Ultimate Guide to Best Dining at Epcot

Visiting Epcot is a vital part of the Disney experience, and its dining is no exception. Disney holds itself to high standards when it comes to food, but unfortunately, it also holds itself to high prices. It’s easy to blow $50 a meal just to feed two people, and your budget can blow away with it. So, how do we make sure we take advantage of the best dining at Epcot?

Dining should be an amazing part of your Disney trip, no matter how much you want to spend. I’ve compiled this ultimate list of the best dining in Epcot to help you plan your trip as efficiently as possible. I’ve ranked the best places to eat for your wallet and your taste buds. Striking a balance between delicious and affordable will help you make the most of your time in Epcot. 

Best Dining at Epcot for Budget-Conscious Travelers

We all want to save money at Disney, but it’s not always easy to still enjoy yourself at the same time. These dining spots will give you the best possible value for your money. 

Sunshine Seasons

This quick service stop is hard to miss, as it’s located in the center of Epcot’s Land pavilion and is very popular. This is one of the most affordable places to eat in Epcot, with most items ringing in below $15. It uses freshly grown produce from the pavilion, and they are always updating their menu. 

Best value items include the Breakfast Power Wrap (wild rice, sweet potatoes, blueberries, avocados, and tofu) for $8.49, Oak-grilled Rotisserie Chicken (½ of a chicken!) with rice and beans for $12.29, and Mongolian Beef (with onions, carrots, snap peas, and broccoli) for just $13.49. 

The quality of food at Sunshine Seasons is pretty good, but don’t expect top-of-the-line dining. However, for the price and portion sizes, this restaurant will definitely meet your needs on a budget. 

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

There are some excellent French dining options in Epcot’s World Showcase (read on to learn more about more of these!). However, most of them are very expensive and inaccessible to the average park-goer, especially if you’re trying to save your money on the way. This is where Les Halles comes in to save the day.

This little pastry shop/ bakery features authentic French items like a Croissant Jambon Fromage (ham, cheese, and Béchamel in a croissant), Bisque de Homard (lobster bisque soup), and Créme Brûlée (caramelized vanilla custard), which are all priced under $5. 

Enjoy premier French pastries at rock-bottom prices, and indulge in some reasonably priced wines like Bourgogne Blanc or Chardonnay. Because Disney can be hard. 

I eat here every time I go to Epcot.  Not only is it great for my pocket, but the food is so good that it’s a must.  

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room

Look, there are ultra-cheap places to eat in Epcot, and the Rose & Crown is not one of them. However, it is one of the best places to get a hearty, delicious meal at a high-quality restaurant for a reasonable price. If you play your cards right, you can definitely enjoy these classic U.K. foods without breaking the bank. 

The Scotch Egg appetizer ($12.00) includes a golden-fried cage-free egg wrapped in sausage and mustard sauce. Classic Bangers and Mash (aka English sausage and potatoes) is priced at $21.00, but is quite sizable and heavy. Most of the entrées at Rose & Crown could be comfortably split between two people, making a decent meal very affordable. 

The kids’ menu is also pretty budget-friendly and doesn’t limit itself to burgers and chicken tenders. If you’re traveling with little ones, the kids’ Fish and Chips meal is a balanced package for just $11 (includes two sides and a drink). 

Get more tips about doing Disney on a budget, and save on more than just your food. 

Best Dining at Epcot for the Experiences

Dining in Epcot is not just about saving money. Epcot is full of cultural experiences and opportunities, and you can totally take advantage of those without spending too much of your cash. 

Space 200

Space 220 at Epcot is a unique dining experience that takes you on a journey into space. Located in Future World East, this restaurant features a space elevator that takes you 220 miles above Earth to a space station where you can enjoy a meal with a spectacular view of the planet.

The restaurant’s interior is designed to make you feel like you’re dining in space, with a panoramic view of Earth visible through the large windows. The menu at Space 220 features contemporary cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, and it includes a variety of dishes that are sure to please any palate.

One of the highlights of dining at Space 220 is the interactive experience. You can watch as the space station’s crew performs various tasks and experiments, adding to the restaurant’s futuristic atmosphere. There are also interactive screens that allow you to see the space station’s exterior and watch as spaceships pass by.

Restaurant Marrakesh

Moroccan food is legendary for its unique flavors and distinct cultural heritage. Of course, visiting Epcot is the next best thing to the country itself, so Restaurant Marrakesh is practically mandatory. You’ll get the chance to taste well-seasoned food, enjoy a belly dancing show, and admire breathtaking decor. 

Be sure to try the authentic Lemon Chicken Tagine (braised half chicken with garlic, green olives, and preserved ham) for $26.99 and the Beef Brewat Rolls (fried pastry stuffed with minced beef, topped with cinnamon and sugar) for $8.99. The Marrakesh Delight dessert features a traditional fruit salad with mint ice cream, almonds, and orange blossom water for just $5.99.

