The Ultimate Guide to Magic Kingdom Dining: Ranking ALL Sit-Down Restaurants
- Chrissa Karnes
- Feb 22
- 16 min read
Updated: May 15
Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most iconic rides and attractions in Disney World but the restaurants here can be just as magical!
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to try all eight sit-down restaurants in Magic Kingdom, and today, I’m ranking them from my least favorite to my absolute favorite.
Now, just to be clear, I don’t think any of these restaurants are bad. This is just my personal ranking based on my own experiences, including the food, atmosphere, and overall vibe.
So, grab your fork and get ready because here’s how I would rank every table-service restaurant in Magic Kingdom!
Table of Contents
Here’s a quick look at all the table-service restaurants we’ll be covering. Click to jump to your favorite:
#8 The Plaza Restaurant: Classic Americana Dining at the Heart of Main Street
Overview
The Plaza Restaurant is a small, charming table-service spot located right at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., near Cinderella Castle. Styled like a Victorian café, it offers a quieter, more relaxed experience compared to some of the more bustling restaurants in Magic Kingdom. It’s a great choice if you’re craving something simple and want a break from the crowds without straying too far from the action.
Theming & Atmosphere
This restaurant leans into the turn-of-the-century charm with its vintage décor, intricate moldings, and sunlit conservatory-style windows. It feels like stepping into a cozy neighborhood café from a bygone era. While it’s definitely cute and elegant, the theming is a bit more understated compared to some of the more immersive restaurants around the park.
Food
The menu here focuses on classic American comfort food like hearty sandwiches, salads, burgers, and traditional entrees. The Triple Decker Turkey Club Sandwich was our favorite. It was fresh, stacked high, and super satisfying. We also tried the Pot Roast Stack, which came loaded with slow-roasted beef on thick-cut toast, mashed potatoes, vegetables, caramelized onion gravy, and crispy onion rings. It was rich, filling, and definitely one of the more indulgent options on the menu.
They are also known for their hand-scooped ice cream and milkshakes, which are perfect on a hot Florida day. If you’re looking for a lighter or simpler meal, this is a solid pick.
What We Like
The Triple Decker Turkey Club Sandwich was a standout during our visit, offering a satisfying and flavorful bite. We also enjoyed the hand-scooped ice cream sundaes and milkshakes, which added a sweet finish to our meal. With its location right near Cinderella Castle, it offers a relaxing escape with a picturesque view.
What Could Be Better
Despite its charm, The Plaza Restaurant doesn't quite reach the immersive standards set by other Disney restaurants. The menu is quite limited and basic, focused mostly on sandwiches, salads, and burgers, which may not appeal to those looking for a more adventurous meal. The dining space is also small and tends to get noisy, especially during busy hours, which can detract from the overall experience.
#7 Tony’s Town Square: Main Street’s Homage to Lady and the Tramp
Overview
Just inside the gates of Magic Kingdom, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is a charming Italian-American eatery inspired by Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. It’s located right on Town Square and is one of the first table-service restaurants you’ll pass as you enter the park. If you're looking for a cozy lunch or dinner spot close to Main Street, this is one of the most convenient options around.
Theming & Atmosphere
Tony’s offers a warm, old-school Italian vibe with nods to Lady and the Tramp throughout the dining room with framed movie stills, romantic lighting, and a statue of the pups sharing spaghetti in the center. If you look closely, you’ll even spot a silhouette of Lady and the Tramp out the back window, adding a subtle but sweet touch. Outside the restaurant, keep an eye out for their paw prints on the pavement.
The theming is subtle rather than immersive, but it’s a sweet tribute that longtime Disney fans will appreciate. If you’re lucky enough to get a patio seat, you’ll also have a great view of the parades along Main Street.
Food
The menu features classic Italian-American fare. We started with Tony’s Garlic Bread for the Table, which came stacked into a little tower and was served with a delicious Parmesan Fonduta. It was warm, cheesy, and perfect for sharing.
