It’s no secret that EPCOT is the must-visit theme park for foodies.
The park hosts an International Food & Wine Festival beginning in the summer and continuing into the fall. During this and other festivals, guests can enjoy specially themed and hand-crafted small plates and desserts at the outdoor kitchens.
On the handful of weeks throughout the year when EPCOT is not hosting a festival, the pavilions in the World Showcase are full of incredible table service and quick service restaurants.
EPCOT also has some pretty special dining experiences in the front of the park in the area known as World Celebration.
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How many restaurants does EPCOT have?
EPCOT has over 50 dining locations.
However, the exact number can be a little slippery to pin down depending on what you consider a “restaurant”.
In fact, the number does not include more than 25 outdoor kitchens that open seasonally with the festivals. It does include many kiosks with limited menus serving snacks and beverages.
For example, the Kabuki Cafe in the Japan Pavilion serves Japanese-style shaved ice and sushi. This is considered a dining location, but it’s not a full-service restaurant.
EPCOT has 19 table service restaurants, many of which require advanced dining reservations.
There are around 10 quick-service restaurants serving what most people would consider full meals.
Are EPCOT restaurants authentic?
Indeed, many of the restaurants in EPCOT are authentic. Disney makes an effort to staff the pavilions with cast members hailing from the host countries.
So when you visit the Yorkshire County Fish Shop, your fish & chips may actually be served by an English cast member.
The spaghetti in the Italy Pavilion may be prepared by an Italian cast member. The bartender at The Rose & Crown Dining Room will probably address you with an authentic English accent.
At Nine Dragons restaurant in the China Pavilion, most of the staff is actually from China. Likewise, Tokyo Dining or Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavilion are staffed with cast members from Japan.
When you order ice cream at L’Artisan des Glaces in the France Pavilion, you’ll likely be served by a native Frenchman or Frenchwoman.
What country has the best food in EPCOT?
It’s so difficult to say which country has the best food in EPCOT. It really depends on personal taste and dining preferences.
Some guests may value the authenticity of the menu and cuisine above all else. Others may want to consider the dining experience as a whole.
Still, others may want to balance family friendliness with the overall experience and menu authenticity.
Here’s my list of the best table service restaurants in EPCOT:
Read Also: The absolute best snacks in EPCOT: Top 8 foods you should try
10. Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in the Italy Pavilion serves authentic Naples-style pizza.
Although known for the pizza, the menu also offers a variety of entrees from Southern Italy.
9. Spice Road Table
Located in the Morocco Pavilion, Spice Road table serves Mediterranean small plates.
There are indoor and also outdoor dining areas, both featuring beautiful views of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Read Also: Does EPCOT have an Italian restaurant? Your best options
8. Garden Grill
You’ll find this character dining restaurant in The Land Pavilion on the level above Soarin’ and Sunshine Seasons. The dining room slowly rotates so that guests can enjoy views of the greenhouses and scenes from the Living with the Land boat ride.
The food is served family-style, and some of the produce is grown in the greenhouses! Mickey, Pluto and Chip and Dale will visit with guests while they eat.
7. Chefs de France
This restaurant serves authentic French cuisine, and the menu is even written in French. Don’t worry if you can’t read French, though. The descriptions of each dish are written in English.
Start your meal with a savory cup of French Onion Soup, Escargot or a green salad topped with baked goat cheese.
Continue with Ratatouille, Beef Bourguignon or Rotisserie Chicken.
Finally, end the meal with Creme Brulee or a Chocolate Tart. C’est magnifique!
6. San Angel Inn Restaurante
No matter what time you visit San Angel Inn inside the Mexico Pavilion’s pyramid, it will feel like a twilight fiesta.
Specifically, the dining room has an outdoor feel with boats passing by and stars twinkling above. This is a really smart trick given the need for climate control in central Florida.
The menu features authentic Mexican cuisine like fish tacos or carne asada.
5. Space 220
This newer restaurant opened in 2021 and since that time it has been one of EPCOT’s most popular. It can be difficult to secure an advanced dining reservation here.
Space 220 has a Prix-fixe menu, which means guests will select an appetizer and an entrée for one set price.
There’s also a Space 220 lounge, which offers an extensive drinks menu and small plates along with a similar dining room experience.
4. Coral Reef Restaurant
This is one of the best EPCOT restaurants and it’s often underrated. The dining room is flanked by a series of enormous glass panels that offer a breathtaking glimpse into The Seas Aquarium.
The menu features lots of seafood options, however, they also have beef and chicken entrees.
3. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
This beloved character dining experience is located in the Norway Pavilion and recently re-opened.
A series of Disney princesses circulate through the dining room visiting with guests during their meal.
The menu features traditional Norwegian meatballs, chicken and dumplings, grilled salmon, mashed potatoes with gravy, red cabbage and also green beans.
2. Le Cellier Steakhouse
If you’re looking for excellent steaks, head to the Canada Pavilion. This cozy signature restaurant offers Canadian favorites like Poutine or Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup.
I ordered the Filet Mignon a few years ago when my husband and I visited on Canada Day (July 1st).
1. Biergarten
My very favorite restaurant in the Walt Disney World Resort is located in the Germany Pavilion.
Guests are seated at banquet tables arranged in a terraced semi-circle that fans out from a stage and dance floor. Smaller parties will be seated together, which is a dream for extroverts and also an authentic German dining experience.
Traditional German fare is served buffet-style, which offers a great opportunity for sampling different dishes.
A polka band performs an interactive show on stage that keeps kids entertained while parents can enjoy their meals.
Which ones do you think are the best restaurants at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments!
