Disney Springs Restaurants Guide: Where to Eat from Newark Travelers

The Landing neighborhood features Disney Springs' most upscale dining with waterfront views and celebrity chef concepts. **The Boathouse** ($$$$) offers fresh seafood and steaks in a nautical-themed setting with Dream Boats you can tour. Signature dishes include the Lobster Bake for Two ($79) and Filet Mignon ($59). Reservations essential—book 60 days out. **Morimoto Asia** ($$$$) brings Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's vision to life with dim sum, sushi, and Peking duck. The ribs are legendary ($18 appetizer). Dress code: Smart casual. **Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'** ($$$) serves Southern comfort food including the famous Fried Chicken ($23) and Moonshine. More casual than Boathouse/Morimoto but still requires reservations. **Wine Bar George** ($$$) boasts Florida's largest wine list with 130+ by-the-glass options. Charcuterie boards ($24-38) pair perfectly with wine flights. Great for adults-only evenings. **Paddlefish** ($$$$) occupies a permanently docked paddlewheel boat serving fresh seafood. The rooftop bar offers stunning Disney Springs views. Sunday brunch ($45/adult) is spectacular. Newark families should budget $60-100 per person at Landing restaurants before drinks.

Town Center provides elevated casual dining in a modern outdoor mall setting. **Frontera Cocina** ($$$) by Rick Bayless features authentic Mexican cuisine beyond typical Tex-Mex. The Guacamole Trio ($16) is a must-order. Lunch runs $20-30/person, dinner $35-50. **The Polite Pig** ($$) offers craft beer and smoked meats with a Southern twist. The Pork Shanks ($19) and Brussels Sprouts ($10) are crowd favorites. Counter service means no reservations needed. **Blaze Pizza** ($) provides build-your-own 11-inch pizzas ($9-12) cooked in 180 seconds. Perfect for picky kids. **Sprinkles Cupcakes** ($) satisfies sweet tooths with gourmet cupcakes ($4.50 each). The Cupcake ATM operates 24/7. **Amorette's Patisserie** ($$) creates Instagram-worthy cakes and pastries. Their Dome Cakes ($12) are edible art. **D-Luxe Burger** ($) crafts gourmet burgers ($11-14) with unique toppings. The Truffle Burger is Essex County's favorite. **Chicken Guy!** ($) by Guy Fieri offers chicken tenders ($10-13) with 22 signature sauces. Kid-approved and wallet-friendly. Town Center balances quality and value—most meals run $15-25/person.

Marketplace caters to families with recognizable names and quick service. **T-REX Cafe** ($$$) entertains kids with animatronic dinosaurs during meals. The Brontosaurus Burger ($16) and Meteor Bites ($12) keep little ones engaged. Reservations recommended for dinner. **Rainforest Cafe** ($$$) offers a similar concept with jungle animals and thunderstorms. Both T-REX and Rainforest prioritize experience over food quality—budget $20-30/person. **Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop** ($) serves sundaes ($9-13) with San Francisco chocolate. Perfect dessert spot. **Earl of Sandwich** ($) provides hot sandwiches ($8-10) that taste gourmet despite fast-food prices. The Original 1762 is legendary. Lines move fast. **Wolfgang Puck Express** ($$) offers casual versions of the chef's famous dishes. Pizza, pasta, and rotisserie chicken run $12-18/person. **Marketplace Snacks** ($) sells Disney-shaped treats including Mickey Pretzels ($6), Dole Whips ($5), and churros ($5). Great for walking-and-eating. Marketplace works best for families with young children who need familiar options and quick service.

West Side combines dining with entertainment venues. **Jaleo by José Andrés** ($$$$) brings Spanish tapas and paella to Disney Springs. Small plates ($9-18) encourage sharing—order 3-4 per person. The Paella Valenciana ($55, serves 2) is spectacular. **Splitsville Luxury Lanes** ($$$) pairs bowling with upscale American food. Sushi rolls ($12-16) while bowling is unique. Reserve bowling lanes separately from dining. **House of Blues** ($$$) features Southern-inspired cuisine with live music. Sunday Gospel Brunch ($40/adult, $22/child) includes unlimited buffet and stirring performances. **Planet Hollywood Observatory** ($$) offers American classics in a 4-story sphere with celebrity memorabilia. The Chicken Crunch ($19) and L.A. Lasagna ($17) satisfy crowds. **Bongos Cuban Cafe** ($$) serves Cuban favorites including Ropa Vieja ($23) and Mojitos. Outdoor seating overlooks the water. **Starbucks** ($) provides familiar coffee and pastries ($3-7). Two locations in Disney Springs. **Wetzel's Pretzels** ($) offers fresh-baked pretzels ($5-8) and lemonade. Perfect snack between stores. West Side dining averages $25-40/person depending on entertainment add-ons.

