Best Restaurants in Disney Springs

Restaurant in Disney Spring

Calling all foodies! Disney World might also be the tastiest place on earth. Disney Springs — Disney World’s vibrant open-air shopping and dining complex — has completely transformed since it first opened back in 1975. (That’s long before Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom came to be!) Today, this 120-acre waterfront promenade is a culinary destination of its own. You can spend an entire day here sampling from the menus of over 50 dining options, from sweet and savory food trucks to signature restaurants by world-class chefs.  The waterfront location adds a touch of romance to your dining experience, as you watch boats go by and the sun set over the water. You can also take a stroll down the boardwalk and catch street performers entertaining the crowds. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes even livelier with live music and dancing at various spots along the promenade. Don't forget to stop by the souvenir shops to pick up a memento of your visit to this iconic destination. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a fun day out, this waterfront promenade has something for everyone.  

Keep on Reading! We’re dishing out the delicious details on the best restaurants in Disney Springs — for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! 

Breakfast/Brunch 

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ 

Breakfast at this Southern restaurant will taste like a meal straight from home … if your home had an award-winning celebrity chef cooking for you! Chef Art Smith’s Rise n’ Shine menu (only available on weekends) offers a selection of feel-good Southern breakfast dishes that’ll be a hit for picky eaters and avid foodies alike.   The menu features classic dishes such as biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits, all made with Chef Art Smith’s signature touch. The biscuits are light and fluffy, the gravy is creamy and savory, and the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The waffles are perfectly crisp and fluffy, and the shrimp and grits are rich and flavorful with a spicy kick. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t miss the French toast made with thick slices of brioche bread and served with homemade syrup and fresh berries. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, this Southern restaurant is the perfect place to start your weekend off right.

Our Menu Favorites: Go big with the Grand-Daddy Plate (three eggs any-style, pecan-smoked bacon, griddled country ham, cheddar cheese drop biscuit, and choice of two sides) or indulge your sweet-and-salty cravings with Fried Chicken and Doughnuts (two pieces of Chef Art Smith's famous fried chicken served with house-made sugar doughnuts and choice of side item). 

City Works Eatery & Pour House 

The ultimate sports bar in Disney Springs’s West Side neighborhood is also your new favorite brunch spot. While City Works is often touted for its delicious all-American fare and extensive beer menu, they also happen to have the most inventive brunch menus in all of Disney Springs!  From chicken and waffles to avocado toast, City Works has it all. One of their most popular brunch items is the breakfast burger, which features a juicy beef patty topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, and a side of hash browns. If you're in the mood for something sweet, try their cinnamon roll pancakes or their French toast stuffed with Nutella and bananas. Of course, no brunch would be complete without a mimosa or Bloody Mary, and City Works has plenty of options for both. So next time you're in Disney Springs, be sure to stop by City Works for a brunch that will leave you satisfied and ready to take on the day.

Our Menu Favorites: Start off with a feisty Chak Shuka Khan (shakshuka with spicy tomato sauce, sunny side up eggs, goat cheese, and toasted baguette) and end off on a sweet note with a shareable Dock of the Beignets (French donuts served with chocolate-hazelnut sauce and mixed-berry jam for dipping). 

Wine Bar George 

Orlando ain’t no Napa Valley, but an estate-style brunch at Wine Bar George will have you believing you’re in the heart of wine country. Pair their signature list of wines, curated by Master Sommelier George Miliotes, with a delectable weekend brunch menu for the perfect sophisticated yet upscale experience.  The menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes such as the Burrata, Poached Eggs & Chimichurri, and the Skirt Steak & Eggs. The Burrata is served with sliced avocado, blistered tomatoes, and grilled bread, making it the perfect starter to share with friends or family. If you're in the mood for something more hearty, the Skirt Steak & Eggs is an excellent choice. The steak is cooked to perfection and served with eggs, roasted potatoes, and chimichurri sauce on the side. And of course, no brunch is complete without a refreshing cocktail, so be sure to try one of Wine Bar George's signature drinks like the Frosé or the Red Sangria.

