You’ve purchased your tickets, made your park pass reservations, booked your hotel stay, and now there’s one very important thing left to do…

…decide where you’re going to EAT! Deciding where to chow down in Disney World is no easy feat — and it can be even more confusing if it’s your very first time. Luckily, we’re experts when it comes to Disney dining, so let’s check out the BEST Disney World restaurants for first-timers in 2023!

Be Our Guest

There are few restaurants in Disney World as breathtaking as Be Our Guest. The atmosphere is incredible, and the Beauty and the Beast theming carries through all the way down to the desserts (try the Grey Stuff — it’s delicious!). If you want to feel like you’re literally in this classic Disney film — this is where you want to go.

Right now, Be Our Guest is serving lunch and dinner with a prix fixe menu inspired by French cuisine.

You can find brunch entrees during lunch that might satisfy any breakfast cravings, though! Dishes like French onion soup, escargot, and center-cut filet mignon are just some of the higher-end items found at Be Our Guest. The food isn’t always the BEST but the theming tends to make up for it.

A word of warning, though — this is one of the toughest dining reservations to get in Disney World, so keep trying if you don’t immediately snag one. But, we have seen this one available with a walk-up waitlist, so there’s always a chance you can get a last-minute reservation.

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

The theming is truly remarkable at Be Our Guest — guests are easily transported to another world through immersive storytelling. Being able to walk around the ballroom inside Beast’s Castle probably isn’t something most people ever think they’ll get the chance to do, so if you can — take it! It’s also a unique theme park dining experience in that you’ll find some really great fine-dining dishes on the menu.

Check Out Our Most Recent Be Our Guest Review Here

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Along the same lines as Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom is another great option for first-timers. Fans of Disney Princesses will especially love being able to meet Cinderella herself before being whisked into the Royal Dining Hall. And the biggest draw of this restaurant is that you are literally eating INSIDE the castle.

This is also an incredibly poppin’ spot — not just for first-timers. It’s HARD to get a reservation here, and because of that Disney requires you to pay in advance. Cinderella’s Royal Table is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you’ll find prix fixe menus with items like steamed mussels, beef tenderloin, and pasta.

In the past, we haven’t always loved our meals at this spot and have found it a bit pricey, but did we mention you’re dining in the actual castle?!

We suggest booking as soon as you possibly can — 60 days out — if you want to be able to get a table at this royal spot. Another great option for princess fans is Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT — see our most recent character dining experience here.

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

This restaurant is perfect for Disney Princess fans and those who want to dine like royalty. Plus, we cannot stress enough how dope it is that you get to eat inside Cinderella’s Castle! The incredible theming and immersion are bonuses that make this restaurant a really unique experience.

Read Our Latest Cinderella’s Royal Table Review Here

Garden Grill

Another character meal we love is over in EPCOT. You’ll find Garden Grill inside the Land Pavilion, and here you can meet Mickey, Pluto, plus Chip ‘n’ Dale!

Lunch and dinner are served up family-style with dishes like barbecue roasted chicken, grilled beef with chimichurri, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and more. This is one of those rare Disney World restaurants that offers great character interaction AND great food.

This is a super fun and unique dining experience because not only do you get to hang out with some iconic characters, you’re doing so in a rotating restaurant. Not only that, but it looks down on Living with the Land!

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

Garden Grill is a pretty small restaurant, meaning that you get A LOT of character interaction here — we’ve been able to meet each of the characters multiple times in past trips. Plus, how cool is dining in a rotating restaurant? It’s like a meal and a ride all at once!

See Why We Love Garden Grill Here

Homecomin‘

We’re heading on over to Disney Springs to check out some of the BEST comfort food you’ll find in Disney World (or anywhere else, really!). Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is headed by Oprah’s former private chef, and trust us when we say this place is worth all the hype.

Thigh-high High Chicken Biscuits, fried green tomatoes, shrimp & grits, and more are just some of the southern favorites you’ll find on the menu. Plus, they’ve got a killer brunch on the weekends as well!

