If you can’t score a reservation at the popular Disney World restaurants for your next visit, try one of these hidden gem restaurants at one of the resorts instead for some seriously great food!
Walt Disney World is home to some delicious dining options. From eating around the world in EPCOT to dining with Cinderella at Magic Kingdom, there’s no shortage of options – but there are plenty of delicious places to dine outside of the parks, too. Fans and frequent Guests know there are some popular restaurants everyone praises at the resorts, like ‘Ohana, California Grill and Boma. However, while they’re amazing, even at your 60-day mark, getting Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR’s) is a near-impossible feat.
While you might be bummed about missing out on these favorites, fear not! There are plenty of other amazing spots to enjoy – in fact, there are a number of “hidden gem” restaurants you can try. Check out four of our favorite hidden gem restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels that are sure to impress. The best part? ADRs are easier to grab – in fact, an ADR might not be required at all.
1. Bar Riva at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Photo by Jenn Marrazzo
Bar Riva at Disney’s Riviera Resort is definitely a gem – and for right now, it’s a hidden one! Located next to Primo Piatto on the ground level, across from the pool, Bar Riva is a combination of a bar, quick-service and table-service restaurant all in one. It’s an open-air pool bar with scenic views for Guests.
The best part is Bar Riva is pretty empty at night, so it’s quite easy to get a table at dinnertime – and the food is quite affordable.
What’s on the Bar Riva Menu
As mentioned, Bar Riva is both a bar and lounge. Whether you’re looking for a drink or a whole meal, it’s an option that works for everyone.
Menu items include options like:
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich, $12.29
- Sticky Chicken Wings, $14.99
- Salmon with Orzo, $20.99
The menu is also lined with Mediterranean-inspired cocktails. Guests can choose from picks like:
- Riviera Spiked Iced Tea, $16.50
- Aperol Spritz, $15.50
- Golden Haze Margarita, $16.50
Bar Riva Pro Tip: Having a hard time finding something you like? Most guests don’t know that you can actually order from the Primo Piatto menu as well, since the two dining spots share a kitchen.
2. Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Photo by Jenn Marrazzo
Say “family-style dinner” at Disney World, and most people will name ‘Ohana as the number one option. While ‘Ohana is quite amazing, it’s also one of the hardest ADRs to get. That’s where Sebastian’s Bistro comes in. Located at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Sebastian’s Bistro is a sit-down restaurant that offers guests an all-you-can-eat menu at a super affordable price ($13 less than ‘Ohana). Plus, it offers scenic views and is easily accessed through the Skyliner. This restaurant is a hidden gem because most people don’t realize it’s there – and it’s relatively easy to get reservations for!
What’s on the Sebastian’s Bistro Menu
For just $32 per adult, guests can enjoy a full Caribbean-themed meal with all the fixings. The deliciousness starts with bread – the house-made pull apart rolls with the guava butter are so delicious, you’ll just fill up on those! At the same time as the bread arrives at your table, you’ll be served the Spice Necklace Salad topped with a Key Lime Dressing.
The main event, however, is the Taste of the Caribbean selection of entrees. You’re given a platter of Oven-Roasted Citrus Chicken, Slow Cooked Mojo Pork, and Grilled Chili Rubbed Beef. These items are served with Rice and Beans, Vegetable Curry, and Grilled Vegetables. The meal starts with small portions of each of these, but you can order more of all (or just some of your favorites) throughout the meal. Once dinner is finished, dessert is served – and it’s a house-made Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding with Ice Cream and House-Made Caramel Sauce.
Sebastian’s Bistro Pro Tip: For just $10 more, order the Fried Coconut Shrimp, which is served during your appetizers. You won’t regret it; it’s delicious!
3. Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Photo by Jenn Marrazzo
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to fan favorites like Chef Mickey’s and California Grill. With these big names, everything else seems to get lost in the crowd – like Steakhouse 71. Formerly the location of The Wave… of American Flavors, Steakhouse 71 opened in 2021 in honor of WDW’s 50th Anniversary. Inspired by the now-shuttered Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Steakhouse 71 features delicious steaks at an affordable price, just as its name suggests.
But it’s not just a dinner spot. Guests can enjoy savory breakfasts here as well, with pretty easy access when it comes to reservation availability.
What’s on the Steakhouse 71 Menu
At breakfast, Steakhouse 71 features classic items such as:
- The American, $16.00
- Steak and Eggs, $21.00
- The Steakhouse 71 Feast, $20.00
For dinner, entrees include options like:
- 10-oz New York Strip, $36.00
- 12-oz Roasted Prime Rib & Classic Yorkshire Pudding, $38.00
- 6-oz Filet Mignon
The quality and tastes found at Steakhouse 71 rival expensive steakhouses including that of Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion of EPCOT, but with a much smaller price tag. All dinner entrees include one side and a sauce, with classic side choices like Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Charred Asparagus available on the menu.
Want to know what it’s like to dine at Steakhouse 71? Check out our review here!
Steakhouse 71 Pro Tip: Top off an amazing meal with the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake, which is made with Jack Daniels infused Chocolate Cake for $11.00. It’s an enormous piece of cake that can easily be shared among a group of three people!
4. Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk
Photo by Jenn Marrazzo
Disney’s Boardwalk is at the intersection of delicious dining. From Via Napoli in EPCOT to Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the choices are endless in this area of the resort. Yet Trattoria al Forno, an old-world Italian eatery is often overlooked as a good choice for not only dinner but also breakfast! Located directly on the Boardwalk, you’ll find Trattoria al Forno sandwiched between the Boardwalk Deli and the Abracadabar.
What’s on the Trattoria al Forno Menu
Both breakfast and dinner offer some unique options, but it’s all Italian fare. For breakfast, you can enjoy meals like:
- Sunrise Breakfast Pizza (baked in-house in their brick oven!), $14.00
- Caprese Omelet, $17.00
- Florentine Frittata, $17.00
Dinner offers guests freshly made pastas such as:
- Truffle Gnocchi, $28.00
- Shrimp Pappardelle, $31.00
- Veal Osso Buco, $35.00
- Various pizzas for $20.00 to $23.00
Drinks also have an Italian flare, with options such as:
- Sicilian Iced Tea, $15.50
- Aperol Spritz, $15.50
- Italian Manhattan, $15.50
Trattoria al Forno Pro Tip: It’s pretty easy to join the walk-up list at Trattoria al Forno for Breakfast. If you didn’t decide breakfast ahead of time or are in the area and want to try it out, check out the My Disney Experience App and see if a waitlist is available.
Have you tried any of these hidden gem restaurants across the WDW Resorts? Let us know! Did we miss your favorite hidden gem? Share yours with us on social media!
