Best Restaurants at Disneyland California for Delicious Dining

The best restaurants at Disneyland California might surprise you with just how refined theme park dining can be. Between the popcorn carts and churro stands lies a side of Disneyland that many guests never discover, a collection of restaurants where the food is as memorable as the magic.

Over the years, I’ve made it a tradition to set aside time for at least one sit-down meal during my park visits. Whether it’s the multi-course Chef’s Table at Napa Rose, a sunset dinner overlooking Pixar Pier at Lamplight Lounge, or a cozy lunch tucked beneath Carthay Circle, these experiences remind me that Disneyland isn’t just for thrill-seekers; it’s for food lovers, too.

From fresh California-inspired dishes to elegant seasonal menus, here are the dining experiences that prove Disneyland can deliver just as much flavor as it does nostalgia.

Are the Restaurants in Disneyland or Disneyland California Adventure Better?

When it comes to upscale dining, Disney California Adventure easily takes the lead. Its restaurants offer more creative, chef-driven menus that reflect California’s vibrant culinary scene.

Disneyland Park, while home to a few iconic spots, tends to focus on nostalgic comfort foods that are fried, hearty, and classic. Some of the park’s hidden gems are actually fast-casual spots rather than full-service restaurants, like the Chicken Nicoise Shaker Salad or the grilled skewers at Bengal BBQ.

If you’re looking for a true sit-down experience, though, you’ll find most of the top-tier options across the walkway at California Adventure.

Disneyland Dining Reservations

Table-service restaurants at Disneyland Resort open for reservations 60 days in advance, starting at 6 a.m. PST on the Disneyland App. Popular spots like Napa Rose and Blue Bayou fill up within minutes, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Some restaurants offer same-day waitlists through the app, but these are hit or miss on busy park days.

Pro Tip: If your desired restaurant is fully booked, try a service like MouseWatcher or MouseDining, which will send you alerts when a reservation becomes available. You can usually get a couple of notifications for free before subscribing.

First course from Napa Rose Chef’s Table

1. Napa Rose

Location: Napa Rose is actually located at the Grand Californian Hotel, which you can access directly through Disney California Adventure

Pricing: This 7-course experience is only $168 per person, with an additional $125 if you decide to do the wine pairing. In order to reserve this special dining experience, you need to call the restaurant directly at 714-781-4636 and plan on reserving about 3 months in advance. Also, be sure to set aside 3-4 hours for this culinary adventure.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking to enjoy a truly refined experience, Napa Rose should deifnitely be on your list as one of the best restaurants at Disneyland California. More specifically, you’ll want to book the Chef’s Table Experience, a multi-course dinner where guests sit at the counter and watch the chefs craft each dish. There is no set menu; you share your preferences, and the chefs design a personalized tasting experience, similar to an Omakase.

Must-try: Chef’s Table

2. Carthay Circle

Location: Located in Disneyland California Adventure.

Pricing: A typical dining experience ranges from $45-$50 per entree and $20-$30 for appetizers.

Stepping into Carthay Circle feels like entering the golden age of Hollywood. The dark wood tables, opulent chandeliers, and elevated, intricately decorated ceilings create an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication. The menu rotates seasonally, featuring dishes such as lamb shoulder with curry sauce, prime cuts of steak, and fresh ceviche.

Must-try: Steak & Lamb dishes.

Pro-Tip: If you make an evening reservation, ask to sit outside. They stream in the music from the Fireworks and you’ll get a great view from your seat.

My favorite dish in the entire park, the incredible Al Pastor Pork Chop

3. Lamplight Lounge

Location: Located in Disneyland California Adventure with fun views of the Mickey Ferris Wheel.

Prices: Prices are also more reasonable ranging from $15-$20 for appetizers and $30-$40 for entrees.

Lamplight Lounge offers the perfect blend of affordability, creativity, and high-quality cuisine. The menu combines seasonal offerings with long-standing favorites. For an elevated experience, focus on the seasonal dishes, which include ceviches, sashimi, inventive chicken preparations, prime rib, and the Al Pastor Pork Chop, which is my personal favorite. Bar food, including the famous lobster nachos, should be skipped if you are seeking a refined meal.

