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One of the greatest advantages to staying at the BoardWalk Resort is the ready availability of amazing dining options, quite literally right in your backyard!
Down on the boardwalk, you’ll find food for any time of day, from breakfast to a late night snack or anything in between.
Much like a real boardwalk, the restaurants vary in cuisine and atmosphere, making it easy for you to pick a place to eat that fits your style or occasion.
With so many options, it’ll be a wonder if you choose to eat somewhere other than Disney’s BoardWalk!
BoardWalk Inn Dining Options
- Flying Fish
- Big River Grille & Brewing Works
- Trattoria al Forno
- ESPN Club
- BoardWalk Bakery
- Pizza Window
- Snack Options:
- Bars & Lounges
Flying Fish
A sophisticated and elegant favorite, Flying Fish is the signature restaurant of the BoardWalk Resort. The gold, royal blue, and white décor makes you feel like you’ve stepping into a vintage seaside paradise. Artistic glass fish float gracefully overhead, adding to the oceanic atmosphere. If you’re looking for a place to have a meal for a special occasion, you’ll find it in Flying Fish.
Open only for dinner, Flying Fish incorporates seasonal items into their ever-changing menu, as well as guest favorites. While there are other items, this restaurant specializes in seafood, bringing the delicious flavors of the ocean to Disney’s BoardWalk.
Appetizers include a smooth and creamy lobster bisque, light and crispy fried oysters, and a slow-roasted pork belly for those looking for a non-seafood option. If you want something even lighter, a salad of grilled romaine with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper may be just what you’re looking for.
A wide variety of entrees include both surf and turf options, from Sardinian Seafood Pasta with shrimp, lobster, scallops, and garden herbs to a classic Angus Filet Mignon served with asparagus, sweet onion risotto, drizzled with truffle sauce. However, one of the most well-known dishes at Flying Fish are the Hokkaido Scallops. Sweeter than a typical scallop, they are pan-seared and served with grits and sweet corn puree, and melt in your mouth. For those that are looking for a vegetarian option, a roasted tofu entrée is available served with a pepper puree and vegetables.
Dessert includes something for everyone, from the lighter Florida Sunset, a vanilla custard with a lemon broth, citrus fruits, and white chocolate to a Chocolate Mint Financier, a delicious chocolate cake served with refreshing mint ice cream. If you’re not a fan of sweets, you can opt for the artisanal cheese plate instead as a savory note on which to end your meal.
Bringing your kiddos with you? Kids have the option to pair an entrée with two sides to create their own meal experience. The children’s options are a bit more complex than the typical chicken tenders, including swordfish and shrimp scampi. Among the sides you’ll find rainbow carrots, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. If they need something a bit plainer, grilled chicken and steak are both on the menu, but you know your kids. If they aren’t going to be happy with those choices, this might need to be a night out for just the adults.
Please note that Flying Fish has a minimum dress code, although fancier attire is also welcome. Men must wear khakis, slacks, or dress shorts and a collared shirt. Sport coats and ties are optional; we suggest you make your decision based on the reason for your visit. Women must skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, and hats are not allowed, so don’t plan to come straight from the pool to your dining experience. Dress codes apply to everyone in your party, so if you are bringing your children make sure they’re dressed appropriately as well. Disney takes their dress codes seriously, so make sure you follow the expectations to avoid being turned away.
Make sure to make your reservation for Flying Fish as soon as you possibly can, as time slots fill up quickly and you won’t want to miss your opportunity for this incredible experience!
Big River Grille and Brewing Works
The only working brewery on Walt Disney World property, Big River Grille features fantastic American pub classics paired with handcrafted ales and lagers made right on site. Whether you choose to sit indoors or take advantage of the patio seating, you’re going to have a wonderful meal in a family-friendly atmosphere. While you enjoy your meal, check out the brewmaster in action through viewing windows!
Big River Grille has the same menu for lunch and dinner, providing a wide range of choices, making it easy to choose a meal that fits your mood…or your appetite!
