Dining At Epcot's Spice Road Table

Summertime in Central Florida is a perfect time to hit the theme parks for some sun, fun, and great food. Epcot is my favorite Disney Park for a few reasons, but mainly because of the food and beverage offerings around the park's World Showcase. From spot-on fish and chips, to grilled burgers, tacos, sausages, gelato, and everything in between, Epcot's culinary offerings typically far exceed the standard theme park fare.

A new addition to the World Showcase culinary lineup is Spice Road Table, inspired by outdoor cafés from the Moroccan seaside. It features a wide selection of Mediterranean-based small plates as well as a full meal for lunch or dinner.

When you enter the space, you are greeted by a gorgeous, blue-hued reception area that leads into the full bar. Guests can order one of the specialty cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks right there and continue exploring the park, but sitting down for lunch or dinner is really the way to go. Large picture windows let plenty of natural light into the interior, but ask to be seated outside, as the seating area overlooks the World Showcase Lagoon, providing al fresco dining with a shaded roof to keep out the intense Florida sun. During the evening, this restaurant provides one of the best views of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, which is Epcot's light show on the water. 

The menu offers a variety of a la carte items, such as the standard hummus with imported olives, rice stuffed grape leaves, and mussels tagine, as well as more interesting dishes including Moroccan merguez sausage, and salt cod croquettes. Unable to select just one or two of these plates, I opted for one of the restaurant's sample platters, comprised of tasting-sized portions of the mussels tagine, salted cod croquettes, and fried calamari. My wife ordered a similar tasting, but all vegetarian, and for the most part all very good.

 I also love the kids menu here, as it's presented in a familiar way, but stays true to the restaurant's ethnic inspiration.  For instance, the kid's chicken meal includes skewered chicken tenderloin grilled with a light satay coating, French fries, and hummus with carrot sticks. And, in addition to the savory dishes on the main menu, there is also a small selection of dessert—the saffron and lemon custard was our favorite—and a nice list of Mediterranean beers, wines, and specialty cocktails are available.