Stepping into Epcot is like stepping into the future. At least that is what Walt foresaw from this park, which is why Epcot is my second favorite Disney park. I love the futuristic motif but the real winner to me are the festivals. I was fortunate enough to have the experience of the food and wine festival practically throughout my entire college program, which was so amazing but this post isn't about that festival. Aside from food and wine, there are some pretty great eating spots around the park to dine at.
Quick Service
La Cantina de San Angel
Located in the Mexico pavilion, this quick service restaurant has some tasty Mexican-American style eats. With a scenic view right next to the world showcase lagoon, this site offers tacos, empanadas, nachos, and more. Pictured above is the guacamole with totopos, which is just fresh-made guacamole with tortilla chips. Other favorites from the menu are the nachos with are tortilla chips with ground beef, nacho cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños, black beans and sour cream. If you're looking on the more healthy side then there are two different salad options, one with grilled chicken or one with beef barbacoa.
Electric Umbrella
Right behind the Disney golf ball (or spaceship earth I guess) is this typical American style eatery that has all of the right foods for a hungry family. My favorite off of the menu would be the three-cheese flatbread, which is just a flatbread pizza topped with mozzarella, provolone, parmesan and arugula. Other more traditional American options are the 1/3 lb angus cheeseburger, the energy salad with fruit and feta cheese, or the brisket sandwich. One tip for eating at large quick service locations like this one or any place on property for that matter is if you're hungry but not hungry enough or just want to save some money then opt for a kids meal. You can get certain meals off of the adults menu that are identical such as the three-cheese flatbread, cheeseburger, or the kids salad with roasted chicken which will all include a side dish and a kids sized beverage. As a former food service cast member I can ensure that no one will question the kids menu choice and that it takes a few dollars off your dining bill.
Sit Down
Chefs de France
Located in the France pavilion, this traditional French dining spot is on the pricier side but definitely worth the money. My family and I went here for my 16th birthday and now my mom will just rave about the french onion soup so of course I had to add this place to the list. Starting off with the appetizer, some great options include the plateau de fromages de France (cheese board) which is an imported cheese board with raisin and walnut bread. If you're feeling more than just cheese then try the assiette campagnarde (charcuterie) which is an assortment of French patés and charcuteries. Or get the the soupe à l'oignon gratinée which the french onion soup that my mother raves about which is topped with gruyère cheese. For the main entree there are some great options off of the menu to try including the steak aux échalottes, frites (grilled flat iron steak) which comes with fries and wine braised shallots. A great vegetarian option would be the lasagnes de légumes du soleil à l'huile d'olive au thym (vegetable lasagna) which is zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes baked in thin layers of pasta.
Coral Reef
This Nemo themed dining location is one of the cutest locations on property in my opinion. I'm not going to lie, I think I like the theming of this spot more than the food. The food is not bad, it's just that the theming is awesome. Coral Reef just has an under the seas theme, related to the Nemo and Friends attraction located right next to the restaurant. Last time I went I got to sit right next to the wall high fish tank that is located at the end of the Nemo attraction. This means that we got to spend our dinner in the company of a stingray which I think adds to the allure. Enough about the theming, let's talk food. The last time I went was November so the menu has changed slightly. Pictured above is the 10-oz grilled top sirloin steak, which comes with loaded mashed potatoes with bacon, and butter. Another great entree option is the shrimp and grits which is sautéed shrimp, cheddar grits, corn succotash, andouille sausage and a creole spice emulsion. An option for the vegetarian in your party is the plant-based grilled garden vegetable skewer which comes with roasted kefta, basmati rice, lentils, and a smoked eggplant salad.
Snack
Choza de Margarita
Another Mexican quick service spot in the Mexico pavilion that is a hotspot for margaritas and their small snack plates. My personal favorite off of the menu is the guacamole which comes with tortilla chips topped with mango and pumpkin seeds. They'll also ask if you want the hot sauce on top of the dish, which if you don't have an appetite for spicier foods then I suggest skipping the hot sauce. Other great snack options for that trek around the world pavilions are the empanada de barbacoa which are empanadas filled with barbacoa beef, topped with chipotle sauce, Mexican crema and queso fresco with a side of corn esquites. Don't forget to enjoy your snack from Choza de Margarita with a margarita of course. There are many different tasty margarita options either 'on the rocks' or frozen, or if you're not in the mood for a margarita then there's also different Mexican beer options.
Epcot: Refreshment Port
I love the Daily Poutine in Disney Springs but in my humble opinion Epcot: Refreshment Port has the best poutine hands down. If you're not aware of this Canadian delicacy then poutine is a delicious combination of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. Although the refreshment port doesn't have as many poutine options, I really enjoy that these fries are skinnier than the ones at the Daily Poutine. If you're looking to be adventurous then there's also the beef brisket poutine which is the french fries topped with beef brisket, beer-cheese sauce and gravy with crispy onions. In need of a cool treat? Refreshment Port serves soft-serve ice cream flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or swirl. Also check the Refreshment Port out during festivals for new additions to the menu that will only be there for a limited time.
Taste Track
I'm not 100% about this place because I cannot find anything about or even a menu for Taste Track on the Disney app. It may be a seasonal destination but if it is available, it would be located right by Test Track Cool Wash in future world by the Test Track attraction. The photo above is of the lobster bacon mac and cheese served in a warm bread cone, similar to the mac and cheese concepts from the Cozy Cone Motel in Disneyland. Other food options from this locations during the 2019 Festival of the Arts were the paintbrush churros, or the croissant donut. I'm not sure if this location is seasonal or a festival addition but make sure to check it out for some great snack items.
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