Looking for Disneyland Dining Reviews so you can eat all the good stuff on your upcoming trip to Disneyland? Check out our guide of the best restaurants and dining reviews!

Disneyland Dining Reviews: The Best Restaurants at Disneyland in 2024!

Are you searching for Disneyland dining reviews for your next Disneyland vacation? You’re in the right place! 

The Disneyland resort has so many great choices, and I’ll dive into some of my favorites at the theme park and beyond in this blog.

Disneyland Resort is a magical, charming place- and the food is more than just burgers, fries, and pizza (though they do have great options for these, too).  Whether you want a fancy meal or something quick, the dining choices in Disneyland are top notch- it just takes some planning and knowing where to go!

Let’s explore the Disneyland Resort and its dining offerings. 

Discovering Disneyland Food

Dining at Disneyland offers a unique array of different food. Disneyland dining options vary from unique food cart items to quick-service mobile-order-friendly restaurants to fine dining establishments. Theme Parks aren’t usually known for their food, but Disneyland is a whole different animal when it comes to theme park dining.  

Disneyland Dining Experiences 

Let’s start with some of the types of restaurants and dining options available at the Disneyland resort:

• Food Cart- these are available throughout both theme Parks located on Disneyland resort property which includes Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  They offer a grab-and-go experience, and their offerings can vary from popcorn in traditional containers to fancy collectible popcorn buckets and unique flavors, to churros (Disneyland resort is known for their churros), as well as corn dogs (another classic Disneyland snack that they do very well) to chimichangas (those breakfast chimichangas are a hard to get item) to ice cream and sweet treats. 
• Quick Service Restaurant—A Disney quick-service restaurant is like a fast-food restaurant except more themed with a touch of Disney magic and charm (usually). The Disneyland quick-service restaurants can offer anything from breakfast bowls or pastries to sandwiches, burgers, or pizza to specialty bowls and entrees that you can’t get at any sit-down (table-service) restaurant.
• Table Service Restaurant– This is your traditional type of sit-down restaurant, but again, it has Disney theming and charm.  They each usually have a particular type of decor to reflect their theming. You often need to reserve these as soon as possible for the most competitive and delicious Disneyland restaurants (see my dining reviews below to know which ones).   Disneyland table service restaurants are more expensive than quick-service, and you have a server, so you will need to account for gratuity too. 

​At any of these locations, you can use a Disney gift card to pay, so start saving those before your vacation to help you budget!  Check out this blog to learn more about best ways to do save on Disney gift cards.

Awesome Snack Carts in Disneyland

 

​Classic Fruit Stand on Mainstreet

The best item, in my opinion, on this classic fruit stand located on Main Street in Disneyland is the crunchy Dill Pickle.  In fact there’s an ongoing race of sorts to see who can get the first pickle every day!  This cart also has fruit (of course), juice, and trail mix.   You’ll find other fruit stands in Adventureland close to Indiana Jones, and between New Orleans Square and Critter Country.   Fruits stands offer quick and healthy snacks when you are on the go to your next attraction. 

Corndog Truck Main Street

Disneyland is known for its corn dogs, and this cute red truck offers delicious, hand-dipped corn dogs, as well as chips, sodas, and bottled water. 

 

Other snack carts in Disneyland have various frozen treats, the classic Dole Whip frozen treats, delicious Disneyland churros, chips, the ever-present Disney popcorn, and classic Mickey Pretzels. 

Breakfast Chimichangas at the Food Cart by Big Thunder Mountain

These delicious handheld breakfast beauties are so popular that they often sell out, so act fast if you want one! Just head to Frontierland and look for the food cart across from Big Thunder Mountain. This popular option is deep friend and filled with bacon, egg, and cheese—just grab some napkins—they can get a bit greasy!

Disneyland Resort Restaurant Reviews

Best Disneyland Quick Service Restaurants

Disneyland also has some awesome quick-service restaurants.  Here are a few of my favorites and other fan favorites for in-park dining in Disneyland:

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

This is a great place to grab lunch or a sweet treat.  Jolly Holiday is located just off Main Street and has a classic Mary Poppins theme to match!  The menu offers a hearty toasted cheese sandwich and tomato soup that’s very popular and delicious!  I also love Jolly Holiday for a grab-and-go sweet treat when we are finding our parade route seat and settling in.  I highly recommend the strawberry croissant and the macarons.  But they may sell out so get them early! I also recommend mobile ordering here to save time. 

Bengal Barbecue

Bengal Barbeque is a quick-service restaurant across from Indiana Jones Adventure that offers fresh grilled meats and veggie skewers.  This is a great place for the carnivore or keto person in your group or to get your veggies in.  This place offers good grilled meat or veggie options, but they are overpriced for what you get, in my opinion.  The only option they have that resembles a meal is the Bengal Rice plate with two skewers, jasmine rice, and citrus miso but with a $17.99 price tag.  

Tiana’s Palace

This New Orleans-style Princess and the Frog-themed quick service restaurant replaced the French market and offers up some delicious Beignets! You can watch them fill these treats with lemon ice box filling and then move down the line to pick up House Gumbo, Shrimp and Grits, or Cajun Style chicken.  They also offer Muffeleta and Poor Boy sandwiches.  If you are a New Orleans native or have frequented the Big Easy, this might not be up to your standards, but we enjoyed our food, and the location is great, especially after Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. 

