15 Best Disneyland Restaurants

Uninitiated parkgoers might think that Disneyland is all about the iconic attractions and Mickey Mouse, but true fans know that the food is half of the fun of spending a day at the "Happiest Place on Earth." Whether you're a fan of classic snacks like churros and pretzels or you prefer the new treats popping up at Avengers Campus and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the best Disneyland restaurants and snack spots make even the most magical days better.

First-time visitors might be overwhelmed with the number of Disneyland restaurants to choose from — between the theme parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney, there are dozens of choices and so many great spots. As Travel + Leisure's on-staff theme park expert, I've eaten at countless Disney restaurants around the globe, and to determine the very best places to eat at Disneyland, I looked at their eats, atmosphere, and overall experience. Some Disneyland restaurants are nostalgic and packed with Disney history, some envelope guests in immersive theming, and some are just downright delicious, but we've narrowed it down to 15 of the best so you can start planning.

Best Disneyland Restaurants

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Location: New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park

Best for: Dinner overlooking an iconic Disney attraction

Since opening in 1967, Blue Bayou has been a favorite among Disneyland guests, loved for its enchanting ambiance and view overlooking the bayou — and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. The Louisiana-inspired table-service restaurant offers southern cuisine with dishes like jambalaya, chicken gumbo, and more, plus wine, beer, and a hurricane cocktail. This is one of the more expensive options on this list, with entrees ranging from $35 to $60, but the general experience makes the price worth it — ask for a waterside table when you check in for the best view. I did, and I got to sip my fruity cocktail and watch the Pirates boats pass by during a perfectly leisurely lunch.

Oga's Cantina

Location: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland Park

Best for: Drinks and tunes courtesy of DJ R-3X

You don't have to be a Star Wars fan to love Oga's Cantina. Inspired by the watering holes we've seen in galaxies far, far away, Oga's Catina offers a range of delightful cocktails — many of which have fun twists like tingly foam and unique flavors — along with mocktails, wine, beer, and light bites. Galaxy's Edge is all about living your own Star Wars adventure, and the immersive theming (and music played by droid DJ R-3X) continues that journey in Oga's Cantina. I love the Outer Rim, a tequila-based drink with black salt and a tangy fruit foam.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Location: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Park

Best for: Intergalactic eats

Just a short distance from Oga's Cantina is Docking Bay 7, a Star Wars-themed quick-service outpost. Dishes include the Endorian Fried Chicken Tip-Yip, a fried chicken meal served atop mash with green gravy, and the plant-based Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread — one of my top choices for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Honorable mention also goes to Galaxy's Edge quick-service eatery, Ronto Roasters, for its tasty Ronto and Garden wraps.

Plaza Inn

Location: Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park

Best for: A taste of Disney history

Dating back to 1955, the Plaza Inn was one of Walt Disney's favorites, and his wife, Lillian Disney, helped to decorate the restaurant's Victorian interior. The Plaza Inn is known for its specialty fried chicken and a character breakfast featuring Minnie Mouse and friends.

Bengal Barbecue

Location: Adventureland in Disneyland Park

Best for: Savory snacks or a quick meal

While technically more of a snack stand than a full-service restaurant, Bengal Barbecue is worth mentioning for its unique (and tasty) offerings that make a perfect light lunch or snack. The menu includes chicken, beef, and vegetable skewers that can be served on their own or with sides of rice and slaw on a plate. There's also hummus, dill pickles, fresh pineapple, and Tiger Tails, breadsticks with garlic, herbs, and cheese.

Carnation Cafe

Location: Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park

Best for: Nostalgic classics (including Walt's favorite dishes)

Find American comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Carnation Cafe. Breakfast menu highlights include a breakfast skillet and of course, Mickey waffles. Later in the day, opt for favorites like fried pickles or Walt's chili — a must-order dish if you visit during the chillier months.

