Disney Springs Dining

Jaleo is one of Disney Springs' real dining treasures, and a restaurant I never tire of visiting. Created by celebrated Spanish chef José Andrés, it captures the lively spirit of Spanish dining with a wonderful selection of tapas, traditional Spanish flavors, and a menu that makes choosing what to order half the fun. I recommend starting with a few small plates and ordering more as you go. There's so much worth trying that you'll almost certainly want to return.

Begin with one of Jaleo's excellent sangrias or a glass of Spanish wine, then settle in for a parade of delicious dishes. The selection of Spanish cured meats is outstanding, particularly the jamón ibérico and acorn-fed pork sausage. I always order the pan con tomate, crisp bread rubbed with tomato and garlic, along with the patatas bravas, fried potatoes topped with a savory tomato sauce and aioli. And the gambas al ajillo, tender shrimp sizzling in garlic-infused olive oil, is practically irresistible.

Other favorites include the Spanish chorizo served over creamy olive oil mashed potatoes and the Josper-grilled pork sausage with tiny white beans. Even the vegetables deserve attention, especially the sautéed spinach with raisins and apples, a delicious sweet-and-tart combination. Nothing about the food here feels fussy. It's all about wonderful ingredients, bold flavors, and the pleasure of sharing good food around the table.

Cara’s Tip: Don't make the mistake of ordering your entire meal at once. Start with three or four tapas, see what you love, and keep going. Half the pleasure of Jaleo is discovering another wonderful dish you hadn't planned on trying.

Menus

• Jaleo Lunch and Dinner Menu

Morimoto Asia is one of Disney Springs' most striking restaurants, combining the culinary traditions of Asia with the contemporary approach of acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto. The dramatic two-story dining room features soaring ceilings, enormous chandeliers, an open exhibition kitchen, and a sweeping staircase leading to additional dining areas and a sushi bar. There's also a stylish lounge and outdoor terrace, but I prefer the orchid-adorned main dining room downstairs, where you can enjoy the energy of the restaurant and watch the kitchen in action.

The menu offers plenty of tempting choices, but I wouldn't dream of visiting without ordering the popcorn shrimp tempura, wonderfully light and crispy, tossed in a spicy Korean gochujang sauce. The Morimoto spareribs are another favorite, thick and meaty with a crisp exterior and a sticky hoisin glaze. They're deliciously rich, so sharing an order is definitely the way to go. 

For something different, there's the signature Buri-Bop, a sizzling rice and yellowtail dish finished tableside in a hot clay pot. It's an entertaining presentation, although I found the flavors a little more subdued than some of the restaurant's other dishes. And don't overlook dessert. The mochi is a lovely choice, but the churro donuts served with white miso caramel are particularly fun.

Menus

• Morimoto Asia Dinner Menu

STK is one of Disney Springs' glitziest restaurants, pairing excellent steaks with a fashionable nightclub atmosphere. Behind its understated red-brick exterior is a dramatic, contemporary interior filled with white leather banquettes, striking floral arrangements, angled mirrors, and sleek furnishings. This is definitely not your traditional, dark-paneled steakhouse. With a DJ providing the soundtrack as the evening progresses, the atmosphere can get lively, so it's worth knowing what you're getting into before you reserve.

There are several dining areas, but my preference is the impressive two-level main dining room downstairs, with its sweeping staircase, stylish bar, and glamorous seating areas. Upstairs, a more casual dining space opens onto a rooftop terrace overlooking Disney Springs. The restaurant's fashionable atmosphere adds to its appeal, though the music can make conversation challenging later in the evening.

Fortunately, the steaks live up to the surroundings. Start with the crispy rock shrimp, lightly battered and tossed with a spicy chili remoulade, or the Blue Salad, featuring tender iceberg lettuce, smoky bacon, cherry tomatoes, and wonderfully flavorful blue cheese. The steak selection is extensive, with cuts ranging from tender filets to substantial porterhouses. I've particularly enjoyed the Australian flat iron steak, especially with a peppercorn crust or chimichurri sauce. For two people with hearty appetites, the porterhouse is another excellent choice, arriving beautifully sliced and ready to share.

