For a few weeks now, we’ve talked about the themeing, “bang for your buck”, views, locations and entertainment of various Disney Restaurants. But we have neglected one very important topic and that is THE ACTUAL FOOD! While it’s all well and good to have an establishment entertain us while providing spectacular views, it’s all for naught if you wind up with a terrible meal. Thus, we come to, without a doubt, the most important category with regards to restaurants.
Welcome to Believe Vacation’s quest to name the BEST RESTAURANT AT DISNEY where today, we’ll consider which restaurants our agents thought had the best food quality. For this list, we considered the meals we partook of in our experiences and graded it based on looks and presentation but mostly taste. As an extra bonus, we are including a “signature dish” for each should the restaurant have one. So get your taste buds ready as we start with:
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Table Service, 2 credits) – Simple buffet in the morning with your traditional breakfast staples; fine dining at night with entrees and desserts. Signature Dish – Braised Pork Shank, Roasted Rainbow Carrots, Creamy Polenta, and Citrus Gremolata
Liberty Tree Tavern (Table Service, 1 credit) – A true colonial feast that while tasty, may make you more lethargic than ready to tackle thrill attractions. Signature Dish – Patriot’s Platter (Roasted Turkey Breast, Pot Roast, and Carved Pork Roast with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Stuffing, and House-made Macaroni and Cheese)
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Quick Service, 1 credit) – Lunch and dinner both contain tex mex staples like fajitas and tasty burgers, all within the confines of an incredible Toppings Bar. Signature Dish – Fajita Platter (served with Spicy Barbacoa Beef and Seasoned Chicken with Yellow Rice, Beans, Fajita Vegetables and Flour Tortillas)
San Angel Inn Restaurante (Table Service, 1 credit) – Few things can be more appetizing than upscale Mexican cuisine and if you are simply looking for nachos and tacos, you’ll be impressed by the dishes prepared here. Signature Dish – Combinación Mexicana( Braised short rib with a chile pasilla sauce over poblano-corn rajas | Enchiladas Verdes de Pollo with corn tortilla-stuffed with pulled chicken topped with melted Chihuahua cheese, queso fresco, and crema Mexicana | Chile Poblano stuffed with black beans and queso Chihuahua with chipotle-tomato sauce)
The Garden Grill (Table Service, 1 credit) – Buffets will never get the love they deserve but no one can go wrong with hearty meals that fill you up completely. Signature Dish – Carved Pork with Apple Chutney
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Quick Service, 1 credit) – Burgers and Barbeque may not be the best for your health but sometimes you just need a good burger or BBQ sandwich to get you through a few more hours. Signature Meal – Barbecued Pork Bacon Cheeseburger Char-grilled Angus Burger topped with Barbecued Pulled Pork served with French Fries or Green Beans.
Coral Reef Restaurant (Table Service, 1 credit) – While I wouldn’t categorize this as a seafood restaurant you may frequent at the beach, you still have your selection of delicious “under the sea” morsels. Signature Dish – Seared Mahi Mahi (Jasmine Rice, Coconut and Cilantro-Lime Sauce, Avocado-Mango Salsa)
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (Table Service, 1 credit) – Macaroni Grill/Carabas/etc. have nothing on this authentic Italian restaurant featuring all the impressive Italian dishes you are well familiar with. Signature Dish – Oven-baked Chicken alla Parmigiana (Breaded Chicken Breast with Marinara Sauce topped with Melted Mozzarella over Spaghetti)
House of Blues Restaurant and Bar (Table Service, 1 credit) – Traditional themed restaurants can be hit or miss since mostly, you are focusing on the atmosphere. Luckily, this place has an incredibly large selection to choose from so you should find something you like. Signature Dish – Bread Pudding
The Crystal Palace (Table Service, 1 credit) – Family style buffet eating has never been more cute than dining with Winnie the Pooh and Friends. While the typical staples of carved meats, salads and soups are available, dinner selections also include seasonal fish and peel-n-eat shrimp. Signature Dish – Freshly prepared salads
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Table Service, 1 credit) – If you know Italians, we love to eat. And it’s simply because the food is so darn yummy. Pastas, pizzas, pennes, provolones, and anything else that doesn’t start with “p,” you’ll have a tough time deciding on a meal for yourself. Best order and split it with friends and family. Signature Dish – Authentic Pizzas
Backlot Express (Quick Service, 1 credit) – A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away….this restaurant was named after the Backlot Tour that has since left us for a few years now. So how do we move on? Can someone say Star Wars? Take a look at some of these menu items – Royal Guard Burger, Galactic Chicken Salad or even Dark Side Chicken and Waffles! Signature Dish – Royal Guard Burger
Hollywood & Vine (Table Service, 1 credit) – Much like The Crystal Palace, Character Dining includes similar menus during each mealtime of the day. And just like The Crystal Palace, you’ll get your staples but you’ll also be treated to some of the tastiest dishes in all of Disney Parks. Signature Dish – Seasonal Fish or Peel-N-Eat Shrimp
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Table Service, 1 credit) – If you’re just looking for the most classic American good eats in a seated situation, Sci-Fi is for you. We’ve said it before but sometimes, all you need is a good burger and fries. Well sometimes, you also need fried pickles, steak and a hot fudge sundae! Tremendous menu selection as you enjoy the previews! Signature Dish – Drive-In BBQ Burger (Our Signature Blend of Beef, BBQ Spice, Brioche Bun, House-made BBQ Sauce, Bacon, and Cheddar served with Crispy-fried Jalapeño and Onion Straws)
Be Our Guest Restaurant (Table Service, 1 credit) – Beginning July 27, 2018, here is the rundown for dinner meals – French Onion Soup, Charred Octopus, Escargot or a selection of Assorted Meats and Artisanal Cheeses. For your main, feast on mouthwatering entrées such as Filet Mignon, Smoked Black-Eye Pea Tortellini, Seafood Bouillabaisse and other savory delights. Then, top off your meal with a delectable dessert. Signature Dish – The “Grey Stuff” (Chocolate Shell, Cookie Crème topped with Lumiere’s special “Grey Stuff”)
Now that you’re hungry, did we miss anything? Which restaurant has the tastiest dish? What is your favorite dish? Leave your comments in the section below and remember there’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!