Kona Cafe

104

397

12 years ago

Seriously under rated dinner option. Everyone talks about their breakfast, and while I'm not arguing that's awesome, I will say that their dinner is fantastic and much better than the junk you get at O'hana! Service: We had an allergy at the table (bell peppers) so in true Disney fashion, the chef came to talk to us. She was amazing and was able to tell us what had bell peppers in it and make changes to things that did have it. Turns out the manager of the restaurant also has a bell pepper allergy so he came over and talked my husband about their shared plight. It was amazing how kind and warm the entire staff was and while the food was excellent, it was really the personal touch of the staff that made the dinner so memorable. Food: We split the Blue Cheese Salad as a starter and actually both got the lamb as an entree. We don't usually do this, as we like to share, but the chef recommended it and well, if a chef tells you something is the best thing in the restaurant, you kind of would be stupid to not get it, know what I mean. The salad was excellent and the lamb was in fact awesome. The best part was that bacon sauce that comes with it, OMG. If you like bacon and lamb then do yourself a favor and get the lamb. We couldn't get the chutney that comes with it due the bell pepper allergy but it really didn't need it. Ambiance: Nice and casual, nothing you're gonna write home to your mom about but it was pleasant. Overall we really enjoyed our dinner, I will say I found their menu to be a bit uninspired outside of a few dishes, such as the lamb. Also our actual waitress, while very nice, seemed to have too many tables to keep track of comfortably and was a bit all over the place. Still, I would gladly go back and have the lamb again! read more

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Marvin M.

Elite 14

140

288

269

13 years ago

Inside Disneys Polynesian Resort. Kona Cafe was the place to be for our 10 year anniversary. Great breakfast options. The amount of people here daily is overwhelming. This place is always hoppin. Ann was our server today. Starting us off with some great Kona Coffee. Kona Coffee Press Pot is the best way to start this party. This was so smooth. I am still feeling the effects of it. Big Kahuna. French toast, pancakes topped with pineapple sauce and Macadamia nut butter, eggs, home-fried potatoes, ham, bacon, and sausage. Tonga Toast. Banana stuffed sour dough French toast rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with strawberry compote and bacon. Overall great place to start off your day. Amazing breakfast! read more

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Katherine M.

Elite 16

189

566

246

13 years ago

I'm sorry, I can't not give Disney things these really high reviews. Maybe I've been stinted by the limited options in Central Pennsylvania, but this was one of the better brunches we have had in a long time. The atmosphere isn't as awful as people make it out to be. I really quite enjoyed that it opened into the hotel lobby. The booths on the right of the restaurant are really cute and comfortable (where we sat) and I adore the lights they use. We were seated right away with a reservation on a Sunday around 10AM. The juice they have is yummy - it's called the Liilikoi I believe and is a delicious blend. It was worth the 5 dollars, we may have fought over it a bit between the two of us. They have some special dishes here and I think that's why it shone for me. The tonga toast is just brilliant, and while too sweet for me with all the cinnamon and sugar crusted on, still damn delicious once I scraped a bit of sugar off. I couldn't help but eat most of it, even though it's REALLY heavy. My husband's dish was downright amazing though - the Samoan. Poached eggs over a pulled pork hash - it's so good. The pork was perfectly seasoned to go along with the eggs. I suggest ordering a side of potatoes for it. Not only are the potatoes basically super yummy oven fries, but they go really well with the dish. Service was really perfect, and we enjoyed it a lot. I don't have complaints. I'll be back. read more

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Brandi R.

Elite 13

13 years ago

I'm a fan of breakfast at Kona Cafe. The food is good and unique from a lot of the other Disney breakfast options. Our table had : the Kona Platter, Fruit Platter, Somoan, Tonga Toast and the Macadamia Pineaplle pancakes. The fruit platter is served In half a Pineaplle- beautiful presentation. The pancakes are huge, and I believe you get four. The platter has the perfect amount of each item. It's not as huge as it sounds. And, you cannot beat the price. A platter of French toast, eggs, pancakes, ham, sausage and bacon for only $11.99 at any resort is unheard of. They offer 100% Kona coffee served French press only, but to be honest, it didn't really taste like 100% we've had before. However, being that the majority of coffee within the Disney resort/park area is NesCafe, the French press tasted great. I would recommend just going with the Kona blend as it is $2.99 versus $7.99, and tastes just as good. Perhaps the coffee drinkers at our table have been spoiled with Kona coffee in Hawaii, but seriously, waste of money. I will definitely be going back to the Polynesian for breakfast here. Now, I'm excited to try Ohana! read more

Kona Cafe - Kids Mickey ear pancakes. Huge! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Tonga toast--mmm - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Fruit plate - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Doug M.

12 years ago

**This is a review for breakfast only** Order the Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes and thank me later. SOOOOO GOOOOD!!! I am going back there again as soon as I can so I can get them again. People rave about Kona coffee and I hear they have that here and people love it. I put too much cream and sugar for me to notice a difference in coffee taste. But I couldn't have cared less what I was drinking because I was so absorbed in my pancakes. The potato wedges I got as a side were pretty good as well. But in case you missed it the pancakes were AMAZING!!!! :-) read more

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Sandy C.

7 years ago

I feel like they changed their menu. We used to really love Kona Cafe but this last visit was horrible. The bread was change as well as the butter. Further, everything was overly salty. Do not get the duck fried rice! Feel like it was only cooked with soy sauce. If Disney is reading this. Please bring back the old bread! read more

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Dana L.

124

14 years ago

Just got home from WDW today and the only thing I can do to prolong my vacation is write glorious reviews of all the places I loved on Yelp. So, here goes. Kona was so delightful. I enjoyed the New York Strip with the Pineapple Teriyaki glaze served up with broccolini and it was so yummy - cooked perfectly. My partner and my mother both ordered the same thing - the coffee-rubbed pork chop and they were both in love with it. I tried it and loved it as well, had a slight coffee bean taste and just a hint of being spicy - so good! For dessert we tried the chocolate banana creme brulee and it was one of the best creme brulees I've ever had. Matched with some great white sangria and I was one full lady. I noticed many of the other reviews talk about the slow service, but our service was outstanding. Thuy was our server and he was always there when we needed him, and never there when we didn't; just what you want in a server. He was funny and personable and we really enjoyed him. The fact that you need a reservation is just part of being at Disney, so yeah, book your meals at least a week before you get to Disney world if you're looking to try some of the great restaurants. read more

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Stacey D.

Elite 19

162

131

10 years ago

Had breakfast here and finally got to try the infamous Tonga Toast. Maybe I was expecting too much, but after all the hype I always hear about it and looking forward to trying it, I must say that I wasn't that impressed. Don't get me wrong, it was well and good, but it didn't blow me away. Not to mention, it was extremely difficult to cut and eat, even with a knife! Darn sourdough bread. I got mine with bacon, which was very flimsy and not too great (I guess I should've asked for it crispy?) My husband got the Big Kahuna and I have to say that I wish I had gotten that instead! I took a bite of his pineapple macadamia pancakes and they were really tasty. Also good to note that the service was great and very speedy. Overall, a fine place to have breakfast... but the Tonga Toast is not worth the hype, in my opinion. read more

Kona Cafe - Big Kahuna - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Tonga Toast - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Dan B.

