Restaurant Reviews

Ranking the Counter-Service Restaurants We’ve Eaten At – Tokyo Disney Resort

We’ve ranked the restaurants at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World but haven’t made it over to Tokyo Disney… Until now! Yes, I’ve listed a few favorite restaurants over the years but this site is nothing if not thorough. With the wealth of Tokyo Disney Resort counter-service spots, the time has come! In this post, we’ll rank all of the Tokyo Disney Resort counter-service restaurants that we’ve been to from worst to first.

Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall cake strawberry TDL

These rankings will include any counter-service location (again, that we’ve eaten at) in Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, any of the resort hotels (although they don’t really have counter-service spots in the hotels) and Ikspiari. I hesitated to include the last one, which is Tokyo Disney’s version of Downtown Disney, because it feels less connected. Considering we’ve barely spent any time there, we only have a restaurant to add from there anyway.

I’m not going to include snack stands but you should absolutely go to them! Popcorn at Tokyo Disney Resort is on another level and some of the other snack stand options, like the Shrimp Buns, are delicious, as well. I’m also going to leave off bars on this list because they are more of a table-service option. You should absolutely go to Teddy Roosevelt Lounge in DisneySea though. If there’s a place we’re missing that you’re curious about or really like then leave a comment and we’ll get to it on the next trip! In time, we plan to add a table service restaurants version of this post.

Cafe Portofino TDS chicken dinner

As a whole, the counter-service game at Tokyo Disney Resort is exceptional. There are interesting foods to try, wonderful themes and the best values we’ve encountered at any Disney Park. While the resort has plenty of table-service restaurants, the focus is largely on counter-service. For those unadventurous eaters out there, don’t worry about Tokyo Disney Resort because there’s some of everything.

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. That said, there are a few spots in these rankings that have incredibly themed atmospheres that will bump up their respective ranking. If we have a review of a certain restaurant then it is linked in that restaurant’s name. Let’s get to it!

21. Miguel’s El Dorado Cantina (TDS)

This spot in Lost River Delta is the only bad meal I’ve had at the resort. Growing up, and living by, plenty of good Mexican food doesn’t help the Cantina’s case. The taco meat was under-seasoned and there was too much piled on the dish. On the bright side, the restaurant had a nice atmosphere and was tucked away by the river on the backside of the park. Unfortunately, that’s not enough to pull it out of last place.

Remember Me wall TDS

20. Guzman y Gomez (Ikspiari)

This is another Mexican restaurant but offers something much more enjoyable than Miguel’s El Dorado Cantina. I can’t say it’s good Mexican food but the nachos and burrito were decent and the prices were fair. The atmosphere is your run-of-the-mill quick spot, like Chipotle, but it’s comfortable.

Ikspiari Guzman y Gomez nachos TDR

19. Nautilus Galley (TDS)

Sitting right down by the water in Mysterious Island is the perfect spot to try out the Gyoza Dog! The title of this culinary sensation (ha!) is pretty self-explanatory but this is a hot dog inside of gyoza. The setting here is wonderful and worth going to enjoy even if you aren’t ordering anything from the restaurant. This ranks so low because I don’t especially like the Gyoza Dog and that’s the only thing on the menu.

Mysterious Island from below TDS

18. Pan Galactic Pizza Port (TDL)

I’d like to immediately apologize to Tony Solaroni for not having this higher in the rankings. For those unaware, Tony is the alien (animatronic) in Pan Galactic Pizza Port who is trying to turn out as many pizzas as possible in order to please his corrupt bosses. If he does that then he can return home to his wife. All of this is told in a little show that guests can watch on the upper level of the restaurant. That part is incredible! The food itself? It’s just fine.

Pan Galactic Pizza Port Tony Solaroni TDL

17. The Snuggly Duckling (TDS)

Let’s start with the good! This is a near flawless recreation of the tavern in Tangled. The detailing is beautiful and it’s a real ‘step into the movie’ moment. For Tangled fans, it’s a dream come true! Even for those unfamiliar with the restaurant, it’s quite impressive. The bad news is that the food is just not good, and with so many other excellent options it’s hard to recommend eating here. With that in mind, grab a drink here and enjoy the atmosphere then go along with your day!

Snuggly Duckling Rapunzel Maximus Fantasy Springs TDS

16. New York Deli (TDS)

We’re getting into some quality options now! Your opinion on New York Deli will come down to what you think of sandwiches, specifically sandwiches that may have a few quirks for the traditional western palate. I like the setting and found the food to be pretty good. The Mile High Sandwich is both a funny and pretty tasty option, commenting on the American need for excess while also showing how that can lead to delicious things!

Mile High Sandwich New York Deli TDS

15. Camp Woodchuck Kitchen (TDL)

This eatery alongside Rivers of America and in Westernland is themed to the lodge run by Donald Duck and his nephews! The fun details inside are a blast, fitting the part of a summer camp retreat. We also like the food quite a bit, offering a nice blend of western and Japanese.

Camp Woodchuck bowl TDL

14. Cafe Portofino (TDS)

This is a solid but not spectacular option in DisneySea’s Mediterranean Harbor. The roasted chicken here is good, as is the pasta, but none of it was particularly memorable. The atmosphere is somewhat similar, with a huge seating area and evolved backstory. This works for a nice, hearty meal but it won’t blow you away.

Cafe Portofino TDS pasta

13. Pecos Bill Cafe (TDL)

We’re hitting a few counter-service spots that only serve one item. Pecos Bill only serves a Pork Rice Roll and drinks but makes it this far up the list because of how delicious the Pork Rice Roll is. Melissa would have had me rank this even higher if it was up to her. This is one of the better savory snacks or light meals in the Tokyo Disneyland!

