Though I usually spend the majority of my trip inside Walt Disney World resort, there are a handful of times that I duck out of the theme parks to experience what the state of Florida has to offer, especially when it comes to food.
Whether we visit a local restaurant or have their food delivered to our hotel room via GrubHub or DoorDash, these are the best restaurants near Disney World I highly recommend you try next time you visit:
4 Rivers Smokehouse
As one of the top Orlando restaurants near Disney World, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a barbeque lover’s dream come true. The menu is chock full of delicacies including pulled pork, smokehouse sliders, and BBQ street tacos.
Prices are definitely on the affordable side and your portions are quite generous. They also have a kid’s menu that serves regular favorites like hot dogs and chicken nuggets, so you can still find something for those picky eaters of yours.
They’re a local chain restaurant and have 13 locations with four more being added soon. They’re located in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Winter Garden (to name a few).
Read more: BEST OUTDOOR DINING AT DISNEY WORLD
Domu
If you want to get out of your resort, you may want to head over to Domu. While this restaurant only offers dine-in options, you won’t regret stopping in for this atmospheric dining experience.
The menu is created by Chef Sean “Sonny” Nguyen, who puts a creative spin on seasonal cocktails and small plates, all of which truly embrace Japanese techniques. They have earned a number of accolades including being part of the Florida Michelin Guide 2022 and earning the title of “Best Ramen 2022” by Jacksonville Magazine’s Best in Jax issue.
Each location has a different menu which includes countless unique variations of ramen. You can add on extras like Japanese beech mushrooms or braised pork belly to satisfy your tastebuds. This is one restaurant that feels like it should be at Disney Springs. Petition to make it happen!
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a popular restaurant chain that specializes in yakiniku, a style of Japanese barbecue. With origins in Japan, Gyu-Kaku has gained international recognition for its unique dining experience and delicious grilled cuisine.
Stepping into a Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ restaurant, you’ll find a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The restaurant’s tables each have individual grilling stations integrated, allowing you to become a chef and cook your food to perfection.
The menu at Gyu-Kaku offers a wide variety of high-quality meats, seafood, and vegetables, along with a selection of flavorful marinades and sauces. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing premium cuts of beef, such as wagyu, ensuring that diners enjoy the rich and succulent flavors unique to Japanese cuisine. From thinly sliced beef tongue to marinated short ribs, the menu caters to different preferences and provides options for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans.
This spot is right by Disney College Program housing in Flamingo Crossing. For more information, you can check it out here.
Bull and Bear Steakhouse
When it comes to restaurants near Disney World Orlando, whatever you do, don’t sleep on Bull and Bear Steakhouse tucked inside the Waldorf Astoria.
This local Orlando restaurant is perfect for date night and other special occasions. Here, guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience and will have to dress to impress. Unsurprisingly, the restaurant was named one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the United States by OpenTable.
The menu is the epitome of sophistication and includes their famous fried chicken, lamb, and Oyster Rockefeller. Prices here are on the expensive side with entrees reaching almost $200 (here’s looking at you Tomahawk for Two at $180). If you’re looking for a splurge, Bull and Bear Steakhouse provides ample delicious options.
Poke Hana
Skip the Polynesian Resort and chow down on some real, authentic Hawaiian cuisine at Poke Hana! The vibe here is super relaxing and the menu matches it. They serve the freshest fish and produce and the majority of their seasonings come directly from the island of Hawaii for an authentic dining experience.
They serve a variety of poke bowls including those with spicy tuna, ahi tuna, and fresh shoyu salmon. Bowls are about $15 each. If you still want to get a Disney vibe, order the Shark Bait Salmon Taco or the Hei Hei Chicken Taco!
You can conveniently order online, too, which is great!
Read more: BEST LAST MINUTE DINING RESERVATIONS TO GET AT DISNEY WORLD
Hawkers
Inspired by the bustling food markets found in Southeast Asia, Hawkers offers a unique and immersive dining experience that transports you to the bustling streets of Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. From aromatic curries and sizzling stir-fries to tantalizing noodles and fragrant rice dishes, the menu at Hawkers offers a wide array of options to suit every palate. Whether you’re a fan of savory Pad Thai, flavorful Vietnamese pho, or spicy Szechuan chicken, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available, ensuring that all dietary preferences are catered to.
What sets Hawkers apart is the street food concept itself. The dishes are served in smaller portions, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors and create their own personalized tasting adventure. This encourages a shared dining experience, where friends and family can gather around the table, trying different dishes and sharing their culinary discoveries.
