We've Eaten at Every EPCOT Restaurant. These Are the BEST. | the disney food blog (2024)

Updated: May 9, 2024

It can be TOUGH to decide what to eat in Disney World when there are so many great options. And that’s especially true at EPCOT, where you’ll find food inspired by countries around the world, a restaurant located “220 miles above Earth,” and even a few brand-new restaurants thrown in the mix for some extra culinary fun!

It’s nearly an embarrassment of riches when it comes to choices for excellent snacks and meals in EPCOT, and we don’t want you to miss out on THE BEST.Come along with us to see the best places to eat — and drink! — in EPCOT.

In this post, we’re ranking the 5 best table service (sit-down) restaurants, the 5 best counter service (fast food-style) restaurants, and the 3 best places to get a snack or treat. Before we dive in, though, there’s something we want you to know…

When it comes to the culinary landscape at EPCOT, things are constantly changing! And that’s not simply because the park hosts four seasonal Festivals throughout the year, each delivering their own themed Food Booths to the park throughout the year, and more Festival offerings like the NEW Festival Center — CommuniCore Hall and Plaza — opening on June 10th, 2024!

It’s also because new dining experiences make their debuts with some frequency around EPCOT, so we keep this post updated so you have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips before you make that next Advance Dining Reservation. For example…

Some Recent — and TERRIFIC! — Changes to EPCOT Dining

There’s a new kid on the World Showcase block, and it came out swinging. Newly open in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion as of August 2023 is Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya!

This table-service restaurant presents a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style.” What that boils down to is a stunning restaurant with menu items AND settings that changes throughout the year. Essentially,the change from season to season brings a brand new celebration of Japanese food and culture, andchanging menu items represent a different Japanese seasonal festival!

With this focus on seasons, Shiki-Sai delivers a range of dining experiences like no other in EPCOT or even in Disney World. You can have a new experience every time you visit. This range, however, also extends to the prices on the menu itself. Want to splurge with friends on the stunning and shareable $300 $300 Fune Boat featuring an assortment of sushi and sashimithat feeds 4-6 people?You most certainly can. (SPOILER ALERT: It’s incredible.)

That said, if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, flavorful a la carte grilled entrees and rice bowls are up for grabs, or you can choose a few from a wide array of sushi and sashimi and other shareable plates. And Disney Dining Plan participants can dine here for 1 Table Service credit!

A few returning meals have also changed the dining landscape at a major way in EPCOT recently. Our beloved Garden Grill Restaurant has been open since July of 2020 following the Disney World Resort’s temporary 2020 closure; however, BREAKFAST didn’t return until June of 2023.

Now you can start your day once again with Chip ‘n Dale, Pluto, and Mickey in his adorable Farmer’s Overalls at this all-you-can-eat Family-Style meal!

And another Character Meal has returned to the scene as well. We’ve long sang the praises of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion for a place to dine with OODLES of Disney Princesses!

In fact, it’s the ONLY full-on ALL-PRINCESS meal outside of Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom (which is a notoriously difficult reservation to nail down). Akershus reopened in November of 2022 with Lunch and Dinner service; however, Breakfast returned in May of 2023.

Truly, we really enjoy the Scandinavian fare at Akershus (I dream about the Kjøttkake — meatballs); but, if you have a pickier Prince or Princess in your group, they may prefer the more familiar offerings served at breakfast (and it’s a more affordable option, to boot).

“TL;DR” The Best of EPCOT Dining At-a-Glance

Hey, I get it — when it comes to dining in EPCOT, there is a LOT to take in. If you don’t want to read about every single restaurant, we’ve got you covered with some real crowd pleasers that everyone loves…

Want to feed some fantastic food to your crew for a great value? A Mezzo-sized PIZZA at Via Napoli will check all those boxes!

Hoping to dine at a truly classic EPCOT location? in the United Kingdom Pavilion has been a staple in EPCOT since Day One.

(Literally.. .this beautiful British pub opened along with the park on October 1, 1982!)

