Animal Kingdom Lunch – 8 Best Places to Eat You Will Love
Animal Kingdom is one of the most diverse parks in Disney World, and you can rest assured that restaurant selections are just as adventurous as the park itself. Whether you’re visiting the parks during the holidays, or enjoying a summer vacation with the family, you’re eventually going to want look for a tasty Animal Kingdom lunch. Here are your best options!
Animal Kingdom Lunch Options
Let’s begin with the Yak & Yeti restaurant.
#1: Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Type: Table Service
Cost: $12 – $40
Cuisine: Asian & Nepalese
Located: Asia
This restaurant tops the list because it’s simply a favorite of mine, as well a majority of my friends and family. It’s beautifully decorated and the decor is authentic to its surroundings. The menu is extensive with an impressive assortment of appetizers and noodle based dishes.
The Ahi Tuna Nachos are delicious, and the Dragon Roll Bowl is a personal favorite. If you’re not a seafood lover, the Chicken Tikka Masala is excellent. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations. This restaurant is a must try, and I’d argue one of the best places to eat at Animal Kingdom.
#2: Yak & Yeti (quick service)
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $20 and Under
Cuisine: Asian & Nepalese
Located: Asia
Yes, you read correctly. This is a quick service restaurant of the same name as its table service counterpart. This is a perfect option for those who want something a little different than traditional theme park food, but don’t want to take the time for a sit down lunch. The menu does differ from the Yak & Yeti restaurant, but there is still a great selection.
There are classics for the kids, such as Cheeseburgers and Chicken Strips. They offer a fantastic Kobe Cheeseburger, as well as a quinoa Veggie Burger if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. If you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone, the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich packs a punch, with homemade kimchi slaw and honey heat sauce.
The only downside to Yak & Yeti is that it’s one of the more popular quick service restaurants in the park, and if you’re stopping by during prime lunch hours, a line is nearly unavoidable. Seating is also outdoors only, which means keep an eye on the weather. It’s no fun to try to find a table or eat in the rain.
#3: Harambe Market
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: African & American Selections
Located: Africa
I love Harambe Market because it has a great selection of food for the whole family. Not only that, it’s easy to grab and go. This is a great option for kids because they offer neutral selections like chicken and rice and chicken nuggets, while also offering more adventurous options for adults. The Harambe Salad is a Mediterranean inspired salad, and my go-to here. It’s packed with great ingredients and a lighter, healthier option. The ribs & chicken bowls are a solid choice if you’re looking for something heartier.
Keep in mind that like many attractions and shops in Animal Kingdom, this is an open air market with outdoor seating. On a nice day, it’s perfect. But in the heat of the summer with unpredictable afternoon storms, seating can be hit or miss.
#4: Flame Tree BBQ
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $20 and Under
Cuisine: BBQ
Located: Discovery Island
This is my boyfriend’s favorite restaurant in the entire park, and if we aren’t sitting down to lunch at Yak & Yeti, we’re at Flame Tree BBQ. This is a massive bbq located on Discovery Island headed towards Dinoland. I appreciate the ease of ordering and eating here.
Because the space is so big, it’s fairly easy to find a place to sit, and unlike other outdoor restaurants, there is a decent amount of shaded seating here. I could go on about sitting outdoors in the heat of the summer, but at this point we can agree that’s inevitable in the Animal Kingdom. However, the view is more picturesque than other spots, and you can enjoy lunch looking out over the lake.
In regards to food, this is decent quality bbq at a reasonable price. It’s a tad bit on the heavy side for me for lunch, but the meat eaters in my family LOVE this restaurant. The Pulled Pork Sandwich is delicious, and the Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork is a treat – seriously so delicious but I’m always ready for a nap immediately afterwards. The portion sizes are on the larger side and entrees are sharable if you’re looking for something a little lighter.
#5: Restaurantosaurus
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: American
Located: Dinoland
I’m including this on the list because it’s such a hit with the kids, and probably one of the only restaurants in the parks my nephews know by name. I’ll be honest, in regards to the food itself, it’s nothing spectacular to write home about.
