The re-imagining of Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District has been a work in progress for a while now. As we had to say goodbye to many of our favorite dining locations over the last few years, it’s finally time to get a fresh look at some of the new dining establishments that will be debuting in the area in the future. A newly defined area called Parkside Market will be home to the latest West End expansion that will house four new dining experiences under one roof. Let’s take a closer look at what has been planned to move into this exciting new space:
Seoul Sister
Seoul Sister is a fast-casual modern eatery that will serve a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist. Executive Chef Kelly Kim will showcase bold Korean flavors through marinated meats, colorful vegetables and savory sauces over rice, noodles or salad, plus appetizers, an Asian-inspired breakfast menu, and hand-crafted drinks.
Sip & Sonder
Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, is a Black women-owned brand that has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times. Guests in the district can expect to enjoy Sip & Sonder’s signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.
GG’s Chicken Shop
GG’s Chicken Shop, from Boka Restaurant Group, was founded by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen. Affectionately named after Wolen’s mother Geri, the shop will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides. The first brick-and-mortar GG’s Chicken Shop opened earlier this year in Chicago and this new location in Downtown Disney District will be its first on the West Coast.
New Alfresco Bar Coming Soon
A second story bar will be an al fresco spot offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails from mixologists who infuse, muddle, stir, shake and swizzle the freshest mixes using local ingredients and artful garnishes. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free elixirs.
While there aren’t any details on exactly when the new areas of Downtown Disney will be opening, we do know that future plans for the district will also bring Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, as well as Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico, and, of course, the highly anticipated California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries expected to come from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. It’s an exciting time to be watching the new version of Downtown Disney unfold. What are you most looking forward to?