The Complete List of ALL the Restaurants at California Adventure

If you're planning your day at Disney California Adventure and wondering where to grab your next bite, this is my honest list of all the restaurants at California Adventure based on my own experiences. I’ve eaten my way through the park more times than I’d like to admit (strictly for research, of course), and not every spot is worth your time — or your money.

Some restaurants have great theming but mediocre food. Others are totally underrated and deserve way more love. Whether you're after a sit-down meal or just want to snack your way around the park, this list will help you find what actually fits your vibe and your day.

If you're new to the park, I recommend starting with my full guide to Disney California Adventure — it’ll give you the lay of the land, plus info on rides, character spots, and more.

Key Points Before You Choose Where to Eat

• Mobile order whenever you can. It saves a ton of time, especially during peak hours.
• Don’t sleep on the food carts. Some of my favorite bites came from unexpected places.
• Know your zones. If you’re spending time in Cars Land or Pixar Pier, it’s easier to plan meals nearby instead of crisscrossing the park.

Full List of All the Restaurants at California Adventure That I've Tried… So Far

Here’s a curated list of the places we actually tried and loved (or didn’t). I’ve included a few standouts from each land — not everything, just the spots we personally visited.

Buena Vista Street

This is the first area you walk into, styled after 1920s Los Angeles. It’s charming, especially in the morning.

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe

This is technically the park’s Starbucks, but it doesn’t feel like one. It’s housed in a charming, vintage-style cafe on Buena Vista Street that fits perfectly with the 1920s Hollywood theme. We stopped here for coffee and a breakfast sandwich first thing in the morning, and it was the perfect low-stress start to the day.

Pro tip: mobile order ahead and skip the line. Seating can be tricky to find during peak hours, but if you head toward the street-facing outdoor tables, it’s usually easier to grab a spot.

Carthay Circle Restaurant

This was our one big splurge of the trip, and I’m glad we did it. The interior feels like a classy escape from the park — white tablecloths, vintage decor, and quiet ambiance. It’s ideal if you want a true sit-down meal or you're celebrating something. We had the signature pork chop and a cocktail from the seasonal menu, both were excellent.

It's not cheap, but the service and atmosphere make it feel like a real event. More on Carthay Circle’s dress code below.

Hollywood Land

Often overlooked, but a good spot to chill and eat without huge crowds.

Award Wieners

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much the first time I stopped here—just grabbed a hot dog thinking it would be a quick snack. But wow, these are surprisingly solid. The hot dogs are big, flavorful, and they don’t skimp on the toppings. I once tried a seasonal mac and cheese dog, and yeah… it was messy, but so worth it. Gooey, cheesy, a little ridiculous—in the best way. Plus, they rotate limited-time offerings pretty often, so it always feels like there’s something new to try. It’s a great stop if you're in California Adventure and craving something satisfying and a little indulgent.

Avengers Campus

Themed food that leans playful. Portions aren’t huge, but it’s a fun experience.

Pym Test Kitchen

This place was wild in the best way. The concept is all about playing with size — giant pretzels, miniature buns, oversized sandwich patties — and it’s a fun extension of the whole Avengers Campus vibe.

I ordered the Not So Little Chicken Sandwich, and honestly, it exceeded my expectations. The crispy chicken was perfectly cooked and the slaw added a nice crunch. The bun is hilariously small compared to the size of the chicken, which is part of the fun. It's not the cheapest meal in the park, but it’s hearty and felt unique to the land.

I recommend sitting outside to soak in the details of the area — especially if there’s a character interaction happening nearby. If you're dining with kids or anyone into Marvel, this is a can’t-miss experience.

Cars Land

If you're heading to Radiator Springs, these are fun and immersive places to eat.

Flo’s V8 Cafe

This place is all about the vibes. The retro diner atmosphere is spot on, and if you sit outside, you’ll get some of the best views of Radiator Springs Racers. It’s a surprisingly peaceful spot to sit and people-watch. I had the turkey dip sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes — it hit the spot without feeling overly heavy. We ended up lingering here longer than expected because it was just so nice to take a breather.

Cozy Cone Motel

This one’s more of a grab-and-go spot, but each cone offers something different, which makes it really fun. I got the bacon mac & cheese in a bread cone and honestly? It was ridiculous in the best way — warm, cheesy, and super filling for something that looks like a novelty. These cones are great if you’re on the move or want to snack while waiting for your Lightning Lane at Radiator Springs.

Pacific Wharf (Soon becoming San Fransokyo Square)

Solid casual options with a chill vibe. Great for a midday recharge.

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill

This place surprised me. I wasn’t expecting much from a quick-service Mexican spot in the park, but the al pastor tacos were flavorful and satisfying — especially for the price. The portion size was generous, and the seating area nearby made it easy to relax in the shade. If you want something filling without committing to a long sit-down meal, this is a solid choice.

Bonus: it’s close to a few other food spots, so everyone in your group can grab what they want and meet back up.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

This one’s a sweet treat stop more than a meal, but it’s totally worth it. We split a rich hot fudge sundae (big enough for two), and they handed us a free chocolate square at the door — a small but magical Disney touch. It can get crowded inside, but the sundaes are indulgent and nostalgic. If you’re overheating or just want a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this is the spot.

Pixar Pier

Busy, bright, and full of snacky options.

Lamplight Lounge

This was one of our favorite dining experiences in the whole park.

We booked a reservation a few weeks in advance and requested patio seating — totally worth it. The view over the water adds a relaxed, upscale feel to the meal. Inside, the theming is all about Pixar with sketches and Easter eggs everywhere. We ordered the lobster nachos (which lived up to the hype), a burger, and a couple of drinks from the craft cocktail menu.

Everything tasted great, and our server was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. If you're looking for a sit-down meal with a view, this is it — just be sure to plan ahead.

Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats

Don’t let the simple setup fool you. This stand punches above its weight. The lemon soft serve is sharp and refreshing — it tastes almost like a frozen lemon bar. We grabbed one while waiting for a Lightning Lane at Incredicoaster and it was the perfect palate cleanser. It’s an easy treat to share and a great stop if you’re melting in the mid-day sun.

Grizzly Peak

Woodsy and quiet, this area is one of my favorites to unwind.

Smokejumpers Grill

This was a classic, no-frills theme park meal — and that’s exactly what we needed at the time. I ordered a cheeseburger with a side of onion rings, and while it wasn’t the most memorable food of the day, it was solid and satisfying.

What really made the experience smoother was using mobile order. We placed the order while walking from Grizzly River Run and it was ready by the time we arrived. We also managed to snag a shaded table near the back patio, which felt like a little escape from the crowds.

If you’re looking for something quick, familiar, and easy to eat outdoors, Smokejumpers delivers.

Final Thoughts

Everyone has different food priorities at a Disney park — some want fine dining, others just need quick fuel. But if you’re strategic, you can eat really well at California Adventure without wasting money or time. Try to plan meals around where you’ll be in the park and don’t be afraid to mobile order ahead.