Epcot Lunch – 10 Best Places to Eat at Epcot
The world that Epcot has to offer is vast and rich, but let’s face facts: it involves a lot of walking. And when there’s a lot of walking involved, you’re definitely going to work up a big appetite come midday. So here are my picks of the best places to eat at Epcot when you’re hungry for a tasty Epcot lunch.
Epcot Lunch – Best Epcot Restaurants
Here are my thoughts on why I like the Garden Grill so much.
#1: Garden Grill
Type: Table Service
Cost: $30 – $60
Cuisine: American
Located: The Land, World Nature
I have to begin with the Garden Grill, located inside of The Land Pavilion in World Nature. This is a full service, all-you-can-eat style restaurant, and reservations are highly recommended, even during lunch. This is a character dining experience, so keep a lookout for your favorite characters making their rounds from table to table. You’ll find Chip, Dale and Pluto here, dressed in their best garden inspired garb.
While this restaurant is a great way to dine with your favorite characters, the reason it makes the list is because of how truly unique the experience is. Pay close attention, because as you dine, the restaurant is slowly rotating so your view will never be the same. Be sure to visit “Living with the Land”, a slow moving boat attraction directly below Garden Grill.
This educational experience dives into the future of agriculture, and you’ll make your way through an experimental greenhouse. If you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to a few ingredients from this attraction in your meal at the Garden Grill.
You’ll be treated to fresh, delicious garden salads, and the grilled beef chimichurri is delicious. While this is a unique character dining experience, it’s pricey. I recommend making sure your kids are really excited about seeing Chip n’ Dale, and open to a little adventurous eating.
#2: Space 220 Restaurant
Type: Table Service
Cost: $35 – $60
Cuisine: American
Located: Mission Space Pavilion, World Discovery
This is hands down one of the coolest restaurants in Epcot – whether you’re dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Reservations are required, and it’s worth setting time aside in your day to experience. You’ll kick off your adventure by boarding an elevator that will essentially blast you into space, where you’ll dine with a stunning view of planet Earth. The panoramic views are truly stunning, and this is one of the most unique dining opportunities available in the Disney parks.
Yes, the menu is pricey. But in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. Lunch includes a 2-course meal, including an appetizer and an entree. Portions are decent, and the food is delicious. While they offer classic favorites like calamari and roasted chicken, this is the kind of restaurant where you want to step outside of your comfort zone and experience something a little different.
I highly recommend the steak frites. The coffee space rub is (yes, I’m going to say it) out of this world. Space 220 has quickly become one of the best restaurants at Epcot!
#3: Connections Cafe & Eatery
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: American, Various
Located: World Celebration
Looking for a tasty Epcot quick service option? Well, you’re in luck, as Connections Cafe & Eatery is a fun, fast casual eatery that’s a perfect way to dip your toe in the water when it comes to international cuisine. It’s not quite the world showcase, but the menu is diverse, and it’s fairly inexpensive.
There’s a decent variety of food for both picky and adventurous eaters, including burgers, salads, and pizzas. If you’re up for something a little different, the curry sliced pizza is fun, complete with traditional tikka masala and topped with a lime yogurt.
#4: Teppan Edo
Type: Table Service
Cost: $15 – $70
Cuisine: Japanese, Hibachi
Located: Japan, World Showcase
This restaurant was one of my favorites growing up, and I’m thrilled that it’s still around. This fun, hibachi style restaurant celebrates Japanese culture, and the chefs serve up some delicious food. From sushi to salmon to New York cut steak, the menu has endless varieties. The julienne steak is a treat, and this is an excellent option for seafood lovers as well.
While there are kid friendly options like teriyaki chicken and rice and shrimp with noodles, this is best for adventurous eaters. Hibachi is always a huge hit with my nephews, but if you think your kids will be bored or not get anything from the experience, it’s pricey, so I recommend skipping this one.
#5: Katsura Grill
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: Japanese
Located: Japan, World Showcase
This is another fantastic option that Japan has to offer, except Katsura Grill is quick service. Another favorite growing up, the food is fresh, quick and inexpensive and fairly neutral for all the guests in your party. You’ll be choosing a teriyaki protein, paired with rice, noodles, and/or vegetables.
This is one of my first memories of dining at Epcot as a child, and I never miss it now that I’m an adult. The flavors are on point, portions are hearty, and this is about halfway through the World Showcase so it’s a great stopping point to take a break, step into an air conditioned building, and grab some lunch.
