One of the most wonderful things about going to Disney World is the food — yeah, we’re biased, but that’s what we do!
And when folks in the know think food in Disney World, chances are their thoughts drift to EPCOT. It’s basically a magical, wonderful place for food from around the WORLD — you can have lunch in Italy, a drink in Mexico, a snack in France, and dinner in Germany! But did you know that you can eat around the world at other parts of Disney World without ever stepping foot into EPCOT?
There is a TON of great international food all across Disney World resort just waiting to be eaten! And if you’re needing ideas, we’ve put together a list to help you choose your next great meal! To quote Maui — you’re welcome!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is one of the few places in the world where you can visit Africa and Asia without ever having to go to, well, Africa and Asia! Not only can you take a safari to see REAL animals, but you can also indulge in some pretty awesome food!
We’ll start by recommending Harambe Market, where you can step into an East African marketplace and dine from various stations that include grilled meats, sausages, and bowls.
Over at Nomad Lounge, you can get some hand-crafted cocktails, some AMAZING South African wines, and beers, as well as small plates of yummy African, Indian, and Asian-inspired food, including a killer bread service and bowls…all without a reservation!
If you’re wanting a full sit-down table service experience, though, Tiffins is right next door serving up some of the most unique African, Asian, and South American-inspired food you’ll find anywhere, including a Whole Fried Fish! It’s pricey but totally worth it! This is for those of you who are more adventurous eaters and want more of an upscale experience.
Finally, if Asian fusion cuisine is your thing, hop on over to Yak and Yeti Restaurant — you’ll get a chance to eat some yums like the Firecracker Shrimp, Pot Stickers, and Bhaktapur Duck.
Click Here To See if Tiffins Is Still Worth Its Hefty Price Tag
Magic Kingdom
Sure, Magic Kingdom is all about fantasy, but you can still visit a few countries via food while you’re there! One of our favorite internationally-inspired food locations is Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen, which serves the food of explorers, meaning you’ll find meals inspired by Africa, Asia, and South America. FUN! Even better, your Coconut Curry Soup comes with a great story (ask your servers and they’ll tell you all about it!).
It’s all about the “Bonjour!” at Be Our Guest Restaurant, which literally transports you straight into the Beast’s castle from Beauty and the Beast. And of course, madames and monsieurs, that means your meal is inspired by France! So you can feast on French Onion Soup, Poulet Rouge Chicken, and Macarons. Mais oui!
Looking for some great Tex Mex options? Hop on over to Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe to munch on some nachos, fajita platters, and — yes — churros!
We would be remiss if we didn’t tell you about the Bella Notte you can have at Tony’s Town Square.
Granted, this isn’t the BEST Italian food you’re ever going to have (even at Disney World), but the Lady and the Tramp theming is ON POINT.
Read Our Review of The Most Instragrammable Cake at Disney World
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You wouldn’t think you’d find international fare at Hollywood Studios, but guess what? There is one place that lets you eat around the world here and that’s Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. The food here is only a step up from Tony’s, but it has its moments. Our biggest complaint is its inconsistency — we’ve had good meals here, and we’ve had just okay meals here. The last time we were there, we dug the Shrimp Campanelle.
If you’re looking for out-of-this-world dining, though, there are some real gems in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that let you live out your Star Wars fantasy and eat food from a galaxy far, far, away. (Yes, we know we’re talking international cuisine but….space food counts too, right?!) We’re BIG fans of the Ronto Wrap at Ronto Roasters. However, we’re just “meh” about the Blue and Green Milk from the Milk Stand — but it’s a MUST for Star Wars fans just to post a photo of yourself drinking blue or green milk in Batuu.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo has a menu sure to please everyone (the Endorian Fried Chicken Tip Yip here is surprisingly good), but also be sure to nab a reservation at Oga’s Cantina for drinks that are seriously far out — there’s a drink called a Fuzzy Tauntaun that will — quite literally — make your mouth go numb, and, well, it’s kind of awesome.
Read Our Most Recent Review of Docking Bay 7
Disney Springs
You want great international food — head on over to Disney Springs and you might find even more choices than you would find at EPCOT! If you’re looking for some interesting French-style crepes, Aristocrepes is a great (and quick!) place to drop by. Want some Spanish food? Hit up Jaleo, which has a lot of interesting tapas, paellas, and more! You can even get in touch with your inner Canadian with poutine from The Daily Poutine.
If Asian is your thing (including some great sushi), we can’t recommend Morimoto Asia enough (the place IS owned by an Iron Chef, after all). For Asian food on the go, check out Morimoto Street Food — grab some Bao buns to go! The YeSake kiosk also has some great quick Asian options, including Boba Tea!
Remember when we said there is much better Italian food to be had at Disney World than Tony’s (sorry, Tony’s!)? Well, Disney Springs is where it’s at! You can grab prohibition-style cocktails and some great Italian bites from Enzo’s Hideaway and Tunnel Bar. There’s also Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante for more classic Sicilian foods — try the Chicken Parm – it’s HUGE (making it easily shareable).