All the appetizers are easily shared, as they consist of a variety of dips and nachos. Try the Asiago, Artichoke, and Crab Dip or Brewery Nachos, or go for the classic chips, salsa, and guacamole. If you’re just looking for a snack to have with your beer, these appetizers are a great option!
If you want to go for a lighter option, you can choose from several different salads, available with or without meat. Especially if you’re sitting outside in the Florida sun, a refreshing salad might be just what you need to beat the heat. One of the unique choices is the Santa Fe Ranch Chicken salad, grilled chicken over a bed of greens topped with corn, avocado, black beans, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese, tossed in a jalapeño-ranch dressing.
For those searching for conventional pub grub, Big River Grille has amazing sandwiches and burgers to pair with your beer of choice. The fish sandwich brings in that seaside boardwalk feel, a spicy seared fish filet topped with lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo. Another favorite is the Pub-grilled Sandwich, a grilled chicken sandwich with Swiss cheese, bacon, onions pan-fried in beer, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and the signature Pub Sauce. As for the burgers, you can choose to get a plain burger, cheeseburger, or a bacon cheddar burger that comes topped with a barbecue jalapeno ranch. For an adventurous burger lover, try the Black & Blue, a burger patty covered in blue cheese crumbles and topped with lettuce, tomato, blue cheese sauce, and beer-simmered onions. All the burgers are American Kobe beef cooked to order, deliciously juicy and flavorful.
Hankering for something a bit different? The main dish menu includes several atypical options, including Cajun pasta, blackened creole salmon, and habanero chicken. Spicy, tangy, and downright tasty, these dishes are perfect for a filling meal, as well as making you want to cool off with a nice cold beer.
While there are only two dessert options, both are delicious and cool, the ideal end to your meal. For the chocolate lovers, you’ll want to go for the Chocolate Confusion, a chocolate mousse layered between Oreo-brownie cake. Your other option is a New York style cheesecake, light and decadent.
Big River Grille prides itself on being a great spot for a family meal, and this idea is reflected in the kid’s meals. Hotdogs, grilled cheese, hamburgers, and mac and cheese all make an appearance on the menu, with your kiddo’s choice of an appetizer, side, and dessert. If you have picky eaters, relax and know that Big River Grille will certainly have an option for them.
Trattoria al Forno
Enjoy classic flavors of Italy at this incredible location, easy to find right in the middle of Disney’s BoardWalk. Trattoria al Forno features an amazing character breakfast and fantastic dinner, all with traditional Italian cuisine mixed with American favorites.
Breakfast
Join Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric for a bountiful breakfast feast, bringing your favorite Italian flavors into your morning.
Try an Italian breakfast classic, like poached eggs with fennel sausage, gravy, and parmesan cheese on top of polenta and toasted focaccia, or an Italian omelet made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. If you want a slightly more familiar breakfast, you can get buttermilk pancakes or two eggs with breakfast potatoes, bacon, ham, and sausage.
Kids have the choice of pancakes, a character waffle, or an egg white omelet for their entrées. For the sides, they choose two out of fresh fruit, red bliss potatoes, bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs.
This is a great breakfast experience if you want to try something new, especially if you have princess lovers in your group. It isn’t often that you get to see these two princes either, so it’s a fun opportunity to get a photo with characters that aren’t typically out in the parks. While it’s not quite Cinderella’s Table, this character breakfast doesn’t require park admission and is a more relaxed experience.
Dinner
Move over fettuccini alfredo, here comes some real Italian food. Trattoria al Forno has some of the most amazing Italian dishes we’ve ever tasted, from appetizers all the way through to dessert. Oh, and don’t forget to pair your courses with the incredible wines they have on hand!
