Tangierine Cafe Review
Tangierine Cafe is Morocco’s counter service restaurant in Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World. This dining review features food photos, thoughts on the quality, our experiences here, value for money, and how Tangierine Cafe compares to other restaurants in Epcot. (Updated August 4, 2020.)
When Walt Disney World reopened in July, Tangierine Cafe was one of the operational counter service restaurants at Epcot. However, a few weeks later, Tangierine Cafe has temporarily closed again due to a lack of demand. Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant Group, the third party operator of Tangierine Cafe, has not indicated when the dining option will return.
The restaurant’s operator received a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $1-2 million to retain 260 jobs, which is pretty common of these third restaurant groups at Walt Disney World. Many are small businesses that are operating on tight margins; with reduced capacity, low crowds, and no Disney Dining Plan, it’s tough for these restaurants to remain viable even now that the parks have reopened.
In our admittedly anecdotal experience, counter service restaurants have been the busiest type of dining option at Walt Disney World since reopening. It’s not uncommon to see these venues nearly “full” both inside and outside (with physical distancing), whereas table service restaurants and snack stands are much slower.
Although we can’t speak to Tangierine Cafe specifically, it would seem an exception to this. Elsewhere at Epcot, we’ve noticed that Regal Eagle Smokehouse and Katsura Grill have been fairly busy at meal times (including last night). By contrast, the Taste of Epcot Food & Wine Festival booths seldom have lines and table service restaurants have plenty of availability.
Our concern at this point is that Tangierine Cafe re-closing is a harbinger of what’s to come with other restaurants in the theme parks at Walt Disney World unless attendance picks up soon. With the dining lineup already dramatically scaled back, we’re really hoping that doesn’t happen. Rather, it’d be nice to see things pick up so Tangierine Cafe can once again resume operations–as can other restaurants that remain temporarily closed!
As for background info once things go back to normal, Tangierine Cafe participates in the Disney Dining Plan as a counter service credit. It does not accept the Tables in Wonderland card for a 20% discount. As far as value goes, it is a good value on the Disney Dining Plan (see our ranking of the best value quick service restaurants here). It also ranks highly on our list of the top counter service restaurants in Walt Disney World, making it a rare double threat!
As the location suggests, Tangierine Cafe is a quick service restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired menu items. The cuisine consists of North African and American favorites such as lamb, couscous, and salads. As we have long been fans of Tangierine Cafe, this was actually one of the first Walt Disney World restaurants we reviewed. We’ve since dined here around a dozen times and have revisited the review with added thoughts.
For starters, Tangierine Cafe holds up. During the decade-plus that we’ve been going to Walt Disney World with regularity, Tangierine Cafe has been our go-to “nowhere else to eat and we’re in World Showcase” option (with Sunshine Seasons being its Future World counterpart).
During that time, I can count the bad meals we’ve had at Tangierine Cafe on zero hands. It’s consistently and predictably good, the portions are generous, and the menu has been rock solid (and pretty much unchanged) for ages.
For us, it’s our preferred choice when we need to stake out a spot for IllumiNations soon and have to scramble to find somewhere to eat quickly. (The downside to that is we’re often carrying our food away and fail to take photos of our meals here.)
As far as theming and ambiance go, there isn’t much to discuss here. This is not because the theming of the restaurant is bad, but because the seating area is basically the Morocco pavilion, as a whole (there are some tables inside and right outside the restaurant, but you can eat anywhere you want).
As I find Morocco one of the most architecturally-stunning pavilions in the World Showcase, Tangierine Cafe scores well for theming. I highly recommend grabbing a table outside in the shade. Much better than inside.
Tangierine Cafe is pretty much universally adored. People who hate it are few and far between, and are wrong. They’re probably the same people who love Restaurantosaurus and think that Joffrey’s is delicious. I kid, I kid. (Editor’s note: This joke originally referred to Pizza Planet and Nescafe…RIP to both, I guess.)
Although Tangierine Cafe’s menu might seem intimidating if you’re just reading it online, it’s actually pretty simple. Basically, there are several variations on the Shawarma Platter (chicken, lamb, and combo), plus a vegetarian option, a Kefta option, and Saffron Rotisserie Chicken.
Our go-to item is the Shawarma Chicken and Lamb Platter (below), but Sarah’s also a fan of the Vegetable Platter (above). We’ve yet to try the Saffron Rotisserie Chicken. I guess that gives us yet another reason to go back and update this once again!
Don’t avoid Tangierine Cafe because you think it might be too adventurous. It is technically Moroccan cuisine, but if you’re adventurous-enough to try a gyro, you’re adventurous-enough for Tangierine Cafe.
Like most restaurants in Epcot’s World Showcase, it’s a bit Americanized. Still, it is a nice departure from the standard cuisine found at a lot of Walt Disney World restaurants.
The chicken and lamb platters at Tangierine Cafe are excellent. They have great flavor, and the self-assembly ensures that you can top them with items you like. They are all served with a side of Hummus, Tabouleh and a Tangerine Couscous Salad and Moroccan bread.