12. Tick Tock Diner (Ambassador Hotel)

This small little shop inside of the Disney Ambassador Hotel might look like a throwaway quick-service spot but it’s so much better than that. The sandwiches are artfully crafted, delicious and delicately made. While the diner is tiny, only fitting about 15 people, it’s intimate and cute with a classic theme. This is a perfect spot on a travel day or if you’re staying at the Ambassador Hotel.

Tick Tock Diner Smoked Salmon Ambassador TDR

11. Lookout Cookout (TDS)

The Peter Pan themed restaurant in Fantasy Springs is less elaborate than the Tangled or Frozen themed options. Part of that is due to Lookout Cookout being all open air. Even with that caveat, the restaurant is very impressive with a beautiful ceiling made by the Lost Boys! On top of that, the food is cute and good served in snack boxes with different kinds of chicken and snacks. It’s a great spot for a light meal!

Lookout Cookout pole Fantasy Springs TDS

10. Captain Hook’s Galley (TDL)

Two words: Seafood Pizza! It might not sound the best. Heck, it definitely doesn’t look the best but this slice of pizza is one of my favorite items in the whole resort. The rest of this pizza place in Fantasyland is fairly nondescript, as there’s not much in the way of a seating area. But the pizza is delicious and a phenomenal deal!

Seafood Pizza TDL

9. La Taverne de Gaston (TDL)

Another spot where the atmosphere really shines through. Gaston’s has a few different pastries and sandwiches on the menu that are varying degrees of good. There’s some fun drinks here too, both with alcohol and not. The decorations and setting inside of Tokyo Disneyland’s little French village make this place charming and one that we’ll return too!

BatB village night Gaston's Tavern TDL

8. Mamma Biscotti’s Bakery (TDS)

There’s no better way to start a theme park day than grabbing a menu’s worth of pastries from Mamma Biscotti’s and sitting outside in Mediterranean Harbor staring at Mount Prometheus. Of course, that’s actually after rope dropping one attraction and rushing around to 3 others! The pastries here are delicious, the drinks are necessary for those early mornings and the vibes are immaculate.

Mamma Biscotti's egg pastry TDS

7. Zambini Brothers’ Ristorante (TDS)

This Italian spot, not far from Café Portofino, is a hidden gem. I love the pastels of the buildings and the atmosphere is slightly more relaxed since it’s farther from the park entrance. The food really surprised me, with some interesting pizza and pasta options. While this won’t top anyone’s list, it’s a surprisingly good and affordable meal in a beautiful spot.

TDS Zambini Brothers outside

6. Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall (TDL)

One of Tokyo Disneyland’s iconic spots, this restaurant takes theming up a level. As you can guess from the title, stepping in here is like walking into Alice in Wonderland! Just getting a dessert or drink in order to see the place is worth your time. I’m lukewarm on the food. Not to be confused with the food being lukewarm, I don’t think that’s an issue. I liked the quasi-American offerings, especially the dessert. But the atmosphere is what carries Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall to a high ranking!

Inside Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall TDL

5. Casbah Food Court (TDS)

Sitting in the Arabian Coast, Casbah Food Court is beautiful and has some of the best food in the park. Tokyo Disney Resort does curry well, as you’ll see with this choice and the next. Add in that it’s a hearty meal for less than 1,500 yen ($10 USD) and in a calm but pretty setting. Go to Casbah, get the combo curry, sit under some beautiful lamps and enjoy!

Casbah Food Court ground TDS

4. Hungry Bear Restaurant (TDL)

Exchange the wonderful lamps in Casbah for a Country Bears theme and you have Hungry Bear Restaurant. My love of the Country Bears is why I have it ranked in front of Casbah Food Court. Checking out the different rooms and décor is a joy. Not to mention, the curry is great! There’s a few different options between the two restaurants, my favorite here is the Hungry Bear Curry, but you can’t go wrong with either.

Hungry Bear exit sing TDL

3. China Voyager (TDL)

There are surprisingly few places to get ramen at the Tokyo Disney Parks but maybe that’s because none of them can be better than China Voyager. The ramen here is delicious, with a few different options on the menu. Yes, you can get better ramen in Tokyo or wherever else in Japan you’re going but this measures up surprisingly well. Along with that, the different seating areas and backstory of the restaurant are impressively done. We’ve made it to number 2 and I’m so hungry!

China Voyager outside TDL

2. Vulcania (TDS)

Want to eat in a restaurant themed to being inside of a volcano? Vulcania has you covered! Want to eat some delicious Chinese food? Vulcania’s got that! Want to order way too much food because it’s all laid out in front of you and you can’t help but point at everything as you pass by until you’re to the point where the tray can’t possibly hold anything else? Yeah, I’ve been there. Not only is Vulcania my favorite counter-service spot at Tokyo Disney Resort, it’s my favorite in the world!

Vulcania ramen TDS

1. Royal Banquet Hall of Arendelle (TDS)

The rides are the stars of the new Fantasy Springs expansion but Royal Banquet Hall of Arendelle is not far behind. This recreation of Arendelle Castle has an incredible ambiance, with multiple rooms to sit in and more details than you could possibly look through in one visit. The food is also fantastic, serving savory pies in large set meals. This doesn’t offer the value that other restaurants on the list have but makes up for it in every single other way.

Royal Banquet of Arendelle night Fantasy Springs TDS

What are your favorite Tokyo Disney Resort counter-service spots? Let us know, along with any thoughts you have, in the comments! Planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort? Check out our planning guide to help you along the way! 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!

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