Everything You Need To Know Before Dining at EPCOT

For many travelers food is a very important part of vacation. For some Disney World travelers they plan their entire trip around the dining they want to experience. When you think of a theme park vacation you might imagine burgers, hot dogs, and fries. At Disney World while those foods will always be available, there are so many more options. If food is important to you, or if you just want to be able to have dinner at a table service restaurant during your stay then make sure you are informed before you travel. 

I have put together this guide for EPCOT to help you see what your options are and  determine where you want to eat while at the park. 

The Basics

If you are new to dining at Disney World or need a refresher check out my post about the basics of dining at Disney World.

The Basics of Dining at Disney World

If you have special dietary needs check out this post. 

Allergies and Special Dietary Needs at Disney Parks

There are three basic kinds of dining locations in EPCOT. 

• Table Service Restaurants – These are sit down restaurants where you are served by a waiter or waitress. 
• Quick Service Restaurants – These are counter style dining locations where you order and pick-up your food from a main counter. 
• Stands – These are carts, kiosks, and counter windows that serve limited menus and do not have specific seating associated with them. 

Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) 

Dining reservations can be made at all table service locations. Reservations in advance are HIGHLY recommended if you want to eat at any of these locations. 

ADRs can be made up to 60 days in advance. If you are staying on property you can make ADRs for your entire trip 60 days from the first day of your visit. Reservations can be made online starting at 6:00am EST though the my Disney Experience App or website. They can be made over the phone at 407-WDW-DINE starting at 7:00am EST.

For the best availability make sure to make reservations as soon as possible.

Table Service Restaurants 

To find all the menu’s listed visit Disney World’s website at:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/

** All table service restaurants take reservations and reservations are highly recommended. ** 

Alcohol is served at all table services restaurants in EPCOT. 

Coral Reef Restaurant:

– Located in Future World (The Seas) 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: American, Seafood 

– This restaurant is all about the atmosphere as you dine next to a giant aquarium tank. An atmosphere that is hard to beat and a lot of fun. Request to sit next to the tank when you arrive if you want the most up close views. The food here is mostly seafood. If you have picky eaters, adult or child, who will not enjoy the flavors in World Showcase this can be a good option for a sit down. For those who are more open to options the food here is not that exciting and you will likely enjoy the food more at a World Showcase option. 

Garden Grill Restaurant:    ** Character Dining ** 

– Located in Future World (The Land) 

– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

– Food Style: American

– Characters: Chip & Dale, Mickey Mouse, Pluto 

– Family Style All You Can Eat 

– One of the few character meals in EPCOT this restaurant perches over Living with the Land and is a rotating restaurant. Those who are very sensitive to motion watch out. The menu here is classic American fare and all you can eat, brought to your table family style on skillets. The characters here are dressed in farmer style outfits which is super cute. A great option for breakfast before the World Showcase is fully open. 

Space 220:

– Located in Future World 

– This space themed restaurant takes dinners up to a “space station” to enjoy their meals. The theming here is totally immersive and so much fun. With options of drinks and food the go along with the space theme. The restaurant is an experience.

San Angel Inn Restaurante:

– Located in Mexico Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Mexican 

– Located inside of the pyramid in the Mexico pavilion the ambience here is lovely, though a bit dark so have your flashlight app ready to read the menu. Watch as boats from the Grand Fiesta Tour go by your table. Options here include enchiladas and tacos and more. 

La Hacienda de San Angel:

 – Located in Mexico Pavilion 

– Dinner

– Food Style: Mexican 

– Located on the water of the World Showcase Lagoon with windows overlooking. This is a great option for a late dinner while you catch the fireworks show. Lots of margarita options here. The food is upscale Mexican items. 

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall:  ** Character Meal ** 

– Located in Norway Pavilion 

– Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Norwegian & American 

– Characters: A combination of Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Princess Aurora, Mulan, Cinderella, and/or Mary Poppins.

