10 Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants: Ranking Disney World’s Best Dining Spots

by | Sep 22, 2023 | Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Food, Walt Disney World News, WDW Blog

Looking for the best Magic Kingdom restaurants to fill up your dining plans at Disney World? We’ve ranked our favorite places to eat when visiting Magic Kingdom so you know which restaurants to add to your list — and which to skip!

Dining is an integral part of the Walt Disney World experience. Forget all your preconceived notions of theme park food. This isn’t cardboard pizza and flavorless burgers. Nay, all of Disney World, and especially Magic Kingdom, is teeming with delicious restaurants, both Table-Service (sit-down) and Quick-Service (fast and easy), worthy of your dollars.

But what are the best Magic Kingdom restaurants, and which ones aren’t worth your time? While we haven’t had a truly bad experience at any of the restaurants at Magic Kingdom, we do have our favorites. We narrowed down the full list of Magic Kingdom restaurants (31 at the time of publication) to our top 10.

To determine the best restaurants at Magic Kingdom, we considered the quality of the food, the menu itself, the price (and accompanying portion sizes), immersion and theming, and any extras that make a Disney experience magical, like character dining or entertainment.

What Are the Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants?

By our rankings, the best restaurants at Magic Kingdom are:

  1. Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen
  2. Be Our Guest Restaurant
  3. The Plaza Restaurant
  4. The Crystal Palace
  5. Cinderella’s Royal Table
  6. Cheshire Café
  7. Casey’s Corner
  8. Main Street Bakery
  9. Liberty Tree Tavern
  10. The Friar’s Nook

We also had a few honorable mentions:

  • Sleepy Hollow
  • The Diamond Horseshoe
  • Columbia Harbour House
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
  • Gaston’s Tavern
  • Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace

10 Best Restaurants at Magic Kingdom — And Why We Chose Them

Curious about our choices for the top Magic Kingdom restaurants? We’ve broken down why we like each of our choices, including what to order and what you can’t miss about the experience.

Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen: Best Overall Restaurant at Magic Kingdom

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Skipper Canteen in Adventureland is the best Magic Kingdom restaurant, hands down. Photo by Cliff Wang

  • What to order: Brazilian Cheese Bread, Senegali Sal’s Short Rib
  • What you can’t miss: Classic Skipper jokes and immersive theming
  • Location: Adventureland
  • Pricing: $$

Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd Skipper Canteen — or just Skipper Canteen for short — is the best restaurant at Magic Kingdom, irrefutably. This is a Table-Service meal, which means you’ll need an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR), but because it’s tucked away back in Adventureland and doesn’t have the same appeal to kids as other heavy hitters like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant, it’s actually not too challenging to book a meal here.

The experience at Skipper Canteen is a continuation of what you’ll encounter on Jungle Cruise (did I mention that Jungle Cruise is the best ride at Magic Kingdom?). That means it’s got amazing theming, almost like a museum full of artifacts discovered by Dr. Albert Falls on his adventures. And much like the Skippers aboard Jungle Cruise, the waitstaff at Skipper Canteen are chock full of good (bad) jokes throughout your meal.

Oh, and what a meal. The Skipper Canteen menu is inspired by the cuisine of Asia, Africa, and South America. Picky eaters might struggle to find something to their liking here, but for the adventurous, there are plenty of tasty bites (like that Brazilian Cheese Bread, a secret item not on the menu!). And Adventurers Club fans will be happy to know that you can order a beer here called Kungaloosh, brewed specially for Walt Disney World. Read our full Skipper Canteen review

Be Our Guest Restaurant: Best for High-End Dining at Magic Kingdom

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Be Our Guest Restaurant offers upscale dining inside Beast’s Castle at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Cliff Wang

  • What to order: French Onion Soup, Center-cut Filet Mignon, Chocolate Tart
  • What you can’t miss: The utter immersion that is Beast’s Castle
  • Location: Fantasyland
  • Pricing: $$$$

