Restaurants around the World… The Plaza Restaurant

If there is one thing my Wife and I love more than going to Walt Disney World, is eating at Walt Disney World. But even dining here as much as we do, it’s almost impossible to choose a favorite restaurant. Why? With 98 restaurants on property, and the diversity of the menus, it’s a daunting task. However, the Plaza Restaurant is in the top ten for us!

Vegetarian Sandwich

The restaurant is at the end of Main St. right around the corner of the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. There are several factors that make it a great place to eat. First, it is small and intimate. Unlike the bigger restaurants like Hollywood and Vine or even Citricos in the Grand Floridian, there is a cozy, warm atmosphere here. Modeled after a turn-of the-Century drug store luncheonette, or ice cream parlor, you immediately feel at “Home”. The décor is warm and inviting. Nothing jumps out to assault the senses. Warm pastel paints are evident outside and in. The dining room is done in off-white paint, period wallpaper and has beautiful brass chandeliers. All around there is etched glass and mirrors and the table and chairs are green wrought iron. It all says, “Slow down and sit awhile, don’t rush” In addition to the fantastic views of the Castle and park from the windows, the servers have on period clothing, all adding to the experience.

A second factor is the food itself. I find the Plaza Restaurant a cross between counter-service and Table service. The prices are in-between both, but the selections are superior to counter-service in every way, and the portions are big, especially the desserts! Joining me for lunch today was my wife Donna and good friend John. The menu has some nice selections. John started out with the soup of the day; a cup of tomato soup. ($3.99) It was rich and creamy and came out piping hot. For the main course, he had the Grilled Chicken Sandwich ($11.99) this hefty meal has a grilled Chicken Breast topped with shaved Ham and Swiss and a fresh Kaiser Roll. Donna and I have had everything on the menu, and we have our favorites. She ordered the Vegetarian Sandwich ($10.49) which has Fresh Mozzarella, Hummus, Basil Pesto, roasted Red Pepper, tomato and Lettuce on a Foccacia roll. I ordered my favorite, the Chicken Strawberry Salad ($12.99) consisting of a big Grilled Chicken Breast sliced on top of fresh greens, cucumbers, real fresh strawberries and Gorgonzola cheese, accompanied by a delicious White Zinfandel vinaigrette Dressing.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

All sandwiches come with a choice of Broccoli Slaw, Homemade Chips or French fries. You can order the soup of the Day ($3.99) or a tossed Salad ($4.49) A little on the Broccoli Slaw. If you love Cold Slaw, or were tempted to try it, the Broccoli Slaw here is unique and delicious. It is our favorite. Give it a try!

Other offerings are a fantastic Grilled Reuben (This is a big Sandwich), the Plaza Club, Turkey sandwich, Cheese Steak (My wife’s second favorite!) a superior Angus Chuck Cheeseburger and a Tuna Salad Sandwich. But what is a meal without dessert? Here at the Plaza, the desserts are huge and decadent. The Banana split ($6.49) is enormous, enough for two. The Brownie Sundae ($5.99) is a chocolate lovers dream. Vanilla Ice Cream and a big Fudge Brownie are topped with Hot Fudge, whipped Cream and a cherry. For Dessert, John ordered the No sugar Added Ice Cream shake ($4.99), either Vanilla-chocolate Swirl or Butter Pecan, rich and creamy, you would not know its sugar free. Donna ordered the New York Style Cheesecake ($5.49) with strawberries. Nice and creamy. And the signature dish… The Plaza Restaurant Sunday ($4.99) is a huge concoction with the Ice Cream of choice, Hot Fudge, Strawberry Sauce, crushed Pineapple, Whipped Cream, Chopped nuts and a Cherry.

New York Cheese Cake

Beverages are complimentary refills on: Soft Drinks or Iced Tea ($2.69) Coffee or Tea ($2.39) and Evian or Perrier Water, ($4.50) also available are Assorted Ice Creams, Milk shakes and Ice Cream floats. For the kids, Tinker Bell and Friends or Buzz Lightyear Punch ($6.49) in souvenir cup with glowing clip-on-light is offered.

The service here is excellent. We always get into a great conversation with our waiter or waitress. The wait staff at Disney restaurants to me always seems a cut above, and they are a major factor in the enjoyment of the meal.

The value here at the Plaza is one of the best on property. For an average of $15.00, you are going to have a great lunch or dinner, and go away with a full stomach. The best part I enjoy about the Plaza is that after your meal, you can have that second or third cup of coffee, not feel like you are being pushed out and just slow down a bit, well at least until you get out into the parks again! I highly recommend the Plaza. Even on busy days, you can usually get in. The eatery takes Tables in Wonderland and Disney Vacation Club discounts. As always, I recommend reservations, especially during the busy season. Call WDW-DINE 407-939-3463 for information.