Amazing Eats: Best Restaurants at Disney Springs

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Disney Springs at WDW
Disney Springs offers limitless dining, shopping, and entertainment options at Walt Disney World. Photo credit: Gwen Kleist

Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida? Disney Springs is a destination not to be missed. More than just a shopping and dining district, over the last several years Disney Springs has expanded, upgraded and transformed itself into a must-see destination for Disney fans, foodies and anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience.    

Located in Lake Buena Vista just a short drive away from the parks, Disney Springs is home to over 150 shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and other offerings. It is divided into four distinct neighborhoods―The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center.

You can easily spend a day wandering around the property, though most people visiting Disney World on vacation tend to pop by for a few hours at a time. It’s the perfect place to grab a meal, enjoy the night life or do a little shopping in between time at the theme parks.

And speaking of meals – that is what this article is all about. If you are looking for the best restaurants in Disney Springs, we’ve got them here!

There are more than 60 places to eat at Disney Springs, ranging from elegant table service restaurants to quick-service restaurants to places to grab an ice cream cone. Whatever kind of food you’re craving – Mexican, BBQ, Italian, Irish, pizza, salad, sweets or a good old-fashioned burger – you’ll find it at Disney Springs.

But where Disney has really upped its game in recent years is with its fine dining experiences. In fact, there are now multiple venues featuring celebrity chefs, including Masaharu Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck and Jose Andres.

With so many amazing choices, deciding where to eat at Disney Springs can be overwhelming! So we’ve narrowed it down to the very best of the best, so you know whichever restaurant you choose from this list will be an amazing dining experience.

Here are the 16 best restaurants at Disney Springs.

1. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

For traditional southern food, look no further than Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs.

Created by celebrity chef Art Smith, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is a table service restaurant specializing in comfort food and cocktails with a Southern twist. They take pride in serving only locally sourced produce and other ingredients.  

While fried chicken is the most popular item on the menu, other dishes include shrimp, country fried steak, pork chops, brisket, sandwiches, salad and some truly decadent desserts. They also specialize in unique Southern drinks, including cocktails and their famous moonshine! You can even order a Shine Flight and sample five flavors of moonshine on tap.

Visit Homecomin’ on weekend mornings to enjoy their Rise & Shine Southern Brunch. Brunch favorites include Church Lady Deviled Eggs, house-made donuts, French toast, grits and a variety of breakfast plates.

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The food here is indulgent to say the least, but you will definitely have a delicious and memorable meal!

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is located in The Landing and is open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and lunch and dinner daily.

2. Morimoto Asia

If you’ve ever watched Food Network, you are likely familiar with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Now, you can experience his world-famous cuisine at Morimoto Asia – one of the best Disney Springs restaurants!

Chef Morimoto has designed a Pan-Asian menu comprised of Chinese, Japanese and Korean flavors. They serve small plates and Dim Sun, sushi, spare ribs, seafood, duck ramen, noodles, rice and a variety of entrees featuring different meats and vegetables.

If you want to experience the flavors of Morimoto Asia without the table service dining experience, pop by Morimoto Asia Street Food, a counter service venue located right outside the main restaurant, with its own menu and casual seating area. Since there is almost always a wait and reservations can be hard to come by, Morimoto Asia Street Food is a good option if you want a quicker, more spontaneous way to experience this delicious Asian cuisine.

Morimoto Asia is located in The Landing and is open for lunch and dinner.

3. Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

There are not a lot of authentic Irish pubs around, and certainly not ones that are family-friendly. But Raglan Road at Disney Springs manages to pull it all together with its delicious Irish dishes (created by real chefs from Ireland, by the way!), live entertainment and a fun, kid-friendly atmosphere.

The live music and dancing at Raglan Road is what makes this restaurant more of a dining experience. Free live entertainment takes place every single day, both on the restaurant’s main stage indoors and on their patio stage outside.  Restaurant seating is available in both areas, so you can watch while you eat!

While the menu does feature traditional Irish favorites – such as their most popular dish, Fish & Chips, and a full Irish breakfast on the weekends – they also offer plenty of non-Irish options including steak, chicken, risotto and salmon.

And since Raglan Road is a pub as well, you’ll find endless options when it comes to beer, wine, cocktails and of course Irish whiskey.

Raglan Road is located in The Landing and is open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and lunch and dinner daily.

Amphicar at Disney Springs
Tour the lake in an Amphicar at Disney Springs. Photo credit: Disney.

4. The Boathouse

The Boathouse is widely regarded as one of the best Disney Springs restaurants. Perched on the edge of Lake Buena Vista, the restaurant is designed with nautical theming. There is indoor and outdoor seating to make the most of those waterfront views, and live entertainment.

The menu at The Boathouse features fresh seafood, pasta, steaks and chops. They also have a raw bar, and more general items like burgers, sandwiches, chicken and salads.