If you’re planning on visiting this authentic and delicious restaurant, be sure to plan ahead to make reservations. Go for lunch instead of dinner, and save yourself up to $10 a dish. 

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Reasons to come to Akershus, the county in Frozen: if you have children who adore the Disney princesses, if you personally enjoy character interaction, or if you particularly enjoy Norway’s unique cuisine. 

Reasons not to come to Akershus: if you hate spending money or if you would like out-of-this-world food. 

Just because the food is not the best doesn’t mean this banquet hall has nothing to offer. It features some of the best character interaction opportunities in the park, especially with a whole bushel of Disney princesses. You can enjoy a decent brunch in this venue while appreciating the soaring ceilings and castle theme. 

The food is not priced individually because you mostly pay for the experience at Akershus (and trust me, it’s a hefty price). While you enjoy the entertainment, however, you can also appreciate the Tradisjonell Kjøttkake (Norwegian meatballs with potatoes and veggies), Kyllingbryst (herb-roasted chicken breast with sweet potatoes and cranberry bread pudding), and the Oslo (a fruity vodka cocktail).

Teppan Edo

If you haven’t experienced traditional hibachi-style Japanese dining, you are sincerely missing out! Epcot’s Teppan Edo restaurant gives the whole family the opportunity to see professional chefs prepare your meal right in front of you, complete with fancy fire tricks and soy sauce puns. The decor also features traditional Japanese artwork, and it’s beautiful. 

Try out the Asakusa steak and shrimp combo for $37.00, or the Tori chicken breast with garden vegetables and rice for $30.00. If those numbers seem scary, never fear– Epcot conveniently included some lower-cost options that are equally filling and delicious, The Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll includes 8 pieces for just $15.00, and you can enjoy a Shochu Squeeze cocktail for $12.00. 

The Garden Grill Restaurant

Remember everything I talked about with the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall? Excellent character dining and a financial headache? Okay, just bear all of that in mind when visiting the Garden Grill Restaurant. This place is pretty nifty in terms of the experience, especially for families, but less nifty for your wallet. 

The Garden Grill does rank higher in terms of food quality and really is a glimpse into what future Disney dining could look like. (I talk more about the Garden Grill in my post about character dining on a budget. Take a look!)

Located in Epcot’s Future World, this rotating restaurant gives you the chance to interact with Chip & Dale, Mickey Mouse, and more. All of the produce is grown in the park’s garden center and is entirely sustainable. People continue to rave over Chip’s Sticky Bun Bake for breakfast and praise the menu for its consistency.

Family-style dining is the idea at the Garden Grill, with huge portions being endlessly served for all you care to eat. The dinner options include a Chip ‘n’ Dale Harvest Feast (think Thanksgiving but Disney) and considerable wine selections. 

Best Dining at Epcot for Healthy Eating

Eating healthy while traveling is quite the endeavor, let me tell you. Disney doesn’t always make it easy to maintain a diet or even just avoid feeling completely washed out by the end. Luckily, there are some amazing places for healthy food tucked away throughout Epcot once you know where to find them.

Coral Reef Restaurant

Eating fish in a fish and coral reef-themed restaurant can sometimes be unnerving. I totally get it. However, if you can overcome the cognitive dissonance, there is a wide selection of healthy options for the food-conscious traveler.

Try the Oven-roasted Herb Chicken Breast with risotto and thyme just ($27.00), or Seared Mahi Mahi with jasmine rice, coconut/ cilantro/ lime sauce, and Caribbean shrimp salsa ($31.00). The Seasonal House Salad with mixed greens, raspberry vinaigrette, feta cheese, and sunflower brittle ($12.00) takes the low-calorie cake on this menu.

Vegans and vegetarians have more options at the Coral Reef than most other places in Epcot. The Tempura-fried Cauliflower is a vegan classic featuring baby potatoes, soy sausage, and greens for $24.00. 

Check out this amazing list of the best vegan options in Epcot for a complete guide. There is an Allergy-Friendly menu available in the Coral Reef upon request, which is a total win..

Biergarten

Is traditional, heavy, swimming-in-beer German food on this list? Wait for me here because the Biergarten doesn’t have to be what you’re thinking.

This German staple is a major landmark in the World Showcase, and seems to celebrate Oktoberfest every month of the year. It is expensive to get in (generally around $60 per adult), and there is no shortage of heavy, dense food to indulge in.

However, if you’re strategic about it, this can actually be one of the best places to eat lighter. Giving the restaurant a call ahead of time can help sort out any food allergies, and the chefs are always happy to accommodate special dietary needs.

The food is laid out in an all-you-care-to-eat format, meaning you can pace yourself to taste great food without completely falling off the wagon of your diet. 

Seasonal salads, rotisserie chicken, braised red cabbage, and roasted sauerkraut are all lighter, healthier options at the Biergarten. If you don’t have a lot of self-restraint when it comes to buffets or German food, this might not be the best option for you. 