Agave Azul
If you’re looking for a local restaurant near Disney World that serves authentic Mexican cuisine, check out Agave Azul. They have four locations (including Windermere, Winter Springs, Orlando, Doctor Phillips, and Winter Park). The Windermere location is closest to the Magic Kingdom.
The menu is full of modern twists on traditional Mexican cuisine and cocktails and their signature dishes certainly have a flair for the dramatic. They have a very large menu, which includes everything from fajita burritos, rice balls, tamales, and street corn.
The margarita menu is truly spectacular and I highly recommend a Night in Tulum. This features Monte Alban Silver and mango, ancho reyes, 400 Conejos Mezcal, and a pressed lime rim. It’s delicious and dangerous (so get a designated driver). Prices are competitive with similar restaurants and will set you back about $20-$25 per entree.
Portillo’s
Maybe you don’t want something fancy but would rather have something cheap that still tastes great. If so, head on over to Portillo’s in Orlando. They offer both take-out and delivery and sell charbroiled burgers, hot dogs, and salads (to name a few).
The dining experience reminds me of a Five Guys or a Nifty Fifty only a bit more elevated. They originated in Chicago before branching out into other territories such as Florida. This is a fun restaurant to try, especially if you’re spending the afternoon at the Orlando outlets or visiting friends who happen to live nearby. It’s quick and delicious and highly recommended.
Bosphorus
Bosphorus serves Turkish cuisine so it’s a restaurant near Disney World that’s definitely better suited for more adventurous eaters. If you enjoy the food at the Morocco pavilion at Epcot, then you’ll probably enjoy this because a lot of the food is on the spicier side.
The menu includes appetizers like humus, fried calamari, and cold cucumber dip, with variations of chicken, lamb, and beef as the main course. The kebabs are my favorite, so I highly recommend trying the Beef Sis or Special Beyti Kebap, which features lamb, Turkish peppers, and garlic.
The menu here is moderately priced and will cost you about $20-$30 for your main course. If you can, try and save some room for some pistachio gelato or Kunfee, which is a shredded filo dough.
Read more: 75 DISNEY DINING TIPS
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream is a beloved ice cream parlor that has become a staple in the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts. With a commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and a dedication to craftsmanship, Kelly’s offers a delightful array of homemade ice creams that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
When you step into Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, you are greeted by whimsical decor and a charming ambiance that reflects the joy of indulging in a sweet treat. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to guide you through the extensive menu and help you discover your new favorite flavor.
The menu at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream features an ever-changing selection of flavors, including both timeless classics and seasonal specialties. From velvety chocolate and smooth vanilla bean to imaginative concoctions like salted caramel pretzel and honey lavender, there is an abundance of choices to satisfy every palate. Vegan and dairy-free options are also available, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the delightful experience as well.
Pio Pio Restaurant
One restaurant near Disney World that offers flavors you can’t find elsewhere is Pio Pio Restaurant, which offers some of the best Colombian cuisine in all of Florida.
They deliver, which is good news for you at your Disney resort. Plus, the food is excellent, which is good news for your tastebuds. Every menu item is better than the next one, and I recommended the Lomo Saltado or Grilled Skirt Steak. These items cost around $22-$23 and pair beautifully with one of their tropical juices.
Guru Restaurant
Their name says it all: they’re the guru of delicious Indian cuisine. Like other restaurants on this list, the cuisine at Guru Restaurant is spicy and chock full of immense flavor. Don’t sleep on this restaurant if you love Indian cuisine.
Entrees are pretty affordable at about $17-$18 a piece. If you’re like my husband and love, love, love Indian cuisine, then go for the Lamb SaagWala, which is cooked with spinach and sauteed onion. If you’re a little hesitant about the flavors like me, then go with the Beef Korma. It’s beef cooked in a rich cream sauce and it’s ✨ chef’s kiss ✨.
Read more: DISNEY WORLD RESORT DINING
Have you visited any of these local restaurants near Disney World? If so, which one? We’d love to know. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more Disney tips and information on the best restaurants near Disney World Orlando.
As a self-proclaimed Mouseketeer, Courtney Dercqu is a fan of all things Disney. Between decorating her desk with souvenirs from the park, to making unique mouse ears and having a dedicated Disney Instagram, Courtney is a true believer in the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. Having had more than 200 articles published on various content, Courtney’s excited to share her knowledge and experience with everyone! Be sure to follow her on Instagram for all the Disney magic.