12 years ago

Worst sushi I've had in my life. No exaggeration. And that's saying something; I eat a lot of sushi (hundreds of meals!), including a lot that I probably shouldn't have eaten. The guy in that commercial that buys sushi from a gas station? Yeah, that's me. And this was my worst sushi experience ever. I went to Kona last week for dinner with my family; my wife and I shared the nigiri, volcano roll, and caterpillar roll. Of note: * It was all clearly refrigerated, not made-to-order. At $13-$16 an item, I really don't expect that. * The rice was undercooked and pasty. * The volcano and caterpillar roll tasted EXACTLY THE SAME. There was no spice to the volcano roll, and the sliver of avacado on the caterpillar roll was tasteless. * The crab/mayo salad that they dumped over the two rolls tasted old, too. * The fish itself was tasteless and dried out; almost as if it had been sitting in a refrigerator for a day or two before being served. * The eel in the nigiri plate was cold, and had not been toasted. Eating uncooked eel is almost exactly like eating uncooked bacon: slimy and chewy. * And I can't even describe how awful the seared scallop was. Over at Universal's Royal Pacific hotel, they have a really good sushi bar; I was expecting something of that caliber. But this wasn't even close. The reason this isn't a one-star review is that the steamed pork buns appetizer was quite tasty, the service was passable (what you'd expect from a Disney restaurant), and the setting was pleasant enough. Some of the entrees that other tables ordered looked and smelled appetizing. But if you go, do NOT order sushi. read more

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Dana R.

11 years ago

I would have given this five stars had it not been for our terrible waiter. He was inept, rude and terribly unprofessional; so much so that my husband had to eat half of my dinner just to be able to eat with our family. They maintain a four star rating because the manager went above and beyond to make things right, and the food itself was excellent. I had the Togarashi Spiced Ahi tuna and it was quite possibly one of the greatest things I have ever eaten. My husband (eventually) got the Pan-Asian noodles with shrimp which he thoroughly enjoyed later on in our hotel room. Despite our personal experience, I think this would be an excellent restaurant for anyone who enjoys good Asian food and can't make it to Tokyo Dining in Epcot. read more

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Liz F.

138

100

9 years ago

Excellent place ! Very busy all of the time ! Great sushi too ! Not s fan of the Kona coffee and I just got the regular blend . Kona was bitter and more expensive! It closes at3 for lunch and reopens later . You can order just one pancake too at breakfast for 5.00 if you don't feel like the huge meal! read more

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Renita M.

435

819

13 years ago

I have eaten here before, but not this visit. Instead we stopped in here so I could get a cup of real Kona coffee before we rented a boat to take around the lagoon. The little coffee stand was closed, so I asked the woman at the hostess stand if there was somewhere else in the hotel that I could get a cup, and she indicated that she could get me one. I waited awhile, and couldn't quite figure out what the hold up was -- it's just a cup of coffee, right? A different woman (possibly a manager) came out and asked if I'd been helped, and I said I was and was just waiting for my coffee. A minute later she told me they were brewing a fresh pot for me and she was sorry for the wait. After maybe ten minutes I received my piping hot coffee -- along with a cup of milk on the side since the condiment stand was out! -- and an assurance that I was "all set" because of the wait -- no need to pay. While it was just a cup of (really good) coffee, I really appreciated the gesture and it's just one of those small service things that further endears me to Disney. read more

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Jess C.

Elite 24

175

353

697

11 years ago

The grits here are the best grits I have ever had!! We were lucky to get in one morning without a reservation and liked it so much we went back yesterday only to not be able to get a table due to a two hour wait! Yes, two hours! So I made reservations for this morning and we are going back for 9am. We split the big kahuna breakfast and I had the side of grits. Great breakfast for under $20... It really is an important part of the day when you are averaging 12 miles of walking a day. read more

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Tracy C.

9 years ago

Came here for dinner after a full day of driving and just wanted a nice meal. We got that and much more! Hubby wanted sushi and ordered the Dragon Roll while we sat at the sushi bar and watched the delicate knife skills of the sushi chefs. I had the pistachio crusted black grouper and it was absolutely one of the best pieces of fish I've ever had! Cooked beautifully with a delicate flavor! Afterward we went downstairs and got a Pineapple Dole Swirl, walked down to the beach looking toward the castle and watched a lovely fireworks show. Awesome evening!! read more

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Samantha R.

Elite 16

141

13 years ago

It was our last day at Walt Disney World and we decided to spend it at the Magic Kingdom. We left in the middle of the day and went to grab drinks at Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian resort (delicious drinks, I'll review them next!). We drank so long, we started to get hungry so I suggest Kona, since Boyfriend had never been. Dinner did not start until 5, but I put in our name for a last minute reservation and they gave me a pager. We were paged immediately and were the first people to be seated in the restaurant. We ordered the dumplings for an appetizer (my favorite!) and several rolls of sushi, as well as the Rainbow poke. The dumplings are pork and are covered in a creamy ginger sauce, which is my favorite part of the appetizer. So sweet and tangy! The dumplings are also served with a seaweed salad, which I adore! We had the volcano roll, which was beautifully plated and delicious. I really liked the poke salad, Boyfriend was not a fan. It was so fresh and had so many vegetables! I forgot the other two rolls we had, but everything tasted great. Service was very attentive and polite, even though we were both a little drunk. I love Kona and you should, too! read more

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P H.

Elite 17

2043

1593

4321

14 years ago

DECOR: 3/5 -located on the second floor of the Polynesian resort -Definitely lacking the ambiance of O'hana SERVICE: 2/5 -very slow, maybe I've been spoiled by the fast-paced service of NYC? FOOD: 3/5 -Bread with almond and butter was decent and huge portions -Coconut almond chicken was okay. The chicken was a bit on the dry side. Very overpriced but that's what you expect for anything inside of Disneyland. -The NY strip was the best dish but even then it wasn't up to my standards (again, probably spoiled by NYC) read more

Kona Cafe - Almond coconut chicken - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Abby P.

10 years ago

It was ok the food was pricey and tasted ok I was expecting more for the price that I paid the Pina coolate i got was the best thing I had here. I wish that I could give it more stars seeing that the service was great and the waitress was very polite and a pleasure to have serve us. It wasn't the best sushi I had and I was disappointed read more

Kona Cafe - Steaming hot straight from the oven pineapple sweat bread with Macedonian nut butter - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Beautiful venue!!! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Pina coolate - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Kate P.

Elite 17

10 years ago

I used to visit the Kona Cafe twice during our week long trips to Disney. My mom and I love the Tonga Toast. The past few times we've been, we were less and less impressed. The Tonga Toast still is great, but the menu never changes and there are limited options for those who don't like/can't have that many carbs. The service is friendly, but it seems to take long for the food to come out. read more

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Britt W.

Elite 9

206

18 years ago

I've only eaten here for breakfast and I have a very good reason why I have never tried lunch or dinner at Kona Cafe. TONGA TOAST! This might be the most amazing sweet breakfast ever created. If you take egg bread sliced three inches thick, stuff it with bananas, deep fry it and then dust it with cinnamon sugar you have Tonga Toast. There is a legend that Elvis Presley loved Tonga Toast so much that he flew his personal chef to Walt Disney World so he could learn how to make it. Disney people swear the story is true. Elvis fans swear it isn't. After my first bite of Tonga Toast and remembering what Elvis looked like when he passed away leads me to believe the story is true. I'm sure there is other food on the menu but I could be wrong. I think it is definitely worth a visit if you are going to visit Walt Disney World. Be sure to contact Disney Dining for a priority seating time because Kona Cafe can get very busy for breakfast. read more

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Elizabeth M.

Elite 22

253

466

1933

11 years ago

Kona cafe is pretty good for Disney good. Definitely won't wow your pants off but it definitely has some pretty cool offerings. Originally I was going to leave a two star review but my server was soo amazing that even though they messed up my food twice, I still managed to walk out with a huge smile on my face and that is not an easy thing to do when I'm hungry! We had a 940 reservation but managed to get sat earlier than that which is a good thing. I ordered the steak and eggs and I ordered my husband the eggs Benedict with pork deal to go since he was sleeping in the room with the little one. My sister got the pancakes and brother in law got the oatmeal and fruit. My sisters pancakes were super tasty and very fluffy! My brother in law ate up his oatmeal. And the fruit looked super fresh. My eggs were cooked exactly to order but my steak was charred well done :-(. The food runner came and dropped off our food and it was soo busy that the whole group was practically done with their food by the time they could get my steak fixed. Because I didn't want to hold everyone up I asked for my food to be packed to go. Well my new food and husbands food came out to go and I did check the steak and again it was completely well done! I informed my server right away and he seem genuinely upset by it too. So he whisked it away and brought back a new order by the time checks were brought out. However my check never came because they decided comp my whole meal because of the disastrous steak. Well when I finally got to my room to eat my steak it was soo good! Honestly my server did the best to his ability and really went above and beyond to make sure I was happy in the end. Because of him I'll go back to eat there. I will also say that the potatoes that come on the breakfast plates are "meh" but at least the service here is great! read more

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Alissa S.

