DISNEY CULINARY ADVENTURE

Don those Mickey ears! We are taking you on an All-Things-Disney culinary trip!

Disneyland can be overwhelming. Between the rides, the shops, the lines and the crowds, a trip to the happiest place on earth can sometimes feel… well… not so delightful. But don’t worry! With Nibble and Squeak, at least you won’t go hungry. We’ve got the reviews on the best Disney restaurants as well as highlighted the not-to-be-missed eats while at the park!

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DISNEYLAND RESTAURANT REVIEWS

STORYTELLERS CAFE

Familiar American fare, plus breakfast & dinner buffets, at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

The whimsically themed Storytellers Cafe offers breakfast, brunch and dinner buffet, as well as a la carte items, along with Disney character visits (note: only during breakfast and brunch service). There are fun kid-friendly dishes throughout the day such as made-to-order omelets, Mickey-shaped waffles, chicken nuggets, and cheesy macaroni. As well as some healthier options like sea bass with bok choy, eggplant, and ponzu sauce, citrus shrimp with orzo, salmon fillet with rice, and lobster cobb salad.

Location: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
Cost: $20 to $35 per adult
Attire: Theme park casual
Food: American

TORTILLA JO’S

Colorful cantina in the Downtown Disney District serving Mexican plates & a long list of tequilas.

Savor authentic south-of-the-border specialties in a vibrant setting in the heart of the Downtown Disney District. At Tortilla Jo’s, you’ll find fine Mexican fare, including handmade tortillas, mountainous nachos, fresh made guacamole, as well as delicious margaritas and a wide variety of tequilas. Pipsqueak tip: For an (even) more casual meal, consider the outdoor, quick-service Taqueria located next door.

Location: Downtown Disney
Cost: $20 to $35 per adult
Attire: Theme park casual
Food: Mexican

NAPLES RISTORANTE E PIZZERIA

Wood-fired pies, pastas, salads & other traditional Italian eats at a casual, family-friendly spot.

Celebrate the charm, cuisine and spirit of southern Italy at this classic Neapolitan eatery. At this family-friendly Italian spot, you can find your standard causal fare (panini, pizzas, pastas) but also some more foodie dishes like Branzino, Seafood Stew, and Brasato di Manzo (short ribs over polenta). Pipsqueak tip: The upstairs dining room can offer a more quiet atmosphere – perfect for little ones that need some down time – while the adjacent Napolini is great for a quick and cheaper bite.

Location: Downtown Disney
Cost: $20 to $35 per adult
Attire: Theme park casual
Food: Italian

CATAL RESTAURANT

Upscale yet casual establishment offers an array of Mediterranean eats plus an extensive wine list.

Celebrate Old World romance at this relaxed yet elegant eatery where gourmet cuisine meets homespun hospitality. The eclectic decor matches the ambitious menu at this upscale yet casual Disney restaurant. Specialties include mouth-watering items like SUCKLING PIG with sweet potato purée, roasted fennel, pepita cilantro pesto, tomatillo jam; and GRILLED RACK OF LAMB with mediterranean cous cous, cucumbers, tzatziki harissa vinaigrette, medjool dates. Delicious! Pipsqueak tip: There is a kids menu but not sure you’ll need it when one of the side dishes is BACON MAC N’ CHEESE!

Location: Downtown Disney
Cost: $20 to $35 per adult
Attire: Theme park casual
Food: Mediterranean

TRADER SAM’S

Disneyland Hotel spot for a variety of tropical drinks in a tiki-themed hut with special effects.

You grotto check out this tropical tiki bar that captures the romance of the South Seas through unique food and drinks. Trader Sam’s has been a big hit since it first opened in 2011. Fun fact: The “Enchanted Tiki Bar” takes its cue from the Jungle Cruise ride, where Trader Sam is identified as the Amazon’s (literal) head salesman. More a lounge than a restaurant, this hotspot does offer some delicious – mostly Asian – dishes to accompany the cocktails, such as fish tacos, chicken-lettuce wraps and panko-crusted Chinese long beans. (Note that Trader Sam’s doesn’t take reservations.)

Location: Disneyland Hotel
Cost: Under $15 per adult, not including drinks
Attire: Casual
Food: Island-inspired American

CAFÉ ORLEANS

Veteran Disneyland restaurant serving Cajun & Creole specialties in casual surrounds with a patio.

Savor soups, sandwiches and salads with a French Quarter flair at this historic New Orleans Square eatery. The limited menu includes classic New Orleans-inspired dishes such as fried green tomato sandwich, Creole ratatouille, and a chicken muffuletta. We definitely recommend trying the famous Monte Cristo sandwich… And the garlic-heavy pommes frites are to die for!

Location: New Orleans Square at Disneyland
Attire: Anything goes at the theme park restaurant
Cost: $20 to $35 per adult
Food: American with an emphasis on Cajun-Creole

RALPH BRENNAN’S JAZZ KITCHEN

Outfit in the Downtown Disney District with Creole fare & live jazz that’s suitable for families.

