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The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant

by Mommy Frog on October 8, 2023 2 Los Angeles

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - pinterestDowntown Disney has become a destination for our frog family rather than just a path on the journey of getting to or from Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. Whether Downtown Disney is your final destination or simply a place to eat and explore on your way to and from the theme parks, use our hoppin' guide to dining at Downtown Disney restaurants to help you find a delicious meal or snack. We also have frogciting news of new and refurbished restaurants that have arrived or will be coming to Downtown Disney! We will get into those new options as well, but many openings are unknown at this point.

If you're looking to plan your next magical visit to the Disneyland Resort, check out our guide to Downtown Disney, which includes insider tips and info. Downtown Disney is just a short leap away from the three on-site Disneyland hotels (as well as other neighboring hotels) for dining and entertainment. Disneyland Resort Hotels guests can also order Downtown Disney food to be delivered to the hotel lobby. Look for QR codes around the hotel. It's a great option if you want a quiet night in after a day at the theme parks.

Table-Service Restaurants at Downtown Disney

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - Outside Bar at Naples

One thing is certain: it’s best to make reservations before dining at Downtown Disney restaurants. While the table-service restaurants accept walk-ins, you’ll make your life easier if you have a reservation during popular times.

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - Gumbo at Jazz KitchenWhat is the best restaurant in Downtown Disney? It depends on what you are looking for. Each offers something different (and delicious, we may add). As all of the menus are available on the Disneyland app, you can look through each location's offerings to decide what your family will most enjoy.

Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill Grill & Patio

This location got a fresh new look and updated menu. Take a culinary trip to New Orleans without ever leaving California! Dine on Creole and Cajun specialties (and all that jazz). At Jazz Kitchen, you'll find French Quarter fare, such as gumbo ya-ya (yum!), crispy chicken sandwiches, shrimp and grits (also yum!) and jambalaya. Don't worry picky eaters — they have burgers, salads, flatbreads and familiar, kid-friendly favorites as well.

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - Flatbread at Jazz Kitchen

The restaurant is open for lunch or dinner. The restaurant boasts an extensive coastal-themed drink menu perfect for any day of the year. The tadpoles love the craft sodas and root beer float. Don't skip dessert either! Their famous bananas foster glazed beignets that are sure to call your name. You can make your reservations through the Disneyland app or site, but otherwise, Ralph Brennan's accepts walk-ins.

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - View from Patio at Ballast Point

Ballast Point has a great view of Downtown Disney from its upstairs patio. The research and development brewery has a three-barrel brewing rig and a selection of craft beers on tap. Hop in for brunch on Saturday or Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or lunch and dinner at other times. Share a Bavarian pretzel, wings or fries with friends while you sip your beer, or go for a salad or burger. The kids' menu has many great choices. You can make a reservation online here.

Earl of Sandwich Tavern (Temporary pop-up table service) 

Earl of Sandwich has been a huge fan favorite in Downtown Disney for its affordable and tasty sandwiches. The table-service tavern is pricier than the attached quick-service location. You can also purchase kid-friendly food options at this location. While the old location was demolished, a new pop-up took over the restaurant location closest to the theme parks, which was formerly occupied by La Brea Bakery.

Eventually, Porto's Bakery & Eatery is expected to build a new location on that same site. Earl of Sandwich will be relocated near the Esplanade area of Downtown Disney to make way for the construction of Porto’s.

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - Person dining on patio at NaplesNaples Ristorante e Bar

Naples has a gorgeous expanded patio dining area and bar. It makes you want to sit down and chill out with a nice mocktail, Italian soda or maybe even something a little stronger from the impressive bar! Naples serves up Italian food and wood-fired pizza. Share some appetizers or get started on salad before digging into the hearty entrees such as lasagna, house-made gnocchi, spaghetti or pizza. Save some room for the gelato and New York cheesecake! You can reserve seating for this restaurant through the Disneyland app or site.