Cara’s Tip: STK is as much about the scene as the food. If you enjoy a lively, fashionable atmosphere, you'll probably love it. But if you'd rather focus on your steak and conversation without competing with the DJ, book an early dinner before the music starts.

Menus

• STK Orlando Brunch Menu
• STK Orlando Lunch Menu
• STK Orlando Dinner Menu

THE BOATHOUSE celebrates the glamour of boating in the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s, with an impressive collection of vintage watercraft and maritime memorabilia. Much of the restaurant extends out over Lake Buena Vista, making the waterfront setting as much a part of the experience as the food. Inside, you'll find several inviting dining rooms filled with antique boat motors, vintage photographs, Tiffany-style lighting, and even a beautifully restored Chris-Craft boat transformed into a dining booth. If you're lucky enough to snag that table, you're in for a treat.

There are three bars to choose from, including the soaring Captain's Raw Bar, the more intimate Admiral's Club Bar, and my favorite, the Dockside Bar, perched right over the water. It's a wonderful place to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset. On a pleasant day, outdoor dockside dining is particularly appealing, although the indoor dining rooms have plenty of character of their own.

The menu offers an excellent selection of fresh seafood, steaks, and raw bar specialties. I particularly enjoy the yellowfin tuna poke, layered with avocado and mango and dressed with a bright soy-lime vinaigrette. The crispy firecracker shrimp, tossed in a spicy sauce, is another favorite. Seafood lovers will find plenty to tempt them, from fresh fish and lobster to a traditional lobster roll filled with generous chunks of tender meat on a buttery bun. And for those who prefer a steak, there are several substantial cuts to choose from.

Cara’s Tip: Don't miss the remarkable collection of vintage boats displayed along the docks, including beautifully restored Chris-Crafts and even a rare jet boat that once reached speeds of more than 200 mph. For something truly unusual, take a captain-guided tour aboard one of the vintage Amphicars, which drive straight off the dock and into Lake Buena Vista for a 20-minute cruise. It's an experience you won't find anywhere else.

Menus

• The BOATHOUSE Lunch and Dinner Menu

Wine Bar George has earned its reputation as one of Disney Springs' standout dining destinations, particularly for anyone who appreciates a good glass of wine. Created by Master Sommelier George Miliotes, who helped establish the acclaimed wine program at California Grill, the restaurant offers more than 200 wines available by the glass, bottle, or even the ounce. The impressive collection ranges from familiar favorites to unusual discoveries and exceptional vintages.

The two-story restaurant has the inviting atmosphere of a stylish wine country estate, with warm wood furnishings, comfortable seating, and an upstairs terrace overlooking Disney Springs. Despite the serious credentials behind its wine program, there's nothing intimidating about the experience. The knowledgeable staff can help you discover something new, whether you're an experienced wine enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious glass to accompany your meal.

And the food is certainly worth exploring. The menu is designed with sharing in mind, offering everything from artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards to more substantial dishes. The crispy mac and cheese bites are a popular favorite, while the house-made meatballs served over creamy, triple-cheese polenta are particularly tempting. Burrata, seasonal vegetables, and a selection of heartier entrées round out the menu. For a more substantial meal, consider the skirt steak served family-style with roasted potatoes and chimichurri. There's also a Wine Country Brunch on weekends, adding another reason to visit.

Cara’s Tip: Take advantage of the opportunity to order wine by the ounce. It's a terrific way to sample an expensive or unfamiliar wine without committing to an entire glass or bottle. Ask your server to suggest a few contrasting selections and turn your visit into a little wine tasting of your own.

Menus

• Wine Bar George Lunch/Dinner Menu
• Wine Bar George Brunch Menu