While there are many amazing entree options at Walt Disney World restaurants, sometimes the appetizers take the trophy. Some of my favourite food options out there are appetizers. Below are some of the options I highly recommend trying on your next trip!
10. Lobster Bisque
-Be Our Guest-
While not always an available option, the lobster bisque is the perfect way to start a wonderful dining experience in the Beast’s castle. Not too overwhelming in size, the flavours of this dish will definitely impress.
9. Miso Soup
-Teppan Edo-
Another underrated option is the miso soup at Teppan Edo. This soup is likely what you’d expect when you think of miso soup, but they execute it perfectly. I also find that it opens up my appetite to the many amazing entree options at this teppanyaki-style restaurant.
8. Cheese and Bacon Tots
-Beaches & Cream-
Does the picture not say enough? This screams comfort food and definitely doesn’t disappoint. While not the healthiest of options, I often order this along with a sundae to complete my meal at Beaches & Cream. There are also other versions of tater tot dishes, including a plant based option. All of them are great, but this is my favourite!
7. Calamari
-Trattoria Al Forno-
If you are a calamari fan, make sure you start your meal off with this dish at Trattoria Al Forno. As a bonus, it’s gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions. The batter isn’t too heavy, meaning it doesn’t leave you bloated before you even begin your entree. The portion size is good too for the price.
6. Pao De Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
-Skipper Canteen-
While often an option at the Brazil festival booth at the Food & Wine festival in Epcot, this mouth-watering dish can be found year-round at Skipper Canteen! Note that it is not on the regular menu and is a ‘secret’. The majority of the time, your server will let you know that it’s an option, but that’s not always the case, so if you’re interested, make sure you ask! This is a great appetizer to share, as it can be quite filling!
5. Scallop Forest
-Raglan Road-
If you haven’t tried breaded, deep-fried scallops before, you don’t know what you’re missing. The scallop forest dish will literally transport your taste buds to a different world. For those who don’t typically like scallops, you will still likely enjoy this dish! One warning though, if you order this along with fish & chips as your entree, you will be stuffed. It ends up being too much deep fried food for my liking, so maybe order a different entree if you choose this impeccable appetizer!
4. Falafel
-Skipper Canteen-
Skipper Canteen makes the list again with their perfectly seasoned and plated falafel. While this may not be the number one choice for those with a very picky palate, it’s not overwhelming in flavour at all, while still getting the middle-eastern spice notes. I often find myself ordering this along with the Brazilian cheese bread and that makes up my meal! This is also a great choice to share, as the portion is quite large.
3. Warm Manchego & Oaxaca Cheese Dip
-Three Bridges Bar and Grill-
If you like cheese in ANY fashion, order this dish without hesitation. I also don’t recommend you share it with anyone, as you will likely both be fighting over who is taking more. The dip is flavourful (but not spicy), and the chips are perfectly salted. The only thing I wish is that they included more dip.
2. Bacon & Eggs
-Steakhouse 71-
I went back and forth between my #1 and #2 appetizers, but I settled on including the bacon & eggs as my #2. Originating in The Wave of American Flavours restaurant, Steakhouse 71 continued to offer this incredible, delicious appetizer (our prayers were answered). This dish consists of maple pork belly, a “perfectly cooked” poached egg, and smoked cheese grits. The maple lacquer topping this dish completes it. I can’t emphasize enough how well everything complements each other. There’s a reason this dish is so well loved in the Disney community. Give it a try. Seriously.
1. Bread Service
-Sanaa-
Finally… the #1 appetizer on the list. Bread service at Sanaa. Located in Animal Kingdom Lodge, Sanaa offers this gem of an appetizer. Included in your bread service is 5 pieces of naan bread and 9 dipping sauces, including Cucumber Raita, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, and Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle. Your taste buds are in for an amazing journey. It’s good to know that you can also order this bread service to go. For a small, additional fee you can also order additional naan bread with your order (although this isn’t advertised). This is a must do on every trip.
Wish for Magic 