Best Table-Service Restaurants for a Relaxing Break?

[K_kanne]

I’m in the middle of planning my Disney trip and starting to think about dining options. While I’m all about quick-service snacks and treats, I’d love to plan a couple of table-service meals where I can sit down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Do you have any favorites for a more laid-back experience? I’m especially interested in places with great theming or views!

 

[BrianL]

I really enjoyed Space 220 for a very calm and quiet, yet cool environment. No better respite than floating 200 miles above the park! It is a bit pricey, but I for one liked it.

 

[Lewisc]

Coral Reef, food isn't great.
CA Grill
Toledo, CSR Tower bldg outdoor deck. Cocktail has the best view

 

[BlueGreen5]

I’m in the middle of planning my Disney trip and starting to think about dining options. While I’m all about quick-service snacks and treats, I’d love to plan a couple of table-service meals where I can sit down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Do you have any favorites for a more laid-back experience? I’m especially interested in places with great theming or views!

I'm focused on the "laid back" part because, by definition, at any TS restaurant in WDW you will sit down and enjoy the atmosphere. There aren't any that I can think of that really shouldn't exist because it fails at its primary mission. The closest is probably like Rainforest Cafe -- I don't know if anyone would shed a tear if that one closed up, but even it has a cult following of picky 5 year olds.

I would look at the moderate and deluxe resorts that are not in the monorail loop. Nothing is guaranteed to be laid back at WDW, but those are going to be your best bet. Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge, Olivia's at Old Key West, Sebastien's at Caribbean Beach, and Flying Fish on the Boardwalk can be good choices.

In the past, we have also really enjoyed Ale & Compass at Yacht Club, Boatwright's at Port Orleans, Story Book Dining at Wilderness Lodge, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios, and Cape May at Beach Club. Any are going to be hit-or-miss as far as crowd, but none are likely to be the equivalent of a "Be Our Guest" style craze.

While it's not laid back, we also love Biergarten in Germany at EPCOT for the atmosphere. It's a lot of fun if you are into that sort of thing. Like a lot of TS at WDW, the food is kind of boring, but not bad. It's also a buffet, and people dance to the music, so it might fail two of your three asks.

Enjoy your trip! The planning part is so much fun.

 

[maxiesmom]

If you do Space, the lounge food is much better than the restaurant food. But it is relaxing, you are up in space, after all!
I also love the Blue Zoo at the Dolphin resort. Not overly crowded and fantastic food.

 

[Mle8308]

I'm focused on the "laid back" part because, by definition, at any TS restaurant in WDW you will sit down and enjoy the atmosphere. There aren't any that I can think of that really shouldn't exist because it fails at its primary mission. The closest is probably like Rainforest Cafe -- I don't know if anyone would shed a tear if that one closed up, but even it has a cult following of picky 5 year olds.

I would look at the moderate and deluxe resorts that are not in the monorail loop. Nothing is guaranteed to be laid back at WDW, but those are going to be your best bet. Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge, Olivia's at Old Key West, Sebastien's at Caribbean Beach, and Flying Fish on the Boardwalk can be good choices.

In the past, we have also really enjoyed Ale & Compass at Yacht Club, Boatwright's at Port Orleans, Story Book Dining at Wilderness Lodge, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios, and Cape May at Beach Club. Any are going to be hit-or-miss as far as crowd, but none are likely to be the equivalent of a "Be Our Guest" style craze.

While it's not laid back, we also love Biergarten in Germany at EPCOT for the atmosphere. It's a lot of fun if you are into that sort of thing. Like a lot of TS at WDW, the food is kind of boring, but not bad. It's also a buffet, and people dance to the music, so it might fail two of your three asks.

Enjoy your trip! The planning part is so much fun.

I think you may have meant Geyser Point at the WL. Whispering Canyon is fun but definitely not relaxing - especially at dinner.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

For me, the most relaxing meal is Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge, but it isn’t in park and the menu is limited.

In parks, I like eating by the water at Epcot (there’s a theme here) - Spice Road and La Hacienda are my favorites. My mom would add Rose and Crown to the mix.

Animal Kingdom - Tiffins is amazing. Nomad Lounge is similar, though the menu is also more limited.

Hollywood Studios - good luck. Maybe Brown Derby. Or skyliner over to Riviera, grab something at Primo Piatto, and have a picnic outside. But that’s not particularly helpful if you are looking for Table Service.

Magic Kingdom - so tough food-wise. I’d take the boat to WL if I needed a break.

 

[japanese maple]

I think you may have meant Geyser Point at the WL. Whispering Canyon is fun but definitely not relaxing - especially at dinner.

Yes. Tables and waitstaff were screaming a lot during our dinner. Does anyone ever ask for mustard?

 

[Anthony1971]

To me laid back is most TS. I would not consider signature and up laid back nor Space. Although they are great experiences to me I would rather have my food delivered to the table and only see the wait staff when I need a drink refill and the bill. I personally have found some buffets to be the best with this, get up and magically your plate is gone a fresh refill and room for the new plate and never rushed.