Top 10 Disney World Table Service Restaurants

Walt Disney World has tons of table service restaurants, and this list ranks the 10 best. We’ve done all of the top dining in WDW’s parks, resorts, Disney Springs, plus third-party hotels in Orlando, Florida, and these are our favorites. With so many great options, it’s difficult to narrow down this list! (Updated September 17, 2021.)

Solid choices that didn’t make the cut include Narcoossee’s, Morimoto Asia, Jaleo, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Raglan Road, STK, Teppan Edo, ‘Ohana, Kona, and Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. Several of these arguably are more deserving of spots than a few of the restaurants that made the top 10.

Frankly, over half of this list could be dominated by Disney Springs restaurants, which tend to offer better quality and value as they compete with real world dining options. To offer some variety and make this a practical list for tourists, we’ve made a deliberate effort to include at least one restaurant from inside each of the 4 parks, plus easy-to-access resort restaurants.

Other restaurants have been bumped from the top 10 for a different practical reason–they still haven’t reopened after Walt Disney World’s closure last spring. The reasons for their continued absence are varied, but mostly relate to staffing and demand.

Restaurants that are still closed as of Fall 2021 are unlikely to reopen until 2022. In fact, several of those restaurants have had their servers and chefs relocated to nearby restaurants with the plan of expanding operations next spring. With that said, 5 of these restaurants are so good that we’ve included them in a “still closed” section. If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation in Spring 2022 or beyond, we’d highly recommend tentatively penciling a couple of these into your plans.

It’s also worth noting that this top 10 list emphasizes cuisine over theme. Many Walt Disney World fan-favorite restaurants, including some that we love, have been “snubbed” from this list. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t great options, especially for families. (See our Top 10 Themed Restaurants at Walt Disney World for the most fun, family-friendly, and unique dining options.)

Below is a brief synopsis why each restaurant makes the Top 10 list of Walt Disney World table service restaurants. Click the restaurant name for our full review of each restaurant. Okay, let’s take a look at which Walt Disney World restaurants made the cut…

Still Closed (Normal Top 5)

N/A. Jiko – The Cooking Place –  Normally our #5, we anxiously await the return of Jiko – The Cooking Place. The wild boar, lamb shank, and beef short rib are still all-stars, and we can’t wait to revisit those beloved dishes!

Moreover, ambiance of Jiko continues to make it an Animal Kingdom Lodge highlight. The color palette of the restaurant changes to mimic an African sunset as the night progresses. The service is also excellent, with servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and the extensive drink list. Its prices are in line with other Signature restaurants, so it’s no gem from a value perspective, but the cuisine is worth the prices.

N/A. Flying Fish – What Yachtsman Steakhouse is to steak, Flying Fish is to seafood. That is to say, it’s the place to go at Walt Disney World if you want some excellent seafood. Located on the BoardWalk, Flying Fish is the perfect adult’s night out, as you can enjoy the ambiance of the BoardWalk after a meal at the restaurant. The ambiance of Flying Fish is also great, with nice decor and an open kitchen and nice bar that add to the energy of the restaurant.

The Signature Flying Fish Cafe “Blue Crab Bisque” is a popular appetizer, but the “Tour of the Coast” is a good way to sample a variety of options. In terms of entrees, the filet is shockingly good, but we’d recommend sticking to seafood (go to #2 if you’re in the mood for a steak). Dessert rounds out the experience with a lot of interesting options. For a Signature seafood restaurant, prices are surprisingly fair, which also helps bump Flying Fish into the top 5.

N/A. Monsieur Paul – Despite being the most refined restaurant in the parks at Walt Disney World, Monsieur Paul is mostly approachable. It’s opulent and well-appointed without being too intimidating or overly stuffy. The Art Nouveau design, details, and table settings make clear that Monsieur Paul is a fine dining restaurant, but wall photos of the late Chef Paul Bocuse with giant mice and a rat help to remind that this restaurant is indeed in a Walt Disney World theme park.

