I love eating out, and I love Disney, so it makes perfect sense that I'd love dining at some of the best restaurants in Walt Disney World. My favorite park for dining at Walt Disney World is Epcot.
There are so many Epcot restaurants, including a few character dining options and some fine dining options. Whether you enjoy sitting down for a table service meal or would prefer to grab counter service, there are so many options.
Disclosure: Over the years, I've dined in some (but not all) of these Epcot restaurants as part of hosted or press trips (at no cost). I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a small commission for us.
Wondering where to eat in Epcot? Here are some of the best Epcot restaurants to consider. Keep in mind that there are some Epcot restaurants I didn't mention because I haven't experienced them - not because they aren't good.
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While many of the great Epcot restaurants are in the World Showcase, there are still some options in Future World as well.
Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion is a quick-service restaurant that's a convenient choice for families. There are some great, healthy meal options, including some produce that's grown right in the Land. It's open from breakfast through dinner.
Menu items include sandwiches, Asian noodles, chicken, pork, and salmon. As a quick-service restaurant, you won't need to make reservations.
Arrive early or late to avoid crowds during the busier times. The land pavilion, in general, is very busy, so the whole area can be crowded.
Seafood lovers will enjoy dining at the Coral Reef, which is located in the Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion. You can order delicious entrees with views of the sea animals living in the Seas. It's open for lunch and dinner, and it's best to make reservations in advance.
While most of the entrees are seafood, there are plenty of things on the kids' menu that appeals to kids, including pasta and chicken. So don't be afraid to eat there even if your kids (like mine) won't eat seafood.
For our Walt Disney World vacations, we typically stay at Disney's Beach Club resort, because it's so convenient to the World Showcase of Epcot. I get park hopper tickets for our family, and we head to one of the Epcot restaurants for dinner before going back to our resort.
There's a back entrance of Epcot called the International Gateway that makes it easy to go back and forth from the Beach Club to the World Showcase. Other hotels in this area include the Boardwalk Inn, the Yacht Club, and the Swan and Dolphin.
It took a few times for me to try to get Le Cellier reservations before I lucked out and finally got one. It's a popular restaurant. If you love steak, this is definitely a spot to try.
It's a dark restaurant, so it may not be the best option for the youngest kids, however. Le Cellier offers lunch and dinner, and lunch reservations may be easier to get.
On the menu, you'll find Canadian specialties like cheddar cheese soup, poutine, salmon, and porterhouse. The kids' menu includes steak, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese.
This casual English pub is located in the England pavilion. It looks like an authentic pub, so it's a fun spot for the atmosphere. There's also some seating outdoors by the Seven Seas Lagoon.
As you'd expect, the specialty here is the fish and chips, which is their signature dish. The menu also includes bangers and mash, Scottish salmon, and corned beef and cabbage. It's open for both lunch and dinner, and reservations are accepted.
One of the newest restaurants in Epcot is Spice Road, located on the waterfront in the Morocco pavilion. We've always loved eating in the Morocco pavilion, so we were excited to check out this restaurant as soon as it opened.
Spice Road offers table service with both indoor and outdoor seating. For dinner, they offer both standard entrees and small plates, so it's a great place to try new foods with little risk. You'll find Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like grape leaves, lamb, and garlic shrimp.
Spice Road offers lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted, although we've been lucky to get a table without one. During busy times, however, it's probably a good idea to get a reservation.
Tangierine Cafe is, in my opinion, the best quick service Epcot restaurant. Like Spice Road, it's located in the Morocco pavilion. The food is delicious - I love the Shawarma Chicken Platter, while my kids enjoy eating the chicken nuggets.
You won't need to make reservations (they aren't accepted) but there is limited seating, so you'll want to arrive early. Plates are big, so they are great for feeding growing kids.
Love Teppanyaki? Teppan Edo in Japan offers traditional teppanyaki in a family-friendly environment. You won't feel rushed while you are there, and you'll completely forget that you are in a theme park.
If you like scallops, definitely consider that entree. It's one of my favorites on the Teppan Edo menu. Sushi is also available.
It's open for lunch and dinner, and you will need to make reservations in advance. Walk-ins tables can be very difficult to get - especially given the nature of a teppanyaki restaurant.
Teppan Edo is one of three Epcot Japanese table service restaurants, but it's the most unique in my opinion.
There are two Epcot Italian restaurants within the World Showcase and they offer some of the best food at Epcot. I'm a sucker for Italian food, and Tutto Italia is one of my favorite Italian restaurants. I recommend ordering the Grande Antipasto Misto, which comes with different Italian delicacies.
There's also homemade pasta, fish and more. Don't skip dessert, because they are all absolutely delicious. There's also a great wine menu.
Tutto Italia is open for lunch and dinner and does take reservations. Adjacent to the main dining room is the Tutto Gusto wine cellar, offering Italian wines as well as small plates.
Another one of my favorite Epcot restaurants is the more casual Via Napoli, located next to Tutto Italia in the Italy pavilion. Via Napoli is known for its delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, although they also offer other delicious Italian entrees.
