There are a lot of places to eat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but some are better than others! While there may be 30 different dining spots around the park, not all of them are created equal. In fact, many only offer snacks or drinks which could leave you to take on the park hungry or result in you having to make multiple stops for food in one day and lose out on precious park time.

So, where should you eat? And, more importantly, where shouldn’t you eat? Here are the best and worst Animal Kingdom restaurants to help make choosing where to dine during your next Walt Disney World vacation a bit easier!

Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Tiffins Restaurant: Best Table Service Restaurant

There are quite a few tasty table service restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but if you’re looking to eat at the best one, make a reservation for Tiffins Restaurant. This signature restaurant is located near Pandora – World of Avatar and is easily one of the best restaurants in all of Disney World.

Tiffins is known for its African-, Asian-, and Latin-inspired cuisine. And, it is almost as good to look at as it is to eat. Some of the standout dishes include the Wagyu Strip Loin and the Whole-Fried Sustainable Fish. Plus, the menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.

The restaurant itself is divided into three different galleries. This includes: the Trek Gallery is Asia-themed, the Safari Gallery is Africa-themed, and the Grand Gallery is covered in animal art. Each gallery offers a different dining experience. So, be sure to take a look around at all the rooms even if you don’t get seated in one that’s new to you. Just keep in mind that, as a signature restaurant, the pricing here can be on the higher end compared to other table service restaurants in the park.

Satu’li Canteen: Best Quick Service Restaurant

If you’re looking for a quick service restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Satu’li Canteen has become known as one of the best options in the park. Located in the Valley of Mo’ara (a.k.a. Pandora – The World of Avatar), this restaurant serves up customizable bowls that are both delicious and filling.

One of the best things about Satu’li Canteen is the variety of options available. You can choose from a variety of bases, including rice, noodles, and salad, and then select your protein and sauce. The protein options include grilled beef, chicken, fish, and tofu, so there’s something for everyone. The sauces range from sweet to spicy, so you can customize your bowl to your liking. Think of it kind of like a Chipotle…but better!

In addition to the customizable bowls, Satu’li Canteen also offers a few other menu items that have gained a huge following of fans including the cheeseburger pods. These are a great alternative if you’re not in the mood for a bowl. They’re basically a cheeseburger stuffed into a bao bun.

The atmosphere at Satu’li Canteen is also worth mentioning. The restaurant is located in the heart of Pandora – The World of Avatar, and the theming is incredible. The restaurant is designed to look like an old RDA mess hall that has been taken over by the Na’vi. And, the attention to detail is impressive.

Tusker House Restaurant: Best Character Dining Restaurant

If you are looking for a character dining experience to make your day in the park a bit more special, Tusker House Restaurant is your best bet. This buffet-style restaurant offers a mix of African cuisine and American fare. Plus, it is the only character dining spot in the park.

As you eat, you’ll have the chance to meet Mickey and his friends decked out in their safari best. The dining room here is a bit smaller than many other character dining restaurants in Disney World. So, you may even see them all come by your table more than once during your meal!

Flame Tree Barbecue: Best Value Restaurant

If you’re looking for a delicious meal that won’t break the bank, Flame Tree Barbecue is the perfect choice. This quick service restaurant serves up some of the best barbecue in Disney World. And, the portion sizes make eating here a great deal.

One of the best deals on the menu is the ribs, chicken, and pulled pork sampler. It comes with a hearty serving of each meat and a side of baked beans and coleslaw. This can easily be split between two or three people for $18.99. And, all other entrees are big enough to split between two as well. However, the split portion sizes may be a little bit smaller per person compared to the sample.

In addition to the great food, the atmosphere at Flame Tree Barbecue is also a highlight. The restaurant is located on the water’s edge with a beautiful view of Expedition Everest in the distance. So, you can enjoy your meal with a great view knowing that you didn’t overspend on Disney dining!

Yak & Yeti Restaurant: Most Underrated Restaurant

Yak & Yeti Restaurant doesn’t get talked about much, but it’s another great table service option in the park! Despite being one of the most underrated restaurants, it offers a wide range of pan-Asian dishes that are sure to satisfy everyone in your family.

Inside, the restaurant’s decor is inspired by the architecture of Southeast Asia, with intricate wood carvings and vibrant colors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. And, the food fits in perfectly with the theming. With dishes like Ahi Tuna Nachos, Korean Beef over jasmine rice, and Mango Pie, you’re sure to walk out of here full and satisfied. So, be sure that you don’t overlook this hidden gem of a restaurant!

