Are you ready to try all the best places to eat in Disneyland?
There are dozens of restaurants across the Disneyland Resort that are worth the time away from the attractions and shows while you’re there with friends.
However, going solo at the Disneyland Resort means eating whatever you want, whenever you want and not needing to get a group of people to all agree on one place.
In fact, many of the best restaurants at Disneyland are located just steps away from the best attractions in both parks, making it easy to pack up from a meal and get right onto your favorite rides.
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Disneyland Theme Park
Walt Disney’s original park has plenty to offer for hungry guests like yourself. These are the best restaurants at the Disneyland Resort in California.
1. Café Orleans
One of my favorite restaurants at Disneyland Park is Café Orleans. The small table service restaurant serves up the famous Monte Cristo sandwich and Gumbo that are worth every single minute trying to fight for a reservation.
Why We Love Eating at This Place in Disneyland: For the best experience, as to sit outside, even if it means waiting a little longer for a table.
While eating you can enjoy the view of the Rivers of America, and sometimes even see a few characters walking by and interacting with dining guests.
2. The Plaza Inn
The Plaza Inn is one of our favorite character dining experiences at Disneyland Park. Characters are only around at breakfast, so don’t worry if you don’t like character dining experiences, you can still get a fantastic meal at lunch or dinner sans Minnie Mouse.
Why We Love Eating at This Place in Disneyland: The restaurant has been open since the opening day of Disneyland and is said to be one of Walt Disney’s favorite spots to grab a bite to eat while hanging out at Disneyland, and that should be enough for any Disney fan to stop in and get some of the famous fried chicken.
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3. Mint Julep Bar
The only quick service spot you need to know about at Disneyland is the Mint Julep Bar, where they are slinging Mickey-shaped beignets and refreshing non-alcoholic mint juleps.
Why We Love Eating at This Place in Disneyland: The small restaurant has a few tables outside where you can enjoy your snack and watch as the Disneyland railroad goes by to stop at the nearby station.
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Disney California Adventure Theme Park
The glitz and glitter of Disney California Adventure (DCA) shines bright in the dining scene.
4. Lamplight Lounge
The Lamplight Lounge is a DCA favorite for many guests, which makes this a tough reservation to get.
If you can snag up a reservation do it, but there’s usually a short standby line for open bar seating and outdoor patio space as well.
Why We Love Eating at This Place in Disneyland: The restaurant is inspired by the art of Pixar, and you’ll notice that from the moment you walk in.
My absolute favorite spot to eat here is at the covered patio near the water outside, which boasts incredible views of Pixar Pier. Making it one of the best places to eat in Disneyland Resort.
When it’s time to eat you can never go wrong with the Lobster Nachos or the Potato Rolls.
5. Carthay Circle
Fine dining at Disney California Adventure can only mean one thing: Carthay Circle.
The scale model of the original Carthay Circle where Walt Disney premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is an opulent setting for an incredible meal.
Why We Love Eating at This Place in Disneyland: The menu changes seasonally, so be sure to ask your waitstaff what’s fresh and even what the chef has on special for the day.
You can never go wrong no matter what you order here.
Before you leave be sure to take a walk around the restaurant to look at some of the artwork that’s displayed that reflects the golden age of Hollywood. Making it one of the best places to eat in Disneyland Resort.
6. Corn Dog Castle
When we want a treat at Disney California Adventure the one place we always stop is Corn Dog Castle.
The quick service stand is located just past the boardwalk of Pixar Pier and you’ll know you’re in the right spot by the line that forms here.
Why We Love Eating at This Place in Disneyland: The small stand specializes in hand-dipped corn dogs and cheese on a stick, both of which are an indulgent snack.
During Halloween, I love the Spicy Pepper Jack Cheese on a Stick, which is topped with crushed up Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, pineapple relish and a sweet raspberry sauce.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
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7. Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort and Spa
Napa Rose is open for breakfast and dinner, and the later is where the chefs truly get to show off their culinary prowess.
Why We Love Eating at This Place in Disneyland: The menu here changes seasonally, but there are a few mainstays like the Filet Mignon and the sustainable fish.
If you can’t snag a reservation get to the restaurant early to get a seat in the lounge.
There you can order a drink or two and still enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant while you wait for a table to become available. Making it one of the best places to eat in Disneyland Resort.
8. Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill at the Disneyland Hotel
Our absolute favorite breakfast spot at the Disneyland Resort is Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill.
The fast-casual spot is located near the pool at the Disneyland Hotel and you don’t need reservation to dine here.
Why We Love Eating at This Place in Disneyland: The breakfast menu consists of tropical-inspired items like:
- Loco Moco Burrito, Avocado Toast that’s topped with hollandaise microgreens
- Thick & Fluffy Japanese Pancakes
- A pineapple and coconut-topped French toast.
Easy Disneyland Dining Tips to Remember for Your Trip:
- Make dining reservations for restaurants where it’s available. If you don’t get the reservation you want right away, keep trying. This is your best way to guarantee a seat at the best restaurants at the Disneyland Resort.
- Don’t be afraid to sit at a bar, even if you don’t drink alcohol. Many restaurant bars are first come, first served. Get to a restaurant early before they open or go later after the initial rush to get a seat without having to wait a long time or without a dining reservation.
If you’re thinking about making a trip out to any of the parks at the Disneyland Resort in California, then be sure to get your tickets here!
My Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Eat at Disneyland
As you can see, there are so many things to try while on your Disneyland vacation.
Disneyland is a foodie’s paradise especially if you’re of fan of both the Disney magic and unique cuisine.
I hope this travel guide helps you plan for the best day possible on your Disney trip! For more tips and tricks, join us over on YouTube!
What’s your favorite place to eat in the Disneyland Resort? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
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(Original Article Date: September 30, 2021/Updated by Editor on May 2, 2024)