I agree with Carthay Circle. We ate their last year and liked it. Although the Blue Bayou has great atmosphere it's expensive and gets mediocre reviews for the food.
I like Cafe Orleans because sitting at the patio rail and watching the Mark Twain glide by while people watching is Disney at its best. But the real reason is the beignets with raspberry coulis and creme anglaise.
Our other favorites are Storytellers' Cafe in GCH and Blue Bayou.
It would def have to be Blue Bayou or Ariels Grotto for the water show at night - World Of Color Show (tix included if u get a package). I luved Blue but my girls luved Ariels Grotto and luved the show after it - we had front row viewing.
We visited DL in April this year all the way from Melb Australia and wouldn't leave unless we visited Blue.
My recommendation would vary depending on what you hope to get out of the experience.
Best "only in Disneyland" - Blue Bayou
Best food and atmosphere - Carthay Circle
Best character meal - Plaza breakfast
Best tradition - asking to meet Chef Oscar at Carnation Cafe
I also had the best steak of my life at Napa Rose but that's outside the park. The service was amazing. It was a mother son trip. My son seemed to have his very own lemonade waiter. As soon as he was half way finished with each glass, the waiter was out with another one. I don't know how many glasses he went through!
In the park for a quick bite, Hungry Bear has a delicious fried green tomato sandwich and onion rings. YUM! In the park, I still say Blue Bayou for the great atmosphere. Request a waterside table. Carthay is also very good, but I didn't think the atmosphere was great. We ate there for the WOC package and paid OOP for the jalapeno and cheese stuffed biscuits. So good!
Unlike Disneyworld, the thing I loved about Disneyland is that everything is so close and easy to get to. No need to take a bus anywhere. So, you can easily and quickly pop between parks, down town and the resorts