We are big fans of Epcot around here, just like you are. It may not be the original Disney World Park, but it holds a charm that few other spots in the Disney universe can. After all, walking around there feels like you’ve stepped into the dreams of Walt Disney himself. It didn’t start life as the Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow for nothing!
The park has evolved a bit through the years, but we’re still enchanted by its dual personalities: Future World, celebrating technology and the promise of what’s to come; and World Showcase, which encourages visitors to embrace cultures from around the globe in order to learn from them.
While there’s so much to do and see, tops on our list are the eats! Today, we’re sharing with you our favorite Epcot Restaurants — the ones we don’t want you to miss.
Via Napoli
is a rare Disney restaurant in my book, and there are two reasons why. First, I eat there nearly every time I visit Walt Disney World, whether I tell you guys about it or not. 😉 And two, the food is pretty much always good.
There’s no disputing, in my opinion, that Via Napoli is your top destination for good pizza in Disney World. But there is so much more than that here!
To begin, they have some terrific beverages. And while inventive cocktails and exclusive craft beers number among them, you should try the completely refreshing (and non-alcoholic) Acqua Fresca at least once…especially if you’re visiting on a hot day!
Appetizers and starters are fresh and interesting as well. When I order the Fritto Misto, I always request extra nuggets of Fried Mozzarella Cheese. So good!
You can’t go wrong with pizzas at Via Napoli. The crust is prepared with imported flour and water similar to what you’ll find in Southern Italy. The pies are fired hot and fast, and arrive to your table still steaming from the ovens.
But don’t overlook Via Napoli’s pasta dishes, either. Whether you’re going for tomato-based sauces or something decadent and creamy, we’ve had some real winners.
And save room for dessert. I’ve had some delicious options, but the Zeppole wins my vote for the best, hands down!
But then, how could you possibly go wrong with what amounts to an Italian doughnut? 🙂
Garden Grill Restaurant
What’s not to love about Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land Pavilion?
This place has everything! It rotates (yes — it, like, physically rotates in a circle), so you see an ever-changing landscape — courtesy of Living with the Land, one of the attractions that shares real estate with the restaurant.
And the food, which is served family-style and is all you care to enjoy, is really, really good. These days, they are serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and frankly, I can’t decide which I like the best. Here are a few pics. You decide!
So it spins…and the food is guuuuuuud.
Surely, that’s enough, right? Nope! On top of all that, there are characters! Enjoy interaction with Chip n’ Dale, Farmer Mickey, and Pluto while you dine.
And because of the round structure of the restaurant, character interaction always feels even more special in some way, like you’re the only guest there. Plus the circular architecture makes it easy for Mickey and Pluto to sneak up on you and play peek-a-boo! SUPER FREAKING FUN for the toddler set. If you haven’t had the chance to dine at Garden Grill, be sure to book your advance dining reservation on your next visit!
Sunshine Seasons
But you aren’t out of luck if you prefer counter service to table service. Because you’ll find plenty to love at Sunshine Seasons.
Located in The Land Pavilion (yep — just an escalator ride away from Garden Grill — that building has more than its fair share of good Disney food karma), this is counter service food that tastes more like table service quality. They serve breakfast (a little-known fact), lunch, and dinner here, so there’s always something delicious to try. They also have some interesting Grab and Go selections — including some super yummo cupcakes, which change up seasonally.
As for entrees, you can choose from LOTSA goodies, including Asian specialties and yummy vegetarian options, too. But hands down, my favorites at Sunshine Seasons are the Oak-Fired Grilled entrees.
I can always go for their Roasted Chicken, but the Pork Chop is delicious as well. And if you prefer fish, be sure to check out their Salmon — people love it!
Tutto Gusto
For our next choice, we’re headed back to World Showcase — and right back to the Italy Pavilion, in fact — to hang out at Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar.
I mean look at that. How many theme parks that you’ve been to have a cozy wine bar where you can sit on couches next to a fireplace?!?
