Top 8 Best Restaurants at Disney World for a Casual Sit Down Meal

Top 8 Best Restaurants at Disney World for a Casual Sit Down Meal

On this blog, we talk about food…a lot. As one of our favorite parts of any vacation, it’s important to have a plan and a Disney Dining Budget. But how do you know which Disney World restaurants are worth it? With so many to choose from this is a topic we dive into all the time. From considering the budget to the time it takes to get food, to the location, there are a lot of variables when it comes to finding the Best Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World. Here are all of our favorite places to have a casual Dinner at Walt Disney World in a sit-down restaurant. 

For us, taking the time to make a reservation at good sit-down restaurants at Disney World or table-service restaurants is always worth it. Especially, because long vacation days in the parks often have us scrambling for a reason to sit down, enjoy the air conditioning, and take a breather. And thankfully, this list of Best Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World helps us to do just that. Some of these Disney World Restaurants even have Table Service To Go Meals if you’re looking for quality without the need for a reservation or the time to be served. 

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Toledo Disneys Coronado Springs Resort

Best Casual Sit-Down Restaurants at Disney World 

When we think of the best places to eat at Walt Disney World, we typically want amazing food, decent prices, a calm and delightful atmosphere, and good prices. This is a lot to ask, and yet, we always go in with those expectations. Some restaurants meet these expectations every single time. We like our restaurants elegant, but not too fancy, well-themed, and serving an amazing menu of foods we love. So, if you’re looking for something similar, let’s dig in. 

Dinner at Disney Toledo Restaurant

Toledo | Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Absolutely one of the best table restaurants at Walt Disney World, Toledo Restaurant can be found at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. And take our word for it, it’s completely worth the visit, though it’s a harder resort to get to. As such you’ll need to head to Disney Springs, or a theme park to catch the resort bus to Coronado Springs Resort, since Disney doesn’t have a resort-to-resort bus service, yet. 

Toledo is a themed restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine. You can find things like lamb shank, scallops, beef, rib-eye, brick oven cauliflower, and chicken on the menu. Each dish is carefully crafted to showcase the flavors of the region. We love that this restaurant stays true to the cultural cuisine and offers up an easy atmosphere. Located on the top floor of the resort, you can even step outside on the roof balcony, near the Dahlia Lounge for fireworks viewing in the distance. Prices range from $30-$40 per entree and focus on quality over quantity.  Check out the Toledo Restaurant Menu

Liberty Tree Tavern Thanksgiving Menu

Liberty Tree Tavern | Magic Kingdom Park

Located inside Magic Kingdom Park you will need a valid theme park ticket and a Magic Kingdom Park Pass Reservation to take advantage of this restaurant. So, if you’re planning a Magic Kingdom Day during your vacation, be sure to snag lunch or dinner here. As one of the mainstay restaurants in the Liberty Square area, you can count on traditional Thanksgiving fare, in spaces themed to the U.S. Presidents.

While you may be wondering how Liberty Tree Tavern made the list, hear us out! First, the food is fantastic! A selection of rolls, salads, meats, and sides are all there for the taking. And the Ooey Gooey Cake is legendary for a reason. Second, as an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal, this is the best table service restaurant at Walt Disney World for families and groups. Third, since the foods are familiar, you don’t have to worry about picky eaters. We love that the food is consistently good. Prices range are $39 per adult and $21 per child. Check out the Liberty Tree Tavern Menu.

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Sanaa | Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you haven’t gotten the chance to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge, trust us that it is well worth a trip! With animals roaming the savanna, rocking chairs on the porches, and some of the best restaurants, it’s no surprise that this is one of our favorite places. Located in the Animal Kingdom Park area, you can catch the Animal Kingdom Lodge Bus from Animal Kingdom Park, or Disney Springs. 