– Buffet & Table Service Hybrid 

– This meal is table service with an additional buffet the experience is one set price. The food is Norwegian mostly except that breakfast has a lot of American options. If you are not into the Norwegian fare I would suggest breakfast. This character meal features the Princesses and is a great way to meet a lot of them at one time without waiting in line. Many of the same Princesses are here that are at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom but Akershus is less expensive and is easier to get a reservation. The theming is to a royal palace with lots of wood work. This is a great option for Princess fans of all ages. 

Nine Dragons Restaurant:

– Located in China Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Chinese 

– This restaurant is lovely inside. You will find typical Americanized Chinese food here, which if that’s what you are looking for this is the place for you. Especially if you live somewhere where this is not available to you easily. For those who eat that food at restaurants at home and want something you can’t get as easily elsewhere I would check out other options. 

Biergarten Restaurant:

– Located in Germany Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: German 

– Buffet 

– This restaurant is themed to a German Oktoberfest, with family style seating at long tables throughout. The food is a buffet with many German options. There is also musical entertainment going on on-stage throughout your meal. Dining here is a louder and more raucous event. Of course there are German beers available here.

Tutto Italia Ristorante: 

– Located in Italy Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Italy

– This location has Italian food on the fancier side. This is the place to go for a calm sit down experience in Italy. Save room for dessert here. Patio and indoor seating is available. 

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria:

– Located in Italy Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Italy

– This location is the place to go for authentic pizza at Disney World. The menu feature pizzas and Italian comfort foods. The water they use in the pizza dough is actually imported from Italy. The giant pizza ovens here are such fun to see. The atmosphere here is fairly loud so keep that in mind. 

Takumi-Tei:

– Located in Japan Pavilion 

– Dinner

– Food Style: Japanese 

– Signature Dining 

– This restaurant is defiantly for the foodie crowd, the prices here can give you sticker shock but the quality of the food here is high . A great option for a special occasion meal. The tasting course especially is a really special dining experience 

Teppan Edo:

– Located in Japan Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Japanese

– This is a Hibachi style experience where the chef comes out and cooks the food in front of you with a little show. Dining here is a lot of fun. Keep in mind that if you are not in a large party you will likely be sharing a table with others. 

Tokyo Dining:

– Located in Japan Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Japanese

– This location allows for partial fireworks viewing if you are seated by the window. The menu is mostly sushi and there is a sushi bar in the middle of the restaurant. For sushi fans this is a great choice. Those who don’t want sushi there are options here but you might be happier with Teppan Edo or for similar options at a lower price point Katsura Grill. 

Restaurant Marrakesh:

– Located in Morocco Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Mediterranean, Moroccan 

– The atmosphere of this restaurant is a lot of fun and complete with live music and belly dancers who perform throughout the day. Lots of food options here and something that will please just about everyone is available. It’s easy to pass this location by as its tucked back in the corner or the pavilion. 

Spice Road Table:

– Located in Morocco Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Mediterranean, Moroccan

– Fantastic water views perfect for fireworks viewing and mostly outdoor seating at this location. They have tapas and small plate options here which can be a great way for the group to try multiple items and still have room for festival foods around EPCOT if you are eating your way around the world. 

Monsieur Paul:

– Located in France Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: French 

– Signature Dining 

– This is a signature experience with high quality options. The food is of course French and they even offer a prix fixe menu option. I recommend this for those who want a special meal or consider themselves foodies. For the families with kiddos I would skip this location. 

Chefs de France:

– Located in France Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: French

– This location has a large menu for a Disney restaurant. The food here is French, and a better entry level experience to French cuisine than Monsieur Paul. They also offer a prix fixe menu option. 

Rose & Crown Dining Room:

– Located in UK Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: British 

– A fantastically themed interior, with additional exterior seating that is great for fireworks viewing. You will feel like you are in a British pub, with traditional pub food. Don’t miss the fish & chips. 

