San Angel Inn Restaurante Review
San Angel Inn Restaurante is one of two table service restaurants at Epcot’s Mexico pavilion in Walt Disney World. This World Showcase dining review includes food photos, thoughts on ambiance & cuisine, and how it rates in the big picture of food-dense World Showcase. Regarding basic info for Walt Disney World vacation planners, this is a 1-credit table service restaurant on the Disney Dining Plan, accepts Tables in Wonderland for a 20% discount, and participates in Candlelight Processional dining packages (if you’re visiting during this time of year).
It’s no secret that San Angel Inn has “enjoyed” a poor reputation for a long time among Disney fans. The restaurant has been derided as serving bland, low-quality cuisine. Despite the criticism, we’ve visited a few times over the years, finding our experiences here pretty much falling in line with the norm. The common thread among those meals is that the ambiance has always been exceptional and the food has been far less than exceptional.
Before we get to that in this review, I’ll start out with a bold statement that will probably totally discredit me as a Disneyland fan, or at least cost me a significant loss of street cred: I prefer San Angel Inn to Blue Bayou. That’s even with the old reputation of the restaurant. Now, before you assume this is baseless sensationalism, provocation, or I’m being intentionally contrarian, hear me out…
First, the basis of the comparison: both are table service Disney restaurants that overlook slow-moving boat rides. While they differ in cuisine, I’d be shocked if the Imagineers who designed San Angel Inn were not directly inspired by Blue Bayou (for those unfamiliar, Blue Bayou overlooks Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean).
I’ll make this comparison quick since it serves no practical purpose–you’re not going to be choosing between a restaurant in California and one in Florida. Anyway, my main reason for preferring San Angel Inn is because I think the scene it overlooks in Gran Fiesta Tour is far more visually captivating than the dark and ominous swamp scene that Blue Bayou overlooks.
Don’t get me wrong–I think the serene bayou scene is important to set the tone of Pirates of the Caribbean as an attraction (and as a segue from New Orleans Square), but unless you’re seated by the water, there’s not much to see in terms of the attraction.
By contrast, San Angel Inn has a temple (depending upon what you read, it’s Aztec or Mayan; there is a difference, but my eye is not keen enough to spot it) that towers above the tables, an erupting volcano behind that, and ruins that are easily visible boats pass by. While the lighting is subdued, it’s pretty easy to see at least some of this throughout the restaurant.
The other advantages that San Angel has are its price points, which are significantly lower than Blue Bayou, and its ease of entry. Probably due to poor reviews, it’s easy to walk-up to San Angel Inn and be seated most of the time. To Blue Bayou’s credit, its food is slightly better. All things considered, though, I’d say Blue Bayou is overrated and San Angel Inn is underrated among Disney fans.
During our recent trip to Walt Disney World, dined here once more. After walking out of Big River Grille & Brewing Works less than 5 minutes after being seated (another story for another day), we scrambled and found availability for San Angel Inn at the last minute. Perhaps our expectations were sufficiently lowered by Big River, but we had our first all-around solid meal here.
Don’t get too excited just yet–this is not going to be a glorious redemption tale that suddenly catapults San Angel Inn to the top of our list of World Showcase table service restaurants. Really, there was only one direction for San Angel Inn to go, and it has done exactly that, to some degree.
We’ve already covered most of the bases regarding ambiance, but one additional thing worth noting is that the tables here are really close together. I’m not entirely sure why, as whenever we’ve visited the restaurant has been half-full (so in practical terms, it wasn’t an issue), but it might be something to consider if you’re visiting during Free Dining season. (It might also be worse at dinner.)
On that same note, even though it’s easy to view the Aztemayan temple, we recommend requesting a table by the water. Not only will this offer a better view, but will give you more space from adjacent tables. (On our recent visit, we noticed all of the waterfront tables seated 4, but all were not full.)
In the past, we’ve ordered a variety of dishes, pretty much always aiming for the least expensive entrees as a way to get into the restaurant for the ambiance without wasting money on a poor meal. I believe the only thing still on the menu from those meals is the tacos. Given that the above photo is from a couple of years ago, I don’t think it makes sense to offer thoughts on those.
Another reason we’ve gone to San Angel Inn previously was for the margaritas. Often, there was a line to be seated at La Cava del Tequila while San Angel Inn had no wait. Now, the express/to-go line is an option at La Cava, but it’s at least nice to be able to order the same margaritas at San Angel Inn.
