I feel like we’ve hit the jackpot with the food at Disney California Adventure. The food is spectacular and I regularly crave more than one item there. Again, there is still SO much I haven’t gotten to eat but what I have eaten is to die for.
Here are my favorite dishes in order of type of meal:
BREAKFAST
1. Brioche French Toast – Flo’s V8 Café
This french toast is the most wonderful delightful treat ever. It’s drizzled with salted caramel sauce and served with a banana. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love eating something that tastes more like dessert for breakfast.
2. Make Mine Mocha Smoothie – Schmoozies
For those not in the mood for a big hearty breakfast, Schmoozies is a GREAT place to stop for an early bite. They open at 9am which is much earlier than most other dining options in Cali Adventure and offer an array of smoothie choices (including a special seasonal flavor). I love the Make Mine Mocha Schmoozie because it is make with espresso beans! Not only is it tasty but it’s also a nice alternative to my morning coffee.
3. Chicken Tamale Breakfast – Flo’s V8 Café
For those who like a more savory breakfast, this is amazing. The chicken tamale is served with scrambled eggs and homemade pico de gallo. Yummmm.
LUNCH / DINNER
For me, these two meals are interchangeable at California Adventure.
1. Lobster Nachos – Lamplight Lounge
This is singlehandedly the one item I make everyone eat when they come to California Adventure for the first time. It is the only thing I’ll actually wait in line for at all of Disneyland. It was the staple item on the old Cove Bar menu and we’re thrilled that Disney brought it back when they launched the Lamplight Lounge in July.
2. Italian Chef Salad – Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
Sometimes (not often) I’m craving something on the “healthier” side. I recently discovered this salad over at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and it hit the spot. Ingredients include salami, capocollo, mozzarella, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes; with a red wine vinaigrette dressing. I ordered mine with the dressing on the side (otherwise they give you the pre-tossed salad that’s been sitting out). It was sooo satisfying. I highly recommend.
SNACKS / DRINKS
1. Red’s Apple Freeze – Cozy Cone Motel
I love this drink so much, especially on a hot day. It’s basically a frozen apple juice but they add a lovely flavored froth on top and it’s simply the most refreshing drink I’ve had at the parks.
2. Mickey Pretzel filled with Cream Cheese – Bayside Brews
We all love the classic Mickey Pretzels, but the pretzel cart over by Silly Symphony Swings gives our beloved classic a wonderful little twist. Over here you can get a Mickey Pretzel that is filled with cream cheese. It’s just the right about of sweet and savory.
3. Pear Martini – Carthay Circle
California Adventure has no shortage of alcoholic beverage options but of everything I’ve tried my favorite is by far the pear martini at Carthay Circle. If you don’t want to eat a full meal here you can grab the drink in the lounge. It comes with an Asian pear in it. I always save this for last.
4. Trio of Tenderloin Sliders – Alfresco Tasting Terrace
These sliders are very high-end sliders. The beef tenderloin melts in your mouth and the flavors from the horseradish-caramelized onion aioli burst in your mouth. An insider’s tip is to also ask for a side of pepperoncini aioli. It adds a nice touch of kick to the sliders!