For our mains, we tried the Spaghetti and Meatballs and the Chicken Parmigiana. If you want to recreate Lady and the Tramp’s iconic spaghetti dinner, this is your chance! Complete with generous meatballs and marinara. The Chicken Parmigiana was hearty and well-cooked, with a crisp breading and plenty of melty cheese.
For dessert, the standout was the Tiramisu Cannolis, which had just the right balance of sweetness and creamy filling. The flavor changes seasonally, but no matter the filling, they strike a nice balance between rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness.
What We Like
The garlic bread and tiramisu cannolis were clear highlights, and the portion sizes overall were generous. It’s hard to beat the convenience of the location. Whether you’re starting or ending your park day here, it’s an easy option. The outdoor seating also gives you front-row access to parade viewing, which is a big bonus.
What Could Be Better
While the food is enjoyable, it’s not exactly groundbreaking and the prices feel a bit high for what you get (for example, the Spaghetti and Meatballs is $29). The theming, while charming, isn’t as immersive as some of Disney’s more elaborately designed restaurants.
#6 The Diamond Horseshoe: A Western-Themed Thanksgiving Feast
Overview
Tucked away on the border of Liberty Square and Frontierland, The Diamond Horseshoe is a Western-style saloon that offers an all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style meal. If you’re in the mood for a classic comfort-food feast, this is one of the best places in Magic Kingdom to fill up. It’s an often-overlooked spot that’s easy to snag a reservation for, even during busy times.
Theming & Atmosphere
The interior is themed like an old-fashioned saloon straight out of the Wild West, with ornate woodwork, a grand staircase, and a stage at the front of the dining room. It definitely has a grand, old-timey vibe. That said, the space can feel a bit empty since there’s currently no live entertainment to bring the room to life. It’s a cool setting that’s begging for some extra atmosphere.
Food
The food here is served family-style and feels like a full-on Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll get a hearty spread of roasted turkey, tender pot roast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and mac & cheese along with cornbread to start. It’s rich, satisfying, and designed to please picky eaters and comfort food lovers alike.
The real standout, though, is the Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake which is vanilla toffee cake served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. It's warm, sticky, sweet, and easily one of the best desserts in all of Disney World.
What We Like
This is the place to go if you're craving a hearty Thanksgiving-style meal, complete with turkey, pot roast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese. The Oooey Gooey Toffee Cake, in particular, is a standout dessert and possibly one of the best in all of Disney. The ease of getting a reservation here is a bonus, especially during peak hours when other table-service restaurants are fully booked.
What Could Be Better
While the food is comforting and satisfying, it can be quite heavy, which isn't always ideal during a warm day at the parks. Also, the lack of live entertainment makes the large saloon space feel underutilized and a bit empty.
#5 Liberty Tree Tavern: A Colonial-Themed Thanksgiving Feast
Overview
Liberty Tree Tavern is a table-service restaurant located in Liberty Square, right next door to The Diamond Horseshoe. It offers the same all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style feast, but with an extra dose of Disney theming. If you’re a fan of Thanksgiving-style meals served in a cozy, colonial setting, this is a must-visit.
Theming & Atmosphere
Stepping into Liberty Tree Tavern feels like walking into an 18th-century New England home. The restaurant is divided into six individually themed rooms, each honoring a historical figure like Benjamin Franklin or Betsy Ross. With colonial-style furniture, wood-paneled walls, and flickering lanterns, the theming here adds a ton of charm and immerses you in the Revolutionary-era ambiance. It’s cozy, warm, and a bit more intimate than its neighbor, The Diamond Horseshoe.
Food
Liberty Tree Tavern shares a kitchen with The Diamond Horseshoe, so the menus are identical meaning you’ll get the same all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style feast. That includes roasted turkey, pot roast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, seasonal vegetables, and house-made gravy plus cornbread to start and a fresh salad to kick things off.