Mint Julep Bar

This is a classic and a must-do, in my opinion, particularly on a hot summer Disneyland afternoon.  The beignets are Mickey-shaped powder dusted delights, and the Mint Juleps are ice cold and refreshing!

Hungry Bear

 

Though not a culinary masterpiece of a restaurant, I adore the Hungry Bear.  It’s located in Critter Country, and I love sitting on the deck overlooking the Rivers of America.  You can enjoy barbeque (and they have plant based items too) plates and watch the Mark Twain or Sailing Ship Columbia sail by.  

They have also offered a Fantasmic Dining Package in the past with a grab and go plates and a guaranteed seating area for the fabulous Fantasmic show.  This awesome nighttime show is set to restart May 24th, 2024, so watch for the return of Fantasmic Dining Packages!

Tropical Hideway

Located in Adventureland this is the place for all things Dole Whip (a delicious dairy free frozen treat that is a Disney parks tradition)- from classic to floats.  They also offer yummy lupia and bao buns.

Rancho del Zocalo

This place is pretty any time of day, particularly at night with its colorful decor and lights.  It offers up hearty classic Mexican food like Enchiladas, Burritos, Tacos and Salad, and refreshing horchata.

Other honorable mentions include the Mickey-shaped pancake breakfast and Grey Stuff (yummy cupcake- the grey stuff really is delicious, and the dishes agree) at Red Rose Taverne.

Disneyland dining reviews: Table Service Options in Disneyland

For a more relaxed dining and/or themed experience, book a table service restaurant. Planning ahead for dining at Disneyland is wise, you can book an advanced dining reservation (ADR) up to 60 days ahead of time. Use the Disneyland app or website to view menus and book ADRs. 

There are dozens of Disneyland restaurants, but here are some of my favorite table service options for in-park dining at Disneyland.

Carnation Cafe

 

This fan favorite is a classic and has been there since the opening of Disneyland.  It sits right in the middle of Main Street u.s.a. and serves up delicious breakfast skillets and classics like Mickey waffles and stuffed French toast.  They also have lovely lunch and dinner options, including healthy salads, chili, sandwiches like the Parmesan Patty Melt, and dinner entrees like the classic Meatloaf or Chicken Fried Chicken. 

The inside of this OG restaurant has a classy diner type feel and is filled with memories of Walt Disney himself as he used to frequent the Carnation Cafe.  

The outside tables are lovely in the day but extra lovely with all the light on Main Street lit up.   Don’t forget to check out the deserts- I highly recommend the Gooey Chocolate Cake and Caramel sauce or the Peach Pie a la mode.   Also check out a special item to my heart on the “secret menu”- they have a plant based brownie a la mode!

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Blue Bayou, inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, is also a top pick. It truly feels like you’re dining in a (classy) bayou, under the stars.  Their Monte Cristo sandwich is a classic, and the Surf and Turf is a (pricey) fan favorite.  If the option returns after Fantasmic reopens, you could also turn that meal into a Fantasmic Dining Package, it’s more expensive than the Hungry Bear but offers much better seating.

Getting a reservation here can be quite difficult, so try to get this one 60 days ahead of your vacation.  If you can’t score this ADR, consider using one of the top 3 Dining Reservation Finder tools in this blog.

You could also try getting a reservation at Cafe Orleans. Their menu is similar but more affordable (they also have the classic Monte Cristo), and reservations are much easier to get here. They are located in New Orleans Square, a short walk from Blue Bayou. Their patio also overlooks the Rivers of America, and the Mint Juleps are refillable (as they are at Blue Bayou). 

River Belle Terrace

Though the dining room reminds me slightly of a Southern Grandma’s parlour, I do love this place. It’s easy to grab a reservation, and their food has a Southern flare—from the spicy fried chicken to Brisket Grilled Cheese to the Pimento Mac and Cheese (could it get more Southern than these dishes?).  If you are lucky enough to be there during this seasonal offering then be sure to get the sweet, sweet Monkey Bread for dessert! 

We enjoyed a late brunch there and some classic breakfast options, such as the American Breakfast and the Yummy Apple Pie Pancakes. 

Out of this World Disneyland Dining Reviews: Galaxy’s Edge Favorites

Oga’s Cantina

Oga’s Cantina is a dream for Star Wars fans. It’s set in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and it feels like you are walking straight into a rebel cantina!

At Oga’s, try special Star Wars drinks and exotic beverages.   Favorites among Star Wars fans are the Blue Milk or the famous Fuzzy Tauntaun for a wild taste.   The Fuzzy Tauntaun features peach vodka schnapps, simply orange, and “buzz button” tingling foam- it’s a unique drink that causes some tingling in the lips.  

My favorite menu item for drinks is the Outer Rim, Oga’s version of a margarita.  Be forewarned, the drinks here are a bit overpriced as they are not freshly prepared and cost around $18! 