And Garden Grill isn’t just our favorite Character Meal in EPCOT.

It is truly among the TOPS for Character Dining in all of Disney World, in our opinion!

There’s a LOT to be said for a spot that does one thing, and does it VERY well…

That’s the Fish & Chips at Yorkshire County Fish Shopin the United Kingdom Pavilion!

Are you worried because you have picky eaters in your group, but you also have some more adventurous eaters that would love to try some of EPCOT’s globally-inspired cuisine?

Connections Eatery makes it easier to please both groups.

Y’all, it’s TOUGH to narrow down the BEST snack locations in EPCOT. But, if you’re twisting my arm, there are two spots that rise to the top of the list: one is the Germany Pavilion’s Karamell–Küche (the Caramel Kitchen!).

And you’ll always encounter a line at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in France.

Once you get a load of all the gorgeous goodies lining those bakery cases, you’ll realize it’s well worth it to join.

That Full List We Promised You…

Okay! Now we’re getting into the real nitty-gritty! We’ve provided this list of the 5 best table service (sit-down) restaurants, the 5 best counter service (fast food-style) restaurants, and the 3 best places to get a snack or treat so you can explore some of our favorites in more detail. We’re also adding some pros and cons of each location in hopes that it helps you consider what’s best for your specific group.

Best-Of EPCOT Table Service Restaurants

We highly encourage that you make an Advance Dining Reservation for Table Service restaurants in EPCOT should you deem a location a “must-do” for your crew (although sometimes you can join a Walk-up Waitlist, depending on availability). You can start making those reservations 60 days before your trip.

5. Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

This ain’t your average pizza joint, my friends… the Italy Pavilion’s Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria boasts the BEST Pizza in all of Disney World. Now, you may be thinking that’s not saying much. But stay with me!

We’re talking about authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas baked in massive wood ovens (which are named after the 3 active volcanos in Italy) with options ranging from your not-so-basic Pepperoni to unique Quattro Formaggi and Prosciutto e Melone pizzas.

The flour? It’s imported from Italy. And even the water to make the pizza dough is imported from a spring in Pennsylvania that offers a similar ph-balance to Italian water.

These can be purchased in sizes large enough to feed 4-5 guests, turning what seems like an expensive pizza at a glance into a surprisingly great value!

Read our recent review of Via Napoli eats here.

4. Chefs de France

Chefs de France can be found in — you guessed it — the France pavilion! This spot is an authentic French bistro featuring eats like French Onion Soup, a charcuterie board, Ratatouille, Boeuf Bourguignon, and (our favorite) gruyere cheese baked Mac and Cheese.

While this is a great option for those who enjoy French cuisine, it might be tricky for picky eaters to find something they like on this menu. In addition, it’s a bit more upscale, so it’s better for date night or an adult dinner party rather than for families with younger kids.

PROS:

• Classic French options
• An escape from the theme parks if you’re feeling overwhelmed
• Great for a romantic dinner

CONS:

• Not great for guests in a hurry
• Only French cuisine served here — not a great variety for pickier eaters
• Not the best option for families with younger kiddos

OVERALL: 8/10

Read our most recent review of Chefs de France here.

3. Rose and Crown Dining Room

We’ve been to France and Italy now, and for the next restaurant on this list, we’re visiting the UK. The Rose and Crown Dining Room is a cozy pub that serves British classics like shepherd’s pie and fish & chips. And you can’t forget to order an Imperial Pint from the pub while you’re here!

This location has fireworks dining packages available as well, and it’s one of our favorite choices for those packages. If you book a dining package for Harmonious at this spot, you’ll be sat out on the lakefront patio for great views of the nighttime show.

PROS:

• Best Fireworks Dining Package
• Great balance of both traditional and adventurous options
• Cozy atmosphere

CONS:

• Not great for those looking for a lighter lunch/dinner option
• Takes a chunk of time out of your day to dine here
• If you’re wanting Fish and Chips, they’re CHEAPER at Yorkshire! To get them here, you’ll be dropping $26 as opposed to the basket of them just next door for $13.