While you are there, try one of their house-made Agua Frescas drinks. We generally share a pizza or two and salad when we visit.
Wondering what the best of the Italian restaurants at Epcot is? It's very difficult for me to choose from these two very different restaurants. I prefer Via Napoli for lighter, more casual bites, like pizza, and Tutto Italia for traditional Italian entrees.
It's (family-friendly) Oktoberfest every day at Biergarten, located in the German pavilion. In addition to a delicious German buffet, you'll be treated to some fabulous German entertainment as you dine.
Seating is at large community tables, and the atmosphere is very festive. If you aren't sure if you like German food, the buffet is a great way to try out a variety of different options. This was one of our favorite restaurants when I was growing up and I've enjoyed visiting it with my kids.
This counter-service restaurant on the World Showcase lagoon offers large plates of delicious Mexican food. This was the first counter service restaurant that we ate at with our kids, and it's one of our favorites.
Entrees at La Cantina are big - you get great value for your money here. It has a good amount of seating, and doesn't require any reservations.
If you are looking for a slightly more formal atmosphere, the San Angel Inn is a great option. It's located in the Mexico pavilion building, overlooking the Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride. We love the atmosphere here because it always feels like a fiesta making it one of the best places to eat in Epcot.
Menu items include Tacos al Pastor, Mole Poblano, and Carne Asada Tampiqueña. It is dark in the restaurant, but it still feels very festive. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
There are two table service restaurants in the France pavilion, with Chefs De France being the more casual, family-friendly option. There, you'll find traditional French entrees like Boeuf Bourguignon, Steak Frites, and Salade Niçoise. There's also a prix fixe option that can be a great deal if you are looking for a larger meal
Tucked away in the back of the French pavilion is this delicious bakery.
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie is a quick-service restaurant offering sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries.
It's a great place for a quick bite, and there is plenty of seating. It is open for lunch and dinner.
Young kids will love the character dining options in Epcot. We've been to both Akershus and the Garden Grill and loved the experience.
Akershus, located in Norway, is home to a princess breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has more seating capacity than Cinderella Castle, so it's a great option for princess-loving families that can't get a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table. Despite the larger capacity, it's still a challenge to get a reservation, so be sure to make one as soon as your window opens.
Breakfast at Akershus is served family-style. You'll get some American breakfast specialties, and can also choose from the Norwegian Smorgasbord. For lunch and dinner, you'll get some Norwegian specialties, and then can choose your entree from the menu selections.
Note that while the World Showcase part of the park is generally closed during breakfast, Akershus is open. You'll be able to walk directly to the restaurant, but the rest of Epcot will be closed off. After breakfast, if the World Showcase is still closed, you'll have to go back to Future World.
This is one of my favorite character meal options. The Garden Grill, located in the Land pavilion, is a rotating restaurant, featuring Chip 'n' Dale and other Disney characters.
Meals are served family-style and include some of the delicious produce grown right in the Land pavilion. As you dine, the restaurant slowly rotates around. It's a low key character meal, but we love it. It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you visit Epcot during one of their popular festivals and events, like the Epcot International Food and Wines Festival, the Epcot Festival of the Arts, and the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, you'll have even more delicious food options.
During these festivals, there are booths set up through the park that feature small plates and drinks. I usually plan one of my meals around visiting the festival and sampling various options.
In addition to wondering where to eat at Epcot, you may also wonder where to get a great adult beverage at Epcot. One of the most fun adult activities at Epcot is "drinking around the world". There are a variety of options to choose from.
The restaurants mentioned above have alcoholic beverages, but if you just want a quick drink while you are walking, stop at one of these spots. Please drink responsibly.
Located across from the Epcot restaurants at the French pavilion is a Les Vins De Chefs de France. The booth features delicious French wines, as well as the popular Grand Marnier Orange Slush and the Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush. They are both refreshing, but popular, so be prepared for a line.
Love margaritas? La Cava Del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion offers margaritas to go or for dining in. There are a number of different delicious options, so be adventurous.
You'll need valid park admission to dine at any of the Epcot restaurants. If you don't have the park hopper option on your Disney tickets, it's a good idea to plan your meals at Epcot for whatever day(s) you plan to be in the park.
Since you generally make advance dining reservations before FastPass reservations, take that time to set a rough draft park schedule for your visit.
This is an impossible question to answer. It definitely depends upon what type of cuisine you enjoy. For the atmosphere, I love the San Angel Inn, but for food, my favorite is Tutto Italia or Via Napoli. But your opinion may be very different depending on your preferences.
We love the Tangierine Cafe in Morocco. The food is delicious, and the portions are large. Even my picky kids love the chicken here!
What is your favorite of the Epcot restaurants? See more in our Epcot restaurants story here.
If you are interested in Epcot dining, the following Disney resorts are great options for your stay because they are close to Epcot
The post Epcot Restaurants: Where to Eat in Epcot appeared first on Family Travel Magazine.