Hi Michelle! Welcome to planDisney.
Oh boy, do we love to talk about food here at planDisney. There's so much magic to a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, and food, drinks, and snacks are a huge part of it! My family just got back from our own Disney vacation, and we spent a lot of time eating at EPCOT, so I'm happy to share some thoughts for your friend and his family.
I often choose vegetarian dishes and have done Disney with vegetarian friends, and one of my biggest tips is to always ask your server if there are any additional vegetarian options. You can even ask to speak with the chef! We have had Cast Members go out of their way to share their favorite vegetarian options or modifications to meals and snacks to make them vegetarian or vegan. (Pro tip: my favorite Disney World treat, the DOLE Whip, is vegan!)
My family makes a reservation at
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in the Italy Pavilion every time we visit the Walt Disney World Resort. Their pizza is the best I've had anywhere. It's easy to order meatless pizzas here, and they have a great snack selection.
La Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion is another great option. They have amazing margaritas and don't miss the Queso Fundido - just order without the chorizo. The last time I ate there I had vegetable enchiladas from the vegetarian menu and they were fantastic.
If your friends are looking for character dining, they won't want to miss
Garden Grill Restaurant. I would advise them to take a look at the menu first; this meal is like a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the fixings, and I believe the vegetarian modification is a veggie loaf. The dessert Strawbery Shortcake is delicious! A fun feature of this restaurant is that it slowly revolves and Guests are treated to views of
Living With the Land, which showcases EPCOT's greenhouses. That might be extra fun for vegetarians - my Mousketeers love seeing the innovative farming techniques and getting a glimpse of where their food is grown.
If they eat fish, Coral Reef or Teppan Edo are both good options with fun environments. Biergarten Restaurant has really fun Oktoberfest-style entertainment, but I didn't eat much when we went there. They do have some plant-based meat and I think I ate four helpings of the Nudel Gratin.
I know you're asking for Table Service options, but I have to share that
Spice Road Table in Morocco has shade, a beautiful view, and some of the best food (vegetarian or otherwise) at Walt Disney World. The Hummus Fries are delicious, and there are lots of small plate options.
Since their visit is coming up very soon, it might be challenging to get
dining reservations, but please encourage them to keep checking the My Disney Experience mobile app for availability.
One last tip: if your friends arrive on or after July 15, the
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival should be on their list! There are plenty of vegetarian options at the booths and it's so much fun to eat and drink "around the world."
Wishing your friends a magical vacation,
Robyn