OVERALL: 9/10

2. Le Cellier Steakhouse

If you’re looking for a great cut of steak in Disney World, there may not be a better option than Le Cellier, found in the Canada pavilion of World Showcase. You’ll dine in a wine cellar, with wooden tables, stone walls, and candle sconces. Some of our favorite options on the menu are the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, the Filet Mignon, and the signature Poutine.

The ambiance here makes it an excellent choice for date night, and the service has been consistently good when we’ve visited. However, it may not be the best place to bring smaller kiddos, and the menu is definitely on the more expensive side. As a signature restaurant, it’ll have most entrée options around $50.

PROS:

• Best date-night restaurant
• Consistently good service
• Top-tier steaks, entrees, and appetizers

CONS:

• Not the best for families with smaller kiddos
• Pricey
• Heavy portions (which might not be the best idea if you’re going to walk around in the Orlando heat after)

OVERALL: 9.5/10

Read our latest review of Le Cellier here.

1. Garden Grill Restaurant

Garden Grill is, in our opinion, the BEST table service restaurant for families. It’s located on the second floor of The Land pavilion in EPCOT’s World Nature area, and the dining room slowly rotates (!!), showing off views of the Living With the Land boat ride below. It’s also a character dining meal, so you can say hello to Farmer Mickey, Chip, Dale, and Pluto while you eat.

The menu here is pretty straightforward, which makes it great for kids or picky eaters. It’s a harvest-inspired meal with a salad, mashed potatoes, meat, and a berry shortcake.

PROS:

• Best for families
• Unique atmosphere and fun character meet and greets
• Good selection for picky eaters

CONS:

• Not the best for more adventurous eaters
• Takes a chunk of time out of your park day
• Not serving breakfast at this time

OVERALL: 9.5/10

Read our latest review of Garden Grill here!

Counter Service Restaurants

Now we’re moving on to the counter service restaurants in EPCOT. You don’t need a reservation for these spots, and they tend to be much cheaper than the table service options — but that doesn’t mean they’re not as good! In fact, we sometimes prefer these eats to the fancier table service meals.

Check to see if the restaurant you choose has Mobile Order available. That can save you time because you won’t have to wait in line to order! There’s a HUGE range of food types and quality in this park, so check out where you should eat here.

5. Crêpes À Emporter by La Crêperie de Paris

This service window is where you can get delicious crêpes fast. Crêpes À Emporter at La Crêperie de Paris is the quick service component of the full-service restaurant that it’s attached to. You’ll find both sweet crêpes and savory galettes on the menu, with options like the Cream of Brie Cheese Galette and the Hazelnut & Chocolate Crêpe.

There’s also a selection of hard ciders, sparkling drinks, and wine available here. One of the biggest problems is that there isn’t a lot of seating offered (basically, your only choices are the few benches located nearby or standing), so you’ll often see guests sitting on the ground nearby to eat their crêpes.

PROS:

• Great for guests who want a speedy savory or dessert crepe
• Unique dining option
• Affordable

CONS:

• Limited menu (that’s smaller than its table service counterpart)
• Lighter options (which isn’t the best for those who’ve worked up an appetite around the showcase)
• Not a buckwheat fan. (Since all galettes are made with buckwheat)

OVERALL: 7.5/10

See our latest review of Crêpes À Emporter here.

4. Yorkshire County Fish Shop (on Mobile Order)

Yorkshire County Fish Shop serves ONE thing: Fish and Chips. And that’s it. Well, there are sometimes limited-time treats or snacks offered here, and yes there’s also a drinks menu. But really those Fish & Chips are what this spot is all about. The fish is battered and fried until it’s crisp, golden, and beautiful, and we’re big fans of the thick-cut chips as well.

This spot is also pretty inexpensive — you get a good portion for what you pay, so if you’re not too hungry, a single serving could easily be a hearty snack for a couple of people to share. Seating here is outdoors at lakeside tables with umbrellas, and because of Yorkshire County Fish Shop’s popularity, it can be a little tricky to find an available spot during crowded days.