Located on the ground floor of the Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village building, Sanaa is a table-service restaurant serving African cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes a variety of potjie dishes, Indian-style bread service, and curries. You can also grab traditional breakfast items, desserts, and specialty drinks. Sanaa also has a kid’s menu and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks. And if you find that you want to try it out without a reservation, Sanaa also has a lounge. We highly recommend the potjie, bread service, tea service and chocolate mousse. Prices range between $30-$40 per entree and less for breakfast and lunch. Check out the Sanaa Restaurant Menu

Cauliflower Appetizer at Space 220 Restaurant

Space 220 | EPCOT Park

A new addition to EPCOT Park, the Space 220 Restaurant offers up a Prix Fixe menu and a la carte dining options at the Space 220 Lounge. We were actually quite surprised that this restaurant was so good! To dine here you will need an EPCOT Park Ticket and a Park Pass Reservation. You will also need a Reservation as this restaurant is still new, and walk-up times, when they allow them, could be more than an hour and a half wait. 

Space 220 serves out-of-this-world cuisine, on a “space station.” On theme, you can find a variety of space-centric foods here. Everything from Blue Moon Cauliflower to Galactic Miso Salmon. Even the zero-proof cocktails come with fun names like the Milky Way and Moon Rocks. Our favorites here were the chicken and waffle, blue moon cauliflower, sliders, and the peanut caramel comet dessert. Trust us when we say, you should just order everything that looks interesting. Everything we tried was excellent and offered unique flavors we hadn’t found anywhere else.

Lunch at Space 220 is $55 per adult and $29 per child. Dinner at Space 220 is $79 per adult and $29 per child. Check out the Space 220 Restaurant Menu Dining at Space 220 Lounge offers a la carte options from $12-$24, as well as access to many of the items on the main menu. Check out the Space 220 Lounge Menu

Sebastian's Restaurnat in Walt Disney World

Sebastian’s Bistro | Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

One of the most Underrated Restaurants at Walt Disney World, Sebastian’s Bistro can be found at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Accessible by bus from any theme park, or the Disney Skyliner from both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT Park, this restaurant is a MUST-DO. Much like ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, you can find family-style dining, complete with flavors from the Islands. 

Sebastian’s Bistro features a variety of seasoned meats, sides, and even plant-based dining options. And for dessert, the famous Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding. Everything is all-you-care-to-enjoy so feel free to request seconds or thirds! The menu includes cilantro rice, vegetable curry, citrus chicken, mojo pork, and more.  You can also grab additional seafood options and a variety of non-alcoholic and specialty cocktails. Prices are $39 per adult and $19 per child, and one of the most budget-friendly family restaurants at Disney World. Check out the Sebastian’s Bistro Menu.

Breakfast Pizza at Trattoria al Forno

Trattoria al Forno | Disney’s BoardWalk

One of our absolute favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World, Trattoria al Forno blows us away every single time we eat here. Absolutely fantastic service, food, and prices keep us coming back every trip. Located on Disney’s BoardWalk, you can get here by driving, taking the Disney Skyliner to EPCOT, or by Disney bus; simply head to the Boardwalk Inn Resort from any Disney park to get within walking distance. 

Trattoria al Forno serves up authentic Italian cuisine for breakfast and dinner. In truth, Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno is our favorite breakfast spot at Walt Disney World. The French toast, avocado toast, breakfast pizza, and iced coffee are all reasons to keep coming back. Seating indoors and outside makes this a perfect place to grab a bite whatever your mood. If heading to Trattoria al Forno for dinner, then you can count on wood-fired pizzas, pasta, chicken, and steak Florentine. Everything here is delicious. Reservations are recommended, though this restaurant does typically offer a reasonable walk-up wait time. And since you’re on the Disney BoardWalk there is plenty to do while you wait. Prices here range from $15- $20 per entree at Breakfast to $20-$40 per entree for Dinner. For everything to try, check out the Trattoria al Forno Menu.

plant based dining at ale and compass

 Ale and Compass | Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Another tried and true restaurant that never, ever, lets us down is Ale and Compass. And we’re typically always heading here for breakfast or dinner. Located on the Disney BoardWalk, you don’t need a park ticket, but we highly recommend a reservation. This restaurant also offers Table Service to Go, so if you’re staying nearby or want to eat outside, you can mobile order your meal. 

