Disney World is full of amazing and super popular restaurants — Chef Mickey’s, Cinderella’s Royal Table, ‘Ohana — but, have you ever heard of Primo Piatto? Or how about The Fountain? These awesome restaurants just haven’t gotten their due, and that’s what we’re talking about today!

Whether they’re out of the way, they’re right next to a restaurant that’s getting ALL of the attention, or they’re just not for everyone, the restaurants on this list are completely under the radar.

I bet there are at least a few on this list that you have NEVER heard of before. That’s OK! That’s why we’re here, to make sure you know everything you need to know about Disney World, especially the things you aren’t gonna find details on in every other guide book. So, ready to find out why you’ve never heard of these restaurants before? Let’s get started.

They Get Overshadowed

These restaurants have some good things on the menu, but they get overshadowed by something even better or more popular nearby

Docking Bay 7

This Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Quick Service restaurant has some unique dishes (brick of chicken anyone?), but it gets completely overshadowed by Ronto Roasters just next door. Docking Bay 7 does actually carry the Ronto Wrap we love so much after Ronto Roasters closes for the day.

Like the rest of Galaxy’s Edge the theming is really cool in here, and there are some tasty healthy options like the Felucian Garden Spread (hummus & falafel).

Primo Piatto

Disney’s Riviera Resort has some pretty great restaurants! We’re always talking about Topolino’s Terrace (the character breakfast and fine dining dinner restaurant on the top floor of the resort), we’ve mentioned the tasty pastries at Le Petit Cafe, and we LOVE that Monte Cristo sandwich and the cocktails at this resort’s pool bar — Bar Riva.

But, the Quick Service restaurant here doesn’t get a lot of attention, and it’s really only because there’s just so much else going on.

Primo Piatto has the same south of France inspired menu – you can get a tuna nicoise salad or croque monsieur — and everything we’ve had from here is pretty good!

The Diamond Horseshoe

This Quick Service turned sit-down meal is only openly seasonally.

This Magic Kingdom staple has maintained its Old West style and laid back atmosphere, but that’s about all it’s got going for it — this one is relatively unknown for a reason, and that reason is you should probably just go to Liberty Tree Tavern next door.

Tutto Italia

EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion boasts some pretty good Italian food, but given the choice, people are a lot more likely to head next door to Via Napoli.

Tutto Italia is a perfectly passable Italian restaurant — good, even, by theme park standards. But, it’s a bit more stuffy than Via Napoli in terms of decor and menu, so it’s getting upstaged … plus, there are some other Italian restaurants we like better — one’s actually coming up on this list a little later.

Skipper Canteen

Magic Kingdom has some seriously iconic restaurants, and Skipper Canteen just ain’t it. Now, we here at DFB love Skipper Canteen with its fun Jungle Cruise theming and jokes, and a more adventurous menu than you’ll find in the rest of the park.

But, it’s always relatively empty (which means it’s easy to get a last-minute reservation), and we have to think it’s that adventurous menu that keeps it off people’s must-dine-at list.

Magic Kingdom is full of all-you-can-eat restaurants and plenty of options for picky eaters because that’s what the people want. Skipper Canteen does have an accessible menu, but you’ll see some exotic flair and a whole fried fish on the menu, too.

Kona Cafe

When you think of food at the Polynesian, you’re probably thinking ‘Ohana, not Kona Cafe which is right next to it.

Even if you know about the iconic Tonga Toast that’s served here, you might not have known that THIS is the restaurant you’ll find it at — you can also grab it downstairs at Capt Cook’s, the Polynesian Village’s Quick Service restaurant, for a bit cheaper so it’s not even exclusive.

Still, Kona Cafe serves up relatively well priced breakfast (at least for a full service meal at Disney World) and some more unique options like sushi and ramen.

Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill

Disney Springs is full of so many amazing restaurants, there’s no way you’ve been to all of them or even heard of all of them — did you know that Wolfgang Puck has a restaurant there?

You’ll find classic pasta dishes and pizzas on the menu, and there’s even a gelato bar out front so you can just stop by for a quick frozen treat if you’re not in the mood for a full sit down meal.

Jaleo

We talk about Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ and Chef Morimoto’s Morimoto Asia a LOT, but you know which celebrity chef gets overlooked WAY too often? Jose Andres!

He opened Jaleo in Disney Springs in March 2019, and the restaurant serves up delicious tapas and paella. We actually love the food here, but it’s so easy to get overshadowed when there’s just SO much tasty stuff in Disney Springs.

