
Best Restaurants at EPCOT®: The Ultimate Foodie Guide for Eating Around the World Showcase
Are you a self-proclaimed foodie with a passion for exploring diverse cuisines from around the world? If so, it's time to pack your bags and head to EPCOT®! One of four theme parks at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida, EPCOT® boasts an extraordinary showcase of different cultures, traditions, and, most importantly, cuisines. From the bustling streets of Morocco to the charming villages of France, the World Showcase invites you to embark on a gastronomic journey that transcends borders.
In this blog, we provide the ultimate foodie guide with the best restaurants to visit when Eating Around the World at EPCOT®.
Best places to eat at EPCOT®: Restaurant edition
The World Showcase at EPCOT® features 11 pavilions, each representing a different country, and offers a diverse array of authentic cuisines. In total, EPCOT® boasts over 60 dining options, making it nearly impossible to visit each restaurant, kiosk, and food cart. Therefore, this guide highlights the best restaurants at each pavilion. Note, the guide lists each restaurant in order when starting at the Mexico Pavilion.
1. Mexico Pavilion: San Angel Inn Restaurante
As you step into the Mexico Pavilion, you'll be transported to a charming marketplace at dusk, complete with adobe-style architecture, vibrant colors, and a backdrop of the majestic Mayan pyramid. The San Angel Inn Restaurante is situated inside this pyramid, overlooking the tranquil waters of the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, an indoor boat ride.
The San Angel Inn specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a menu that celebrates the rich flavors and traditional dishes of Mexico. From flavorful Guacamole prepared tableside to Carne Asada, Pollo a Las Rajas, Baja Tacos de Pescado, and Camarones a la Diabla, the restaurant showcases the diversity of Mexican gastronomy and offers an extensive selection of tequilas and margaritas, including Black Magic, a blackberry, black currant, and mint frozen margarita created by Neil Patrick Harris.
The San Angel Inn Restaurante requires advanced reservations. Therefore, if you prefer faster options, we suggest La Cantina de San Angel, a quick service kiosk with delectable small bites, including empanadas, taco trios, and some of the best nachos you’ll ever eat.
2. Norway Pavilion: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
The Norway Pavilion is a picturesque and charming area that replicates the beauty and architecture of a Norwegian village. One of the notable dining establishments within this pavilion is the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall offers a dining experience featuring Norwegian-inspired cuisine, including traditional KjØttkake (Norwegian meatballs), Kylling og Melboller (Norwegian chicken and dumplings), and Pan-seared Salmon. However, one of the highlights of dining at Akershus is the opportunity to meet and interact with Disney princesses. The restaurant offers Princess Storybook Dining Packages, where guests can meet iconic Disney princesses, including Snow White, Cinderella, and Ariel.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.
3. China Pavilion: Nine Dragons Restaurant
Nine Dragons is situated in a striking Chinese-inspired pagoda with an exterior that features classic Chinese architectural elements. The design of the restaurant is visually impressive, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese aesthetics, including intricate woodwork, colorful tiles, and detailed carvings.
Nine Dragons is known as a “hidden gem” with in the EPCOT® World Showcase. The restaurant is a fantastic lunch spot, offering a meal with a diverse selection of pan-Chinese cuisine. Some favorite menu items include Vegetable Spring Rolls, Sichuan Chicken Dumplings, Honey Sesame Chicken, Salt and Pepper Shrimp, and Caramel-Ginger Ice Cream. Adjacent to the dining area, Nine Dragons also has an extensive Tea Bar, where you can explore and sample a variety of traditional Chinese teas.
4. Germany Pavilion: Biergarten Restaurant
If you like buffets, then you don’t want to miss the Biergarten Restaurant at the Germany Pavilion. Transporting guests to a Bavarian village square, the Biergarten Restaurant is the only buffet option within EPCOT®. The restaurant's interior is designed to resemble an outdoor courtyard with cobblestone streets, timber-framed architecture, and a painted sky ceiling that gives the illusion of an open-air setting.
One of the distinctive features of Biergarten is its communal seating arrangement with large wooden tables reflecting the traditional German beer garden atmosphere. The restaurant offers a buffet-style dining experience with a variety of authentic German dishes that change seasonally, including sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzel rolls, and flights of German beer.
5. Italy Pavilion: Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria and Tutto Italia Ristorante
When you think of Italy, you undoubtedly think of exceptional pasta and wine—and the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT® doesn’t disappoint. Home to four dining options, including table service restaurants and quick bite kiosks, the Italy Pavilion is known for some of the best food at Disney World ®. It’s difficult to say which restaurant is best; therefore, we feature two Italy Pavilion dining options in this guide:
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Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria sits at the back of the Italy Pavilion and is famous for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in wood-burning ovens. The menu is created by famed Italian chef and restaurateur, Nick Valenti, and the extensive pizza options come in three sizes (individual, large, and mezzo metro). While the restaurant offers other dishes, including Calamari Fritti, Tortellini, and Fettucine via Napoli, the pizzas are definitely the star.
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Tutto Italia Ristorante offers authentic Italian cuisine in a restaurant designed to replicate the charm of a traditional Italian trattoria. The menu is crafted by award-winning Chef Joachim Splichal and specifically focuses on old-world cooking and rich flavors from Italian cuisine. Favorite menu items include Carpaccio di Manzo, featuring charred Wagyu beef paired with arugula, parmesan cheese, and lemon dressing; Mare e Monti, a slow braised chuck short rib with Maine lobster ravioli and rosemary butter; and Lasag na alla Bolognese, a signature dish with beef and pork ragù, béchamel and parmesan.
