I’ve been around the Disney Parks my entire life and have been lucky enough to travel all over the world. I’ve enjoyed real pizza in Italy, authentic delights in Mexico, and fallen in love with the simple difference that true French bread makes. I share this with you not to boast, but to give a bit of context to what I’m about to share next. Let’s just say, I’m not going to be impressed by any table-side guacamole show.
For these reasons, and so many more, I have to share one of my most unexpected dining experiences at Walt Disney World. During a recent ten-day stay near Disney Springs, we set out on a mission to try as many restaurants in the area as possible to create a “best of” list to share with you later. But one location completely changed the game for me, blowing every expectation out of the water. After a long day of park time, I found myself at Frontera Cocina, where I had the pleasure of meeting a complete champion, Christopher Ortiz.
Christopher introduced himself as our server for the evening, bright, bubbly, and genuinely passionate about the food and drinks on offer. Where other servers can sometimes come across as sales-focused, Christopher’s warmth and sincerity stood out immediately. His love for the restaurant and its menu was contagious, and little did I know, the rest of the experience would be just as remarkable.
Our group of six had wildly different food preferences, which meant we usually ended up sampling nearly every corner of the menu, including starters, mains, mocktails, and of course, their signature Margaritas. Every dish felt like the perfect balance of time-honored Mexican tradition with a modern creative twist, a refreshing change from the overly familiar offerings you sometimes find in large dining areas.
Right from the first sip of my mocktail, the Mentirosa, I knew this meal would be special. It was bright, surprising, and perfectly balanced. Then came the Margarita, and I don’t say this lightly, it was one of the best I’ve ever had. And yes, I’ve had Margaritas all over the world. Christopher explained the difference in their ingredients with such detail that I could practically taste the care in every note. It was a drink I savored slowly, not wanting it to end. The food followed suit, with every dish devoured in its entirety and a few standouts that we would have ordered a second time right then and there if we weren’t so full.
A few menu highlights for my fellow foodies:
- Toasted Pumpkin Seed Hummus
- Guacamole Verde (if you don’t finish it, keep the green herby salsa on the table)
- Beef Barbacoa Quesadillas
- Guacamole Cobb Salad
Everything about Frontera Cocina hit that rare sweet spot of quality, service, and atmosphere. The people, the room, the view, and the flavors all worked together to create something genuinely memorable. In fact, we loved it so much we went back a few nights later, and while the food was still outstanding, my favorite part, our new friend Christopher, was sadly not working that night.
If you haven’t tried Frontera Cocina in Disney Springs yet, make it your next stop. The menu is diverse and delicious, the service is thoughtful and heartfelt, and the experience is one you’ll remember long after you leave. And if you happen to be lucky enough to have Christopher as your server, tell him Zoë sent you, and be sure to say hi.
