We’ve eaten at every restaurant, fast food spot, and snack cart in EPCOT, and we know just where to find the BEST places to eat. But that means we’ve also discovered some of the worst ones, too.
If you’re planning an upcoming Disney World trip, don’t forget to avoid these EPCOT restaurants!
Keep in mind that the WORST restaurant in EPCOT is entirely dependent on your travel group, when you’re visiting the park, and what sort of Disney World trip you’re trying to have. There might be a restaurant on this list that is just perfect for what you’re planning, while others will likely make you run for the hills.
If You’re on a Budget: Takumi Tei
EPCOT certainly has its fair share of expensive restaurants — Monsieur Paul, Le Cellier, and even the new Shiki-Sai Sushi Izakaya spot. But, the one restaurant that requires the most dough just to get in the door happens to be Takumi Tei in the Japan Pavilion. Guests are seated in one of five rooms inspired by a natural element: water, wood, earth, stone, or washi paper.
Takumi-Tei currently features a prix-fixe menu consisting of two omakase multi-course meal options: an omnivorous meal for $250 per person (including the diner’s choice of Japanese A5 wagyu steak, Roasted duck, or Grilled Chilean seabass), and a plant-based meal for $150 per person. If you’re trying to just order a single entree — you’re out of luck here.
Budget-friendly places to go instead: Regal Eagle or Katsura Grill. Of course, you won’t find sushi at Regal Eagle, but the barbecue is straight-up delicious and you get a lot of food for what you pay. Over at Katsura, you can still find some sushi dishes and other Japanese delights at a cheaper price point.
If You’re an Adventurous Eater: Rose and Crown
There are so many incredible cultures represented in the EPCOT pavilions that it can be hard to choose just where you want to eat. If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path from what you may typically eat on a daily basis, you might want to stay away from Rose and Crown. Don’t get us wrong — we LOVE us some fish and chips and Shepherd’s Pie, but those are dishes that we’ve had before.
This cozy little pub tucked into EPCOT’S United Kingdom pavilion offers a hearty, delicious menu of British favorites including Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips. Again, what one person considers to be a bit more adventurous depends on what you normally eat, but if you’re on the hunt for something new or that you may not be able to get anywhere else in your hometown, Rose and Crown probably isn’t what you want to settle with.
Where adventurous eaters should go instead: Shiki-Sai or Spice Road Table. Shiki-Sai is the new sushi restaurant in the Japan pavilion that’s home to a variety of incredible adventurous eats, while Spice Road Table serves up Mediterranean dishes with lots of flavor.
If You’re a Picky Eater or Traveling with Kids: Spice Road Table
Speaking of lots of flavor, kiddos aren’t necessarily known for having palates for spice. If you’re traveling with kids or any picky eaters, you’re probably going to want to skip Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and the menu features tapas-style dishes, or small plates, including Hummus with Imported Olives, Fried Calamari and Brie Fondue, Grilled Kefta, and much more.
We’ve typically enjoyed most things we’ve had here, but these dishes are really packed with flavor that might not be what certain people are after when spending the day in EPCOT. But, this is one of the restaurants where you can dine with an EPCOT fireworks package which offers great views of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Where to go instead for more familiar food: Rose and Crown or Sunshine Seasons. Rose and Crown features familiar British favorites like fish and chips, while Sunshine Seasons is a quick service spot with a variety of dishes for just about anyone.
If You’re Looking for Something Light: Regal Eagle
Forget about Arby’s, EPCOT has the MEATS. Okay, more specifically, Regal Eagle in the American Adventure Pavilion has the meats. This fast-casual restaurant celebrates the regions of American BBQ and serves up craft brews on tap. You’ll find four house-recipe sauces along with Memphis Dry-Rub Pork Ribs, Sliced Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich, or Kansas City Half-Smoked Chicken — to name just a few.
If this sounds like a lot, you would be correct. Barbecued meats are the name of the game here, and barbecue isn’t exactly a light lunch. There are sides and some lighter options on the menu, but overall you’re looking at some Southern US cookin’. We don’t blame you for not wanting to feel weighed down in the park!
Where to go to find a light, refreshing lunch: Crepes a Emporter or La Cantina de San Angel. Crepes a Emporter is the quick-service sister restaurant to La Creperie de Paris where you can find both savory and sweet crepes, and La Cantina de San Angel is Mexico’s quick-service location with nachos, tacos, and other lighter fare.
If You Want a Quiet Meal: Biergarten
Believe it or not, Disney World isn’t known for being a particularly chill, quiet place. And, certain restaurants tend to amplify sounds and get a bit more raucous than others. Germany’s Biergarten is one of those places. Imagine an Oktoberfest celebration indoors all year long. This is a theater-style restaurant filled with long, family-style tables — so you might get seated next to strangers just like at a German beer hall.
Up on stage, German performers showcase authentic Oktoberfest numbers throughout the day — and yes, they do wear lederhosen. It’s a pretty fun time, but if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy parks, Biergarten probably isn’t for you. Folks get pretty into the theming and there’s often some hootin’ and hollerin’ involved.
Where to go for peace and quiet: Katsura Grill. Though you might not get the benefit of air conditioning, Katsura Grill’s outdoor seating area is one of the most peaceful locations in all of EPCOT, with babbling streams and bamboo clinking together nearby.
If You Hate Typical “Theme Park” Food: Connections Eatery
We hate to do this to Connections Eatery, because we really do love it, but it’s only a slight step up from what you might think of as “theme park” food. Sure, the burgers and pizza may be a bit more elevated than what you’d find at Cosmic Ray’s in Magic Kingdom, but at the end of the day, you’re still eating burgers and pizza.
Connections Eatery features “dishes inspired by global flavors,” including a French Bistro Burger, Meatball Pizza, and a Curry-Spice Pizza. You’ll find some interesting salads as well, and while the food is good, there are certainly better places to grab a bite in EPCOT.
Where to go instead for more unique eats: Space 220 or Akershus. Space 220 is home to out-of-this-world eats in an incredibly themed setting, while Akershus features Norwegian favorites in a castle surrounded by princesses. Need we say more?
Of course, what we think may be the worst restaurant for you could actually end up being the best — it’s all about your personal preference. Take a look at the menus of various places before you plan your trip so you have an idea of what you might want to try.
With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off!
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What do you think is the worst restaurant in EPCOT? Tell us in the comments.
Jack says
Scotch Eggs at the Rose and Crown are fantastic!
Laurel Lane says
The Rose and Crown is a must-do for me; my trip isn’t complete without a meal there. Love the atmosphere and there are more ‘exotic’ British fare than fish and chips and shepherd’s pie (unless they’ve changed the menu recently.)
Robert says
The Eagle BBQ ribs are super expensive for what you get and are over cooked. The meat is tough