With four parks, two water parks, 20+ hotels and several entertainment options, Walt Disney World has plenty of counter-service spots. Naturally, we need to rank them all! We started this series in Disneyland with both counter-service and table-service locations and then moved on to table-service restaurants in Disney World. For this post, we’ll rank all of the counter-service spots we’ve eaten at in Disney World.

As with the Disney World table-service post, the list of restaurants include the four parks, Disney Springs, and the resort hotels. Along with that, I didn’t include every single place I’ve eaten because some have changed menus or it’s simply been too long. I’ve also left off snack places, these locations have to serve an entrée.

Disney World’s counter-service has more quantity than quality, in my opinion. While there are definitely some great options, there aren’t as many stand outs as the much smaller Disneyland. I do like most of the places on this list but the amount I actually love is much smaller. While the counter-service scene has slowly improved at Disney World, there’s more room for growth.

In these rankings I will try to balance all of the factors – value, quality of food, atmosphere, etc. To be honest, I rely more heavily on the quality of food than other factors because most restaurants tend to have a similar price range and counter-service places usually don’t excel in atmosphere. Some of these places have very small menus, focusing on an item or two. That doesn’t mean they’re bad, most are pretty good! But they have less broad appeal so we don’t rank them quite as highly.

We have reviews of some of these locations, click on the restaurant’s name to read the review. A few of those reviews are quite old and need to be updated, just to warn you. I’ll add in a short blurb about each one, emphasis on short because there’s a lot to get to here. Let’s get to the rankings!

52. Backlot Express (Hollywood Studios) – This just isn’t very good. There’s a few interesting options, including a teriyaki bowl, but I’ve never been impressed with the food and the atmosphere mimics being in prop storage. That’s fun in theory but then you realize you’re in storage.

51. Boardwalk Pizza Window (The Boardwalk) – I mean, the pizza is just fine but there is little variety and you can find better pizza at most places in Disney World. This does work in a pinch but I wouldn’t go there often.

50. Morimoto Asia Street Food (Disney Springs) – We were largely disappointed by Morimoto Asia Street Food. Most of the food was pre-packaged and the hot items were simply warmed up in a toaster oven. The offerings are at least different and something lighter. There are much better options in Disney Springs though.

49. Earl of Sandwich (Disney Springs) – I’ve never really understood the Earl of Sandwich hype. These subs are better than Subway. But I can’t say I seek out these sandwiches, with so many other options around.

48. Intermission Food Court (All Star Music Resort) – This mini food court has a surprisingly diverse menu. The pizza is decent although fairly greasy. Intermission earns points for an adventurous menu. Eating here if you are staying at the resort is a fine choice, otherwise don’t make a special trip.

47. Lotus Blossom Cafe (Epcot) – This spot in the China Pavilion seems somewhat divisive as I’ve read plenty of positive reviews. I haven’t enjoyed our food here, as it seemed bland and overpriced. I do like the Egg Rolls though.

46. Everything Pop Food Court (Pop Century Resort) – This food court has plenty of options and we have tried a few. It was okay but nothing that excites me.

45. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Magic Kingdom) – This place has a super cool alien named Sonny Eclipse who performs music. Grab something to drink and enjoy that because the rest of Cosmic Ray’s (food especially) is not enjoyable.

44. Yorkshire County Fish Shop (Epcot) – This fish & chips location is a one-trick pony. I don’t particularly like the fish & chips, they’re a bit greasy, but others swear by them. There is a nice cake that the shop offers.

43. Pinocchio Village Haus (Magic Kingdom) – This Magic Kingdom eatery has a good atmosphere as it overlooks it’s a small world and has cute artwork throughout it. Unfortunately, the flatbreads they serve aren’t the highest quality.

42. Landscape of Flavors (Art of Animation) – One of the better food courts in Disney World. Landscape of Flavors has many offerings and the few we tried were all pretty solid.

41. Boardwalk Deli (The Boardwalk) – Boardwalk’s counter-service restaurant is an easy enough place to stop by and grab a sandwich plus sweet treat. The convenience is its main asset but the food is decent enough. There’s no seating inside and only a few tables outside so plan accordingly.

40. Yak & Yeti – Local Food Cafes (Animal Kingdom) – Decent Asian food but there are many better options at Animal Kingdom.

39. Siestas Cantina (Coronado Springs) – This pool bar has a nice vibe, sitting alongside Coronado’s gigantic Lost City of Cobola Pool complex. As far as food goes, it’s just fine, offering some decent shrimp tacos and classic counter-service options. If you’re doing a pool day then this will suffice.

38. Chicken Guy (Disney Springs) – No surprise here but Chicken Guy serves chicken. The chicken (strips and sandwiches) is better than it has any business being. Combine that with plenty of dipping sauces and the food is solid. Still, it’s just chicken and the environment is not my favorite.