Cafe Orleans

Location: New Orleans Square in Disneyland Park

Best for: Cajun charm (and the famous Monte Cristo)

This Disneyland restaurant has been open since 1966, making it another classic table-service option in the New Orleans-themed section of the park. The Monte Cristo is the most famous dish at Cafe Orleans; it's a sweet and savory fried sandwich stuffed with turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese covered in powdered sugar (there's also a three-cheese version for people that don't want meat). Other options include short rib and roasted chicken.

Red Rose Taverne

Location: Fantasyland in Disneyland Park

Best for: Fairy-tale snacks

If you find yourself hungry in Fantasyland, head over to Red Rose Taverne. Breakfast highlights at this quick-service restaurant include a breakfast sandwich and Mickey-shaped pancakes, while lunch and dinner menus feature standard fare like burgers and chicken nuggets plus flatbreads, salads, and a veggie burger. Of course, the real draw here is the "grey stuff" (it's delicious!) inspired by "Beauty and the Beast."

The Golden Horseshoe

Location: Frontierland in Disneyland Park

Best for: A meal with a side of Disney history

The Golden Horseshoe dates back to Disneyland's opening day in 1955, and Walt and Lillian Disney celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary here, so the restaurant is a true piece of Disney history. The Golden Horseshoe currently offers fairly standard theme park eats (plus decadent ice cream treats), so it's best known for its saloon-inspired interiors and Disney nostalgia.

Best Disney California Adventure Restaurants

Pym Test Kitchen + Pym Tasting Lab

Location: Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park

Best for: Refueling between superhero activities

One of the newer additions to Disney California Adventure Park, Avengers Campus gives guests the chance to be superheroes for the day. Pym Test Kitchen offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner items that have been supersized or shrunk down thanks to Pym Particles. I recommend getting the Not so Little Chicken Sandwich and the Choco-Smash Candy Bar (a delicious oversized candy bar with a brownie base topped with nougat, caramel, peanuts, and dark chocolate). Right next door at Pym Tasting Lab, fun cocktails and a varied beer menu give adults something to sip while watching the Avengers action unfold.

Lamplight Lounge

Location: Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park

Best for: Cocktails and light bites with a view

With walls covered in Pixar animation art and a view out over the water to the attractions of Pixar Pier, Lamplight Lounge is a great choice for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The lobster nachos are a crowd favorite, as are the cocktails and local beers. If you can't get a reservation downstairs, there is walk-up Boardwalk Dining available upstairs outside with a limited menu. In my opinion, the unique dishes and colorful cocktails combined with a prime view of the Pixar Pal-A-Round wheel make this one of the very best restaurants at Disney California Adventure Park.

Carthay Circle

Location: Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park

Best for: Elevated in-park dining

Inside the reproduction of Los Angeles' Carthay Circle Theater — where "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" premiered in 1937 — guests will find seasonal fare from the same chef behind Napa Rose. Menu highlights include fresh salads, seafood, and a signature pork chop.

Flo's V8 Cafe

Location: Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park

Best for: Diner eats in an adorable setting

Day or night, the picturesque, Route 66-inspired Cars Land is one of the best parts of Disney California Adventure Park. Stop for a bite to eat at Flo's V8 Cafe, a delightfully-themed quick-service eatery offering dishes like fried chicken, cheeseburgers, cobb salads, and a club sandwich.

Best Restaurants at Disneyland Hotels

Napa Rose

Location: Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Best for: Date night at Disney

At this point in our culinary tour of Disneyland, it's clear that the park's food offerings span a range of cuisines and themes, but what about guests looking for a more upscale dining experience? Located inside the Grand Californian Hotel, Napa Rose offers fine California dining and an award-winning wine list, making it the perfect option for guests seeking an elevated and relaxing experience after a day exploring Disneyland Resort.

Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar

Location: Disneyland Hotel

Best for: Tiki cocktails with a Disney twist

Located just a short walk from the theme parks by the Disneyland Hotel pool, Trader Sam's is the perfect place to go for an afternoon park break or after-dinner cocktail. There are light bites and meals available, including panko-crusted long beans, poke, and ramen, plus plenty of tiki drinks to choose from. Note that the indoor bar is restricted to people 21 and up after 8 p.m. Plus, find the famous Dole Whip just outside at Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar and Grill.