#6: San Angel Inn Restaurante
Type: Table Service
Cost: $15 to $35
Cuisine: Mexican
Located: Mexico, World Showcase
This restaurant is located inside of the stunning Myan Pyramid. The authentic decor and ambiance makes this one of my favorite places to duck into in the heat of the day, and enjoy lunch and a few cocktails. You’ll be treated to a “twilight” meal, despite the time of day. Epcot dining reservations for this restaurant are highly recommended (though I’ve gotten a table at lunch without one in the past).
This restaurant is, in my opinion, stunning. It’s a great place to settle down with your significant other or a close friend. While there is a kids menu, and kid friendly selections, I find it’s really not a hit with the little ones. Ambiance aside, there isn’t much to keep their attention and there’s a lot going on at all times. The tacos de ribeye are a treat, and I order the Sopa Azteca every time I dine here – it’s the perfect start to the meal.
#7: Via Napoli
Type: Table Service
Cost: $15 – $60
Cuisine: Italian
Located: Italy, World Showcase
This is one of my favorites, and situated at just about the halfway point in the World Showcase, it’s the perfect place to stop and take a break. First off, Italy’s pavilion is stunning, and the ambiance alone will make you feel like you’ve been immediately transported to Italy. The restaurant is no different. Yes, this is a pricier option, but not much pricier than you’d expect to see at a nice Italian restaurant outside of Disney’s parks.
There are plenty of vegetarian options, and while the pasta dishes are superb (the manicotti is a treat), the true star are the pizzas, and that’s coming from someone who’s very critical of her pizza. The Prosciutto de Melone Pizza is a standout, topped with actual pieces of cantaloupe and salty prosciutto. I’ve yet to find another pizza quite like it. And don’t worry they have options for the kids as well. If you want to go all out, finish your meal off with the panna cotta, you won’t regret it!
#8: Spice Road Table
Type: Table Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Located: Morocco, World Showcase
Let me start by saying that the decor and ambiance is stunning. You’ll be treated to a picturesque view of the World Showcase Lagoon. Grab a seat right on the water as you sample your way through menu.
This is a great option if you’re spending the day sampling your way through the counties, as the dishes are small and relatively inexpensive. From naan bread with a variety of different spreads, to hummus fries to dolmas, there’s a unique variety of menu items available. I highly recommend looking over the drink selections as well. This may not be the best option for kids or pickier eaters, but if you’re looking for an authentic Moroccan experience, this is the perfect place.
#9: Biergarten
Type: Table Service
Cost: $20 – $40
Cuisine: German
Located: Germany, World Showcase
This restaurant is so fun, and will continue to be on my list of favorites. The atmosphere is immersive, and you can’t beat the live entertainment. Keep in mind that this spot in particular will make you feel like you’re a part of Oktoberfest. It can be loud, and unless you have a large party yourself, you’ll likely be sharing a table with another party, so be prepared to be social!
Food is served buffet style, with a decent variety of meats, veggies and of course, schnitzel. If you’re a beer drinker, I highly recommend checking out the drink menu, and take advantage of the beer flight. The food is decent for a buffet. It’s not the best I’ve had, but it’s filling comfort food. You’re absolutely paying for the atmosphere and the service, which is excellent.
#10: Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Type: Quick Service
Cost: $15 and Under
Cuisine: American, British
Located: England, World Showcase
This is a classic walk-up fish & chips shop. It’s simple, but delicious, and a staple on my list. It’s not hard to make a decision here – fish & chips are all that’s on the menu, complete with a few local beers that are worth a try (pop into the Rose & Crown after lunch for a cold drink). The fish is crispy and always piping hot and fresh. For $12.99 it’s a deal, and the portions are perfect for lunch.
I’ve only scraped the surface of the best dining options in Epcot. Each country showcases their own dishes that best represent their country. No matter where in the World Showcase you find yourself wandering around lunch time, each country will have an excellent selection of quick service and full service restaurants, as well as food stands and bars.
Aside from the World Showcase, Epcot is an excellent place to experience truly unique and immersive dining experiences. No matter where you choose for your Epcot lunch, be sure to plan your day ahead of time and make the appropriate reservations. Epcot is a premier destination for foodies, and table service restaurants will fill up quickly!
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