Be Our Guest is one of the hardest ADRs to snag, and it’s also one of the most expensive meals at Magic Kingdom. The three-course prix fixe meal is $62 for adults (10 and up) and $37 per child, plus tax and tip. But oh, how it’s worth it. Be Our Guest is easily the most upscale dining experience at Magic Kingdom, with a French-inspired menu that includes octopus, filet mignon, and macarons. Weary parents can enjoy a long list of champagnes, wines, and beers — and Be Our Guest earned notoriety for offering the Squids Revenge cocktail at the start of the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Fans of Beauty and the Beast will not be disappointed by any of the three dining areas: the Castle Gallery, West Wing, or Grand Ballroom. But of course, if you have a choice, the Grand Ballroom is the place to be, as it evokes memories of that stunning scene from the film. And yes, you can try the Grey Stuff (it’s delicious!) as part of a dessert (the Chocolate Tart or some allergy-friendly options).

The Plaza Restaurant: Best for Picky Eaters at Magic Kingdom

Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Plaza Chiu

Photo by Tina Chiu

  • What to order: Home-style Meatloaf, The Main Street Burger, Dark Chocolate-Banana Bread Pudding with Soy Milk Frozen Dessert
  • What you can’t miss: Classic comfort food dining
  • Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Pricing: $$

The Plaza Restaurant feels like classic Disney. You’ll find it along Main Street, U.S.A., giving it a turn-of-the-century vibe replete with Art Nouveau touches. It’s a Table-Service meal, so you’ll want advanced reservations, but unlike Skipper Canteen and Be Our Guest, which boast menus that are less approachable to those who fuel themselves on chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, The Plaza Restaurant has a menu that everyone, even picky eaters, will love.

Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Plaza Menu Chiu

Loaded fries, anyone? Photo by Tina Chiu

The difference? Unlike other theme park restaurants serving up classic American fare like burgers, chili, meatloaf, and chicken sandwiches, The Plaza Restaurant’s food quality scores high marks. And while dining inside gives you a welcome, air-conditioned reprieve from that Florida heat, you can also elect for an outdoor table, giving you stunning views of Cinderella Castle while you eat.

The Crystal Palace: Best Buffet at Magic Kingdom

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The Crystal Palace is made for fans of Winnie the Pooh. Photo by Jeff Chiu

  • What to order: Buffet — get whatever looks good!
  • What you can’t miss: Winnie the Pooh and friends
  • Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Pricing: $$$

One of the biggest appeals of The Crystal Palace is the character dining. Being able to knock out a hearty sit-down meal and meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and co. all in one go is a serious time-saver.

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Meeting Tigger is a highlight here. Photo by Brett Svenson

If you’re looking for an all-you-can-eat buffet to get the most out of your budget, The Crystal Palace has you covered. You’ll find carving stations (get the prime rib), salads, fresh vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Plus all the desserts you can stomach. Read our full Crystal Palace review.

Cinderella’s Royal Table: Best Princess Character Dining at Magic Kingdom

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A look inside Cinderella’s Royal Table. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

  • What to order: Charcuterie, Magic Carpet Ride, and The Clock Strikes Twelve
  • What you can’t miss: Your favorite Disney Princesses
  • Location: Inside Cinderella Castle
  • Pricing: $$$$

One of Magic Kingdom’s most expensive restaurants is also one of Magic Kingdom’s best restaurants. Like The Crystal Palace, Cinderella’s Royal Table is known for its character dining. This is the best way to see your favorite Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, and Ariel. If you’re lucky, you may get to dine with Belle or Jasmine. Reservations for Cinderella’s Royal Table are a must (and really hard to get). You’re dining inside Cinderella Castle after all.

The major downside of Cinderella’s Royal Table is the price. With four people over the age of 10, you’re looking at a bill of roughly $250 — and that’s without tax or tip. The menu is prix fixe, and the food is decent, but if forced to choose, we’d go with Be Our Guest’s French-inspired menu when throwing down the big bucks. You’re not so much paying for the food as you are the experience. And don’t worry: Even though mussels and chickpeas crowd the menu for adults, kids can order familiar favorites like chicken nuggets.