Ever since this uber cozy spot opened, I have been a fan. Featuring small plates and fantastic Italian wines, a respite at Tutto Gusto is like a tour of Italy. Via food. Which we all know if the best way to see a country. 🙂
To explore like a native, check out their Wine Flights. It’s a great way to learn more about the various regions where wine is produced.
But there’s a full bar as well. While you can enjoy just about anything you can dream up, I suggest you explore some of their special cocktails, especially those using liquors and liqueurs from Italy.
But the drinks are only half the story here, because there’s also some seriously great food. The Panini aren’t what we normally get here in the US. But the “small bread sandwiches” feature really interesting combos, like Fontina with Artichoke or Salametto — or both!
Other small plates feature Pasta, like Ravioli de Ricotta.
This rich dish packs a ton of flavor.
Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie
There’s a lot to love about Epcot’s France Pavilion. You’ll find wonderful ice cream treats to enjoy at L’Artisan des Glaces. And taking in lunch or dinner at Les Chefs de France is always high on my list. But whatever time of day it is, I can always find a reason to visit Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie!
Seriously — are you looking for a French-inspired breakfast? Pastries and baked goods are prepared authentically and fresh right in Les Halles’ own kitchens and ovens.
My favorites are the Frangipane Triangles. With flaky pastry and a rich almond filling center, it makes for a great start to my day. I know — they look totally boring. There’s no chocolate! No cream! But ERMEHGERD they are SOOOOO good. And this is coming from a cupcake and frosting devotee.
For a light lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with one of Les Halles’ sandwiches. Enjoying a Jambon Beurre always reminds me of my broke college student days in Switzerland when I had to eat at train stations. Wait a minute. That doesn’t sound right. Let me put that into context by saying that the ham, cheese, and butter sandwiches served at Swiss gas stations and train stations are THE BEST!!!!!!
But one of my favorite things to do is to grab a Cheese Plate and a Baguette and people watch from a bench or a spot by the fountain.
And don’t forget — Les Halles is a great place to stop for a drink. That includes mimosas that are on the menu starting at 9AM!!! Yep — Les Halles is not only the ONLY place you can eat in World Showcase before 11AM without a reservation…it also serves ALCOHOL at 9AM. I’m just gonna put that right there.
Coffee or hot chocolate, beer or wine…you’ll find great options at this counter service cafe any time of the day.
La Hacienda de San Angel
hasn’t always impressed me. My visits to the restaurant, which is the Mexico Pavilion’s newest place to dine, have been evenly split between great and not so much. But this is definitely a place where I consider the big picture when it comes to formulating an opinion. What do I mean by that? Mostly, I consider La Hacienda’s location to be a great big part of its charm.
Open only for dinner, La Hacienda de San Angel occupies primo real estate right on Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon. That makes this a beautiful location for taking in Illuminations.
But that’s jut the outside view (which is pretty awesome, fireworks or no). Inside the restaurant is nearly as beautiful as the view, with Mexican artwork and punched tin lights. The terraced seating and round booths facing the windows takes full advantage of the views.
But what about the food? While pricey, I’ve had some real standouts here. Don’t skip the handcrafted margaritas, which are on par with those you’ll find at La Cava del Tequila across the way. And if they’re serving Crema de Elote, or Creamed Corn Soup, do yourself a favor…
…And order two bowls.
Le Cellier Steakhouse
There is NO WAY I can discuss my favorite Epcot restaurants and not talk about Le Cellier Steakhouse.
Some feel that Le Cellier is overrated. While I love it, I must admit that I was disappointed when this signature restaurant in the Canada Pavilion started serving its more expensive (and 2 Disney Dining Plan Credit) dinner menu for the midday meal too. But even there, we’ve seen a bright side. What previously had been a nearly impossible advance dining reservation to score is now a lot easier to come by.
Le Cellier is aptly named. They have done a great job with themeing, and actually using the windowless space to their advantage.
It really lends to the cozy feel of the place. Whether it’s 40 or 90 degrees outside, it still manages to feel like you’re in Canada, and not Florida, in the snug dining room.
But even more remarkable is the consistently great food and service I’ve experienced here.
