Dining Recommendations

[decker96]

After having been to Disney World multiple times over the years, we are taking our first trip to Disneyland in January, the 3rd - 7th. I am looking for dining recommendations, both table and quick service. There will be five of us, all adults, and no one is overly picky, although I would say that no one is super adventurous either. Not really looking to do any character meals. I am gluten-free, but that's the only restriction anyone has. As of now, we're planning one day at California Adventure and probably two at Disneyland. Downtown Disney recs are also welcome of course! We are staying at the Disneyland Hotel.

 

[megankj]

Lots of the below have gluten, but I'm including them just in case anything is of interest for the rest of your party. In general, gluten allergies and sensitivities are pretty easy to navigate in Disneyland, with safe options noted in the app for almost every location. I'd familiarize yourself with that feature before you go!

In Disneyland, my favorite sit-down is Cafe Orleans, which is arguably a better value than Blue Bayou and I really enjoy the real outdoor seating. For quick service, Docking Bay 7, Rancho Del Zocalo, Plaza Inn for the fried chicken, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, and the different types of soup in a bread bowl offered at Royal Street Veranda and Harbor Galley are popular.

Disney's California Adventure has Lamplight Lounge (the downstairs restaurant that requires reservations, as well as the "Boardwalk Dining" bar upstairs that is walk-up only with a different menu). For quick service, all the restaurants in the San Fransokyo area have varied options, including Cocina Cucomonga, Aunt Cass's Cafe, and the Lucky Fortune Cookery. Paradise Garden Grill's menu rotates quite a bit based on the various festivals, but generally has good food.

For snacks and desserts, don't miss a Disneyland churro, found in various spots throughout both parks. Beignets at the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square, and a corn dog in either park. There are lots of good cheesy carb options, including Cheesy Garlic Pretzel Bread at Edelweiss Snacks in Fantasyland, and the Mac & Cheese Cone in Carsland. Dole Whip, Ice Cream, and the Churro Toffee in various bakery cases. Pickles (spicy and regular) from various snack carts, and grilled meat and veggie skewers at Bengal Barbecue for a lower-carb, gluten free option.

 

[decker96]

Thanks so much! Will check all these out!

 

[irlandaise]

There's significant disagreement about whether the food at the Blue Bayou is worth the cost, but if you've never been to Disneyland before, you really should consider it. Just be sure to hold out for a table on or near the water.

I second megankj's recommendation of Bengal Barbecue. Very tasty (and even healthy!) quick-service food.

There are also some fun options in Galaxy's Edge. Not sure whether they're the same you've found at WDW. The vegetarian Ronto-less Garden Wrap gets consistently positive mentions on this board.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Disney's California Adventure has Lamplight Lounge (the downstairs restaurant that requires reservations, as well as the "Boardwalk Dining" bar upstairs that is walk-up only with a different menu).

FYI, Lamplight Lounge Boardwalk Dining started taking reservations in June. I just checked the Disney Dining page to confirm that.

We also enjoy the atmosphere and food at Lamplight Lounge, both inside and on the boardwalk (which is outside but there's shade and has a view of the water). There are several different seating areas at LL. The main Lamplight Lounge that you can make reservations for has an indoor seating area (which has great atmosphere) as well as an outdoor seating area (mostly shaded). Then there's Boardwalk Dining, which is upstairs and is outside but is mostly shaded. Finally, there's bar seating, which is downstairs and partially indoors. The outside areas all have great views of the Paradise Bay.

The San Fransokyo area is great because it has a lot of walk up service all within the same area, so everyone can get what they want and you can all still sit together in the same place.

Blue Bayou is our one "must do" restaurant at DL, due primarily to the atmosphere (inside Pirates of the Caribbean) but we also like the food. If you go, definitely try to book a reservation at the 60-day mark as soon as they open. Request a waterside table when you arrive. They will tell you it will be a long wait for waterside, but I've never had to wait as long as they've quoted.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Since you're staying at DLH, I'll start by saying that one of my favorite places to eat there is Tangaroa Terrace (quick service). The seating outside is amazing, love the Hawaii vibe and relaxing atmosphere. Tangaroa is a bit unique since it's Hawaiian style, but we really like the burger and pu pu platter.

At GCH, I am also a big fan of Craftsman Grill (quick service) and Craftsman Bar (sit down by pool). They both have similar menus, so it depends on if you want table service vs quick service. I usually opt for the Grill and sit in the little outside area. You can hear DCA from the other side of the wall!

At DCA, my favorites are Cocina Cucamonga (quesabirria tacos are a must) for quick service, and Carthay Circle for table service. Carthay feels fancy in an old Hollywood way...and the bathrooms are incredible! We usually do the lounge seating instead of the full restaurant since I'm more of a grazer so the small plates are perfect. Their cocktails are also very strong and tasty!

At DL, my favorites are Jolly Holiday for quick service and Blue Bayou for table service. As others have said, Blue Bayou is more about the ambiance. We check in a bit early, politely ask for a waterside table and let them know we are willing to wat...works every time! Sometimes I find their service to be rushed, but I suppose that's understandable since it's such a popular location.

I also supplement with many trips to Little Red Wagon at DL for corn dogs (the best in the park IMHO) and Earl of Sandwich in DtD for a holiday turkey sandwich (to die for, but sadly not gluten friendly). Speaking of which, my Mom, while not gluten intolerant watches her intake, and she never has too much trouble with most places at DLR. She loves the cobb salad at Flo's, but I think it's mainly for the ambiance (we sit outside and watch the cars go by!).

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[megankj]

FYI, Lamplight Lounge Boardwalk Dining started taking reservations in June. I just checked the Disney Dining page to confirm that.

Oh shoot, thank you so much! I'd missed that and would have been pretty shocked on our trip next month.

In the app, it looks like they are opening at 11:30 this week but not until 1:30 when we're planning to visit Nov 20-22. Any idea if the hours are likely to change?