If you’re visiting Walt Disney World soon, you’ve probably done a lot of research on where to eat during your vacation. By now you know the holy trinity of Disney dining: Be Our Guest, California Grill, and ‘Ohana. You also know the worst restaurants like Tony’s Town Square. You might even know about the “underrated’s” like Sanaa and Kona Café. However, there are still many great restaurants that no youtube video or Top 10 list will ever mention. Here’s a list of “Unmentioned” restaurants at Disney World that can offer an unforgettable experience.
Spice Road Table slips through the cracks of the World Showcase with many guests weary of trying Moroccan food and often skipping this pavilion for snacks they are more accustomed to. In fact, with Restaurant Marrakesh’s intriguing atmosphere and belly dancers in the back of the pavilion, Spice Road Table gets the least amount of hype in Morocco. However, the food, menu, and setting deserve more love. Nestled up against the lagoon, guests can sample authentic Mediterranean fare with a beautiful waterfront view. This restaurant is great for adventurous eaters and safe eaters alike because it offers various small plates, which means you can try many different Moroccan flavors without gambling on an entrée you may not like. Step outside your comfort zone and make sure someone in your party gets the lamb sliders!
Staying in Epcot, this hidden gem is tucked away to the side of the Japan pavilion and offers a surprisingly wide variety of food for a counter service restaurant. With reasonable prices, large portions, and a beautiful outdoor seating area overlooking the pavilion’s coy pond and garden, Katsura Grill is a must-do when I snack around the world. Make sure to grab the Shrimp Tempura Udon while you watch the Matsuriza drummers.
The Skipper Canteen, located in the Magic Kingdom, suffers from the same problem as Spice Road Table: a menu that’s outside the comfort zone of most guests. While the exotic dishes reasonably scare off plain eaters, it is refreshing to see an amusement park restaurant serving interesting African, Asian, and South American cuisine. Along with the phenomenal food, Skipper Canteen has a fun wait staff that uses cheesy puns similar to those found on the Jungle Cruise. Add a well-themed atmosphere and you have a truly unique dining experience.
2. Tiffins
When you have two table service credits and want to try premium African cuisine, you think Jiko… and rightfully so, but don’t sleep on Tiffins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This is a signature restaurant for a reason, but is almost never touted as a fan favorite. It features a wide selection of authentic entrées and a beautiful décor that will give you a phenomenal dining experience. If you want to experience African flavors without trekking to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, give Tiffins a try.
1. Crew’s Cup
This may be a technicality since it is a lounge, but Crew’s Cup is one of my favorite dining locations in all of Walt Disney World. Surprisingly, this lounge goes unmentioned while being directly next to the popular Yachtsman’s Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club. However, this relaxed restaurant serves amazing New-England style food such as clam chowder and a very generously sized lobster roll. Other musts include the short rib and truffle fries. Many popular restaurants can have long waits and cramped seating areas where you can hear your neighbor’s conversation, so if you want to eat a quality meal in a laid back environment, give Crew’s Cup a try.