I’ve never had a bad meal at Le Cellier. And even weaker menu spots, like desserts, showed improvement during my most recent visit.
The one caveat? The dining room really is small. If you’re like me and enjoy your space while dining, ask for a table that’s not a banquette along the walls so you don’t feel like you’re eating at a communal table.
Rose and Crown Pub
Our last stop in Epcot takes us over to the UK Pavilion, as we drop into Rose and Crown Pub and Restaurant.
While Rose and Crown offers good food, I think a big part of what makes it special to me is nostalgia. I’ve been coming to this pub on the UK Pavilion’s High Street since the days that I visited Disney World as a child with my family. And really, nothing has changed. You’ll find the same homey atmosphere and solid comfort food that was the hallmark of the spot then.
But the nostalgia isn’t just about those visits when I was a kid. When I began visiting Disney on my own as an adult, I came to know the pub as well as the restaurant. After all, having a drink and a bite at the Rose and Crown’s beautiful bar is a Disney rite of passage. And if you have the pleasure of visiting with Carl the Bartender while there — then so much the better!
Now, if they would just bring back that English Bulldog…
La Cava del Tequila
Ok…so it’s not so much a restaurant as a bar. But — it has tables and chairs. And some food. And about the best drinks that you can get anywhere in the Disney Universe. And this is my list, so I’m totally including it. 🙂
Seriously — I would be remiss as both an Epcot Lover and a Disney Food Blogger if I didn’t tell you to make room on your itinerary and in your tummy for La Cava del Tequila. Located inside the Mexico Pavilion’s Pyramid, this tiny spot has been practically standing room only since it opened a few years ago. One sip of their artisan margaritas, and you’ll understand why.
These aren’t your neighborhood Tex-Mex chain ressie drinks. Featuring premium spirits (no joke — I follow on instagram the guys who choose the alcohol for this place and their feeds are pretty much constantly filled with agave fields they’re visiting to select the best possible stuff), freshly prepared juices, and all kinds of interesting flavor combos, it’s one of the best places I can think of to send you for a quiet and cool break. My drink du jour these days is the Tamarind Margarita — a perfect sweet and tangy balance of flavors.
And they do pour ’em strong here, so do yourself a favor and try a few of their small bites.
I love their Trio Combo for a variety of flavors! The white queso — when it’s on the menu — is to die for.
So, there you have it!! These are the places you can’t miss in Epcot! I’d love to hear about your favorites, too!
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Now let’s hear from you! What are your favorite Epcot Restaurants? Leave a comment and share your personal list with us!
Deb says
We went to Via Napoli during our last vacation and it was lovely. The pizza was fantastic and they even fetched our kids to watch the kitchen make our pizza and put it into the pizza oven. We topped off our evening with ice cream from L’Artisan des Glaces:)
Rachael says
I love Via Napoli and we go every time we are there as well. best pizza hands down at Disney if not some cities. La Cava is a new find for me, because that line was always crazy but i got my hands on the malestrom margarita the last time and it was so good!
CraigInPA says
While I agree, wholeheartedly, with your other picks, I have to strongly disagree with your choice of LeCellier.
When LeCellier was a one dining credit location, lines were out the door. It was a great value, and people could ignore the “ambiance” of eating in a crowded, long ceiling room, with young (and inexperienced) wait staff rotated in from every small town in Canada. Capitalizing on their demand, the only thing LeCellier did was raise their prices, making them a 2 credit “signature” meal. They did nothing to improve the room or the service. They still trade on their huge success from the 1 credit days. Note that I’m not saying the food is bad. It isn’t. It’s still as good as it once was, but it isn’t up to anyone’s standard of “fine dining”. If you did a side-by-side comparison of LeCellier and Yachtsman (a 15 minute walk away) with people who had no history with either, LeCellier would be the clear loser.
Mike says
What?!? You forgot to give some love to Tangierine Cafe. That one is usually a must stop for us on every WDW vacation. Great value and great food.
Eean says
AJ, I wish I could go on a Disney food vacation with you! Everything in this article sounds delicious- especially the margaritas!