37. Connections Cafe & Eatery (Epcot) – The setting feels like a spacious food court, although the open kitchen is a nice touch. Our food there was just okay and there are so many other spots to try in Epcot that are more worth your time.

36. Sleepy Hollow Refreshments (Magic Kingdom) – Some pretty good waffles sandwiches along with a few other savory or sweet treats. If not for a small menu this would probably rank higher. The menu keeps changing and not usually for the better.

35. Spyglass Grill (Caribbean Beach Resort) – This hidden gem is so peaceful that it finishes in the top half of the list. Watching the Skyliner across the water while eating breakfast or dinner is a good use of time. The menu has gotten less ambitious, unfortunately, but it’s still a good spot.

34. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Magic Kingdom) – While the Mexican food here is hardly authentic, it is fairly good and at decent prices. I enjoy the bowl options. This is probably the second best counter-service option in Magic Kingdom, unfortunately.

33. Ronto Roasters (Hollywood Studios) – Ronto Roasters is similar to a few other places on the list where the offerings are limited but what they do offer is very tasty. The Ronto Wraps have a nice blend of ingredients and it’s one of the best things to eat in Hollywood Studios.

32. The Artist’s Palette (Saratoga Springs) – We have limited experience with Artist’s Palette menu but we really enjoyed some of the sandwich options along with several different pastries. The atmosphere is relaxed but lacks theming.

31. Amorette’s Patisserie (Disney Springs) – This place is known for desserts, which are absolutely fantastic, but there are some good sandwich options here too. Still, I wouldn’t say they’re amazing but I do recommend coming here for dessert.

30. Regal Eagle Smokehouse (Epcot) – Another lightly themed Muppets restaurant serves decent barbecue at a good price and there’s a big jump up from the restaurants that have come before this. Still, there’s much better barbecue at Disney World and much better food to eat at Epcot.

29. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Port Orleans French Quarter) – An ambitious menu for a counter-service restaurant but the execution is hit and miss. Fortunately, the beignets are fantastic and there are plenty of options to choose from.

28. Contempo Cafe (Contemporary Resort) – Contempo Cafe serves sandwiches and flatbreads, as well as a few other entrees. We’ve always liked the food but have never loved it. It’s a nice and convenient lunch or dinner break from Magic Kingdom though.

27. Sunshine Seasons (Epcot) – Sunshine Seasons might have the most diverse offerings in Disney World and the desserts are good too. The Epcot eatery’s quality has suffered post-COVID but rumors are that food is getting much better. I’ll have to investigate soon!

26. Katsura Grill (Epcot) – Katsura Grill serves teriyaki, udon, curry and a few other options. We always found the food decent here until our last trip when it was downright bad. I’m guessing we just had a bad experience that night though. The star of Katsura Grill is the outside seating area. A beautiful, tranquil garden that overlooks the rest of Epcot is a serene experience for a theme park.

25. The Smiling Crocodile (Animal Kingdom) – There’s only one option for food at this Animal Kingdom kiosk but it’s a good one – the arepa! This sandwich is a really nice option and not as heavy as some meals on this list. Animal Kingdom has a loaded counter-service lineup but The Smiling Crocodile is worth checking out.

24. Woody’s Lunch Box (Hollywood Studios) – Delicious American comfort food, mostly sandwiches, is what gives Woody’s Lunch Box a positive review. It might not be worth the poor atmosphere and frustrating lack of seating. If you love grilled cheese then this will be higher.

23. Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe (Epcot) – This bakery in the Norway Pavilion has some of my favorite desserts in Disney World and has a good and interesting selection of sandwiches. At least go for dessert, but lunch or dinner here is a good option.

22. Cookes of Dublin (Disney Springs) – Cookes of Dublin serves Irish food at reasonable prices. The fish and chips were especially notable here and I like the variety of the menu.

21. Columbia Harbor House (Magic Kingdom) – Columbia Harbor House continues to surprise us. I always think the seafood won’t taste fresh or will be overly greasy. Instead the Salmon, Shrimp Boil and Lobster Roll are among the best items in Magic Kingdom.

20. Sommerfest (Epcot) – This stand in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion serves bratwurst and beer. If you like that then this place is great! I do happen to like those things and this would be in my personal top 10. But because not everyone loves bratwurst and beer, this spot felt right.

19. Roaring Fork (Wilderness Lodge) – Roaring Fork doesn’t offer a ton in variety, sticking mostly to sandwiches and barbecue. But it offers a strong value on the Disney Dining Plan and some lighter fare with salads and sandwiches. Not to mention, the very relaxing atmosphere. Another great option if you want to leave Magic Kingdom for a quick meal.

18. Gasparilla Island Grill (Grand Floridian) – This restaurant at the Grand Floridian is a really pleasant stop for a break from Magic Kingdom. The food didn’t blow us away but it was good enough and the atmosphere is relaxing.