From Louisiana to you: delicious fresh seafood, flavorful ingredients and a proud family tradition of southern hospitality. Another Disney spot serving up Creole and Cajun specialties, Ralph Brennan’s is a two story replica of traditional French Quarter architecture including a ground floor courtyard flanked by a quick service dining facility (Jazz Kitchen Express) and a New Orleans-style jazz club (Flambeaux’s). Upstairs you’ll find traditional New Orleans dining rooms and an outdoor ‘Jazz balcony’ with seating that overlooks the revelry of Downtown Disney. We suggest trying the po-boy sandwich for lunch and Jambalaya and/or Gumbo Ya-Ya for dinner. And be sure to save room for dessert! Their Bananas Foster is legit.

Location: Downtown Disney
Cost: $20 to $35 per adult
Attire: Casual
Food: Cajun-Creole

CARNATION CAFE

Main Street courtyard restaurant featuring American comfort-food dishes inspired by Walt Disney.

Dine on classic American comfort food at this Main Street, U.S.A. institution. Carnation Cafe is known for serving up some of Walt’s favorite foods — including fried pickles! Each order comes with just a few of these delicious parmesan and bread crumb-coated spears, the perfect throwback food! Cafe specialties include Hot Chicken and Waffles, Chef’s Vegan Burger, Sourdough Bacon-Cheese Melt, and TV Dinner Pot Roast. Pipsqueak tip: There is a kids menu but most everything is accessible for even the youngest of palettes. Be sure to save room for dessert, where you can try an assortment of sundaes, floats, and milk shakes.

Location: Downtown Disney
Cost: $20 to $30 per adult
Attire: Casual
Food: American

STEAKHOUSE 55

Classy steakhouse inside the Disneyland Hotel with black & white photos of old Hollywood celebs.

Indulge in premium prime steaks, chops and seafood in an elegant Old Hollywood atmosphere rich in Disney history. The dishes here might rival any high-end steakhouse chain with the added decor bonus of vintage photos of Walt Disney hobnobbing with movie stars. Pipsqueak tip: If you are looking for a relatively quiet way to start your day, consider visiting Steakhouse 55 for breakfast. The old-school menu hits the spot (hello chicken and waffles!), and the relatively hushed atmosphere is a welcome contrast to the frenzied mob scene next door at Goofy’s Kitchen.

Location: The Disneyland Hotel
Cost: $35 to $60 per adult
Attire: Casual
Food: American, featuring steaks

NAPA ROSE

Upscale Californian cuisine, vast wine list & Craftsman decor in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel.

Savor upscale California fare and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The Napa Rose truly excels in every category — including inspired dishes, lovely atmosphere and impeccable service. The menu changes with the seasons and features local ingredients. Current specials include Sesame-Lemon Roasted Cabbage Roulade stuffed with Forager Mushrooms, Minted Green Garbanzo and Red Fresno Piperade; and Sustainable Fish of the Day with Hazelnut Roasted, with Duck Confit, Salsify and Orange-Thyme Butter. The kids menu is pretty amazing as well! With options like chopped salad, Grilled Chicken Breast Scaloppini and Petit Filet of Angus Beef, your pipsqueaks will be just as happy as the grown-ups with this meal. And for your little ones who love Disney Princesses, the Napa Rose Disney Princess breakfast is a one of a kind adventure!

Location: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel
Cost: $35 to $60 per adult
Attire: Casual, but it is a fine dining establishment
Food: California fusion

CARTHAY CIRCLE RESTAURANT

Upscale, modern global cuisine served in a replica of an iconic theater from Hollywood’s golden age.

Introducing a Golden-Era movie palace where food is the star—savor premiere cuisine in a romantic backdrop. Tucked into the elegant Carthay Circle Theater, the restaurant, decked out as a retro supper club, has a welcoming, old-school vibe. The menu, however, embraces contemporary cuisine and features fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Might we suggest starting with the Sweet Corn Griddle Cake and Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits, then moving on to Roasted Pumpkin and Sage Gnocchi, followed by Heirloom Apple Croustade for dessert. FYI: By ordering an entree together with an appetizer or a dessert, you will be entitled to reserve viewing for World of Color. Pipsqueak tip: If you are not able to get reservations at your preferred time, consider dining at the Carthay Circle Lounge on the first floor of the building. While it is small, there are often seats available, and the food, cocktails, and ambiance are quite wonderful (and the cost is much less than the upstairs restaurant).

Location: Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure
Attire: Theme park casual is fine, but attire befitting the fine dining atmosphere would be welcome as well
Cost: $35 to $60 per adult
Food: Creative American with some Asian influences

Plus, don’t miss out on these other Best Items to Eat at Disneyland Park!

Turkey Legs at Edelweiss Snacks
Fried Chicken Dinner at Plaza Inn
Churros at Various Locations in Disneyland Park
Mickey-Shaped Pretzels at Various Locations
Dole Whip at Tiki Juice Bar
Jolly Holiday Combo at Jolly Holiday Bakery Café (Grilled cheese and a cup of tomato basil soup)
Skewers at Bengal Barbecue
Mickey Beignets at Mint Julep Bar
Pomme Frites at Cafe Orleans
Fried Pickles at Carnation Cafe
Monte Cristo at Blue Bayou Restaurant
Panko-Crusted Long Beans at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
Hand-Dipped Bar at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream
Fried Biscuits at Carthay Circle Restaurant
Corn Dogs at Corn Dog Castle
Chili Cone Queso at Cozy Cone Motel
Sourdough Bread Bowl Soup at Pacific Wharf Café
Lobster Nachos at Lamplight Lounge