Best Restaurants Near Disney Springs (aka Where Your Diet Goes on Vacation)

Let’s be honest: Disney Springs isn’t just a shopping district. It’s a full-on food safari, and your taste buds are the VIP guests. One minute you’re sipping on an Instagrammable cocktail garnished with literal fire, and the next you’re elbows-deep in gourmet mac and cheese, wondering how you ever lived without truffle oil. It’s giving “treat yourself” energy with a side of stretchy pants.

Whether you’re fresh off a theme park marathon or just here to dine like the Disney adult you unapologetically are, the restaurants near Disney Springs go way beyond mouse-shaped snacks. We’re talking celebrity-chef-backed menus, waterfront dining with views so good they deserve their own filter, and themed experiences that’ll have your kids wide-eyed and your inner child screaming.

Basically? Come hungry. Because the best restaurants near Disney Springs are not playing around. And neither should you.

Fine Dining and Unique Vibes (Because Chicken Nuggets Aren’t Always the Move)

Sometimes you need a break from churros on the go. Enter the grown-up side of Disney Springs. If you’re searching for the best restaurants near Disney Springs Orlando for a date night, a splurge-worthy meal, or just to feel fancy while on vacation, these are the top picks that deliver flavor and a little extra flair.

The BOATHOUSE

Where else can you cut into a filet mignon while someone literally drives a vintage car into the lagoon? This waterfront restaurant near Disney Springs blends upscale seafood and steakhouse classics with coastal charm and a dash of boat-nerd energy. It’s ideal for date night, family night, or “we need one fancy dinner” night. Must-orders: the Firecracker Shrimp, the Maine Style Lobster Roll served chilled, and the raw bar that means business.

Paddlefish

If dining on a docked steamboat sounds over-the-top, good. That’s the point. Paddlefish serves up rooftop views, crab-topped fries, and lobster corn dogs that bring fair food energy with a fine-dining twist. The crab guacamole is a standout. Among restaurants near Disney Springs Orlando, this one nails that elevated-but-accessible vibe.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

If Indiana Jones opened a bar during his off-season, this would be it. Jock Lindsey’s is part dive bar, part aviation museum, and all-in on theming. Try the Snakebite Bao Buns with smoked brisket and the Air Pirate’s Pretzel stacked with prosciutto, brats, artisan salami, and more. It’s one of the most fun and unique restaurants near Disney Springs, especially if you love cocktails with a side of storytelling.

STK Steakhouse

Not your dad’s steakhouse unless your dad has a DJ and a martini habit. STK is modern and high-energy, with rooftop seating and dishes made for celebration. It easily ranks among the best restaurants near Disney Springs for special occasions. Order the Lil’ BRGs, the roasted rack of lamb, and the lobster mac and cheese that takes “decadent” seriously.

group of friends at stk steakhouse, mac and cheese on a board with side dishes
Photo Credit: STK Steakhouse (Las Vegas) via Facebook

Casual and Family-Friendly Dining (aka Where the Kids Eat Happy and You Steal Their Dessert)

If you’re traveling with a crew, these family-friendly spots offer serious flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re looking for a reliable lunch option or just trying to avoid another meltdown, these are the best restaurants near Disney Springs for families.

Summer House on the Lake

Light, bright, and very California-cool, this restaurant is where laid-back meets seriously good food. The truffled lobster roll and ahi tuna & watermelon tostadas hit that fancy-but-chill sweet spot. The grouper fish ‘n’ chips seals the deal. If you’re seeking a relaxed restaurant near Disney Springs where you can still eat well, this one delivers.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Comfort food never looked this good. Homecomin’ dishes out fried chicken and doughnuts, fried green tomatoes, and the kind of shrimp and grits that make you close your eyes mid-bite. Save room for the hot fudge bourbon brownie or the family pecan pie recipe that’s been going strong for over a century. Among the best restaurants near Disney Springs Orlando, this one feels like a warm hug with gravy.

Rainforest Cafe

It’s a theme park inside a restaurant, which honestly, is exactly what some nights call for. Between the animatronics and the faux thunderstorms, you can distract the kids long enough to enjoy your steak here. The Anaconda Pasta, blackened fish tacos, and Primal Steak are solid picks, but the Sparkling Volcano is the showstopper.