17. Riverside Mill (Port Orleans – Riverside) – The generic options here are just okay but I really love the specials. Both the jambalaya and shrimp & grits were delicious. Sitting down by the big water wheel in a spacious dining room is lovely too.

16. El Mercado de Coronado (Coronado Springs Resort) – Disney World’s best resort food court serves a large assortment of food and we’ve yet to have anything we don’t like. This is one of the best parts of staying at Coronado Springs. This would probably rank higher if it weren’t for the inconvenient (if you aren’t staying there) location.

15. Crêpes À Emporter (Epcot) – This counter-service restaurant resides in the back of Epcot’s France Pavilion beside the new Ratatouille attraction. They only offer crepes but those crepes, both savory and sweet, are delicious! Surprise surprise, the best one we tried was the Ratatouille option.

14. La Cantina de San Angel (Epcot) – The tacos and margaritas have made La Cantina steadily rise in our rankings over the years. This spot is dependable and sits right alongside World Showcase Lagoon, offering a great view.

13. Pizza Ponte (Disney Springs) – Easily the best counter-service pizza that we have tried at Disney World. This spot in Disney Springs serves hefty squares of pizza in a variety of flavors. They also serve hot sandwiches, espresso, a good selection of desserts. Pizza Ponte is a perfect late night option once the parks close.

12. Kidani Village Breakfast at Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – I’ve put this lower in the rankings because it is only a breakfast option. But this is one of the best counter-service meals in Walt Disney World! Eating here while the giraffes roam outside of the window is a perfect way to start the morning. On top of that, the food is excellent!

11. D-Luxe Burger (Disney Springs) – The best counter-service burger at Disney World, D-Luxe mainly sticks to hamburgers and fries but does them both well. I especially enjoyed the dipping sauces for the fries. The prices are fair, as well.

10. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Hollywood Studios) – The Galaxy’s Edge restaurant has one of the more creative counter-service menus and a good atmosphere to pair with it. It is also one of the best values if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan.

9. Centertown Market (Caribbean Beach) – This Caribbean Beach Resort restaurant has become one of our favorite stops in the last few years. The menu is varied, with some excellent options including the Miso-Glazed Salmon and Arroz Mamposteao. Stopping off here while on the Skyliner is a really nice respite from the theme park crowds.

8. ABC Commissary (Hollywood Studios) – This counter-service location has excellent food with the current menu. It’s surprisingly diverse and interesting. The atmosphere at ABC Commissary is incredibly bland, knocking it back a few spots. But the food really shines through.

7. Capt. Cook’s (Polynesian Resort) – Captain Cook’s has an interesting menu and pretty good food. The offerings are loosely Hawaiian or Polynesian inspired, and we recommend those over the run-of-the-mill burgers. Sitting out on the deck, overlooking the Poly’s pool is great at dinner time. Bonus points to Capt. Cook’s for serving Tonga Toast at breakfast.

6. The Mara (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – The Mara breaks into the top-10 thanks to an approachable but still ambitious menu. The food at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s counter-service restaurant is very good and the setting is relaxing. While it may not be worth a trip out to the hotel on its own, combine this with a stop at one of AKL’s great lounges and some animal viewing will make for a very nice few hours.

5. Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie (Epcot) – This France Pavilion bakery ranks so highly due to the very strong array of choices. There isn’t a bakery in WDW that offers such a large variety of sweet and savory. On top of that, the prices fit different budgets. You can’t go wrong here regardless of if you’re having a meal or just stopping for dessert.

4. Primo Piatto (Riviera Resort) – We’ve only tried breakfast and lunch here thus far but it is among the best counter-service breakfasts on property. The current menu at dinner is a little scaled back but if breakfast is any indication then we expect good things. The atmosphere is lovely and this is a perfect place to stop on a Skyliner trip.

3. Flame Tree Barbecue (Animal Kingdom) – Flame Tree Barbecue has legitimately good barbecue food in a beautiful setting. The prices are quite high but the food has kept close to the same quality for many years. Order one of the platters and then share with someone or really live it up while on the Disney Dining Plan.

2. Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom) – Who knew that the Na’vi ate so well! This Pandorian restaurant’s food is healthier than your usual theme park fare and is offered at a great value. The atmosphere is good enough but the food is the main standout. Breakfast is also delicious here! Satu’li Canteen is our favorite in park counter-service spot by a wide margin.

1. Polite Pig (Disney Springs) – A counter-service restaurant with a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation? I’m fairly sure that’s never happened before! This barbecue restaurant in Disney Springs is fantastic, serving a wide variety of items that fit different price points. This is the best counter-service value on the Disney Dining Plan but still a good option if paying out of pocket. In other words, this is the best of both worlds and a can’t miss spot at WDW.

Those are my rankings of Disney World counter-service restaurants.  We’ll be adding to the list soon.  What would you add or change?  Let us know in the comments!  If you enjoy what you’re reading here on Wandering in Disney please subscribe to the blog and like our Facebook page.  You can find both of those on the right side of this page.  Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!