Are you trying to figure out what are the best Disney World restaurants for adults?
You’re in the right place!
Over the years, I have discovered that one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to Walt Disney World is that it’s just for families or for children.
This is how so many adults miss out on the fabulous opportunities here, especially when it comes to dining.
For solo travelers or couples who decided to experience the magic for themselves without the kids, no need to worry. But then remains the important question,
“Where should we eat and not be surrounded by kids?” Have no fear!
I am a major foodie and have dined at quite a few Disney Dining options on property that are especially wonderful for adults.
Because I will be exploring the entire Walt Disney World property, I will be hitting an assortment of restaurants in all four parks, Disney Springs and the Resorts that range from buffet to fine dining.
The options on this list were chosen due to their ability to cater to the older audience as well as price, atmosphere, overall experience, etc.
So, let’s get started!
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1. Skipper Canteen (Magic Kingdom)
We are starting off in the beloved Magic Kingdom with probably an unexpected choice, Skipper Canteen.
Located a little way across from the attraction that inspired it, The Jungle Cruise, in Adventureland, it serves up African, Asian and Latin cuisines to guests!
How’s that for adventure in one of the most magical places? It is underrated but worth the experience.
Dining Options at Skipper Canteen
The skippers of the Jungle Cruise have opened their headquarters to you and are sharing some of their favorite dishes that feature steak, pork, fish and chicken!
Only the best for the visitors who traveled down the Nile to this tropical outpost.
Since we are all friends here, this place gives you a great atmosphere of relaxing with friends with the puns of the Jungle Cruise.
It’s very immersive and fun with some nods to the members of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers for my hardcore solo travelers.
Best Food at Skipper Canteen
Be sure to consider these dishes upon your visit:
- Nile Nellie’s Noodle Bowl: Niles and Niles of Rice Noodles…Sautéed Shrimp tossed with a Spicy Tamarind Sauce, Pickled Radish, Eggs, Toasted Peanuts, and Fresh-cut Herbs
- “Tastes like Chicken” Because it is! Crispy-fried Chicken with Chili-Soy Glaze, Jasmine Rice, and Pickled Vegetable Slaw
- Sustainable Fish: “Not Piranha” served over Bok Choy, Lotus Root, Bell Peppers, and Shiitake Mushrooms in a light Ginger-Lemon Grass Broth
- Dr. Falls Signature Grilled Steak: Marinated Hanger Steak Lomo Saltado-style with Roasted Peppers, Onions, Tomatoes, and Aji Amarillo Aïoli
- Kungaloosh! An African-inspired Chocolate Cake with Caramelized Bananas served with Cashew-Caramel Ice Cream topped with Coffee Dust
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Pricing at this Disney Restaurant
For casual dining, it’s a “get what you pay for” kind of deal. Portion sizes are decently sized and will fill you up!
Depending on the type of food and drinks you get, it can range from $25 to $45.
Why You Should Visit This Disney Restaurant
The atmosphere is full of hidden mickeys and gems that guests can search for in the 3 dining rooms.
You are immersed in the continued experience of the attraction with quirky and fun host and hostesses to add to the punny experience.
It’s very relaxed and great for Solo Disney travelers that love nods to the past. They have an excellent variety of drinks as well that you should try.
If you are open minded and want to take your taste buds on a journey without going to Animal Kingdom, this is one of the best restaurants at Disney World for adults!
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2. Mama Melrose’s (Hollywood Studios)
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano was one of my very first Disney Parks restaurants that I visited and its one of my favorites.
It’s a bit hard to find but its tucked in the very back of the Grand Avenue area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios near Muppetvision 3D.
Its location means it’s usually not too busy and its casual but colorful atmosphere is welcoming while giving that California flair. Making it one of the best restaurants at Disney World for adults.
Dining Options at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
You will find some super yummy, not to be missed dishes such as a variety of familiar pasta dishes, like Mama’s Italian Pasta and Classic and hearty Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Best Food at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
They also serve up steak and vegetarian options. Here are some more favorites!
- Vine-ripened Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella: Balsamic Drizzle, Olive Oil, and Sweet Basil Leaves
- House-made Italian Meatball: Marinara, Fresh Ricotta, and Basil
- Mama’s Italian Pasta with Chicken: Spaghetti tossed with Roasted Garlic, Tomato, fresh Basil, and Asiago-Herb Crostini
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: House-made Marinara, garnished with Pecorino Romano Cheese and Parsley
- Traditional Cannoli: House-made creamy Cannoli Filling with a hint of Citrus and dusted with Cocoa Powder
- Tiramisù Martini: Stoli Vanil Vodka, Kamora Coffee Liqueur, and Vanilla Cream in a Chocolate-drizzled glass
Pricing at This Disney Restaurant
One of the reasons I come back to this restaurant is its pricing. Food and drinks range from $8-$50 altogether which isn’t bad for a filling lunch or dinner.
