A date at Walt Disney World is the most magical when there's delicious dining involved. Now you have even more choices thanks to new restaurants and dining experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. Some restaurants are brand new, others are offering refreshed menus and new experiences. So, where should you eat at Walt Disney World?
Whether you're looking for casual burgers or fine dining, read on for a listing of new Walt Disney World restaurants as well as changing to longtime favorites. And we've included tips on which ones are best for each type of occasion.
Below you'll find some of the latest new restaurants and dining experiences at Walt Disney World.
New Restaurants at Walt Disney World
Summer House on the Lake
Location: Disney Springs
Best for: Relaxing setting and healthful cuisine
Summer House on the Lake has officially arrived! Book your reservation to experience this new restaurant and unwind with a summer state of mind in Disney Springs.
We'll be visiting soon, so stay tuned for our mini-review.
eet by Maneet Chauhan
Location: Disney Springs
Best for: Relatively affordable Indian cuisine
Whether you love Indian food or you've been wanting to finally give it a try, eet by Maneet Chauhan is a must-visit. This new restaurant at Disney Springs offers delicious Indian food and many of the dishes are approachable. You'll feel at ease at eet by Maneet Chauhan.
Plus the food is pretty affordable considering you're on Walt Disney World property. Naan bread is $4.00, Tandoori Chicken Poutine is $12.00, and you can build your own bowl for $18.00. And treat yourself to a boozy slushi!
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers
Location: Disney's BoardWalk Resort
Best for: special occasions, girls' night
This whimsical full-service restaurant features sweet and savory eats, dreamy desserts, and a lavish afternoon tea service. It's pricey, but most folks who have been among the first to visit Cake Bake Shop at Disney's BoardWalk are saying it is worth it.
Stop in for a sweet bite and a glass of French bubbles in the pastel-hued tea room. The Cake Bake Shop features dozens of desserts made with the finest ingredients. All cakes are made in-house daily, and you can also order pies made from scratch, cheesecakes, cookie bars, french pastries, and ice cream. Pair your treats with champagne, elegant specialty cocktails, or imaginative espresso drinks.
The shop even has its own exclusive blend of French rosé bubbles, created in partnership with Jean-Charles Boisset! Try Gwendolyn’s Famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake, an award-winning signature recipe beloved by the likes of Dick Van Dyke, Ina Garten, and Elton John.
Wailulu Bar & Grill
Location: Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian VIllas & Bungalows
Best for: Casual dining and a fireworks view
Situated along the serene shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, Wailulu Bar & Grill offers stunning waterfront views. The ambiance is enriched with exclusive Polynesian-inspired artwork, including floating tropical fish sculptures crafted from recycled materials and reclaimed fishing nets, creating a unique and eco-friendly dining environment.
All of the outdoor dining and seating at the bar overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon with Cinderella Castle in the distance. This means Wailulu Bar & Grill offers a Magic Kingdom fireworks view! Reservations are not accepted here and parking is restricted so you'll need to expect a wait, and it is best to park at Disney Springs and use the Disney bus transportation to avoid being turned away at the resort parking lot.
Shiki-Sai Sushi Izakaya
Location: EPCOT
Best for: Casual dining and a fireworks view
The incredibly beautiful and peaceful Japan Pavilion now has a new restaurant that is perfect for fans of Japanese cuisine. Shiki-Sai Sushi Izakaya brings a traditional sushi bar and izakaya experience to EPCOT.
The dining room honors the freshness of each season. Sushi lovers will marvel at a first-hand look at sushi being made behind the counter. For an authentic izakaya experience, select from a variety of izakaya-style delicacies, including savory skewers, crispy tempura, succulent sushi rolls, and hearty okonomiyaki.
Read our review of Shiki-Sai at EPCOT.
New Disney Dining Experiences
Nacroossee's
Location: Grand Floridian Resort
Best for: Date night
Narcoossee's reopened in April 2023 with a refurbished interior and a full menu. The new space incorporates the concept of ‘land and sea” which is the inspiration for the new menu.
Guests are greeted with an Artisan Boule of Sourdough baked fresh daily. New starters include Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni and an Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea. Main dishes will include an array of delectable meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes with freshly made desserts like Almond Crusted Cheesecake to round it off.
The drinks, like the Empress Lime Gimlet, are inspired by the Victorian Era.
This is a great Disney restaurant to see Disney fireworks over the water.
California Grill 3 Course Menu
Location: Disney's Contemporary Resort
Best for: Special occasions
One of the best-known Disney restaurants now offers a limited-time dining experience. Perched at the top floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort, California Grill offers one of the best atmospheres at Walt Disney World. This signature restaurant has been a popular Disney date spot for decades, thanks to its panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake.
In honor of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary, a special menu debuted. Now a similar prix fixe menu includes 3 courses (appetizer, entree, and dessert) for $89 per adult and $39 per child under 10.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World:
How to Plan Your Disney Dining Date
- Make a Dining Reservation, they can fill up fast
- Food allergies and special requests: Let your server know right away
- Plan your budget; experiences marked “special occasion” can run $55 – $90 per person
- Dress code: All Disney restaurants are pretty relaxed when it comes to dress code, still, it's nice to dress up a little once in a while