Dining at Disneyland Resort

Plenty of delicious dining options offer something for every guest at the Disneyland Resort

From fast-casual fare to haute cuisine, the menu of dining options at the Disneyland Resort offers something for every guest. Here, waffles with the Disney characters are as celebrated as the spectacular creations at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge.

The rise in fine dining at the Disneyland Resort is often an unexpected delight.

• Napa Rose (American, $$$). This elegant award-winning restaurant offers an incomparable selection of wines and serves contemporary cuisine inspired by California's rich bounty of fine, fresh ingredients. Celebrate a special occasion or just savour an exceptional dining experience at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
• Steakhouse 55 (American/Steakhouse, $$$). For a delicious breakfast or elegant dinner, Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel offers a fresh update on the classic steakhouse with an intimate ambiance and a decadent wine cellar. Named for — and a throwback to — the year Disneyland Park opened, this atmospheric restaurant takes you on a journey back to when excellent service and savoury steaks were the order of the day — every day.
• Storytellers Café (American, $$). Classic Californian books come to life at this inviting restaurant at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa that celebrates the age-old tradition of storytelling. A Character Breakfast is hosted by Chip 'n Dale every morning.

Theme park eats – Disney California Adventure Park

• Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge (American, $$$). Designed to be one of the premier dining locations at the Disneyland Resort. The cuisine is the star, with artisan ingredients, locally sourced produce, seafood and meats from throughout Southern California.
• Flo's V8 Café (American, $). Cruise on in to Flo's V8 Café and fill up your tank on classic American cuisine with a new spin. Inspired by the timeless drive-up diners along Route 66, Flo's V8 Cafe celebrates the pioneering spirit of the open road. If you're looking for the most popular restaurant in all of Carburetor County, just head towards the signature 27-foot-tall neon V8 sign!
• Pacific Wharf Café (American, $). Drop anchor and take a break on the peaceful waterfront at the Pacific Wharf Café — a charming counter-service restaurant from Boudin Bakery, the famous artisanal bakery in San Francisco. Soak up the sunny day, watch the ducks float by or toss a penny into the sparkling blue Paradise Bay and make a wish.
• Lucky Fortune Cookery (Asian, $). For a quick meal that doesn't taste "fast," order a warm satisfying Asian rice bowl — made just the way you like it! Dine outdoors under the colourful umbrellas and soak in the sights and sounds of the festive wharf location.
• Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta (Italian, $). Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta prepares hearty Italian favourites with a California twist, offering something for everyone, from hearty pasta dishes to delicious salads and flatbread pizzas with flavours from traditional cheese to Portobello mushroom and spinach with pesto.
• Wine Country Trattoria (Italian, $$). To while away a lunch, dine al fresco at Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery, with a menu of pastas, grilled sandwiches and California wines by the glass. At dinner, the menu adds braised beef ravioli, herb-roasted chicken breast and braised lamb shank. The Alfresco Tasting Terrace, on the second floor of the Golden Vine Winery, offers small plates of classic Mediterranean favourites complemented by wines from the “Disney Family of Wines,” a collection whose vintners have a personal connection to the Disney name.

Theme park eats – Disneyland Park

• Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (American, $). Have a Jolly Holiday with Mickey Krispie Treats, chocolate croissants and other goodies at this bakery that also serves scrumptious sandwiches, entrée-sized salads, soup, quiche and kid favourites.
• Carnation Café (American, $$). This charming diner offers a perfect perch to people watch as the world passes down Main Street, U.S.A.. From your cozy spot under candy-cane striped umbrellas, enjoy updated dishes of classic comfort food — including a few of Walt's favourite treats, like homemade meatloaf and chicken-fried chicken.
• Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue (American, $$). Chow down on cowboy-style grub in this rustic ranch setting, complete with toe-tappin' country music and an all-you-care-to-eat barbecue feast.
• Blue Bayou (Cajun-Creole, $$$). Inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, Guests at the Blue Bayou sit "outdoors" in perpetual twilight, surrounded by winking fireflies and the soothing sounds of the bayou's crickets and frogs, while boats filled with Guests heading into pirate-filled Caribbean waters drift past.
• Plaza Inn (American, $$). Take a break at the Victorian-themed Plaza Inn and enjoy hearty classic American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner at one of the original Disneyland Park landmarks. The ornate Victorian décor offers a grand setting for any meal. When the weather is good, you may want to dine outside on the Plaza Inn patio, which is a great spot for people watching or for viewing parades on Main Street, U.S.A.
• French Market Restaurant (American/Cajun-Creole, $). Sit a spell under hanging ferns, wrought-iron balconies and shady awnings, and savour Southern classics like jambalaya and Cajun Chicken Salad at this cafeteria-style eatery. Watch the Mark Twain Riverboat paddle down the Rivers of America, tap your toes to a Dixieland jazz band and enjoy a peaceful break in true New Orleans style.

