5 Best Counter Service Restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World is full of countless dining options for guests to enjoy while exploring the four theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Resorts. From fine dining experiences and character meals to snack carts and quick service options, there are endless opportunities to enjoy meals while on a Disney vacation. Guests who visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom are sure to have an amazing time enjoying attractions and entertainment designed to teach them about the environment and nature. In addition to enjoying the awesome experiences in the park, there are plenty of places to sit down and eat a delicious meal. While there are several full-service restaurants in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there are also plenty of quick-service locations that allow guests to enjoy great food without losing a lot of time that could be spent exploring the park. With unique themes, locations, and cuisine, guests are sure to love eating at a quick service location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here are the five best quick-service restaurants to enjoy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

1 – Satu’li Canteen

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest quick-service restaurant, Satu’li Canteen, is a fantastic addition to the quick-service lineup at the park. The artful storytelling on Pandora-The World of Avatar continues as guests stop for sustenance at the land’s Satu’li Canteen (pronounced “Sa-too-lee”), a Quonset-hut-style building with a spacious dining area that pays tribute to the Na’vi and their culture with unique décor. The menu at this fast-casual restaurant is inspired by the healthful bounty of Pandora – wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins. The food at the Canteen is affordable, delicious, and very filling. The Canteen is now our go-to quick service location for Animal Kingdom. In our opinion, it is easily in the top three counter service options in the parks. Check out the slideshow below for some meal options at the Canteen.

2 – Flame Tree Barbecue

One of the most popular quick-service locations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom can be found on Discovery Island near the bridge to Dinoland. Flame Tree Barbecue smells as delicious as it sounds and serves up traditional barbecue options that are sure to leave guests totally satisfied. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Flame Tree Barbecue features several ordering counters and an open-air back patio that overlooks the water with a beautiful view of Expedition Everest in the distance. Guests who stop to enjoy a meal at Flame Tree Barbecue can choose from options including the Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich, 1/2 Chicken, Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork, and a Smokehouse Chicken Salad.

3 – Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes

The Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to several thrilling attractions and a quick service location that offers unique menu options sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes feature open-air ordering counters that make guests feel as though they have traveled somewhere exotic to enjoy their next meal. After ordering, guests can enjoy their lunch or dinner at a table in a nearby courtyard filled with tables and chairs. The Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes serves up delicious Asian-inspired cuisine like the Teriyaki Chicken Salad, Honey Sesame Chicken, Pork Egg Roll, and Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich. With such delicious and unique options, Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes is a great place to enjoy a meal!

4 – Harambe Market

The Harambe Market features chicken and rib bowls for another option that offers an alternative to typical them park food.  At the Harambe Market, guests are sure to love dining there while enjoying time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

5 – Restaurantosaurus

Editor’s Note: Disney has announced that DinoLand, USA, will be closing and transforming into a Tropical Americas-themed land that will open in 2027. Disney recently announced that the first wave of closures will occur on January 6, 2024. The last day of operation for TriceraTop Spin, Fossil Fun Games, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will be January 12, 2025. Walls will go up on January 13. DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Dino-Bite Snacks, Restaurantosaurus, and Trilo-Bites will remain open during this time.

DinoLand in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to a quick service location that was created by the staff and students at the nearby Dino Institute. Restaurantosaurus is a large location that features several different rooms filled with humorous props and items left behind by mischievous students. With both indoor and outdoor seating, guests can enjoy the kitschy feel of DinoLand while chowing down on some delicious and unique options. Restaurantosaurus is open daily for lunch and dinner and serves up options like Chicken Breast Nuggets and Fried Chicken Sandwich, along with your classic burger options. Guests can also enjoy unique alcoholic beverages like the Safari Amber and a Margarita.