In addition to restaurant seating, The Boathouse has three outdoor bars where you can relax with a craft cocktail or a glass of wine while soaking in the restaurant’s coastal charm and water views.

After your meal, enjoy a 20-minute guided tour on the waters of Lake Buena Vista while riding in a vintage Amphicar, fun and unique amphibious vehicles that drive on land and float on water! The dock for the amphicars is located right next to The Boathouse.

The Boathouse is located in The Landing and is open for lunch and dinner.

5. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

For classic Italian dishes that made celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck famous, enjoy a meal at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. From Mediterranean influences to innovative takes on comfort food, Wolfgang brings a memorable Disney dining experience to the table.

The menu here is varied and fresh, from pizza and pasta to steak and seafood. Desserts are a special treat. There are a myriad of cakes and sorbet to try, but we recommend the gelato tasting. Design your plate by choosing three flavors from more than ten, including vanilla, chocolate, Italian butter cream, salted caramel, coconut and more.

There is even a Gelato Bar located adjacent to the restaurant. Stop by this walk-up window and order a treat, even if you’re not dining at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is located in West Side and is open for brunch, lunch and dinner.

6. STK Orlando

STK is one of the pricier restaurants on this list, but the steaks are amazing and well worth the splurge if you are looking for an outstanding meal.

Much like the food it serves, the restaurant itself is modern and elegant. The dining area is spread over two floors, and the there is a rooftop terrace. And an indoor fire pit lounge is a spot where you can enjoy a drink or late-night small plates.

While the atmosphere is lovely, it is the food that lands STK Orlando on this list of best Disney Springs restaurants. Entrees include numerous cuts of steak, along with chicken, salmon, lamb, sea bass and lobster linguini. They also have a raw bar and offer shellfish platters.

STK Orlando is located in The Landing and is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

red and white polka dot and striped bathroom at jaleo
Sure, usually you don’t lead with a photo of the restroom but how cute is this Minnie-esque womens room at Jaleo. Photo credit: Nasreen Stump

7. Jaleo by José Andrés

Jaleo by José Andrés is another fine dining location in Disney Springs headed by a celebrity chef.

The menu here is innovative and unique. Savor authentic Spanish tapas, paella and sangria in an inviting, vibrant atmosphere. Jaleo is famous for its appetizers, cheese plates and cured meats. Although they do offer a kids’ menu (this is still Walt Disney World, after all!) I wouldn’t exactly call this the most family-friendly Disney Springs restaurant – especially if you have a picky eater.

But if you are looking for an elegant dining experience with a European flair, don’t miss Jaleo by José Andrés. And if you want a true splurge, order the Jaleo Experience, a Chef’s Tasting Menu featuring classic and traditional tapas in addition to some Spanish favorites.

Jaleo by José Andrés is located in West Side and is open for lunch and dinner.

8. Frontera Cocina

Continuing the trend of best restaurants at Disney Springs headed by a celebrity chef, Frontera Cocina is a Mexican restaurant developed by Rick Bayless. From the bright and festive décor to the exemplary food, Frontera Cocina is definitely a cut above your average Mexican restaurant.

The menu features contemporary Mexican cuisine, but also a wide variety of steaks and salads. Popular favorites like tacos, enchiladas, carne asada all have an elevated twist, like their Oaxacan Red Mole Chicken or Garlicky Mushroom & Eggplant Tacos.

And of course, no great Mexican restaurant would be complete without a wide selection of margaritas, sangria and cocktails. You can even order a flight of tequila.

Frontera Cocina is located in Town Center and is open for lunch and dinner.

dad holding two sons outside of trex at Disney Springs
TRex Restaurant at Disney Springs. Photo credit: Grisell DeNapoles

9. T-REX

T-REX lands a spot on this list of best Disney Springs restaurants for its fun, larger-than-life prehistoric décor and immersive theme. This restaurant is a must if you have kids who love dinosaurs!

Dining at T-REX is a feast for the senses, even if the food is satisfyingly average. (If you are a fan of Rainforest Café you’ll be perfectly happy with the menu at T-Rex!) The dining room is comprised of several prehistoric scenes, and you’ll experience animatronic dinosaurs, meteor shows and loud noises and flashing lights while you eat.

My son and I had dinner in the ice cave room. We both thought it was pretty cool!

Again, the food at T-REX is similar to Rainforest Café (they are both owned by Landry’s). Menu items at this family-friendly restaurant include pasta, burgers, salads, chicken and seafood.

T-Rex is located in Marketplace and is open for lunch and dinner.

Read More: Where to Take the Kids to Eat in Disney Springs

10. House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

House of Blues is not unique to Disney Springs; it has locations all across the United States. But if you are looking for fantastic live entertainment served with your meal, then House of Blues Restaurant & Bar will not disappoint!