Disney Springs restaurants accept reservations 60 days in advance via OpenTable or Disney's website. **Must-book restaurants** (60 days out): The Boathouse (dinner), Morimoto Asia (dinner), Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' (any meal), STK Orlando (dinner, not reviewed but popular), and Wine Bar George (weekend evenings). **Moderate-demand restaurants** (1-2 weeks advance): Paddlefish, Frontera Cocina, Jaleo, House of Blues Sunday Brunch, and Planet Hollywood. **Walk-up friendly** (minimal wait): The Polite Pig, Blaze Pizza, Chicken Guy!, D-Luxe Burger, Earl of Sandwich, Wolfgang Puck Express, and all quick-service. **Pro tips for Essex County families**: Book reservations immediately when your 60-day window opens (7 AM EST). Make multiple reservations if unsure of timing, cancel unwanted ones 24 hours before. Download the My Disney Experience app for waitlist notifications. Arrive 10 minutes early or risk losing your reservation. Most restaurants offer online check-in to reduce wait times. If you can't get reservations, try weekday lunches (easier than weekend dinners) or walk up at 4:30 PM (between lunch/dinner rush).

**Budget Dining** ($10-15/person): Earl of Sandwich, Blaze Pizza, Chicken Guy!, D-Luxe Burger, Wolfgang Puck Express, Wetzel's Pretzels, Marketplace Snacks. A family of 4 eats for $50-70. Add drinks and tip for $70-90 total. **Mid-Range Dining** ($20-35/person): The Polite Pig, Frontera Cocina (lunch), Bongos Cuban Cafe, Splitsville (no bowling), T-REX Cafe, Rainforest Cafe. Family of 4: $100-160 including drinks and tip. **Upscale Casual** ($35-60/person): Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', Frontera Cocina (dinner), Jaleo (tapas), House of Blues, Wine Bar George (light menu). Family of 4: $180-280 with drinks and tip. **Fine Dining** ($60-100+/person): The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia, Paddlefish, STK Orlando. Expect $300-500 for 4 adults with appetizers, entrees, drinks, and tip. Kids menus available at most restaurants ($8-12). **Money-Saving Tips**: Lunch prices run 30% less than dinner for identical menus. Share appetizers and desserts (portions are huge). Skip alcohol to cut bills 40%. Use quick-service for lunch, table-service for dinner. Many restaurants offer special promotions—check Disney Springs website. Spring for Water (free) instead of $4 sodas adds up with multiple kids. Set a dining budget before arrival and stick to it.

**Best for Families with Kids**: T-REX Cafe (dinosaurs!), Rainforest Cafe (animals), Chicken Guy! (familiar), Earl of Sandwich (fast, tasty). **Best for Couples/Date Night**: Wine Bar George (romantic), The Boathouse (waterfront), Morimoto Asia (elegant), Paddlefish rooftop (views). **Best for Large Groups**: Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' (communal tables), Splitsville (bowling + food), House of Blues (energetic), Frontera Cocina (shareable). **Best Quick Service**: Earl of Sandwich (sandwiches), The Polite Pig (BBQ), Blaze Pizza (custom pizzas), D-Luxe Burger (gourmet burgers). **Best for Foodies**: Morimoto Asia (Iron Chef), Jaleo (José Andrés), Wine Bar George (sommelier-curated), The Boathouse (fresh seafood). **Best Value**: Earl of Sandwich (quality/$), The Polite Pig (portions), Blaze Pizza (unlimited toppings), Chicken Guy! (kids love it). **Best Desserts**: Amorette's Patisserie (cakes), Sprinkles (cupcakes), Ghirardelli (sundaes), Vivoli il Gelato (Italian gelato, not reviewed but popular). **Best for Special Diets**: Most restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy menus—ask at check-in.