Columbia Harbour House (Magic Kingdom) - Columbia Harbour House has fallen a bit on this list. While we still love it thanks to its solid menu and very relaxed upstairs seating, but it is worth noting that every single good-to-great option is seafood, so in terms of variety it does poorly. Unlike many real world seafood restaurants, the food here isn't 60% breading, 40% seafood. It’s a great place to escape the crowds of the Magic Kingdom. If you’re a seafood fan, Columbia Harbour House could leapfrog several restaurants on this list.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe (Magic Kingdom) - Regular readers of this blog may recall that this was once my top counter service restaurant at Walt Disney World, and the original version of this list ranked it at #3 overall. Cosmic Ray’s will always hold a special place in my heart, but over the years, I've come to understand some of the complaints. I still think Cosmic Ray’s is underrated in view of popular sentiment from Disney fans, and it has seen a partial menu refresh, but it’s due for more. There are several good menu items, but just as many that can be described as ordinary. I love the toppings bar, and I feel that Sonny Eclipse is the epitome of the “Disney Details” that make Walt Disney World special. It’s still my sentimental favorite and a place I think most kids (or kids at heart) will love, but the food isn’t as good as the top restaurants on the list. The odd “bay” system also complicates dining here for families, and during busy seasons and prime dining hours, the place is a madhouse.
New Captain Cook’s (Disney’s Polynesian Resort) - Two words: Dole Whip. Make that four words: self serve Dole Whip. Need I say more? Actually, yes, as the self-service Dole Whip is far from the biggest draw here. The menu at Captain Cook’s is also incredibly varied and made-to-order. Thanks to great and made-to-order lunch and dinner options including some unique cupcakes, plus Tonga Toast for breakfast, Captain Cook’s ranks very highly. We highly recommend taking your food outside (the small dining area inside is often crowded, anyway) and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Polynesian while you enjoy your meal.
Tangierine Cafe (Epcot, World Showcase, Morocco) - Despite some really incredible table service options, the counter service food in Epcot’s World Showcase is fairly uninspired. Tangierine Cafe is the big exception, as it offers huge portions for fair prices, and has a fairly non-traditional counter service menu. While it is somewhat adventurous, it’s still tame-enough that most tourists can find something here that they like. We usually split a meal at Tangierine Cafe because it’s that filling. It may be tempting to add the Baklava to your entree for a bargain price, but buyer beware: we find the Baklava disgusting (YMMV).
Flame Tree BBQ (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) - If you love meat, Flame Tree BBQ might sneak into the top spot on this list for you. The 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs that tops Flame Tree BBQ’s menu is the single greatest counter service option in all of Walt Disney World. Other options here sound great, but nothing tops those ribs. The details and view of Everest in the seating area make this a must-try. Only its dessert selection and limited menu for non-carnivores causes Flame Tree BBQ to fall to number 4.
Pepper Market (Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort) - Pepper Market has had a bit of an identity crisis the last few years, going from a la carte to buffet back to a la carte market style ordering. If you’re a huge, value-focused eater, the change away from buffet is probably disappointing. However, we feel this has improved food quality. Portion sizes are still more than ample for most appetites, and the sheer amount of variety here is insane. The new rib entree is the highlight of the menu, and they give Flame Tree BBQ a run for their money, and the Aztec Burger is also a great, unique option that seems of far better quality than any other counter service burger at Walt Disney World. Add to that a variety of good Mexican food, other international options, and pizza, and you have a top notch restaurant for dining.
Sunshine Seasons (Epcot, Future World) - It’s ironic that the top counter service dining option in a Walt Disney World theme park would come from Epcot–the park known for its spectacular World Showcase dining–but not the area of the park generally considered to have amazing dining. Sunshine Seasons offers something for everyone. Delicious sandwiches, chicken, salmon, and an array of amazing desserts. The seating area leaves a little to be desired (perhaps a nice fountain in the middle, wink wink), but overall Sunshine Seasons cannot be beat.
Contempo Café (Disney’s Contemporary Resort) - Already “famous” for its cupcakes, Contempo Cafe is one of our new favorite restaurants. We have dined here several times and always come away happy. Our most recent experience, during which we tried flatbreads and their Mahi sandwich catapulted it to the top of this list. Not only are menu items delicious and unique, but the menu is huge, offering ample variety for everyone in your group. It does lack theming, feeling a bit like a loud food court, but when the monorail zooms by overhead, you realize the Grand Canyon Concourse is all the “theming” it needs. The important thing to remember here? Save room for dessert.
Also you can try:
Everything Pop Shopping and Dining (Disney's Pop Century), Landscape of Flavors (Disney's Art of Animation), Sassagoula Floatworks (Port Orleans French Quarter), Roaring Fork (Wilderness Lodge), Wolfgang Puck Express, Cooke’s of Dublin, Earl of Sandwich (Downtown Disney), Fairfax Fare (Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Katsura Grill (Epcot?), Contempo Cafe (Contemporary Resort), (Magic Kingdom) Casey's Corner, (Animal Kingdom) Yak & Yeti's Cafe, (Hollywood Studios) Starring Rolls Cafe, (Epcot) La Cantina de San Angel, (Epcot) Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie, Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (Magic Kingdom)