Dining at California Adventure: A Complete Food Guide (2024)

We’re covering everything you need to know about the food available throughout Disney California Adventure Park.

If there’s one thing you’ll find at Disney California Adventure Park outside of thrills and characters, it’s delicious food. Home to Disneyland Resort’s annual Food and Wine Festival, California Adventure is a dining destination that offers an array of restaurants you’ll want to try more than once –and there’s so much variety! If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve got your guide to all of the food at California Adventure, from restaurants to snack carts and everything in between.

Quick Service Dining at California Adventure
Table Service Restaurants at California Adventure
Snack Carts and Other Dining Options
Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Service Dining at Disney California Adventure Park

If you’re looking for a tasty meal that doesn’t require an advance dining reservation (ADR), the quick service restaurants at California Adventure are the perfect choice. These convenient dining spots make it easy to walk in, grab a meal, and get back to the attractions and entertainment.

Buena Vista Street

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe: Step inside this quick service restaurant and coffee shop when you need a grab-and-go bite or your favorite Starbucks drink. You’ll find a selection of different items –like pastries, sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit –to enjoy either as a meal or a quick bite. And with a menu of all the Starbucks beverages you know and love, it’s an ideal spot for your rope drop coffee. Just note that mobile order isn’t available here, so you will have to wait!

Hollywood Land

Award Wieners: Hot dogs are anything but typical and boring at this satisfying stand! Here, you’ll find an all-star selection of gourmet, street-style hot dogs and sides, like the Pastrami Pretzel Dog, Uptown Chili Dog, and Asada Fries. There’s even a plant-based option available that tastes like a hot dog turned Philly cheesesteak.

Grizzly Peak

Smokejumpers Grill: Named for California’s heroic firefighters who protect forests throughout the state, this quick service restaurant will make you feel like you’re stepping into the High Sierras, surrounded by towering pines. The menu is casual yet full of satisfying sandwiches and salads.

Paradise Gardens

Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta: This isn’t your average Italian quick service restaurant –it’s a twist on classic pizza and pasta dishes, giving you some exciting options. You can choose from an array of individual pizza slices, plates of saucy pastas, salads (both entree-sized and side-sized), and drinks. You’ll have to see and taste some of the dishes to believe it, like the French Onion Dip Pizza that’s as good as the sandwich that inspired it.
Corn Dog Castle: If it’s a simple corn dog you’re searching for, head to this quick service stand! You can choose between a basic corn dog or something with more flavor, including a Hot-Link Corn Dog, or a hearty breakfast version featuring sausage, egg, and raspberry jelly.
Paradise Garden Grill: With plenty of variety and a whole lot of flavor, this quick service restaurant offers something for everyone (including picky eaters). Chicken tenders, loaded French fries, and burritos are all on the menu. But it’s worth noting that the menu changes regularly, and you’ll often find seasonal or festival-inspired picks appear throughout the year.

Pacific Wharf and San Fransokyo Square

Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill: If you’ve seen the saucy and cheesy QuesaBirria on your Instagram feed, this is where it’s from! Featuring a menu of Mexican-inspired dishes that includes street tacos, pinto beans, and margaritas, everything here is full of flavor. Plus, thanks to the introduction of San Fransokyo Square, you’ll find plenty of fresh new items to try here.
Lucky Fortune Cookery: With a menu highlighting flavorful Asian cuisine, you’ll have the chance to try traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients. From classic teriyaki chicken to veggie-ful Yaki Udon to a can’t-miss beef bulgogi burrito, it’s all exciting and prepared fast. A staple since the park’s opening, this quick service spot got a refresh with the changeover to San Fransokyo Square –so now, you’ll find Big Hero 6 inspired items on the menu, too!
Pacific Wharf Café: This peaceful waterside spot offers a San Francisco favorite right inside California Adventure. Here, you’ll find Boudin sourdough bread along with the company’s famed bread bowls. You can enjoy a classic bowl of clam chowder served inside a bread bowl, or opt for lighter fare like fresh salads. (Note: This location is changing with the upcoming opening of San Fransokyo Square, but the Boudin bread will stick around!)

Cars Land

Cozy Cone Motel: Stop by these vibrantly-hued oversized traffic cones, and you’ll have not just one restaurant to choose from, but five! Here, you’ll find a whole meal available to mix and match; just order whatever interests you from each Cozy Cone Motel stand, including churros, ice cream, Chili “Cone” Queso, chimichangas, or popcorn.
Flo’s V8 Cafe: Inspired by both Route 66 and the Cars film franchise, this is one of the most popular quick service restaurants in California Adventure. Here, you’ll find classic diner food that’s nostalgic, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. From the Ka-Cheeseburger to Flo’s Famous Fried Chicken to the meat-free Impossible Burger, it’s reasonably priced and offers satisfying portion sizes.