But there is a good variety of kid friendly menu items, as well as classic American favorites, like hot dogs and hamburgers. I’ll admit Walt’s Main Street Fried Chicken Sandwich is delicious, and for the vegetarians in your party, you can find an impossible burger here. This is a great place if you have a few pickier eaters in your party.
Food aside, the ambiance is what really makes this place fun. The decor is cute and kitschy without going over the top with the dinosaur theme. You’ll also find indoor seating here which is rare. Expect it to be pretty busy during the summer and on stormy days.
#6: Tusker House
Type: Character Dining
Cost: $40 – $60
Cuisine: African
Located: Africa
If you’re looking for a character dining experience in Animal Kingdom, Tusker House is your go-to. This is one of my favorite character dinings because where else can you enjoy a meal with your favorite characters dressed up for a safari? The decor is on point, as the space immerses you in a realistic Harambe marketplace. I enjoy taking advantage of lunch dining options as reservations are a little easier to come by, and the space won’t be quite as crowded.
Food is served family style, and is fairly heavy on the meat so if you’re looking for a filling, hearty meal, this is your place. The Za’tar Braised Beef and Chermoula Salmon are standouts, and there is a decent selection of vegetables and vegetarian options. Aside from the decor and of course the characters, the kids’ options aren’t anything to write home about. If you don’t have voracious eaters, this is a bit of a pricey lunchtime experience.
#7: Pizzafari
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: American
Located: Discovery Island
This is a fun, traditional pizza restaurant and much like something you’d expect to find in a theme park. This restaurant is hard to miss, and it’s vibrant, colorful decor is what makes it one of my favorites. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, this is a solid option.
There’s a variety of different pizzas, and the restaurant does a good job of accommodating dietary restrictions. It’s a hit with the kids, and honestly who doesn’t like pizza? This is a great option to keep in your back pocket if you’re in the area and looking for a quick bite to eat.
#8: Tiffins
Type: Table Service
Cost: $10 – $70
Cuisine: South American Specialties
Located: Discovery Island
Tiffins is a treat, and a signature dining experience in the Disney parks. This restaurant embodies the excitement of an expedition, and the menu plays perfectly into the theme. You’ll be treated to three intricately decorated dining rooms, celebrating the cultures of Africa and Asia. The number one reason why this restaurant is a standout on my list is because it’s truly an escape. For a brief moment in time, you forget that you’re in the middle of a theme park.
This is an extremely unique dining experience with an adventurous menu. That being said, be prepared for the price to match the menu offerings. While this is one of the priciest dining selections in the park, it’s still reasonable in my opinion compared to other premier dining locations property wide. I highly recommend reservations, as it’s fairly difficult to just drop in for lunch.
In regards to menu items, there’s such a wide variety. If you’re looking for seafood, the Shrimp and Grits are some of the best I’ve tried with the addition of applewood smoked bacon. The Surf & Turf complete with grilled scallops is a treat, and the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese is a decadent treat. Don’t forget to browse the dessert menu. Yes, this restaurant will set you back a bit in regards to cost, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny.
When it comes to planning or finding a satisfying Animal Kingdom lunch, expect that just like the park itself, you’re in for quite the adventure. While admittedly Animal Kingdom isn’t my favorite park to visit, it’s hands down one of my favorite parks to dine at.
There’s a wide variety of cuisine, and it’s a great way to step outside of your comfort zone and experience dishes you may not normally try. Each specialty restaurant does a great job of paying homage to the countries and cultures they represent, and you’re in for a treat if you decide to try something new.
As I’ve mentioned throughout this article, a majority of Animal Kingdom seating and accommodations are outdoors with little to no cover from the elements. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and be aware of weather predictions so you don’t get caught in a surprise storm or in direct sunlight in the heat of the day. From quick service to table service to character dining to fine dining, this park has you covered, and you won’t be disappointed if you choose to immerse yourself in the experience!
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