Rosemary says
We have been to Disney many times and Via Napoli was a big disappointment! Service was unbelievably bad and food was so-so.
Nicolle says
la Hacienda de San Angel is definitely on my top list for sit down dinners. Food was so good and the ambiance and being able to see illuminations also make it a high on my list for experience. That was probably my favorite meal the last trip I took. I was honestly disappointed with Via Napoli. I should have just gotten pizza because they looked good and even bad pizza is pretty decent. I did not like the pasta dish I ordered at all though. 🙁
Brooke says
Mike — We love Tangierine Cafe! Although our last visit there was a little bit off. Still, you’re right — it’s definitely a great spot to dine. But there are just so many great spots in Epcot! 😀
Frank says
Love Alfredo’s or whatever the name is now…. Actually, service and food seem better than the old Alfredo days. Except no fettuccine alfredo… Via Napoli has good food, but $ 30 for pizza… really!!! LOVE the pizza window pizza more than inside, but again, 2 slices of pizza and a tiny plastic glass of wine for $ 30 is over the top.
Tutto Gusto is so nice inside. Love to sit on the couches, grab a quartino of something, and a cannoli.
Tequila bar is great along with the restaurant inside Mexico. I just eat too darn much there, but that’s ok.
Yearn for the days when Germany wasn’t a buffet, but that isn’t happening. Still the buffet is fun.
France is great for lunch but not for dinner. Found better selection at lunch, AND they DO NOT take Tables for dinner!!!! Strange, but that’s the way it is, I guess.
Used to love Coral Reef, but haven’t eaten there is ages and ages and well you get the idea.
Frank
Patricia says
Another great list! We are heading down for 8 days in September and I’ve made all my ADRs, but I’m getting a little nervous about our Le Cellier reservation! I keep seeing mixed reviews. The rest of my family has never been there, and while I thought the food was very good, it was a tad overrated. I’d like to consider the Yachtsman, which has great reviews, but my
parents have been there once before and are dying to try Le Cellier… Do you think it’s a mistake to go with Cellier over Yachtsman?
Frank says
Patricia,
IMHO, I’d go to Shula’s in the Dolphin!! Seriously .. although, that said, I’ve never eaten at Le Cellier. We did just eat at Yachtsman a few weeks ago. Food was ok, waitress was disinterested with anyone she took care of. Had a great view in the window, but she barely spoke to anyone she waited on.
Shula’s has had great food, great service, and pound for pound, excuse the pun, I think you get more for your $$ at Shula’s.
But I DO understand that much of Disney is about the ambiance of where you are eating…Not so much what you are eating.
Frank
Mark says
Although we go to Epcot about 20 times a year, it’s mostly for festivals. Our last visit with a relative we did Sunshine Seasons for lunch and Spice Road Table for dinner. Happy to highly recommend this combo. The fish tacos at Sunshine and the lamb at Spice are both terrific. Got to admit I can see why you tourists spend 10 to 12 hours here in a day. Just don’t know how you can do it two days in a row. 🙂
Micha says
I wish Disney World would’ve opened a Gusteau’s. I love Ratatouille!
Jeff says
Patricia,
I feel Yachtsman Steakhouse is certainly in a higher class than Le Cellier.
But I agree with Frank, Shula’s at the Dolphin is clearly the best of the three.
Brooke says
Patricia — AJ would pretty much always pick Le Cellier over Yachtsman. She and I chatted about it, and honestly, it comes down to personal preference. The quality and service have always been good for her at Le Cellier. Still, we’re aware that many others will disagree. And Yachtsman has been fairly consistent during our visits as well. Frank and Jeff both have excellent points in recommending Shula’s and Yachtsman. 🙂
Christina says
Love the blog and the consistent coverage of all the restaurants you can enjoy at WDW. But I have to point out that whenever you tend to write about Epcot these same restaurants tend to appear on your list. As previous posters have mentioned Tangierine Cafe is pretty good and I don’t recall the last time I saw a positive standalone review on here on the German buffet (Biergarten) which for my family has always been a favorite for lunch. Yes it is a bit heavy but the beer is great as is the bratwurst and desserts and they have a fun performance that appeals to the kids, and despite it being a buffet is still pretty high quality with quick service refilling drink orders. Besides that what about the teppanyaki experience over in Japan at Teppan Edo?! Think these restaurants in World Showcase deserve some credit too and would love to see a future post about them over Sunshine Seasons and Garden Grill, which honestly for us, is standard fare you can get anywhere outside the parks and something we skip everytime we are in Disney. I often tell friends visiting multiple parks per day to plan to go to Epcot around lunchtime just so they can explore the great food options in World Showcase so please devote some more attention to those missing gems! Would love to see them covered here too!