If you’re a fan of charcuterie, you’ll want to start your meal with the Salumi Italiani. Designed to be shared, this appetizer has a variety of Italian meats and accompaniments for you to mix and match together. We also highly recommend the Calamari Fritti, lightly fried calamari pieces served with a zingy Meyer lemon aioli. You could also share a pizza as an appetizer, the two featured pizzas being the Pizza Margherita and Pizza di Capicollo. The Pizza di Capicollo has layers of Italian meats, pecorino-ricotta cheese, and lemon, making it a unique option. Of course, you could always have one of these pizzas all to yourself as your meal, and pair it with a refreshing salad.
The main course options do change from time to time, but all are incredible. Some of our favorites include the Pettini di Mare, seared sea scallops on top of seasonally flavored ravioli all in a red wine gastrique, and the Pasta alla Bolognese, melt-in-your-mouth braised short rib, tender pork belly, tomatoes, mushrooms, and sprinkled with pecorino Romano cheese. If you’re looking for a classic, the house made lasagna with braised beef and pancetta will meet your need for comfort food.
For dessert, you have to try the tiramisu. Light and delicious, with a bit of decadence from the mascarpone cream, this tiramisu is one of the best we’ve ever had. However, if you’re not a coffee fan, the Dark Chocolate Semolina Torta served with Brachetto raspberry crema will be a rich and self-indulgent finish to your meal. Trattoria al Forno also has several flavors of gelato available for those looking for just a small sweet treat.
The kid’s options stick with the Italian theme of the restaurant, in the form of grilled chicken, cheese or pepperoni pizza, and spaghetti with meatballs. Along with the entrée, your kiddos can choose two side options from steamed broccoli, whole-wheat pasta with marinara, mixed fresh fruit, and a scoop of vanilla gelato. This way, you can choose to make one of the sides their dessert, which essentially makes the dessert included with the kid’s meal.
Whether you want to try breakfast or dinner, make sure you get your Trattoria al Forno reservations early! It is a popular destination at Disney’s BoardWalk, so don’t miss out by waiting too long to book.
ESPN Club
Missing your sports while on vacation? Don’t worry, the BoardWalk has you covered. Open at lunch and dinner, the ESPN Club has all your favorite game-day foods readily available while you sit back and watch your event.
Among the appetizers, you’ll find ramped up versions of typical sports snacks, like nachos, wings, onion rings, and soft pretzels. You can get regular nachos if you wish, or try something new with the Ahi Tuna Nachos instead, which has wonton chips instead of tortilla, togarashi-dusted tuna, and sesame-soy sauce or wasabi mayonnaise for dipping.
If you’re sticking it out for the whole game, you might want something a bit heartier. In that case, you might want to try the Cowboy Mac and Cheese, ESPN Hot Fried Chicken, or the Guinness Fish and Chips. ESPN Club also boasts several incredible burgers and sandwiches, served with the choice of coleslaw, French fries, mashed potatoes, onion rings, seasonal soup, seasonal salad, seasonal vegetables, or cucumber salad. One of the best options is the Crunch Burger, a delicious burger topped with pork belly, coleslaw, crispy fried potato, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeño mayonnaise. Looking for something lighter? You’ll love the Baja Fish Tacos, stuffed with Chile-dusted fish, avocado cream, and pickled slaw.
All of your dessert options are delicious, with something for everyone, from the chocolate lovers to the fruit fiends. One of our favorites is the S’mores Bread Pudding, all the flavors of the classic camp treat topped with marshmallow ice cream. Chocolate gelato is also available as a sugar free option if you need a lighter finish to the day.
Kids have typical options, like chicken nuggets or a cheeseburger, or they can venture out and try seared fish or a grilled steak. Children’s meals also come with two side options, the savory including broccoli, green beans, roasted potatoes, macaroni & cheese or sliced apples. Kid’s side options include three sweet options as well, making it easy to include dessert with your child’s meal. They have the choice between a caramel apple pop, fruit nachos, or a chocolate and marshmallow Whoopie Pie.
If you’re planning to spend a few hours at the ESPN Club (like an entire football game or soccer match) make sure you show up early. Plenty of other people will have the same idea as you, trust us, and you don’t want to arrive to find there’s over an hour wait for a table. We’ve found ourselves in this situation before during college football, and ended up having to eat elsewhere. So plan accordingly, and enjoy the game!
