FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

3. The BOATHOUSE

Image: DisneyLandry’s claims two of the top three spots on this list, but the company doesn’t win. Instead, it takes the silver and the bronze in a heated competition. Yes, I love all of the restaurants in the top six, but picking the best of them is an impossible decision. At one point or another, I ranked everything in the top three as the best non-Disney restaurant. Alas, something had to give.

The BOATHOUSE stands out as my favorite Signature restaurant at Walt Disney World. What I love about it is the selection. Its menu seems so comprehensive that I can eat here when I want a burger and a $50 dining experience for two. Alternately, I can go to the other extreme and buy one of the most delightful romantic meals at Walt Disney World for…slightly more than $50.

The cuisine covers all the bases. Steaks, fish, sandwiches, a raw bar, and a seemingly endless dessert menu guarantee that you’ll get more than your fill here.

2. Yak & Yeti

Image: DisneyWhen I’m at Walt Disney World, I’m ordinarily with friends, which means that I’ve witnessed the same cycle unfold on several occasions. First-time diners will skeptically arrive at Yak & Yeti, which resides in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They’ll warily eye the menu, wondering whether they’ll find anything good to eat.

Meanwhile, an exceptional server – and they’re all exceptional at Yak & Yeti – will patiently recommend a few favorites. A few minutes later, the appetizers will arrive. After a couple of bites of Pork Pot Stickers and Ahi Tuna Nashos, everyone’s shaking with glee over their food discovery.

The food at Yak & Yeti is legitimately in the conversation for best on the Disney campus. As great as Landry’s is, this restaurant is their pinnacle. If I liked Asia food more, I’d pick it to win. But I’m a steak guy…

1. Shula’s Steak House

Image: DisneyAccording to TripAdvisor, the city of Orlando features 2,932 restaurants. Out of that entire list, Shula’s Steak House claims 22nd at the time of publication. It’s in the 99th percentile of Orlando cuisine. In fact, here’s the full list of Walt Disney World restaurants currently ranked ahead of it: Victoria & Albert’s. That’s it. That’s the list.

Now, part of that is because residents in the state of Florida are legally precluded from speaking ill of anything related to Don Shula, the retired Hall of Fame coach of the Miami Dolphins. But the other part is that Shula’s Steak House has become the greatest steakhouse chain in the south. The remarkable part of that statement is that there are only eight on them in existence, but the franchise’s reputation is that strong.

This particular location is also at the Swan & Dolphin. Its theme is the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only undefeated team in NFL history. When you dine here, your “menu” is a hand-painted football. It’s kind of obnoxious and also kind of cool. But you’ll forget about it quickly.

You’re here for the steak, and the porterhouses are the tastiest you’ll ever eat. While STK receives criticism for not being worth the price, few people would make that claim of Shula’s Steak House. Its reviews indicate an absolutely euphoric group of satisfied customers who fantasize about their next trip to the best steakhouse at Disney.

While the battle is fierce, Shula’s Steak House rightfully claims the title of Best Non-Disney Restaurant at Walt Disney World. 

 
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Add new comment

About Theme Park Tourist

Theme Park Tourist is one of the web’s leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.

We are one of the world’s largest theme park guide sites, hosting detailed guides to more than 80 theme parks around the globe.

Find Out More About Us...

Plan Your Trip

Our theme park guides contain reviews and ratings of rides, restaurants and hotels at more than 80 theme parks worldwide.

You can even print them.

Start Planning Now...