In World Showcase , you ’ ll find two very different — but very enjoyable — waterside dining experiences : San Angel ( left ) PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER and Spice Road Table ( right ). PHOTO BY LAURIE SAPP
SAN ANGEL INN RESTAURANTE Mexico Pavillion , EPCOT Few things evoke nostalgia for theme park fans more than the perpetual twilight of an indoor space that mimics the outdoors or the smell of attraction water . San Angel Inn Restaurante , the Table-Service restaurant inside EPCOT ’ s Mexico Pavilion , has both . With the “ night ” sky overhead , lantern-lit tables sit in the shadow of an illuminated Mayan pyramid . Boats carrying passengers on Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros float by waterside tables as a glowing volcano smokes in the distance .
The next time you ’ re in the Japan Pavilion , stop to admire the beautiful and tranquil Koi pond . Disney ’ s Water Sciences team upgraded the pond so that it recirculates filtered water instead of relying on a continuous new flow . With this simple update , Disney conserves more than 15 million gallons of water each year . PHOTOS BY JUDD HELMS
Starters shine on the menu that includes traditional Mexican dishes , plus some unexpected options . First-course highlights include the Sopa Azteca , a traditional tortilla soup served with tortilla chips , avocado , cheese , and chile pasilla , and the Queso Fundido . For entrées , of course there are classics like tacos , enchiladas , and Carne Asada , but for a lighter option with some history , go for the Ensalada César , which has been served at San Ángel Inn in Mexico City since 1963 .
SPICE ROAD TABLE Morocco Pavilion , EPCOT There are several waterside restaurants around EPCOT ’ s World Showcase Lagoon , but our top choice for atmosphere — and food — goes to Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion . The covered , open-air outdoor seating area is enhanced with colorful tiles , exotic lanterns , and beautiful lagoon views .
Everything on the tapas-style menu of shareable small plates is consistently delicious . Standouts include the plant- based Pomegranate-Chili Crispy Cauliflower , Fried Calamari , Spiced Chicken , and the vegetarian Tiropitakia , cheese-filled phyllo topped with cucumbertomato relish ( a must-order ). Don ’ t be afraid of “ spice ” in menu descriptions — the term refers more to rich flavors than heat .
Aside from the great food and beautiful setting , it ’ s almost always possible to get a same-day or walk-up reservation here .
KATSURA GRILL Japan Pavillion , EPCOT This peaceful Quick-Service restaurant high atop EPCOT ’ s Japan Pavilion is so
secluded , even regulars forget it ’ s there . Tucked away up a winding path , across a bridge over a koi pond , the outdoor patio offers relaxing seating beneath the lanterns and near trickling waterfalls , where you can pretend for a moment you ’ re in Kyoto , home to the 17th-century Katsura Imperial Villa the restaurant was named after .
The food isn ’ t life-changing , but Japanese staples like sushi , ramen , and teriyaki and light sides like edamame , miso soup , and salad can be just the right change of pace after a few days of more traditional theme park fare .