Restaurant Reviews

Our Favorite Restaurants in Epcot

There are many choices when it comes to a theme park day – what to ride first, which shows to watch, when to get there and when to leave! Once it comes time to eat, sorting through all of the options can be a bit overwhelming. Well it’s time to flash the Wandering in Disney bat signal (this does not exist), and then we’ll show up with a series about our favorite places to eat in each Disney theme park. You don’t have to flash that bat signal, you’re already reading this post. We’ll turn our attention today to a the theme park best known for eating – Epcot.

SSE from fountain night Epcot

This series is here to give readers a quick look at where we frequent when we’re in a specific park. I set up a few rules to follow in these posts which will include somewhere between 5 and 10 restaurants each time. Each favorites list will have:

  • At least one counter-service restaurant.
  • At least one table-service restaurant.
  • One restaurant (generally quick-service) that’s not in the park but is very quick and easy to get to.

Typically, I’ll include more than just one from each category! I’m going to try to stick to counter-service spots once outside of the park because it just takes up too much of the day otherwise. Even if it’s a short walk or ride away, eating at a counter-service spot, getting back through the gates and to the land you want will likely take more time than eating a slow meal inside that park.

Steak Le Cellier Epcot

If you’re looking for just a simple ranking of all the resort’s table-service and counter-service restaurants we’ve been to then there’s our Walt Disney World posts on the subject! This series isn’t about ranking though. I might mention if one is a favorite or something of the like but this should serve more as a jumping off point.

Unlike Magic Kingdom, Epcot has an amazing amount of dining options. Along with being one of the best ideas ever for a theme park, World Showcase lends itself to diverse options and exciting choices. There are very few theme parks that can offer the variety that Epcot does and do it so organically to fit into the theme. Despite the incredible array of choices, I do think the park’s offerings have slipped a little bit in recent years. If I was a teacher who only graded theme parks based on restaurants then I would give Epcot an A for variety but probably a B- for quality. I would also be out of a job because this teaching role simply does not, and should not, exist in society. I wouldn’t even be teaching anyone!

Incoherent ramblings about fake teaching jobs aside, I do think Epcot offers a lot of split opinions on restaurants. Unlike most parks, I don’t think there’s a consensus favorite or least favorite. For every Coral Reef defender there’s someone who doesn’t like it. This goes for a number of Epcot restaurants. This post should be helpful but experiences do seem to dramatically differ at this park.

Epcot Festival of Arts scallop

Like our previous post in the series (Magic Kingdom), I’d like to send a shout out to Sam Eagle. Regal Eagle Smokehouse didn’t make the list but do not let this reflect this as a lack of love for the most patriotic Muppet. I’ve also never been to Space 220 so it’s not on the list nor are any Festival Booths although some offer wonderful items. Think of this paragraph as a salute to all restaurants that aren’t below but mostly Sam Eagle. Let’s get to it!

Chefs de France

There are a few spots in Epcot that are quite romantic and Chefs de France tops the list. Watching the bustling sidewalks outside of the tall windows, while dining on French cuisine in a noisy and pretty restaurant is a lovely experience and how I picture Paris in my mind. No, it’s not perfect but every time I’ve been the memory has stuck with me and that makes it a personal favorite.

Les Chefs de France night Epcot

Crepes A Emporter by La Creperie de Paris

This counter-service window in the France Pavilion offers some of the best value in Walt Disney World, with savory Galettes all under $13. My favorite option is the Ratatouille Galette, one of the best counter-service meals in Epcot. If you’re looking for a sweeter crepe then there are a few different options here, as well. The worst part about this place is that the title is somehow 8 words long but that won’t stop me from including it.

Crepes a Emporter Ratatouille Epcot France

Katsura Grill

My bias might show through here as I just really enjoy Japanese food even if it’s not amazing. Katsura Grill offers a wide variety and everything I’ve tried is good. The prices are fair and the outside seating is the prettiest counter-service atmosphere in Walt Disney World. While the food won’t wow you, it is dependable and more interesting than your typical theme park fare.

Japan bridge night Epcot

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

This Norway counter-service option is mainly included for the delectable desserts. School Bread is one of the marquee Epcot snacks, the Lefse is one of the best values in WDW and the Rice Pudding is a personal favorite. Once in a while they offer savory options but this is a worthy stop even without going for a full meal.

Kringla Bakery case Epcot

Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie

Including three options from the France Pavilion on this list might be overkill but, honestly, I was trying to find a way to sneak the ice cream shop in, as well. We’ll call it good with three as Les Halles is a fantastic counter-service option. The restaurant is a buffeteria style with some wonderful pastries and great savory entrees. Everything here is consistently good, making up for barely any designated seating area.

Les Halles Creme Brulee

Via Napoli

I was a bit hesitant to include Via Napoli, almost opting for Le Cellier or Rose & Crown instead. That’s because I’ve heard from several places that Via Napoli’s quality had dipped post-COVID. I have no idea if that’s true, as I haven’t been back in a few years. What I do know is that before that time, Via Napoli had great pizza and pasta along with a wonderful atmosphere. I’m eager to go back and test things out for myself.

Brocollini pizza Via Napoli Epcot

Crew’s Cup Lounge (Yacht Club)

For as many options as Epcot has, the counter-service spots in the Crescent Lake Resorts aren’t my favorite. So I’m skirting the rules and picking the lounge right next to Yachtsman Steakhouse which is the best restaurant I’ve mentioned in this post. Crew’s Cup Lounge does change the menu somewhat often but everything I’ve tried here is delicious and I especially like Truffle Fries, which seem to be a mainstay. The atmosphere is relaxed and quieter, trending more adult than most places at Walt Disney World.

Crew's Cup fries

Where are your favorite spots to eat in and around Epcot? Let us know, along with any questions you might have, in the comments below! If you are planning a trip to Disney World, then check out our planning guide. Looking for discount Walt Disney World tickets? Check out this site! If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. You can do all of that on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!

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