Elite 11

368

18 years ago

Yes, the Tonga Toast is lovely, until you step out into the heat and humidity and wish you didn't eat so much. I learned the hard way. This is a very touristy-feeling resort, unlike most of the others, which I visited on this trip. They dealt with my mom's allergies superbly at breakfast, cutting fresh fruit for her and replacing the banana bread with a fresh blueberry muffin, and the chef visited us twice, per Disney allergy policy (this was our last meal at WDW, I would have exploited this more had I know how seriously they take food allergies). The Macadamia nut pancakes were ok, but a bit of a let down. Overall, a slightly better than average breakfast. Like all Disney restaurants, its pricey but you're paying for the overall experience. And if you can, make reservations in advance. read more

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Michelle C.

Elite 23

761

1062

317

14 years ago

Tonga toast. That is what you are supposed to eat. If there are enough of you, and you share well, then others can order differently but Tonga Toast is a requirement. Don't think of it as stuffed french toast. It's a cube a bread, the size of a bread basket, and the inside is made of banana. read more

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Cristy R.

Elite 12

142

114

240

14 years ago

I would have added a photo of my tasty Tonga Toast, but I was too busy wolfing it down. Bite after bite, I couldn't get enough. I was completely mesmerized by the Sourdough French Toast stuffed with sweet bananas sitting in front of me. Which, by the way, the ENTIRE thing is rolled in cinnamon sugar. It's decadent and filling, but not sweet. Screw the syrup! Dip your Tonga Toast into the thick, sweet strawberry compote side it comes with. What could be better than Tonga Toast? KONA COFFEE! This coffee is grown on the Big Island on the slopes of the Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes and is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. I enjoyed it in the French Press Pot. My first time drinking Kona Coffee AND my first time drinking coffee out of a French press pot. I LOVED both. The pot serves two, but they'll give you a coffee cup to go if you can't finish it (which I took full advantage of). Make sure you make a reservation! This place books up QUICKLY! read more

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Oscar the Death Cat B.

458

17 years ago

Could it be - a 4-star review for Disney food? Kona was the only place I bothered to visit more than once while I was at Disney - both times for breakfast. I didn't try the fabled Tonga Toast, to me it looked like a bread brick covered in red candy sauce and just wasn't that appealing, though some folks at my table tried it and really liked it. Instead I tried the Samoan, which is poached eggs w/ hollandaise sauce served atop a pile of pulled pork hash. Yum! The pineapple/macadamia pancakes were also good. And they serve Kona coffee in a French press pot. No characters or other kiddie gimmickry, so they weren't too busy and we were able to get seated right away. Service was above average too. Definitely a good choice if you are staying at (or convenient to) the Polynesian resort. read more

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Rob L.

167

17 years ago

ASIAN INFLUENCED BISTRO The Kona Café is located in the lobby of Disney's Polynesian Resort on the second floor. I made dining reservations using Disney's new online reservation system which was very easy to navigate. We were visiting during free dining season so I wanted to make sure we had a reservation. We were seated in a very comfortable booth and the restaurant was not crowded at all. We ordered the following items: Kona Press Pot--Good coffee is hard to find in Disney World, so I was not expecting much when we ordered the Kona Press Pot. The authentic 100 percent Kona coffee served in the press pot had a nice roasted flavor and served four cups. It exceeded my expectations. Tonga Toast--One of Kona Café's signature dishes, Tonga Toast is two giant slices of bread stuffed with bananas and then rolled in sugar and cinnamon. It came with a side of bacon , whipped butter, warm maple syrup, and strawberry compote. I am not sure if it is deep fried or baked but I wanted to hide under the table when it arrived because it was so huge. Tonga Toast actually lives up to all of the hype; I couldn't finish the entire dish. Macadamia Nut Pancakes--L ordered three large macadamia nut pancakes topped with butter and crushed pineapple, served with bacon. He said it was, "delicious." I tasted the pancakes and next time I know exactly what I am going to order. The service was on the level of fine dining. Our server seemed to anticipate our every need without be intrusive. I am not a breakfast person but I really enjoyed our meal at the Kona Café and highly recommend this restaurant. read more

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Ashley K.

Elite 24

182

103

13 years ago

Ambiance is non-existent. The restauarant is packed with families, which was fine with us since we were there with our 2 kids, but if that's not your scene eat elsewhere. I have never tasted food more disgusting than the shrimp skewers that we ordered for my daughter. The shrimp were flavorless and soggy and served atop a plate of tasteless "fried rice" that was cold. Ugh. She wouldn't eat a single bite. To his credit, our server did not charge us for it and she ate a fruit cup (Melon and grapes) instead. The adult entrees were better (sustainable fish was mahi mahi the evening we ate there). The coconut almond chicken was superb and came with a large and delicious salad. Pineapple upsidedown cake was disappointing. We will not return. read more

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Kevin F.

9 years ago

Great breakfast.. The Kona toast was the best! We also went for the upgraded coffee, French press.. very good. We did not have to wait long after our reservation, and food came out quickly.. read more

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Sarah B.

112

8 years ago

Have you all gone mad? 1. The portions sizes are a joke. 2. The prices are outrageous. 3. The food does not taste good. 4. The ambiance is non-existent. I came here with my family to celebrate my nieces birthday. Her 'birthday cake' was a dry yellow cupcake, for starters of things I'm not happy with. We had a reservation, but they were late seating us. The restaurant is beyond loud. They put some god awful almond syrup in their cocktails that makes them taste like rotting potatoes. I paid $17 for what anywhere else would have been a $3 sushi roll. The wine pours are overpriced for exactly 4 oz of very cheap wine (retail $11/bottle; my cost: $11/glass). The dashi bowl cost about $27 last night and came with about 3 oz of fish, soy eggs that weren't marinated correctly, nasty rice noodles, and bland broth!! (How is that even POSSIBLE!!?). Kids meals are also tiny and insanely expensive and looked subpar to the worst McDonald's food I've ever seen. The food took way too long to arrive and the servers seem understaffed. Our waiter was nice, and we got to see some fireworks over the water. Even still, if I could give this place zero stars, I would. read more

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Landon C.

12 years ago

They seated us promptly at our reservation time. My seat was by the door to the kitchen and I was hit by a food runner in the arm 3 times with no apology. It was very loud but that was soon forgotten once our appetizers arrived. Sticky Wings and Potstickers were amazing. Tempura Shrimp Rolls were decent but loosely rolled. I liked the Hawaiian Bread with Macadamia butter. The new york strip was very flavorful and cooked well. We were lucky enough to get the Banana Foster Bread Pudding which was not on the menu but available from the adjacent restaurant (Ohana) at the recommendation of a guest at another table. I remember getting very good breakfast my last time here but that was years ago. I'd go back but would only get apps / dessert. I'd also request to sit in a corner out of harms way. read more

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Kathryn L.

164

158

9 years ago

Disney is incredibly accommodating when it comes to food allergies. I have a gluten and dairy allergy and eat a predominantly plant based diet. Kona cafe had a separate allergen menu and the server even brought out gluten free bread rolls. I haven't been able to eat without such little worry or concern in a long time. read more

Kona Cafe - Gluten free bread rolls. My sister who is not gluten free enjoyed them so much that she actually ate one of my rolls. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Vegetable nigiri (gluten free and dairy free). Gluten free soy sauce provided - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Kona salad - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Alex W.

