The Absolute Best Disneyland Restaurants

Inspired by the executive lounges at the 1964 New York World's Fair, Walt dreamt up Club 33—the "secret" restaurant tucked within the "Captain's Quarters" building at the entrance to Adventureland—as a place he could take his corporate sponsors and special guests. Unfortunately, he passed about five months before it opened, so he never got to use it himself. Still, the uber-exclusive concept he had for it remains, complete with a rumored initiation fee of $33,000. (And that does not include the annual fee.)

If you're willing to pay, you'll find—by far—the finest dining in the park. While the menu is said to rotate seasonally, past menus have featured fresh ravioli, Scottish king salmon, chateaubriand, creme brûlée, and apple crêpes.

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Situated right in the middle of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, this sit-down restaurant excels at things you might think you don't want to eat on scorching summer day...but, secretly, really do. We're talking risotto, pasta, fish, and meat—i.e. the best of Louisiana dining.

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A little bit of luxury in the middle of California Adventure, this restaurant is both a total break from the parks and quite magical in its own right, as it makes you feel like you've stepped into Golden Age Hollywood. There's perfect waiter service, delicious steak, and, if you time your dinner right, a top-notch view of the fireworks. Just make sure to request a seat on the balcony patio!

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From pretty much anywhere you sit in the Lamplight Lounge, you're treated to a spectacular view of Pixar Pier. Take advantage of the copious, film-themed cocktail options while you're there—and even the mocktails are delicious. (May we suggest "Mint to Be," crafted simply with limeade, watermelon, berry purée, and fresh mint over soda water?) As for sustenance, you've got to dig into those lobster nachos.

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While we're discussing Disneyland, that doesn't mean we're restricting this conversation to the parks. There's quite the winner at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, too: Napa Rose. Both in its design and menu—the latter by the incredible Chef Andrew Sutton—Napa Rose is an ode to Disneyland's home state. Entree options include Strawberry-Lime Dusted Salmon and Roasted Colorado Lamb Rack Chops. (Salivating yet?) Plus, it boasts an award-winning wine list—because, after all, this is California.

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Of course, we couldn't exclude Downtown Disney either, and this is the first of your two DD options: Naples Ristorante e Bar. This classic Neapolitan eatery serves up chicken parm, meatballs galore, and, of course, the region's famed thin-crust pizza. And did we mention gelato? Buon appetito!

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Behold your second Downtown Disney option: Splitsville Luxury Lanes. It's a restaurant and bowling alley with a vintage vibe and a wide array of dining options: We're talking sushi, burgers, pizza, and craft cocktails all in one place. Plus, Splitsville has a massive exterior patio—all the better to people watch. That is, of course, if your eyes aren't on the lanes!

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We're not almost there—we're finally here! As of September 7, 2023, Tiana's Palace became Disneyland's newest dining destination—one that we (and everyone else) couldn't be more excited about. Taking over for Cafe Orleans, the Princess and the Frog-inspired eatery also boasts Nawlins-style food (with some ingredients shipped in directly from Louisiana). Just a few of the mouthwatering choices on the menu include Cajun chicken with mac & cheese, shrimp and grits with a Creole sauce, a plant-based gumbo, and—our personal favorite—the house beignet, which features a lemon-ice-box-pie filling and a lemon glaze finish.

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Another relatively new addition to our list is the Lucky Fortune Cookery, which you'll find in California Adventure's Big Hero 6-themed San Fransokyo Square. You're going to want both the crispy chicken sandwich and the potstickers. But you're not going to be able to leave without the Baymax Macaron, a chocolate-, hazelnut-, and buttercream-filled delight in the shape of the movie's big squish. (Comb the area, and you'll also find Baymax Bread!)

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Named after the iconic Mary Poppins song, this Main Street bakery is filled to the brim with seasonal pastries and desserts. (For fall, there's a Poison Apple Macaron, a Mickey Bat Cookie, and a Pumpkin Chai Cream Puff. Plus, this coveted Rose Gold Macaron, available all year round.) Don't sleep on the savory items either: The Toasted Cheese (melted cheddar on toasted sourdough) is a dream.

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You don't have to go to a galaxy far, far away for a Star Wars-inspired meal. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo has all the galactic grub a Jedi could ask for (including vegetarian options). Our favorite is the Endorian Fried Chicken Tip-Yip, a.k.a. crispy chicken with roasted pepper mash, country gravy, and charred broccolini.

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Found on California Adventure's Pacific Wharf, this is the place to go if you're craving a quick-yet-hearty meal. People flock early for the burritos, tamales, corn, and more—so if that appeals, it's best to get there as soon as you hit the area.

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The perfect way to gear up for the endless lines at the uber-popular Cars Land is by filling up your tank with the comfort food classics at Flo's V8 Cafe, of course. Luckily, you can stay on the move by pre-ordering your picks. You can't go wrong with the Ka-Cheeseburger or Flo's Famous Fried Chicken, but if you're on the hunt for something green (as we all occasionally are after one too many Mickey ice creams), opt for the Cobb de Ville Salad.

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The second Star Wars-themed spot on this list, Ronto Roasters is an "exotic" meat stall—naturally, as it's located right in the middle of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The item on the menu is the Ronto Wrap, which includes roasted pork and grilled pork sausage wrapped in a pita and topped with peppercorn sauce and a tangy slaw. (FYI, veggie lovers: They also do plant-based sausage version of this with kimchi.)

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Haters will say this is just a corn dog stand, but we're guessing they've never had these corn dogs. They are perfectly seasoned, fluffy, and luxurious bites, all stacked on sticks for convenience's sake. In other words, they are a dream.

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Two words: Dole. Whip. On the off chance you don't know, Dole Whip is Dole's dairy-free, soft-serve ice cream made with blended pineapple. And it's more than a dessert...it's an obsession. For the longest time, Disney theme parks were one of the few places you could actually get it, which is perhaps what added to its lore. Believe us when we say that this little bit of Hawaiian goodness in a cone is very much worth the hype.

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If you don't make it into Tiana's Palace, then, yes, you have to make it to the Mint Julep Bar for the Mickey-shaped beignets. (Don't forget to shake up the bag to properly distribute the powdered sugar!) Beyond that, there's one more important item at this French Market Restaurant: the inspiration behind its name, a Mint Julep. It is, without a doubt, the most refreshing drink in all of Disneyland.

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Okay, we can't deny that half of the reason we're taking you to the Cozy Cone Motel is the aesthetic. Sitting in the middle of all these oversized traffic cones is the photo op you need. But we're also here for a fully adult beverage: the Orange Cone-sicle. We're talking orange-vanilla cream slush topped with whipped cream and a healthy splash of vanilla vodka. Parents, you're welcome.

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Apart from a Dole Whip, Clarabelle's on Buena Vista Street has the best ice cream in the park. There is hand-dipped ice cream galore (including this Snickers Sundae) and plenty of Mickey-themed frozen treats to choose from.

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It's not an overstatement to say that Disney's churros are iconic. As they put it, they're "pastry wands of fried dough coated in cinnamon, sugary goodness." Magical, indeed. You'll find these carts scattered throughout the parks.

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