Cuisine at Monsieur Paul is a veritable Tour de France, with each dish offering tremendous nuance and variety. Presentation is meticulous and exquisite, flavors are bold and inventive, and service is attentive. With that said, Monsieur Paul won’t be for everyone. As noted, Monsieur Paul is fine dining, and the emphasis here is on quality over quantity. If you’re looking for one of the best meals you can have at Walt Disney World, look no further. If you’re looking for one of the biggest meals, look elsewhere.

N/A. Takumi Tei – Epcot’s newest restaurant is a lot like Monsieur Paul, but totally different. Whereas France’s flagship eatery is Epcot’s most refined, Takumi Tei is its highest concept. Both are incredibly sophisticated, but ultimately illustrate the differences between service and cuisine in Japan and France.

While the food is absolutely spectacular (especially the Omakase Tasting Menu, which is highlighted by Wagyu and bone marrow), Takumi Tei is all about Omotenashi. This is the Japanese concept of service with great attention to detail and from the bottom of the heart. It’s incredibly warm, gracious, and welcoming. Oh, and the food cannot be overlooked–from seafood to duck to that glorious beef, Takumi Tei is an absolute winner, and its top tier meals give Victoria & Albert’s a run for its money.

N/A. Victoria & Albert’s – Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the absolute best restaurant at Walt Disney World, and by a wide margin. It’s the only AAA 5-Diamond restaurant in the Orlando area and one of the top-rated restaurants in all of Florida. The restaurant is quiet and well-appointed, and the service is exquisite.

Victoria & Albert’s offers a prix fixe six-course meal (we won’t fixate on each “best” menu item) consisting of gourmet and specialty fine dining options, along with other “premium” items that can be ordered for an additional charge. If you’re a real foodie, you can also book the Chef’s Table for a unique, albeit less romantic, dining option. Given all of this, why would Victoria & Albert’s not be #1 on anyone’s list?

Price. The fixed-price cost for the regular dining room starts at roughly $200 per person and with wine pairings and upgrades, the cost can easily eclipse $600 for a couple. That said, even the price can’t prevent Victoria & Albert’s from snagging the #1 slot here by a wide margin. This is because, for the type of restaurant it is, it’s pretty well priced, and because the food really is that good.

Everything about the restaurant is exquisite, making it far and away the best restaurant at Walt Disney World.  It’s somewhere everyone who enjoys fine dining should eat at least once. In terms of value, even at its high cost, I would rate Victoria & Albert’s very highly. In my mind, it’s one of the few restaurants at Walt Disney World that would not be overpriced in the real world for the food and service it offers.

Now Open

T10. Be Our Guest Restaurant – This is an undoubtedly controversial pick as Be Our Guest Restaurant has become incredibly divisive, but it’s nevertheless our top pick for table service restaurants in Magic Kingdom. That’s not exactly saying much, as this is unquestionably Walt Disney World’s weakest food park. Moreover, Be Our Guest Restaurant definitely does not live up to the sky-high hype and demand for Advance Dining Reservations.

Depending upon who you ask, it’s either overrated or the best thing ever. We place it somewhere in between. Be Our Guest Restaurant’s dinner menu is very good; shockingly so, in fact. This is a restaurant that is incredibly popular with families, and could phone in the menu without taking a hit in terms of demand. Despite that, the quality remains high. While you won’t find anything particularly inventive at Be Our Guest Restaurant, you will find some high-quality appetizers and entrees that are quite tasty.

T10. Via Napoli – Often considered Walt Disney World’s culinary epicenter, World Showcase at Epcot currently has several high profile restaurants that are temporarily closed. Consequently, Via Napoli sneaks into our top 10 thanks to its tremendous range and exceptional pizzas.

Without question, Via Napoli serves the best pizza “pies” in all of Walt Disney World. We’d take that a step further, proclaiming it one of the few places we’ve ever dined serving truly authentic Neapolitan pizza, right down to imported ingredients, wood-burning ovens, and even the water-sourcing (no joke!). Simply put, Via Napoli is one of the best World Showcase restaurants, and a great value if you split a pizza. It’s a really fun restaurant, and it lives up to the hype.