T-Rex Cafe

This spot doubles as entertainment and dinner, which makes it one of the top restaurants near Disney Springs for families with dinosaur-obsessed kiddos. Try the Boneyard Buffet if you want to sample everything, or go for the Triassic Trio for a little surf, turf, and smoky flavor. End with the Abrictosaurus Apple Crisp with warm apples, caramel, and a buttery crumble worth fighting over.

Counter Service and Quick Bites (Because Time Is Park-Hopper Money)

When you need great food without a table service wait, these restaurants near Disney Springs serve big flavors fast. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go lunch, an early dinner, or a power snack between shopping sprees.

The Polite Pig

 A local favorite for good reason. The Southern Pig sandwich layers pulled pork, fennel-apple slaw, mustard BBQ, and Duke’s mayo into something craveable and messy in the best way. The pork belly tacos and coffee-rubbed brisket bring the smoke, and the dessert lineup from pecan pie to brownie parfait seals its spot as one of the best restaurants near Disney Springs for casual eats.

D-Luxe Burger

Sometimes you just need a burger that hits hard. The Adult Chicken Nuggets are unexpectedly elite. The limited-time Tripleta Burger, stacked with beef, ham, pork belly, and potato sticks, is a flavor bomb. The Bacon and Blue Burger adds onion jam and thick-cut bacon for an extra punch. This is a restaurant where you don’t talk during bites. You just nod in approval.

Dinner Table with Chicken Rice and Veggies on Plates

Chicken Guy!

Guy Fieri’s fast-casual chicken spot brings the sauce game strong. Go for the O.G. Sandwich with crispy tenders and pickles, or level up with the Buffalo Mac ‘n’ Cheese Sandwich loaded with bacon and garlic parm. And yes, the Flavortown Shakes are as extra as they sound. The Apple Cinnamon Cereal and Triple Double Mint flavors make this one of the most talked-about counter-service restaurants near Disney Springs Orlando.

Plan the Ultimate Disney Springs Day (Tripster’s Got You Covered)

If choosing where to eat feels like the hardest part of your trip, don’t worry — the fun is just getting started. With Tripster, you can plan every bite, ride, and firework moment like a pro. From scoring the best restaurants near Disney Springs to bundling your trip with top-rated attractions, shows, hotels, and vacation packages, we’ve got the tools to turn your dream day into a perfectly planned reality.

Plus, you’ll unlock exclusive deals that make treating yourself feel practically responsible. So whether you’re here for the food, the fireworks, or both (obviously both), let Tripster help you skip the stress and go full magic mode.

Restaurants Near Disney Springs FAQs

Absolutely. Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe are both immersive, over-the-top experiences that combine food with entertainment. Expect animatronics, themed menus, and plenty of wow-factor for kids and adults.

Try The Polite Pig, Chicken Guy!, or D-Luxe Burger. These counter-service favorites are quick, flavorful, and perfect when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.

Seafood fans should head to The BOATHOUSE and Paddlefish. Both serve fresh catches like crab-topped fries, lobster rolls, and shellfish towers, all with waterfront views.

Summer House on the Lake, Rainforest Cafe, and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ all offer approachable menus with crowd-pleasers like fried chicken, fish and chips, pasta, and comfort food classics.

The Sparkling Volcano at Rainforest Cafe is a fan favorite for drama and chocolate overload. For Southern sweets, don’t miss the chocolate pecan pie or hot fudge bourbon brownie at Homecomin’.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar serves standout small plates like Snakebite Bao Buns and a loaded pretzel piled with prosciutto, brats, artisan cheeses, and beer cheese fondue.

The Polite Pig and Chicken Guy! are solid options for flavorful, fast meals. You’ll find smoked meats, crispy tenders, sandwiches, and sides that pack real flavor without the wait.

Yes. The BOATHOUSE, Summer House on the Lake, and Paddlefish all offer outdoor patio or rooftop seating with great views and a relaxed vibe.

You sure can. Tripster makes it easy to plan your visit by bundling hotels, shows, attractions, packages, and dining deals so you can skip the stress and enjoy more magic.

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