I’ve seen some people complain about the prices of Tangierine Cafe, but I think those complaints are a little baseless once some context is added. Sure, platters are in the $14-18 range, which is expensive by counter service standards.
However, most are incredibly high quality, far superior to average counter service options at Walt Disney World. Moreover, I’d argue that every single one can feed two people.
The platters at Tangierine Cafe likely won’t fully satisfy two people, but with the bakeries in France and Norway nearby, this should be of little issue. Figure you’re going to spend $16 on an entree here plus another $6 from one of those bakeries for an exceptional meal costing $12 per person, which is not bad at all.
Overall, Tangierine Cafe is one of the best counter service restaurants at Walt Disney World. It offers a very unique menu, but not so unique that it will alienate less-adventurous guests–so long as they give it a try in the first place. The menu is arguably the best, highest quality, and most authentic of the counter service locations in World Showcase. The desserts, generally, don’t look all that appealing, but it’s hard to penalize Tangierine Cafe too much for that, especially if you’re paying out of pocket.
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Your Thoughts…
Are you a fan of Tangierine Cafe, or is it too adventurous for you? Or, have you never tried it because you assumed it wouldn’t appeal to you, but are willing to give it a try after reading this review? Do you agree or disagree with our review? Any questions we can help you answer? 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!
Hubby and I go once or twice a year to DIsney as we are DVC members and also SP holders. We love the food here at Tangierine Cafe, that may be because we are plant based and don’t eat meat and cheese or eggs but maybe not. We generally order the Vegetable Platter
Falafel, Tangierine Couscous Salad, Hummus, Tabouleh, Lentil Salad, and Marinated Olives, and split this. It usually fills us up and we have gotten the baklava on occasion which found quite tasty. It’s a good deal for us and a way to save a little at WDW.
We really enjoy lunch here. (We have a better fast casual version at home, but for Disney, it’s great!). My one beef, if any Disney powers that be happen to read this, is that the kids menu is nothing but American kids food. Please offer a smaller version of the adult food! We had to order an adult meal for our four year old because he wanted schwarma, not a hamburger…..
I agree. The food there is fantastic… except the dessert. We got it with our dining plan with our family of 5 and my husband ended up eating it, but he will eat almost anything, haha.
Tangierine Cafe is one of our favorites. We love to try different foods and this quick service is a great option on the dining plan. I had the chicken and lamb platter and my husband had the kefta sandwich. They both were delicious. I’m with you, desserts could be much better.
I like blackthidot’s last post. I like the cut of his/her jib.
Good review Tom and confirms what I read in another review, we’ll deffo visit this place in October (did I mention we are there?) for lunch whilst taking in the delights of the World Showcase.
The lamb wrap aka gyro is really good here. I look forward to hitting TC up in the next week. The only thing about this place is the CM’s are SUPER weird if you do not want certain things with or on your food. I just wanted a PLAIN lamb wrap. Just meat and sauce. You really would have thought I was asking to control the switches for Illuminations later that night. Other than that, this place may be the 2nd best CS meal in Epcot.
When we visited in 2011, we stayed at Boardwalk Villas. After our first lunch here, we could have easily visited every day! We loved it- my favourite was the falafel wrap…my fiancé ordered just about everything on the menu and enjoyed it all.
We visit again in March 2015 for our honeymoon and will definitely be eating here at least once!
Tangierine Café is probably our favorite place to eat in all of WDW. (Parks, anyway. The restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge are killer, too.) While we’re not anymore, we used to be locals and my husband is a vegetarian. Delicious food here of both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties, and they’re willing to mix and match the sides however you’d like! (Important for me due to allergies.)
To the person who asked about gluten free, it’s a definite “no.” Most of the meals are served with a half-round of bread that’s baked there.
I’ve never had the desert there, but I went to elementary school with the son of the (at the time) general manager of the Morocco pavilion, and he used to bring in sweets and cookies from there that I remember as being very good. This was, however, *mumble mumble* years ago…
I have never eaten at the quick service in Morocco, but have eaten in the main restaurant and I think it is one of the best. The food was so good! Morocco is my favorite country there!
Could you tell me if this restaurant is gluten free? That is no grain roducts-wheat, rye, barley. If you don’t know, could you tell me who I can contact re gluten friendly restaurants. Thanks
Hi Tom, we have just return from WDW after a 15 day trip! We listened to your advice and tried a bunch of your restaurant recommendations. I want to make sure people whom have not visited WDW before know one thing about the San Angel Inn restaurant in Mexico (Epcot World Showcase). Before we were seated they asked how many kids under age 10. We said 1 however our daughter will be ordering off the kid’s menu. They asked how old she was I said 12, but she eats less than our 9 year old son. They said she would be charged as an adult and speak with our server. We discussed this for a few minutes and gave up. That gave us our first impression. Customer service here got a big F to start off the meal. After we sat down the server said that our daughter can order off the kid’s menu but the drink would not be included in the price, as it is listed on the menu. The kids picked out their dinner which was an enchilada and a taco with “beans”. We assumed they would be refried beans as this is typical, no they were regular green beans that neither kid would touch. My husband ordered the Camarones al Guajillo – Crispy shrimp with Guajillo sauce, served over a bed of potato relish – $26.00 . He got 6 small shrimp on some sauce and they charged $30.00 for it! I ordered the Tacos de Ribeye 8oz; it came with rice and beans $30.00. I had to give the steak to my hubby because the shrimp was like a snack. They must have seen my Birthday pin because after the meal the waiters came over with a “free” desert and sang. That was fine,also our server was a nice man and we had no issues with him. However, we will NEVER return to that establishment.
