Carthay Circle

Best Table Service Restaurants

There are a few things you should know about table service restaurants. First, these meals are going to be a bit pricier than counter service meals, due to the portion sizes, quality, service, and atmosphere of the restaurant. These are just a bit fancier — but not so upscale that you’d feel out of place after a long day in the park. Secondly, you’ll need to make a reservation to visit any of these locations. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance of your desired date, so make sure to stay on top of your trip dates!

Alright, FINALLY we can talk about some food!

Carthay Circle Restaurant

Located on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure, this restaurant is based on the Carthay Circle Theatre, where Disney’s first film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered. The concept of everything inside the restaurant is old Hollywood, and you can see that in the warm golden colors, wood accents, lighting, and decor.

Carthay Circle

This is a signature dining spot, making it a great location for those special occasions — a birthday, anniversary, graduation, special date, etc. That old Hollywood atmosphere lends itself to that kind of thing and can really make YOU feel like a part of that famous moment in time.

Walt and Shirley Temple

Pro tip: if you can, walk around and take a moment to admire all the great photographs of Walt!

There is a good selection of wine, and we’d expect nothing less from a classy restaurant that showcases the best of Californian cuisine!

Vietnamese Twice-cooked Beef Lettuce Wraps

We do feel like the cost is worth it for many of the items, but you’ll want to take a close look at the menu options that will be available during your trip to make sure the flavors are ones that fit your palette. As good as some of the food items are, we think the service and atmosphere is what really can make this signature dining experience worth the cash.

Lamplight Lounge

Lamplight Lounge pays tribute not only to the films of Pixar, but also to the artists of Pixar Studio who bring the stories to life. Fans of Pixar will be in their element here! Lamplight Lounge has an outdoor patio upstairs, as well as indoor and outdoor seating downstairs.

Lamplight Lounge decor

The cuisine at Lamplight Lounge is seriously upscale pub grub. From the first colorful drink to the last tasty bite, this restaurant delivers. If you like seafood, get the Lobster Nachos!

Lobster Nachos

Also, we highly recommend the brunch — dishes are flavorful and thoughtful, with playful elements of color and taste that set this restaurant apart.

Wine Country Trattoria

This restaurant features a menu that is inspired by Napa Valley, so of course, there’s LOTS of wine! You’ll discover a variety of indoor and outdoor seating. One of the most charming places to sit is under the beautiful, curved pergola, which offers some shading. Inside, cool and rustic touches are all around you, with tile floors below and beamed ceilings above. The variegated plaster walls give way to murals depicting California wine country.

Wine Country Trattoria

And if you’re planning to take in the spectacular World of Color light show, then you may also be interesting in booking a Dining Package for viewing the show later in the evening. The package includes a three-course prix fixe meal as well as access to a special viewing area for World of Color.

Wine Flight

Table Service — or sit-down — restaurants can provide a relaxing break during a busy park day!

Best Quick Service Restaurants

Quick Service (Counter Service) restaurants are going to have a lower price point compared with table service restaurants. Of course, with that can come lower quality when generally speaking, but we seriously think that these counter service locations serve up some worthy options. You don’t need a reservation for these restaurants and can either purchase via mobile order in the Disneyland app or by placing an order in person. Another thing to note is that not all of these restaurants have available seating.

If your priority is riding ALL. THE. RIDES! in Disney California Adventure, you may find that a quick meal at a Counter Service restaurant will fit your needs!

Pym Test Kitchen

Located in Avengers Campus, the Pym Test Kitchen has an Ant-Man and The Wasp theme, with food that “shrinks and grows” to help tell the story. Dine here if you’re a big Marvel fan! There’s no doubt that these eats are highly themed and great for those who know all about the Pym Particles.

Wow!

All in all, if you’re looking for the full superhero experience at Avengers Campus, then this is a place that you definitely don’t want to miss. The atmosphere screams Marvel and Disney found a way to put a unique spin on classic dishes that most park-goers will enjoy.

PB3 Superb Sandwich

We think that the peanut butter sandwich (PB3 Superb Sandwich) is the real standout here, but we aren’t turning our nose up at anything on the menu — it’s all tasty!

Pacific Wharf Cafe

Disney California Adventure’s Pacific Wharf Cafe is packed full of delicious specialties, charm, and a relaxing waterside view. Inside, the counter service stop is fairly straightforward in design. Warm wood paneling covers the walls, and exposed duct work echoes the industrial feel of the space.

Santa Rosa Corn Chowder in a Bread Bowl

Plus, this venue features a San Francisco signature item — Boudin Bakery’s famous Sourdough Bread — made in the bakery next door!  Such a simple menu, but how can you go wrong with fresh-baked sourdough and amazing soups?!? Add in the killer bread pudding (watch for seasonal flavors), and you’ll have a delicious meal.

White Chocolate Apple Bread Pudding

If you find yourself in Disney California Adventure hungry, with no plans, head to Pacific Wharf Cafe to grab a quick lunch or dinner. I think you’ll be pleased.

Honorable Mention: Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill

Cocina Cucamonga

Best Kiosks and Snack Spots

When you need a quick bite, you’ll find kiosks and snack spots scattered throughout the park. These are our favorites!

Corn Dog Castle

Enjoy the atmosphere along sunny Paradise Gardens Park while satisfying your hunger with a delicious corn dog at the Corn Dog Castle!

Corn Dog Castle

These corn dogs are freshly hand dipped. The process lends the perfect crunch to the thick and tasty layer of corn batter surrounding the dog, and it can’t be beat.

Cheddar Cheese Stick

This kiosk also serves up the amazing Cheddar Cheese Stick!

Honorable Mention: Cozy Cone Motel

Plan a pit stop at the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land! Resembling Sally’s Motel from Cars, this quick-service location fuels fans with a variety of snacks and beverages served from five different Cone-shaped kiosks.

Cherry Chocolate Churro

We recommend the Chile Cone Queso and Churros (watch for seasonal flavors) with dipping sauce.

While exploring Disney California Adventure, you won’t go hungry! And many of the dining options are exceptionally themed. We think these are some of the best options for your trip to the Disneyland Resort in California. Happy dining!

We’ve Eaten at Every Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These Are the BEST.

What are your favorite restaurants in Disney California Adventure? Share with your fellow readers today!