Eating at Disneyland is not nearly as big of a deal as Disneyworld, and the food at Disneyland is not nearly as good – for the most part. Plus, since it is in the middle of a city, it is easy to leave and eat outside the parks. However, there are a few restaurants at Disneyland that stand out among the others. Most are just “theme park” food, but there are a few that I enjoy and will spend the money to eat at.
Here are my top 5 Restaurants at Disneyland.
5. Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans – I have to say that every person that goes to Disneyland should eat at Blue Bayou at least once – just for the atmosphere. I mean eating inside a ride (Pirates of the Caribbean) is pretty cool! However, having said that, I was actually disappointed in the food. When we ate there, the food was not that great, and considering the prices you pay, I wanted it to be MUCH better! So when you eat there, go at lunch to save some money and enjoy the atmosphere at least once in your life. Once you’ve eaten there once, save a little money and eat at Cafe Orleans! You can get the Monte Cristo there (cheaper too!) and eat some Mickey Beignets! YUM!
4. French Market – Maybe it is because I enjoy Jambalaya, French Dips, and Po’Boys, but this place is great because it offers more than just the traditional “theme park” food of Hamburgers, pizza, and hot dogs. It is a great change of pace! Plus stop by the Mint Julep Bar for some Mickey Beignets! YUM!
3. Carnation Cafe – I enjoy the Carnation Cafe because it is a table service restaurant, but their prices are closer to that of a quick service restaurant. The food is pretty good and it is fun to eat on Main Street. Plus, it has some of Walt’s favorite dishes to get a true Disney experience.
2. Plaza Inn – We eat here each trip. My little secret? We pick up dessert and wait for the fireworks. You can see the fireworks pretty well here (sit near the hedge outside), you have a place to sit, a table to sit at, it is not crowded/full, and you have dessert to eat. It is our favorite place for fireworks (let’s keep this our little secret, ok?). Plus, the fried chicken here is DELICIOUS! Seriously, try the chicken, have some dessert, and sit back and enjoy the fireworks. You can thank me when you get back….. The Character Breakfast in the morning is fun too! You get so many different characters!
1. Rancho Del Zocalo – this is my FAVORITE place to eat at Disneyland. The food is actually good and the portions are HUGE. I mean GIANT. I could never eat a whole meal myself. So not only do you get good food, but you save money because you have to share. Trust me, pick entrees that you are willing to share – unless you are REALLY hungry. That is why this is my favorite restaurant – it hits my frugal side by giving big portions at decent prices, so we can split the meals, thus saving money and it hits my foodie side by actually serving good food!
*Update* New to the list: Harbour Galley – you can pick up a Lobster Roll here! It is a small quick service restaurant with only a few food options, but the Lobster Roll makes this a great stop if you want something a little different and at a pretty good price – for a theme park that is! Plus you can get yourself a Lobster Roll on your way to Hungry Bear to get your kids some burgers. The Lobster Roll may now be my new favorite item at any Quick Service restaurant in Disneyland!
Did I miss your favorite place to eat at Disneyland? What is your favorite Disneyland Restaurant?