Ale and Compass has not only a restaurant but a lounge, so you can choose to either just grab drinks and small plates or a full meal. Frankly, we come here for it all. Serving up amazing breakfast options, including a full breakfast buffet and a variety of entrees, including Mickey waffles, omelets, pizza, and plant-based meals, this place has it all. We LOVE the chocolate waffles and salted caramel apple French toast. And the breakfast protein bowl is fantastic. So nice to see a Disney Plant-Based Meal done right here. We love that breakfast is easy and budget-friendly. 

Lunch and Dinner at Ale and Compass include American casual dining at its best. Serving up salads, flatbreads, steak, seafood, and burgers. You can grab entrees all under $36 and once again the food is just fantastic. We love the Flatbreads, and the Bacon and Vermont Cheddar Burger, but really everything we’ve had here is good. Prices here range from $10-$20 for breakfast entrees and $20-$40 for dinner entrees. Check out the Ale and Compass Menu.  

fried green tomatoes at art smith homecomin disney springs

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ | Disney Springs

If you’re looking for a good breakfast at Disney Springs, this farm-to-table restaurant offers a variety of amazing breakfast foods, and lunch and dinner are pretty great too. Its location at Disney Springs means it’s super easy to get to by Disney Bus from any resort. But, you can also drive and park for free, or even catch the ferry from Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter for leisurely sailing. 

With southern specialties galore, this restaurant serves up comfort food like no other. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner there are plenty of options here. We most love Brunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ for its easy atmosphere and amazing menu. Fried green tomatoes, hummingbird cake, fried chicken and donuts, and more southern specialties are mainstays here. Lunch and dinner offer salads, sandwiches, and meats featuring Southern flair. If you’re looking for amazing quality and southern classics like chicken fried steak, mahi mahi, bbq pork chops and fried chicken, you’ll find it here. Prices range between $20-$40 per entree. Check out the Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Menu.

Tritons Restaurant on Disney Wonder

Disney World Restaurants in Each Park

As Walt Disney World has over 200 restaurants across the property, we love finding the best restaurants at Walt Disney World. However, they don’t always have to be table service restaurants. And as we somewhat abhor theme park food, we’re always excited to find diamonds in the rough when it comes to dining at Disney. Looking for the Walt Disney World Best Quick Service Restaurants instead? Carefully curated, these lists are about more than just theme park food, and really warrant a look! Absolutely delicious food at each park in Walt Disney World. 

Magic Kingdom Restaurants

Magic Kingdom has a ton of restaurants in the park, from classic theme park food like Casey’s hot dogs to elevated dining like Skipper Canteen there are plenty of things to try. And Magic Kingdom Best Quick Service Restaurants, while not some of the best, do offer a wide array of options. If you’re looking for the Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants and What to Skip we’ve got you covered with dining options for families, indoors and out. 

Hollywood Studios Restaurants

As Disney’s smallest theme park, Hollywood Studios does a good job of offering a variety of food options. Hollywood Studios Best Quick Service Restaurants range from Ronto Roasters over in Galaxy’s Edge to ABC Commissary with its ever-changing menu. But there are definitely some not worth the time or money! So be sure to check out the Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants and What to Skip before your next visit. 

Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Animal Kingdom Park features foods from Asia, Africa, Pandora, and more. And luckily, they have some of the best restaurants around, if you know where to look. If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom, be sure to check out the Animal Kingdom Best Quick Service Restaurants so you can pick the best ones. And if you’re staying for dinner, we cover everything from Nomad Lounge to Tusker House in our Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants and What to Skip post. 

EPCOT Restaurants

As home to the World Showcase, there is no shortage of eclectic foods to try at EPCOT. Of course, we do have our favorites, so be sure to check out the EPCOT Best Quick Service Restaurants and the Best Epcot Restaurants and What to Skip to help you get started on your foodie journey at EPCOT. 

