Top Disneyland Resort Restaurants

[Daveeeeed]

Hey! We'll be going to Disneyland from the 21st to the 25th of June, and I was wondering what are the must-do restaurants. How about the best quick service in each park, and the best sit-downs at the resort.

Is Blue Bayou worth it? We're thinking of 1-2 fancy sit-downs absolutely the max would be 3. These are what I think might be the best from internet research. Not a huge fan of character meals unless they are really good.
Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle, Steakhouse 55, and Napa Rose. We couldn't do all four obviously, and there might be others that would be better.

Also, my birthday is the 24th, so is there a good restaurant that gives the classic Disney feel for that, or would Carthay Circle be good? I'm a veteran of WDW & DLP, but I've never been to Disneyland.

Thanks a million everyone!

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Hey! We'll be going to Disneyland from the 21st to the 25th of June, and I was wondering what are the must-do restaurants. How about the best quick service in each park, and the best sit-downs at the resort.

Is Blue Bayou worth it? We're thinking of 1-2 fancy sit-downs absolutely the max would be 3. These are what I think might be the best from internet research. Not a huge fan of character meals unless they are really good.
Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle, Steakhouse 55, and Napa Rose. We couldn't do all four obviously, and there might be others that would be better.

Also, my birthday is the 24th, so is there a good restaurant that gives the classic Disney feel for that, or would Carthay Circle be good? I'm a veteran of WDW & DLP, but I've never been to Disneyland.

Thanks a million everyone!

Don't fixate on table service - it's not DLR's strong suit. Bayou is fun for the ambiance, the food is just serviceable. Carthay is cool, but the food is hit and miss and service can be as well. Steakhouse 55 is nice, but nothing I'd go out of my way for. Napa Rose is truly great and the only one on the list I'd say is a can't miss, especially if you can swing Chef's Table. Cafe Orleans is a waste of time.

DLR's quick service options are mostly much nicer than WDW/DLP and worth checking out. Plaza Inn, Flo's V8 Diner, Paradise Garden Grill, French Market are all great.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Don't fixate on table service - it's not DLR's strong suit. Bayou is fun for the ambiance, the food is just serviceable. Carthay is cool, but the food is hit and miss and service can be as well. Steakhouse 55 is nice, but nothing I'd go out of my way for. Napa Rose is truly great and the only one on the list I'd say is a can't miss, especially if you can swing Chef's Table. Cafe Orleans is a waste of time.

DLR's quick service options are mostly much nicer than WDW/DLP and worth checking out. Plaza Inn, Flo's V8 Diner, Paradise Garden Grill, French Market are all great.

We'll definitely check those out! Thanks!

 

[Figments Friend]

I really like Cafe Orleans...it's one of my 'regular stops' when visiting.
The Pomme Frites, and unique salads are quite good.
It's probably most known for its famous Monte Cristo sandwich and beignets.
Both are tasty as well.

Blue Buyou is worth doing at least once for the sheer experience of it.
Try for lunch instead of the pricier dinner offerings.
It can be expensive, but you are paying for the scenic ambiance and not nessesarily for the food.

I also like Rancho Del Zocalo at Disneyland, which offers various Mexican and Spanish inspired foods.
The fish tacos are yummy...with plenty of sides.

Over at California Adventure, Paradise Garden Grill and Flo's V8 Cafe are good options, too.
Lots a choices and everything I have tried at both locations I have enjoyed.
I also personally like Lucky Fortune Cookery with it's tasty rice bowls and pan-Asian offerings.

-

 

[Daveeeeed]

I really like Cafe Orleans...it's one of my 'regular stops' when visiting.
The Pomme Frites, and unique salads are quite good.
It's probably most known for its famous Monte Cristo sandwich and beignets.
Both are tasty as well.

Blue Buyou is worth doing at least once for the sheer experience of it.
Try for lunch instead of the pricier dinner offerings.
It can be expensive, but you are paying for the scenic ambiance and not nessesarily for the food.

I also like Rancho Del Zocalo at Disneyland, which offers various Mexican and Spanish inspired foods.
The fish tacos are yummy...with plenty of sides.

Over at California Adventure, Paradise Garden Grill and Flo's V8 Cafe are good options, too.
Lots a choices and everything I have tried at both locations I have enjoyed.
I also personally like Lucky Fortune Cookery with it's tasty rice bowls and pan-Asian offerings.

-

Thanks! Is Trader Sam's worth a stop -- same for Jolly Holiday Bakery?

 

[BrianLo]

I'd agree that DLR is more known for individual food items than specific table service. While in some ways over-rated, you aren't going to find an Epcot or now Animal Kingdom-esque food experience. I haven't been, but I think Disney Springs sort of blows Disneyland resort out of the water.

DCA probably has the better overall offerings. In terms of highly recommended, don't miss if it adheres to your palate...
The lobster Nacho's at the cove bar were amazing if that's your thing (credit @SSG).
Flo's Diner has an excellent breakfast.
Paradise Grill seems to receive rave reviews, although I've missed the non-holiday offerings thus far.
I'm also a big fan of the Boudin bread bowl soups and Ghiradelli for a rather authentic touristy San Francisco offering.

