The Wave is located right off the lobby of the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. The Wave is a modern American-style restaurant serving a menu of sustainable and locally sourced foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Let's dig in for a meal and our Wave of American Flavors Dining review.
There tends to be a lot of last-minute availability for this one and a great fill in if you can't get another pick on your list. We have been very happy with both the dinner and breakfast options at this stop.
The Wave of American Flavors Breakdown
- Service: Table-Service
- Type of Food: Steak, Chicken, Seafood, Vegetarian-Friendly, Allergy Options
- Price: $$$
- Location: Contemporary Resort
- Disney Dining Plan: Yes, 1 Credits
- Discounts: Annual Passholder, Tables in Wonderland
- Features: Reservations, Alcohol, Full Bar
- Good For: Special Occasion Dining, Romance
- Menu: Official Disney Dinner Menu
Front of the Wave Restaurant
The entrance to the Wave is located on the first floor of the Contemporary hotel to the right of the check-in desks. So many people miss this as they are rushing for the elevators but the sleek modern look definitely makes it a picture worthy stop.
A look at the menu from the Wave at Disney World.
Wave of American Flavors Dishes
The following is a couple of the featured dishes on their menu.
Complimentary bread and butter with sea salt served at the Wave.
With every meal at the Wave, they bring you out some tasty bread and sea salt butter to start your meal off with.
If you like your pork cooked well done then this isn't the dish for you. Grilled Pork Tenderloin comes with a three-Potato and Bacon Hash, Broccolini, Blackberry-Barbecue Sauce. The BBQ sauce that topped this was pretty subtle but a great complement with this dish.
Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Glazed Carrots, Potato-Celeriac Mash, Red Wine Reduction
Out of all our dishes, the tenderloin is our favorite one we have feasted on.
A friend ordered the Seared Potato Gnocchi. It was served with Butternut Squash, Forest Mushrooms, Rainbow Swiss Chard, Brown Butter-Parmesan-Sage Cream. She gave it two thumbs up, this is a great vegetarian option here.
On another visit, I ordered a beef short rib for dinner and it was pretty good. The meat itself was similar to pot roast but packed with lots of flavors. The sauce really makes the dish. I also thought the mashed potatoes and vegetables were amazing!
My husband was sorta shocked to get this dish. It was marked a noodle bowl, he wasn't expecting traditional Ramen. He did, however, end up enjoying it.
Espresso with a Chocolate Dessert Flight.
The wave of American Flavors Recommendation
So to wrap up our Wave of American Flavors dining review, I think the restaurant is a hidden gem inside of the Contemporary Resort. All the attention seems to go to the California Grill which sits at the top of the same hotel. Don't get me wrong, California Grill is amazing and our favorite spot to eat at on property, but the Wave is just as flavorful and good in its own right. The Wave gives you some more affordable options, though their filet isn't quite as good as California Grill. We also think the Wave serves up some of the best breakfast on Disney property, be sure to check out our review on that as well.
If you are interested in booking a reservation for Wave of American Flavors you can do so through My Disney Experience.
Want more dining tips? Check out our Best Disney World Restaurants recommendations along with Worst Disney Dining Sit Down Restaurants. If you are visiting with young ones read our Best Places to Eat with Kids at Disney World.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
