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February 27, 2018 · 4 Comments

Best Italian Restaurants in Disney Springs

Blog· Dining· MOVE· Walt Disney World

Abbondanza is the word. Have you noticed there has been an Italian invasion at Walt Disney World Resort? With the popularity of red sauce in America, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. This New Yorker can tell you that they are authentic and molto delizioso. Here is the menu to the best Italian restaurants Disney Springs.

Best Italian Restaurants Disney Springs

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Dining Room

How do you say foodie in Italian?? At Disney Springs it’s pronounced Patina Restaurant Group. Disney fans know the brand well; from Disneyland’s Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria to Walt Disney World’s Tutto Italia Ristorante and Via Napoli Ristorante E Pizzeria, to over 50 other locations worldwide. Though they specialize in ristoranti Italiani, venues such as Morimoto Asia and The Edison also operate under their umbrella. The quality of their newest restaurants, all three in The Landing, is as authentic as their roots in Sicily, Rome, and Naples. Say ciao to Disney Springs.

Best Italian Restaurants Disney Springs

Maria and Enzo's Ristorante Food Selection

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante

My new favorite in this area of Walt Disney World, this trattoria is stunning. It takes full advantage of its spot overlooking gorgeous Lake Buena Vista. Those 50-foot ceilings don’t hurt either. And the food? I like to think of myself as a chicken parmigiana esperto. Yes indeed. This is now my #1 on the planet; pounded thin, fried delicately, and served with a side of spaghetti pomodoro. Si. The Rigatoni alla Norma was al dente perfection, though light on the eggplant. (The freshly shaved parmigiana mostly made up for that.)

While the wine list here is not extensive, it is true to its Southern Italian influence. Reds (vino rosso) outnumber whites (vino bianco) by two to one and also represent the region. Prosecco too! Service? Very impressive for a restaurant that was only one week old when I dined. Twice. The manager old world Italian, and as such, especially hospitable. He sent that sensational yet traditional Cannoli over to the table! Amazingly, it rivaled the Italian bakeries on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. And that is a high bar. In conclusion, I love everything about Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante– it reminded me that I NEED to get back to Italy. But first, I can’t wait get back to this cucina in Orlando.

Pizza Ponte in Disney Springs

Pizza Ponte

My second best! Found alongside the above, this authentic pizzeria cannot be missed. Although sandwiches, pastries, and espresso are served, pizza is the reason you come here. Again, my New York City is weighing in. Pizza Ponte is a quick-service restaurant with deluxe taste. Though daily specials change frequently, some standards remain on the menu. You may have heard of “The Big Roman” and BIG it is. (Including the whopping $7 tab.) It’s also authentic Neapolitan, with a crispy crust and top quality sauce and mozzarella.

Walt Disney World pizza

Again, I had another “best ever” dish- the square Spicy Salame (or pepperoni) rivaled only the pizza I have eaten in Italy. Sandwiches, such as the Prosciutto di Parma and Muffuletta, are also offered throughout the day. Desserts are plentiful; stop by for a pastry and Cappuccino for breakfast (after 8:00 am)! Seating inside and out is limited, but you could always fold that giant slice in half and walk around Disney Springs like a real New Yorker…

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar

Lastly, is the novel Enzo’s Hideaway. Set in a “speakeasy” down below the previous two mentioned restaurants, this is a funky and fun spot. This restaurant seems more like a gathering spot than an eatery showcasing food. Unlike its “cousins” upstairs, wine cellars, rums and scotches (only the most extensive collection in all of Disney Springs), and oak barrels are a focus. Roman specialties, such as zuppa Pasta Fagioli, Veal Saltimbocca, and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe dot the menu.

Enzo's Hideaway Wine Cellar

Although on this visit we sampled the Misticanza salad, Mezzi Rigatoni Amatriciana, and Classic Lasagna Bolognese, I intend to plan my next trip strategically; Enzo’s Sunday Supper, ‘o sole mio!!

enzos-hideaway-hidden-mickey

Don’t forget to search for the Hidden Mickey on the top right note!

So, this is my list of the best Italian restaurants Disney Springs. That is, until James Beard award winning Chef Tony Mantuano’s Terralina Crafted Italian opens later this spring. Can an update to my “top 3” be coming? Stay tuned. And stay hungry, my friends!xxxxx

Sadly, Chef Tony’s new addition does not make my cut. (Why  do the restaurants in this gorgeous location always come up short??) Aspetta!

Best Italian Disney Springs

LUV

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Previous Post: « Top Reasons to Stay at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
Next Post: Shipshape Planning Tips for Your Disney Cruise Pirate Night »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Italian restaurants orlando says

    October 17, 2019 at 8:24 am

    Great information shared. Anyway Christini’s is an Italian Restaurant in Orlando Florida. Christini’s Ristorante Italiano is the best Italian restaurant in Orlando. Christini’s is a 5 star restaurant located at 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, Phone No: (407) 545-6867.

    Reply
  2. CBD near me says

    April 22, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    Thanks for sharing

    Reply
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  1. The BOATHOUSE Restaurant | Boats, Bars, and Burgers! - Post 50 RX says:
    January 2, 2020 at 6:51 am

    […] diners!  Big gastronomic change is afloat in the former Downtown Disney area. Disney Springs is shaping up to become a dining oasis at Walt Disney World Resort. And despite its nautical vibe […]

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