In the past, we haven’t paid much attention to the chips and salsa, as they’ve made the kind of “restaurant quality” tortilla chips you could get in bulk at Costco seem good by comparison. This time, the chips had a house-made quality, and were still hot from the fryer. The salsa was also surprisingly good, and didn’t seem watered down.
For our entrees this time at San Angel Inn Restaurante, we opted to split the Arrachera con Chilaquiles, which is grilled New York strip steak with chilaquiles, green tomatillo sauce, topped with queso fresco, onions, and sour cream, served with refried black beans. The steak here was not the most tender, but it was well-prepared, flavored, and sizable. The chilaquiles were excellent, with layers of fresh ingredients topping the fried goodness.
We also ordered the Enchiladas Verdes con Pollo, a dish we’ve had before…because it’s the cheapest thing on the menu. It’s your standard chicken enchiladas: corn tortillas filled with pulled chicken, covered with green tomatillo sauce, topped with sour cream, queso fresco, and onions, served with rice and refried black beans. The chicken was not overly dry or flavorless, so that was a plus. The tortillas also had a fresh taste taste to them. (I mention both of these things explicitly, because neither have been the case with San Angel Inn on past visits.) The tomatillo sauce had a nice, mild flavor thanks to the cilantro, garlic, and onion, but that seemed like it was about the extent of the dish’s “spiciness” (if you want to call it that).
The rice and refried beans were decidedly mild, but good as far as filler went. All things considered, the enchiladas were a considerable improvement upon what we’ve had in the past, which tasted like something out of the freezer section, heated up in the microwave. They didn’t come close to matching the Arrachera con Chilaquiles taste-wise, but there was a noticeable improvement in quality.
One thing that still surprises me is just how mild San Angel Inn’s cuisine is. I don’t think Mexican food is exotic cuisine; most guests probably have good, near-authentic Mexican restaurants in their hometown or near them. We did when we lived in Indiana–a state with Bobby Knight, a cartoon potato, and t-bone steak joined hand-in-hand on its flag.
In any case, mild should not be mistaken for bland. Our food at San Angel Inn had good flavor, it just seem like it had the level of rich spicing that gives authentic Mexican cuisine its unique flavor. I hesitate to call San Angel Inn Tex-Mex since that term has developed such a derisive connotation, but that’s probably the most accurate label. In its defense, most things on the menu at San Angel Inn are not slathered with a thick layer of cheese to mask their flavor.
Overall, San Angel Inn Restaurante is (still) not a standout restaurant in World Showcase when judged strictly on cuisine. However, it’s no longer a joke, either. When you factor in other elements, such as the exceptional ambiance and lunch price points, San Angel Inn moves into the realm of something we’re borderline on recommending. It’s a distinctly “Disney” environment that is a lot of fun. Plus, aiming for the lower-priced entree options makes it a restaurant that can be only a rung above counter service in terms of pricing while being a significantly more enjoyable experience. All things considered, I’d put it ahead of at least Le Cellier, Rose & Crown, and Spice Road Table. It’s arguably a better option than Tutto Italia and Akershus, too. For a restaurant that was once among the very worst in all of Walt Disney World, middle of the pack in World Showcase is not too shabby. What do you think…have you dined at San Angel Inn recently, or are you too scared of that reputation?
I’ve also been to both Blue Bayou and San Angel, and I’m with you on this one. San Angel feels transportive, but Blue Bayou just doesn’t give me that vibe. Plus, $28 for a monte cristo is mildly horrifying.
Can’t wait to hear big river story as we had two horrible instances there!
We had a bad time there too! My husbands food had hair in it! And not on top, baked into the food… it was gross.
My husband and I were there in June and had a very pleasant dinner there. We had some sort of Cheese appetizer and it was fabulous (in our opinion). And our main dishes were really good. And we didn’t think the price was that bad either.
San Angel was always one of our favorites until our last trip in October. They sat us out of order, even admitting they went backwards. Meaning people came in after us and we watched all of them get seated before us. Our server was no better. Actually he was terrible! Someone else delivered the meals and he never came back to see how everything was. Oh and the icing on the cake was when he spilled an entire glass of water on me. Only after that was he a touch more attentive. Offering to give us to go cups for our drinks (whatever that even meant, as we declined). We are a very easy going family so it takes alot for us to get upset. I wondered if the waiter was so disinterested as it was during free dining?! We didn’t complain but I would bet this joker has seen his fair share of complaints. No bueno! On a side note we had excellent service everywhere else we dined.
