features of 'Ohana is the delicious Polynesian food that is served endlessly right from your table. They are known for their great meat selections as well.
Pop Century: Everything Pop
Like the Art of Animation, Pop Century only has one restaurant on its property, and that's Everything Pop. However, it is a great place if you want to sit down and enjoy a simple meal or need something to grab and go before heading to the parks. Everything Pop serves, well almost everything, with their five stations: Bakery, Grab 'n' Go Market, Grill, Ethnic, and Pasta/Pizza.
Port Orleans French Quarter: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is a food court inside of Port Orleans French Quarter that serves American food with a New Orleans twist. The atmosphere is best described as fun and open. And when in New Orleans (or a New Orleans themed resort), you can't skip out on trying the beignets. Sassagoula serves these desserts with a variety of dipping sauces.
Port Orleans Riverside: Boatwright's Dining Hall
Boatwright's Dinning Hall is a sit-down restaurant that serves authentic Louisiana-based dishes. Its theme is centered around nautical artifacts, yet has a comfy and warm feel to it. From most tables, guests have a lovely view of the fireplace and the open bakery.
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa: The Turf Club Bar and Grill
The Turf Club Bar and Grill is a sit down restaurant that serves New-York inspired dishes including sandwiches, steaks, and seafood. From outside the restaurant, guests have great views of the golf course and Disney Springs. And as Saratoga Springs is based on the real-life horse racing destination, you can also enjoy a mint julep with your meal.
Wilderness Lodge: Artist Point
Artist's Point is another one of Disney's signature restaurants. It is definitely a beautiful place to enjoy a meal (the architecture is actually based off of the National Parks' lodges). The cuisine is based on dishes from Oregon, Washington, and District of Columbia, plus they strive to have an emphasis on having the freshest food as possible.
Yacht Club: Yachtsman Steakhouse
Yachtsman Steakhouse is said to have some of the best steaks at Walt Disney World. The service here is also known for being on-point. In addition their famous steaks, Yachtsmen also has great side dishes and appetizers.
Honorable Mention: The Swan and Dolphin
Even though the Swan and Dolphin are technically not "official Disney resorts", they were worth definitely a mention. On the "Dolphin" side is Todd English's Bluezoo. Named after the celebrity chef, the restaurant is of the finest dining locations at Walt Disney World. It has even received a AAA four-star rating. The cuisine is gourmet seafood, and its design reflects this with dozens of ornamental fish adorning the restaurant.