Our Menu Favorites: Order one of three charcuterie boards for the table then dive into classic breakfast favorites like French Toast (with mascarpone cheese and caramel sauce) or Steak and Egg Frites (skirt steak, eggs, and hollandaise sauce). 

CLICK HERE for VCF's Secret Breakfast and Brunch Guide for Disney Springs!

Lunch 

Polite Pig 

Nothing’s more satisfying than a juicy barbecue meal after a morning full of non-stop Disney fun. Reward yourself with savory wood-fired fare at this family-owned outpost with a menu of glistening chicken, pork, ribs, sausage and salmon cooked to perfection on the smoker. You can also dive into their deliciously creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, and fluffy cornbread to complete your hearty meal. This outpost is nestled in a cozy corner of the park, providing a serene escape from the bustling crowds. Don't forget to wash down your meal with a refreshing glass of sweet tea or cold beer for the ultimate Southern experience. With its mouth-watering food and relaxed atmosphere, this barbecue joint is a must-visit for any foodie visiting Disney.

Our Menu Favorites: Warning! This menu is strictly for meat lovers. You can’t go wrong with a Butcher Board for two (pork shoulder, smoked chicken, brisket and BBQ cheddar sausage with slaw, house pickles, two cornbreads, and a choice of two sides.) Or choose the classic Baby Back Ribs (coated with Layla’s Sweet BBQ Sauce and served with jalapeno cornbread, Signature Polite Slaw, and choice of side.) 

Jaleo  

Celebrity chef José Andrés has been celebrated for his garlicky shrimp, chicken croquetas, and paella all over the USA. Lucky for us, Disney Springs has the largest of his signature restaurants, Jaleo, to date! Enjoy traditional and contemporary Spanish dishes and a premium selection of sangrias, Spanish wines, and sherries — all in a red-hued dining room with pulsating music and a few energetic “¡Arriba!”s from the staff. In addition to the mouthwatering dishes and drinks, Jaleo also offers a unique culinary experience through its open kitchen design where customers can watch the chefs in action. The restaurant also showcases beautiful artwork and sculptures that add to the vibrant and lively atmosphere. With its prime location in Disney Springs, Jaleo is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal after a day of exploring the theme park or as a destination on its own. Whether you're a fan of Spanish cuisine or looking to try something new, Jaleo is sure to impress with its delicious flavors and lively ambiance.

Our Menu Favorites: Begin with the Gambas al Ajillo (the very, very famous tapa of shrimp sautéed with garlic) then enjoy hearty, traditional Rossejat Negra for two (paella with head-on shrimp, squid ink, calamari sofrito and aliori.) 

The Daily Poutine 

Who could resist the cheesy, meaty, melty goodness of poutine? This French-Canadian comfort food consisting of French fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy is served daily at the ever-popular outpost. Try the classic recipe or go global with a Latin, Italian, or French twist! For a Latin twist, opt for the "Mexican Poutine" which replaces the cheese curds with queso fresco and tops the fries with a spicy chorizo and jalapeño gravy. Looking for an Italian flair? The "Caprese Poutine" features fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze over crispy fries. And for a French-inspired option, try the "Coq au Vin Poutine" with shredded chicken, red wine gravy, mushrooms, and crispy bacon. Whatever your preference, this restaurant has a poutine for everyone to enjoy!

Our Menu Favorites: It was nearly impossible to pick favorites from the five delicious options, but we’d have to say the Latin Poutine (Fried Yucca, Black Beans, Pulled Pork and Queso Fresco) and the French Poutine (French Fries, Mushroom Cream Sauce and Gruyère) are truly one-of-a-kind! 

 CLICK HERE for our In-Depth Guide to the BEST Lunch Spots at Disney Springs!

