Help me pick three for lunch dining

[bethwc101]

I am going in April with a first timer and the rest has never done sit down dining.
With the projected crowds, we are going to do a lunch each day around park hop time to get away from the crowds and have a designated seat.
I have done most these dining locations, but a couple are new so I don't know how they compare. And the group just wants me to pick since they "trust my judgement"
What would be your choice of three from the listed below. Or if there's one you would suggest over these I am open to other ideas. It would be the lunch menu for all of them.

Blue Bayou, Lamplight, Carthay Lounge, Carnation, Cafe Orleans

 

[Pluto468]

Carnation Cafe
Cafe Orleans
Lamplight lounge- Brunch if you are there on a weekend, but the lunch menu looks good too.

 

[RunnerMom71]

You might also consider DTD! Sometimes it's really nice to get out of the parks and relax at one of the outdoor spaces. We particularly like the patio at Naples.

In the parks for sit down Lamplight Lounge, Carthay, Cafe Orleans. I actually prefer Blue Bayou at dinner time: something about being dark inside and then coming out to daytime can throw me off!

I actually think the lunch offerings at some of the quick service spots are great too: Docking Bay 7 in Galaxy's Edge and Pym's Test Kitchen in Avengers. We really enjoy the food & great theming.

 

[bethwc101]

You might also consider DTD! Sometimes it's really nice to get out of the parks and relax at one of the outdoor spaces. We particularly like the patio at Naples.

In the parks for sit down Lamplight Lounge, Carthay, Cafe Orleans. I actually prefer Blue Bayou at dinner time: something about being dark inside and then coming out to daytime can throw me off!

I actually think the lunch offerings at some of the quick service spots are great too: Docking Bay 7 in Galaxy's Edge and Pym's Test Kitchen in Avengers. We really enjoy the food 7 great theming.

We will be a large party so I'm hoping to do sit down dining during lunch when we probably need a break mid day

 

[CharleneTheDM]

Carnation, Cafe Orleans and Lamplight Lounge.
I love Carnation's lunch menu more than breakfast. Also, if you're there on a weekend, see if you can snag Lamplight Lounge brunch. It's SO good.

 

[asunutgirl]

Cafe Orleans is the same kitchen as Blue Bayou at 1/2 the price. Carnation Cafe if you can get it - it's been difficult lately. (I prefer breakfast over lunch there but the baked potato soup is awesome.) The food at Carthay Lounge and Lamplight are over-rated in my opinion but the atmophere at Lamplight is a plus. Drinks there are very fun.

If you want to venture to DTD, we love Naples or the Jazz Kitchen.

 

[TinkerTay]

I’ll “third“ Lamplight, Cafe Orleans, and Carnation from that list. We’ve contemplated BB and Carthay for our last couple of trips, and I just can’t justify the cost, for what I’ve heard has been mediocre food lately. Cafe Orleans has AMAZING shrimp and grits, Lamplight is still my favorite overall for atmosphere, food, and drinks. Riverbelle is another option too, we went for lunch in September and it was very good!

ETA - we’ve had LL for brunch and regular lunch menu, and everything is amazing! Potato skins are a must, and I love the Scream Canister drink!

 

[JavaDuck]

I would do Cafe Orleans, Carthay Circle, and Lamplight Lounge. I would choose Blue Bayou over Cafe Orleans, but Blue Bayou is going to be closed for a bit due to the Pirates refurb. I have eaten at all the restaurants you listed, and have enjoyed all of them. My order of preference for them would be Lamplight Lounge, Carthay Circle, Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, and Carnation Cafe.

As another poster mentioned, I suggest also looking at options in Downtown Disney. Have a great trip.

 

[felice]

Catal Restaurant in DTD is also good as a bit of a change, just be aware that it isn't cheap but the food and service levels are well above standard.

 

[Wedgeout]

From those my lunch ranking is:
Carnation
Lamplight
Carthay (alfresco)
Cafe Orleans
Blue Bayou

 

[wdw&sonny]

OP, how large is your party? I have a party of 9 and as I practice for my May trip, I don't think I'll get to choose. I think I'll have to break into a group of 6 and 3 (or 5/4).
And when in April are you going? Can make reservations thru 4/26 today.

 

[DizMe]

As one of your option, I would consider going over to DLH and eating at Tangaroa Terrace/Trader Sam's. Fun atmosphere, comfortable, and good food & drink.

Otherwise, I think any of your options would be good. I was very disappointed by my last visit to Carnation, but it was for breakfast and the options were limited (that was Dec).

 

[bethwc101]

As one of your option, I would consider going over to DLH and eating at Tangaroa Terrace/Trader Sam's. Fun atmosphere, comfortable, and good food & drink.

Otherwise, I think any of your options would be good. I was very disappointed by my last visit to Carnation, but it was for breakfast and the options were limited (that was Dec).

We are doing that "hopefully" the day we get in for late lunch/early dinner. Hoping to make a res tomorrow .

 

[Louis63]

I was just in DL last weekend and ate at Carthay Circle Lounge for the first time, pleasantly surprised, I highly recommend the cheese board and the chicjen meatballs

 

[StarlitNight05]

I was just in DL last weekend and ate at Carthay Circle Lounge for the first time, pleasantly surprised, I highly recommend the cheese board and the chicjen meatballs

Is it inside now, or still outside?

 

[Louis63]

I'm not sure we sat outside by the curb, it was fun because the characters walk right past your table on the way to their greeting areas

 

[brightlined]

Is it inside now, or still outside?

I ate there inside (at the bar) last month.

 

[CandyMouse]

Blue Bayou
Carnation Cafe
Naples

Blue Bayou is great for first timers if you can get reservations. We always go to Carnation and have always liked it, I agree the lunch has more choices. Naples was good for my lasagna and other pasta dishes, loved sitting outside and was nice and shaded.

 

[V12]

Blue Bayou is a pretty unique experience, especially for first timers! Even at lunch though, the menu leans more dinner-ish.
Carnation is my favorite of the listed. Also consider fried chicken at the plaza!!

 

[SherylLC]

Blue Bayou
Lamplight
Carthay Lounge or Carnation depending on park you are in. You should check out the menu, those two are very different from each other.