BoardWalk Bakery
Open all day, the BoardWalk Bakery is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat. This is also the prime location to fill up your resort mug, as it has a self-serve beverage station.
Throughout the day, you can get all your bakery favorites, from delicious pastries to delectable dessert items. The Bakery is a one-stop shop that is perfect for any time!
Breakfast
Croissants or a muffin of your choice make great breakfast options if you need to eat and run, especially if you’re walking to the nearby parks. The bakery also has two incredible breakfast sandwiches, the Butter Butter Sandwich and the Everything Everything Sandwich. The first is a ham, egg, and cheese on rich brioche bread, while the second is egg and cheese on an Everything bagel. Both come with apple slices, making your meal a balanced breakfast.
You can also get fruit or a parfait as a snack option in addition to your breakfast, eat it with your sandwich or save it for later in the parks.
Fill your mug with orange juice, milk, coffee, or even hot chocolate, and you’re off! Specialty coffees are also available if you want something a little fancier.
Lunch and Dinner
You’ll find the same beverage, pastry, and dessert options as the morning, but the Bakery shakes up their savory offerings for lunch and dinner.
If you’re looking for greens, grab a Caesar salad (with or without chicken), or check out “The Veggie” Sandwich, sea salt roasted squash, balsamic-grilled Portobello mushroom, red onions, arugula, and pepper hummus. For the carnivores in your group, try the The Big and Beefy, roast beef, caramelized fennel and onions, with cheese spread and whole-grain mustard sauce, all on flavorful focaccia bread. Searching for something simpler? The Bakery also has grilled cheese and a ham and Swiss sandwich, perfect for a quick and easy lunch in between larger meals.
Many guests choose to celebrate special occasions while on their Disney trip, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a holiday gathering. However, it is inconvenient (and often impossible) to travel with a cake for these events. That’s where the Bakery has you covered! Mickey celebration cakes are available for purchase, in both chocolate and vanilla, which will feed between four and six guests.
Pizza Window
One of the most popular quick service locations on the BoardWalk, the Pizza Window is quite literally that – an outdoor seating pizza shop. You can purchase a whole pizza to share or a personal pizza just for yourself, in a variety of flavors. Grab a garden or caprese salad to go along with your slice, and finish with a mini cannoli or limoncello dessert bar. Alcoholic beverages are also available if you want a glass or wine or cold beer with your meal.
If there isn’t enough outdoor seating, feel free to bring your pizza back to your room or over to the pool area, and you’ll be made in the shade.
Snack Options
Throughout Disney’s BoardWalk, you’ll find different snack locations that will make you feel like you’re really down at the shore.
BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas
Find delicious Tex-Mex favorites at BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas, and of course refreshing margaritas to wash them down!
This stand boasts Nachos with jalapeño cheese sauce, a Mickey pretzel with the same dip, roasted almonds, roasted pecans, and a jalapeño-stuffed pretzel. You can snag four different margaritas on the rocks, as well as a strawberry frozen margarita if you’re looking for a cool treat.
For Dole Whip lovers, a non-alcoholic Dole Whip smoothie will hit the spot, or you can get the grown up version with Captain Morgan.
The stand also has assorted wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options if that’s more to your tastes.
The To-Go Cart
What would any boardwalk be without a hotdog stand? Disney’s BoardWalk is no different, meeting this need with the To-Go Cart.
The Cart has classic boardwalk options, including hotdogs, cheeseburgers, chicken nuggets, and chicken wings. They also take it one step further with a few barbecue options, including a pulled pork sandwich and barbecued pulled pork cheeseburger. Having such kid-friendly favorites makes this cart a great stop if you know you have a picky eater in your group.
On the side, grab French fries, fried potato chips, or mac and cheese bites. Oh, and feel free to add bacon, chili, or beer cheese. To anything.
