Downtown 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 restaurants that 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
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.
What is the best restaurant at 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.
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Transitioning to Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill Grill & Patio, but it's still open.)
Take a culinary trip to New Orleans without ever leaving California! Dine on Creole and Cajun specialties (and all that jazz). At Ralph Brenna's Jazz Kitchen you'll find French Quarter fare, such as gumbo a-ya, Southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits (yum!) and pasta jambalaya. Don't worry picky eaters — they have burgers, salads and familiar, kid-friendly favorites as well. On less busy days, the restaurant is open for lunch or dinner. Look for holiday offerings and be sure to hop by for Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday. The restaurant boasts an extensive themed drink menu perfect for any day of the year. The tadpoles love the nonalcoholic mint julep! Don't skip dessert either! Their famous beignets 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.
This location is currently closed for refurbishment and is set to undergo a makeover in the near future. As part of the Downtown Disney refurbishment, the exterior will have a a vibrant new look but will keep the spirit of New Orleans.
Uva Bar & Cafe (Last day is April 14, 2023)
Sit right in the middle of the action at this outdoor patio bar-restaurant. Uva serves breakfast (Monday through Friday), lunch and dinner. You'll have many dishes to choose from, including tapa, burgers, salads and fish tacos with garlic fries or sweet potato fries. Each dish pairs perfectly with Uva Bar's extensive list of wine, beer, cocktails or even a root beer float. Uva Bar is the more casual sister bar/restaurant to Catal. You can make reservations through the Disneyland app or site or call for same-day reservations at (714) 774-4442. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.
This location will eventually be replaced by Centrico.
Catal (Last day is April 14, 2023)
Catal is the main restaurant for Uva Bar & Cafe. If you're feeling like a fancy frog and looking for fine dining, Catal offers modern Mediterranean food in their upstairs, airy dining room and limited indoor dining downstairs. Catal is open for dinner every evening, as well as for brunch on the weekends. There is no dress code, so casual attire is appropriate. On some nights, you can catch a glimpse of the Disneyland fireworks from the patio. Reservations can be accessed through the Disneyland app or the restaurant’s site.
This restaurant will soon be replaced with Paseo, featuring Mexican dishes from Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan.
Ballast Point Brewing Co.
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 build a new location on that same site.
Naples 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.
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.
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.
Earl of Sandwich (back as of Feb. 1, 2023 in the former La Brea Bakery location)
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.
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
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.
Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen Express (undergoing refurbishment)
The Jazz Kitchen is one of our favorite stops for snacks such as New Orleans Beignets. They are so popular — you and your tadpoles will not want to miss them!
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer
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!
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. 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!
Here's a look at new Downtown Disney Restaurants and other changes coming soon:
- Porto's Bakery — This local fan favorite bring sweet pastries, desserts and Cuban-inspired dishes to Downtown Disney. It will eventually be built on the old La Brea Bakery site and current Earl of Sandwich location.
- Din Tai Fung — This world-renowned Asian restaurant from Taiwan specializes in soup dumplings and family-style Chinese cuisine.
- Paseo and Centrico — Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan will bring Mexican cuisine to replace Catal and Uva Bar.
- Jazz Kitchen — This Downtown Disney favorite inspired by New Orleans is getting a vibrant new look and new name.
- More shopping and dining locations. The new space will have a lawn and a park-like atmosphere surrounded by buildings inspired by Southern California mid-century modern architecture.
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!
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