T10. Tiffins – A tribute to the explorations and travels that provided the genesis of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Tiffins simultaneously feels like dining in an art gallery, and eating at a high-end, low-key restaurant where globe-trotting Imagineers would themselves dine. Fortunately, it’s not a hodgepodge or scholar’s den of eccentricities, and instead is a carefully-curated art gallery, with great attention to detail.

The menu at Tiffins is delightful, with a variety of ambitious dishes that are adventurous and reflective of the restaurant’s overarching theme. Again, it’s all about attention to detail here, with everything from presentation to the confluence of flavors making Tiffins a winner. There are several approachable options here, but Tiffins is a great place to challenge your taste buds, step outside your comfort zone, and take a veritable adventure in dining.

T10. Hollywood Brown Derby – One of the most well-rounded restaurants at Walt Disney World and best in-park dining options. The Hollywood Brown Derby has sophisticated ambiance, a well-executed theme that gives it that touch of Disney and old Hollywood charm. Rounding out its laudable features are top-notch service and an excellent menu.

Also notable is that Brown Derby doesn’t have to be an incredibly expensive meal. You can do two iconic items–the Famous Cobb Salad and the Grapefruit Cake for a relatively reasonable price. Even if you don’t follow this strategy, the Hollywood Brown Derby is still an excellent restaurant worthy of being included on this list. Just about every entree we have tried is excellent, with the highlights being the duck and lamb.

9. Sebastian’s Bistro – This sleeper pick at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is easy to access from the Skyliner, yet still flies under the radar of most Walt Disney World fans. The new family style service at Sebastian’s Bistro holds its own and offers exceptional quality on par with traditional table service dining.

It’s arguably the best buffet or family-style meal, right up there with (spoiler alert) Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Far superior to Cape May Cafe, Tusker House, and (sorry) even ‘Ohana. That’s all without even taking cost or value for money into account. Sebastian’s Bistro completely trounces both on that front. We had over $105 worth of food based upon the previous a la carte menu prices. All for ~$60. The tremendous value has made ADRs a bit more competitive, but it’s an exceptional pick.

8. Boma – Flavors of Africa – But for the fact that we had all of the in-park restaurants tied for #10 (an admittedly lame cop out, but we want to give you variety!), we would have Sebastian’s Bistro and Boma tied for this spot. Both are tremendous offerings, albeit very different from one another. If we had to choose a favorite, the pick would depend entirely upon mood.

Notably, Boma returns as Walt Disney World’s first buffet and does so without compromise or cutbacks. There are easily a dozen excellent items at Boma, from standout meats to supporting salads, all of which are ambitious and delicious. Far fewer things are phoned in than at a normal buffet, and there’s something for everyone at Boma. Even the soups are addictively delicious–and as someone who lives in Florida, I crave soup like once per year, tops. And of course, every meal ends with those iconic Zebra Domes (which arguably aren’t even the buffet’s best dessert!).

7. Yachtsman Steakhouse – A carnivore’s paradise, Yachtsman Steakhouse is the place to go at Walt Disney World for glorious cuts of meat. This is apparent as soon as you walk in the entrance where you see…a butcher in a case booth making the “magic” happen. It also manages an upscale setting, with sophisticated design, rich woods, and a classy interior.

You really can’t go wrong with the cuts of meat here–no matter what you get, you’re in for a treat. Although Yachtsman Steakhouse has other menu items besides colossal cuts of meat, these are where the magic happens. The ‘classics’ makes it the most approachable Signature Restaurant at Walt Disney World, and something that even “meat and potatoes” kinds of guests will enjoy and appreciate.

6. Sanaa – Sanaa scores a lot of points for offering a unique and excellent menu, and for better price points than the Signature restaurants on this list. Sanaa also has incredible ambiance, with views of animals grazing outside the restaurant. The out of the way location of Sanaa at Kidani Village means that Sanaa is rarely overly crowded, which adds to its intimacy and also means you will usually have an attentive server.

The menu at Sanaa is quite remarkable for a Walt Disney World restaurant, with a lot of options that might scare away the regular tourist who simply wants meat and potatoes. You can find options like that at Sanaa (don’t worry, there’s a “regular” steak), but the majority of the menu is a bit more adventurous. This excellent unique menu is what separates Sanaa from a lot of other Walt Disney World restaurants, and reasonable prices (especially at lunch) on many delicious menu items makes it one of the 10 best table service restaurants at Walt Disney World.

