James Beard Award Winning Chefs in Disney Springs

Disney Springs is now a must do when visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort. With so many options for shopping and dining, everyone can find something for their style and taste buds. I was very surprised however to find out there are six restaurants within Disney Springs that had the influences of James Beard award winners.

1. Frontera Cocina by Rick Bayless the seven-time winner of the James Beard Award.

This Contemporary Mexican cuisine is thoughtful, fresh, and tasty. Don’t forget to try one of the margaritas or craft cocktails.

2. Chef Art Smith at Homecomin Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine

Chef Art Smith is a two-time James Beard Award Winner and was Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for 10 years. Homecomin’ is a Walt Disney World® Resort restaurant paying homage to Florida’s rich agricultural heritage by highlighting local ingredients and farm-to-table cuisine. “So, come over, sip a handcrafted moonshine cocktail on our back porch and enjoy the bubbling springs backdrop.”

3. Tony Mantuano at Terralina Crafted Italian

This Italian restaurant inspired by Lake Como opened at the end of June 2018. A wood-burning oven offers artisan hand-tossed pizzas and fresh vegetable dishes along the shores of Lake Buena Vista. Mantuano and executive chef Justin Plank worked to create a menu that offers old favorites along with more modern Italian fare, from lasagna to house made porchetta.

4. Wolfgang Puck at Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill opens later in 2018

A new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

5. Jaleo by Jose Andres

Jose brings the spirit and flavors of Spain to the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The new Disney Springs location will be José’s biggest and most spectacular Jaleo yet, housed in a dynamic, multi-level space. Jaleo at Disney Springs will feature an extensive menu of tapas reflecting the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Highlights will include a variety of authentic paellas cooked over a wood fire, Spanish specialties such as hand-carved Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and wood-grilled Ibérico pork, as well as signature dishes such as Gambas al ajillo, shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili, and Croquetas de Pollo, classic Spanish chicken fritters.

6. Masaharu Morimoto at Morimoto Asia

Iron chef Masaharu Morimoto’s hip, cavernous venue gets raves for its edgy pan-Asian menu. With everything from pristine sushi to noodle bowls, this eatery gives families something for everyone. Morimoto Asia offers an entirely new experience for guests, led by the creativity of Chef Morimoto, already one of the most inventive forces in Asian cuisine. This culinary destination includes unique exhibition kitchens that showcase traditions like Peking duck carving and dim sum. Morimoto Asia’s eye-catching, 36-foot tall, two-story layout includes lounges, private dining spaces, and an exhibition glass encased kitchen that allows guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the culinary action. The second-level sushi bar and lounge have a separate entrance.