Then there’s Terralina Crafted Italian, which feels like dining in an Italian home. Oh, and the food? We dig the Rigatoni Calabrese and the Chocolate Paradiso Cake (which does taste like paradise). And if you’re just wanting a tasty dessert, hop on over to Vivoli Il Gelato for some AMAZING gelato creations, including Italian donuts filled with gelato – say what? Seriously, these, called “Bombolato” are INCREDIBLE.
Craving some traditional Irish food and entertainment? Raglan Road has both — you can grab an Irish coffee, munch on a classic shepherd’s pie, and watch traditional Irish dancers and musicians doing their thing. It’s dinner and a show! But if you want to grab your Irish food to go, Cookes of Dublin has some fish and chips that always make our “best of” lists!
If you’re wanting to try out some traditional Mexican food, Frontera Cocina is worth a visit. Not only do they have some tasty and interesting margaritas (trust us, we know our margaritas!), but we could eat our weight in Flautas there. The margs here are very similar to the ones found in EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion (the same teams craft the drinks!) so you can get EPCOT-level margs without a ticket!
Click Here To See the NEW Totchos We Found at Disney World!
Disney World Resorts
Note: As of this writing, Jiko has not reopened.
No EPCOT ticket? No problem! You can even get some great international flavors at Disney World resorts! Sure, Animal Kingdom Lodge has amazing African theming, but did you know it also has some of the best restaurants on property? And they’re all dedicated to African foods. Even the quick-service location there, The Mara, has a Marrakesh Falafel Platter, and, in the past, they’ve had bobotie, and potjie (African stew).
And if you haven’t already eaten at Boma, have you really eaten anything at Disney World? 🤣 This buffet is full of African delights like Carrot Ginger Soup (we’re drooling just thinking about it), couscous, bobotie, Durban spiced chicken, and more. And this is where we first discovered the little balls of joy that are Zebra Domes made of mousse spiked with South African Amarula liqueur. Oh, and breakfast here is also unique — and GREAT. Expect loads of unique African takes on your favorite breakfast foods.
Want to watch animals while you dine? Come to Sanaa, where the food is really good, and the view is even better if you happen to get a spot by a window (ALL THE ANIMALS)! And, if you follow us regularly, you know we’re in love with the Bread Service here that comes with a variety of flavored flatbreads, along with NINE dipping sauces. ALL the food here is solid, but we especially love the Butter Chicken.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more signature dining experience, Jiko…The Cooking Place has an amazing menu made up of a fusion of African AND Indian foods. The atmosphere is full of details that reflect African culture, and the lighting changes throughout the evening to represent the shades of sunset — yeah, it’s seriously romantic! Some unique items are available here, too, like Wild Boar Tenderloin and Mrouzia-Style Moroccan Lamb Tagine. Also, get the Kids Macaroni and Cheese as a side — you can thank us later. Plus, Jiko boasts a HUGE African wine collection the likes of which you won’t find elsewhere!
If you’re STILL craving Italian food (we could eat ALL the pasta), Disney’s Boardwalk Inn has Trattoria al Forno. The food here got a serious makeover recently and we loved it! This restaurant DOES serve breakfast (it was a character meal pre-closure), but it’s predominantly American breakfast foods you can find elsewhere.
Welcome to the Caribbean, where the food has an island flair, with just a hint of Latin flavor. We’re taking you over to Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, where you can nom on some Mojo Pork with Mango Sambal, Grilled Flank Steak with Mojito Relish, and more. It’s lots of approachable foods with a tropical twist.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is where you’ll find some great Spanish food, starting with the Barcelona Lounge, where you can grab pastries in the morning and tapas at night! And there are even more tapas to indulge in at Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood, that’s all about foods inspired by Spain. It’s not just tapas, though — you can try Savory Churros (yes, really!) and Golden Tilefish here.
But we’re not done with Coronado Springs just yet, because there’s also the Maya Grill, where it’s all about “Nuevo Latino Cuisine.” We’re talking Margaritas (oh, yeah), Empanadas, Chimichangas, and the like.
Even Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts has some great international food! If it’s Japanese food you’re craving, Kimonos at the Swan Resort could be just what you’re looking for. In fact, it’s one of our favorite places to grab sushi at Disney World!
But wait, because there’s ANOTHER Italian restaurant here you might want to try, too: Il Mulino New York Trattoria. This is actually one of the better Italian restaurants at Disney World, and if you have a hankering for some classics like gnocchi, amatriciana, and carbonara, GO HERE.
Even better, some of these restaurants now have the Mobile Order Table Service To Go option where you order through your phone, pick it up, and take it back to your hotel room to eat it in your pajamas. We covered a LOT of the restaurant options around Disney World with a more international flair, but definitely not all of them (umm…Hawaiian eats at the Polynesian Resort or SO much French and Italian-inspired food over at the Riviera Resort? Yes please!). But whatever you choose to eat, you’ll be able to dine around the world without ever having to go to EPCOT.
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