Last Updated on November 30, 2024
Spread across 120 acres, Disney Springs is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with almost 200 establishments located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
The timeless venue, previously known as Downtown Disney, consists of four neighborhoods interconnected by a vibrant lakefront and flowing spring. Though the expansive, open-air venue is sizeable, it’s spread out enough to feel relaxing and uncrowded. It also provides guests with a wide variety of experiences, making it a popular destination for both Disney fans and non-Disney visitors.
Some of the best restaurants in the Walt Disney World universe are located in Disney Springs. More than 60 dining options include quick service, casual table-service and finer dining, so guests have plenty of choices.
How to choose? My family has its range of favorites, selected by type of fare, quality of entrees, value, and consistent food standards, service and ambience.
Wine Bar George
Friends of mine have raved about this eatery for a while, and finally on my November 2024 trip to Disney Springs, I checked it out and loved it. Wine Bar George is headed by Master Sommelier George Miliotes and is the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida.
The 200-seat eatery open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, resembling a wine makers estate – cozy and elegant. There are more than 200 wine selections on the list which pair perfectly with menu items. Not sure about the pairing? Ask your server as they are experts.
Guests can select between a number of small plates, artisanal meat and cheese boards, entrees or family style plates. My family selected a charcuterie board, burrata and a saganaki cheese on fire for lunch. You’ll find excellent food and wines here, and a place worthy of a return visit.
The Boathouse
This is a restaurant you’ll want to put on the top of your list for lunch or dinner, but make certain to have reservations. Located directly on the lake with outdoor and inside dining, The Boathouse serves delightful delicacies from the land and sea.
If you’re a seafood fan, this is a place you’ll love. First, the bread service is to die for – soft, irresistible hot rolls with a honey cinnamon glaze. The raw bar has great selections and other standouts include the Firecracker Shrimp, Lobster Roll (the best I’ve had outside Boston), and the Dockside Shrimp Boil.
Lake views are spectacular and the restaurant’s nautical setting is charmingly New England-inspired.
Jaleo by José Andrés
Thanks to renowned international chef José Andrés, Disney Springs guests have the opportunity to dine in this multi-level eatery that consistently pleases our palates every time we visit.
Classic and contemporary Spanish tapas are the highlight of Jaleo reflecting the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine in addition to a variety of authentic paellas cooked over a wood fire.
Though I have dined here for dinner in the past, I found the Sangria Hour to be a fantastic value offering a variety of sangria, beer and delightful tapas.
Morimoto Asia
Another excellent choice for lunch or dinner, Morimoto Asia, owned by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, is by far the most attractive-looking restaurant in Disney Springs with a grand dining room and stunning Forbidden Lounge. It also happens to also serve up delicious and unique delectable Pan-Asian cuisine.
Morimoto has an extensive menu that includes sushi, small plates, dim sum (our favorite), rice and noodle dishes along with meat, poultry and vegetables. If you and another member of your party are a duck fan, order the Peking Duck for Two. You won’t regret it!
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
If you’re into Southern cuisine, you’ll love this down-home kitchen with a welcoming vibe that serves some finger lickin’ good comfort food.
Serving brunch, lunch and dinner, favorite entrees here include Chef Art’s famous fried chicken, Addie Mae’s Chicken & Dumpling Soup and Shrimp & Grits. Save room for the Southern classic, Hummingbird Cake, a pineapple-banana dessert with cream cheese frosting, topped with vanilla ice cream.
Raglan Road Irish Pub
My family passed over dining at this Irish pub in the past as we assumed it was just “pub food” and the music seemed too loud. However, on our latest visit, we came for dinner and what a delightful experience we had. While the outdoor patio does make it harder to have a conversation due to live Irish music, the indoor dining room is quieter. We could still hear and tap to the outdoor music and were treated to an Irish step dance performance.
The entrees were also better than expected, and close to Irish authentic. Recommendations include the fish & chips, chicken pie and Shepherds Pie. Makesure to start with the Comfort Bread, a homemade brown soda bread with a Guiness glaze and olive oil dip. It’s scrumptious!
Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar
While counterpart restaurant Maria and Enzo’s offers a lovely Italian foodie experience, there was something about this speakeasy-inspired gathering place located inside a former access tunnel for Downtown Disney that sparked our interest.
Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar serves most of Maria and Enzo’s menu, but offers a unique slant as guests head underground to sip on prohibition-era cocktails and enjoy delicious bites in this bar exuding an intimate 1920s speakeasy- vibe.
The cocktails are impressive and we loved watching the bartenders work their magic. The lunch and dinner food menu runs the gamut of small plates, salads, paninis, pasta and irresistible Italian desserts.
The Edison
Inspired by The Edison venue in Los Angeles, this lavish gothic industrial-style lunch and dinner restaurant, bar and popular nighttime venue is themed to a 1920s period power plant celebrating an impressive era of invention and imagination. We believe it’s the coolest restaurant in Disney Springs with its cocktails being the star of the show.
The Edison is comprised of multiple rooms and bars including the Ember Parlour, the Telegraph Lounge, the Patent Office, the Tesla Lounge, the Radio Room, the Waterfront Patio, and the Lab, and every room is worth exploring. The entire restaurant is centered around a stage with live music and artistic performances.
Note that portions are generous and shareable and we highly recommend the signature Edison burger, a blend of sirloin, short rib and brisket, with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, pickles, lettuce, tomato, a special Edison sauce and Burbank fries. It’s so good and as a result, has quite a loyal following.
Summer House on the Lake
Disney Springs newest restaurant’s theme is “summer never ends.” Located on the lake with sensational views, the beach-house reminiscent eatery features California-inspired cuisine in a laid-back but classy setting with breezy beach vibes.
Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu features starters, salads, signature guacamole, veggies, raw and chilled seafood, pizza, salads, sandwiches, tacos, pastas and other “summer comfort” selections.
Whatever you choose to order, make sure to start out with the Jalapeño Corn Bread with honey butter. There’s enough to share, but if you do, you’ll be ordering seconds.
The Polite Pig
This counter service restaurant serves up messy mouthwatering barbecue with wood-fired, smoked and grilled options along with tasty appetizers and unique side dishes. There’s a reason there’s always a line. The food is ahhh-maazing- which helps you feel better about the price tag.
The Low & Slow Brisket is a favorite with prime brisket, pimento choose, porter BBQ sauce, pickled jalapenos and onion straws. Guests can also choose from chicken, turkey, pork and salmon dishes.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
We love this uniquely-themed lounge on a lakeside landing that tells the travel tales of Indiana Jones barnstorming pilot Jock Lindsey in an artifact-strewn hangar bar.
The family-friendly waterfront outpost is a fun place to stop in for creative cocktail concoctions and casual fare like seasonal flatbreads, Air Pirate’s loaded pretzels or the must-order Snakebite Sliders (actually a smoked brisket), served with a tomato-bacon jam.
With more than 60 dining options available in Disney Springs, I’m certain that I won’t have covered everyone’s favorites on the list, however, I’d love hearing about the ones you recommend.