The restaurant also features seasonal menus for holidays. For instance, on Valentine’s Day, they offer a dinner for two including a large ribeye, sides, dessert, and two glasses of wine. Lamplight Lounge is my most frequented restaurant during Disneyland visits, thanks to its combination of quality, atmosphere, and creative dishes.

Lamplight Lounge also offers walk-up reservations and has a waitlist on the Disney App you can join when it is slower. I also find that for parties of two, it’s very easy to add your name to the list to get a seat at the bar.

Must-try: Al Pastor Pork Chop, Sashimi, Poke, & Chicken dishes

Pro-Tip: If you make an evening reservation for outdoor seating for 8pm – 8:30pm, you will have awesome views of the nighttime water show.

4. Carthay Lounge

Location: Located in Disneyland California Adventure.

Prices: Also reasonable, with small plates ranging from $16 – $28.

If you prefer a more casual but still elevated experience, Carthay Lounge is an ideal choice. Located beneath Carthay Circle, this lounge offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a tapas-style menu that changes seasonally. It is a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch.

Current menu items include Moroccan-inspired dishes such as turmeric chicken, filet mignon skewers, and Moroccan meatballs, all prepared with care and bold flavors. On a recent birthday lunch, three to four small plates were more than enough to satisfy three people. Carthay Lounge has become my favorite restaurant for lunch in Disney California Adventure.

Must-Try: Filet Mignon Skewers, North African Roast Chicken.

Pro-Tip: If you make reservations for outdoor seating right before the parade, you’ll have a lovely front row view.

Shrimp Scampi with fettuccine noodles and added broccolini from Wine Country Trattoria

5. Wine Country Trattoria

Location: Wine Country Trattoria is located in Disneyland California Adventure.

Prices: Prices range from $24 – $40 per entree.

Wine Country Trattoria is an underappreciated gem that offers a sophisticated Italian dining experience. Set in Disney California Adventure, it features charming décor, wine flights, and refreshing sangria, making it ideal for a leisurely meal between rides.

My favorites include Shrimp Alfredo, Salmon, and Spaghetti Bolognese. I often add broccoli to the Shrimp Alfredo for a lighter touch. The soups are also exceptional and perfect as a starter.

Wine Country Trattoria also offers walk-up reservations and has a waitlist on the Disney App you can join when it is slower.

Must-Try: Shrimp Alfredo, Salmon, Bolognese

Pro-Tip: Ask for fettuccini noodles, which are made in-house.

Roast Chicken with Andouille Sausage & Shrimp from Blue Bayou

6. Blue Bayou

Location: Blue Bayou is located in Disneyland Park next to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Pricing: Prices range from $34-$59.

Blue Bayou is a Disneyland classic and an experience that should be enjoyed at least once. Located in New Orleans Square adjacent to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, the restaurant is designed to evoke a nighttime dinner under the Louisiana bayou. The ambiance alone is unforgettable.

The cuisine is elevated, though the execution can occasionally be inconsistent. On one visit, I ordered the fish and spent much of the meal removing small bones. Still, the gumbo is outstanding, the roast chicken reliable, and the restaurant offers steaks and occasional prime rib.

Reservations at Blue Bayou are notoriously difficult due to its popularity and exceptional atmosphere, making it one of the most sought-after tables in Disneyland.

Must-Try: Gumbo, Roast Chicken, Steaks

Tips for Securing Reservations to the Best Restaurants at Disneyland California

If you have already tried to make reservations and found that they’re all full, my biggest tip is to sign up for a service like MouseWatcher or MouseDining, which will send you an alert once your restaurant reservation becomes available. You can typically get 1-2 alerts for free without having to pay for their service.

Final Thoughts

All of these restaurants will definitely change your mind about theme park food. When you’re looking for a place to escape to a nice sit down meal with terrific cuisine, these are the best restaurants at Disneyland California to visit.

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