Dining at the Grand Floridian Café: A Disney Classic Worth Savoring!
A Relaxed Disney Dining Experience
The Grand Floridian Café is one of those restaurants that feels like coming home the moment you walk in. Tucked just off the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, it offers a peaceful break from the buzz of the parks while still feeling unmistakably Disney.
When you enter the resort lobby, walk toward the back and hang a left past Sandy Cove Gifts and Sundries. The café remains a bright and welcoming escape. With its soft color palette and sunlit windows, it’s the perfect place for an unhurried meal any time of day.
Classic Atmosphere and Warm Service
There is an easy elegance to the Grand Floridian Café. It’s refined without being formal and friendly without being overly familiar. The service is consistently excellent, with cast members who genuinely enjoy helping you feel at home.
The dining room is filled with natural light and just the right amount of energy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply taking a break between park days, it’s a space that invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Exploring the Menu
The menu strikes a wonderful balance between approachable favorites and more elevated options. There are seven appetizers and seven entrées, each with its own personality. Starters include a shrimp cocktail, a seasonal soup, Heirloom Apple Salad, and Carnitas Tacos.
For entrées, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken remains a standout, served with loaded smashed potatoes and a warm bacon vinaigrette that is as delicious as it sounds. The Grand Floridian Café Burger comes stacked with a chunk of brie cheese, bacon pepper jam, roasted garlic aioli, and arugula on a brioche bun. It is simple, hearty, and beautifully done.
Then there is the Miso Glazed Salmon, a longtime favorite of mine. It’s served with lemon scented sticky rice and perfectly tender haricots verts. I always ask for my salmon cooked a bit more than the kitchen usually prepares it, but if you enjoy yours just barely done, you’ll love it exactly as it comes.
The Bread Service
Every meal begins with complimentary French rolls and whipped butter. Years ago, the restaurant offered honey wheat rolls with honey butter, a nostalgic favorite, but these new rolls still deliver that comforting start to the meal. They’re soft, warm, and simple, just what you need before diving into the main course. No carb left behind here at Disney.
The Star of the Show: Buttermilk-Fried Chicken
The Buttermilk-Fried Chicken deserves its reputation. The chicken breast is pounded thin, coated in a golden cornflake crust, and placed on a bed of creamy smashed potatoes. Surrounding it is the warm bacon vinaigrette, a smoky, tangy, and savory sauce that ties everything together.
It is one of those dishes you can’t help but talk about while you are eating it. I literally couldn’t believe how good it was. There’s even a hidden layer of collard greens beneath the chicken, cooked with shallots for a little tangy and peppery bite. This dish caught me by surprise, and it won’t be the last time that I order it.
Around the Table
The other dishes at our table impressed just as much, including the Cajun Pasta with Shrimp. It had just the right amount of spice.
Each plate had its own appeal, and everyone found something to love. The salmon’s bright glaze and citrus notes make it especially refreshing. Just don’t skip the lime wedge that comes with it.
Plant-Based and Vegetarian Options
Plant-based diners will find some thoughtful choices here. The Plant Based “Crab” Cakes are made with artichokes, hearts of palm, and a spiced rémoulade. The Farmer’s Market Vegetable Curry is another strong option, featuring bamboo rice, red curry sauce, and seasonal vegetables.
It is nice to see this kind of flexibility, making the Grand Floridian Café an easy pick for groups with mixed dining preferences.
Dessert Temptations
While we skipped dessert this time, the menu offered several tempting options. The Key Lime Pie Bar immediately caught my eye. It looked light, tangy, and perfectly Florida.
Instead, we made our way to Scoop Ice Cream in Celebration for a handmade treat to end the evening. If you have a car or rideshare handy, it is a great little off property spot worth the trip.
What You Need to Know About the Grand Floridian Café
- Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Type: Table service restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Menu Highlights: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Miso Glazed Salmon, Grand Floridian Café Burger
- Plant-Based Options: “Crab” Cakes, Vegetable Curry
- Average Entrée Price: $25 to $32
- Atmosphere: Relaxed elegance with friendly service
- Reservations: Recommended via My Disney Experience
- DVC Tip: Perfect for members staying at the Grand Floridian Villas or Bay Lake Tower
Final Thoughts
The Grand Floridian Café is one of those places that quietly keeps getting it right. The food is consistently excellent, the setting is calm and inviting, and the service feels genuinely thoughtful.
Whether you are there for a leisurely lunch, a cozy dinner, or a celebratory meal during your resort stay, it delivers that unmistakable Grand Floridian charm without the formality of fine dining.
For Disney Vacation Club Members, it’s a dependable favorite that balances comfort and sophistication. It’s a dining experience that feels like Disney at its best!
Rent DVC points, and save up to 65% compared to booking directly through Disney! Browse the confirmed reservations or request a free quote.
