The Best Disney Restaurant No One Talks About

If you’re a fan of Disney and love to eat… well, we have much in common! When visiting Walt Disney World Resort, however, did you know there are roughly 400 Walt Disney World dining choices to select from to eat? 400! How does one choose?

From kiosks and quick-service dining to table-service restaurants and signature dining experiences, there is no shortage of excellent food and beverage selections spread throughout each Disney theme park, Resort hotels, and Disney Springs.

Chances are, when you think of dining at Walt Disney World, experiences such as character dining at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park come to mind. And let’s not forget about the newer, extremely popular Space 220 Restaurant at EPCOT.

And while we’ve tried several (and we do mean several) dining experiences at Walt Disney World, our top pick often gets forgotten. Can you guess it? Head on over to Disney’s Old Key West Resort, where you’ll find a foodie’s oasis awaits at Olivia’s Cafe.

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Despite the exceptional food, venue, and service, Disney’s Olivia’s Cafe tends to be one you won’t hear many “Disney foodies” talk about. But, this underrated restaurant, in our opinion, is the best Disney restaurant for several reasons.

The Food

Olivia’s Cafe table service is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. With the Resort’s Key West atmosphere, of course, the food matches with a home cooking taste of the Florida Keys.

A few favorite island-inspired breakfast dishes include Olivia’s Breakfast, Spam-Cheddar Biscuits, and Sombrero Beach Omelet. Just don’t forget to try Olivia’s Famous Grits.

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Lunch and dinner favorites include selections such as Shrimp Fritters, Conch Flats Club Sandwich, Cayo Hueso Shrimp Pasta, Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken, and the Havana Beef Sandwich.

Plus, don’t forget the enticing Olivia’s Cafe menu dessert selections such as the Key Lime Tart, Banana Bread Pudding Sundae, and Caramel Apple Tart. YUM!

Weekend Brunch

A scrumptious brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The bountiful brunch menu includes Florida-inspired fare such as Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, Banana Bread French Toast or Shrimp and Grits, and breakfast offerings.

The Drinks

Raise a toast to the weekend! We must say, the best alcoholic drinks are available at Old Key West! The often forgotten Gurgling Suitcase bar outside Olivia’s is often overlooked, but Cast Members at this hideaway bar are exceptional.

The drinks you’ll enjoy at Olivia’s Cafe are made right next door at Gurgling Suitcase and brought into the restaurant. Olivia’s favorites include specialty cocktails such as the popular Turtle Krawl, Parrot Punch, and the Loaded Key West Bloody Mary. Beer and wine selections are also available.

The Key West Feel

Not only do the food and beverages deliver a soothing, beach-feel vibe, but the atmosphere at Olivia’s gives off a calming welcoming. Pull up a mismatched chair and check out the Conch Flats decor. Or better yet, ask to be seated outside.

There is a small outside covered patio that allows diners to enjoy the views of Disney’s Old Key West. Watch as the Disney Springs boat docks, check out the stunning Central Florida sunset, and feel the warm air blow through the Old Key West breezeway. A perfect place we always try to begin and end a Disney vacation with.

Olivia’s Story

There is always a story Disney links back to, and Olivia’s Cafe is no different. Who is Olivia, you ask? Check out the story:

“Olivia Farnsworth lived in a small cottage along Turtle Krawl, upwind of the strip. Almost daily, she would invite curious passersby who smelled her cooking to come on in and pull up a chair. People loved her vibrant flavors and earthy personality, and, before long, she found herself setting more tables.”

“Eventually, Olivia opened the doors to her eponymous cafe, which has been a haven for locals and a must-visit for out-of-towners ever since.”

Ease of Reservations

While Olivia’s is a true hidden gem, its popularity is growing as Disney fans catch up to all the reasons it’s so easy to enjoy. We highly recommend making dining reservations 60-days in advance to ensure a table at Olivia’s Cafe (especially for their busier brunch times).

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But, if you’re staying at Old Key West or in the surrounding area, Olivia’s Cafe typically offers a walk-up wait list, or you’ll find last-minute dining reservations on the My Disney Experience App.

Arrive in Style

Not staying at Disney’s Old Key West Resort and don’t have your own vehicle? No worries! Accessing Disney’s Old Key West can be done in several different ways without needing an Uber or Lyft.

If at Disney Springs, Disney offers boat transportation to and from Old Key West Resort. You can also access Disney’s Old Key West via a Disney Springs bus or Disney Park bus.

There you have it! Our favorite Disney restaurant that no one talks about. We’ve let the secret out of the bag. Now, have a great time dining at the beloved Olivia’s Cafe, Disney fans!