Avengers Campus

Pym Tasting Lab: This Avengers themed dining spot offers bar service as well as quick service dining (and mobile order is also available for on-the-go food and drinks). Everything here is inspired by Pym Technologies and their revolutionary Pum Particles, resulting in some seriously fun menu items that are both gigantic and teeny-tiny.
Shawarma Palace: Grab one of the handheld savory wraps from this quick service spot themed after Iron Man’s love of shawarma when hunger strikes. Open for breakfast as well as all day, you can opt for everything from a falafel wrap to chicken shawarma to a breakfast “Sha-warm-up.”

Table Service Restaurants at Disney California Adventure Park

At California Adventure Park, you’ll find quite a variety of different table service dining options. From hearty Italian food to fresh, modern California fare to creative animation-inspired meals, the restaurants here truly offer a spectrum of options for different tastes. ADRs for each can be tricky to get, with most of these table service spots filling up quickly thanks to their high demand –and popularity with locals.

Buena Vista Street

Carthay Circle Restaurant: This elegant and elevated table service restaurant offers a modern and seasonal menu that changes depending on the time of year you’re dining. With a menu designed to highlight Southern California cuisine, the Art Deco-inspired restaurant is a truly special experience. When you step inside the dining room, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time –and Disney history buffs will love all of the references to Walt Disney and his first feature-length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Carthay Circle Lounge: Instead of dining upstairs in the formal dining rooms, you can grab a lighter meal and still enjoy the old Hollywood ambiance of Carthay Circle at this alfresco lounge. You’ll feel like you’re dining at a streetside restaurant, and you’ll love the menu of co*cktails, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages paired with Mediterranean-inspired bites. Here’s a handy tip: Reservations can be tough to get, so check to see if there are openings throughout the day in person and in the Disneyland app.

Pacific Wharf and San Fransokyo Square

Magic Key Terrace: Available only for Magic Key holders, this beautiful upstairs lounge offers an exclusive menu of small plates and entrees meant for sharing –and you definitely don’t want to overlook the drink menu! Sitting just above the Golden Vine Winery, the terrace offers some signature co*cktails, mocktails, and flavors inspired by California cuisine.
Wine Country Trattoria: This popular table service spot is one of California Adventure’s finest, and it’s a great place to celebrate both Mediterranean fare and the wines of Napa Valley. You’ll dine in an outdoor garden setting, making you feel like your meal is being served in a Tuscan villa. On the menu, you’ll find classic Italian dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, fettuccine shrimp Alfredo, and roasted vegetable lasagna. And those 21 and older won’t want to miss the wine list, which offers more than 25 different options by the glass.

Pixar Pier

Lamplight Lounge: Step into a Pixar artist’s world and dine in the midst of a creative, vibrant setting surrounded by animation at every turn. This waterside restaurant is an experience from start to finish, featuring incredible views of Paradise Bay as well as drawings, props, and homages to Pixar’s many films from floor to ceiling. But it’s more than just incredible ambiance; the menu is full of creative and film-inspired options, including decadent burgers, piled-high nachos, and astounding co*cktails and mocktails. My favorite time of day to nab a table is brunch –the special weekend menu is hard to beat!
Lamplight Lounge –Boardwalk Dining: Can’t get a reservation or walk-up spot for Lamplight Lounge? Try the restaurant’s outdoor alternative! Located right on the pier, you’ll still enjoy waterfront views (and a chance to watch the Incredicoaster launch its riders) and a menu of creative co*cktails and tasty food. This offshoot of the main restaurant offers a smaller menu focused on gastropub-style appetizers and small plates, and it’s only available for walk-up Guests.

Snack Carts and Other Dining Options

While you can find the usual popcorn, churro, pretzel, ice cream, and other snack carts sprinkled throughout California Adventure, this theme park offers a surprisingly large variety of snacking options. It’s home to more drink stands and snack selections than Disneyland Park across the esplanade, notably because California Adventure serves alcoholic beverages. The park’s California theming also lends itself to a number of spots designed solely for trying California beers and wine.

Here’s a look at the different snack carts, drink spots, and food stands located in California Adventure, organized by the land in which they’re located.

Buena Vista Street

Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream: When you’re in the mood for some cold, sweet ice cream, this indoor spot is the perfect place to grab a scoop, a sundae, or another treat. While you can choose ice cream by the scoop in a cup or waffle cone, the sundaes are particularly special –you’ll find creative seasonal options that change regularly, like a PB&J Banana Split or the Magic Key exclusive Chocolate Brownie Sundae.

Hollywood Land

Fairfax Market: If you’re searching for a healthy snack to satisfy your hunger, head to Fairfax Market. Inspired by the famed Original Farmer’s Market on Fairfax, this stand offers options like trail mix, veggie cups, hummus, pickle spears, coconut water, and more to grab and enjoy on the go.
Hollywood Lounge: Grab a drink from this Tinsel Town-themed spot, and take a break from hopping from attraction to attraction. The menu includes a lengthy list of seasonal alcoholic beverages as well as nonalcoholic specialties like punches.
Schmoozies!: Cool down and fuel up with a deliciously convenient fruit smoothie from this stand in Hollywood Land. You can keep it light and fruity, with options like Mango Madness or Strawberry Banana Sensation, or you can go all inn with seasonally-inspired specialty shakes filled with ice cream, candy bar pieces, cookies, and more.
Studio Catering Co.: Step up to this food truck, and you’ll be able to grab a quick seasonal snack or a refreshing drink to sip in no time. With theming that makes you feel like you’re on a true Hollywood backlot, this snack spot is only open during select hours –but when it’s available, it’s a great off-the-beaten-path place to find surprising selections like colorful shakes, pretzels, and limited-time offerings.