Looking for more healthy options? Over here, TheDailyMeal breaks down the healthiest dishes country-by-country in Epcot.

Best Dining at Epcot Quality Dining

We all deserve to treat ourselves sometimes, Epcot has its fair share of over-the-top restaurants for when you’d like to spend a little extra for a truly extraordinary meal. Tip: these are the ones you probably want to do without the kids. Read more about doing Disney as a couple. 

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Do you really want to travel all the way to Disney World, and then Epcot, and then spend all of your money just to have pizza? 

Yes. The answer is yes.

This pizzeria is by far the best on the Disney property, without question. The restaurant is a bit bare-bones, that’s for sure, and doesn’t necessarily demand 180-day-in-advance reservations. However, it maintains a high level of quality for its personal pizzas and assortments of side dishes (think arancini and calamari). 

Of course, really good pizza in Epcot comes with a really not-so-good price, but it could definitely be worth it. The individual pizzas generally set you back around $22-$25, but with options like the Quattro Formaggi (four cheese), Piccante (cheese and sausage), and Margherita (tomato, basil, and mozzarella), you can enjoy Italia in all its glory without a shred of guilt. 

Le Cellier Steakhouse

You will find multiple articles arguing about whether or not Le Cellier tops the list of Best-Ever Epcot Restaurants. It’s a continuing fight that only you can decide by giving this Canadian steakhouse an honest try. Every bite will certainly be delicious, no matter where you place it in your list of faves. 

You could certainly try the Filet Mignon with mushroom risotto, asparagus-tomato relish, and truffle-butter sauce, but $59.00 is a lot for anyone. Check out the Steamed Asian Dumplings with bok choy, Chinese long beans, and red peppers for $33.00 instead, or just indulge in authentic Canadian poutine. 

Le Cellier certainly gives you what you pay for, which is extremely high-quality food for a premier dining experience. Can you enjoy Epcot without hitting this place? Absolutely. Just don’t think about the wine-soaked French fries you’ll be missing. 

Monsieur Paul 

If the prices in the last section scared you, I would recommend just skipping this one or rereading the part on Epcot’s budget-friendly dining options. Better yet, check out my post on how a family of four can eat for under $50 per meal (you’ll love it, I promise). For the intrepid gourmands looking for the best that Epcot can offer, read on. 

Picture all-white table linens, sun-bathed windows, and Instagram-worthy dishes. This classy venue complements the award-winning food, which is something closer to a life experience than just a nutritional unit. You can order a few different ways at Monsieur Paul’s, depending on how much you realistically know you can eat.

The hors d’oeuvres are priced at an average of $20, and the main courses are generally around $40. You could splurge on an Upside Down Caramelized Onion Tart with goat cheese and balsamic/ honey reduction, plus a Seared Arctic Char Filet with cauliflower assortment, saffron potatoes, and chicken jus, and just call it a day. (I promise I’m not making any of these names up, this is a nice place.)

Alternatively, you could test out the Prix Fixe menus, in which you pay upwards of $90 for a multiple-course meal. The Prestige menu offers carrots, shrimp, and lemon jelly verrine to start before moving into your choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert.

If you really want to go all the way and experience the best of Monsieur Paul’s, go for the Dégustation menu. There are SEVEN courses in this meal, from a fish terrine to beef tartare to hamachi a la plancha to sorbet to quail breast to imported cheese to dessert. Prepare for endless bliss. 

Making the Most of Your Dining Experience at Epcot

Making the most of your dining experience at Epcot can be a fun and exciting adventure. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your dining experience to the fullest:

1. Plan ahead: Epcot has many popular dining options, so it’s important to plan ahead and make reservations in advance. You can make reservations up to 60 days in advance, and it’s recommended that you do so to ensure that you get a table at your desired restaurant.
2. Time your meal: Try to time your meal so that you can experience the ambiance of the restaurant while also seeing the park. For example, if you’re dining at the Garden Grill Restaurant, try to time your meal so that you can see the Living with the Land ride.
3. Try new foods: Epcot is known for its international cuisine, so don’t be afraid to try new foods. You might discover a new favorite dish or cuisine.
4. Take advantage of discounts: If you’re a Disney World Annual Passholder or a Disney Vacation Club member, you can often receive discounts on dining. Be sure to check for any discounts before you make your reservation.
5. Take your time: Epcot is a park that is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so take your time with your meal. Savor each bite and enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your dining experience at Epcot and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Epcot offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences…

From international cuisine to character dining experiences, the park has something to offer for everyone. By planning ahead, timing your meals, trying new foods, taking advantage of discounts, and taking your time, you can make the most of your dining experience at Epcot.

So, whether you’re visiting the park for the first time or you’re a seasoned Disney World veteran, be sure to check out the best dining options at Epcot and make your visit a truly unforgettable one.