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  • Writer's pictureChrissa Karnes

Exploring Coral Reef Restaurant in Disney World: A Dive into Oceanic Delights

Updated: May 25



Are you planning a trip to EPCOT and looking for an unforgettable dining experience? The Coral Reef Restaurant is a casual in-park table service restaurant open for both lunch and dinner and I am thrilled to share our incredible dining experience at the Coral Reef Restaurant in Epcot, Disney World.


Table of Contents


Where is the Coral Reef Restaurant located in EPCOT?


The Coral Reef Restaurant is nestled in the heart of EPCOT's World Nature area right across the way from the brand new Journey of Water area.


Finding it might be a bit tricky since the entrance is tucked away to the right of the Nemo ride entrance. It is connected to The Seas building with Nemo & Friends.


Entrance of the restaurant with a check in desk in front under a green umbrella
Entrance to the Coral Reef facing the Journey of Water in Epcot

Do you need a reservation for Coral Reef Restaurant?


Reservations are not required but highly recommended, especially if you want to make sure you can dine on a specific day. Also, Epcot park tickets are required to eat at this restaurant.


The Coral Reef Restaurant is relatively easier to book, even at short notice. So, it's a great choice for a last-minute dining experience.


How much does it cost to dine at the Coral Reef Restaurant?


Appetizers range from $11 to $18, while entrees are priced between $29 and $36. If you are an annual pass holder, don't forget to utilize your annual pass of 10% off.


The Coral Reef Restaurant is a part of the Disney Dining Plan and costs one table service meal points per person.


What to expect when dining at the Coral Reef Restaurant?


The Coral Reef Restaurant is connected to one of the largest man-made ocean environments on the planet - the Seas. The Seas is the second largest only after the Georgia Aquarium in the US and hosts over 2,000 sea creatures. This creates a mesmerizing backdrop for your dining experience.


hallway with a check in desk to the left and lights in the shape of jellyfish
Entrance for Coral Reef Restaurant

The Coral Reef has a theater style tiered seating that ensures every guest has an unobstructed view of the living coral reef. While you're dining you can see sharks, sea turtles, and rays gracefully navigate their aquatic home, which creates an ever changing scene.

Coral Reef main dining room with three ceiling to floor aquarium walls
Main dining area of the Coral Reef

While waiting for your meal, be sure to scan the menu's QR code to access the “Coral Reef Restaurant Spotting Guide.” This delightful guide is filled with intriguing information about the aquarium’s inhabitants and is a great way to pass the time.


QR code of the spotting guide located at the bottom of the restaurant menu.
The QR Code for the Spottng Guide

What is the type of cuisine served at the Coral Reef Restaurant?


The menu at The Coral Reef Restaurant focuses on ocean-fresh seafood, with a variety of options to cater to different tastes. From Prime Rib and Harissa Chicken to Mushroom Ravioli for plant-based enthusiasts, there's something for everyone. Each meal starts with complimentary bread served with salted butter.


Click here to see the current menu.


We began our meal with the Seafood Artichoke Dip, which is a delicious blend of fresh seafood, vibrant spinach, and tender artichokes. It has a creamy texture, and is very rich in flavor which left us wanting more!

A small bowl of spinach and artichoke dip topped with bread crumbs next to a couple pieces of toasted bread
The Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Along with the Seafood Artichoke Dip, we also enjoyed the New England Clam Chowder, with its delightful blend of baby clams, applewood-smoked bacon, and perfectly cooked potatoes which provided a warm and comforting mix of flavors.


a bowl of clam creamy clam chowder topped with bacon bits
The New England Clam Chowder

For our main course, we indulged in the popular Grilled Mahi Mahi which is served over fragrant garlic jasmine rice and a street corn-style salad. The dish was brought together with a cilantro-lime crema.

A grilled Mahi Mahi topped with street corn on top of jasmine rice and a creamy sauce
The Grilled Mahi Mahi

However, stealing the show was the Seared Verlasso Salmon which was a recommendation from our waitress. The salmon which was perfectly seared and accompanied by earthy roasted parsnip, piquillo pepper, and bacon. The dish was served on top of a bright lemon beurre blanc, and was SO DELICIOUS! It is definitely my top pick off of the menu.

Salmon topped with crispy parsnips on a dark gray plate.
Seared Verlasso Salmon

Even though the Coral Reef is renowned for its Chocolate Wave dessert, our server recommended the Baileys Almande and Jack Daniel’s Mousse. This dessert is exclusive to the Coral Reef and features a rich chocolate ganache mousse, topped with candied almonds and served with raspberries. It was the perfect ending to our meal and was absolutely delicious!

Rectangular chocolate mousse with almonds on top, drizzled with chocolate, and accompanied by three raspberries on a white plate.
Baileys Almande and Jack Daniel’s Mousse

Is The Coral Reef kid-friendly?


Definitely! Your kids will be enthralled with the aquarium, and getting to see all of the sea creatures up close. There are plenty of sharks, sea turtles, and sting rays to keep them occupied while you dine.


Tips & Tricks:

  • If you're planning to visit Coral Reef, remember that reservations are essential for all in-park Disney table service restaurants. Also, a theme park reservation and valid admission are required, so plan accordingly.

  • The Coral Reef Restaurant is relatively easier to book, even at short notice, making it a fantastic last-minute choice for those craving a memorable dining experience.

  • As for your order, I highly recommend starting with the Seafood Artichoke Dip and indulging in the Seared Verlasso Salmon for the main course – two dishes that won't disappoint.

  • If you are an annual pass holder, don't forget to utilize your dining discount, which gives you 10% off the non-discounted price of food and non-alcoholic beverages during all meal periods.

  • The Coral Reef is on the Disney Dining Plan and costs one table service point per person.




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