PHOTOS: Why This is the BEST Disney World Hotel for Foodies

Disney’s Riviera Resort is Disney World’s newest Deluxe (and DVC) Resort. Elegantly themed with European style beloved by Walt Disney himself, Riviera Resort offers upscale rooms and convenient transportation — including to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Resort’s dedicated Disney Skyliner station.

But the atmosphere and convenience isn’t the only reason to stay in or visit Riviera Resort. What many Disney-goers may not know is that the Resort is home to four dining options that feature some delicious eats and drinks — some of the best, we’d argue, anywhere at Walt Disney World!

Here’s Why This is the BEST Disney World Resort Hotel for Foodies!

Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera

We’re headed straight to the top floor of the hotel for our first restaurant — Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera. Here they serve up a character breakfast in the morning (called Breakfast a la Art, where you can meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their artsiest attire) and dinner in the evening. Let’s start with breakfast.

While Disney World features quite a few different character dining experiences, they don’t always serve up the highest quality food at these meals. Topolino’s Terrace is actually great for BOTH character interactions and food! You’ll start off your meal with a Pasty Basket served in a “paint bucket” with toppings (or “paint) on the side.

For the main course, the dishes are not only delicious but they’re also served in some of the prettiest platings we’ve seen at Disney. For example, the Sour Cream Waffle comes displayed with powdered sugar, raspberries, and roasted apples on top…

…and even the Mickey Waffle Dippers (which are on the kids’ menu) are served in a creative way with the waffles skewered on a stick and served on a painter’s palette.

Dinner is no less impressive; it’s both tasty and gorgeous. The Ricotta is served in a large dish that gives you a whopping serving of the dipping sauces and a good amount of handmade carbs to pair…

…and the entrees, such as the freshly-made Bucatini, blend French and Italian flavors. They include handmade pasta, imported cheese, and fresh seafood for a meal that looks and tastes great.

And yes, the dessert menu is equally as great. The presentation is one that you might compare to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and the taste lives up to the look. For example, this is the Pistachio Mousse which is made with Chocolate Cake, Lemon Curd, and Morello Cherry…

…and this is the Fruits of the Forest which is a plant-based dessert option made with Black Currant Mousse, Blueberry Sorbet, Marinated Berries, and Hibiscus Cake.

All of the dishes here truly taste like they’re made with care and are presented in a way that lets you get a taste of each flavor in the dish with every bite. Plus, the food is fresh and bright, making this restaurant a great place to make a reservation even if it is a little out of your way.

Primo Piatto

Like other Disney World Resort hotels, Disney’s Riviera Resort has its very own Quick Service restaurant located on the ground floor near the courtyard called Primo Piatto. But this isn’t your average Quick Service restaurant in Disney World — it’s better! The menu boasts a selection of fresh salads and sandwiches including a Croque Madame which is a Classic French Ham and Swiss with a Fried Egg served with a choice of side for breakfast…

…and even a hearth-baked Sausage and Pepperoni pizza made with Fresh Artisan Hearth-baked Pizza topped with Tomato Sauce, Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Provolone, and Grated Romano for lunch and dinner.

Plus, even the soups and salads are a bit more upscale, served with fresh bread and ingredients.

Even other Disney World Deluxe Resort hotel Quick Service options don’t compare to the meals you can get here.

Bar Riva

Down by the pool, Bar Riva is Disney’s Riviera Resort’s “pool bar,” but this spot isn’t just a little kiosk next to the pool. It’s a full-service bar that is decorated to fit the Europe theme and serves up a selection of hand-crafted cocktails with imported liquor and small bites.

The menu includes refreshing drinks like a Strawberry Margarita made with imported wine…

…and La Petit Fleur which is made with Cîroc Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Camomile Tea, Lemon, and Soda Water. This is a great option for those who don’t want a super sweet drink because the tea is the predominant flavor.

They also serve an Il Tramonto which is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Aperol, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Lemonade, Turmeric, Pomegranate, and Orange and has notes of spice and citrus but is still sweet.

The menu also includes an Almande Grog made with Courvoisier VS Cognac, Appleton Estate Reserve Blend Rum, Disaronno Originale, Apricot, Honey, Lemon, and Soda Water. What takes this drink to the next level for us is that the apricot sauce is actually made in-house!

If you’re looking for something to eat poolside, they also serve a variety of sandwiches, salads, and small bites including Spicy Italian Sandwich…

…a bite-sized Monte Cristo with Strawberry Preserves (which has been featured on the menu in the past)…

…and even Grilled Chicken Wings which we’ve always found are seared perfectly with a delicious coating of lemon-herb butter sauce and roasted garlic.

And we couldn’t forget the Baked Brie in Puff Pastry which features a flaky pastry and comes with extra bread for maximum cheese scoopage.

So Bar Riva isn’t your average chicken fingers and fries pool bar stop!

Le Petit Cafe

And the last restaurant in Disney’s Riviera Resort is a grab-and-go bakery called Le Petit Cafe. Here you’ll find gourmet coffee and pastries including Madeline’s…

…a selection of pastries like croissants…

…plus cupcakes and other desserts.

Plus, they even create specialty desserts that both look and taste delicious for holidays like Valentine’s Day!

And if you’re not on the go, Le Petit Cafe also doubles as a lounge in the afternoon where you can order up cocktails and small bites. They have specialty drinks like the Aperol Spritz which is made with Aperol, Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore, Soda Water…

…and the Euro Cosmopolitan which has Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Cointreau, Cranberry, Lime.

You can also find some European-inspired cheese plates and even a Charcuterie board to pair with your drinks.

With gorgeous pastries, specialty drinks, and some savory options, Le Petit Cafe is a great spot for when you’re looking for something on the lighter side or are on the go!

Between the four different restaurants and the delicious eats and drinks that each offers, you could be quite busy eating your way around Disney’s Riviera Resort. And, if you want to check out the rest of the hotel, watch our tour video below!

And, as always, stay tuned for the latest Disney vacation tips and updates!

Is Disney’s Riviera Resort Right for You?

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Riviera Resort? Let us know in the comments!

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