House of Blues serves American cuisine with a New Orleans twist. Popular dishes include jambalaya, voodoo shrimp, fried chicken, blackened salmon, cajun chicken pasta and a variety of sandwiches, salads and burgers. Their prices are very reasonable, too!

They also serve a fantastic weekend brunch featuring Southern dishes and breakfast favorites like steak & eggs and breakfast burritos. Bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Marys are also available during brunch.

Great food, reasonable prices and free live music make House of Blues Restaurant & Bar one of the best restaurants at Disney Springs!

House of Blues is located in West Side and is open for weekend brunch, lunch and dinner.

11. Paddlefish

Paddlefish’s location is what makes this Disney Springs restaurant so special!

One of the iconic landmarks at Disney Springs is the steamboat docked on Lake Buena Vista. But this steamboat is no ordinary boat, it is one of the best restaurants at Disney Springs!

Boasting 360-degree waterfront views, a rooftop deck and some of the most amazing seafood, Paddlefish is a Disney dining experience not to be missed. Designed by Executive Chef Steve Richard, the menu features a daily catch, New England clam chowder, seafood boils, crab, scallops and even filet mignon.

Watch the sunset over the water with a craft cocktail or glass of wine. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there is live entertainment.

Paddlefish is located in The Landing and is open for lunch and dinner.

12. The Edison

One of the newer restaurants in Disney Springs, just being inside The Edison is an experience all its own. Designed to feel like the 1920s, this expansive, multi-level restaurant features seven distinct dining areas and steampunk-inspired décor.

The food keeps with the Roaring 20s theme. Dishes feature cute names but are basically a nice array of burgers, salads, steaks and seafood.

Live entertainment featuring uniquely themed acts happen daily – family-friendly by day and a little edgier by night. And of course, the bar scene here is vibrant, with a long list of Prohibition-era classic cocktails, elixers, wine and beer.

The Edison is located in The Landing and is open for lunch and dinner.

13. Wine Bar George

As its name suggests, Wine Bar George is known for its extensive wine list. Pair a glass of wine with one of their small plates or a charcuterie board to share. They also have entrees and family plates to share at the table including steak and sea bass dishes.

For a quick bite, stop by The Basket at Wine Bar George. This counter-service area offers convenient to-go options including cheese, wine and Frozcato made with DOLE Whip® Pineapple!

The restaurant also has a popular Wine Country Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Wine Bar George is located in The Landing and is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

14. The Polite Pig

Proof that you don’t have to be a fancy eatery to rank high on this list of the best restaurants at Disney Springs, The Polite Pig is a quick-service spot with some of the best bbq at the Walt Disney World resort! They serve hearty smoked and grilled food and an array of drinks on tap.

The menu chicken, pork, ribs, sausage and salmon cooked to perfection on the smoker, along with a variety of snacks, sandwiches, salads and fresh market sides.

The Polite Pig is a casual restaurant with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Which is great – because this spot is popular!

The Polite Pig is located in Town Center and is open for lunch and dinner.

15. Chicken Guy!

Guy Fieri brings his energetic and quirky style to Disney Springs with Chicken Guy! – a quick-service dining location where you can enjoy chicken sandwiches, skewers, salad bowls, chicken tenders and more.

The fun part is each of these offerings can be paired with over 20 varieties of house-made sauces perfect for dipping. Some of these flavorful sauces include Buttermilk Ranch, Sweet ‘N Sour, Wasabi Honey, Chipotle Ranch, Bleu Cheese and so many more!

Prices here are super reasonable, which makes Chicken Guy! a great option if you want to enjoy a tasty meal in Disney Springs without spending a ton of money.

Chicken Guy! is located in Town Center and is open for lunch and dinner.

16. Earl of Sandwich

Like House of Blues and Planet Hollywood, Earl of Sandwich is not an eatery unique to Disney Springs. In fact, there is even an Earl of Sandwich location at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort in California! But for a delicious, fast meal at an inexpensive price, Earl of Sandwich is one of the best quick-service restaurants at Disney Springs.

Earl of Sandwich serves a huge variety of hot and cold sandwiches on their artisan bread, as well as soups, salads, wraps and more. They also serve breakfast.

Thanks to its low prices and many options, this is another popular spot and can get busy during lunch hours especially. However there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Earl of Sandwich is located in Marketplace and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Gwen Kleist is an award-winning travel writer and author based in Southern California. She is the mother of one very active son who shares her love of travel and adventure. She is the owner and publisher of CaliforniaFamilyTravel.com, a family travel blog dedicated to sharing the best destinations and experiences in California and beyond! Her articles have also appeared in San Diego Family Magazine, Sunset Magazine, Cat Fancy, Huntington Beach Magazine, and she was a contributing author to Explorer Publishing’s guidebook, Los Angeles: The Complete Resident’s Guide.
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