And yes, the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is also served here—and it’s just as incredible.
What We Like
You get all the benefits of The Diamond Horseshoe’s meal, but with richer theming and a more immersive atmosphere. The food is hearty and consistently satisfying, and the toffee cake remains one of the best desserts in Magic Kingdom. It's a great pick if you want a full, sit-down experience that still feels uniquely Disney.
What Could Be Better
Like its sister restaurant, the meal is very heavy. After stuffing yourself with pot roast, turkey, and toffee cake, you’ll probably be ready for a nap, not Space Mountain. It’s definitely a place to slow down and savor, but maybe not ideal if you’ve got a packed ride schedule right after.
#4 Skipper Canteen: Magic Kingdom's Most Adventurous Dining Experience
Overview
Tucked into Adventureland, Skipper Canteen takes everything you love about the Jungle Cruise and turns it into a table-service dining experience. From the witty skippers who serve you to the quirky backstory of the restaurant itself, it’s a spot that combines bold flavors with even bolder personality. If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, this is where your adventure begins.
Theming & Atmosphere
This restaurant is packed with nods to the Jungle Cruise and Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.), complete with artifacts, maps, and pun-filled décor. You’ll dine in rooms like the once-secret S.E.A. meeting hall or the butterfly-themed parlor, each filled with clever details for those who love a good Disney deep dive. Your “Skipper” server keeps the same snarky, pun-heavy energy as the ride, which adds a layer of fun to the whole experience.
Food
Skipper Canteen is known for its globally inspired dishes that go beyond the usual theme park fare. We kicked off our meal with two appetizers: the Not-So-Secret Menu Item, Pão de Queijo. Which is a warm, gluten-free cheese bread served with a chimichurri cream cheese dip and the Falls Family Falafel, which came with edamame hummus and toasted pumpkin seeds. Both starters were full of flavor and fun twists on familiar favorites.
For entrees, we tried the Hardy Har Char Siu Pork, served with jasmine rice and seasonal vegetables, and the Baa Baa Lamb Chops, which came with Chermoula, roasted cauliflower, cipollini onions, and harissa sauce. Everything was beautifully plated and packed with bold, unique spices.
To end the meal, we had the Kungaloosh, an African-inspired chocolate cake with caramelized bananas, served with cashew-caramel ice cream and topped with coffee dust. It was a rich, satisfying finish that fit the adventurous theme perfectly.
What We Like
This is easily one of the most inventive and flavorful menus in Magic Kingdom. The menu is bold and globally inspired, featuring dishes like Baa Baa Lamb Chops and Hardy Har Char Siu Pork, along with the delightful Kungaloosh dessert. The restaurant is packed with clever details and nods to Disney history, and the playful servers keep the tone light and entertaining throughout the meal.
What Could Be Better
As fun as the theming is, it could be pushed even further to create an even more immersive Jungle Cruise adventure. Still, it’s a great spot for guests looking for something different from typical theme park fare.
#3 Be Our Guest: The Ultimate Beauty and the Beast Dining Experience
Overview
Located in the heart of Fantasyland, Be Our Guest invites you inside Beast’s enchanted castle for one of the most immersive dining experiences in all of Magic Kingdom. This table-service restaurant operates with a prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner and is widely considered a bucket-list meal for many Disney fans. Between the castle setting, elegant presentation, and iconic Disney theming, it’s a true fairytale dining experience.
Theming & Atmosphere
The restaurant is divided into three themed dining rooms, each offering a different slice of Beauty and the Beast. The Grand Ballroom is breathtaking, with high arched windows and softly falling “snow” outside.
The West Wing is dark and moody, complete with thunder cracks and the enchanted rose glowing in the corner.
And the Rose Gallery is a quieter space featuring large tapestries and a rotating Belle and Beast music box centerpiece. The level of detail is impressive, and every room feels like it was pulled straight out of the movie. During your meal, the Beast occasionally strolls through, adding a bit of magic, though it’s not a full meet-and-greet.
