We've Ranked The Table Service Restaurants At Disney's Deluxe Resorts

One of the many key features all Disney Deluxe Resorts are known for is offering onsite dining via quality table service restaurants. From convenient and casual to more upscale and lavish, the diverse sit-down establishments that make up the various resorts all differ greatly, yet they all present something unique that sets them apart from all the rest. In fact, many times guests staying at one resort (or even outsiders visiting the Orlando area for other purposes) will make dining at a different Disney Resort’s table restaurant a preferred choice. We have taken a look at the elaborate list of table service restaurants you will find throughout Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, and this is how they rank.

1. Jiko—The Cooking Place

Jiko—The Cooking Place is another one of Walt Disney World Resort’s many culinary gems. Housed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, this thrilling dining experience transports you into the heart of Africa for a unique, one-of-a-kind upscale nightly dining experience that truly stands out from all the rest. The many menu offerings here boast a blend of scrumptious regionally inspired African fare as well as fusion tastes from traditional Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. And watching the meal as it comes together in the open performance kitchen is a highlight that sets the mood to a truly decadent mealtime, with added savanna sunset-hued décor offering the finishing touch. But perhaps the extended bonus to dining here comes with the chance to tour the actual savanna as well. There are even special Wanyama Safari and Dinner packages you may choose that allow you to experience the very best of Jiko’s outstanding cuisine in addition to taking a private safari tour, which lets you get up close and personal with the resident animals that make their homes on these grounds.

2. Victoria & Albert’s

Victoria & Albert’s is perhaps one of the most renowned of the refined establishments making up the Walt Disney World Resort’s fine dining signature offerings. The very epitome of stately elegance and regality, Victoria & Albert’s rightly makes its home at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, in the heart of Victorian grace and charm. As a AAA Five Diamond Award recipient since 2000, dinner here extends far beyond the exquisite cuisine and wine offerings. To have the opportunity to dine in this most classy, upscale establishment is the optimal all-immersive experience, extending from the elegant theming and décor all the way down to the many palatial palate pleasures to savor. And for the ultimate royal treatment there are even special private dining options that exist. These include the famous Chef’s Table dining opportunity—an intimate in-kitchen experience reserved for you and your small party, and a romantic reservation to Queen Victoria’s Room, reserved for just four couples at a time.

3. California Grill

Another top pick for diners at Walt Disney World Resort really is on the top. It’s the one and only California Grill, located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This place is renowned for its lush California-inspired cuisine, but it’s perhaps the high-in-the-sky vantage point that woos diners most of all. From the dining room you can enjoy breathtaking aerial views overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park both. And for those who choose to dine here during the time when the Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After Fireworks Spectacular takes place it’s even more remarkable, as the accompanying theme music fills the darkened dining room and you get to experience what it’s like to be right in the heart of the action. Optimize your viewing pleasure by heading to the adjoining observation decks, which are open for anyone dining in the restaurant and even admits those who dined earlier with proof of receipt at check-in. While primarily open for dinnertime, California Grill also presents a lavish Brunch at the Top to enjoy every Sunday morning.

4. Artist Point

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is all about the wild and pristine beauty of nature and the majestic masterpieces nature artfully paints on its own. So it should come as no surprise that one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most artistic upscale restaurants would be found in such an inspirational setting. From its intimate lantern lighting to its stunning landscape murals and window paintings, Artist Point is a true marvel in art and beauty. And the overall artistry here is not limited to the scenic views alone, but also in the innovative cuisine presentations, which reflect the bountiful traditions of the Pacific Northwest regions, illustrated by the use of fresh farm-to-fork ingredients. Artist point is currently open as a signature fine dining dinner experience. And coming this December, it has been announced that the restaurant will play host to an all-new character dining experience every evening with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and even the Evil Queen, all from the Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. There’s no better setting to befit such an endeavor!  

5. Yachtsman Steakhouse

Nautical elegance and regality with a hint of rustic charm characterize the feel and décor of this refined establishment, rightfully located onsite at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Open each evening for a signature fine dining experience the whole family can appreciate, Yachtsman Steakhouse boasts some of the best premium steaks around while also delivering on abundant fresh seafood specialties. The heart of the New England coast is etched into every part of the restaurant, from the aforementioned décor and style to the regional enticements featured on the menu. Yachtsman Steakhouse is by far one of the most popular fan favorite dinner spots enjoyed by countless visitors to Walt Disney World Resort each year.

6. Cítricos

Cítricos is another one of the stellar establishments making up the list of resident restaurants to experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Open for signature dining every evening, the menu features a creative collaboration of well-loved American signature dishes infused with Mediterranean flavors. The surrounding décor also reflects the persona of old-world Mediterranean charm from the mosaic-tiled floors to the grapevine railings. And for an even more immersive transcending experience you can pair your artfully prepared meal with one of many enticing award-winning wine offerings featured on the international wine list. The restaurant also offers private multi-course dining experiences for groups of up to 12 via the Chef’s Domain.