It can be tough to find reservations at Homecomin’, but we always suggest seeing if there’s any available seating at the bar — it’s first come, first served. Oh, and while you’re there — grab one of those deliciously dangerous moonshine cocktails.

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

This menu is just stellar — chances are there’s going to be something for everyone in your party here. Not only that, but Disney Springs is a great location for when you’re looking for something outside of the parks. You’ll find plenty of shopping and entertainment. But, really you should just go for those chicken biscuits.

See Our Latest Homecomin’ Review Here

Steakhouse 71

Steakhouse 71 opened up inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort just in time for the 50th Anniversary in 2021 — making this one of the newest spots on our list. The name comes from the year Walt Disney World opened, 1971, and the theming reflects Walt’s heyday with photos and memorabilia adorning the walls.

As far as the eats go, this is a steakhouse as the name implies, so you’ll find plenty of different cuts of beef — but it’s also where you can find one of the BEST burgers on Disney World property. We also can’t get enough of the French Onion Soup.

Finding a decent sit-down meal in Magic Kingdom can be tough, and having this option just steps away from the front gate can come in handy when you’re looking for a much-needed break from the parks. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the menu has some of our favorite items on it!

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

This is one of the newer restaurants in Disney World, so if you’re looking to try the latest dining locations on your first trip, Steakhouse 71 is a great option. You’ll find lots of picky-eater-friendly items on the menu and a steakhouse vibe without it being too stuffy.

Read Our Latest Steakhouse 71 Review Here

Connections Eatery

It’s time to take a look at restaurants you DON’T need a reservation for in Disney World — quick-service spots! Connections Eatery opened in EPCOT in 2022, and has been incredibly popular ever since. We love the fact that it’s available for Mobile Order, which can save you some valuable time in the parks — though the time slots tend to fill up quickly!

You’ll find burgers, pizza, salads, chicken, and more on the menu — plus a signature sauce that we wish we could bathe in. It’s also right next to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, so after you’ve helped save the galaxy you can pop on over for a bite to eat.

This place can get BUSY, though, and it can be really tough to find a seat, which also means it’s not the best option for large groups either. It’s also one of the only restaurants on that side of EPCOT (World Celebration) too!

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

There’s something for just about everyone on the menu here, and if you’re looking for somewhere you can grab a bite to eat quickly before exploring the rest of EPCOT, Connections Eatery is a great option. There are also a few areas for lounging, working, and plenty of outlets too!

See Our Opening Review of Connections Eatery Here

Regal Eagle

We’re turning up the heat and getting smoky over at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT’s American Adventure Pavilion. This quick-service spot serves up different regions of American barbecue all in a fast-casual setting. Oh, and did we mention they’ve got some stellar craft beers and cocktails?

Not only can you find Memphis dry-rub ribs, Texas beef brisket sandwich, or Kansas smoked half-chicken on the menu, but there are four different house-made barbecue sauces as well.

Unlike a lot of the other restaurants on this list, seating isn’t typically too hard to find at Regal Eagle, with plenty of tables located inside the restaurant and outside near the smoker. Plus, the outdoor walk-up bar is perfect for grabbing a quick drink to go.

Why it’s Great for First-Timers

Barbecue, mac and cheese, beer, and desserts — what more can you ask for? Many other EPCOT casual eateries don’t have menus that appeal to a wide variety of eaters, but there are some stellar dishes on the menu here. It’s quick, it’s delicious, and you’ll be back to seeing what the rest of EPCOT has to offer in no time!

Read Our Regal Eagle Review Here

Of course, only you can decide what’s best for you or the first-timers in your party, but we think these restaurants are great options either because of their over-the-top Disney theming, their well-rounded menus, or because they’re new (ish!). Consider dining at these restaurants on your visit, and see our Ultimate Guide to Planning Your FIRST Disney World Vacation here!

With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.

We have reviews, pictures and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off!

Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World food tips, news, and more!

The 17 BEST Restaurants in Disney World in 2023

Which of these restaurants will you be trying on your Disney World trip? Let us know in the comments!

The post The BEST Disney World Restaurants for First-Timers in 2023! first appeared on the disney food blog.