Food
The French-inspired prix fixe menu includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert trio. We started with the French Onion Soup au Gratin, made with a rich beef broth, sherry wine, and topped with gooey Gruyère cheese, it’s a fan-favorite for a reason. We also ordered the Escargot de Bourgogne, braised in white wine and baked in garlic-herb butter. It was surprisingly flavorful and perfectly prepared.
For our entrees, the Grilled Filet Mignon was tender and served with smashed potatoes, haricot verts, and a brandy-peppercorn sauce, while the Roasted Poulet Rouge Chicken was juicy and paired with sweet potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and a tangy whole-grain mustard sauce.
Dessert arrives as a trio: a Lemon Jam Macaron, a Dark Chocolate Truffle filled with Grand Marnier ganache and vanilla cake, and a Chocolate Tart topped with “The Grey Stuff,” crisp pearls, and a white chocolate wafer. Yes, the Grey Stuff is delicious.
What We Like
The atmosphere is second to none. Dining inside Beast’s Castle is a magical experience, especially for fans of the film. The three dining rooms (the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing, and the Rose Gallery) are all stunning, each offering a different aspect of the beloved film’s setting. The French-inspired prix fixe menu includes elevated dishes like Filet Mignon and French Onion Soup, and yes, the Grey Stuff really is delicious. Seeing the Beast occasionally stroll through the dining rooms adds to the magic.
What Could Be Better
The price tag is steep (currently over $70 per adult) which may not feel worth it if you’re primarily coming for the ambiance. Character interaction is limited to Beast walking through the rooms, and reservations can be extremely hard to get. If you’re on a tight budget or looking for character dining with more interaction, this might not be the best fit.
#2 The Crystal Palace: A Friendship Day Celebration with Pooh and Friends
Overview
Set at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. with a view of Cinderella Castle, The Crystal Palace is a bright, Victorian-style restaurant offering buffet dining with Winnie the Pooh and his Hundred Acre Wood friends. With charming glass ceilings, floral arrangements, and natural light streaming in, this is one of the most cheerful and elegant character dining experiences in Magic Kingdom.
Theming & Atmosphere
Inspired by Victorian greenhouses from the 1800s, The Crystal Palace is filled with lush plants, ornate glasswork, and light-filled spaces. The open layout allows characters like Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore to make their way around the dining room for hugs, autographs, and photos. It feels lively and whimsical while still managing to be bright and airy. And is a great spot for families and fans of classic Disney charm.
Food
The Crystal Palace buffet includes something for just about everyone. Breakfast features made-to-order omelets, crispy bacon, sausage, fruit, and Disney staples like Mickey waffles and puffed French toast. It’s a great way to fuel up before a full park day.
Lunch and dinner include a rotating variety of carved meats, seasonal salads, hearty sides, and comfort foods like mac & cheese, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes.
The dessert bar is also worth saving room for, with mini cakes, soft-serve ice cream, and other sweet treats. The buffet is well-stocked and frequently refreshed, which helps keep the quality high.
What We Like
This restaurant combines beautiful surroundings with the joy of seeing beloved characters like Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore. And we always love a good buffet. Breakfast features made-to-order omelets and Mickey waffles, while lunch and dinner offer carved meats, seasonal salads, and indulgent desserts. So there is definitely something for everyone. At around $52–$62 per adult, the price feels reasonable for the variety and character interactions.
What Could Be Better
Because of its popularity, the restaurant can get crowded and loud during peak hours. Tables are fairly close together, and the energy level stays high throughout the meal which may not be ideal if you're looking for a quiet break. Reservations also fill up quickly, so advance planning is a must.