6. American Adventure Pavilion: Regal Eagle Smokehouse
If you’re visiting EPCOT® to experience diverse global cuisine, you may want to save your appetite for other pavilions. But, if you are craving unabashedly American cuisine, or you’re traveling with little ones, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Adventure Pavilion is an excellent option.
A fast-casual restaurant, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse features barbeque from different regions of the United States with four delicious house-made sauces. For example, guests can enjoy Memphis Dry-rub Pork Ribs, Sliced Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich, and Kansas City Half- Smoked Chicken. The restaurant also has an extensive craft beer menu and indoor and outdoor seating.
7. Japan Pavilion: Teppan Edo
Teppan Edo is a popular restaurant in the Japan Pavilion that specializes in Teppanyaki, a style of Japanese cuisine where skilled chefs cook meals on large, flat grills right in front of the guests. You can enjoy a variety of Japanese appetizers and sushi rolls while the chefs put on a culinary performance as they prepare your entrees. Due to the popularity of the restaurant, reservations are highly recommended.
8. Morocco Pavilion: Spice Road Table
Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion is situated along the World Showcase Lagoon, offering guests a picturesque view of the water and the surrounding pavilions. The restaurant's design reflects a Mediterranean ambiance, with a combination of outdoor terrace seating and indoor dining areas adorned with Moroccan-inspired decor.
The restaurant features a menu centered around small plates and shared dishes inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. Guests can explore a variety of tastes, from hummus and kebabs to grilled seafood and flavorful spreads. Some of the most popular menu items include Pomegranate-Chili Crispy Cauliflower, Grilled Lamb Kefta, and Spicy Shrimp. The Spice Road Table is an excellent option for snacking between sit-down meals.
9. France Pavilion: Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul
The France Pavilion is another destination with two fantastic restaurants. Chefs de France is a casual French brasserie that embodies the charm and ambiance of a classic French bistro. With views of the replica of the Eiffel Tower within the France Pavilion, Les Chefs offers a romantic and picturesque dining experience with a menu to match. Favorite dishes include Cassolette d’escargots de Bourgogne au beurre persillé (Escargot), Soupe à l’oignon gratinée (French Onion Soup), Ratatouille sur quinoa, Boeuf Bourguignon and decadent Crème Brûlée.
The other top restaurant, Monsieur Paul, offers a more formal and gourmet dining experience. The restaurant pays homage to the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, a culinary icon known for his contributions to French cuisine, and the establishment boasts panoramic views of World Showcase. Guests can opt for a prix fixe menu that includes a starter cocktail, one appetizer, a fish course, a palate cleanser, a meat course, cheeses, and dessert. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list with a sommelier to help pair selections with your dishes. Note, Monsieur Paul is on the pricier side and requires all guests to be 10 years or older.
10. United Kingdom Pavilion: Rose & Crown Dining Room
Rose & Crown Dining Room is a great restaurant to end your Eating Around the World journey, and here’s why: outdoor seating area of Rose & Crown Pub provides a prime viewing location for the nighttime firework spectacular over the World Showcase Lagoon. While the location is superior, the ambiance and food are also quite good.
Rose & Crown is designed to evoke the ambiance of a traditional British pub. The exterior features classic British architecture, and the interior is adorned with dark wood, cozy furnishings, and pub-style decor. The restaurant offers a menu with a selection of pub-style dishes and classic British fare, including items like Scotch Egg, Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Shepherd’s Pie. You can also enjoy an extensive beer list and signature cocktails.
11. Canada Pavilion: Le Cellier Steakhouse
Last, but certainly not least, is Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion. A cozy restaurant renowned for its delicious steaks and Canadian-inspired cuisine, Le Cellier resembles a wine cellar, creating the perfect ambiance for an imitate dining experience.
The restaurant's menu features a variety of steaks, including the signature Le Cellier Filet Mignon, which is praised for its tenderness and flavor. Additionally, the menu includes other Canadian-inspired dishes, such as the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and Maple Crème Brûlée. Due to its popularity, Le Cellier typically requires advanced reservations.
12. Space 220 at EPCOT® World Discovery
Although not located in the EPCOT® World Showcase, Space 220 is a dining experience that can’t be left off this guide. Space 220 is a brand-new restaurant located in World Discovery that features out-of-this-world dining—literally! The unique upscale dining experience takes guests on a simulated space ride 220 miles above Earth to an uber cool space station. You can enjoy either a fixed-price menu for lunch (two courses) or dinner (three courses) while taking in panoramic views of space and the world below. Reservations are required and the wait list can be lengthy, but the dining experience is truly one-of-a-kind.
Visiting EPCOT® ? Stay at Caribe Royale Orlando, a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel
If you’re a foodie who is planning a visit to EPCOT®, Caribe Royale Orlando is the perfect resort for you! With eight dining experiences to choose from, Caribe Royale Orlando is a food lover’s paradise. From refined, upscaling dining at the award-winning, AAA Four Diamond The Venetian Chop House to spirited cocktails and Cuban-inspired tapas at Rum Bar and Stadium Club℠, Orlando’s most interactive and immersive entertainment experience with a world-class chef-driven menu, Caribe Royale Orlando offers a range of diverse, globally inspired cuisine for every palette.
Plus, the newly re-imagined, all-suite resort has an array of amenities, including sparkling pools and a waterslide, a luxury day spa, and on-site biking, fishing, and newly opened Sport Court. And, when you stay at Caribe Royale Resort—a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel—shuttle transportation to all four Disney Theme Parks and Disney Springs® is included in your stay!
Now is the time to book your stay at Caribe Royale Orlando. Learn more here.