Flying Fish Cafe is located on Disney’s BoardWalk. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for the modest entranceway because it’s tucked in beside Seashore Sweets, nearly hidden from view.
Flying Fish Cafe was named after the famous Coney Island rollercoaster called “The Flying Turns” whose cars were decorated with images of flying fish. The interior décor and menu bring to mind the whimsical spirit of carefree days-gone-by, and dining here will make you feel just like you’re sitting on the sea shore enjoying the catch of the day.
Despite it’s upbeat vibe and casual-sounding name, don’t be fooled – this is one of the more exclusive (and expensive) restaurants in Walt Disney World! In addition to the regular dining experience, Flying Fish Cafe also offers the popular Dine With an Imagineer package and a special Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner – both only available for guests 10 and older (no wine for those under 21 of course!). Children aren’t prohibited, but this is the type of place you might want to save for older families or an adults-only trip.
Flying Fish Cafe
Photo by wbeem
Decor
From the outside, Flying Fish Cafe doesn’t look like much – just an extension of the white-washed wood plank walls and colorful striped awnings located all along Disney’s BoardWalk. The simple blue sign has a subtle background of fish scales with flying fish poking out here and there, and features gold lettering. By night, the signs really comes alive with neon orange and blue enhancements.
Stepping into the restaurant, you’ll encounter one of the most beautiful and elegantly themed restaurants in Walt Disney World. Blue, red, and gold dominate the color palette of the room, with accents of wood and extraordinary lighting features, including an amazing back-lit Ferris Wheel. Attention to detail is a floor to ceiling effort here, with artistic murals, magical lighting, carnival-inspired touches like fun house mirrors and coaster tracks, and of course, decorative fish.
The Flying Fish Cafe also features an exciting onstage kitchen where diners can watch and interact with chefs as they masterfully prepare meals with the freshest ingredients.
Inside
Photo by rharkness
Hours and Location
Flying Fish Cafe is open for dinner only. Service is 5:30-10:00pm Sunday – Thursday and 5:30-10:30pm Friday-Saturday. Seating for the Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner are at 5:45pm and 8:15pm Sunday-Thursday.
It is located at Disney’s BoardWalk, within walking distance from EPCOT and Disney Hollywood Studios, as well as The BoardWalk Inn, The Yacht Club Resort, The Beach Club Resort, and The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
Dad’s Disney BoardWalk page
Menu
The menu at Flying Fish Cafe focuses on seafood (no kidding, Dad), but they also have some vegetarian and meat options. It’s a little fancier than Dad’s used to, but features some very creative dishes! Below you’ll find a sampling of what is offered…
Appetizers
Signature Flying Fish Cafe “Crispy Maine Coast Jonah Crab Cake” – with Vegetable Slaw and Ancho Chile Rémoulade
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and Crispy Tempura Tuna-Vegetable Sushi Roll – with Wasabi Foam, and a Sweet-and-Spicy Sauce
Crispy Sesame and Togarashi-scented Calamari – with Asian Dipping Sauce
Artisinal Soup and Salads
Soup of the Day: Creamy New England Style Clam Chowder – with cedar creek clams and smoky bacon leek beignets
Fresh Mozzarella di Bufala – with Florida Yellow Beefsteak, Heirloom and Tiny grape Tomatoes
EPCOT Land Pavilion Bibb and Aruba Red Oak Salad – with EPCOT cucumbers, seasonal veggies pomegranates, and Uncle Matt’s tangerine and white balsamico Vinaigrette
Entrees
Oak-grilled Maine Diver Scallops – served on risotto di carnaroli
Our Signature Flying Fish Café “Potato-wrapped Red Snapper” – served with a Veal Glace, Red Wine, and Cassis Butter reduction
Our Signature Flying Fish Café “Char-crusted Certified Black Angus New York Strip Steak” – served with an applewood-smoked bacon mustard seed vinaigrette and Classic Sauce Foyot
Seasonal Sides
Leek, Fontina and Truffle-laced Trofie Pasta Mac n Cheese
Wilted Garlic and Lemon-scented Young Spinach
Aged Gruyere and Parmigiano Potato Gratin
Desserts
Signature Flying Fish Café Caramelized Banana Napoleon – with banana mousse and creme caramel
“Our Chef’s No Sugar Added Specialty” Walnut-crusted Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake – with whipped vanilla panna cotta
Red Spiced Anjou Pear Upside Down Cake – candied ginger ice cream
Strawberry Dessert
Photo by Anthonut
Kids
All kids’ meals are for guests 9 and under
All meals served with choice of 1% milk, small bottled water, or apple juice
Appetizer
Romaine Hearts or Seasonal Fruit Skewer
Entrees
Grilled Beef Skewers, Baked Florida Coast Fish Sticks, Grilled Chicken Breast Skewers, Grilled Cheddar Cheese, Bowl of Mickey Pasta with a choice of sauces
Dessert
Sorcerer Mickey’s Milk Chocolate Cauldron or – Mickey’s Chocolate Puzzle
Prices
Flying Fish Cafe is a Signature Dining location, which means that it’s one of the pricier places to eat at Walt Disney World. Expect to spend $36-60 per person, or to use 2 credits per person on the Disney Dining Plan.
The Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner includes a 4-course prix fixe menu that includes wine pairings for $149 plus tax – groups of up to 6 can be accommodated.
Dine With an Imagineer costs $60.99 per person plus tax and tip, and includes a 4-course menu. You’ll share your experience with up to 10 other diners (unless you have a party of 10, in which case you’ll have the Imagineer all to yourself!).
Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made 180 days in advance. Reservations are required for both the Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner and Dine With an Imagineer.
Fun Facts
Here are a few fun facts about the restaurant.
- If you look around the restaurant, you’ll see a school of fish, a ferris wheel, big fish tails, fish hooks, a carousel, spinning swings, parachutes, and a roller coaster.
- The only other location for Dine With and Imagineer in Walt Disney World is at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney Hollywood Studios.
- Chef Tim Keating is a repeat James Beard Foundation finalist.
Signature Dining
This restaurant is a Signature Dining Experience. Signature dining may be one of the best kept secrets at Walt Disney World – you rarely hear it mentioned alongside fan-favorites like Le Cellier but the décor, service, and – most importantly – food, rank alongside the best offerings you’ll find in the parks or resorts.
Dad’s Bottom Line
If you’re a seafood-lover and are looking to treat yourself to a fine dining experience while at Walt Disney World, you can’t do much better than this ambient, gourmet destination.