They also have small plates to snack on, these are very light snacks like crackers and avocado mousse dip, garlic knot pretzels with dip, edamame, and veggies, and a charceuterie-type plate.  

Docking Bay 7

 Docking Bay 7 is a quick service restaurant at Galaxy’s Edge Disneyland.  Favorite options here include the Endorian fried chicken tip-yip, basically fried chicken served with mash potatoes and broccolini.  I love the plant based meatballs and hummus with veggies (Felucia Kefta & Hummus Garden Spread).  You can also pick up a yummy coffee drink with cold brew, sweet cream, and topped with chocolate puffs (cold brew black caf).  

Ronto Roasters

The other, and my favorite, quick service restaurant at Galaxy’s Edge is Ronto Roasters, offering up Rontro Wraps.   These are delicious pita wrap sandwiches featuring either pork and spicy slaw or the Ronto-less Plant Based option with plant-based sausage and Kimchi slaw.

Another favorite item here is the Tatooine Sunset, Galaxy’s Edge version of an Arnold Palmer with unsweetened tea, lemonade, and melon and blueberry flavors.  

Disney California Adventure Dining Reviews

My top choice for dining at California Adventure is the Lamplight Lounge.  I’ll highlight some other options also in case you venture over to DCA on your Disneyland dining adventure!

The Lamplight Lounge: Where Pixar Pier Comes to Life

The Lamplight Lounge can be found on Pixar Pier. It mixes old-fashioned waterfront charm with Pixar fun.  They have both indoor seating (ask for the office if you have a large party- you might get lucky and be able to dine in a private room with a patio and filled with Pixar animator art)and water front seating.  

If you sit outside you can enjoy watching the Incredicoaster launch or admiring Mickey’s FunWheel from afar. 

This spot’s menu mixes classic comfort food with great apps and creative cocktails.  I love their brunch omelette’s and fritatas, french toast, and flautas.  It’s also a great place for happy hour or lunch or dinner with classics like burgers (they have an Impossible Burger option), Salmon, Porkchops, Brussels salad, and delicious donuts for dessert.   They have an extensive cocktail, beer and wine menu, and a great outdoor bar.  I highly recommend the Abstract Thought Coffee cocktail- with cold brew, Bailey’s, Kahlua, agave and cinnamon! 

​Other Disney California Adventure Favorites:

Here are some of my other favorites at DCA

• Upscale Dining: Carthay Circle
• Quick Service Restaruant: Pym’s Test Kitchen or Flo’s V8 cafe (but DCA has many great options)
• Food Cart: Boudin Bread Cart (but this may be because of my affinity for both Baymax and Sourdough- this bread is so cute you don’t want to eat it but when you do it’s delicious)

Dining at Disneyland Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney

You can enjoy many different meals outside the parks. Disneyland Resort Hotels and Downtown Disney offer everything from fancy dinners to quick snacks, making sure everyone leaves happy.

Disneyland Resort Hotels Dining:

You’re in for a delightful surprise if your stay includes a Disneyland Resort Hotel reservation or even just a visit.   Here are some of my favorites:

• The Napa Rose: At The Napa Rose, taste the best of California. It’s located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Enjoy food straight from the farm and a wide wine selection.
• Steakhouse 55: Feel like you’ve stepped back in time at Steakhouse 55 in Disneyland Hotel. It’s perfect for special times or a memorable date night with great steaks and a charming setting.
• Storytellers Café: Have a meal with your favorite Disney characters at Storytellers Café. It’s at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and offers fun character breakfasts and dinners for the whole family.
• Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar: This place is a must-do in my opinion and is always on the list of the best places to visit on Disneyland property.  It features that crazy tiki bar vibe, fun and creative drinks, and a truly unique and entertaining vibe.  And they also take advanced dining reservations so book ahead!

Downtown Disney Restaurants:

Downtown Disney is the place to be for shopping, fun, and of course, eating. Here, you’ll find anything from tasty snacks to fine dining, serving up meals from all over the world.

• Best snacks: I love Salt and Straw for creative and shocking ice cream flavors, or the Confectionary for classic Disney treats.
• Black Tap Burgers and Shakes: The shakes here are true works of art, but the line for said shakes is insane, so try to go during off hours.  They also serve up classic and creative burgers.
• Jazz Kitchen: This place offers Louisiana-style themeing and classic Bayou favorites. It serves Creoles and Cajun-inspired entrees, jambalaya and gumbo, and tasty beignets, as well as live jazz to keep you entertained.

Whether dining at a Resort Hotel or in Downtown Disney, a food adventure awaits. You’ll find a variety of places to eat, and there’s always something for everyone.

The Wrap Up

Disneyland has food for every hunger, from fancy dinners to quick snacks. Enjoy the most popular restaurants, such as Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe, and Oga’s Cantina, which stand out for their menusf and/or immersive theming.

So don’t just go to Disneyland for the rides and shows!  Take time to discover the great food Disneyland has to offer.  But definitely plan ahead- use the Disneyland app to book your Disneyland Table service reservation as soon as you can, and as close to 60 days before your visit as you can so you don’t miss out.  

What did I miss? I would love to hear your favorites in the comments!