It has great options for kids who are picky and the alcoholic drinks I have been recommended each time never miss!
One I tried was available over at Italy Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase so I’m grateful to my hostess who helped me be able to bring my experience home with me.
Why You Should Visit This Disney Restaurant
If you are a sucker for Disney’s backstories for their locations, you’ll love this one.
According to lore, a young aspiring actress from a Sicilian village moved to Hollywood but soon discovered her calling was for cooking instead!
She took her papa’s recipes and opened up a place in a backlot warehouse once used to store film equipment.
Soon she was serving up her Hollywood friends and the Hollywood elite who dubbed her “Mama Melrose.”
You will appreciate the warm and welcoming theme inside and you are treated like family every time.
The comfort food combined with its excellent pricing is bound to treat you right.
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3. Tiffins Restaurant (Animal Kingdom Theme Park)
This restaurant sparked attention when it opened as the first high end dining establishment in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
It laid it roots on the pathway towards Pandora-World of Avatar and is another on this list that was inspired by adventure and exploration.
The theme thrives in the Latin, African and Asian dishes that will make your taste buds explode in a gorgeous palette of flavor you probably have never experienced.
While there isn’t a dress code to attend this place, it is indeed a fancy and classy place to dine while visiting and it shows in its artwork.
You will feel as if you are dining with imagineers who worked on Animal Kingdom as you gaze upon paintings, sculptures, photo collages and even actual notes and field sketches from the people who worked on the park within its 3 stunning dining areas.
In the past, famous Disney Imagineer, Joe Rohde, was known to host dining expeditions here during earth month. Cool right?!?
Dining Options at Tiffins
Similar to Sana’a at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Bread service is never to be skipped.
Try the wild side with the charred octopus and North African Spiced Tofu among others that will tempt you as much as they intrigue.
Best Food at Tiffins
- Tiffins Signature Bread Service: Thai Red Curry Milk Bread, Pão de Queijo, Papadam, Coconut-Curry Sauce, Guava Sauce, Ginger-Pear Chutney
- Turkish Meze Salad: Young Lettuces, Radicchio, Beet Labneh, Strawberries, Pepperoncini, Sliced Carrots, Goat Cheese, Crispy Chickpeas, Za’atar, Lemon Dressing
- Surf & Turf: South African Braai-spiced Beef Tenderloin, Seared Scallops, Truffle Polenta, Grilled Vegetables, Dhania Butter, Cola Demi-glace
- Butter Chicken: Chickpea-Rice Croquette, English Peas, Young Squash, Pickled Onion
- Lobster Macaroni & Cheese: Cheddar, Sherry, Orecchiette Pasta
- Shrimp & Grits: South African Mealie Pap with Roasted Corn and Goat Cheese, Peri-Peri Shrimp, Green Tomato-Apple Chutney
- White Chocolate-Orange Crème Brûlée: Blueberry Cardamom Curd, Amarula Ice Cream, Orange Chutney, Sellou Cookie, Ras el Hanout Candy Crunch
- Lamu Libation: STARR African Rum, Banana Liqueur, Guava Purée with Orange, Lime, and Pineapple Juices topped with Goslings 151 Rum Float
Pricing at This Disney Restaurant
With this being a high-end restaurant, you should expect to pay a bit more, so if you aren’t really willing to try new or different dishes, you may want to try elsewhere.
Food and drinks together will have your bill at about $30- $75 depending on what you order.
This is also factoring in if the 21 and older crowd orders from the specialty wine list, which I recommend you do!
Why You Should Visit This Disney Restaurant
If you are a fan of Joe Rohde, you’ll be excited to know he had a hand in the creation of this restaurant.
The location is easy to find and you are guaranteed an excellent, unique meal.
The atmosphere fits in perfectly with the theme of Animal Kingdom and is perfect for adults due to its range of wine selections, tranquility and views.
Guys, if you want to impress your date, hint hint with this option. This place is on par with others of its kind such as Citricos or Shula’s.
The combination of romance and thrill-seeking adventure will be memorable for your party and your mouth. Making it one of the best restaurants at Disney World for adults!
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4. Teppan Edo (Epcot)
Japan Pavilion is one of the most popular locations to visit in World Showcase.
The land of the rising sun has fascinated travelers for decades and for good reason. Japan is known for its delectable dishes and traditional style.
At Teppan Edo, you get dinner and a show as your meal is cooked by professional Japanese chefs at your table.
If you’re an extrovert and a solo traveler, this is a perfect way for you to meet new people while you dine over authentic dishes.
