Downtown Disney District is a go-to spot for shopping, but it's just as well known for its food. Whether you're fueling up before the parks open, taking a midday breather, or wrapping up an epic day with a sit-down dinner, the stretch of restaurants, snack shops, and sweet stops here covers an impressive range of cuisines.
Quick and Casual Bites for Busy Park Days
When every minute counts and the rides are calling your name, Downtown Disney's quick-service options have your back.
Earl of Sandwich is a perennial crowd-pleaser, serving up hot, toasted sandwiches that are made quickly and are genuinely satisfying. The Mac & Cheese is a safe bet for kids and the Holiday Turkey, piled with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo, is a year-round favorite. Lines move efficiently, and seating is plentiful, which is a real win when you're juggling strollers and park bags.
Napolini Pizzeria is another solid stop for families who want something hot and filling without a long wait. Individual portions of pizza and pasta hit the spot, and the Express window speeds things along during peak lunch hours. You can expect the biggest crowds between noon and 2 p.m. or between 6 and 8 p.m., so grab your slice a bit earlier or later if you can.
Sit-Down Spots for Lunch or Dinner
Sometimes you just want to sit down, breathe, and enjoy a proper meal. Downtown Disney delivers on that front, too.
Naples Ristorante e Bar has been a reliable staple of the district for years, with a menu that balances Italian-American classics like wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta with California flair. It's comfortable, familiar, and festive enough for a family dinner. If you're eyeing a table here on a busy weekend, make a reservation. It's a popular spot that books up fast, and Disney recommends reserving dining up to 60 days in advance for the best availability.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes is another excellent option that earns major points with kids and adults alike. The wings and burgers are crowd-pleasers, but the CrazyShakes are the main event. Towering milkshake creations topped with candy, cookies, and all manner of sweets, they're as photogenic as they are delicious. Reservations here are also a smart move, especially during spring break and summer travel season.
Family-Friendly Dining Options
Downtown Disney has always had a knack for making families feel welcome, and several spots are especially geared toward keeping the whole crew happy.
Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio (formerly Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen) brings New Orleans-inspired flavors to Anaheim, featuring jambalaya, po' boys, and beignets. The patio is a lively spot to settle in with your food and take a breather from the day, and the Express window offers a faster alternative to the full sit-down experience.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes takes the classic bowling alley concept and gives it a serious upgrade, with a full restaurant and bowling lanes that can be booked together or separately. The menu goes well beyond bowling alley expectations, with sushi, flatbreads, and a solid selection of American comfort food. Add a lane reservation after dinner and you've got yourself a full evening without ever leaving Downtown Disney.
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs might be the most beloved quick stop in all of Downtown Disney, and it earns that reputation one hand-dipped corn dog at a time. The Classic Dog is a reliable pick for kids, but the menu goes well beyond the basics. The Golden Dragon comes panko-crusted and served with sriracha mayo and sweet Thai chili, and the Pickle Dog — an all-beef hot dog wrapped in a dill pickle, fried in cornmeal batter — has developed something of a cult following. It's a grab-and-go setup with no reservations needed, which makes it an easy stop whether you're fueling up for the parks or just wandering through the district.
Sweet Treats and Dessert Stops
No trip through Downtown Disney is complete without something sweet, and the district's dessert game has gotten a serious upgrade in recent years.
Salt & Straw is the Portland-born ice cream shop that's earned a devoted following everywhere it opens. The rotating menu of adventurous, small-batch flavors means you'll find something a little unexpected every time. Classic flavors are always available for anyone who prefers to keep things traditional.
If you still have room (and you will find the room), Disney Wonderful World of Sweets is a must-visit. This reimagined candy shop, formerly known as Marceline's Confectionery, is a whimsical wonderland of handcrafted treats. The exhibition kitchen is visible right from the promenade, so you can watch caramel apples, churro toffee, and Mickey Rice Krispie Treats being made before you buy them. Werther's Original Caramel Popcorn is a marquee new addition that Disney fans on the East Coast have adored at EPCOT for years.
Plan Your Downtown Disney Visit With CityPASS®
A day that begins with a corn dog and a stroll through Downtown Disney and ends with fireworks over the castle is a day well spent, and, with a little planning, it's more affordable than you might think.
Downtown Disney is free to enter and doesn't require a park ticket, making it a great stop whenever you're in the area, whether you're staying at the resort or just passing through. If the parks are on the itinerary too, Southern California CityPASS® tickets give you access to Disneyland Resort and a selection of Southern California's most iconic attractions, all at a significant savings off regular admission prices.