5. The Boathouse – In the last few years, Disney Springs has gone from a place only to be visited if you wanted to get some shopping done, or maybe dinner at Raglan Road, to an integral part of any Walt Disney World vacation. There are a number of reasons for this, but the main one is unquestionably dining.

Our list of the best table service restaurants at Disney Springs features 5 locations that arguably could’ve made this list. The best among these is The Boathouse, which offers fine dining and a fun atmosphere. While the theme may seem at odds with the Signature status, it works for the style of restaurant on the waterfront at Disney Springs. Then there’s the food, which is almost all excellent (they, too, have a top 5 Walt Disney World dessert with the Baked Alaska), and it’s easy to see why the Boathouse has already attracted a legion of dedicated fans in only a couple of years.

4. California Grill – Offering incredible ambiance, sophisticated decor, and undoubtedly the best views of any restaurant at Walt Disney World, California Grill is a winner. When dining at California Grill, a window table is almost a must. Make ADRs for about an hour before the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks, and be willing to wait for a window table.

Dinner at California Grill is the perfect way to spend an evening at Walt Disney World, but we’re even bigger fans of “Brunch at the Top” (which is temporarily unavailable). This all you can eat meal with mimosas does both quality and quantity exceptionally, and the live music makes for a sophisticated meal. You can even come back later to watch the fireworks from their private viewing deck!

3. Citricos – We’ve never been huge fans of Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in the past, but the newly-reimagined restaurant that debuted in mid-2021 won us over. The menu is superlative, with sophisticated Floridian cuisine and an abundance of citrus infusions. These dishes are inventive, beautifully-plated, delicious, and in keeping with the spirit of Cítricos. The only downside is portions and pricing–this is arguably the closest Walt Disney World gets to haute cuisine.

The atmosphere is a marked improvement over the previous incarnation of the restaurant. The style is supposedly influenced by Mary Poppins, but that’s almost totally unnoticeable. It’s simply modernized with design motifs that vaguely evoke visuals from the film. Cítricos is now practically perfect, and this reimagining was a supercalifragilistic upgrade to both the menu and interior.

2. Toledo Steakhouse – Walt Disney World always has some “hidden gem” restaurants, but rarely are they both this good and still underrated. In fairness, a big reason why Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood isn’t particularly popular right now is the lack of conventions at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort (those events are the reason Gran Destino Tower was built in the first place)–it’s pretty out of the way for most casual tourists.

Nevertheless, Toledo’s concept is ambitious and fun, the food is delicious, the views are exceptional, and the prices–for the quality of the cuisine–are not inflated too much by Walt Disney World standards. The fact that Toledo caters heavily to conventioneers plays a huge part in all of this, and will likely ensure that the restaurant maintains its high standards. Toledo is absolutely worth the challenging commute.

1. Topolino’s Terrace – Along with Toledo, this is one of two new restaurants that offer superlative rooftop dining that surpasses perennial favorites. Since it opened, we’ve done several dinners at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, which has become our go-to restaurant for a high quality and filling fine dining experience that also offers great views and atmosphere.

Located at Disney’s Riviera Resort, it’s an easy Skyliner gondola ride from several resorts plus both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and offers fireworks views of both parks. While dinner is the reason it makes this list, families should not overlook the exceptional Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends, which is our new favorite character meal at Walt Disney World.

There you have it, our top 10 list of table service restaurants at Walt Disney World. You may notice that a lot of popular restaurants didn’t make this list. This includes a handful of Signature Restaurants, a high number of superlative Disney Springs options, and a few under-the-radar fan favorites. As we said above, it was difficult to narrow the list down to the 10 best table service restaurants at Walt Disney World…but we managed to do it!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

Do you agree with our top 10 table service restaurants at Walt Disney World? Any restaurants that you’d add to the list? Any dining spots we list that you do not think are worthy of a spot? What are your favorite table service restaurants in Walt Disney World? Any questions? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!