Tom, were you and Sara there on Friday night of your November trip? I actually saw us in one of the photos you took as you walked into Epcot that night (apparently not too far behind us). The weather was perfect that night.
We were there in November, around the same time as your last trip. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. I too noticed the LONG line for La Cava del Tequila, with no line and plenty of empty tables at San Angel Inn (admittedly we are earlyish at 6pm). I think it is important to keep in mind that San Angel is what it is meant to be – traditional Mexican cuisine. That said, everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed their meal, my 2 kids included (7 and 9). It helps that the kids meals at San Angel are not the same dull kids meal fare at most other WDW table service restaurants (finally some variety for them, that they will actually eat). I got the “sampler platter” (forgot the actual name, but you get the point). The beef was amazing and the enchilada pretty good (albeit I agree it could have been spicier, but it was spicy enough to notice the spice without the heat). Overall, the meal was far better than expected. Wonderful margaritas without the line was a major plus. That benefit alone is probably worth an ADR for drinks and appetizers. Now for the shocker – we ate at Frontera Cocina the next day for lunch and our meals at San Angel were better! Kids meals at Frontera Cocina were trying to be too adult. They had grilled zucchini slices and plantain rice, neither of which were touched by my kids (who devoured the Spanish rice at San Angel). The manager at Frontera Cocina even came over to ask what vegetable kids would eat because every plate comes back with the zucchini untouched. I suggested corn, but he said it didn’t look as good on the plate. Well, sorry but that’s what kids will eat and parents care more about their kids actually eating your $9 kids meal than how pretty the vegetables (that do not get eaten) look on the plate. As an aside, I went to Frontera Cocina for dinner in August and it was AMAZING (for the same entree). So, I think I got a bum cut of meat this time as it was 1/4 as good as the same meal in August. Ambience at San Angel was better (for the kids) too. That said, the atmosphere at Frontera Cocina is appropriate for where it is located. I know Tom has derided the atmosphere at San Angel in the past, but I accept it for what it is. An attempt to feel like you are eating outside in Mexico (about as real as the feel of eating in a German village at Biergarten). Certainly not my top meal at WDW, but any meal at WDW where the whole family walks out giving it a thumbs up is a win in my book. Example: I love O’hana, but my daughter ate a $30 bowl of bland vanilla ice cream at that $200 meal. A win for my belly, but not for everyone else (or my wallet). San Angel is not ground breaking cuisine, but a solid, nice Mexican restaurant that anyone who likes traditional Mexican cuisine will enjoy.
Has this been removed from the dining plan in 2017 or do the dining plans not list all the restaurants?
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/cart/resort-add-ons/dining-plans/2017-deluxe-dining-plan.pdf
Currently planning my first trip for September next year and absolutely counting down!
eat there every trip. love the romantic atmosphere. food always quite delicious. never could figure out why it has scored so low in other people’s estimation. I consider our palettes to be sophisticated. at home mostly prepare our meals from scratch. maybe the subtlety registers? i long to feast beside those volcanoes,..
We, too, enjoy this spot. The food is not bad and the service is very nice. Possibly they reduced the spicy-ness for the sake of families dining, because the dishes we had in the past were very spicy. We requested a table by the water and were told we had to sit where they pre-assigned us. (Barely anyone was there, and soon, another couple was seated next to us at the adjoining, too-close table, within inches of ours.) The ambiance is indeed pleasant otherwise. Blue Bayou is more a sentimental choice.
We did the San Angel Inn once, maybe twice, this year and will go back again for lunch during our next visit in two weeks. I find the food to be acceptable (I just did the tacos…how can you go wrong?) and my wife and sister-in-law just loved Enchiladas Verdes con Pollo. I’m eyeballing the Arrachera con Chilaquiles or the Puntas Motuleñas for this upcoming trip.
I have no idea what style of Mexican food the San Angel is but due to the time I’ve spent in the coastal cities of the Mexican Riviera the Mexican food I’m most familiar with has lots of tentacles, fresh fish, and various vegetables, especially tomatoes.
I ate there a few times as a child in the 90’s and finally decided to go back a few weeks ago. We were right on time to our early dinner ADR and still had to wait about 25 minutes (Jersey week is no joke), but it was worth it. The food was great and the ambience was even better! Will probably eat there again on my next Disney trip!