Tortilla Jo’s

Take a trip south of the border and start your meal with a bowl of guacamole or some loaded nachos before digging into street tacos, salads, enchiladas or especiales de la casa such as fajitas or carnitas at Tortilla Jo's. The restaurant is open for breakfast on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (chilaquiles anyone?) or lunch and dinner at later times. Your food will pair nicely with a margarita, Mexican beer or a flight to taste three of the hundreds of types of tequila from the bar. You can make reservations through the Disneyland app and site.

Tortilla Jo's permanently closes March 31, 2024 to make way for new Downtown Disney developments.

Splitsville

Splitsville is an eclectic restaurant and entertainment spot where you will find indoor/outdoor seating either at a bowling lane or at a table. You can enjoy hand-tossed pizzas, gourmet burgers, filet sliders, grilled avocado and ahi tuna, or even sushi. Its menu contains healthy options you’ll actually want to eat. The tadpoles will enjoy pizza, grilled cheese or chicken tenders while you can dig into something a little more adventurous, such as short ribs or veggie bowls. Catch a game on the flat-screen TVs, or bowl a few games. There is something for everyone in this huge and unique dining space. You can reserve seating through the Disneyland app or site.

The Alley

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - the alley

Come play games, listen to live music, and enjoy food and beverages in the courtyard next to Splitsville. You can relax in lounge seating or seats for dining.

Quick-Service Downtown Disney Restaurants (Including Places to Get Tasty Treats)

If you are looking for a quick meal, snack or dessert, hop by these quick-service Downtown Disney restaurants, snack shops and kiosks. Also, keep an eye out for food trucks that may appear from time to time.

Earl of Sandwich (now in the former La Brea Bakery location)

Hopping Guide to Dining at Downtown Disney Restaurants - Earl of Sandwich french Dip

It's back! This affordable sandwich shop is back and is even closer to the theme parks. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Earl of Sandwich will be relocated near the Esplanade area of Downtown Disney once this pop-up is replaced by Porto's.

Jamba 

For a smoothie or energy bowl on the go, hop into Jamba. Get the tadpoles to drink their greens for a nutritious start to their day. For even faster service, use the Jamba app to order ahead of time!

Napolini 

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - BBQ Chicken Pizza

Whenever you feel the need to build your own personal pizza with a variety of toppings, then hop into the Napolini pizzeria to design your own pie. They also offer fresh grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Starbucks

You can get your caffeine fix at the Starbucks near World of Disney. Take it to-go or sip it on the outdoor patio while doing some great frog (or people) watching. And if you want to skip the line, don’t froget to order ahead with the Starbucks app.

Taqueria at Tortilla Jo's 

Build yourself custom tacos, burritos, nachos or bowls at this colorful outdoor patio area in front of Tortilla Jo's. Add a margarita or Mexican beer to sip on while you dine and enjoy the breeze.

The taqueria closes permanently, along with the main restaurant, April 13, 2024.

Beignets Expressed 

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - beignets

This is one of our favorite stops for snacks such as flavored New Orleans Beignets. They are so popular — you and your tadpoles will not want to miss them! Can't decide? Get a four-pack to try each flavor! Wash them down with a frozen non-alcoholic mint julep or a frozen hot chocolate made with Ghirardelli.

Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - Sandwich from Black Tap

Black Tap serves up burgers and signature, over-the-top CrazyShake milkshakes in a fabulous fusion of luncheonette-style food, beverages and old-school hip-hop music! Order at the counter and take a seat on the patio. Choose from fried pickles, crispy Brussels sprouts, wings, burgers and fries, then wash it all down with a craft beer. Even though this is a quick-service dining location, you can order and be served if you are seated at the bar. It's a good way to skip the order line. Or, if you just want a CrazyShake to-go, order at the CrazyShake Window for faster service. You can get a special edition Mickey Mouse shake at Black Tap!

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - Mickey Mouse shake

Sprinkles

If gourmet cupcakes are your thing, then Sprinkles cupcakes and cookies might hit the sweet spot. Lily loves this place so skip the line and order ahead on the Sprinkles app!

Wetzel's Pretzels

Enjoy a fresh-baked flavored pretzel or pretzel dog with the appropriate dip, of course. Whether you go for the sinful cinnamon, cheese meltdown or pepperoni twist pretzel, be sure to wash it down with some fresh or frozen strawberry lemonade.

