As an agent with an Earmarked Platinum Authorized Disney vacation planner, I’ve gotten the privilege of training onsite at Disney World and also visiting many times with my family. I’ve eaten at a lot of Disney restaurants and some Disney dining locations are iconic such as Cinderella’s Royal Table and Chef Mickey’s. But some of my favorite restaurants at Disney World are off the beaten path. So I decided to share with you my Top 5 Hidden Gem Restaurants at Disney World!
Coming in at Number 5 on my list of hidden gems is Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Although Tony’s isn’t necessarily hidden, it’s actually the first restaurant you see as you enter Magic Kingdom, it is often passed over by Magic Kingdom diners in favor of character meals like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant, or Crystal Palace. But Tony’s Town Square offers crowd pleasing Italian favorites in a beautiful atmosphere right in the heart of Main Street USA. If you’re a fan of Lady and the Tramp, you will also love the theming here as there are references to the movie all around. We make a point to eat lunch at Tony’s every time we’re in Magic Kingdom and we always enjoy our meal. My favorite entree is the fettuccine alfredo.
Coming in at Number 4 on my list is Via Napoli. Via Napoli is located in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion. It serves pasta and other Italian favorites, but the pizza is the star of the show at Via Napoli. Not only is the pizza delicious, but the largest size is easily enough for a family to split, making this a good bang for your buck as well. Add to that the fact that the atmosphere is beautiful with its soaring ceilings, tile work, and wood-burning ovens and you’ve got a winner.
Coming in at Number 3 on my list is Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Although it may seem odd to include a princess character meal in a list of “hidden gem” restaurants, I think that Akershus is often overshadowed by Cinderella’s Royal Table, which is located in Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Akershus is located in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion in World Showcase, but the atmosphere is still regal and, during normal operations, you still get to meet 5 princesses. In my opinion, breakfast is the best meal to have at Akershus, especially if you can score a pre-park opening dining reservation. This gives you the ability to walk through World Showcase with hardly any other guests in the parks. You can get some awesome pictures this way! The food at Akershus is also really good and it’s the only princess meal where you get to see Belle in her yellow ball gown.
Coming in at Number 2 on my list is Beaches and Cream. Beaches and Cream is located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and it is a soda shop serving favorites such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and french dips. The entrees at Beaches and Cream are great, but the ice cream is where it’s at! Beaches and Cream is famous for its Kitchen Sink which serves at least 4 and contains every flavor of ice cream they offer, every topping they offer, and a whole can of whipped cream. But my personal favorite is a simple hot fudge sundae. Beaches and Cream is a great option for lunch or dinner on your Epcot day because The Beach Club is a very short walk from Epcot’s International Gateway.
And coming in at Number 1 on my list is Grand Floridian Cafe. I love this restaurant and I have never had a bad meal here. Grand Floridian Cafe is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa which is not only a beautiful property, but it’s just a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom, making it easy to have lunch or dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe on your Magic Kingdom day. It is certainly worth the trip. The atmosphere is beautiful with lots of windows and natural light, the service is always good, and the food is top notch. My favorite entree is the fried chicken with bacon vinaigrette and my husband’s go-to is the lobster thermidor burger. I also love their nojito mocktail which is made of seltzer water, simple syrup, lime juice, and mint. It’s refreshing and delicious.
Well, there you have it! My top 5 hidden gem restaurants at Walt Disney World. For more tips like these, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. And if you’d like personalized recommendations and assistance planning your vacation to Disney World, my vacation planning services are completely free when you book your vacation through me at the same price as booking it yourself on Disney’s website.