Elite 20

300

645

9 years ago

This is a really solid Disney restaurant. Nothing that absolutely blew me away, but better than most casual sit down restaurants on property. We dined for lunch and while there were only a few others in the restaurant, the service was somewhat slow. However the food was tasty and they offer plenty of options so everyone in your party can easily find something they'd enjoy. Basically tastes like most Asian food you'd find anywhere else, but it tastes good and you get a fairly good bang for your buck so I would overall recommend checking this place if you're in the neighborhood. read more

Kona Cafe - Hawaii Loco Moco - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Seared Ahi Tuna Burger - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Grilled Steak Salad - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Potstickers - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Kona Cafe - Steamed Pork Bun (comes with two) - Sushi Bars Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

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Stephanie V.

Elite 26

623

965

10 years ago

Convenient location inside the Polynesian resort. Very personable and friendly service from the moment you checkin. Good selection of food including sushi. All 4 dishes of what we had were impressive. Very tasty. Great service. Definitely recommend. read more

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Krissy M.

Elite 14

802

844

16 years ago

Surprisingly enough, I have never had breakfast here, though it was always on my list of places to go. Lucky for me, however, I have experienced Kona and its glorious lunch! I had a club sandwich, layered with yum with a pan asian flair - but the really stand-out winner for this meal had to be the sweet potato fries! I would recommend this spot to anyone interested in a sit-down dinner on a busier day in MK when you can't find a sit-down, or if you strike-out on a mission to walk-in to 'Ohana - it's a worthy consolation prize =D read more

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Ben M.

Elite 15

206

189

139

16 years ago

Kona Cafe is an excellent place to grab a delicious breakfast before diving into a day of Disney. Yes, the Tonga Toast is as phenomenal as it sounds. I asked our server about the legendary Elvis connection, but unfortunately she wasn't able to shed much light on the matter. Regardless of whether Elvis was truly obsessed with Kona Cafe's Tonga Toast, I absolutely loved it. I don't drink coffee, but my friend said the French press Kona coffee was very good but not the best she'd ever had. The coffee is kinda expensive--$7.50--but it is enough to serve two people. Our waitress was an enthusiastic lady who made helpful suggestions and enjoyed chatting about all things Disney. And get THIS--she offered to give us the recipe for the Tonga Toast! Since so many people ask for the recipe, the restaurant has the recipe printed on cards to distribute to those who ask for it. read more

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Karen P.

Elite 16

305

173

219

12 years ago

I went to KC with some friends for a birthday brunch, and with it being one of the quick serve locations inside The Polynesian, make sure you had a reservation or be prepared to wait. We ended up arriving slightly late, but they held our table for us. Our server was a little exhausting first thing in the morning (and prior to our daily coffee). She was very insistent and in a rush, so I felt like I was under the gun to make a decision within moments of sitting down. If we were dining on a Saturday or Sunday morning during the summer, I could feel the need to make a hasty split decision, but on a week day with a half empty dining room, it frustrated me. It goes against the laid-back atmosphere of the Islands. My bud and I split the highly touted Tonga Toast and the Macadamia Nut Pancakes. While I appreciate the South Pacific flair of the Toast, it was the pancakes that totally bowled me over. Truth be told, I was glad that my friend and I split our choices because I would have been disappointed with just the Toast. I didn't find it as fulfilling as the description pronounced, but I am glad that I was able to enjoy one of KC's signature dishes. The pancakes had the perfect combination of texture: fluffy pancakes, crunchy nuts, and some kicking pineapple sauce. The coffee was standard diner-style with enough caffeine to jump start my day, but again, I felt like I was being goaded into having refills. While our reservation was scheduled for the end block of the breakfast service, I wish our server didn't feel the need to rush us. Different people wake up at different times of day, but should be provided with the same enjoyable dining experience. Also, despite being at the end of the dining block and with plenty of open tables, a family of four was sat directly behind us, making the second feel more cramped than it should have been. I'd go back with an earlier reservation for those pancakes. I wouldn't try walking up, especially if I'm hungry! read more

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Chelsey V.

Elite 19

437

205

207

11 years ago

Kona Cafe is sooo good. A little pricey but it's Disney so everything's pricey right? My husband came here at least three times for lunch while on vacation because we fell in love with the sticky wings. You must get the sticky wings appetizer... but fair warning, those things are soooo addicting! We also tried the Island Chicken Sandwich with sweet potato fries and we loved that too. We were totally in love when they showed us the desserts but we were always too full to try them. This restaurant has great food, great service, and great ambiance... what more could you ask for? read more

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Page 13 of 21

1600 Seven Seas Dr
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney World, Horizons West / West Orlando
Directions
(407) 939-5277
Call Now
Visit Website
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/polynesian-resort/kona-cafe/

Full menu

Hours

What time does Kona Cafe open?

Kona Cafe opens at 7:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Kona Cafe opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Kona Cafe close?

Kona Cafe closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Kona Cafe closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Kona Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Kona Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Kona Cafe have catering options?

No, Kona Cafe does not have catering options.

Does Kona Cafe have a happy hour?

No, Kona Cafe does not have a happy hour.

Does Kona Cafe serve alcohol?

Yes, Kona Cafe serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Kona Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Kona Cafe allows dogs.

Does Kona Cafe have TVs?

No, Kona Cafe does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Kona Cafe have bike parking?

No, Kona Cafe does not have bike parking.

Does Kona Cafe have outdoor seating?

No, Kona Cafe does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Kona Cafe have parking?

Yes, Kona Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Kona Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Kona Cafe has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

This relaxed café infuses a bit of Asian zest into traditional American meals and features an onstage sushi kitchen.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Kona Cafe

Can I order the Tonga Toast for lunch or dinner, or is it only available for breakfast?

You can order the Tonga toast at quick serve called captain cooks/cooks cafe? at the Poly. It's cheaper, and it's an all day menu item. The only thing is that the Tonga toast at quick serve place isn't served with that sauce. That's the only…

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Explore benefits

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is one of my all time favorite Disney resort. It is considered a…read moremonorail report which means that the monorail stops here and you are able to easily hop onto it and head to Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Contemporary and the Transportation and Ticket center. That line from there will take you over to EPCOT. If you are trying to go to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, the water parks and Disney Springs, you can pick up the bus out front. This is also on the higher end price wise for Disney resorts. I love it but it is not a place we stay very often because of the price. What I love about Disney, even if you are not staying here, you can still visit the hotel, visit the lounges, the bars, the restaurants. From the resort you can easily see Magic Kingdom, and even watch the fireworks on their beach. They do have their own beach area, it's not like a huge beach where you would want to lay out, but they do have chairs and hammocks. The resort is also a DVC resort so there are 2-4 bedroom suites. Polynesian is divided into two sections, with the traditional Polynesian resort as well as their new Tower which was recently built and open. The original section has seen upgrades to the rooms over the years. The resort also has 3 sit down restaurants, 2 bars attached to two of the restaurants and 2 tiki bars, one inside which is very fun and interactive and one outside, (both tiki bars serve the same drinks, but the inside one is more interactive). I have reviews for all of those. There is also have an ice cream stand, a quick service restaurant and then their gift shops. They also have a few pools around the resort with their main pool having lots of slides and such. The vibe and atmosphere at the Polynesian is very laid back, with tiki vibes, Polynesian vibes and very tropical. For me, I truly feel as though I am in Hawaii. I love the vibes, the food, the drinks, everything is fantastic. I for sure recommend checking it out even if you are not staying here. ACES!