Disney Resort Restaurants

Another favorite place to find food at Walt Disney World is Disney Resorts. These restaurants are some of the best. Just like the parks, you can find both quick service and table service restaurants at most resorts. If you’re resort hopping and looking for new meal options, be sure to check out the Disney Resorts Best Quick Service Restaurants. And if you’re planning on heading to Disney Resorts throughout your trip, you can find loads of amazing restaurants to try. Take a look at the Best Disney Resort Restaurants at Walt Disney World and What to Skip so you can add some resorts to your next Disney Vacation. 

Disney BoardWalk Restaurants

One of our favorite places to go on a Walt Disney World trip is the Disney BoardWalk. This area is perfect for a non-park day, and you don’t need a ticket or a reservation to go! Simply show up. Accessible from its own parking lot, it’s also within walking distance of the BoardWalk Resorts. With some fantastic dining options, here are the Best Disney Boardwalk Restaurants and What to Skip.

D-Luxe Burger Disney Springs

Disney Restaurants We Wouldn’t Recommend

If you’re looking for casual restaurants at Disney World or budget-friendly sit-down restaurants, we wouldn’t recommend any of the following options. While it’s so easy to be tempted by the flashy hard-to-get reservations and the hoopla around some of these restaurants, for us, they just are not worth the money, dress code or time if you’re looking for a great place to eat at Disney World. If you’re searching for somewhere special to eat at Disney World, however, these could work, but that’s not what we’re chatting about in this post. Here are the restaurants to skip if you’re looking for a casual, and cheap sit-down restaurant at Disney. 

Disney Signature Fine Dining Restaurants

Lucky for you, and us, we typically go for restaurants that are within a reasonable budget range.  Because while California Grill may be a stellar table service at Disney World, paying $90 plus tax and gratuities for 1 meal leaves us anything but magical. So for the purposes of this post, we’ll just be sharing what we consider the best table service restaurants at Walt Disney World, but not necessarily just those in the Fine Dining category. You can find those lists everywhere. And while Monsieur Paul, or  Victoria and Albert’s may indeed be the BEST table service restaurants at Walt Disney World since we haven’t eaten at either they are not included in this list.  Additionally, we won’t be sharing those restaurants that most likely make everyone else’s list, but that we heartily disagree with.  

Be Our Guest

While this Disney Darling used to be worth it as a Disney Table Service Restaurant, we have been spurned with the menu changes one too many times, and have taken it off almost all of our lists at this point. Be Our Guest is by far one of the most Overrated Restaurants at Walt Disney World. Call it a boycott, mutiny, or the coming of the revolution. Whatever it is Be Our Guest is officially too expensive, with sub-par food for us to spend any time eating there. Read the Be Our Guest Restaurant Review, with our love letters to the long-gone breakfast and lunch offerings. And check out the Prix Fixe Dinner at Be Our Guest Review, for everything you should know if this restaurant is on your must-do list. 

Cinderella’s Royal Table

 Another one that will have Disney Princess, and Disney Castle fans, in an uproar, we are not including Cinderella’s Royal Table in this list. Another high-priced restaurant, we’re not terribly keen on spending $70 for Avocado Toast or getting pictures of the Disney Princesses against a background filled with dining families.  That said, this restaurant doesn’t make the list for lots of good reasons. Read the Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table Review for details. 

Walt Disney World Table Service Restaurant Cost

You’d be surprised that the Best Table Service Restaurants at Disney World don’t actually cost that much! In fact, some of the good sit-down restaurants at Disney are only slightly more expensive than a quick-service meal! Often between $20-$40 a plate, these restaurants have a variety of entrees including pasta, chicken, steak, and flatbreads to match whatever your budget. While this is much cheaper than Disney Character Dining, keep in mind that at those restaurants you’re paying for the characters more than the buffet. If you’re headed to Walt Disney World on a budget, and who isn’t, check out the Top 10 Best Disney Restaurants on a Budget at Walt Disney World.

Hopefully, this list has given you a good idea of some underrated restaurants at Walt Disney World that are completely worth your time and money. We love finding the best places to eat at Disney, and this is our tried and true list of good sit-down restaurants at Disney World on a budget. Be sure to check out all our Disney restaurant reviews on the blog for more ideas on where to eat your next meal.

Best Disney Restaurants at Walt Disney World

 

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.


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