Let’s see what kind of foods are in store for your visit!
Dining Options at Teppan Edo
Signature Dishes at Teppan Edo are made even more enticing as the skillful chefs create onion volcanoes, Sushi like the popular Ueno and Nihonbashi combinations, as well as Steak, Chicken and Fish.
I have to suggest you try some sake while you’re there for a truly authentic time if you’re 21 and older.
Best Food at Teppan Edo:
- Volcano Roll: Grilled california roll topped with shrimp, scallops and volcano sauce
- Filet Mignon (Hibachi)
- Salmon (Hibachi)
- Ebi (Hibachi)
- Tori (Hibachi)
- Mango Mousse Cake
- Violet Sake: sake shaken with purple pear and lime juice
- Tokyo Sunset: coconut rum, crème de banana, peach schnapps, pineapple juice
Pricing at This Disney Restaurant
As you can only do dinner here, the prices are higher than normal. This is also due to the experience with authentic and traditional Japanese style dishes and dining.
You can expect food and drinks to start at $6.50 and can go as high as $100 plus depending on if you partake on add-ons, which features wagyu beef for $79.
Normally, I have paid no more than $75 here with an appetizer, entrée and beverage.
Why You Should Visit This Disney Restaurant
This is probably the closest you will get to actually dining in Japan! It’s truly a fun, exciting good time with scrumptious food.
What really should entice you is the drinks such as my favorite Tokyo Sunset and Violet Sake.
It’s also another awesome date night spot which can be paired with dining packages that will allow you special seating for the nighttime shows on World Showcase Lagoon.
Making it one of the best restaurants at Disney World for adults!
Read NEXT: 7 Best Restaurants at Epcot that You MUST Try
5. The Edison (Disney Springs)
Have you ever watched or read “The Great Gatsby” and wished you could experience the glamorous parties that ensued in the story?
This is where The Edison right in the heart of Disney Springs comes in!
You are truly in for a spectacular combination of casual dining, luxury, and industrial, Gothic style experiences!
It sounds like none of this would blend well together and yet this place pulls it off magnificently.
On some nights, the entertainment will transport you to the 1920’s with its electric company style architecture and music.
On top of that, it has a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to food which will bring you back to try something new every time.
Dining Options at The Edison
The Edison has a great selection of appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, desserts and specialty alcoholic beverages to choose from!
While the theme caters to adults mostly, it even has some great choices for kids too!
There is so much to choose from, I will just share the popular items on the menu.
Best Food at The Edison
- Eletric-fries: l. burbank fries, Edison sauce, bacon, parmesan and green onion
- DB “Clothsline Candied Bacon”: maple, black pepper, sweet & spicy pickles
- The Edison Burger: signature blend of sirloin, short rib & brisket, white cheddar, Applewood smoked bacon, pickles, lettuce, tomato, Edison Sauce and I. Burbank fries
- Impostor Burger: plant-based Impossible burger patty, vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, kaiser roll with fries
- Cast Iron Apple Pie: flaky pie crust, honey crisp apples, cinnamon, vanilla gelato and bourbon toffee sauce
Pricing at This Disney Restaurant
Prices for dishes and drinks are reasonable which is awesome for a night on the town. They range from $10 to $30.
However, you can spend up to $60 if you get a specialty drink and dessert too which overall isn’t terrible, especially when you get over the top, toe tapping entertainment too.
Hipster Power Tip: Visit during Happy Hour to get half-off selected drinks and appetizers!
Why Should You Visit This Disney Restaurant
This restaurant, since its debut, has been recommended to book in advance and for good reason!
The unique combination of unusual aspects allows for a once in a lifetime experience which lends an excuse to dress up in fashions of the era to have a great time with friends.
The Cast Members and entertainment amp up the almost adrenaline feeling of the 1920’s with luxury theme and Gothic, industrial architecture while allowing you to feel like you’re not breaking the bank with its casual style dining menu.
Its menu also allows you to be able to have numerous options and not feel boxed in to just a selection of the average chicken, fish and vegetarian options you can sometimes see. Making it one of the best restaurants at Disney World for adults!
6. Ale and Compass Restaurant (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort)
As a native to a seafood town, it was inevitable that a seafood restaurant would end up on this list.
Located perfectly at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, this restaurant matches the theme of the resort and a truly amazing place to unwind and relax while recharging the body.
The establishment will remind you of New England with its lighthouse charms and classic seafood dishes.
Dining Options at Ale and Compass
Another casual dining restaurant that will make you feel like New England royalty with dishes such as Truffle fries with roasted shallot mayonnaise, the sustainable catch of the day, Roasted Garlic Shrimp, Pappardelle Pasta with Shrimp , Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and warm apple cobbler.