They’ve Got a Specific Vibe

From hidden speakeasy vibes, to feeling LIKE a nightclub, and literally BEING a nightclub after 10PM, these restaurants are for a niche group (even nich-er than T-Rex). All of these restaurants are in Disney Springs, which is typically open a lot later than the parks, and there are some places more catered to that nightlife.

The Edison

Inspired by The Edison venue in Los Angeles, this 1920’s themed restaurant hosts live music, aerial acrobats, burlesque performances, magicians and more.

The Edison is family friendly until 10PM when it becomes over 21 only — sometimes there’s a $10 cover charge to get in after 10, so keep that in mind. As for food, the candied bacon clothesline is always fun, but this is a cocktail bar, and you can get a $100 punch bowl to share amongst friends.

Enzo’s Hideaway

Enzo’s Hideaway is literally hidden away (which is probably a BIG reason why you’ve never heard of it) — there’s a secret passageway connecting it to The Edison, but even the official entrance winds you through some tunnels.

There is a full food menu with Roman inspired pasta dishes, though the prohibition-era cocktails are the highlight here.

STK

For a long time, I was not super impressed with the steak from STK (pretty disappointing for a steakhouse). BUT I did recently have a very good steak here so it’s back on my tentatively recommending it list.

The vibe here is very modern, it feels like a nightclub with loud music and low lighting — it’s probably not where you want to bring kids.

House of Blues

Ok, House of Blues is half music venue and half restaurant — they get some pretty good acts throughout the year, so you may want to see who’s playing when you’re on vacation.

The toffee bread pudding is delicious and they have a fun Gospel Brunch, but the draw for most people is gonna be a show – so the restaurant portion flies way under the radar.

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They’re Just Okay

A few of these have ended up on our worst list when we’ve asked our viewers for their opinions, though we have had good meals at all of them. But, when there are SO many options, it’s gotta be a GREAT meal for us to emphatically recommend a restaurant over and over again, and these were just OK.

Mama Melrose

This Hollywood Studios restaurant is often overlooked, it’s another Italian spot and there are already SO many places to get pasta around Disney World.

There are a lot of safe options on the menu, but nothing is knocking it out of the park, and we felt some of the entrees were a little pricey for what you get.

It’s good if you’re craving Italian and you don’t want to leave Hollywood Studios to get it, but otherwise there are better options.

PizzeRizzo

Ah, PizzeRizzo. Weird Disney puffy pizza and cannolis that are alright, but we probably wouldn’t order them again.

The Muppets theming is fun, but we’d rather dine pretty much anywhere else in Hollywood Studios.

Terralina Crafted Italian

ANOTHER Italian restaurant that makes it on the just-not-that-good list! I promise there IS a good one coming up!

This Disney Springs restaurant gets overshadowed by almost everything else around it, and it’s kinda just like Olive Garden – there’s nothing unique or special that you’ll only find at Disney World.

They do offer some great discounts and promos though, so keep an eye on their social media if you’re looking for some bargains.

Paradiso 37

Another Disney Springs restaurant makes the list!

Paradiso 37 is a Latin restaurant with some solid tacos and, again, some great deals and happy hour specials. But, it’s just nothing phenomenal — the meals we’ve had here aren’t bad, but they also aren’t anything we’re clamoring to tell you guys about.

So, it’s good if you’re looking for a spot to celebrate Taco Tuesday, but mostly it’s a place you can skip.

Cape May Cafe

If you are not a seafood lover the dinner buffet at Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club is NOT for you — even if you are a seafood lover, there are SO many better options for crab legs and peel and eat shrimp in Disney World.

They do have those awesome Oreo Bon Bons, but you can get those in the Beach Club Marketplace, and they do offer a character breakfast with Minnie, Daisy and some other friends in beach-y outfits.

ABC Commissary

Hollywood Studios is full of a lot of restaurants that are just OK and some you haven’t really heard of before.

ABC Commissary is kind of out of the way now that you can enter Galaxy’s Edge from two places — you don’t really ever need to pass this restaurant. Still, if you’re looking for a meal that is faster than table service, but a little more substantial than a quick service, this is a pretty good bet.

Abracadabar

This lounge on Disney’s Boardwalk seems like it would be awesome — it’s themed after turn of the century magicians, some of the drinks change color, but it doesn’t totally deliver on everything it could be.

The place is cool, the bathrooms are totally awesome, but it just doesn’t measure up to Disney World’s other lounges

They’re Not AT Disney

They may be “on property” but they’re not at a Disney hotel or park, which means a lot of people have never heard of them — these are all located at the Swan & Dolphin (which is just a walk from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios) or the Four Seasons (which you can get to via car or rideshare).