#1 Cinderella’s Royal Table: The Ultimate Fairytale Dining Experience
Overview
Dining inside Cinderella Castle is the ultimate Magic Kingdom experience, and Cinderella’s Royal Table delivers on the fairytale. This is a prix fixe, character dining meal where you’re treated like royalty from the moment you step inside. If you're celebrating a special occasion (or just want that bucket-list moment) this is the place to do it.
Theming & Atmosphere
As soon as you check in, you’re welcomed into the grand entry hall to meet Cinderella herself for a royal photo op. Then you’ll ascend a winding stone staircase (or take the elevator) to the soaring dining hall, complete with stained glass windows, medieval chandeliers, and regal flags hanging from the rafters.
The space feels like a true castle banquet hall, and throughout your meal, you’ll be visited by four additional princesses. During our visit, we saw Jasmine, Aurora, Ariel, and Merida but keep in mind, the princess lineup is subject to change. It’s an experience full of charm and pageantry, perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of dining in a castle.
And of course, guests receive a wishing star and autograph card as part of the royal treatment.
Food
The prix fixe menu includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, with options that feel more elevated than many other character dining spots. We started with the Chilled Jumbo Shrimp, served with avocado mousse, Fresno peppers, and a tomato-horseradish vinaigrette. A light and flavorful beginning! As well as the Braised Beef which was tender, flavorful, and a surprisingly hearty way to begin the meal.
For our entrées, we tried the Grilled Filet Mignon (paired with olive oil-whipped potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, and garlic butter) and the Roasted Lamb Chops (served with potato pavé, asparagus, and a honey-balsamic glaze). Each dish was beautifully plated and full of rich, savory flavors.
For dessert, The Clock Strikes Twelve, a chocolate ganache tart topped with salted caramel-coffee mousse, was decadent and delicious. The Jaq and Gus Cheesecake was a more classic option, with vanilla cheesecake and fresh fruit.
What We Like
It’s hard to top the magic of dining in Cinderella Castle. The food is elegant, the service is polished, and the whole experience from the decor to the princess visits feels like a special occasion in the best way. The little extras, like the keepsake gifts, really make this one of the most memorable meals in all of Disney World.
What Could Be Better
With a price tag of over $80 per adult, this is one of the most expensive meals in Magic Kingdom. And reservations are among the hardest to get in Magic Kingdom, often disappearing as soon as they open. Still, for a special occasion, it’s hard to beat the experience.
FAQs About Magic Kingdom Dining
What is the hardest restaurant to get a reservation for in Magic Kingdom?
Cinderella’s Royal Table is the most in-demand reservation, followed by Be Our Guest and The Crystal Palace.
Which table-service restaurant has the best character interactions?
The Crystal Palace offers the best character dining experience with multiple interactions with Winnie the Pooh and friends. Followed closely by Cinderella's Royal Table where you can meet four Disney Princesses.
What is the best restaurant for a budget-friendly meal?
The Plaza Restaurant is one of the more affordable sit-down options, although it still comes at a Disney premium.
Which restaurant has the most immersive atmosphere?
Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table offer the most magical theming.
Final Thoughts
Magic Kingdom is full of memorable dining experiences whether you're stepping into a fairytale at Cinderella's Royal Table, sharing laughs with skippers at Jungle Navigation Co., or grabbing breakfast with Pooh and friends at Crystal Palace. Each table-service restaurant offers something unique, and your favorite might depend on what you’re craving: immersive theming, character interactions, or a comforting meal to recharge between rides.
While some restaurants shine more for their atmosphere than their menus (or vice versa), they each add their own bit of magic to your day in the park. Hopefully, this ranking helps you decide which ones are worth making room for in your itinerary and which ones deserve a spot on your Disney bucket list.
Which restaurant is your favorite at Magic Kingdom? Let me know in the comments!
VOTE for your favorite here!
Which is your favorite Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurant?
0%The Plaza Restaurant
0%Tony's Town Square
0%The Diamond Horseshoe
0%Liberty Tree Tavern
Comments