We went here years ago and he food was terrible. Taco Bell had more flavor and the service was slow. Never again
I dined there with a friend before I knew of its reputation – and thought the ambience was great but the entrees were really solid as well.
Generally, WDW offers a really good bread service (better than Generic-Bread DLP and Discount-Roll TDR, though not better than DL) which is what the chips replaces. From that point of view it’s a shame they don’t put more effort into that. Chains like Rosa Mexicano take the Chips n Dip scene to the next level, and these little things leave a big impression (for me, anyway); take care of that, and I think a lot of the criticism would be vanquished.
I’m also a born and raised Texan, and the food we’ve had here is nothing like we’ve had in Texas. I definitely agree that it’s mild, but both times we have gone, the food has been outstanding. It may be inauthentic, I couldn’t really say since I’ve never been to Mexico or had food made by native Mexicans. I’ve had the puntas motuleñas and the tacos and both have been good. The motuleñas exceptionally so when every part is eaten in one bite. We’ve eaten twice in the past year, so maybe we have just caught them on the upswing, but it’s definitely on our list of safe places to eat at now
I’m also a Texan, and I wouldn’t call it Tex-mex either. Maybe Oaxacan. We tried it in April at lunch because it was easy to get in. We thought it was way better than we thought it would be, with much better ingredients than we thought, but we live near 5 Mexican restaurants (2 Tex-mex, 1 Nuevo, 1 coastal mexican, and 1 taqueria) that are better. So while we won’t be rushing back, it wasn’t a bad meal, and we have no regrets.
We went recently in October. Despite a reservation we did wait quite a bit to be seated and were not able to get a table by the water. The ambience is worth it and we thought the food was excellent. Also the service was very attentive. I also love walking thru the “marketplace” which makes it seem more realistic
Speaking as a Texan for whom Tex-Mex is close to a culinary religion (it only gets edged out by barbecue)’ San Angel is definitely NOT Tex-Mex; although it’s probably closer to it than it is to California or New Mexico style– I tend to think it lands on a sort of compromise spot between authentic Mexican and the various different Americanized versions. That might be why it has had a poor reputation: it isn’t quite what anyone expects from whatever their picture of Mexican food is.
In any case, I actually like it quite a lot. I’ve never tried lunch there, and your mention that it’s half empty at lunch is something I’ll have to remember– at dinner I’ve always found it packed, with an ADR mandatory.
That’s interesting as a non-Texan. I feel like Tex-Mex has been developed as a derisive umbrella term that’s synonymous with “Inauthentic Mexican” cuisine. Even when the shoe doesn’t fit, that’s the label used. Of course, Tex-Mex is an actual, legitimate culinary category unto itself, but I’d hazard a guess that many non-Texans don’t really know it as such.
San Angel Inn definitely isn’t like what we have around San Diego–or even Los Angeles. I guess that sort of leaves it in no man’s land, as you suggest…
We like it and have been there numerous times. We always request a seat by the water.
As a kid on family trips, my parents always took us to San Angel. I fondly remember jumping out of our vehicles on Spaceship Earth and running to the video kiosks to make our reservations. I guess they figured the ambiance would keep us entertained, and the food would be palatable for kids accustomed to ethnic cuisine. Once I was no longer a guest of my parents’ on vacation, I stopped eating there, as my husband doesn’t like Mexican food. Finally, last year, after a 15 year hiatus, I returned to San Angel on a trip with some girlfriends. We ordered margaritas and appetizers, and had a delicious, filling meal. I would definitely return here and order similarly. I feel like I could get better and much cheaper Mexican entrees at home, but the apps were awesome, and the atmosphere even better. My un-American Mexican-food hating husband even mentioned on our last trip that he would like to eat there sometime just because of the environment.
This has been one of our favorites for years, sometimes it helps when you didn’t know it had a bad reputation 🙂
We would always order the kids meals for adults which they would provide – for like 3 dollars more than the kids prices and delicious!
dined there for lunch this past september and was pretty pleasantly surprised. Food was better than anticipated and service was pretty fast. Hard to get nitpicky of the pricetag of food when you’re vacationing at WDW, by this point we know what to expect.
Would be interested to hear your story about Big River though haha
I’ll share the Big River story (it’s more a rant than an actual story…and it’s probably not even that good) in our upcoming trip recap post.