The Orlando area is well known for great dining opportunities, and though many of the restaurants are located in resorts or free-standing, you can find some great options in the area’s many theme parks as well. The restaurants on this list have great food that is innovative and well prepared, interesting décor and theming and excellent service. Since these dining locations are all housed within theme parks, the dress code is casual and relaxed. Reservations are strongly recommended – in some cases you can (and should) reserve your table up to six months in advance.
5. Teppan Edo (Epcot)
Image: Disney
Located in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion, Teppan Edo serves up fresh vegetables, meats and seafood, prepared tableside on hibachi grills. You’ll get both a show and a meal here; the chefs are entertaining to watch and know how to please a crowd. Choose from chicken, shrimp or steak, and watch as your meal is prepared before your eyes. This is also a great destination for vegetarian diners; it offers an excellent vegetable plate as well (provided you don’t mind seeing meat on the grill). Teppan Edo is a great location for a large family group – each hibachi-style table can seat up to 8 guests at a time.
4. Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
Image: Disney
The fare at this premier location is very good, but the atmosphere and location elevate the dining experience to great. Cinderella’s Royal Table is located in Cinderella Castle itself, and is luxuriously appointed, allowing you to dine like royalty. This is a character dining location, so you’ll have the chance to interact with Cinderella when you dine here.
This is one of Walt Disney World’s most popular dining locations, so a reservation is an absolute must. You can reserve a time and date at Cinderella’s Royal Table up to six months in advance, so book early to be sure you can get the time you want.
3. Mythos (Islands of Adventure)
Mythos is one of the few good, table service dining locations at the Universal Orlando Resort. Most of the fine dining establishments are scattered throughout CityWalk and around the exterior of the actual theme parks. Mythos, located within the Islands of Adventure theme park, offers superb atmosphere – you can dine in an underground grotto that looks like it was carved from rock. While the atmosphere here is stunning, the adventurous menu makes Mythos one of the best in-park restaurants in Orlando, and one that is not to be missed.
Reservations are a must for this location, and can be made in advance. Mythos may be affected by the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, so call ahead to be sure this location is open during your trip.
2. Hollywood Brown Derby (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to one of the only true fine dining experiences you’ll find within a theme park. The Hollywood Brown Derby offers a traditional upscale menu, with a few exotic twists. The house dessert, a grapefruit cake with grapefruit icing is particularly good—kind of like taking a bite out of pure sunshine.
One of the nicest perks about dining at the Brown Derby is the combination package for Fantasmic! – you can purchase a package that combines a great meal with reserved seats for the nightly fireworks spectacular. Seating is limited, and this combo is available only on nights that feature the Fantasmic! program.
1. Chefs de France (Epcot)
One of Epcot’s most popular restaurants for good reason, Chefs de France serve up fine cuisine all afternoon and evening. Choose from some classic favorites like onion soup or ratatouille – and don’t miss the dessert menu; it is one of the best you’ll fine in any theme park. The Crème Brulee is a particular favorite, and is offered at both lunch and dinner.
If you are visiting Chefs de France during the week, you may catch a glimpse of Remy the rat, star of Pixar’s Ratatouille. A life-sized, animatronic Remy makes the rounds of the restaurant throughout the day, stopping to visit each table, making this great dining experience even more magical.