Le Cellier Steakhouse:

– Located in Canda Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: American & Canadian 

– Signature 

– This signature upscale dining experience is a crowd favorite. Perfect for a date night or adult party but families with young kids may want to skip. Known for their steak and the cheddar cheese soup, they even have poutine. 

Quick Service Restaurants 

To find all the menu’s listed visit Disney World’s website at:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/

** Be sure to read the mobile ordering section of my Basics of Dining at Disney World blog linked above. ** 

All of the counter service at EPCOT serve alcohol. 

Sunshine Seasons:

– Located in Future World (The Land) 

– Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: American 

– Mobile Order Available

– Indoor Seating

– This is a great location for healthy eats, plus burgers. With some of the ingredients coming from the greenhouses of The Land pavilion itself. 

La Cantina De San Angel:

– Located in Mexico Pavilion

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Mexican 

– Outdoor Seating

– The perfect stop for tacos and nachos. This location has great views of the lagoon for fireworks. 

Sommerfest:

– Located in Germany Pavilion

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: German 

– Outdoor Seating

– A limited menu but featuring German favorites like bratwurst, potato salad and black forest cake. 

Lotus Blossom Cafe:

– Located in China Pavilion

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Chinese 

– Outdoor Seating

– Chinese take out favorites, in a lovely setting inside the China pavilion. 

Katsura Grill:

– Located in Japan Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Japanese  

– Outdoor Seating

– Stop here for sushi, noddle bowls and teriyaki dishes. 

Regal Eagle Smokehouse:

– Located in America Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: American BBQ  

– Indoor & Outdoor Seating

– Themed to the Muppet’s Sam Eagle this restaurant features BBQ. Make sure to check out all the sauce options. 

Tangerine Cafe:

– Located in Morocco Pavilion 

– Lunch & Dinner

– Food Style: Mediterranean 

– Indoor Seating

– A lot of the options here are platters and perfect for sharing. The menu has some tasty options. 

Stands

To find the menu’s listed visit Disney World’s website at:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/

On top of the restaurants there are many many carts and kiosks and windows the serve snacks, desserts, and some even small meals. Be sure you try out at least one or two snacks during your visit. Many of these locations also serve alcohol. 

Future World 

• Cool Wash – Slushies 
• The Land Cart – Healthy snacks 

Mexico 

• Choza de Margarita  – Lots of margarita’s plus some food options like empanadas and tostadas. 

Norway

• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe  – Bakery with savor and sweet Norwegian bites. 

Germany 

• Beir Cart – German beers and massive German soft pretzels. 

China 

• Joy of Tea – Egg rolls, teas, and cocktails. 
• Refreshment Outpost  – Just past China, grab a hot dog, drink and snacks. 

Japan 

• Kabuki Cafe  – The kakigori a shave iced treat is an EPCOT fan favorite, plus find drinks and sushi here. 

Italy 

• Gelati –  Sweet treats, check out the cannoli cupcake and gelato ice cream sandwiches 

American Adventure

• Block & Hans – Mickey pretzels and American beers
• Fife & Drum Tavern – Turkey legs and classic American snacks
• Funnel Cake – Lots of funnel cake options 

France 

• Crepes des Chefs de France – Crepes! 
• L’Artisan des Glaces – Fabulous ice cream and sorbet, check out the macaroon ice cream sandwiches and ice cream martinis
• Les Halles Boulangerie – Patisserie – Sandwiches and pastries, open for breakfast 
• Les Vins des Chefs de France  – Wines and cocktail slushes 

UK

• UK Beer Cart  – British beers 
• Yorkshire County Fish Shop – Fish and chips 

Canada 

• Popcorn in Canada  – Classic Disney popcorn, but don’t miss out on the maple popcorn as well. 
• Refreshment Port  – An unlikely place for Dole Whips, plus poutine.

Bars & Lounges 

There are several bars throughout the parks if you want to enjoy a beverage and take a seat in the lounge. 