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is probably my favorite Disney resort. I have so many found…read morememories of staying here as a child and I love it! I have not stayed here in awhile since the price is so high but we do visit here often and enjoy the resort in other ways. It is on my list to stay here again! This resort is located on the Monorail Loop, and very close to the Magic Kingdom. You are able to see the park from the resort. It is on the higher end price wise and does have suites and vacation club rooms. The resort is divided into two sections. It has the traditional Polynesian resort which has seen upgrades to the rooms over the years as well as their new Tower which was recently built and open. It has 3 sit down restaurants, 2 bars attached to two of the restaurants and 2 tiki bars, one inside which is very fun and interactive and one outside. They also have an ice cream stand, a quick service restaurant and then gift shops. There are a few pools around the resort as well. Their main pool having lots of slides and such. There is a beach with chairs and which is an amazing place to watch the fireworks. This is also a monorail report which means that the monorail stops here. You can easily hop onto it and head to Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Contemporary and the Transportation and Ticket center with easy access to the EPCOT monorail line. For the other areas at Disney, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, the water parks and Disney Springs, you can pick up the bus out front. The vibe here is very laid back, very tiki, very Polynesian. You truly feel as though you are in Hawaii and not Florida. We absolutely love this resort, I think it is one of my favorite resorts to visit and stay at. I love the vibes, the food, the drinks, everything is fantastic. I for sure recommend checking it out even if you are not staying here.

New Rooms at Disney's Polynesian Resort

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New Rooms at Disney's Polynesian Resort

'Ohana

We're from the Kona side of the Big Island. My wife grew up there, and our children lived there…read moreuntil they were teenagers. Like many families, we were eventually "priced out of paradise" as the cost of living climbed over the last decade. One of the places we always loved was L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Anyone who has lived in Hawaii knows how deeply its food is tied to its culture. We were excited when Ohana Grill came to Kirksville--and even happier when we realized they had brought the authentic taste of Hawaii with them. For our family, it's nostalgia and comfort food. For anyone curious about Hawaiian food, these guys are the real deal. We truly hope they're here to stay, because for us, Ohana Grill feels like Hawaii came to us. A few things you'll definitely want to try: * Spam musubi -- a beloved local snack you'll find at gas stations and convenience stores throughout Hawaii * Kalua pig -- their recipe is legit * Halo-halo -- a Filipino ice cream dessert There's plenty more to enjoy, but those are some of the stars of the show. If your curious about Hawaii food culture, check "Guy Hagi's Cheap Eats" on youtube, and compare to these guys.

I truly enjoy all things Disney and this was a great experience that captured all the things I love…read moreabout Disney!! Unbeknownst to me, I was able to book a character dining experience for the family even though we weren't staying at a Disney Resort We had a few first-timers with us and I believe everyone needs to have this experience at least once when visiting the most magical place on earth!! It's been several years since I've actually been to a character dining but this was just as enjoyable as I remember!! From the staff taking us to our seat to the server working our table and the characters working the room, it was great!! The staff made sure that our family was able to visit with all 4 characters and encouraged patrons to stick around if they haven't already met each. The food was plentiful and tasty!! I love a family-style dining experience that caters to the needs of everyone in the party! Even though we didn't have any dietary restrictions in our group, Ryan still asked. It was a well-balanced brunch and everyone was pleased The Hawaiian themed decor, the views from the window, and the festive music playing in the background made all the difference in the dining experience and I'd definitely go back again!!

Fresh Fruit

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Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is one of my favorite places to visit at Walt Disney World. The bar is…read moresmall and extremely popular, so reservations are highly recommended. If you don't arrive early, you may be placed on a virtual waitlist, which can reach three or four hours. Once you're called, you have about 15 minutes to arrive before they move on to the next party. Wait times can be accurate--or wildly inaccurate--so it's best to stay nearby. The theming is fantastic, and the atmosphere is full of energy. Many of the special effects depend on the cast members interacting with guests, so visiting earlier in the day is a good idea while everyone is still at peak energy. The drinks are expensive, but they're tasty, strong by Disney standards, and absolutely Instagram-worthy. You can also purchase some excellent tiki mugs. The food menu is limited, but what we tried was good. Be aware that you'll probably share a table with another party, but that can make the experience even more fun. I always have a great time here, and my friends do too. The last time I visited, I ended up sharing a table with a witch doctor. We started talking about magic, exchanged spells and trinkets, and I gave him my lucky goat's eye. In return, he gave me a bone on a handmade vine necklace that had apparently been blessed by his chief. When I got home, I started hearing war drums. The next thing I knew, it was July 4th, and I woke up inside a Winnie the Pooh costume in the Magic Kingdom. I still have no idea what happened, but I'm fairly certain the necklace had something to do with it.

Trader Sam's is always a fun time. Tiki bars are a cool vibe. But adding the interactive elements…read morewith the lights, sounds, props, animations in the artwork. It's a fun time. Make sure to get there early so you can add your name to the wait list. Friday night we waited about 2 hours checking in at 8pm. Loved our drinks! Tasty and nice looking. It's always a must do when resort hopping if you have the time.

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Salmon Oshizushi

Wailulu Bar & Grill

4.4

(122 reviews)

0.1 mi

I'm This was easily the best meal I had all week at Disney! I ordered the poke bowl, and it was…read moreabsolutely delicious!! Fresh, flavorful, and so satisfying. As someone with a shellfish allergy, I really appreciated how seriously the staff took my allergy. They provided me with a separate allergy-friendly menu, answered all of my questions, and made me feel confident that my meal would be safe. Our waitress was incredibly kind, attentive, and made the entire experience even better. Great food, outstanding service, and excellent allergy accommodations made this a true 5-star experience. I can't wait to come back!

Staying at the Grand Floridian this week. Decided I would make the short walk over to the…read morePolynesian to check out Wailulu Bar & Grill this morning. It's one of Disney's newer additions, and worth the detour. Grabbed a Cold Brew Coffee to start the morning. My only gripe was they were pretty heavy-handed with the ice, which left me with more diluted coffee than I bargained for so I'd you're an iced coffee purist, don't be shy about asking for light ice. That said, the experience was quick, easy, and painless if you're looking to get your caffeine fix before a full day in the parks. The space itself has a really nice ambience that fits the Polynesian's theming well. Being a newer concept, it feels fresh and polished without the wear you see at some of the older resort quick-service spots. Would I come back? Probably, especially for convenience if I'm already over at the Poly. Just going to ask for easy ice next time!

Banana old fashioned and passion fruit and pineapple daiquiri

Interior

SPAM Musubi

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Tambu Lounge

Great spot to grab a drink while waiting for your table at ohana. It's not a particularly large bar…read morebut I found a seat. There is a large lounge area just outside the bar where you could take your drink too. I didn't get any food here but the espresso martini was amazing.

We came to Tambu Lounge to try the famous Back Scratcher drink, and the bar was lively and busy…read morewith really good service. We managed to find two empty seats as other guests were leaving, but there were no other seats available around 6 p.m. on a Saturday night. Now for the drinks: they were excellent, refreshing, and a very generous portion. You even get a souvenir back scratcher, which was a very nice touch. I loved the Polynesian theme of the hotel and would definitely stay here in the future.

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Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

3.9

(453 reviews)

0.4 mi

Grand Floridian is worth the hype! It is the quintessential…read moreresort vibe in Disney World. With our Disney Vacation Club contracts, everything is much more affordable and accessible.. even the Grand Floridian. Just gliding by it on the monorail, we always knew that this was the pinnacle of WDW resorts... and Disney knows it too! With so many dining options from Michelin Star restaurants, to character dining, to just an elegant cafe, to now even a lobby bar.. Grand Floridian has amazing dining options for everyone!! The pool is epic with a great Alice in Wonderland theme. The main lobby is massive and just exudes elegance. It's the wedding go-to with the nearby chapel. The rooms have been updated and are just breathtaking with views and accommodations. They have numerous retail shops too. If you don't like Grand Floridian, it's probably because you haven't tried it or you are just lying to yourself.

