For me, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs have the best food options at Disney World. Some of the best Animal Kingdom restaurants are those that offer an Asian and African influence over many of the cuisines. While Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios have their benefits too, the food and theming are just simply better at Animal Kingdom. For me, most of the top restaurants in Walt Disney World are at this park. Animal Kingdom has a plethora of food options and some of the most unique items in Disney. Here is a list of eight recommended restaurants with the best food at Animal Kingdom.
What are the Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants?
While I have eaten at most of the Animal Kingdom restaurants, I always feel it is important to ask others for opinions. I asked a few travel bloggers to send me their recommendations on where to find the best food in Animal Kingdom. The list includes fine dining, table service, quick service, and links of menus to help you make your decision. If you are planning a trip to this theme park soon, then check out some of the best Animal Kingdom restaurants and what to eat.
Yak and Yeti
One of the best Animal Kingdom restaurants is Yak and Yeti. You can find Yak and Yeti located by the base of Expedition Everest in Asia land. This table service restaurant serves yummy Asian cuisine from various regions of Asia. Some of our favorites are the chicken tikka masala and the bbq ribs with Korean bbq sauce served with fries and kimchi slaw. For the kids, our little one loved the chicken fried rice served with two sides and a choice of milk or apple juice.
They also offer vegetarian options and some unique signature alcoholic drinks. Save some room for dessert and taste the Mango pie or chocolate pudding, they were both delicious. The restaurant is decorated with a collection of Southeast Asian artifacts, and just adds to the experience when you dine here. Advance reservations are a must, and you can do that on the My Disney Experience app. For other tips on visiting Disney World, check out this DisneyWorld Guide.
Contributed by: Skylar Arias Adventures
- Ever used the child swap pass at Disney before? My husband and I used it often when our daughter was younger so that we could ride Expedition Everest. My older son benefitted the most from this pass, as he was able to ride twice. Check out how it works – Disney Rider Swap.
Tiffins Restaurant
Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to find a true fine dining experience within the gates of a Disney Park. Sure I’ve eaten at some of the table service restaurants in Epcot, but the experience has been mediocre at best. My meal at Tiffins changed my mind about fine dining at Disney and that is why I feel it is one of the best Animal Kingdom restaurants. Tiffins is appropriately African themed, to match the Animal Kingdom Park in which it resides. The decor is authentically represented, as the Imagineers team worked hard to incorporate African art and textiles into the restaurant design.
The menu has changed since we visited but I was surprised to find high-end ingredients like Waygu beef. Instead of feeling rushed and industrialized, Tiffins provides a true fine dining experience with excellent service and chef-prepared dishes. My only drawback was that I felt significantly underdressed in my sweat-soaked tank top and shorts, but luckily it is a theme park so no one was bothered by me (although I was jealous of those that went back to their hotels and showered before dinner.) Tiffins does offer dining packages for those that want to attend the Lion King or Rivers of Light shows after their meal, which includes VIP seating at the show.
Contributed by: Tamara from We3Travel
Tusker House
My family really enjoyed the Tusker House character dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s called Donald’s Safari Breakfast and it did not disappoint. Tusker House is located in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom Park, in the village of Harambe. The ambiance is with it alone. The décor is so detailed that you will feel completely transported to a village in Africa. There are several different dining rooms and the buffet area is centrally located.
Some of the best food at Animal Kingdom can be found here. Throughout our meal, we saw Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Daisy Duck in their safari gear. I recommend booking a 10:30am reservation because you’ll be able to get a mix of breakfast and lunch buffet items. More adventurous eaters can try African-inspired food like beef bobotie and chutney while others may opt for banana bread pudding and scrambled eggs. That way, there’s something for all palettes. Of course, there are plenty of Mickey Mouse waffles for everyone! And don’t leave without trying their famous Jungle Juice!
Contributed by: Marcie Cheung of Marcie and the Mouse
When our family visited in March of 2022, the characters were still interacting at a distance. Here is a short compilation of the dance party. The food was great by the way, and I would do this experience again. For me, it was worth the price.
@thedisneydqs Love the character dances at the restaurants. What do you love about character dining? #fyp #foryoupage #disneyworld #disneydining #disneycharacters #disneyfoodie #disneytiktoks #disneyparks #disneydance #disneycharacterdining #disneyworldflorida #disneyworldtips #disneyvacation #disneyvacationplanner ♬ Dance party music(256414) – TimTaj
Satu’li Canteen
With so many choices, it’s hard to decide where to eat when visiting Disney World! Satu’li Canteen, in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom park and is located in Pandora – The World of Avatar. This quick-service restaurant is serving up affordable Disney meals that are served in large portions. You’ll enjoy filling up on their flavorful bowls of chicken, beef, shrimp, or if you’re vegetarian their tofu bowl. These bowls are one of the healthiest eats in Disney World.
Although their lunch and dinner menu are full of amazing choices, you’ll have to make room to splurge on their famous blueberry cream cheese mousse dome. This dessert looks like it belongs in a fancy restaurant somewhere in France, but you can get one for yourself in Disney World! Like all, if not most of Disney’s restaurants, they cater to different allergies as well. Satu’li Canteen has a ton of seating both inside and out, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a table to sit and enjoy your meal.