Rose and Crown Pub:

– Located in UK Pavilion

– Indoor Seating

– Adjacent to the Rose and Crown Restaurant you can order some of the menu item to the bar as well. Lot of British beers 

La Cava del Tequila:

– Located in Mexico Pavilion 

– Indoor lounge 

– Speciality Mexican cocktails, and liquors. 

– Tortilla chips and snacks available.  

Tuto Gusto:

– Located in Italy Pavilion 

– Indoor lounge 

– A wine cellar with larger range of small plates available. 

Best Breakfast Spots 

If you are at the parks early and looking to have breakfast there are not as many options for you to have for lunch and dinner.

Future World 

• Garden Grill
• Sunshine Seasons

World Showcase

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Les Halles Boulangerie – Patisserie
• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

Festivals

Throughout the year EPCOT has 4 seasonal festivals. A feature of these festivals is food booths with special small plate food options and drinks. These are all very popular events. You can eat and or drink around the world. You can even plan for all your EPCOT dining to be based around the festival if you wanted. The festivals also include special musical performances, scavenger hunts, merchandise, and some times classes and demonstrations.

With the food at all the festivals my advice is to look up the menus and reviews before you go and plan which booths you want to visit and in what order based on a map. Otherwise you may find yourself overwhelemed and missing out on a favorite or having to walk back across the park to get it.

Festival of the Arts: January – March 

The Festival of the Arts offers also of fun shopping and browsing opportunities with both from artists featuring a lot of Disney artwork and other general art work as well. There are also fun interactive activities like a giant paint by numbers mural you can paint a few squares on. Of course there are also food booths with artistic offerings.

Flower and Garden Festival  – March – June 

The real star of the Flower and Garden Festival is the topiaries throughout the park. These are real works of art and such a fun photo opportunity. The festival also offers food booths with many garden inspired treats.

Food & Wine Festival – August – November

The International Food & Wine Festival is the most popular and iconic of the EPCOT festivals. It celebrates food and drink from around the world. With dozens of food booths around the park each serving several small plates or drinks.

Festival of the Holidays  – November – December 

The Festival of the Holidays celebrates winter holidays around the world. With displays and entertainment that share stories and traditions from many cultures. But Christmas is certainly the most well represented. Holiday food from around the world is featured at many food booths throughout the park. The Candlelight Processional show is held on select nights, this is a musical telling of the biblical Christmas story. Read by celebrity narrators backed by a choir and orchestra. Of course the park is decorated beautifully too. The Festival of the Holidays really adds some extra magic to EPCOT.

Dining Packages

How They Work: You book a dining package reservation. For a set price you enjoy your meal at the restaurant you have chosen then you received a voucher for your show experience later in the day. At the show you will skip the normal line and get priority guaranteed seating.  Note: Don’t confuse a dinging package with the Disney Dining Plan.

* Festival Dining Packages – Every festival tends to have dining packages for the night time concerts.

* Harmonius Dining Package – Meal & VIP viewing from the Rose & Crown or Spice Road Table

EPCOT Dessert Parties

Dessert Parties at EPCOT have not restarted in 2021

How Dessert Parties Work: You book a reservation and for one price you enjoy unlimited desserts and drinks, including alcohol at a reception area prior to the show. During the show you then have a special viewing area.

Those with allergies, note this with your reservation and again when you arrive with a server. They will get you a special allergy plate of treats. 

Forever After Dessert Party – This Frozen themed party gives you VIP viewing for the EPCOT forever nighttime spectacular as well as ending the night with a ride on Frozen Ever After. The dessert is an all you care to enjoy buffet held outdoors. Savory and sweet treats are included and lots of Frozen themed items.  There are also drink options included. 

Now that you know everything you need to and more about dining at EPCOT you are ready to plan your visit there. 

If you are looking for more guidance or assistance with booking your trip I am a travel agent and all of my services are free of charge to the travelers.

Contact me at: katiev@themagicsyours.com