Dinner 

STK Orlando 

This sleek 14,000-square-foot space proclaims itself as “Not Your Daddy’s Steakhouse.”  

From the live DJ set and fire pit lounge to the rooftop patio offering the best views of Disney Springs — this upscale dining experience innovates on all fronts, especially their menu, featuring a full range of sizzling steaks and filets, a raw bar, and signature corn pudding. Their commitment to innovation extends beyond just their menu, as they also offer a unique dining experience with interactive tableside presentations and a state-of-the-art wine preservation system that allows for the perfect wine pairing with each dish. The raw bar is stocked with the freshest seafood, including oysters flown in daily, while the steaks and filets are hand-selected and aged to perfection. The signature corn pudding is a must-try, perfectly balancing savory and sweet flavors. This upscale dining experience truly raises the bar for fine dining in the Disney Springs area.

Our Menu Favorites: We love the flavor-packed Braised Beef Short Rib (served with jalapeño cheddar grits, roasted pepper relish, crispy shallots, and red wine glaze) with a side of Mac & Cheese Trio (traditional, bacon, and lobster) for a truly magical feast. 

Morimoto Asia 

Chef Masaharu Morimoto showcases dishes across the entire continent of Asia at his waterfront signature restaurant Morimoto Asia. The restaurant’s massive, 2-story interior boasts glittering chandeliers, Shanghai-inspired lounges, a second-level sushi bar, and an exhibition kitchen that provides behind-the-scenes views of chefs in action. The menu at Morimoto Asia is a culinary adventure across the Asian continent. The dishes are inspired by the flavors and techniques of countries such as Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Chef Masaharu Morimoto's signature dishes include Peking duck, dim sum, Korean-style ribs, and sushi rolls. The restaurant's interior is just as impressive as the food, with its stunning chandeliers, elegant Shanghai-inspired lounges, and vibrant exhibition kitchen. Guests can sit at the second-level sushi bar and watch the sushi chefs create their masterpieces, or they can opt for a table with a view of the exhibition kitchen and see the culinary action up close. With its delicious cuisine and breathtaking ambiance, Morimoto Asia is a must-visit destination for any food lover.

Our Menu Favorites: Who ever said ramen couldn’t be fancy has never tried Morimoto’s Duck Ramen (peking duck broth, egg noodles, duck meat, scallion, soy marinated egg, and cilantro). And for a Chinese-Florida twist, try the Orange Chicken (tempura chicken, Chinese broccoli, wok-tossed with a sweet Florida orange sauce). 

Paddlefish 

All aboard for a fresh seafood dinner on a 19th-century riverboat harbored on the shores of Lake Buena Vista! Paddlefish is 3-story floating fortress with the only rooftop-level, waterfront seating in Disney Springs. Aside from breathtaking views, is the unique land-and-sea dishes on a mouthwatering menu.  Start with the appetizers, which are almost a meal in themselves. The crab cakes are made with premium lump crab meat and served with a refreshing citrus aioli that perfectly complements the flavor of the crab. The lobster corn dogs are another standout, taking a classic fair food and elevating it by using succulent lobster meat and a crispy cornmeal batter. For the main course, there are plenty of options to choose from, including fresh catches of the day, seafood boils, and even a surf and turf burger that combines juicy beef with succulent lobster. And don't forget to save room for dessert - the key lime pie is a must-try, with a tangy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust.

Our Menu Favorites: Cool off with some fresh Crab Ceviche (blue crab, avocado, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, lime, tortilla chips) or go big with a plate of steamed King Crab (served with corn on the cob and potatoes.) 

 

Orlando Vacation Planning 

Planning a trip to Orlando? Our Kissimmee & Orlando Travel Guide has plenty of more suggestions on what to see, hear, do, and eat! And when you’re looking for magical accommodations near Disney and the rest of the Orlando parks without the Disney hotel price tag, check out our Top Vacation Rentals Near Disney to start planning your next Central Florida vacation. 

See you out there!