Disneyland Dining: A Few of My Favorite Things

Hello, my dears! If you haven’t had lunch yet you might want to save this one for later because I’m about to make you very hungry! We’re going on a culinary tour of some of my favorite Disneyland Dining options complete with photos. To get started we’re heading to Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery. In 2012, we just happened by at lunchtime and decided to try this spot on a whim. We both voted this our favorite meal of the trip and since this it’s a can’t miss for us! The shady, outdoor seating is right by Cars Land but feels a million miles away. My go to item here is the Quattro Pomodoro. It’s simple with just tomatoes, garlic, and basil in marinara sauce. 

My hubby always chooses the Bolognese.  It’s a heavier sauce with beef, italian sausage, and tomatoes. You’re able to choose the type of pasta you’d like with both dishes. Warm bread is brought to the table to start the meal and a well appointed bar is available. This table service restaurant is our #1 pick in California Adventure and a nice break in the day.

At the decidedly less glamorous Hungry Bear Restaurant you can find this next item. The Fried Green Tomato Sandwich was something I tried for the first time this trip. I did with some reservation, as I don’t even like tomatoes! But I’d watched Guy’s video and had to try it. Well, Guy is always right!!  This sandwich was legendary and something I’ll choose again and again.

Keeping with the quick service theme, the Stage Door Cafe is a can’t miss for my hubby. I can’t stomach a hot dog, but he talks about the Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs at Disneyland all year long. You can also find these at  Little Red Wagon Corn Dogs on Main Street and Corn Dog Castle in California Adventure. They are also available at a food truck at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World, but our taste tests say they don’t measure up to Disneyland!

At the Pacific Wharf Cafe you’ll find another one of my top picks. I love this clam chowder so much! How much, you ask? Enough that I ate it outdoors in July and loved every bite. One quick tip here, I took my tray over to the outdoor seating at Flo’s V8 Cafe. I thought the view was much nicer than in the wharf area. Plus I got to watch the neon lights come on! 🙂

Also in the Pacific Wharf area is The Lucky Fortune Cookery. While I was off getting soup my hubby picked this up for dinner and met me in Cars Land. The only thing they serve here are Asian rice bowls with different meats and sauces. He chose chicken with mandarin orange sauce. He was really happy with the taste, portion, and price. It looked yummy! I might have to try it next time. 

Our last stop today is Cafe Orleans. This outdoor, table service cafe was one of the places I dreamed about trying before I was lucky enough to visit Disneyland. But I might have dreamed about a mint julep even more! On it’s own I might not like this strange, minty concoction. But there is something about it that screams Disneyland, making it something I can’t skip when visiting.

Another dynamite option here is the New Orleans Gumbo. Don’t let this little cup of soup fool you! It’s very filling and one of the most delicious things in the park. Do be warned that it can be a little spicy, but who wants tame gumbo?

If you try nothing else while you’re at Disneyland make it the Pommes Frites! They may look like just French Fries but they are so much more! The spices and cheese sprinkled on top are heavenly and the sauce is perfect tangy addition. (Remember to ask for extra, they never bring enough!)

Where do we end? With dessert, of course! Mickey-shaped Beignets are the perfect treat to top off an even better meal. They are served vanilla bean and raspberry sauces that mix perfectly together. We’ve also tried the holiday gingerbread version of these but prefer the regular ones. Make sure you bring a friend to share these. The portion is pretty huge! (Not that we’re complaining!)

So did you see anything here you’re excited to try? What are your favorite Disney dishes? Please let us know in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear from you! As always, thanks so much for reading and commenting!