OoOooOo girl, this is my FAVORITE subject in the WORLD, food at the Disneyland Resort!!! I sware by my mamma that the food at DL is 100x's better than at WDW. If I have time this evening I am even going to include visual supports!
SOOOO, here we go!!!
Breakfast: If you get a chance you MUST do the
breakfast with Chip & Dale at
Storyteller's Cafe in the Grand Californian. You can TASTE & smell the local freshness in all of the fruits & vegtables they use in the buffet. They call it a "Farmer's Market Buffet" for a reason; freshly harvested fruits, freshly baked goodies, all you can eat Mickey waffles, & it just feels like a more "classy" breakfast buffet than ANY other Disney breakfast buffet I've ever dined at. The atmosphere is SO cozy with artisan inspired woodwork, a warm fireplace, and all while you enjoy the company of "Woodsy" friends like Chip, Dale, & characters from Brother Bear. (total 5 star breakfast)
Lunch (quick service locations):
I have three that if you don't try you'll NEVAH' know the wonderful things you're missing:
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French Market Restaurant (DL Park): Probably some of the BEST fried chicken I've had west of the mason dixon line
with a nice salad, al fresco dining, & TOTALLY relaxing entertainment while you dine. It feels like a "full service" dining experience at a counter service location. Also conveniently located next to the VERY refreshing "Mint Julep" counter.
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Pacific Wharf Cafe (DCA): 4 words: WARM SOUP... SOFT Breadbowls!! YUMMY! ALL of the bread bowls are baked FRESH on premesis. (I never miss my broccoli cheese soup in a sour dough bowl)
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Rancho del Zocalo (DL Park): If you're hungry & you like Mexican food, this is the place! TONS of food, tons of menu choices, never had a bad meal here. It's also in a very intricately themed dining area which TOTALLY adds to the experience. Once again, almost FEELS like a "full service" dining experience at a counter service location. A couple GREAT salads here too!
Full Service restaurants, my suggestions would be:
Blue Bayou: We've always done it for dinner but some people prefer lunch b/c it's easier to get in at that time & I THINK it may be cheaper at lunch time (that could have changed). If you've never been to Disneyland you just have to try Blue Bayou at least once! It's really, in my opinion, the quintisential & classic Disneyland dining experience. Where else in a Disney park can you dine virtually inside an attraction!??! AWESOMENESS! MAKE PRIORITY SEATING arrangements! the Monte Cristo is to die for, the pork chop is juicy & I just LOVE those Blue Bayou potatoes.
Goofy's Kitchen (DL Hotel): This is the buffet that is just NOT like your average Disney buffet, seriously. It's food you don't feel bad eating, Lots of interesting & healthy options that don't make you leave feeling like a stuffed pig. I think they may change the offerings often but the last time we were there they had lots more "rustic Californian" dishes, high quality meats (not a lot of visible fat), tons of fresh vegis, & a VERY VERY cool dessert bar. Oh, and you must try a slice of the peanut butter & jelly pizza.
The other great thing about Goofy's Kitchen are the characters! A TOTAL menagerie & there are TONS!! I always feel like they just keep coming, and coming, and coming... it's a blast!
Other full service restaurants I am a fan of;
Ariel's Grotto (DCA),
Vineyard Room (DCA), &
Hook's Pointe (DL hotel)
PS: the chocolate coissants can be found at the Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street. I always ask "to warm it up a bit" & trust me, they are SOOO good a little warm.