3 Underrated Disney Restaurants Worth Booking Now

When you think of Walt Disney World dining, the big names probably pop into your head right away. Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, ‘Ohana; check, check, and check. They’re the classics, and they’re popular for a reason. But here’s the thing: Disney dining is packed with hidden surprises, and some of them have completely flipped the script for me.

These are the restaurants that I didn’t expect much from, yet they ended up being the meals I couldn’t stop talking about. The food, the atmosphere, the little details—it all came together in ways that made me grin from ear to ear. So if you’re ready to shake up your dining plans, here are three surprising Disney restaurants you’ll definitely want to add to your next vacation.

1. Spice Road Table (EPCOT)

Okay, let me just say this right away: I thought I knew Spice Road Table. Cute outdoor patio in the Morocco pavilion? Sure. But then I found out there’s indoor dining, and my jaw hit the floor.

Yes, there’s a whole indoor dining room tucked away that so many people don’t even know about. It’s filled with lanterns, colorful tilework, and massive windows that look right out onto World Showcase Lagoon. And here’s the kicker: if you time your reservation just right, you can watch the EPCOT fireworks from your table, no pricey add-on package required. That was the game changer for me.

And the food? Oh my goodness. Think Mediterranean small plates made for sharing. We had the Spice Road Table Bread Service, hummus fries, calamari, and much more, and every single bite was packed with flavor. This is the kind of spot that makes you want to slow down, pass plates around the table, and really soak up the moment.

Spice Road Table isn’t just a good option; it’s one of those “how did I miss this before” restaurants that I’ll recommend to literally anyone who asks.

2. Wailu’lu Bar & Grill (Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Island Tower)

When Disney announced the new Island Tower at the Polynesian, I assumed its dining would be exactly what the name promised: a casual bar and grill. Maybe burgers, maybe fries. Easy, simple, nothing over the top.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Wailu’lu Bar & Grill is simply gorgeous. Every dish that came to the table looked like it belonged in a magazine spread. Fresh fish, tropical and bright flavors, and colorful plating that made me stop and snap pictures before even digging in. And once I did, wow. The flavors were just as good as the presentation.

The best part? It still feels laid-back. You don’t need to dress up or treat it like a stuffy dinner reservation. It’s casual, it’s approachable, but the food feels special. Right now it still has that “hidden gem” energy, and I honestly love that.

If you’re staying at the Polynesian, or even if you’re not, this is a spot worth going out of your way to try. It’s that good.

3. Maya Grill (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort)

Here’s the one that shocked me the most. Maya Grill is tucked inside Coronado Springs, and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t even on my radar. I’d heard very mixed reviews over the years, and, as a result, it never made it onto my “must try” list. Until the night that I finally gave it a shot, that is.

And you know what? It blew me away.

The dining room itself has a warm, inviting vibe with touches of Mexican-inspired décor. But what really set the environment apart was the live guitarist playing while we ate. The music completely elevated the atmosphere, turning dinner into an experience instead of just another meal.

And the food? Bold, fresh, and way better than I expected. Everything tasted thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. Please get the guacamole. Add in wonderful service, and suddenly I found myself wondering why more people aren’t talking about Maya Grill.

It’s not the flashiest restaurant at Walt Disney World, but it’s one that left me smiling and already planning a return visit.

Why These Disney Restaurants Belong on Your List

Here’s the truth: it’s easy to book the same big-name restaurants every trip because they feel safe. But when you skip over the hidden gems, you risk missing out on some truly magical surprises.

• Spice Road Table gives you that secret indoor dining room with a fireworks view, plus a menu full of bold flavors that are made for sharing.
• Wailu’lu Bar & Grill takes the idea of “bar and grill” and flips it with fresh Hawaiian-inspired dishes that feel special but still approachable.
• Maya Grill turns dinner into an experience with live music, warm hospitality, and food that feels authentic and satisfying.

Together, these restaurants prove that Disney dining isn’t just about the big names. Sometimes it’s about stumbling across a hidden gem that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special.

So, next time you’re mapping out your Walt Disney World dining plans, please leave room for one of these surprises. Who knows? One of them might just become your new favorite.