AJ says
Christina — Thank you for reading, and for taking the time to share your thoughts! We agree with you on all counts — Tangierine Cafe, Teppan Edo, and Biergarten have all received high marks from Disney Food Blog in several reviews. This list just happens to represent spots that meet some of the following criteria: 1) they’re interesting; 2) they represent variety in style of service and food; 3) they offer something I think my readers would like (healthier, locally sourced options at Sunshine Seasons; character dining and rotating restaurant at Garden Grill); 4) they’re some of our favorites. (I tend to not cover Teppan Edo that much as it’s very similar to several other teppanyaki restaurants that you can go to in just about any city in the US, so many people already have experience with that type of location.) To be honest, we could have made this list twice as long and included several other spots! But we had to cut it off somewhere. 🙂 Hopefully our readers will see your comment and check out those other great locations as well!
Paula Sebolao says
What restaurants are good for adults without children. We are coming down for our anniversary. This is the first time without our kids!
Brooke says
Paula — While it’s not on our list, Spice Road Table might be a good spot for you sans kids. Their tapas and drinks menus are interesting, and the space is beautiful. Tutto Gusto, Italy’s wine bar, is also a good choice. Le Cellier, La Hacienda, Tokyo Dining may also interest you. I’m not really sure if you’re looking to find options where you might not experience as many children, or you’re just looking to experience familiar things in a new way. We say don’t overlook a chance to do the latter, like Garden Grill, and experience all of the characters for yourself! Dining in a less child-filled space is more of a challenge in the Parks than in the Resorts, we find. 🙂
Frank says
Paula,
First of all, each of you, get an Anniversary button and wear it. It’s fun and many of the restaurants ogle over you.
Not sure if you mean Epcot, or at WDW in general.
At Epcot, I’d say Chefs de France for lunch only. Other than that, hey it’s an “amusement park!!”
If NOT Epcot, that really widens up your choices.
My first and only choice would be California Grill @ The Contemporary. I’ll give you more, BUT, the CA Grill has the ambiance. You can go back at evenings end for fireworks. If you go early you may be able to score a table by the window. IF you are so inclined to have a “beverage,” WE love to do a monorail pub crawl pre-dinner. Mizner’s at the Grand, or even at Narcoossee’s… Tambu Lounge at the Poly. Trader Sam’s is at the Poly too, but we like the quietness of the Tambu Lounge, and it has history for us. Also, the Wave at the Contemporary. Great staff, they make great drinks and have a nice wine list.
Second would be Narcoossee’s @ the Grand.
Flying Fish @ the Boardwalk is being rehab’ed and won’t be open until fall, so depending on when you arrive….
Shula’s at the Dolphin is a great venue with great staff and food. Has that “clubby” look and feel. Todd English’s Blue Zoo has excellent seafood, also in the Dolphin. It has a “Vegas vibe” to it.
If you make a resi at one of the Swan or Dolphin restaurants, use Open Table. No need to plunk down a credit card guarantee like with Disney ADR’s.
If you are coming during Food and Wine, you may want to look into some of their special dinners. I’ve never been, but many love them. During Halloween Weekend, Oct 28 and 29 this year, the Swan & Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is a real treat!!! I’ve linked up and old You Tube video. This is from 2012. It’s just gotten better. We’ve done them all and have reservations already for this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49p-5R9rdpc
http://www.swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com/
Brown Derby at the Studios is very nice, love the interior, but it is a “park restaurant” and not really set up for a nice leisurely dinner. We’ve had many an anniversary lunch there… If you go, let them know, they have taken our photo and put it on a very nice frame-able sheet.
