Located on Discovery Island, Tiffins is tucked behind the Pizzafari counter-service restaurant, on a walking path to the new land of Pandora. Inside, Tiffins is divided into three relatively small, quiet dining rooms: The Grand Gallery, the Safari Gallery, and the Trek Gallery, plus the Nomad Lounge bar. A wraparound porch, located behind the dining rooms, offers great outdoor seating.
The decor is said to be inspired by the travel adventures of the Imagineers who built the Animal Kingdom. You’ll see artifacts from Asia and Africa lining the walls of one room, and giant butterflies in another.
The main dining room’s centerpiece is carved-wood sculptures and a wall with lanterns inspired by the Rivers of Light show. The backdrop of the lantern wall is made out of Animal Kingdom cast member costumes.
The carved-wood sculptures once stood in the Camp Minnie-Mickey section of the park. They’ve been stripped of their bright colors and given a new home at Tiffins. Yet with all of these decorations, Tiffins still feels quiet and restrained.
The standout appetizers are the Marinated Grilled Octopus and the Black-eyed Pea Fritters. If you like soup, try the Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup, poured tableside.
For mains, try the Whole-fried Sustainable Fish or the Wagyu Strip Loin and Braised Short Rib served with Rainbow Carrot, Roasted Peruvian Potatoes, and Chimichurri. Another great dish is the Pan-seared Duck Breast with Leg Confit, Forest Mushrooms, Parsnip Purée, Truffle Reduction, and Huckleberry Compote.
For dessert, the lime cheesecake or passionfruit tapioca are tasty. Our favorite, however, was the Calamansi Mousse served with Mango Lava and Swiss Meringue.
If you love dark chocolate, try the South American Chocolate Ganache served with Caramelized Banana and Cocoa Nib Tuile.
Tiffins is one of the best restaurants in Walt Disney World and would be right at home in any of Disney’s deluxe resorts. As a signature restaurant, Tiffins’ prices are higher than the other sit-down options in the park. However, the quality supports the prices, which are in line with what we’re paying for comparable quality, service, and setting in our hometowns. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours before seeing the Animal Kingdom’s nighttime entertainment, this is the place to do it.
For details on all of Animal Kingdom’s dining options, check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa. If you enjoyed this post, sign up for our newsletter here.
