Walt Disney World is well known for its restaurants. Across the resort’s theme parks and hotels, there are countless eateries that many rightfully adore. However, what a lot of those guests don’t know is that some of the best restaurants on property are located at hotels NOT owned by Disney: The Swan & Dolphin!
The iconic Michael Graves-designed resorts (which are located near EPCOT on Disney property, but not owned by Disney) are home to over 20 restaurants and lounges that offer “something for everyone, from the most passionate foodie, to those seeking a quick, yet satisfying meal.” These are some of our favorites.
Bourbon Steak
The Swan & Dolphin’s Bourbon Steak location is the latest in a chain from chef Michael Mina. A modern take on the quintessential American steakhouse with premium cuts of beef and seafood infused with global flavor, which aims to showcase the three primary elements of Mina’s culinary philosophy: product, technique, and presentation.
The menu includes a large selection of steaks – naturally – including the Hay-Smoked Tomahawk, Filet Mignon, Delmonico Ribeye, and New York Strip. Other offerings include Maine Lobster Pot Pie, Espelette Butter Roasted Chicken, Red Alaskan King Crab, and Red Wine Braised Wagyu Short Rib.
Kimonos
Kimonos features a menu chock-full of fresh seafood, including award-winning sushi offerings. Set in an “elegant, inviting space decorated with dark teak wood and a gorgeous collection of colorful kimonos”, the restaurant’s menu features a large selection of signature rolls, including the Dragon Roll, the Spicy Jalapeno Roll, the Spicy Rainbow Roll, and — of course — the Kimonos Roll.
Kimonos also offers soups and salads, as well as starters like Seared Tuna, Gyoza, Gulf Shrimp Tempura, and Grilled Kalbi Beef Short Ribs. The restaurant’s drink menu also offers “hot and chilled sake, plum wine, beer, and fruity specialty cocktails.”
Rosa Mexicano
This authentic Mexican restaurant — an offshoot of New York’s original Rosa Mexicano, which was founded by chef Josefina Howard in the mid-1980s — offers a breakfast menu that features made-to-order omelets, scrambled eggs with fresh salsa, bacon, and chorizo, churro waffles, breakfast burritos, and huevos rancheros, as well as lunch and dinner options including fajitas, taquitos, quesadillas, falutas, nachos, enchiladas, and tacos. The menu also offers Parrilladas – “Rosa’s Own Mexican-Style Mixed Grill, Served on a Sizzling Platter of Red Chile Chicken, Grilled Chorizo Sausage, 10oz NY Strip, accompanied with Freshly Made Corn Tortillas, Roasted Onions, Frijoles Borrachos, Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeño, Charred Tomato Salsa, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole” — in servings for parties of 2 or 4.
Rosa Mexicano diners can wash that meal down with a robust drink menu, including well-regarded margaritas (including the signature frozen pomegranate margarita), craft cocktails, wine, beer, and spirit-free options.
Rosa Mexicano Restaurant
Services: Table Service
The Fountain
Located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel, The Fountain captures the vibes of a classic American diner, complete with vinyl stools, glittering tables, a long countertop, and even a neon sign. There are various classic seating configurations in the restaurant, including tables, the aforementioned countertop, and classic booths. The restaurant’s menu features a full rundown of classic diner favorites with appetizers including Pretzel & Cheese Dip and Queso Tots, and the diner classic Disco Fries (AKA fries smothered in a “classic combination” of diner-style gravy and homemade cheese sauce).
The menu also offers an array of salads and entrees, including the classic Reuben Sandwich, a foot-long hot dog, a fried chicken sandwich, a flounder sandwich, and grilled cheese served with tomato soup, the diner’s star attraction: The Fountain Smash Burger. You can finish your meal with a selection from a wide range of milkshakes, including Blueberry Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, and Banana Pudding.
Fountain Restaurant
Services: Table Service , Quick Service
Phins Lounge
While this spot isn’t a full-fledged restaurant, we had to mention the Dolphin’s lobby bar.
This contemporary lounge offers custom-crafted cocktails, vintage wines, and beers, including the Phins and Feathers beer.
A quick note on each of these Swan & Dolphin eateries: None of these restaurants participates in any of the Disney Dining Plan options, and does not accept MagicBands, Disney Gift Cards, or any other Disney stored value cards for payment. Also, keep in mind that there’s a fee to park at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel complex.
Next time you’re looking for a new place to dine at Walt Disney World, consider heading to the Swan & Dolphin to try some of these eateries. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney’s best dining options.
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Have you eaten at the Swan & Dolphin recently? Let us know in the comments below.
Bourbon Steak is great! Having just dined there last month, I can highly recommend their signature Lobster Pot Pie. And I’ve never had better bread than their Truffle Bread. It even beats the bread service at Sanaa!