Downtown Disney District

• Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen (Cajun-Creole/Steakhouse, $$). Pass under the striped awning of Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen and you'll think you've been transported to the French Quarter. The authentic New Orleans cuisine and nightly live jazz make this a great spot to dine and relax.
• Catal Restaurant (Mediterranean/Steakhouse, $$). Savour, celebrate and indulge in old-world romance at a restaurant where homespun hospitality meets gourmet cuisine. Catal Restaurant specializes in modern interpretations of classic Mediterranean favourites. Dine inside or enjoy the airy patio with a sparkling second-story view overlooking the Downtown Disney District.
• ESPN Zone (American, $$). An eye-catching marquee featuring sports news and trivia illuminates the entrance to this temple of all things ESPN! Whether you're craving a sit-down dining experience or want to catch the game on one of more than 120 HDTVs — including one that measures 16 feet — you'll walk away feeling like a winner!
• House of Blues (American/Cajun-Creole, $$). Celebrate the spirit of the American South with world-class live music and lip-smacking soul food at this plantation-style estate turned rollicking rock n' roll palace. Feast on delectable American and international inspired dishes that are bold and classic yet contemporary and enjoy the funky American folk art and live musical performances on the House of Blues® Stage.
• Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italian, $$). Celebrate the charm, cuisine and comfort of southern Italy at this classic Neapolitan restaurant. The pizza-toting harlequin statue above the door promises both good food and good times. With two levels of table-service, wood-fired pizzas and an award-winning wine list, there's something delightful for the entire family!
• Tortilla Jo's (Mexican, $$). Every señor and señorita will find something to enjoy in this brightly coloured multi-story cantina with savoury, spicy Mexican cuisine, served with south of the border hospitality. On the move? Visit the attached Taqueria at Tortilla Jo's for a casual quick bite.

Insider information on Disneyland Resort dining

Where is the best steak, sushi and dining alfresco? Here are some tips on Disneyland Resort dining:

Most romantic dinner spot: It's a toss-up between Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and a corner table at Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel.

Favourite spots for outdoor dining: The terrace at Wine Country Trattoria, the patio at Carthay Circle Restaurant and the back patio at Flo's V-8 Cafe in Cars Land, all at Disney California Adventure Park; Carnation Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A., the front porch of Plaza Inn and River Belle Terrace (where Walt Disney apparently used to have breakfast on Sunday mornings), all in Disneyland Park; the terrace at Napa Rose, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; Uva Bar, Downtown Disney District.

How to order kosher meals: Kosher meals are available at most table-service restaurants at the Disneyland Resort. A 24-hour notice is required, and the meals are purchased from an outside vendor. Guests also may bring their own preferred kosher products.

Fill ‘er up: Favourite self-serve, buffet-style restaurants include breakfast at Plaza Inn, Disneyland Park; Goofy's Kitchen (brunch and dinner), the Disneyland Hotel; breakfast at Disney's PCH Grill, Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel; and breakfast at Storytellers Cafe, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Where is Mickey Mouse? Best place to find the Big Cheese is Surf's Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends at Disney's PCH Grill at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.

Best steak dinner: Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel (the generous bone-in rib-eye is a hands-down favourite), or the grilled filet of Angus beef tenderloin at Napa Rose.

Best cup of coffee: Starbucks at Market House on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park, and at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe at Disney California Adventure Park.

Best vegetarian: All table-service restaurants offer vegetarian choices, but for creations with the season's freshest ingredients, guests may try Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar at Downtown Disney District, or Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Tops for families: Gather round the table for breakfast or dinner at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, where the Disney characters will have you dancing, or Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland Park, with twinkling lights and a magical ambience. Storytellers Cafe at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa spurs family conversation with beautiful wall murals that depict tall tales set in the Golden State's early days.

Grown-ups' night out: For an evening without the kids, favourites include Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Steakhouse 55, at the Disneyland Hotel.

Best place to grab a quick sandwich: Cozy Cone Motel, Disney California Adventure Park; Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and Hungry Bear in Disneyland Park; Earl of Sandwich or La Brea Bakery at Downtown Disney District.

Outstanding wine list: Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers a selection of 80 wines by the glass from an award-winning list of more than 450 international wines (80 per cent Californian) and a 17,000-bottle cellar.

Best lounges: Steakhouse 55 or Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar, both at the Disneyland Hotel; Napa Rose or Hearthstone Lounge, both at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and the lounge downstairs at Carthay Circle Restaurant, in Disney California Adventure Park.