The Fountain

You’ll find some awesome comfort food and tasty ice cream over at The Fountain at The Dolphin Resort.

Burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, chili, soup, and a delicious apple pie caramel sundae are on the menu, and prices are super reasonable for the whole family to have dinner & dessert without blowing your budget.

Shula’s Steakhouse

Shula’s Steakhouse at The Dolphin, named after the location’s original owner and American football great, the late Don Shula, is a traditional steakhouse with large portions and some seriously good steaks.

You have a lot of options for steak in Disney World, but this is one of the best.

Il Mulino

Il Mulino New York Trattoria — located in Walt Disney World’s Swan Hotel — serves traditional dinners from the Abruzzi region of Italy.

Ok, I’ve been teasing a GOOD Italian restaurant this whole post, and this is it! Awesome pasta (that you can get in half portions), the best meatballs ever — This is diverse, regional cuisine done exceptionally well.

bluezoo

Todd English’s signature restaurant at the Dolphin Resort in Disney World, is well known and highly acclaimed for its seafood and innovative menu items.

It is expensive, but this restaurant is perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

Ravello

Over at the Four Seasons we’ve got some more Italian food! Ravello serves up some fine dining Italian cuisine in the evening AND a character meal on Thursday and Saturday mornings, as well as select Tuesdays.

Capa

Located on the 17th floor rooftop of the Four Seasons, this Spanish-influenced steakhouse also offers fresh Florida seafood and small plates.

This is some seriously fine dining – with wagyu beef on the menu along with a full raw bar. Time it right and you could catch the fireworks.

It’s a Hike to Get There

These restaurants are good, but you’re gonna need to take a Disney bus or drive yourself, which makes it a little less convenient than many other restaurants and means they don’t get recommended as often.

Boatwrights

Over at Port Orleans Riverside is a casual restaurant featuring Southern Louisiana favorites. It’s a great spot to seek out if you’re looking for a quiet table service dinner outside of the parks.

If you go, get the Mardi Gras Fritters.

Three Bridges

We’re headed to Coronado Springs Resort for the next two on our list — you’ll need to take a bus, or drive, to get there, but it might be worth a trip for these.

Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Villa del Lago is in the middle of the hotel’s lake and serves upscale, Spanish-inspired bar food like queso, braised pork tacos, and other shared plates and burgers.

Toledo/Dahlia Lounge

You’ll find cuisine inspired by Spain, including seafood and steak options, at this rooftop restaurant at Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs. If you don’t want to deal with an Advance Dining Reservation, you can grab some small plates and cocktails at the neighboring Dahlia Lounge.

Both have awesome views of Disney World.

Olivia’s Cafe

We talk about this restaurant at Disney’s Old Key West Resort a lot, but you won’t find it many other places.

The menu features classic American fare and items inspired by the Florida Keys including Conch Fritters, the Duval Street Burger, and a Key Lime Tart for dessert, plus a great banana bread french toast for breakfast

They’re Kind of Pricey

Not bad, but not exceptional when compared to other Disney World restaurants at a similar price point — check menus though, these could be YOUR perfect fine dining restaurant

Narcoossee’s

This is an upscale, yet casual, seafood restaurant right on the water at the Grand Floridian Resort.

The seafood is truly great here, and we’ve had a few fantastic meals, but for most people the price tag and the seafood heavy menu isn’t the perfect fit, especially when there are many other fine dining restaurants nearby.

The Boathouse

While there are certainly opportunities to splurge at this Disney Springs restaurant, on dishes like Maine Lobster Tail Oscar or one of the Gibsons Heritage Steaks, the spot also offers a more casual outdoor menu and sandwiches.

You’ll also find a full raw bar, but if the standard menu is too pricey, opt for that outdoor menu for some bargains.

Paddlefish

Also in Disney Springs is that big steamboat restaurant — Paddlefish. The menu features plenty of fresh seafood along with chops, and steaks.

This restaurant is good, and there’s a nice rooftop bar, but a meal here can be expensive AND it tends to be overshadowed by other great restaurants in Disney Springs.

Monsieur Paul

Our last pricey meal is found in EPCOT’s France Pavilion — Monsieur Paul. The high-end, French-inspired menu is delicious, but expensive with options for multi-course meals and full wine pairings.

If you love French cuisine and want a fancy meal IN the parks, this is a great option.

While these restaurants don’t get talked about very often, there are some great hidden gems in there. Did you just find a new favorite restaurant that was flying totally under the radar? How many of these HAVE you heard of before? Keep following us at DFB for more Disney food news!

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The post Why You’ve Never Heard of These Disney World Restaurants first appeared on the disney food blog.