Paradise Gardens

Bayside Brews: Whether you’re craving a Mickey-shaped pretzel or a cold beer, this stand is a great place to take a refreshment break. You’ll find three different pretzel varieties on the menu, as well as a variety of beers, hard ciders, and even a margarita.

Pacific Wharf and San Fransokyo Square

Cappuccino Cart: If you need some caffeine to get through your packed theme park day, head to this conveniently located cart at the intersection of Pacific Wharf and Pixar Pier. My personal favorite place to grab a cold brew, you can place a mobile order in advance and have your coffee ready for you in a moment. Do be warned, though, that the line gets particularly long around brunch hours.
Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop: Chocolate enthusiasts and anyone with a sweet tooth, you’re going to want to stop by this dessert shop! Featuring a menu filled with indulgent ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes, and hot drinks, you can turn your afternoon snack into one decadent treat topped off with Ghiradelli’s very own chocolates.
Mendocino Terrace: California is known for its wines, and California Adventure certainly pays homage to this with plenty of opportunities to give the state’s varietals a try. One of the best places to do so is Mendocino Terrace, a tucked-away lounge that offers a long list of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines by the glass. You’ll also find bottled beer and cider, as well as water and soda, on the menu.
Port of San Fransokyo Cerveceria: Grab a chilled beer from this compact brewery serving up selections from Karl Strauss. You’ll find a variety of different beer options, from Japanese rice lager to light blonde brews to extra-hoppy IPAs.
Rita’s Turbine Blenders: This San Fransokyo Square addition offers up a number of frozen margaritas with fruity flavor choices, along with a specially-flavored biscuit stick for each. But you’ll also find nonalcoholic Turbine Twirlers on the menu, with sweet peach gummy rings to chew while you sip.
Sonoma Terrace: With a shady outdoor terrace that offers plenty of places to sit back and relax, a menu of small bites and chilled beverages, and affordable pricing, Sonoma Terrace is a great place to grab a drink or snack. On the menu, you’ll find a mix of co*cktail, wine, and beer choices along with pretzels (and during festivals, some fun seasonal treats).

Cars Land

Fillmore’s Taste-In: This psychedelic service station inspired by Cars is boldly colorful and filled with different snack-ready options. From bottled beverages to fresh fruit and veggies to packaged bites, it’s a convenient place to check out the incredible attention to detail in this land and have a healthy snack.

Pixar Pier

Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats: When you’re in need of something cool and sweet, stop by this ice cream stand. Serving up a limited menu of frozen soft-serve treats, you’ll definitely want to try the popular It’s Snow-Capped Lemon!, nondairy lemon soft-serve covered with white chocolate.
Angry Dogs: This Inside Out inspired hot dog stand might only offer two bites –the spicy Angry Dog and the not-so-spicy Slightly Annoyed Dog –but it’s affordable, convenient, and perfect for those who want something satisfying yet not an entire meal.
Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums: If you’re craving a delicious cookie, the options at this snack stand are truly Incredible! You can find both warm chocolate chip and shortbread cookies here, along with a gluten-friendly jam-filled cookie and a few different varieties of milk.
Poultry Palace: Searching for one of those famous Disney turkey legs? You’ll find them here in the middle of Pixar Pier! In addition to turkey legs, this snack spot also offers chicken drumsticks, corn on the cob, and an assortment of drinks.
Señor Buzz Churros: Grab a churro with a little Spanish (and Toy Story-inspired) flair from this convenient booth. Each of the churro varieties available are themed after Buzz himself, and you can choose between the spicy Caliente and the Cinnamon Super Galaxy flavors.

Avengers Campus

Terran Treats: Located just outside Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, this snack cart is themed around The Collector and his sweet intergalactic eats. Here, you’ll find out-of-this-world options like Sweet Spiral Rations, Cosmic Cream Orbs, and limited-time seasonal offerings that change throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Food and Dining at California Adventure

Is the food better at California Adventure or Disneyland?

This really depends on your own personal preferences and tastes, as each theme park offers its own restaurants and food options. However, if you’re a foodie –or someone who particularly enjoys tasting wine and beer varieties –California Adventure is a treat! This particular park offers more adventurous food options, a broader variety of cuisines, and the annual Food and Wine Festival that highlights California cuisine with delectable small bites.

Is outside food allowed inside California Adventure?

Yes, you can absolutely bring in outside food and nonalcoholic beverages when visiting California Adventure! Just make sure your food meets Disneyland Resort’s requirements –the food and drinks cannot be in glass containers, require heating, reheating, processing, or refrigeration, and have pungent odors.

For more information on food and restaurants at Disneyland Resort, keep reading:

Dining at Disneyland Park: A Complete Food Guide