Our Favorite Non-Character Table Service Dining Experiences For Kids at Epcot!

Epcot has long been known as the Park with wonderful, unique dining options. There truly is something for all tastes and cravings, but does that include those younger travelers in your group?

Despite its best efforts, Epcot has largely held onto its reputation as an “adult-centric Park,” particularly in World Showcase. With so much obviously kid-friendly Disney fun nearby, the focus on food, drink, and culture in Epcot doesn’t always wow everyone in the school-aged crowd.

But don’t fret! Just because you’re traveling with kids at Disney doesn’t mean you’re limited to character meals to keep them entertained. Of course, Epcot has those too; you can head over to Garden Grill in the Land Pavilion to share a meal with Chip ‘n’ Dale and friends or dine with princesses at Akershus in the Norway Pavilion. But Epcot’s other table service offerings are actually pretty kid-friendly.

Here’s our take on the best non-character table service meals in Epcot!

San Angel Inn Restaurante

A chance to dine adjacent to a relaxing boat ride? We’re in! Eating inside, but it looks like outside? Yes, please! San Angel Inn Restaurante has been serving up traditional Mexican fare since Epcot opened in 1982. Known more casually to many as “the restaurant inside the pyramid,” it is one of a few restaurants throughout the Disney Parks that successfully captures the feeling of dining outside. That alone is an enticing reason for kids to enjoy this meal, but there’s more: a boat ride mere feet away.

As diners eat, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Cabelleros boats float by, packed with riders! Kids may enjoy people watching (and waving!) at guests embarking on their boat ride. Plus the promise of a ride might help your little ones clean their plates!

Coral Reef Restaurant

Coral Reef Restaurant is another long-time favorite for Walt Disney World guests. Located to the right of The Seas with Nemo & Friends inside the Seas Pavilion, this seafood restaurant’s star is the fish you WON’T be eating!

The Coral Reef boasts panoramic views of one of the largest aquariums in the world — the same almost six million gallon aquarium you’ll encounter in the Seas Pavilion. Guests are given a guide to the sea life they can spot in the tank while they dine. If any kids in your group want a closer look at that “Big Blue World,” there’s no better way than by enjoying a meal face to face with a multitude of fantastical sea creatures.

Biergarten Restaurant

Over at the back of the Germany Pavilion in World Showcase, you’ll find the not-so-quiet Biergarten Restaurant. Beer? German Food? For kids?? I know, but hear me out.

It’s a year-round Oktoberfest! Every day, almost hourly, you will find the Oktoberfest Musikanten playing traditional German party music — along with their version of some Disney favorites — for diners to enjoy.

This lively band really gets the crowd going, encouraging singing and dancing in front of the stage, especially for the kids in the room. Grab a liter (yes, a full LITER) of beer, and kick back while your kids dance off some energy.

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Kids and pizza: is there a better combination?! For some of the best pizza in the World, head to the Italy Pavilion to find Via Napoli. This boisterous restaurant cranks out some fantastic authentic Italian pizzas from their wood-fired ovens.

Wood-fire ovens at Via Napoli

Many kids get a kick out of watching the pizzas going in and out of the giant mouth-shaped ovens, and the pizzas are super flavorful due to the wood-fueled fire. Order a Mezzo Metro of pizza to watch your kids’ eyes bug out of their heads!

Click here for all the details on Via Napoli — including reader reviews!

Restaurant Marrakesh

This often-overlooked spot in the Morocco Pavilion can be a hit with kids, and because it’s not usually busy, it can be a nice escape from the heat. Don’t let the idea of exotic Moroccan cuisine dissuade you; they still have a few ol’ faithfuls like chicken nuggets for less adventurous eaters in your group.

The main draw of Restaurant Marrakesh for kids? The belly dancers. Almost hourly, a belly dancer and musicians will come out to the center of the restaurant to perform for diners. Near the end of the set, the dancer will invite children up on stage to dance with her. Many kids are fascinated by the dancers and love the opportunity to show off their best dance moves on stage! Just sit back, and enjoy the show! (And click here to learn more about the belly dancers!)