Skip That Table Service Restaurant, Eat Here Instead at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has undergone an impressive transformation over the years, with the addition of exciting new lands like Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. While the park offers plenty of thrilling attractions and immersive experiences, it’s also home to some great dining options. Many guests may flock to the park’s limited table-service restaurants for a sit-down meal, but not all are worth the time or price.

Luckily, there are some hidden gems and quick-service spots that offer delicious food without the wait for a reservation. If you’re looking to maximize your time and enjoy great meals, here’s a guide on what table-service spots to skip—and where to eat instead!

Skip: 50’s Prime Time Café

Located in the Echo Lake area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 50’s Prime Time Café is well-known for its retro 1950s decor and “home-cooked” comfort food. The setting is meant to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a vintage kitchen, complete with family-style rules enforced by “Aunt Betty.” While this quirky atmosphere can be entertaining for some, others may find the constant reminders to mind their table manners more stressful than fun.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing meal without the family-themed antics, this spot may not be for you. Plus, the menu—featuring classics like meatloaf and fried chicken—isn’t particularly unique compared to other Disney restaurants.

Eat at: Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Skip the table-side scolding and head over to Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in the Grand Avenue area instead. This cozy Italian restaurant offers hearty favorites like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, and Charred Strip Steak with Mac ‘n Cheese—a fan-favorite dish that keeps guests coming back. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the location in the quieter part of the park makes it a peaceful place to enjoy a delicious meal.

Whether you’re looking for comforting pasta dishes or something lighter like a fresh salad, Mama Melrose’s delivers a solid dining experience without the fuss. It’s the perfect spot to recharge between exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Muppet Vision 3D.

Skip: Hollywood & Vine

Hollywood & Vine is a character dining spot in Hollywood Studios offering breakfast with Disney Junior characters and seasonal lunch and dinner buffets with Minnie Mouse and friends. While the character interactions can be magical for young children, the food itself is often considered average, and the set pricing for buffets means you’re locked into paying for a large meal, even if you prefer smaller portions. For those not traveling with character-obsessed little ones, it might be worth skipping this one, as character meet-and-greets are available elsewhere in the park.

Eat at: The Hollywood Brown Derby

If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience, The Hollywood Brown Derby is the place to go. A replica of the famous Hollywood restaurant, this signature dining spot offers a more upscale and elegant meal, perfect for guests who want to feel like a star. The restaurant’s Famous Cobb Salad is legendary, and the Grapefruit Cake is a must-try dessert.

With an extensive menu featuring items like Wild Mushroom Risotto and Pan-seared Fish, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated meal in a glamorous setting.

While it’s more expensive than other options in the park, it’s a splurge-worthy experience, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to savor a high-end meal.

Skip: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is another popular table-service restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where guests dine in car-shaped booths while watching clips of old sci-fi movies on a giant screen. The setting is fun and nostalgic, but the menu is pretty basic, with burgers, fries, and milkshakes as the main offerings. While the experience of dining in a “drive-in” theater can be entertaining, the food itself is fairly standard, and the seating can feel a bit cramped, making it less appealing if you’re hoping for a leisurely meal.

Eat at: Ronto Roasters

For a more unique and satisfying meal, head over to Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This quick-service spot offers one of the park’s most beloved snacks—the Ronto Wrap. Packed with roasted pork, grilled sausage, tangy slaw, and peppercorn sauce, all wrapped in a soft pita, it’s a filling and flavorful option that’s easy to grab and go.

You can even find a plant-based version with the Zuchii Wrap, featuring grilled zucchini and smoky chickpea slaw. The quick-service setup allows you to stay on the move and experience more of Batuu without sacrificing a great meal.

Skip: ABC Commissary

While ABC Commissary offers a variety of American-style dishes like Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, and Tacos, the food quality is hit-or-miss, and the atmosphere feels more like a cafeteria than a themed dining experience. If you’re looking for something more unique and immersive, this quick-service spot might be worth skipping in favor of something with more personality.

Eat at: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

For a meal that’s as delicious as it is immersive, try Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This counter-service restaurant offers a menu inspired by intergalactic cuisine, with options like the Felucian Kefta and Hummus Garden Spread (a plant-based dish) and the Braised Shaak Roast, a savory pot roast with pasta and vegetables.

The restaurant’s theming is top-notch, with a bustling spaceport vibe that makes you feel like you’ve truly traveled to another planet. The variety of options makes it perfect for both adventurous eaters and those looking for more familiar flavors, and the mobile ordering system makes it a convenient choice.

While Disney’s Hollywood Studios may have a limited selection of table-service restaurants, there are plenty of incredible quick-service and counter-service options that allow you to enjoy delicious meals without sacrificing time or budget. Whether you’re exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, taking in a show at Toy Story Land, or wandering through Hollywood Boulevard, you can find amazing food that’s just as magical as the attractions. Skip the long waits and pricey sit-down meals, and try these top spots instead for a dining experience that’s quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Have you discovered your favorite quick-service spot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Share your experience in the comments below, and let us know which meal made your day magical!