Dining at Disney World restaurants can be an immersive experience for foodies everywhere. Disney World has so many restaurants and dining experiences; there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. The main entree is only part of the experience, and appetizers deserve recognition! The right appetizer can set the tone for the entire meal and can be indicative of the rest of the menu. If you love experiencing food in all its forms then check out these Disney World restaurants with incredible appetizers.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
Disney Springs is home to some incredible dining, and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is one of the best. Chef Art Smith has created a menu that includes all of the flavors of “home” and all things comfort food. The entrees of fried chicken and ribs are quite impressive but the appetizer selection is the true star of Homecomin’. Guests are absolutely obsessed with the Church Lady Deviled Eggs, hush puppies with pimento cheese and red jalapeño jelly, Key West Shrimp Cocktail, fried green tomatoes, chicken biscuits, fried pickles, southern charcuterie, fried chicken tenders, and cauliflower wings. If you come to Homecomin’ for the appetizers you will not be disappointed.
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Hollywood Studios’ The Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant is well-known for being an authentic replica of the famous Brown Derby from old Hollywood. Everything about this restaurant from its dining hall to its menu is reminiscent of the Hollywood days gone by. The Hollywood Brown Derby has amazing entrees like the famous Cobb Salad and Lamb Shank, but its appetizers deserve a round of applause. Guests can enjoy Chorizo Spice Mushroom Croquettes, escargot, charcuterie boards, shrimp cocktail, Oyster-Brie Soup, Beet and Burrata, and Crab Louie- a crispy olive bread with fried capers and Louie sauce.
La Hacienda de San Angel
If you enjoy Mexican cuisine then La Hacienda de San Angel at EPCOT should be on your must-do list. This restaurant has a stunning view of The World Showcase Lagoon and serves authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos, stuffed poblanos, and Achiote-marinated Braised Pork. But every Mexican food-lover knows that the appetizers are the most delectable part of any meal. La Hacienda de San Angel offers guacamole with Chipotle bacon, corn tortillas con queso, flautas, queso fundido, crema de elote, Sope de Cochinita, and so much more.
Steakhouse 71
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to Steakhouse 71, a restaurant that is inspired by Walt Disney’s favorite meals and the time period during which The Contemporary first opened its doors. Steakhouse 71 is your classic high-end steakhouse serving incredible cuts of meat cooked to your exact liking. Steakhouse 71 offers an enticing appetizer menu including French Onion Soup, specialty chopped salad, onion rings with spicy ranch sauce, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, Sea Salt-dusted Potato Brioche, and Caesar Salad.
Olivia’s Cafe
Guests can enjoy southern-style meals at Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Olivia’s Cafe feels like a small-town family restaurant and serves favorites like Mahi Mahi, Shrimp Scampi, Buttermilk Chicken, and more. Guests love the appetizer menu at Olivia’s Cafe because of it is a great seafood sampler! Appetizers include crab cakes, savory hushpuppies, shrimp cocktail, beer-braised mussels, seasonal market salad, and the soup of the day.
Do you enjoy appetizers over entrees? What is your favorite Disney appetizer? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