Is your mouth watering yet? Tip from a Marylander: ask them to put Old Bay on your chicken or fish dishes.
Best Food at Ale and Compass
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: with Stone Ground Mustard Cream, Lemon Emulsion, Succotash and Greens
- Parker House Rolls and Spreads: Bacon Jam, Pub Cheese, Citrus Butter
- Ale & Compass Salad: Watercress, Sorghum, Pumpkin Seeds, Rainbow Carrots, Beets, and Radish with Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup: Artisanal Country Bread, Aged White Cheddar, Gruyère, and Fontina Cheese with Truffle Butter
- Fish & Chips: with House-made Vinegar Chips and Lemon-Caper Tartar Sauce
- Cabernet-braised Short Ribs: Roasted Vegetable Mash and Barbecue Demi
- New England Seafood Pot Pie: Shrimp, Scallops, Jumbo Lump Crab, and Sustainable Catch of the Day with Baby Carrots, Pearl Onions, Peas, Potatoes, and Crustacean Cream with a Flaky Crust
- Twelve-Layer Chocolate Cake: Flourless Chocolate Cake and Ganache served with Milk-Coffee Chantilly
Pricing at this Disney Restaurant
With this place in particular, I focused on the lunch and dinner menu as the breakfast menu is pretty standard but still worth visiting.
Dinner at any Walt Disney World restaurant tends to be higher but it usually has more food options. In this case, it’s the opposite.
Lunch is the better option as it has more food variety and the prices are better. Food and drinks range between $10 to $30, which is majorly reasonable and perfect for a relaxing break from the parks with an enjoyable, filling meal.
You can expect to pay between $45-$60. I personally have paid no more than $50 due to splurging on an appetizer or alcoholic drink.
Why You Should Visit This Disney Restaurant
This is one of the few places on property that allows you to enjoy mouthwatering seafood dishes that won’t break the bank.
It’s in a very lovely resort, which will allow you to explore a bit and maybe even see if it’s worth staying at on your next visit.
Everything from the food to the atmosphere is extremely comforting and perfect for some nautical photo-ops. Making it one of the best places to eat at Disney World for adults!
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7. California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
I simply had to finish this list with what I consider the best that I have had to date, which is saying something as it beat out some other favorites like Sanna’a and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.
Located at the very top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and offering up extraordinary views of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, lies California Grill.
It’s true to its name with its pacific coast inspired décor and architecture.
You will take a private elevator to the 15th floor to be introduced to vibrant flavors of sushi, seafood and American dishes in an onstage kitchen.
This is one of the ultimate places to experience signature dining with equally signature views.
Dining Options at California Grill
You will get the best of the best when it comes to Californian cuisine here combined with a true melting pot of international flavors, just like the culture of the state itself.
Making it one of the best places to eat at Disney World for adults!
The menu also changes seasonally to match the changing of seasonal items from the state so you can experience a unique specialty dish every season.
Mouthwatering sushi, pasta, fish, steak and more await you.
Best Food at Disney’s California Grill:
Hipster Power Tip: The menu is constantly changing so if you see something you’re interested in, make that reservation ASAP!
Pricing at This Disney Restaurant
I will be transparent; this is probably the priciest restaurant on this list. You should expect to drop around $100 for your experience here.
In terms of price, the food and drinks range from $18 to $60 but the quality of the food combined with the luxurious experience makes it truly unforgettable.
Why You Should Visit This Disney Restaurant
You cannot beat an experience like this, especially during a Halloween or Christmas party night where you essentially get treated to a free firework show.
You are given the VIP experience from the elevator ride up to when you leave the resort. The food is magnificent tied with that rich, cultural pacific coast ambiance.
It is important to note that this is the only restaurant on this list with a dress code which can be found here from the Walt Disney World Website:
“Guests are asked to adhere to the minimum dress code requirements at this Signature Dining experience. Dressier attire is also welcome.
Please explore the minimum dress code requirements: Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.
Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.”
So, I hope that helps when it comes to choosing your perfect Disney World outfit for this restaurant.
Recommended: Get More Disney Food Reviews and Tips here!
My Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Disney Restaurants for Adults
One of the biggest parts of planning your Walt Disney World trip is where you will be dining, so it’s a given to research the best places to get a one-of-a-kind experience with food to match.
You’re paying a lot of money so you want to get your money’s worth.
With the places I shared in this list, whether you want casual dining or a signature dining, you will get the best that Disney has to offer as far as food, ambiance, and theme.
What’s one of the best Disney World restaurants for adults to you? Let us know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home.
(Original Article Date: September 14, 2020/Updated by Editor on July 22, 2024)