Wonderful spa afternoon. Loved my facial and massage. The…read morespa was empty when I arrived and basically had the waiting service to myself, unfortunately it was not the same I between services when the spa was PACKED. There was not enough relaxation space chairs for all guests to have a solace to sit. Groups of women were talking and laughing loudly in the changing room which could be heard in the waiting area. Disappointing to pay so much for a mediocre experience- it felt overbooked and rushed and could not enjoy the pre/post allotment relaxation time. For the price, there are spas with better experiences at a similar price point in the area.

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Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace

4.0

(20 reviews)

0.0 mi

I loved the relaxed outdoor vibe it felt like a perfect break from the parks. The drinks were fun…read moreand strong, especially the Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum, and the Cast Members made the whole experience feel playful. It's definitely a spot I'd go back to.

We enjoyed our time here on the balcony…read more The drinks were very yummy the live music was beautiful Reasonably priced drinks as well! I cannot wait to come back in a few months. Wish I knew about this place sooner. It wasn't super packed, we were able to snag a table. I'd imagine around the time we went, most people are in the parks. Service was quick, fast, and friendly.

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Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

3.6

(16 reviews)

0.2 mi

Spent a week in a duo studio at this amazing resort. It was my first time staying at the tower and…read moreI really enjoyed the experience. The pros: one of the best theming out of any Disney resort, island vibes, transportation on the monorail loop makes it easy to go to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, food options on property, safe and very clean. Seeing the fireworks from the pool at night is magical The cons: Price point is higher than most Disney resorts, food options at the tower not as good as walking to ceremonial lobby house. Overall great experience and can't wait to go again

Disney's newest hotel has a lot of things to like and some things that I did not really enjoy…read more While the dining option is limited to only one location, you can take a five minute walk to the main Polynesian building and have a few more options for food and drink. The elevators are lockdown unless you were staying on property and have a key to your room which is great for security but if you run downstairs for something and forget your key, it creates a bit of a challenge. I have to say that I really enjoyed the little quiet spaces. They have peppered that you can sit outside and enjoy the weather and watch either the fireworks or the nighttime parade on the lake.

Secondary bedroom - view of the pullout bed

Down the hall

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Bathroom

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

From the seamless check-in process to obtaining a high floor room with an amazing view, this…read morestaycation was definitely worth it. From the amazing staff in the roaring Fork quick service.; her name is Carolina, she displayed exceptional guest service to the highest level. She assisted my mom and I make coffee choices as well as she told me I had a cute hat. I mentioned she could find the hat in animal kingdom. We also dined at Roaring Fork last night and I had a great Mediterranean salad with chicken. After eating at roaring Fork, we went out to gyser point for some late refreshments and snacks, which I will be doing a separate review for those. The cast members to mention are Josh the chef, Anna the server from geyser point, and Josh the bartender from Geyser Point. The hotel grounds around the property are serene and have a calming quality. 10/10 Definitely recommend this stay cation

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is one of the best places to stay at Walt Disney World…read moreif you enjoy the outdoors. The campground is beautifully maintained, peaceful, and surrounded by nature, yet still offers all the Disney magic.

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Sushi Izuki

I celebrated my birthday at Sushi Izuki with my family, and we chose the 18-course omakase at the…read morebar. It was truly an exceptional experience from start to finish. The service was warm and attentive, and the chefs were incredibly skilled. It was so much fun watching them work. Every course was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. What made the evening even more special was how they went out of their way to make my birthday feel celebrated. It added such a personal touch to an already unforgettable meal. We all left agreeing that it was one of the most memorable dining experiences we've ever had. I would highly recommend Sushi Izuki and would gladly return.

I went here for my birthday recently and I enjoyed it so much! I loved the decorations of the…read morerestaurant. If you prefer more privacy, I would reserve the tatami room, but the sushi bar looked very fun too. I particularly enjoyed the tatami room since our server was really attentive, and his description of each course really made the dining experience all the better! The birthday gift I got at the end was super cute! If looking to do an omakase, and want to treat yourself to a really nice meal, I would definitely recommend it to try this place at least once! They do give you an option to order from a menu after majority of the meal has come out too, if you want to repeat some of your favorite items from the meal.

Traditional private dinning rooms

Appetizer

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Caviar on toro

Summer House on the Lake

The prices made me a little nervous but I was easily satisfied with probably the best shrimp…read morecocktail I've ever had. Jumbo shrimp expertly cooked and served with two different sauces, both excellent. The pizza was extra thin which is normally not my choice but the pepperoni was also thinly sliced and the cheese was expertly seasoned. I'll be going back soon!

Mimi helped me out with the reservation for my birthday, she was sweet and caring. She gave me a…read moregreat experience even thought it was over the phone. Great job to whoever got Mimi into the team!

The cookie bar area upfront

Marinated Pineapple and Jalapeño Cornbread

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Seating next to the water

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

To sum it up: great atmosphere, solid food, excellent shakes, and consistently good service…read more Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater can get busy, and reservations are sometimes difficult to secure because it's one of the more popular restaurants on Disney property. The menu is mostly burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and rotating specialty items. I've been visiting for several years, and it's a must-do for us. They usually offer a special burger and shake, although I still miss the ribs they used to serve. The atmosphere is what truly makes this restaurant special. You begin behind the scenes of a movie production and are then escorted by your carhop into a drive-in theater. The area is designed to look like nighttime, complete with city lights surrounding the theater. The most sought-after seats are the cars with bench seating, which can accommodate about two people per row. Larger parties may still be seated in a car-themed area, but they'll typically have regular tables attached to the front and rear sections of a vehicle. If you don't have a reservation, you may be seated at circular tables with umbrellas. Those provide more space, but they aren't nearly as immersive. The car benches have small built-in lights, which are helpful for reading the menu without ruining the atmosphere. The movie screen plays old B-movie trailers, drive-in commercials, and classic Walt Disney science-fiction cartoons. The program loops after about an hour, but since I've visited many times, I'm probably more aware of that than most guests. The food is consistently good, and you can't go wrong with the burgers. On my most recent visit, I tried the appetizer sampler, which included fried pickles, wings, and queso. The wings were excellent. I also ordered an alcoholic chocolate shake, but after sharing the appetizer and a sandwich, I was already dangerously full. My dining companion and I often share meals because the portions are filling. If you're hungry and skipping the appetizer, though, I recommend ordering individually. The service has always been excellent--exactly what I've come to expect from Disney. I've visited more than eight times and, with a reservation, have never waited longer than 10 minutes to be seated. I haven't tried dessert because I'm usually so full that I feel like I'm going to burst, especially back when they offered those ribs. I plan to try the house-made Sci-Fi Candy Bar on my next visit, as I've heard great things about it. Prices are reasonable for Disney, and annual passholder discounts are accepted. The restaurant can be a little difficult to find if you're unfamiliar with the park. It's next to ABC Commissary, down the wide walkway near the Chinese Theater. Once you're almost at the theater entrance, look to your left, find ABC Commissary, and follow the walkway down until you see the restaurant. Sci-Fi Dine-In is fun for the whole family and offers an experience you won't get anywhere else at Disney. Reservations are strongly recommended.

This is a spot my son has asked to visit twice. My review is after our 2nd visit and I'm writing it…read morebecause both times were incredibly frustrating. Both visits I made a reservation. Both visits I waited almost 1 hour for my reservation to be honored. No apologies. Nothing to accommodate. (Keep in mind if I had shown that late they would have given my table away). Once sat I was really irritated to see a half empty room. The table beside me was sleeping in the booth. No one was moving them along. No one. Once they actually left it took 10 minutes for the tale to be cleaned and another 10 before another reservation was sat. The lobby was still full of reservations not being honored though. The wait staff was OK both times. They go through the motions; food is slow to come out. We were checked on once. No area leader in sight to check on people. There's a whole park outside and stopping here on two separate occasions has put my planned time at the park in jeopardy. At this point, I won't be back. And if you have plans in the park, consider NOT eating here.