Cheshire Café: Best Snacks at Magic Kingdom

Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants Cheshire Cat Cafe Sapp

Photo by Laurie Sapp

  • What to order: Cheshire Cat Tail and All Mixed Up Slushy
  • What you can’t miss: Alice in Wonderland theming
  • Location: Fantasyland
  • Pricing: $

You’ve got lots of options for snacks at Walt Disney World, from Mickey Bars to Dole Whip. And while Sleepy Hollow (and that holy of holy Spring Roll Cart) offers great options and Storybook Treats has the scrumptious Peter Pan Float, our must-go place for sweets at Magic Kingdom is Cheshire Café.

Why? Three words: Cheshire Cat Tail. This is the dessert of desserts at Magic Kingdom. It may not enjoy the same fame as Dole Whip or churros, but it’s colorful, quirky, and delicious. Plus, you can wash it down with an All Mixed Up Slushy. How refreshing!

Casey’s Corner: Best for Nostalgia at Magic Kingdom

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Casey’s Corner caters to baseball fans. Photo by Judd Helms

  • What to order: All-Beef Hot Dog or Walt’s Chili-Cheese All-Beef Foot-long Hot Dog
  • What you can’t miss: A piano player tickling the ivories
  • Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Pricing: $

Casey’s Corner seemingly has limited appeal, specializing in hot dogs, hot dogs, and, well, more hot dogs. But here you can get a variety of (really good) hot dog options, even plant-based options. Walt’s Chili-Cheese All-Beef Foot-long Hot Dog pays homage to Walt Disney himself and includes Walt’s Favorite Chili Recipe. Plus, a staple of any Disney World vacation is listening to the Casey’s Corner pianist tickling the ivories. This is a can’t-miss experience.

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The piano player is a hallmark of Casey’s Corner. Photo by Laurie Sapp

Fans of Disney deep cuts might even make the connection that the restaurant is inspired by the “Casey at Bat” vignette from one of the earlier Disney animated classics, Make Mine Music. Get to Casey’s Corner early enough in the day, and you might even get to take part in the “first pitch” when the restaurant opens.

Main Street Bakery: Best Breakfast at Magic Kingdom

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Main Street Bakery is home to Starbucks at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Courtney Reynolds

  • What to order: Mickey Cinnamon Roll
  • What you can’t miss: All the Starbucks
  • Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Pricing: $

There’s no better way to start a day at Magic Kingdom than with a Mickey Cinnamon Roll in the Hub in front of Cinderella Castle. Just be prepared to stand in long lines to get it. Main Street Bakery is especially busy right when Magic Kingdom opens, given its location on Main Street and the fact that it’s the only place to get Starbucks at Magic Kingdom.

Liberty Tree Tavern: Most Filling Meal at Magic Kingdom

Photo by Maria Salerno

  • What to order: Patriot’s Platter
  • What you can’t miss: American history on full display
  • Location: Liberty Square
  • Pricing: $$$

History buffs and fans of massive Thanksgiving meals will both be happy with a sit-down meal at Liberty Tree Tavern. The restaurant pays tribute to our nation’s founders with theming reminiscent of Colonial Williamsburg, with brick fireplaces, candelabra chandeliers, and wood paneling.

Best Places to Eat at Magic Kingdom Bread and Salad Liberty Tree Tavern Svenson

Salad and bread at Liberty Tree Tavern. Photo by Brett Svenson

When you dine, you’ll choose from six rooms representing six important founders:

  • George Washington
  • Thomas Jefferson
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Betsy Ross
  • Paul Revere
  • John Paul Jones

And while the theming is a nice touch (and decidedly different from Disney Princesses or a cartoon mouse), it’s the food that keeps bringing us back. The meals here are so filling that you might have to be rolled out. The menu is prix fixe, with options ranging from salads and toffee cake to the Patriot’s Platter, which is ripe with turkey, pot roast, and pork (plus vegetables — yes, you have to eat them!).

