*DIS Contributors review meals, resort stays, and entertainment that they have paid for during their own vacations. They only utilize discounts and offers if they are available to the general public, such as annual passholder discounts, Tables in Wonderland, or DVC membership discounts. They receive no additional compensation for dining experiences or events, so that they may give their honest opinions about price and value.
On a recent Walt Disney World vacation, my family and I revisited Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and enjoyed a table service dinner. It was a casual, fun experience and the food tasted good. Tony’s is a great choice for families, an excellent location, has friendly cast members, and we liked it. Yes, we liked Tony’s. Unfortunately Tony’s and the word “like” aren’t always used in a sentence together with Disney fans, but I am here to offer the notion that you CAN eat at Tony’s, and you CAN like it.
I don’t understand why Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is often met with meh reviews. First, the location can’t be beat. You are eating on Main Street, U.S.A. inside Magic Kingdom Park! When compared to other sit down table service restaurants, Tony’s doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, which can be a good thing. No character dining, family-style, or fancy shmancy put-ons that many times you don’t need or want. When I asked my family which menu they would prefer for an evening in the Magic Kingdom, they wanted Italian food, plain pasta, and nothing fancy. Trying to get Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR’s) can be tough; it is much easier to obtain one at Tony’s than it would be at any of the other table service restaurants in the park.
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant celebrates the Disney 1955 movie Lady and the Tramp. As we entered, one person in my family commented, “It smells so good!” Off to a good start! Because Italian food does indeed smell so good! And when you’re hungry, this is very inviting. The maroon tones of the spacious lobby and ample, child-friendly areas offer a respite before entering. Our wonderful server, Jason, was very polite and set just the right pace for our meal. Recently, table bread is skimpy or nonexistent at some restaurants overall, however at Tony’s, the focaccia bread was served just as in previous years. No changes there.
Walls are adorned with Lady and the Tramp art and décor reminiscent of a ‘small town’ in the early 1900’s, and the front room is solarium-style, with both rooms offering a quaint and romantic atmosphere.
A beautiful fountain sits in the center and showcases Lady and the Tramp. The style of the decor is reminiscent of a Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and The Plaza Restaurant mash up. The only negative feedback about the atmosphere is that, in the past, I remember listening to the Lady and the Tramp soundtrack, but this time there was no music in the background.
Spaghetti and Impossible Meatballs was our choice for the night. One person said it was the best Impossible meat he’s ever eaten. We are not ‘foodies’ or ‘food snobs’ and sometimes we just want pasta with sauce and are not picky as to who made the sauce or if it is from a jar, can, or homemade.
Is there better? Probably, sure. But in Magic Kingdom, if you want to stay in the parks and you want table service Italian food, this will do just fine, and is actually more than fine. We had hearty portions, a low cost meal comparative to other table service locations in the park, and also enjoyed their many appetizers (salads, caprese and fried mozzarella). We have also had pizza in the past at Tony’s and it was well received.
Give Tony’s Town Square Restaurant a try! I can assure you, it will be a Bella Notte!