Depending on your hierarchy of vacationing, food quality and selection is probably one of the top considerations when planning a trip. Although Universal Orlando has received praise most recently with its theme park food (i.e. Butterbeer, Krusty Burgers… basically anything Wizarding World– or Simpsons-related), it’s Walt Disney World that still carries the title of best food overall.
With that said, why, exactly, is it the best? Well, let’s take a look at five restaurants that blow our minds.
1. Monsieur Paul
The only restaurant to make our list that is actually in-park, Monsieur Paul is an upgrade to an already-impressive dining experience. Located behind Chefs de France in the France Pavilion at Epcot, Monsieur Paul provides luxury in ambiance, service, and, yes, menu offerings. Try ordering (and pronouncing) the Pavé de Flétan Poché (butter-poached Halibut) or the Filet de Boeuf Grillé (grilled beef tenderloin).
A Prix Fixe three-course menu is also available to those not looking to dine à la carte. After dinner, you can take a slow walk around World Showcase, ride Living with the Land, or catch IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.
2. Victoria and Albert’s
Hardcore Disney World fans knew it was only a matter of time before this restaurant showed up on the list. For those who have never heard the name before, Victoria and Albert’s is the only AAA Five Diamond dining experience in Orlando (and only one of three in Florida)! Located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Victoria and Albert’s offers an experience that is second to none in Central Florida.
With dishes like Miyazaki Japanese Beef and Seared Maine Diver Scallop with Roasted Cauliflower, along with the intimate elegance that the restaurant exudes, it’s evident that this isn’t your average dinner spot. If the flavors and the ambiance don’t drive that home, the price will. Want to really live like royalty? Spring for the exclusive Chef’s Table, where a 10-course tasting menu with wine pairings will run you over $400 a person.
3. California Grill
Without a doubt my favorite restaurant on property, California Grill is set atop the 15th story of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Boasting a seasonal menu, incredible sushi, and breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon/Magic Kingdom area, this spot is perfect for almost any occasion.
Arguably the most impressive draw to California Grill, however, is that it offers its guests a one-of-a-kind view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks display. If you plan well, you might even get to experience perimeter fireworks from the unique vantage point. Talk about the ultimate dinner and a show.
4. Yachtsman Steakhouse
Some days call for a great steak, and when those days come calling, Yachtsman Steakhouse has you covered. Fiercely compared by some to Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse, Yachtsman actually ranks higher on the Zagat survey for food and service.
From Waygu Strip Loin to Prime Ribeye Steak and a Porterhouse cut for two, Yachtsman is a beef lover’s paradise. Located at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, this top pick is conveniently located next to Epcot and Disney’s Boardwalk, which solves the age-old question, “what do you want to do after dinner?”
5. Capa
If you thought California Grill was next-level dining, you haven’t met the new kid on the block. Nestled atop the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is Capa, the hotel’s Spanish steakhouse. Seventeen floors up, this is the highest full restaurant on Disney World property. Being that high up does have its advantages – namely, views of Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Contemporary Resort/Magic Kingdom. If you plan correctly (or just have dumb luck, like we did), you can enjoy bits of each of the three parks’ firework spectaculars at the same time.
Outside of the view, Capa boasts a diverse and exotic menu with flavors supported by a wine list that has earned the restaurant a spot on the Top 100 Wine Restaurants in the US by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Enjoy Cangrejo (king crab) from the raw bar or an Iberico Pork Chop from the grill. Whatever you pick, the food is sure to be as unforgettable as the view.
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