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Yak & Yeti Restaurant

Skip breakfast, come here, then feast! At this pan-Asian restaurant we were able to have Dragon…read moreRoll bowl, tikka masala, and Korean beef at the same time, a fun novelty that left us all stuffed. Then came dessert, fried wontons for me, with a subtle name for the pineapple honey drizzled yumminess with vanilla ice cream. Navigate the quantity as you will, but it was a lovely meal all around. Cash in a Disney food plan here for a sit down meal, and you'll feel like you've eaten two. John Jay and Devin were pleasant, despite how exhausting it must be to serve masses of guests in the Florida heat. Bollywood posters, an entry floor mosaic, and lovely wood work were our distractions waiting for our meal. 'Conditioned air, fine food, and drinks,' no lies on the sign! Part comfort food, part imaginary escape across the globe, we'd come back. Cafe and drink stands are right outside Y & Y if you don't want to be too full to ride the Everest coaster.

Overall 5/5: Pleasantly surprised by this place. Great food, even better service, relaxing…read moreambiance, and free souvenirs! The closest you'd get to a formal dining experience and non-fast food inside a theme park. Please make reservations cause the wait will be so long and in the heat. Food 5/5: We only ordered from their limited time "Eastern Delights" menu. Got the Vietnamese Shaking Beef, partner got the Bulgogi Chicken Bowl, and the Frostbite (non-alcoholic). - Vietnamese Shaking Beef 5/5: Perfectly cooked. Soft, tender, chewy udon noodles. Beef was served in cubes. Seared on outside, medium-done. Dish was slightly sweet. Authentic? No. But delicious? Yes. Wish the portion size was bigger. - Bulgogi Chicken Bowl 4/5: Large portion size. Chicken was tender/juicy. Not the best bibimbap I've had (of course compared to NYC) but not bad at all. - Frostbite 4/5: Basically a creamy sprite. Refreshing as any cold carbonated drink would be. Wouldn't be missing out if you didn't try this BUT you get the free duck and light-up cup. Can't say no to free souvenirs. Service 5/5: Our waiter was really nice and frequently checked in with us to make sure everything was to our liking. Ambiance 5/5: Warm relaxing atmosphere. We were seated in the recess area on the 2nd flood so it was quieter than the center of the restaurant. Place was spacious. A nice air-conditioned escape from the 90F, drizzling, weather outside.

Outside from the rest. Lovely bell

Kids Noodles with Fried Rice

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Firecracker Chicken & Shrimp

California Grill

California Grill sits at the very top of Disney's Contemporary Resort, making it one of those…read moreDisney dining experiences that feels special before you even take your first bite. We celebrated our anniversary here, and between the food, exceptional service, and incredible views, it did not disappoint! They offer a 3-course prix fixe menu for $99 per person + tax and gratuity. I started with the duck and had the filet steak for my entrée. For dessert, we shared the blueberry goat cheese cheesecake and the chocolate pistachio sandwich/macaron (I'm totally blanking on the official name lol) Everything was delicious, and they even surprised us with complimentary chocolates! Definitely plan your dinner around the Magic Kingdom fireworks! California Grill has an amazing view of the show, and they even pipe the fireworks audio into the restaurant so you can enjoy the full experience while dining. Unfortunately, it rained the night we went, so we couldn't enjoy the fireworks from the outdoor balcony. But Disney came through! They gave us a voucher that was good for a week so we could return and watch the fireworks another night -- and of course, we did! Between the beautiful setting, fantastic food, incredible service, and the fireworks experience, California Grill was the perfect spot for our anniversary. A little pricey, but definitely a memorable Disney splurge!

Coco Chanel is famous for saying, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least…read moreone thing off." I believe the culinary world could take this advice with plates at the pass. Look at it, take one thing off. This is especially true for the California Grill atop Disney's first WDW hotel, the Contemporary Resort. In a world of micro-greens, pea purée, "summer sauces" and 8-10 other ingredients on a single plate, removing one might make the best difference--and wouldn't be missed! Service 5 stars (thanks, Jim!), plating 4 stars, taste 2 stars (avoid the surf and turf--very "fishy" and had to be replaced with the ravioli), timing and temperature 2 stars (pork was a bit under and the goat cheese polenta was cold). And don't make the mistake I did in getting 2 dishes with goat cheese, "Ugh!" I loved the idea of a fresh, seasonal, fusion menu, but this meal was way oversold. At $99/person (plus enhancements, think $10/scallop), this 3-course meal just seriously missed the mark. If this review required a title, it would be "Over-complicated," all the way down to the unnecessary white chocolate disc under the crème brûlée (for the love of all that is sweet, why??). First and last for me at California Grill.

Hearts of Romaine

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Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Steakhouse 71

This experience made me a huge fan of Steakhouse 71. The ambience really honors the early 70's of…read moreWalt Disney World. There are photos of WDW's opening year spread throughout the restaurant as well as a nod to Mary Blair. The wedge salad was absolutely delicious, as well as the filet. I got mine medium rare with broccolini and bernaise on the side. It was truly perfect. I do wish I had gotten a more carb-heavy side item as I didn't feel as full as I wanted to. The dessert was also delicious, but after checking the menu, I don't believe it's available anymore.

Had a reservation for mid week for 3 around 630. Wait staff all very friendly and was seated…read morepromptly. Interior was not quite what I was expecting, less formal and more tables then booths. Brioche buns were tasty, preferred the whipped butter over the other topping. Had the prime rib with au gratin potatoes and horseradish. Was cooked to order and tasted great. Best option for food at the hotel IMO.

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21 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Justin B.

Elite 23

149

3 years ago

Kona Café at Disney World! What a fascinating and enticing place. I recently had the pleasure of dining there, and let me tell you, it was an experience that left me thoroughly impressed. As I perused the menu, my eyes were drawn to a dish called the Big Kahuna Burger. Now, I must admit, I was a bit perplexed by this. What is a Big Kahuna? Is it a person? A place? And what does it have to do with a burger? These are the questions that raced through my mind. But then, as if to answer my questions, the dish arrived at the table. And let me tell you, it was a burger unlike any other. Juicy, succulent beef was piled high with caramelized onions and crispy bacon, all topped off with a tangy and spicy aioli. The flavors were complex and perfectly balanced, and I couldn't get enough of it. But let me tell you, the real star of the show was the sushi. Oh my goodness, it was simply divine! The fish was fresh and expertly prepared, and the rice was cooked to perfection. The presentation was beautiful and artistic, with each piece arranged just so. The flavors were subtle and nuanced, with just the right amount of soy sauce and wasabi to complement the fish. And let's not forget about the rest of the menu. The Hawaiian-style pork ribs were tender and flavorful, with a sweet and tangy glaze that was irresistible. The shrimp and grits were a decadent and indulgent option, with creamy grits and plump, juicy shrimp. And the desserts were simply heavenly, with a tropical twist on classic favorites. But what really stood out to me was the service. The cast members were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, with a genuine passion for the food they were serving. They were happy to answer any questions and make recommendations, and they made the dining experience all the more enjoyable. read more

MissMary G.

9 years ago

Had a wonderful dinner here Saturday evening. Our server Aziz was awesome and attentive to our every need. Dinner for four with one having a gluten intolerance. A special menu was brought in and our server Aziz went over options for us. I had the Pan-Asian Yakisoba Noodles, Wok-seared with Vegetables with Chicken in a Ginger-Garlic Sauce. Very good. For dessert Kilauea Torte an explosion of warm liquid Chocolate inside Chocolate Volcano with vanilla ice cream. I suggest ordering this with a milk. Very rich!! read more

Tina W.