Marceline's Confectionery

Marceline's is technically not a restaurant, but it's the place to get yummy treats. It's no secret that we love the scrumptious caramel apples native to Disneyland. We even have a whole post about them. Marceline's offers almost all of the parks' freshly made treats for purchase, including crispy treats, Mickey cookies, holiday goodies and the addictive churro toffee. This is a great stop to hit on the way home, so you can take some time to enjoy your treats while walking to your car. Should you choose to visit, it's definitely important to join the Mobile Wait List as soon as you arrive at Downtown Disney, as the mobile wait frequently hits two to three hours! You can shop and dine while you wait your turn.

Salt & Straw (Mobile Order available)

Salt & Straw is a handmade, organic ice cream shop located at the heart of Downtown Disney. Their flavors are creative and elaborate, especially the monthly holiday flavors. Some classics include honey lavender, strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper, chocolate gooey brownie, freckled mint chip (vegan) and others.

Hopping Guide to Dining at Downtown Disney Restaurants - Double scoop of ice cream

You might think that the vegan flavors on the menu can’t possibly rival their dairy-rich counterparts, but you’d be wrong. They’re delicious! We tried all of the vegan and gluten-free flavors, too, and loved them as much (and possibly more) than the dairy-based flavors we tried. If you're in a rush, skip the line and order ahead on the Salt & Straw website!

Hop tip: Get a double scoop and share. If you really can’t decide what to get, ask for split scoops for an additional 50 cents.

Kiosks with Food

You can get a bite to eat, including a pickle dog!

  • Kayla’s Cakes
  • Wetzel's Pretzels Cart
  • Diggity Dogs
  • Blue Ribbon Corn Dog
  • California Churro

Coming Soon!

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - Din Tai Fung

Here's a look at new Downtown Disney Restaurants and other changes coming soon:

  • Porto's Bakery — This local fan favorite brings sweet pastries, desserts and Cuban-inspired dishes to Downtown Disney. It will eventually be built on the old La Brea Bakery site and the current Earl of Sandwich location.
  • Din Tai Fung — This world-renowned Asian restaurant from Taiwan specializes in soup dumplings and family-style Chinese cuisine.

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - paseo and centrico construction

  • Paseo, Centrico and Tiendita — Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan will bring Mexican cuisine to replace the closed Catal and Uva Bar. Tiendita will offer quick-service Mexican street food staples.
  • Seoul Sister — A casual quick-service eatery offering a Korean-forward menu with a California twist, inside the new Parkside Market building.
  • Sip & Sonder — A new Black women-owned café serving up signature lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites. This will be located inside the new Parkside Market building.
  • GG’s Chicken Shop — Founded by award-winning restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen, this new eatery will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches. The Downtown Disney location will be the first on the West Coast — located in the new Parkside Market building.
  • Second Story Bar — An outdoor spot with a great view overlooking the other shops and restaurants from the new Parkside Market building. Sip on a variety of signature cocktails and mocktails, including frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis and spirit-free drinks.

The Insider Scoop on Every Downtown Disney Restaurant - parkside market art

Do you have an upcoming visit to Downtown Disney at Disneyland? If you need a hotel for your visit, your froggy friends can help you find a hopping deal at one of the hotels near Disneyland. For the latest information and what to expect at Disneyland Resort, hop over to our Disneyland reopening post.

Related: Our Top Tips for Visiting Downtown Disney — Including When to Visit and Where to Park

Related: Our ∼Frogtastic∼ Guide to Cruising into Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland (Seriously, it's right next to Downtown Disney and not to be missed once it reopens!)

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Oct 23, 2022 at 4:46 p.m. Marilyn Neuroth Says...

When will Uva Bar & Cafe be replaced with Centrico? I am afraid to make any reservations, then find the establishment no longer there. We are going to be there the last week of December, this year.

Thank you.

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Oct 24, 2022 at 2:03 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Marilyn!

We still do not have a confirmed closure date for Uva Bar & Cafe. At this point, if it's offering reservations for the dates that you're visiting, it seems unlikely that the restaurant would close before then — until further notice or an official announcement.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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