There are a lot of places to eat in Disney World, and when we say “a lot,” we mean a LOT.
Seriously, there are hundreds of restaurants around the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, each of them with its own unique menu, theme, and story. Some restaurants are incredibly popular and get visited by hoards of people each day, but there are a few that we think get the short end of the stick. Today, we’re discussing 6 of Disney World’s most underrated restaurants!
Trail’s End Restaurant (Specifically for Breakfast)
Trail’s End Restaurant is located out at Fort Wilderness Campground (just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom), and because of its location, it’s not very well-known. Many people overlook it as “just the campground restaurant,” but we’re here to tell you that the breakfast is BALLER.
We were thrilled to see Trail’s End reopen in July 2021. And though it’s been adjusted from a buffet to a family-style meal, we’re still here for it!
For only $19.99 per adult and $11.99 per child, it’s one of the best breakfast bargains out there. That will get the table an Oven-fresh Pastry Basket, Strawberry Yogurt Parfait with Berry Granola, as well as a Breakfast Skillet! The Breakfast Skillet includes Pecan-smoked Brisket and Eggs, Mickey-shaped Waffles, Bacon and Sausage and Cheesy Potato Casserole served with Table Syrup.
Read About Our Experience at Trail’s End Breakfast!
Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
Are you an adventurous eater? Or maybe a cautious eater that wants to dine in an adventurous setting? Well, then you need to head over to Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom. This restaurant gets overshadowed by heavy hitters like Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table, but it’s definitely one of our favorites! (And it’s cheaper than the others!)
Some Magic Kingdom guests get intimated by the menu, thinking it will be full of exotic cuisine. In reality, this restaurant serves up some down-to-earth nosh with an adventurous twist. Here you’ll find a menu with a mix of Latin, African, and Asian items, including everything from fried chicken to falafel. There’s a lot to love on the menu here but the Falls Family Falafel is a plant-based entree just about anyone would likely enjoy. It was a genuine delight for even the carnivores in our group! For $11 you get this hearty portion of Chickpeas, Garlic, Onions, Lemon Juice, and Herbs served with House-made Edamame Hummus and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds.
The menu options here may not be what you’d eat on an everyday basis, but it’s still approachable and might tempt you to stretch your palate a little more than usual at a theme park. Plus, the theming is made to match the Jungle Cruise and the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (Disney’s “secret” society of characters from various attractions around the world), so you’ll love it here if you’re a fan of Disney history and corny jokes!
Click Here to Check Out a Recent Review!
Trattoria al Forno
You know what’s a great meal at the end of a long day? Some deliciously hearty Italian food! Do you know where you can find that in Disney World? Trattoria al Forno on Disney’s BoardWalk!
When most guests think about Italian food, their thoughts dwell on the offerings in the Italy Pavilion in EPCOT (Tutto Italia and Via Napoli are both great locations to try in the park) or perhaps Maria & Enzo’s or Enzo’s Hideaway in Disney Springs. And we love those choices, too. But Trattoria al Forno is often overlooked and we’ve fallen in love with the fresh flavors the chefs here use on our Italian favorites.
This restaurant recently got a new menu and we were ALL ABOUT IT. We had an amazing time on our visit and left feeling satisfied and very full of yummy carbs. And with the BoardWalk location, you’ll be close by to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Yacht Club, and Beach Club — that leaves so many great options for an after-dinner walk! (You’ll definitely want it after this meal!)
Click Here to Check Out a Recent Review!
ABC Commissary
And speaking of places with new menus, let’s talk about ABC Commissary. We know, we know — it’s often not most people’s top pick for food in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But when this quick-service restaurant reopened in the fall of 2020, it stepped up its game…majorly!
Now you’ll find choices like curry bowls, shrimp and pork tacos, a chicken club, and a Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich. These are definitely more exciting eats than you’ll find at many quick-service restaurants, and it’s a lot easier to get a Mobile Order window here than at places like Woody’s Lunch Box and Docking Bay 7.
