Dining at Disney World is a favorite activity of many guests! With so many restaurants to choose from and many being uniquely themed and magical, dining at Disney World can feel like an attraction in itself. All Disney parks, Disney Springs, and Disney resorts contain several restaurants for guests to enjoy. Some restaurants are more popular than others, and for good reason! But there are many “hidden gem” restaurants that guests should experience as well. If you have an upcoming vacation to Disney World and wish to enjoy some hidden gem dining then check out some of our favorites!
Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club
Our first hidden gem restaurant is located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Cape May Cafe is a quaint and charming buffet that offers two distinct dining experiences. For breakfast, this restaurant is one of the best character buffets on property. Guests enjoy a breakfast buffet filled with favorites like Salted Caramel “Beach Buns”, Mickey waffles and French Toast, omelet and carving stations, and so much more. Characters meet and greet guests as they dine and they are even dressed in beachy attire! Guests can expect to meet characters like Minnie, Daisy, and other Disney friends.
For dinner, Cape May Cafe transforms into a seafood buffet. No characters appear during dinner, but guests can expect a delicious assortment of coastal favorites to enjoy. Paella, Clam Chowder, New England Seafood Boil, Seafood Pasta Salad, and signature Bonbons await you for dessert.
Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort
Not only is Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort a fun and laid-back place to explore, but it is also home to Sebastian’s Bistro. This restaurant is truly a hidden gem and not many guests are aware of its existence. Sebastian’s Bistro serves an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style meal for dinner. For just $39 per adult, guests start off with pull-apart rolls with guava butter and onion jam, and are treated to a meal consisting of Chicken with Tamarind Barbecue, Mojo Pork with Mango Samba, Chili-rubbed Beef with Roasted Red Pepper Chimichurri, and Baked Fish with Citrus Butter. Sides include cilantro rice, beans, plantains, and veggies. For dinner guests can indulge in a House-made Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding.
Olivia’s Cafe at Old Key West Resort
Another Disney Resort that is home to a hidden gem restaurant is Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This is where you can find Olivia’s Cafe which is open for both brunch and dinner. The walls are lined with photos of DVC families and guests really feel like they are dining in a local restaurant here. You will find southern favorites for brunch like fried buttermilk chicken, Banana Bread French Toast, and Crab-Cakes Eggs Benedict. For dinner, entrees like Shrimp and Grits and Mahi Mahi will delight your senses.
Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village is home to our next hidden gem. Sanaa is a restaurant open for lunch and dinner that gives guests a taste of African and Indian flavors. The food here is great and many guests love the Bread Service that features a variety of hummus dips with various breads. But the real hidden gem lies within the view. Sanaa has huge windows overlooking Animal Kingdom Lodge’s African savanna. Guests can watch zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and more while they enjoy exotic flavors.
Have you ever tried any of these restaurants? What is your favorite restaurant at Disney World? We want to hear from you 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 family. 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.
