EPCOT has gained a reputation for being one of the best parks to eat at in Disney World thanks to its nearly continuous rotation food festivals. But, what if you don’t want to spend your day waiting in long lines for small bites or prefer a larger meal between all the snacks? Well, you’ll need to know where else you can eat! And, luckily, there’s no shortage of restaurants.
So, whether it’s a table service restaurant, quick service restaurant, character dining restaurant, or even a restaurant where you can get lost in the theming, we’re bringing you a look at the very best (and worst) restaurants in EPCOT to help you decide where to eat on your next Walt Disney World vacation!
Best EPCOT Restaurants
Le Cellier Steakhouse: Best Table Service Restaurant
There are a lot of great table service restaurants in EPCOT. But, the one that’s really worth the splurge? Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion! As one of EPCOT’s signature restaurants, you’ll be treated to a full meal that’s a step up from regular theme park dining.
The restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere with a rustic Canadian theme that will leave you feeling like you’re dining in a cozy wine cellar, surrounded by brick walls and dim lighting. It’s a great place to book for a special occasion or just as a special family meal during your trip.
Of course, the star of the show at Le Cellier is the steak. The menu offers a variety of cuts, including a delicious filet mignon. Cooked to perfection, the steak is tender and flavorful, making it a must-try for any meat lover. But, it’s not just the steak that makes Le Cellier a standout restaurant. The Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup is a fan favorite, with a rich and creamy texture and a sharp cheddar flavor. Served with pretzel bread, it’s the perfect way to start your meal.
Connections Eatery: Best Quick Service Restaurant
Looking for a quick bite to eat while exploring EPCOT? Look no further than Connections Eatery! This is one of the newest restaurants in the park, opening in 2022.
One of the standout features of Connections Eatery is the variety of foods on the menu. From classic American fare like burgers and fries to pizza slices to more unique options like the General Tso Chicken Salad, there is something for every taste bud so no one in the family has to settle. Plus, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available, no one is left out. And don’t forget to try one of their delicious shakes! Whether you’re in the mood for a classic vanilla or something a bit more adventurous like the Apple Pie Gelato Shake they won’t disappoint.
And, the great thing about eating here is that you won’t have to stress about seating! Connections Eatery is one of the largest quick service restaurants in EPCOT with tons of seating available in the large, open dining room. Plus, Starbucks is just around the corner inside!
Garden Grill Restaurant: Best Character Dining Restaurant
One of the easiest ways to skip the long character meet-and-greet lines in the park is to eat at a character dining restaurant, and EPCOT has some really great options with Garden Grill Restaurant being one of the most popular. Located in The Land Pavilion on a rotating platform, you’ll get to say hi to Mickey, Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and other friends over a family-style meal that is full of garden-fresh vegetables taken right from EPCOT!
One of the things that sets Garden Grill apart from other character dining experiences is its smaller size. This means that you’ll get to see Mickey and his pals more than once during your meal. It also means that the restaurant has a more intimate feel, making it a great choice for families with young children..
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Best Overall Value Restaurant
If you’re looking for a delicious meal that won’t break the bank, Regal Eagle Smokehouse is one of the best options in EPCOT. This restaurant, located in the American Adventure Pavilion, serves classic American BBQ that you can pair with a huge selection of specialty sauces made especially for this spot.
And, you won’t walk away hungry! The portion sizes at Regal Eagle Smokehouse are hearty so you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth here. Whether you’re in the mood for ribs, brisket, or chicken, you won’t be disappointed with the amount of food you receive for the price you’re paying.
Biergarten: Best Buffet
Prefer to fill up on one large buffet meal? Make a reservation for Biergarten Restaurant during your next visit! This restaurant in the Germany Pavilion offers a wide variety of German-style fare that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From sausages and schnitzel to pretzels and apple strudel, you’re sure to fill up on some really great food when you dine here.
Plus, the atmosphere here also can’t be beat. Inside the restaurant, you’ll be transported to a German courtyard with communal seating, where you can enjoy your meal while listening to live music. With its wide variety of German-style fare and lively atmosphere, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the best buffets in the park.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: Best for Disney Princess Fans
If you’re a Disney Princess fan (or traveling with one), Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a must-try. It’s the only place in EPCOT where you can meet Disney princesses during your meal, which is a great way to see the characters without having to wait in long meet-and-greet lines.
