Walt Disney World is known for its magic and excitement, but it also offers some incredible dining experiences perfect for a romantic evening. If you’re looking for a quiet environment with elevated food options, here are my top five top choices for a memorable date night.
1. Narcoossee’s/Citricos
Let’s start off with a 2 for 1! The Grand Floridian is the epicenter of high-end dining among the Walt Disney World Resorts. It boasts the very best restaurant on property and arguably in central Florida with Victoria and Albert’s. I’m not including that on this list because it’s at an astronomical price point ($600-$1100 a couple.) Even without V&A’s, the resort has 2 other signature dining options that are perfect for a date night – Narcoosee’s and Citrico’s.
Narcoossee’s offers a serene waterfront setting with panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon. The restaurant’s coastal-inspired décor, accented with blue hues, creates an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks, making it a truly magical dining experience.
The menu at Narcoossee’s is seafood heavy with offerings like lobster bisque, scallops, shrimp, and fish of the day. But there is still the omnipresent steak offering, a vegetarian option, and as of this writing a pork chop offering as well. If you have seafood lovers in your party this is probably the better choice of the two options, especially because of the unique location on the water.
Citricos offers the more balanced menu, more typical of a Disney Signature restaurant without a particular food based focus. You’ll find a couple seafood options, but otherwise a menu of primarily meat based dishes with some vegetarian options as well.
Citricos presents a whimsical yet elegant setting inspired by Mary Poppins Returns. The dining room features floral motifs, delicate lighting fixtures, and soft pastel hues, creating a charming and sophisticated atmosphere. The private Sommelier Room offers an elevated experience for those seeking an exclusive and intimate dining space.
2. California Grill Lounge
Perched atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill Lounge boasts breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon. The modern, upscale décor complements the lively open kitchen, where chefs prepare dishes in full view of diners. As night falls, the lights dim, and the fireworks music is piped in, immersing guests in the magic of the evening.
The California Grill has moved to a prix fixe menu in recent years, much to the chagrin of its dedicated patrons. No one likes change and I think the reaction was a bit overblown. The prix fixe menu has something for everyone and the food is still prepared to the quality standards that the California Grill has become known for. I would not let the prix fixe menu deter me from another visit even if I do personally prefer an a la carte menu. Plus, everything tastes better with a fireworks view, right?
3. Jiko – The Cooking Place
Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko offers a warm and sophisticated setting inspired by the colors and textures of Africa. The restaurant features twin wood-burning ovens, subtly changing lighting that mimics an African sunset, and elegant décor with ringed columns and flying bird motifs. The ambiance is romantic and immersive, transporting guests to the heart of Africa.
The menu at Jiko is going to accessible to most palettes with familiar options like Filet Mignon, Short Rib, and Halibut options. Where things may get a little more adventurous is with the spices used in these dishes. The spices are going to be less traditional European/American and more African with more emphasis on warmer spices like cumin, turmeric, and cardamom. For some this may be too far from the norm, but probably only for the most particular of eaters. The spice profile isn’t that unfamiliar to most.
4. Takumi-Tei
This tranquil Japanese restaurant in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion is designed to be a peaceful retreat from the bustling theme park. The restaurant features five beautifully themed rooms, each inspired by a natural element—water, wood, earth, stone, or washi paper. The quiet and intimate atmosphere, combined with handcrafted works of art, makes it an ideal spot for a refined and serene dining experience.
The food at Takumi-Tei isn’t going to be for everyone. “It’s a prix fixe Omakase menu. Omakase translates to “I leave it up to you” meaning that you’re leaving the dishes up to the chef. Japanese cuisine is heavy on seafood and the dishes often lean in to the “oceany” flavor profile rather than try to mellow it out. Also expect raw fish will be prominent during the meal. If those things don’t appeal to you then Takumi-Tei is a skip. If that’s in your lane this is an excellent location for a date night evening if you already have a park ticket.
5. The Boathouse
Located at Disney Springs, this restaurant can get very lively inside, but has ample dining outside which provides a much more private and relaxed dining experience. The Boathouse offers stunning views of Lake Buena Vista, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant features nautical-themed décor, vintage boats, and a boardwalk that connects different dining areas. It’s a casual yet upscale setting, perfect for a relaxed yet refined meal
The menu is expansive and there is something for everyone. One of the best options believe it or not are the Filet Mignon Sliders (pictured above.) Surprisingly tender and filling. It’s a great budget option.
Each of these restaurants offers a unique ambiance that enhances the romance and magic of a date night at Walt Disney World. Which one sounds most appealing to you?