Eight Spoon Cafe: Best For a Snack

If you find yourself a little hungry as you make your way around the park but don’t want a full meal, we recommend stopping at Eight Spoon Cafe. This quick service kiosk is located in Discovery Island, near the entrance to Pandora – The World of Avatar. And, it can be easily missed if you aren’t looking for it.

What makes Eight Spoon Cafe unique is its focus on a single dish: baked macaroni and cheese. While it may seem like a simple concept, the variations on this classic comfort food are what make Eight Spoon Cafe stand out. The menu includes three different options for baked mac and cheese. Your choices are: classic, with pulled pork, and with shrimp and sweet chili sauce. Each dish is served in a large spoon, making it easy to eat on the go.

In addition to the mac and cheese, Eight Spoon Cafe also offers a pulled pork jelly doughnut sandwich. This may sound strange but is surprisingly delicious. The sandwich is made with a warm, fluffy doughnut filled with tender pulled pork and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce.

So, whether you’re looking to try something new and adventurous or just want a classic snack to hold you over, be sure to give it a try on your next trip!

Worst Animal Kingdom Restaurants

Rainforest Cafe: Worst Table Service Restaurant

You’re probably familiar with the chain restaurant, Rainforest Cafe. And, there’s one located directly in Disney’s Animal Kingdom…though, you might want to skip it. It’s not necessarily a bad restaurant, but there are definitely better options in the park.

While the thought of eating here might sound convenient if you’re a fan of the restaurant and want to eat there on multiple occasions, it doesn’t offer the unique experience that you might be looking for at Disney World. And, in terms of the food, Rainforest Cafe offers a variety of options, but they’re not necessarily standout dishes. You’ll find typical American fare like burgers, salads, and sandwiches. But, there’s not much that sets the menu apart from other restaurants in the park.

Pizzafari: Worst Quick Service Restaurant

If you’re a pizza lover then you might be thinking about stopping at Pizzafari for a quick bite during your day at Animal Kingdom. And, while pizza is its specialty, the quick service restaurant might leave you disappointed.

The restaurant has undergone some changes to its menu in recent years. One of the more notable changes is that they now serve flatbread pizzas. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of guests they see per day, the quality of the flatbreads often falls short with the crust being overcooked and dry and the toppings sparse.

Seating can also be hard to come by here if you’re dining at a popular mealtime during the day. There are multiple dining rooms, however, they can fill up fast. And, there aren’t any places nearby to find additional seating if all the tables in the restaurant are taken. So, we recommend trying some of the other quick service restaurants in the park if you’re hoping for a more satisfying meal and experience.

Restaurantosaurus: Worst For People Who Don’t Like Theme Park Food

If you are looking for a restaurant in Animal Kingdom that offers a unique dining experience, Restaurantosaurus may not be the best choice for you. The food at this dinosaur-themed eatery is mostly standard American fast food. There’s no specific twist, and it’s not particularly tasty or memorable.

The menu at Restaurantosaurus includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and a Cobb salad. While these dishes may be appealing to some, they are not particularly exciting or innovative compared to other restaurants and snack locations in the park.

Pongu Pongu: Worst For Picky Eaters

In general, dining in Animal Kingdom can be hard with a picky eater. This is because many of the restaurants are themed to fit in with the part of the park they’re located in. So, for example, you’ll find Asian flavors offered in the Asia part of the park and African flavors offered in the African part. However, most of these restaurants still offer something on the menu for less adventurous eaters…except Pongu Pongu.

This snack kiosk is located in Pandora – The World of Avatar and has become well known for its Pongu Lumpia snack and Night Blossom drink. These have become fan-favorite snacks, but don’t let the popularity fool your picky eaters! The Pongu Lumpia is a sweet and tangy pineapple and cream cheese filling wrapped in a crispy pastry shell. The Night Blossom can also be an acquired taste made with layers of apple and desert pear limeade topped with boba balls.

So, save your money and avoid this spot if you’re traveling with picky eaters. But, that being said, it’s definitely worth a visit here if you’re willing to try something new or looking for a unique snack!

So, get ready to eat your way through only the best spots in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! And, if you’re headed to any of the other Disney World Parks during your visit, be sure to check out our recommendations on where you should (and shouldn’t) eat in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Comments

What do you think are the best and worst Animal Kingdom restaurants? Did any of your favorites make the list? Let us know about the worst meal you’ve ever had in Disney World in the comments!