A Foodie's Guide to Fine Dining at Walt Disney World: 11 Must-Try Dining Spots That Go Way Beyond Chicken Fingers
Let’s be real. When most people think about eating at Disney World, they imagine Mickey pretzels, turkey legs, and maybe a quick service burger that’s...fine. But if you're anything like me (or like the couples I plan trips for), you’re looking for a little more. A date night with wine pairings. A plate that looks like art. Maybe even a chef who knows the difference between béarnaise and hollandaise.
Good news: Disney has that. A lot of that, actually.
This guide is for my fellow grown-up Disney fans who want more from their meals than a side of fries. Whether you're celebrating a honeymoon, a big birthday, or just want to eat like royalty between Lightning Lane returns, here’s a curated list of the best fine dining experiences at Walt Disney World. Every single one is worth dressing up for.
1. Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
This is the most luxurious dining experience in all of Walt Disney World. Victoria & Albert’s is AAA Five Diamond rated and often described as the culinary crown jewel of the resort. Think white-glove service, a harpist in the corner, and a tasting menu that will have you Googling ingredients in the best way.
The multi-course Chef’s Degustation Menu is perfect for serious food lovers, and the wine pairings are exceptional. If you're celebrating something big, this is the place. Just remember to book as early as possible because space is EXTREMELY limited (I’m talking like four couples per night in some instances) and pack something nice to wear — the dress code is no joke.
2. Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Citricos has had a gorgeous makeover, blending Florida flavors with a Mediterranean twist, all wrapped up in subtle Mary Poppins Returns theming. It's bright, elegant, and somehow still cozy.
The short rib and house-made rigatoni are popular favorites, but I’m partial to the citrus-cured hamachi. Pair it with something from their wine list, and you’re in for a relaxed, grown-up night out.
3. California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
If you’re after dinner with a view, California Grill is it. Perched on top of the Contemporary Resort, this restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Magic Kingdom. If you time it right, you can watch the fireworks from your table.
The menu leans into California fusion, and it changes seasonally, but the sushi and oak-fired filet are mainstays for good reason. Bonus: If you dine earlier in the evening, you can come back later and watch the fireworks from the rooftop deck.
4. Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort
This rooftop restaurant has quickly become one of my favorite spots at Disney. Inspired by the French and Italian Riviera, Topolino’s has a breezy, upscale vibe with incredible views. (And it’s character dining! I love me some character dining.)
At dinner, expect elegant Mediterranean flavors — handmade pasta, perfectly grilled meats, and desserts that are almost too pretty to eat. Pro tip: Start with the burrata, and do not skip the bread service.
5. Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jiko – The Cooking Place is warm, bold, and totally unique. The food is rooted in African flavors with Indian and Mediterranean influences, which makes it one of the most interesting menus on property.
The oak-grilled filet with mac and cheese is famous, but if you're feeling adventurous, try the Taste of Africa bread service and explore their South African wine list. The atmosphere is romantic without being stuffy, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge setting is just icing on the cake.
6. Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The Korean Barbecue Mushroom Bao at Tiffins is chefs kiss
Yes, this one is inside one of the parks, but don’t let that fool you. Tiffins feels like a quiet museum, full of artifacts and art from Disney’s Imagineering travels, and the food is truly something special.
From charred octopus to braised short ribs, the menu leans globally inspired and always has a few surprises. It’s a great break from park chaos, and definitely not your typical theme park fare.
7. Takumi-Tei in the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT
If you're looking for quiet elegance, this is your spot. Takumi-Tei is an intimate, zen-like restaurant that celebrates Japanese craftsmanship in both its food and decor.
Also inside one of the parks, but you’d never know it. The kaiseki-style multi-course menu is a work of art, and everything is beautifully plated and thoughtfully prepared. It’s a splurge, but one that’s absolutely worth it — especially if you’re into sushi and delicate, refined flavors.
8. Monsieur Paul in the France Pavilion at EPCOT
Tucked upstairs in the France pavilion, this upscale French restaurant feels like you’ve stepped into a quiet corner of Paris. The prix fixe menu is full of French classics like duck, escargot, and rich, buttery sauces.
It’s ideal for a romantic dinner and is definitely more formal than the bustling atmosphere downstairs at Chefs de France. Dress up, slow down, and take your time here.
9. Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion at EPCOT
A cozy cellar setting, thick steaks, poutine, and cheddar cheese soup. Need I say more? Le Cellier has long been a go-to for steak lovers, and it still holds up.
It’s not quite as quiet as some of the other spots on this list, but it’s a reliable, satisfying, grown-up meal right in the heart of EPCOT. Grab a Canadian wine while you're at it.
10. Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk
Flying Fish is modern and elegant with a focus on (you guessed it) seafood. Located on the BoardWalk, it's a lovely spot to grab dinner before or after wandering by Crescent Lake.
Expect fresh coastal flavors, a great wine list, and some of the best scallops you’ll ever taste. If seafood isn’t your thing, there’s still a perfectly cooked filet waiting for you.
11. Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Narcoossee’s sits right on the water, with panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon. It’s a fantastic choice for seafood lovers, and the lobster bisque and whole Maine lobster are standouts.
Try to time your reservation around sunset or fireworks and request a window seat for the full experience. It’s a beautiful, breezy evening wrapped up in a white tablecloth.
Other Things to Know About Fine Dining at Walt Disney World
Okay, so, you’ve picked out where you want to eat and when you want to eat there, but what else should you know about these fancy restaurants at WDW? Here are some of the most common questions I get about fine/signature dining:
What do I wear?
The most important thing I like to remind people is that these are fine dining establishments and you should dress like you’re didn’t just spend eight hours walking 15 miles in the Florida heat! Here’s the general dress code straight from The Mouse’s mouth:
Guests are expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant's sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition. Please no swimwear.
You should also know that places like Victoria and Albert’s have an even stricter dress code:
Victoria & Albert’s is an exquisite and intimate upscale dining experience and the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World Resort. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in semi-formal/formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic.
When in doubt, double-check the restaurant’s page on the Walt Disney World website. (And don’t worry. If I’m planning your trip, I’ll remind you, too!)
What’s the reservation cancellation policy?
Also, what happens if, like, I just don’t show up?
It depends on the restaurant, but generally, the fancier the restaurant, the bigger the last-minute cancellation fee. For example, you can cancel your reservation within two days at Monsieur Paul to avoid paying $100 per person, but you need to cancel at Victoria and Albert’s at least 5 days in advance to avoid that same fee.
Generally, though, unless otherwise noted in your reservation on the app/in your email/in my reminders to you, you have up until two hours before your reservation to make any modifications. And if you cancel within two hours of your reservation (again, unless otherwise noted), you can expect to pay a $10 per person fee.
Please don’t FAFO with your fine dining reservations at Walt Disney World. You won’t like it. I won’t like it. We’re all gonna have a bad time and you’re going to be out of money and out of a really cool experience.
Final Thoughts
Dining at Disney doesn't have to mean quick service burgers and pretzel carts (even though I really love those, too). If you're a foodie (or just traveling with one), Walt Disney World is full of incredible, elevated options that make your vacation feel like a true getaway. These spots are perfect for couples, special celebrations, or just treating yourself to a magical night out.
Need help snagging the hardest-to-get reservations or building the perfect itinerary around your meals? That’s what I’m here for. Let’s start planning.