Frank
Sarah says
Paula- Unfortunately, Brooke is right about it being difficult to find a restaurant where there aren’t going to be kids. We went to Disney World the week of our anniversary year before last, and we had a late-ish dinner at California Grill. I would have thought kids wouldn’t be too much of an issue, but there were plenty there. We did enjoy the food though, and you do get a great view of the fireworks. I still agree with Brooke that a resort restaurant is the way to go for the best food and ambience. Some other folks in the comments had mentioned Shula’s, and honestly, one of the restaurants at the Dolphin might be your best bet. Bluezoo is the other restaurant there, and I’ve heard consistently fantastic things about both places.
Catherine says
That pizza at Via Napoli looks amazing! Is there anywhere you can buy good pizza (counter service, snack area) in Italy or do you need to go to Via Napoli?
Frank says
Catherine,
The answer to your question is…it depends.
On occasion, Via Napoli has a “pizza window” open to the left of the regular entrance.
Seems it is open on busy weekends and even busier weekdays.
That pizza is totally different from what you get in side. The outside window serves THICK plain cheese or pepperoni as opposed to the thinner pizza served inside. I think both are great!!
Frank
Lee says
While I agree with almost all of the eateries on the list, I have to vehemently disagree concerning La Hacienda de San Angel. We dined there specifically to be able to watch illuminations. However, we quickly realized several things:
1) We (2 of us) were crammed in between a loud group of college kids and a family of 6 or so. If you were hoping this would be a romantic place to dine, you’d be wrong.
2) The food was perhaps the worst Mexican food we have ever had (The San Angel Inn was MUCH better). I’ll qualify this by saying I’ve eaten Mexican food all over the Southwest, so I know good and bad Mexican when I taste it.
3) The service was terrible. Glacial does not even begin to explain it. Although we tried to be nice, the server was a bit rude, also.
4) The view (at least from our table, for which we requested a “good view of Illuminations” well ahead of time) wasn’t really all that good.
Halfway through the meal we had already decided we wouldn’t be staying for Illuminations.
We will never be back.
Ronald Wanders says
I really liked Spice Road Table, the food is lovely and their Moroccan Mint Ice Tea is to die for.
So refreshing on a hot day (which is almost all of them in Florida).
Really enjoyed my visit and it was very nice and quiet, at prime lunch time even.
Tracy says
I have to give snaps to Spice Road Table. The view is to die for, and the service cannot be beat! Even the kids menu is better than average. We were there on Tuesday and had zero issues. A very pleasant meal in a beautiful location. The mint tea is delish and the pitcher of Sangria is a huge bargain. Just go. An ADR is easy to get on the fly.
Rebecca says
The Power Salad at Sunshine Seasons is really good. And Tokyo Dining was a pleasant surprise for this sushi-loving family. We got a table with a beautiful view of the lake, and my 7-year-old loved the bullet-train theme of the kids meal. Sushi was great.
Mercedes says
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is the best.
Melanie says
One note: I read on some other Disney sites that Sunshine Seasons has (temporarily?) stopped serving breakfast, but I can’t seem to find a definitive source on that, and the official menu still shows breakfast as available. Can anyone verify?
Teri Dalco says
I agree with all EXCEPT Le Cellier. I have given it tries. 3 tries. and Never had a good meal, let alone service. I have wanted to love it. And when F&W, I love the soup, I have always been given the one bad steak. It has to be, because everyone else seems to love. it. SO, I can’t go back. And with all the other places in EPCOT, I don’t have to. Love the steak at Rose&Crown anyway. Never been into La Hacienda, again pricey for what I’ve read is mediocre Mexican. We do the counter service if we want Mexican. OR the restaurant inside the pyramid.
Totally agree on Via Napoli. a Must do. I have enjoyed Le Chefs for lunch, have not done dinner there. Wish that Garden Grill still did the ice cream mid afternoons like they used to.
And we always enjoy Teppan Edo too.