The Most Underrated Restaurants at Disneyland

Disneyland is full of scrumptious snacks and must-do dining destinations!

While many fans will often think about iconic restaurants like Blue Bayou or popular spots like Lamplight Lounge, there are some under-the-radar locations you should totally consider on your next visit!

Let’s recap some of our favorite underrated dining locations at the Disneyland Resort!

Disneyland Park

If you’re wondering where to eat dinner during your trip to Disneyland Park, we’re going to suggest that you consider Carnation Cafe! Located in the heart of Main Street, U.S.A., Carnation Cafe (when available) is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner has a menu filled with comfort food, including some of Walt’s favorite dishes, like chili!

If you’re looking for something that’s a little more on-the-go, you should definitely stop by Bengal Barbecue. You’ll find it in Adventureland right across from Indiana Jones Adventure!

Bengal Barbecue serves up tasty meat skewers that rank pretty high amongst our favorite Quick Service meals at the Disneyland Resort. They’re great portions if you aren’t looking for anything too big or heavy to eat.

Disney California Adventure Park

California Adventure is full of delicious and unique dishes. If you’re considering booking a dining reservation at a Table Service restaurant but you don’t want to shell out all of that extra cash on Carthay Circle, why not try Wine Country Trattoria?

Wine Country Trattoria serves up good portions of Italian cuisine, plus it has great views of the park! Pro tip: when parades return to California Adventure, you should get some of the best parade views at Wine Country Trattoria. Just book a reservation around the parade start time and ask for a table closest to the walkway!

For Quick Service, head to Pacific Wharf. You’ll have a trio of options to choose from: Lucky Fortune Cookery, Cocina Cucamonga, and Pacific Wharf Cafe.

Whether you want Chinese or Mexican cuisine or soup in a freshly-baked sourdough bread bowl, your party can order from whichever location they want — there’s plenty of seating between all three spots!

Downtown Disney and the Resort Hotels

Outside of the parks, there are other great dining options you may not have considered before! Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is home to Signature dining at Napa Rose as well as character dining at Storytellers Cafe. But if you’re looking for the ultimate “lounging” experience, check out GCH Craftsman Bar! This poolside dining spot is open to all guests, and you’ll find unique cocktails and excellent food!

Downtown Disney is the main shopping and dining district at Disneyland Resort, meaning that there are endless restaurant options for you to choose from. If you’re looking for something slightly more “upscale,” you can’t go wrong with Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. This romantic dining spot features a menu of New Orleans classics like Jambalaya and Beignets! You can also order fresh beignets to go at the Jazz Kitchen Express right next door.

Finally, most Disneyland fans know about Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, located at the Disneyland Hotel. Right next to Trader Sam’s is Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill, where you can pick up a quick meal and even a serving of Dole Whip! Adults can also opt in for their Dole Whip Float to come with a shot of rum.

If you’re heading to the Disneyland Resort soon, consider these restaurants as potential dining options on your trip! Disneyland may be small, but it’s packed with excellent food, from top-tier signature restaurants to snacks on-the-go! Be sure to follow along as we continue to bring you the latest from the Happiest Place on Earth.

Click here for a list of things to do on your first trip to Disneyland!

Do you have a Disneyland vacation planned for 2021? Let us know in the comments!

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