I would like to note that most of the World Show case restaurant are 3rd parties NOT owned by Disney. My thoughts on this place is WDW must charge a hefty price for the location so they need to gouge the guest to make a profit. They are way over priced
Thanks for the feedback–sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience. Just so you’re aware (I think you are, but to be sure) and everyone else reading is aware, the comments above don’t relate to Tangierine Cafe, which is what this review is about. Just so no one is confused there! 🙂
What did you think of the other restaurants you tried? I’d encourage you to leave thoughts here: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-disney-world-counter-service-restaurants/ or in comments to reviews for the specific restaurants.
Will Do. Thanks!
Yeah, she made the mistake there. Sorry. Maybe should have said ten and not twelve in order to utilize the childrens menu? Shame that they talked to a manager about it. You are on vacation, just relax. Rules are rules. Right? Hakuna Matada
(Not to mention how way off topic that rant is) keep up the great work Tom!!
I love Tangierine Cafe. The lamb is delish. My 7 year old son loves it too, plus there is hummus and hummus is one of his favorites. The Baklava is ok, but I agree, I save my desserts for Norway and France.
Lunch at Tangierine Cafe and wandering over to France for dessert (or starting with dessert and finishing with lunch…whatever…) is a perfect way to do it! 🙂
Try the falafel, it’s pretty much your standard food service version you find at any fair where you see gyros. I don’t care for chick peas at all but still enjoy the heck out them due to them being highly seasoned. I’m there for the Moorish Coffee, one of the more intense drinks that you can put in your mouth.
I’m always puzzled by those people who avoid the more interesting restaurants. I have tons of offerings near my home for safe “‘murican” food and a mediocre steak, why on earth would I choose that sort of food when on vacation?
I’m not sure why they call the Falafel a wrap, because it is served in a pita as the picture shows. Either way though, I would actually want to try this place for the falafel, but I’m a fan of them. Their main ingredient is mashed chick peas, so if you aren’t a fan of them then you probably won’t like this. I’m very sorry when I say it does sound a bit close minded, especially since I see you are a fan of lamb, which I am far from, but everyone is entitled to like what they do. If you’re a chick pea fan, give the sandwich a shot, you just may like it. 🙂
Hi, Tom! I love the falafel pita. Well, I actually love falafel anywhere I can get it, so I can say that the stuff at Tangerine Cafe is about average. (It’s best fresh from a stand at a local festival!)
I plan to try Tangierine Cafe in a few weeks, so this is a timely, helpful review. Have you had baklava anywhere that you did like? The only time I’ve had baklava other people were raving about it, but I thought it was dry and fairly tasteless. I considered giving baklava another chance when we visit Tangierine Cafe, but now I think we’ll save our money and hit a bakery afterward.
I don’t like Baklava in general, to be honest. I’ve only had it a couple other times, and on both occasions I thought it was dry and tasteless. Tangierine Cafe’s was by far the worst, though.
I heartily agree with your assessment of the Baklava. I was given some very good Baklava once by a physician we defended and when it’s good…it’s VERY good. But likewise, when it’s bad…it’s VERY bad. I tried the Baklava in the Tangierine Cafe and it was hard, bland and dry. I also tried the Baklava at the Greece kiosk during the F&W and it was just as yucky. Just as you recommended, go to France or Norway for dessert!
Surprised no one mentioned the Moroccan mint iced tea. I haven’t bothered with the baked goods here, but who needs them, this tea alone is worth the trip to Epcot.
Tangerine Cafe is my boyfriend’s favorite counter service spot in Epcot. While he eats fish and other seafood, he doesn’t eat meat. He always orders the veggie platter that comes with falafel. The falafel are pretty good, as is the wrap. I think it’s there mostly for the non-meat eaters.
Thanks for the feedback. Good to know that someone likes it.
On a bit of an unrelated note…isn’t fish a meat?
This is the food I ate growing up so it’s always a nice refresh to stop here and enjoy an item or two from my childhood. Too many people just walk right by assuming its going to be too different or even spicy – and it’s awesome! Great review. Morrocco is one of my fave spots to explore in Epcot.
I think a lot of people dismiss the non-European restaurants as being too different, which is really unfortunate!
We just ate there during our trip last week… my husband was so pleased with it! He just returned from his 4th middle eastern deployment and was excitedto share some familliar food with our girls. We totally approve!!
Thanks for posting the review! I’ve always wanted to try the Tangierine Café, but since we tend to visit in late October or early November, we can never tear ourselves away from the Food & Wine Festival marketplace booths long enough to visit Epcot’s quick service spots. One of these days we’ll go at some other time of year, and then I’ll make it a point to stop by. In the meantime, I’m going to make some falafel for dinner tonight!