Funnel Cake Cart
Just like it sounds, the Funnel Cake Cart is the one and only location on the BoardWalk where you’ll find this quintessential carnival treat. Add ice cream or chocolate to your funnel cake for extra decadence!
In addition to funnel cakes, you can also get fried ice cream or cotton candy at the cart. You can even buy a funnel cake gift set to bring home for a friend…or to recreate the magic for yourself. (We won’t judge if you do!)
Bars and Lounges
AbracadaBar
AbracadaBar is all about the beverages. While there are a few bar snacks, including the incredible parmesan-truffle Abra Fries, you’re coming to this location for the drinks.
Split into handcrafted cocktails and featured cocktails, the menu is not wanting for amazing beverage items. Some of our favorites among the handcrafted options include the Hoodunit’s Punch, Seashore Sweet, and Magic Mirror. Hoodunit’s Punch has Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and coconut, giving you the feeling of a tropical vacation in a glass. The Seashore Sweet brings together beach flavors with those of the boardwalk, made with Absolut Citron, Odwalla lemonade, and a drizzle of cotton candy syrup to pump up the sweetness. Meanwhile, the Magic Mirror stays with simple flavors, mixing together Bacardi Rum, soda water, mango syrup, Sprite, and a spritz of lime juice.
Beyond the cocktails, AbracadaBar has a large collection of wine and beer, so you’ll be sure to find something that fits your tastes. If you’re not sure to choose, let the bartender know what you typically like and let him or her choose for you. We’ve found plenty of new (and delicious!) beverages by taking the bartender’s advice.
AbracadaBar is connected to the Flying Fish, so it’s a great place to grab a drink before your reservation.
Belle Vue Lounge
In the upper level of the main resort building, you’ll find Belle Vue Lounge. Designed like a 1930s sitting room, this comfortable lounge is open for breakfast and again in the evening. Settle into a comfy chair with a blueberry muffin and coffee in the morning, then challenge your friends to board game in the evening with a drink in hand.
For breakfast, you’ll find baked goods, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and fruit. As Belle Vue is tucked away from the main areas of the resort, this is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a calm and quiet breakfast.
In the evening, enjoy a wide variety of beverage choices, from a personal favorite Graham Beck Brut Rosé to a bolder Spice Route Chakalaka Shiraz from South Africa. Belle Vue doesn’t offer food at this time, but the comfortable atmosphere more than makes up for it. Eat before you come, grab a drink, and spend time playing games.
This is a great option for a night off from the parks, during a rare cold spell in the winter months, or on a rainy day.
Leaping Horse Libations
Leaping Horse Libations is found out by the Luna Park Pool, its carousel theme fitting in perfectly with the overall pool area.
A great place to grab a snack, salad, or Mickey ice cream bar, Leaping Horse is the ideal pool bar as it means you don’t have to go far for a bite to eat. They also have some non-alcoholic options as well, like the Lava Smoothie, which combines strawberry with the flavors of a piña colada.
However, if you’re in the mood for a drink, Leaping Horse has four incredible carnival-themed cocktails that will hit the spot.
First is the Tilt-A-Whirl, mixing together Absolut Citron vodka, Chambord and Odwalla lemonade.
Next, the Fun House, Captain Morgan spiced rum blended with strawberry purée for a simple yet amazing combination that you’ll be sure to love.
After that is the Carousel, Absolut Mandrin vodka, coconut, pineapple all mixed with orange purée.
Finally, you’ll love the Roller Coaster Meltdown, coconut rum and dark rum, combined with flavors of coconut and pineapple. Beyond these cocktails, you’ll find delicious options like the Frosé and Piña CoLava, as well as a large selection of wines and beer.
Whatever your taste or inclinations, Leaping Horse Libations will be the place for a cool beverage on a hot day!
Written by Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer
Grace is a life-long lover of all things Disney, particularly the parks at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast who regularly dreams of the white sands of Castaway Cay. Grace loves the fact that her Disney trips give her time to spend with her family, enjoy incredible food, and try new experiences.