If you asked us just a few years ago where we’d find ourselves consistently stopping for a quick lunch in Hollywood Studios, we likely would NOT say ABC Commissary — not anymore! It’s actually really really good now, guys. And never underestimate the importance of air conditioning! Yep, on top of eclectic eats, you can dine in comfort, indoors and air-conditioned. Now that’s something you can’t get at Woody’s Lunch Box.
Click Here to Check Out a Recent Review!
Sanaa
While many people flock to the familiarity of barbeque, fried chicken, burgers, and pasta (and trust us, all those items hold a special place in our heart, too), many guests miss out on the true joy of dining at Sanaa. Sure, it’s a bit of a trek over to Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, but let us tell you — the trek is worth it! They have the most amazing bread service, not to mention the spectacular view of the savanna around the resort. If you dine here in the daytime you’ll get fantastic up-close views of many of the animals!
Sanaa is definitely made for those with broader palettes (the food selection is predominantly African and Indian), but if you like what you see on the menu, you’ll probably like it even more when you taste it! The food is so flavorful and carefully created and truly some of the best on property. We’ve had some truly amazing experiences at Sanaa, and after your meal, you can take the time to explore this gorgeous resort.
Just like we mentioned with Skipper Canteen, these flavors can be unique, but Disney presents them in a very approachable way. And we love how with the Sanaa Bread Service, we can sample a little of each sauce and spread to see which one is our favorite! Of our “underrated” restaurants, this one USUALLY makes the list…but possibly not for much longer! Years of us telling you how phenomenal it is here must have paid off because Sanaa is actually seeming to grow in popularity! This spot is becoming trickier to snag a reservation at so if you want to give it a try, book early!
Click Here to Check Out a Recent Review!
Spice Road Table
And last but not least, let’s talk Spice Road Table. This lounge-style restaurant in EPCOT is home to small plates and tapas, plus a stunning view of World Showcase Lagoon.
This is a great spot to visit on those “nice weather” days, and you can just sit back and relax while you enjoy a drink and an exotic snack. It’s often overlooked because there are simply SO many choices in EPCOT, but we think it deserves our praise! While some of the Mediterranean fare may feel adventurous to some guests, the small plates make that adventure a bit more manageable.
The food here is really fresh and, dare we say, mostly healthy! Plus, bomb dot com sangrias. Sold yet? Also — the restaurant’s location RIGHT on World Showcase lagoon makes it a perfect spot to take in the EPCOT fireworks! Just kick back, relax, and enjoy your sips and bites at Spice Road Table.
Click Here to Check Out a Recent Review!
These 6 restaurants have been favorites here at DFB, and we hope that you’ll love them the next time you visit as well! Some are often overlooked as guests may be intimated by their “exotic” menu or out-there locations. Trust us when we say that Disney makes even the adventurous offerings accessible and there’s usually something available for those who prefer more mainstream options. We’ll be on the lookout for more food news and we’ll continue reviewing all the restaurants in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB!
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Have you dined at any of these Disney World restaurants? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Beth M says
Yes! I’ve been to all of those! We love Jungle Canteen because it is usually available when nothing else is. Check out the book titles in the small hallway on the way to the restrooms. They make me laugh.
My daughter and I are in WDW now just because on Tuesday she said she was craving Sanaa. We got a lunch reservation, then booked our trip just to hang at Stormalong Bay and eat (at Trattoria!)
Christine says
We ate at ABC Commissary in July and we’re pleasantly surprised. The service and food was great. They didn’t try to push you out in a hurry. Plus, it is now self service drinks so free refills just like at Backlot Express. This will be our new go to especially in the summer!
K. Sullivan says
Been to all of them. Love Jungle Navigation Company. The library room is the best. Can’t get the courage to try the whole fish though.
Richard+Mercer says
I try to eat at each table service place at least once. Haven’t been to ABC Commissary, but maybe that’s because I’ve been to Sci-Fi 22 times…