The Friar’s Nook: Best Quick Meal at Magic Kingdom

friars nook - top restaurants at magic kingdom - sapp

Get lunch to go at The Friar’s Nook. Photo by Laurie Sapp

  • What to order: Creamy Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Tots and the Mr. Toad Dome Cake
  • What you can’t miss: Mobile Order (it’s a major time-saver)
  • Location: Fantasyland
  • Pricing: $

If your ideal day at Magic Kingdom is go, go, go so you can fit in as many rides, cavalcades, and selfies as possible, skip the sit-down meals. Instead, put in a Mobile Order while you’re in line for Peter Pan’s Flight, then head over to The Friar’s Nook right after to grab your meal and go.

Honorable Mentions

While these restaurants didn’t make our list of the 10 best Magic Kingdom restaurants, we thought they deserved recognition for something special they bring to the Disney World experience:

  • Sleepy Hollow: Where else are you going to get a Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich?
  • The Diamond Horseshoe: The Diamond Horseshoe can be a little pricy for the quality of food, but it’s actually one of the cheapest spots to grab a beer in Magic Kingdom. And on a long hot day of toting your kids around from ride to ride, that beer is certainly rewarding.
  • Columbia Harbour House: If you’re looking for seafood in Magic Kingdom, this is the number one spot.
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe: This opening-day restaurant serves up delicious Tex-Mex eats over in Frontierland.
  • Gaston’s Tavern: Be Our Guest is an amazing experience, but it’s expensive. If you want a taste of the Grey Stuff but don’t have the time or money to spend on Be Our Guest Restaurant, pop into Gaston’s Tavern. We highly recommend LeFou’s Brew!
  • Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace: Aloha Isle is the best spot to get a Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom, but fans of Orange Bird would be remiss to skip Sunshine Tree Terrace. (Don’t sleep on that Orange Cream Soft-serve Cup!)

Full List of Magic Kingdom Restaurants

So we’ve rattled off our favorite restaurants at Magic Kingdom and even included some runners-up. But everyone’s tastebuds and preferences are different.

If you want to journey off our list, be our guest! (See what we did there?) Here’s the full list of Magic Kingdom restaurants that you have to choose from:

  • Aloha Isle
  • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant
  • Casey’s Corner
  • Cheshire Café
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Columbia Harbour House
  • Cool Ship
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
  • Gaston’s Tavern
  • Golden Oak Outpost
  • Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
  • Liberty Square Market
  • Liberty Tree Tavern
  • Main Street Bakery
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
  • Prince Eric’s Village Market
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Storybook Treats
  • Sunshine Tree Terrace
  • The Crystal Palace
  • The Diamond Horseshoe
  • The Friar’s Nook
  • The Lunching Pad
  • The Plaza Restaurant
  • Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
  • Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
  • Tortuga Tavern
  • Westward Ho

Note: Some restaurants on this list may be temporarily closed due to ongoing COVID-19 changes. While the façade of Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn remains on Tom Sawyer Island, the restaurant is closed.

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Boom baby! Timothy Moore is excited to serve as a WDW Magazine contributor and resident Disney Renaissance expert. When he's not drinking around the world at EPCOT or gobbling down Mickey Waffles for breakfast, he can usually be found with his partner hiking and kayaking the great outdoors, putting off writing his novel by playing Nintendo Switch, or telling his dogs Goomba and Blooper that they're the best boys in the world ad nauseam (because they are).
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Timothy Moore

Boom baby! Timothy Moore is excited to serve as a WDW Magazine contributor and resident Disney Renaissance expert. When he's not drinking around the world at EPCOT or gobbling down Mickey Waffles for breakfast, he can usually be found with his partner hiking and kayaking the great outdoors, putting off writing his novel by playing Nintendo Switch, or telling his dogs Goomba and Blooper that they're the best boys in the world ad nauseam (because they are).
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