PROS:

• Great fish and chips!
• Affordable
• Quick and easy

CONS:

• Just fish and chips
• Not great for those looking for unique items or a variety of options
• Nearby tables can fill up quickly, meaning you may have to eat on-the-go

OVERALL: 7.5/10

See a recent review of Yorkshire County Fish Shop here.

3. Sunshine Seasons

If you’re trying to find a restaurant with enough options to please many different palates, Sunshine Seasons will be the best choice. This spot serves up options for picky eaters (like pizza rolls and grilled chicken) and adventurous eaters (like an Asian vegetable noodle salad and Mongolian beef) alike. There are even a few options here for plant-based eaters (like vegetable korma and a Mediterranean sandwich).

This restaurant also offers a lot of indoor seating, so it’s a good choice for very hot or rainy days. We recently tried the spicy fish tacos here and were pleasantly surprised by how tasty they were! And don’t forget to check out the desserts—the turtle brownie is one of our favorites.

PROS:

• Best for catering to a variety of tastes/wide variety
• Affordable options
• TONS of seating

CONS:

• Not the best for foodies looking for “top-tier” dining
• Though there are more “adventurous” options, EPCOT still has more unique dining available elsewhere
• Even standard options (like sandwiches and flatbreads) have better alternatives around World Showcase

OVERALL: 8/10

Check out our latest review of Sunshine Seasons here.

2. Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts and Barbecue

Head to the American Adventure pavilion to visit Regal Eagle and get some of the best barbecue in Disney World. This restaurant serves American BBQ inspired by different regions of the country. Think Memphis Dry-Rub Pork Ribs, a Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich, and Kansas City Half-Smoked Chicken.

There’s plenty of seating indoors as well as some options outside if it’s a nice day. And you can stop by the outdoor bar to grab some drinks for your meal as well. But the best part? This joint is run by Sam Eagle of the Muppets! You’ll find nods to the theme throughout the restaurant.

The food here is well-priced for the amount and quality, but if you have an incredible barbecue spot at home, you may want to skip this one — it might not hold up to the really authentic stuff.

PROS:

• Best barbecue location
• Affordable and filling
• Sam the Eagle runs the show here

CONS:

• May not be the unique cuisine you’re looking for
• Not good for those looking for “fancy” dining
• Also, not great for vegetarians

OVERALL: 9/10

Read our full review of Regal Eagle here.

1. Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

We’re back at the France pavilion again for our TOP choice for quick service food in EPCOT. It’s the Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie! If you don’t know this spot is here, you might miss it entirely, but that would be a tragic mistake. This bakery is full of delicious eats, both savory and sweet. You can get sandwiches, soup, salad, pastries, macarons and more. We like to order a bunch of different things and share them among the group.

The seating for Les Halles is pretty limited, so you might need to take your food to go. There are more tables outside, which might be your best bet. Les Halles is also one of our favorite places to go for breakfast, since it’s open earlier than most restaurants in the morning.

PROS:

• Best breakfast stop
• Affordable options
• Delicious and different variety

CONS:

• Seating can get crowded
• No Mobile Ordering available
• Lines can get long during lunch/dinner

OVERALL: 9/10

Read reviews of 21 eats from Les Halles here!

Snacks/Dessert

3. La Cava del Tequila

A very popular watering hole in the Mexico pavilion, La Cava del Tequila is home to over 200 tequilas and unique margaritas. Check out some of the celebrity-inspired drinks as well! But we don’t just come here for the drinks — the tapas-style snacks are not to be missed, especially the chips and queso.

Seating at La Cava is very limited, but you can always take your eats and drinks to go if needed. Like we said, this is a popular joint, so you should try to visit earlier in the day if possible to avoid the long line! Head inside the Mesoamerican pyramid to find it.

PROS:

• Best selection of alcoholic beverages (over 200 tequilas and margarita varieties!)
• Drink in the AC(!!)
• Drinks can be taken to go, as well

CONS:

• Limited seating (can only hold 30 guests at a time)
• Super busy later in the evening (or on rainy days)
• Not a lot of food options here

OVERALL: 8/10

Read our review of an iconic La Cava drink here.