246

14 years ago

Ah, Kona is one of my favorites at WDW. I've been for lunch and dinner. Lunch boasts the wonderful lunch plates with a fried chicken breast with mango salsa and macaroni salad. So delish. If you go around 2, it's dead quiet in there. SO relaxing. Dinner is fantastic as well. The pomegranate bbq'd pork chop was unbelievable. Service at both lunch and dinner was adequate if not a bit slow. I HIGHLY recommend Kona. read more

D T.

13 years ago

If you want to eat dinner here on a weekend, you should make a reservation. The wait time was over an hour. The atmosphere is kid friendly, not a place to go for a romantic dinner. The pot stickers are very good. I had the scallops dinner, the scallops were good, but rice was cold, flavorless, and dry. The Hawaiian bread was delicious. read more

Diane R.

10 years ago

I tried twice to go for breakfast and they told me they don't take walk in's that you have to have reservations. And the second time I went they told me it is two hour wait when I could see empty tables everywhere. I would never go there when I am in town. read more

Amy T.

Elite 24

457

2373

4 years ago

The wait time for a table this morning was 50 minutes so we did the Kona To Go and ate our delicious food outside by the waterfall. The quality of the food and even the container/silverware/napkin was exceptional. read more

Kristin M.

11 years ago

Went here for lunch.... honestly I'd go back for the wings... but that's about it. No ambiance at all, might as well have had lunch in the lobby. read more

Mark G.

3 years ago

The worst service I have experienced the brand and manager and hotel should be ashamed what a joke disgusting robot people.

Jorge J.

6 years ago

Amazing spot for breakfast. The recommendations were on point and staff was very attentive. Thank you very much!

HR M.

103

6 years ago

Excellent food and excellent service. We have done Eric from Orlando provided absolutely fantastic service. read more

Pedro M.

10 years ago

Awesome food , service and drinks But make sure you make sure to make reservations!!! read more

Jeanne W.

9 years ago

Very institutional food for breakfast, not very good for the price. We won't go back.

Chris O.

15 years ago

Great food, and reasonably priced considering the location and high quality of food.

Harold J.

See more unrecommended reviews

108

687

10 years ago

Cold food and wait staff stretched very thin to give any type of good service.

Andrea H.

175

12 years ago

worst sushi ever,!, yes, grocery store sushi is better than what we had.

Dawn C.

15 years ago

Yuuuum, deeelish :-) The food here is excellent. What more can I say!

Tim O.

15 years ago

We had breakfast there. Really good creative food!

Karen E.

108

13 years ago

It was ok. It was expensive for "just ok"!

Damien B.

12 years ago

Stinky wings.. that's all i gotta say.

Jessica P.

13 years ago

Wasabi Mary. Fantasticness.

Kona Cafe - sushi - Updated August 2026

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From the moment we checked in to Narcoossee's with our reservation until when we left, we were…read moretreated so warmly and with that Disney magic we all crave when in the bubble of the World. The restaurant itself is charming, coastal, but not stuffy. The sweeping view of the lake and Magic Kingdom is dreamy. Time your dinner reservation so dessert is around the time of the fireworks for an even more magical experience. You can step outside where they pipe in the music. The view is dreamy. Our server, Marselle, was excellent. She was so friendly and made our meal even more special. She provided such excellent recommendations, I think we went with them all. I started off with the sangria. It was so refreshing. We ordered the seafood charcuterie which was so unique that I'll claim it as a must do. We enjoyed the freshly baked bread with it. All three items in the charcuterie were delicious! My main course was the Gulf shrimp bucatini. It was a more-than-ample serving of perfectly cooked pasta, a delicious sauce, and fresh large shrimp. I've had this dish at several restaurants, and this dish was a star at Narcoossee's. After watching the Happily Ever After fireworks, we capped our fabulous meal with the must have almond cheesecake. It's SO good. The cake is decadent and surrounded by chocolate coral. Save some room for this dessert! Marselle and other staff made my birthday dinner super special. I think I have a new favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World!

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Shiki-Sai is a solid sushi spot located in the Japan pavilion at Epcot. We started with the Kushi…read moreassorted, including six shrimp, beef, and chicken skewers. These were all juicy and had a nice amount of sauce glazed on them. For sushi, we tried several special rolls including the spicy crunch roll, Tokyo negi roll, and the dragon roll. What stands out about their sushi is the unique flavors and presentation. I found the jalapeño aioli on the Tokyo negi roll to be very unique and yummy. The dragon roll was definitely my favorite and I loved the large piece of eel on top of the roll. While some of the rolls can feel heavy after a few bites, it was still pretty good. While we arrived a tad early, the hostess was able to seat us pretty much immediately and service was great. The atmosphere was pretty relaxing and immersive, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of exploring the Disney parks. Shiki-Sai definitely makes for a unique and quality dining experience.

One of Epcot's best! Impressive (almost never ending) meal…read moreand beautiful view overlooking the Japan pavilion and fireworks! The menu pricing has incredible value. You can order à la carte or with their $65 prefix menu. Now get this: the prefix meal includes an appetizer, side of sushi, entree, dessert, AND a cocktail/mocktail. The portions are almost ridiculously large. My appetizer (chicken nanban) was so large I had completely forgotten my entree was yet to arrive given how full I was from both the appetizer and sushi. Our server commented that this was a consistent observation with guests who dine there. I went with my family and as a large group we were able to try multiple menu items, all of which were outstandingly delicious. Try the chicken nanban and the violet sake! The kids meals are very picky eater friendly - the cute bento boxes had an assortment of chicken and fruit that the kids loved. You'll enjoy everything here. From the soft buttery sushi to the Japanese pancake (often referred to as Japanese pizza). The environment is collected, calm, and relaxing. The service was genuine and welcoming, and they stay very on top of refilling drinks and clearing used plates. They also have great recommendations if you have a difficult time deciding your meal choices. The environment in Shiki-Sai is a noticeable contrast to the sister restaurant Teppan Edo (which offers hibachi) across the hall. While Shiki-Sai was open, peaceful, and inviting, Teppan Edo was quite noisy, cramped, and the air felt warm. You can notice these differences walking past the restaurant to the shared bathrooms at the end of the building. As the occasion was to celebrate a birthday, we felt we had made the right choice. I have visited nearly all of Epcot's restaurants, and this ranks in my top 3! Will definitely visit again and again.

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Okay this might not be the most authentic Chinese restaurant, but it still hit the spot. We…read morenormally have Asian cuisine quite often, but due to recent travels it was difficult to come by. So when we were at Epcot for Father's day, I knew treating the family out to some Chinese food would be a real treat. My parents were happiest of all. Husband, toddlers were all delighted as well. We ordered glazed prawn with pistachios, honey sesame chicken, vegetable stir fry, Kowloon spare ribs, and Ma La Happy Family. We liked the glazed prawn with pistachios; it was a nice spin off of honey walnut shrimp. We actually liked the pistachios more than walnuts with the shrimp. The honey sesame chicken was overly breaded and was not a huge crowd pleaser. The Kowloon spare ribs were definitely nothing like spare ribs I've had in Kowloon, and I can't say I enjoyed them either. We all really enjoyed the vegetable stir fry; it was nice to have some vegetables in our diet during travels. The stir fry had a nice mix of broccoli, tofu, carrots, mushrooms, etc. We also really enjoyed the Ma La Happy Family which was a mix of stir fry including beef, chicken, shrimp, and veggies. Service was pretty good. We were seated fairly quickly. Our waitress was nice. The restaurant was clean. And there's a nice bathroom inside as well. We sat at a booth, which was convenient for our large party that included senior citizens and toddlers. Was it authentic Chinese? No. Was it the best Chinese food I've had? Definitely not even close. But ultimately it met our demands, satisfied our cravings, and we didn't feel sick or overly full after. It was a good Father's Day meal at the tale end of our week long adventure, and it provided a thoroughly enjoyable experience for us.

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