Disneyland...
I'm a sucker for the monte-cristo and pomme frites (but very overpriced). Cafe Orleans is missing the charm for such a price tag without the river traffic.
The fried chicken at plaza inn is a classic.

The other mentioned venues are all on the list.

But ya, honestly pick like two table services (for the experience more than the food) max.

 

[jmuboy]

We'll definitely check those out! Thanks!

Plaza Inn, Flo's, The Wharf food Court at DCA, French Market are best casual spots. And consistent good food in my opinion.

 

[NobodyElse]

Napa Rose is truly great and the only one on the list I'd say is a can't miss, especially if you can swing Chef's Table.

We recently did the Chef's Table (on the dessert side) with wine flight. It was pretty fantastic.

For the OP, if you can't get regular reservations at Napa Rose but want to try the food, an option is to grab a table in the lounge. It's fun to get appetizers and wine by the glass. I believe the entire menu is available as well, but it's a little awkward to eat at the smaller tables.

 

[westie]

I always go to SH55 because I love prime rib. CC is nice as well but doesn't offer that many food choices to my liking. Uva Bar in DtD is a nice place to hang out and people watch while having a drink and some appetizers. Tangaroo Terrace is the same but with a tiki bar theme. And Cove Bar is great for their sliders and nachos. I'm kind of over BB because to me its overpriced and crowded and the only seats that matter are the ones up front overlooking the ride.

 

[TP2000]

Might as well drop this here...

The Napa Rose is starting a new afternoon "Wine Education Experience" offering in their lounge, before dinner service begins. A $95 wine and charcuterie tasting led by a sommelier, every afternoon from two to three o'clock. Every Napa Rose waiter and waitress is at least a Level 1 sommelier, and several are Level 2 or Level 3 sommeliers.

Photos and more info at this article from today's Orange County Register. http://www.ocregister.com/2017/04/2...arly-for-afternoon-wine-education-experience/

 

[Curious Constance]

I can just see myself at Napa Rose. "Yes, um can I substitute French fries?" "Does this come plain?" "Can I just have a diet pepsi?"

 

[Phroobar]

I can just see myself at Napa Rose. "Yes, um can I substitute French fries?" "Does this come plain?" "Can I just have a diet pepsi?"

The bill comes and the waiter says "Your card is declined. Do you have another?"

 

[disneyC97]

Don't shoot me but I preferred Carthay Circle to Napa Rose on my last visit.

Also Steakhouse 55 for a non buffet non character relaxed breakfast if you're into that sort of thing.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Don't shoot me but I preferred Carthay Circle to Napa Rose on my last visit.

Also Steakhouse 55 for a non buffet non character relaxed breakfast if you're into that sort of thing.

Thank you for your help! What would you say made it better?

 

[zooey]

Best meal of the year for me is always Napa Rose chef counter tasting menu. Ask for a scallop, it will be the best scallop of all the scallops.
I also really like steakhouse 55. Get a steak with the signature rub. I also love the bone marrow.
Carthay is probably the best in theme park restaurant.
Trader Sams is definitely worth a visit, especially mid afternoon while crowds are lighter. I love the drinks but the chicken wings on the menu are probably my favorite anywhere.
If you need a character breakfast Storytellers is my go to. It's not amazing but it's very good for what it is. Still overpriced of course.

Quick eat favs:
Main Street corn dog cart. Holy moly those are good.
Jolly holiday Matterhorn macaroons. Holy MOLY those are good!
Ralph Brennan's beignets. Fantastic.
Flos in Carsland is pretty good, as are the snacks at the cones.

That's all for now!

 

[Figments Friend]

Thanks! Is Trader Sam's worth a stop -- same for Jolly Holiday Bakery?

Yes, Trader Sam's over at the Disneyland Hotel is well worth a visit.
It is small inside...so it might be a challange to get in if it happens to be busy, but they do have outdoor seating.

When you visit, be sure to spend some time visually inspecting all the interior wall decorations.
Lots of great stuff and sly in jokes related to certain Attractions and personalities associated with the Parks.


Jolly Holiday is a good spot to grab soup and a sandwich, as well as yummy bakery treats.
If you are a fan of 'Mary Poppins' it is worth a visit.

-

 

[SSG]

I can just see myself at Napa Rose. "Yes, um can I substitute French fries?" "Does this come plain?" "Can I just have a diet pepsi?"

The well-trained servers will ask if you want to sniff the twist top on that Pepsi.

 

[RMichael21]

For my personal preferences, as others have said, I've found that the Table Service restaurants aren't nearly as strong as those at Walt Disney World. If you're willing to go over to the Garden Walk (very close, maybe a 5 minute Uber), Roy's is fantastic. We had such a fantastic dinner there the first night of our 2014 trip that we booked another reservation for later in our vacation. We're also planning on eating there for our upcoming June 1.5 day trip.

 

[Daveeeeed]

For my personal preferences, as others have said, I've found that the Table Service restaurants aren't nearly as strong as those at Walt Disney World. If you're willing to go over to the Garden Walk (very close, maybe a 5 minute Uber), Roy's is fantastic. We had such a fantastic dinner there the first night of our 2014 trip that we booked another reservation for later in our vacation. We're also planning on eating there for our upcoming June 1.5 day trip.

What days?

 

[RMichael21]

What days?

June 25th and 26th.