2. L’Artisan des Glaces

We’re back at the France pavilion once more, this time for dessert! L’Artisan des Glaces serves 16 flavors of house-made ice cream and sorbet. One of our favorite treats here is the Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich, but don’t miss out on the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches either. The 21+ crowd can enjoy the Ice Cream Martinis as well!

With a variety of ice cream treats on the menu, there’s something for everyone here (as long as everyone is looking for a cool treat). Seating is pretty much non-existent, so you’ll need to take your treat to go.

PROS:

• Fantastic assortment of ice cream and ice cream-inspired treats
• Fun ice cream drinks for the 21+ crowd
• A great stop on a hot Orlando day

CONS:

• No savory eats
• No seating inside
• Limited options (just ice cream treats)

OVERALL: 9/10

Read our review of the Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces here.

1. Karamell Küche (on Mobile Order)

And the #1 choice for snacks and treats in EPCOT (and the only restaurant in the entire park to score a perfect 10/10) is awarded to Karamell Küche in the Germany pavilion! You’ll smell this fantastic spot before you see it, and you won’t be able to resist the sugary, buttery goodness inside. Everything sold here is sweet, so don’t come in looking for a savory snack.

Some of our favorite snacks here are caramel popcorn (do NOT miss out on this!), caramel butter bars, and caramel cupcakes. One of our favorite seasonal snacks — the Gingerbread Salted Caramel Buttercream Cookie Sandwich! You can find some other varieties of the caramel buttercream cookie sandwich throughout the year, but the gingerbread version is our fave!

There’s no seating inside the bakery, so you’ll need to take your treats to go.

PROS:

• Best snack location
• Fresh, house-made caramel treats
• Mobile order capabilities

CONS:

• Just desserts here
• Can get busy throughout the day
• Not great for guests who aren’t big into sweets

OVERALL: 10/10

Read our review of the Caramel Flight from Karamell Küche here.

EPCOT Dining Tips & Tricks

Now that you’ve got a better idea of WHERE you want to eat, we have a few tips, tricks, and reminders on how to make it happen.

Advance Dining Reservations

A friendly reminder: Advance Dining Reservations open 60 days in advance. And Disney World Resort hotel guestsmay make reservations up to 60 days in advanceplusthe length of their stay up to 10 days. (So, 60 days before the first day of your stay, you can make reservations for the entire trip, even for days that are more than 60 days out.)

If dining at a specific Table Service restaurant is very important to you, be sure to be up and at ’em 60 days prior to the day you want to dine to make that Advance Dining Reservation — we explain the entire process HERE.

Know the Disney World Calendar

These days, more often than not, your trip may fall over one of EPCOT’s four seasonal Festivals, such as the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival! These Festivals have the potential to change your dining strategy in a few ways.

For example, each Festival presents Outdoor Food Booths specific to the Festival’s theme. You may be so tempted to “Eat Around the World” that you may just forego an Advance Dining Reservation altogether!

Conversely, each Festival presents its own Concert Series (like the Food and Wine Festival’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series), and Dining Packages are available for booking which offer a meal paired with guaranteed seating for the evening’s performance. This is a great way to relax during your day without worrying about lining up super duper early for a seat.

Peruse Restaurant Menus in Advance

Traveling with a picky eater, or perhaps you have someone in your group with a dietary allergy or intolerance? You can peruse menus in advance of your trip to make sure everyone in your group has something they would eat before you make that Advance Dining Reservation. How?

You can find menus for each restaurant in the My Disney Experience app. And you can visit our Disney World Restaurants page and simply click on any restaurant name. That will lead you to the page for that restaurant, and you’ll find direct menu links on each page.

There you have it! All the best restaurants in EPCOT, whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal, a quick bite, or just some dessert. With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.

We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too!

And keep following the DFB Blog for more updates on all the newest eats in Disney World.

What’s your favorite thing to eat in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments.