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Complete Guide to the Best Place to Eat in Animal Kingdom 2023

This article is your complete guide to the best places to eat in Animal Kingdom 2023. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a park known for the exotic animals, environmental education and out of this world theming and attractions. But did you know that the restaurants in Animal Kingdom are also top notch?

Some of our favorite restaurants are in located here, so we are going to share with you all of the best restaurants in Animal Kingdom 2023.

Best Places to Eat in Animal Kingdom 2023

So, what are the best places to eat in Animal Kingdom for 2023? Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is definitely underestimated in a lot of areas, and we especially feel the same about the food here. There are over 30 different options of food, between sit-down, quick service and stands and carts, so there are plenty of options to choose from. That’s why we are going to help you narrow down all of the best restaurants Animal Kingdom has to offer!

Before we go super in depth, here is our short list of the best restaurants at Animal Kingdom 2023.

What are the best restaurants at Animal Kingdom in 2023?

  • Nomad Lounge
  • Flame Tree Barbecue
  • Yak & Yeti
  • Tiffins
  • Satu’li Canteen
  • Tusker House

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What are the Best Places to Eat at Animal Kingdom for Quick Service?

In this next section, we are going to talk about the best food in Animal Kingdom that comes from Disney quick service restaurants.

Flame Tree Barbecue – Best Restaurant Animal Kingdom for Quick Service

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Location: Discovery Island

What to Expect: A large outdoor barbecue restaurant with some of the best quick service meals at Animal Kingdom 2023. If you like to get your hands dirty, this restaurant is for you! Indulge yourself in smokehouse favorites like chicken and ribs with waterfront seating. If you’re unable to snag a reservation at one of the fancier restaurants in Animal Kingdom, do not worry because Flame Tree truly has some of the best food at Animal Kingdom 2023.

Type of Food: American barbecue

Must-Try Menu Items: Ribs and chicken combo, baked macaroni & cheese with pulled pork, hot link smokehouse sandwich

Tips and Tricks: We cannot say enough amazing things about this best restaurant at Animal Kingdom. One of the very best things about Flame Tree is that you can grab seating right on the lagoon where Disney KiteTails performs. There is plenty of shade, and we truly think it is the best way to catch the brand new 50th Anniversary Show!

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Satu’li Canteen

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Location: Pandora: World of Avatar

What to Expect: A unique and out of this world quick service restaurant with some of the best food at Animal Kingdom. Immerse yourself into the culture of the Na’vi while trying some of the most delicious and healthy “alien” food you’ve ever had! Throughout the restaurant you can view Na’vi art and have beautiful views of the floating mountains in Pandora.

Type of Food: American/unique

Must-Try Menu Items: Combo Bowl (Slow roasted sliced grilled beef and wood-grilled chicken with vegetable slaw and boba balls), Cheeseburger steamed bao buns, Chili-spiced crispy tofu bowl

Tips and Tricks: Because Satu’li is one of Animal Kingdom’s best restaurants, it can get very, very busy midday. We recommend mobile ordering your food and trying to snag a spot inside. The outdoor seating area for Satu’li Canteen can still get pretty hot, even though it is fully shaded.

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Restaurantosarus

Location: DinoLand U.S.A.

What to Expect: A fun, pre-historic quick service restaurant with some of the best Animal Kingdom food for kids. Step into the past with typical American diner type foods as you dine alongside the bones and artifacts of our dino pals. This is the perfect place to catch a bite to eat if you’re traveling with smaller kids or picky eaters.

Type of Food: American

Must-Try Menu Items: Walt’s Chili on Foot-Long Cheese Dog, 1/3 Angus Burger, Impossible Spicy Southwestern Burger

Tips and Tricks: We tend to recommend Restaurantosarus to families or those looking to dine somewhere with a fun, whimsical theme. It really is one of the best Animal Kingdom quick service if you’re looking for a quick, easy bite with plenty of seating for a larger party. We also recommend getting over to Restaurantosarus before the end of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration. Many of their menu items are exclusive to this once in a lifetime anniversary!

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Pizzafari

Location: Discovery Island

What to Expect: A uniquely themed pizza restaurant that is the best place to eat in Animal Kingdom for kiddos. Pizzafari also has some of the coolest theming with its 5 different dining rooms, all painted with vibrant mosaics of different types of animals. You can’t really go wrong with pizza and this 2023 Animal Kingdom best restaurant offers all of the cheap Italian staples that make everyone happy.

Type of Food: American, Pizza

Must-Try Menu Items: Pepperoni Pizza, Chicken and Parmesan Sandwich, Garlic Knots

Tips and Tricks: One of the reasons Pizzafari is one of the best restaurants in Animal Kingdom 2023 is because of the variety. If you have any allergies in your party, there are so many different options and variations of menu items to help accommodate. Whether you have a gluten, egg or other allergy, there is a menu item that will work for you.

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What is the 2023 Best Place to Eat at Animal Kingdom for Table Service?

In this next section, we are going to talk about the best restaurants in Animal Kingdom 2023 for table service, or sit-down meals.

Yak & Yeti – Best Animal Kingdom Table Service Restaurant 2023

Location: Asia

What to Expect: Step into a quaint village home at this 2023 best Animal Kingdom restaurant, where you can have some of the best table-service in the park. Yak and Yeti serves pan-Asian cuisine inspired from different delicious dishes from all over Asia. Perfect for a date night, or family dinner, Yak and Yeti has been among guest favorites for a while.

Type of Food: American, Asian, Chinese

Must-Try Menu Items: Ahi Tuna Nachos, Lobster Garlic Noodles, Chicken Tikka Masala

Tips and Tricks: Not only is the food delicious, but many guests do not know that Yak & Yeti is owned by Landry’s. That means if you are a member of the Landry’s Select Club, you can receive special offers for the restaurant. We love deals, so we think that is just another reason why it is one of the best restaurants in Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World.

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Nomad Lounge – Best Place to Eat in Animal Kingdom for Adults

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Location: Discovery Island

What to Expect: A low-key, refreshing oasis with exotic and specialty menu items and a comfortable lounge setting. Nomad Lounge is quite possibly the best place to eat at Disney Animal Kingdom for so many different reasons. You can enjoy small plates inspired from flavors all over the world or savor over a large selection of cocktails, wine and beer.

Type of Food: African, Asian, Latin, Unique

Must-Try Menu Items: Tiffins Bread Service, Honey-Chili Glazed Pork Belly, Impossible Sliders

Tips and Tricks: Nomad Lounge is one of the best restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom because of how easy it is to get in. Whenever we are starting to lag in the day, we love to check and see if there is any seating available in the Nomad Lounge. It is the perfect setting to cool down from the Florida sun, and tends to be rather relaxing since it isn’t the first choice for those with kiddos.

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Tiffins

Location: Discovery Island

What to Expect: A globally inspired menu with an up-scale Adventurer’s Club setting. We think that Tiffins is one of the best sit down restaurants in Animal Kingdom for many reasons. From the gorgeous artwork to the warm and inviting feel that makes you want to go on an adventure, Tiffins has been stealing the hearts of all those who dine there.

Type of Food: African, Asian, Latin, Fine Dining

Must-Try Menu Items: Butter Chicken, Tamarind-braised Short Rib, Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

Tips and Tricks: When dining at Tiffins, we recommend exploring a bit, as there are three separate dining rooms that honor the cultures of Africa, Asia and some of the most beautiful animals on planet Earth. Tiffins is also inspired by the tales of conservation, which you will hear all about when visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Make sure to snag a reservation early, as they go fast because Tiffins is one of the best restaurants at Animal Kingdom Disney.

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What are the Best Places to Eat at Disney World Animal Kingdom for Breakfast 2023?

In this section, we are going to tell you all of the best places to eat in Animal Kingdom for breakfast. Whether you’re looking for sit-down, quick service, or something cheap, we’ve got you!

Tusker House – Best Place to Eat at Animal Kingdom for Character Breakfast 2023

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Location: Africa

What to Expect: A fun safari themed Disney character meal with family-style offerings. Jump onto the wild-side with this best place to eat at Animal Kingdom Disney with Mickey Mouse and his friends in their special safari outfits. Guests can enjoy African-inspired cuisine in a very family friendly setting at this incredible restaurant.

Type of Food: American, African, Family-Style

Must-Try Menu Items: Simba Waffles, Durban chicken & egg curry with Jasmine Rice

Tips and Tricks: One thing to note while eating family-style food is that it is all you can eat! If you want more of a certain food, or just more of everything, your server will continue bringing it out until you’re full. Tusker House is the best restaurant at Animal Kingdom 2023 for breakfast and think everyone should try it at least once so you can meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy in their special outfits.

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Pongu Pongu

Location: Pandora

What to Expect: A fun, Pandoran stand that serves delicious bites and Na’vi inspired refreshments. While Pongu Pongu is known for it’s specialty drinks, it actually is one of the best quick service restaurants in Animal Kingdom for breakfast. Not only is it great for the food, but it is great for the views since it is located right underneath the floating mountains.

Type of Food: American, unique

Must-Try Menu Items: French toast sticks, Marshall’s Favorite Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit, Pongu Lumpia

Tips and Tricks: Make sure to stop by this best Disney Animal Kingdom restaurant 2023 before the sun gets too high in the sky, because it tends to get very busy as the day goes on. Breakfast is also only served in the mornings, and we highly recommend getting an early start in Pandora. This is the perfect breakfast spot for those who like to rope drop.

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Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafe – Best Quick Service Breakfast Animal Kingdom 2023

Location: Asia

What to Expect: A simple quick service restaurant that serves simple American breakfast staples in the morning. While during the day you can find delicious Asian-inspired menu items, you will find the most expansive breakfast menu in the park here. We think Yak and Yeti Local Food Cafe has the best breakfast in Animal Kingdom when it comes to quick and easy options.

Type of Food: American breakfast

Must-Try Menu Items: Breakfast bowl, Yogurt parfait, Sausage and Egg English Muffin

Tips and Tricks: If you’re okay being an early riser, we recommend heading over here first if you’re looking to grab breakfast in the parks. Not only is it one of the best places to eat breakfast in Animal Kingdom, it is also right across the way from the Royal Anandapur Tea Co, which is the Joffrey’s inside the park. There is nothing like a frozen cappuccino and a breakfast sandwich to kick off your long day.

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What are the Best Places to Eat in Animal Kingdom Disney World Snacks?

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not only incredible for sit-down and quick service items, but also everyone’s favorite: the snacks. Whether you’re Disney foodie, or just looking for a midday pick me up, you can find some of the best Animal Kingdom snacks all over the park.

Where can I get the best snacks at Animal Kingdom 2023?

  • Mr. Kamal’s
  • Harambe Market
  • Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Mr. Kamals

Stop by this snack kiosk in Asia for some of the best seasoned french fries you will ever get in a theme park! Mr. Kamal’s is small, with very few offerings, but it still has the best food in Animal Kingdom 2023. Here you can grab:

  • Chicken Dumplings – Served with Ponzu
  • Mr. Kamal’s Seasoned Fries – Served with curried mustard and Korean ketchup

Harambe Fruit Market

Located in Africa, you will find this open-air market with some of the tastiest and freshest snacks in Animal Kingdom. You cannot miss this Disney World Animal Kingdom dining staple, as it is right in front of the Kilimanjaro Safari station. Here are some of our favorite items to snack on:

  • Grilled Corn on the Cob (It is seriously the best!)
  • Hot Dogs
  • Fresh Fruit Cups
  • Mickey Pretzels

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Tamu Tamu is one of the best places for snacks in Animal Kingdom, not only because it has the perfect breakfast pastries, but it also is the home of Dole Whip at Animal Kingdom. Here you will find all of the specialty Dole whip offerings, which is perfect for a midday treat or after dinner dessert.

  • Simba Sunset – Pineapple Dole Whip with Strawberry
  • Scar’s Lair – Dole Whip with Sour Apple Flavoring
  • Dole Whip Float

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For additional vacation planning tips to Walt Disney World be sure to check out our main Disney planning page. And for the latest Walt Disney World Vacation package deals be sure to check out our partners The Park Prodigy!

Best Places to Eat at Animal Kingdom FAQ

Q: What restaurants are at Animal Kingdom 2023?

A: Here is the full list of restaurants in Animal Kingdom 2023:

  • Dino Diner
  • Eight Spoons Cafe
  • Flame Tree Barbecue
  • Harambe Fruit Market
  • Harambe Market
  • Isle of Java
  • Nomad Lounge
  • Pizzafari
  • Pongu Pongu
  • Rainforest Cafe
  • Restaurantosaurus
  • Satu’li Canteen
  • The Smiling Crocodile
  • Tamu Tamu Refreshments
  • Terra Treats
  • Thirsty River Bar
  • Tiffins
  • Trek Snacks
  • Trilo-Bites
  • Tusker House
  • Yak & Yeti
  • Yak & Yeti Local Cafes

Q: What is the best restaurant in Animal Kingdom 2023?

A: We have so many favorites in, but the best restaurants in Animal Kingdom 2023 has to be: Nomad Lounge, Yak & Yeti and Flame Tree Barbecue.

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