Contributed by: Jaeyme from Time Zone Travelers
- Be sure to get an Individual Lightning Lane for Pandora – Passage of Flight. If you can’t, this Disney tip is for you – arrive at rope drop (when the park opens) or at night near the end of the day and you will be able to ride one of the best rides in all of Disney!
Nomad Lounge
The best food at Animal Kingdom is a hidden gem called the Nomad Lounge and it is located in the Discovery Island area right next to Tiffins. Before Pandora opened, this restaurant and bar were well hidden being that it was at a dead end. But now that Pandora is open, you pass it on the right before you enter Pandora. Nomad Lounge is a great place for a quick but smaller meal that offers more of an atmosphere compared to a quick service. It has a combined indoor and outdoor seating area, and the perfect spot to take a break from the sun, and the hustle and bustle of Animal Kingdom.
The menu at Nomad Lounge is made up of some small plates, and awesome cocktails, wine, and beer. The menu is pretty simple but offers some tasty apps such as our favorites the Tuna Poke, and the Fish Tacos. They do not accept reservations or dining plans, but the Nomad Lounge definitely worth a stop for a bite to eat, and a great drink when you are visiting Animal Kingdom in Disney World.
Contributed by: Amanda from Patsey Family Travels
Harambe Market
One of the things I love about visiting Animal Kingdom is the variety of different foods on offer that you can’t find in other food locations. A little gem we have found is Harambe Market in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom. There is plenty of outdoor seating with a lot of shaded areas and different quick service windows to order from.
On the different occasions we have visited, we have particularly enjoyed the beef and chicken gyro and the ribs bowl which is almost big enough for two to share as it also comes with a salad bowl. You can also get some unique alcoholic shaved ice drinks in Harambe Market if you’re looking for something different to try. Check out their menu items here.
Contributed by: Angela from The Main Street Magic Guide
Flame Tree BBQ
Flame Tree BBQ, located in the central Discovery Island area of Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite quick-service restaurants at Disney World. Though its seating is outdoor (definitely a downside on those hot days when you want a cold blast of air conditioning), the menu more than makes up for it with surprisingly tasty barbeque fare. My absolute favorite is the pulled pork mac & cheese, which is both filling and delicious.
In addition, for those guests using the Disney Dining Plan, the rib meals served there are among the best values on property for a quick service credit. Lines to order at the counter can get pretty long there if you’re eating during peak lunch or dinner hours (breakfast is not served at Flame Tree BBQ) so I’d highly recommend using the official parks app to place a mobile order ahead of time, which is one of my favorite time-saving tricks at Disney World.
Contributed by: Kris from Nomad by Trade
Restaurantosaurus
Restaurantosaurus is a casual, quick-service restaurant option in the DinoLand area of the Animal Kingdom Park. It has a lot of indoor seating with some outdoor spots as well, the theming is virtually nonexistent but it is perfect for big groups or to cool off in the summer heat. This was probably my kids’ favorite meal spots the entire trip because their meals were served in a plastic bucket with a shovel, which was perfect for taking back to the gravel dig pit afterward! We took it home and it has held up surprisingly well, no chips or breaks yet. This restaurant has a self-serve fountain perfect for refills or refilling your water bottle. Our family enjoyed the grilled chicken BLT sandwich and the chicken nuggets! Be sure to use mobile ordering before you walk over, so your food is ready for pick-up and you can skip the main ordering line! Check out all the tips I wish I’d known before our first visit to Walt Disney World before you go!
Contributed by: Stephanie from Explore More Clean Less
Other Disney World Tips
I’m a Disney junkie. I’ve been to Disneyland twice, been on all the Disney Cruise Line ships, and had an annual pass for years at Disney World. I love to enjoy the food at the parks and make the most of my time by using Disney’s Genie+ to wait less on most of the major attractions. If you’re looking for tips on how to do Disney on a budget or reviews on where to stay, I can help.
Check out these reviews on the Disney Value Resorts and Disney Moderate Resorts. It may make sense to stay off-site for some families, if you are considering staying nearby, check out these options on the best family resorts in Orlando. Renting a house on Airbnb could be another option for larger families or big groups. Consider renting an Orlando Airbnb, and if you are a first time user, click here to get $40 off your first booking.
If you are looking for what items to bring on your next Disney adventure, check out my Disney packing list. For ideas on what to do on your Disney rest days, take a look at the many things to do in Disney World besides the parks.
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If you are planning a visit to Animal Kingdom soon, then pin this post on the best Animal Kingdom restaurants for later!
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WOW now I need to go here this year!!
Love all these restaurants and tips! Making me hungry too!
What a great roundup of restaurants at Animal Kingdom! Will definitely refer to this when we’re deciding where to eat at Disney!
These round-up posts are literally the best! Though did not eat at any of these restaurants personally, I will definitely revisit this article when we head back. LOVE Animal Kingdom!
Ive been to AK once but we did not stop to eat – minus a quick service Mickey Pretzel!
I think Animal Kingdom has some of the best food in Walt Disney World. Our favorite quick service is Harambe, but we loved dinner at the Yak and Yeti! So many more I want to try on our next visit.
Super helpful restaurant options Disney Animal Kingdom – thanks for this!
So many great choices in Animal Kingdom! Saving this for our next trip.
Thank you very much for all the great content you share in your blog. I always find something interesting and inspiring here. Greetings from Canada