Located in the Norway Pavilion, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall has a castle-like atmosphere that will transport you to a medieval world. The restaurant has different rooms, each one with a unique feel. But, all of them have that castle vibe that will make you feel like royalty.
While the menu can be tougher for picky eaters, there are still some simple eats on the menu that will satisfy your hunger. The food is served family-style, which means that you can try a little bit of everything and share it with your group. The dishes are inspired by Norwegian cuisine, so you can expect to find seafood, meat, and vegetables on the menu.
Space 220: Best Themed Dining
All of the restaurants in EPCOT have their own unique theming. But, for the most immersive experience, you’ll want to head to Space 220! This restaurant takes you up into space (via space elevator), where you can enjoy a panorama view of the stars and Earth 220 miles below. The space-themed decor is immensely fun and creates an immersive atmosphere that transports you out of this world.
The menu at Space 220 is prix fixe, so there’s less flexibility in how you can customize your meal. However, if you’d prefer to be able to order only a few plates or just try the space-themed cocktails, you can make a reservation for the Space 220 Lounge instead. Just keep in mind that reservations are required for both the restaurant and the lounge. So, be sure to plan ahead.
Worst EPCOT Restaurants
Coral Reef: Worst Table Service Restaurant
If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant in EPCOT, the Coral Reef might seem like a good option at first glance. After all, the restaurant is located in World Nature. And, the dining room features a giant aquarium with live fish swimming around while you eat, which makes for a cool dining experience. However, most Disney fans agree that this restaurant is one to pass up.
The menu at Coral Reef is limited, and the seafood dishes don’t typically wow guests. And, while the restaurant does offer some non-seafood options, they’re not much better. The food is generally pretty pricey, and the quality just doesn’t live up to that price. So, if you’re looking for a good seafood meal in EPCOT, you’re better off trying one of the other options.
Lotus Blossom Cafe: Worst Quick Service Restaurant
As you make your way around World Showcase, you’ll likely work up quite an appetite. But, there’s one spot we recommend passing up no matter how hungry you might be – The Lotus Blossom Cafe. This Chinese quick service restaurant, located in the China Pavilion, may seem like a convenient option, but the Americanized Chinese food just isn’t that great and there’s not much on the menu to choose from.
It can also be hard to find seating near the restaurant. This can be particularly frustrating after facing large crowds in the park all day.
Spice Road Table: Worst Overall Value Restaurant
Spice Road Table has changed a lot over the years. And, while the views of World Showcase Lagoon are stunning, you’re not guaranteed to get your money’s worth here. When the table service restaurant reopened in 2020, the menu switched to small plates and cocktails and never switched back. So, you’ll be paying Disney prices for smaller portions of food that can quickly add up.
If you do decide to dine at Spice Road Table, be prepared to spend a significant amount of money for a meal that may not leave you feeling satisfied.
Takumi Tei: Worst for Picky Eaters
Traveling with someone who would rather reach for a burger and fries rather than anything slightly more adventurous? Takumi Tei might not be the best choice for you. The menu at Takumi Tei is mostly made up of seafood and Asian specialties. So, if you’re not a fan of these types of cuisine, you might find it difficult to find something that suits your taste buds. However, if you’re a fan of things like Japanese A5 wagyu steak, roasted duck, or grilled Chilean seabass, then this restaurant is actually a must-try.
Also keep in mind that, as a signature restaurant, eating here can be quite pricey. And, there are more restrictions on how you customize your meal. Currently, Takumi Tei features a prix-fixe menu consisting of two omakase multi-course meal options: an omnivorous meal for $250 per person, and a plant-based meal for $150 per person. So, if you’re looking to order a single entree, this is not the place for you.
Yorkshire County Fish Shop: Worst Variety
One thing to note about the restaurants in EPCOT is that there are a lot of smaller places to dine which can lead to limited menus being served. And, the spot with the worst variety of offerings? It’s got to be Yorkshire Country Fish Shop in the United Kingdom Pavilion.
As the name suggests, this restaurant only serves fish and chips (along with some beer). That can make it difficult to dine here if you have a family with different tastes. However, if you’re a fan of fish and chips, then you’re in luck. The fish and chips served at Yorkshire County Fish Shop are delicious and definitely worth trying. So, it might be worth stopping by here if you’re craving some fish and chips even if it means that you have to carry them around the park to another quick service restaurant with more variety for the rest of your family.
So, get ready to eat your way through only the best spots in EPCOT! 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, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Comments
What do you think are the best & worst EPCOT 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!