Top 10 "Hidden Jewel" Eateries at Disney World

I'm a fan of Top 10 lists.  Don't be surprised if you see some here from time to time.

Today's list is about good eateries that tend to fly under the radar screen of most Disney guests.  Didn't get the oh-so-coveted Le Cellier for dinner in Epcot?  (By the way, I wouldn't waste my time trying to eat there, but that's for another blog post.)   There are plenty of great places that, thankfully, don't have a lot of hype and still deliver great meal experiences.

1. Kona Cafe
A true hidden jewel, Kona Cafe tends to be forgotten because its neighbor is the popular 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Resort. Kona is that rarity among table-service resort restaurants in that it is open for lunch. It's a great place to stop on your way out of Magic Kingdom if you happened to be there at rope drop.   My favorite is the Mahi-Mahi.  If you like coconut, try the Coconut Crusted Chicken.

2. Starring Rolls
Located in Disney's Hollywood Studios, this counter service eatery has unique options for its visitors. Stop here first thing in the morning for a pastry and make your plan for the day.  Or check back later in the day for the Turkey Focaccia Sandwich or Whole Wheat Veggie Pita.

3. Biergarten
Even if German food isn't on your radar, you should give this location a try.  It's an all-you-care-to-eat buffet with a cold and hot side plus a dessert buffet.  Join everyone else celebrating Oktoberfest and you might catch the performing oompah band!

4. Earl of Sandwich
If you are looking for a quick, filling meal on a reasonable budget, this is the place to go!  Earl of Sandwich is located in Downtown Disney and makes all their sandwiches fresh and warm.  You can even get a warm PB&J.

5. Restaurant Marrakesh
I think maybe people don't know what Moroccan food is like and avoid this because they just don't know what to expect.  Can I just say that the food here is amazingly flavorful?  Yumatrocious, to use my daughter's favorite word.  It's off in its own area of the Moroccan pavilion at Epcot, but I think that serves to give everyone a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the park.   Oh, and don't miss the belly dancer.

6. Tusker House
Some of you might be going, "What?  Tusker House? There's a character breakfast there!  How can you say it flies under the radar?" But it's just a regular restaurant for lunch and dinner. This is not the place where you'll get hamburgers and hot dogs.  So if you are looking for plain-Jane food, this isn't it.  I'd call it African-inspired.  There are some great dishes here and everyone in my family has always been satisfied. 

7. Trail's End
This one could definitely be a "hidden jewel" because if you have never visited Fort Wilderness, you would miss it. This is probably the best deal on-property.  It's an all-you-care-to-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can even pop in to Trail's End To-Go for pizza, chicken dinners, nachos and a few other items. It's not the easiest place to get to, especially if you are commando touring, but it's a great value.

8. The Plaza Restaurant
Odds are you have probably walked right by this restaurant in Magic Kingdom and didn't even realize it was a table-service establishment. I'd describe it as a twist on the old ice cream shoppes of yesteryear. The main menu isn't terribly fancy, but the sandwich selection is quite good.  I love the fact that you can choose to have broccoli slaw as your side item instead of chips.

9. Grand Floridian Cafe
This one is on my list to try on my next trip.  I think it gets forgotten when mixed in with all the other restaurant options at the Grand Floridian Resort. I'm personally on a mission to try the Lobster-Topped Burger.

10. Captain's Grille
You may not know that this table-service restaurant at the Yacht Club has a fantastic all-you-care-to-eat breakfast buffet for only $15.99 per person.

Do you have a favorite eatery that you feel is under-appreciated by the Disney community at-large?

Please share your comments!