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Read my Review of Lamplight Lounge
Unlike Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort does not have a massive variety of table service restaurants. But the restaurants they do have are fairly popular, and some even have a cult-like following! After spending a ton of time examining menus, we all agreed that we wanted to try the Lamplight Lounge. Inspired by Pixar, of which we are big fans, this location offers lunch and dinner daily, with a brunch added on weekends. Guests can make reservations 60 days in advance. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Hours/Offerings/Cuisine
The Lamplight Lounge is located, appropriately, on Pixar Pier. You will need valid park admission and a park reservation in order to eat here, IN ADDITION to your dining reservation. Dine on a menu full of American cuisine, including vegetarian and plant-based options. Lunch is served 11:30-4:00 Monday through Friday, with Dinner being served from 4:00 until 8:30. Saturday and Sunday, start off with Brunch from 9:00 to 1:00, followed by Lunch from 2:00 to 4:00, and Dinner from 4:00 to 8:30.
Theming
The theming is PERFECT. Every inch of the restaurant has touches of Pixar, both subtle and in your face. As fans of Pixar and all Pixar movies, we LOVED this. And, as it is located on the Pixar Pier, it perfectly suits the area. We ate in the outdoor part of the dining area, with an absolutely “INCREDIBLE” view! (Get it? Incredible?) Aside from it being a tiny bit chilly, it was amazing. There are shared table spaces (where we sat), sofa-seating with a large coffee table, bar seating, a tables. I didn’t think I would like the shared table but it is big enough that we were not forced into uncomfortable conversations with strangers. If ratings were based entirely on theming, I’d give this place a 15/10.
The Food
Where to start? The food is fantastic! Starting with the appetizers, which they call “Bites,” I would describe it as upscale bar food. A Caesar salad, but with Brussels sprouts. Lobster Nachos (which are definitely a meal, if you choose to do so), Salmon Poke, and more. We started off with the Potato Skins, listed on the food allergy menu as safe for gluten/wheat, fish/shellfish, and peanut/tree nut allergies.
These potato skins were CHEF’S KISS! They are described as crispy Yukon Gold Potatoes with brown butter-caper yogurt, smoked paprika aïoli and manchego cheese. I have never in my life had potato skins this good. And that smoked paprika aïoli? DELISH! I definitely ordered more of that!
Regular Menu vs Food Allergy Menu
The menus are identical, and I did not see anything that food allergy diners couldn’t order in some way. There are 2 appetizers and 3 entrees that safe for gluten/wheat allergy diners, but only one kids meal item. I honestly don’t know what they can accommodate for kids on-site, because I haven’t ordered off a kids menu in ages, but Burger Sliders are the gluten/wheat allergy item, for what it’s worth. The availability is consistent with other Disney Restaurants. Always check the menus online and on the app before you commit to a location!
The Main Course
First up, marinated al pastor bone-in pork chop. This had oaxaca cheese polenta, pineapple relish, charred onions, roasted red chili butter, and green chili sauce. Marked as safe for gluten/wheat, egg, fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, and soy allergies, this was incredible. The pork chop just fell right off the bone! The flavors were amazing. And don’t get me started on the sauce. The best thing I can say is that the portion size was perfection. It was just right and I felt full, not stuffed and bloated.
The Salmon PLT is grilled salmon with crispy pancetta, lettuce, roasted plum tomato, lemon-bacon aïoli on toasted focaccia, and served with fries. Husband says the ratio of pancetta to salmon was perfect, and the sandwich was delicious. The fries were well seasoned and not too overly salty.
Cheddar Burger, plain, and fries. I mean, she’s a teenager, so you get it. “It was really good.”
Food gets a 9/10. There could stand to be a few more options to choose from, but supply chain being what it is, we really liked this restaurant.
Drink Menu
The drink menu, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, might be my favorite thing about the menu. Everything is, again, Pixar-themed, and if I could have tried everything, I certainly would have. Instead, I only had the Scream Canister, but it was just what the doctor ordered. There is also a great selection of mostly local beers and wines. You will not only leave full, but you will leave with your thirst quenched!
Final Verdict
From the setting to the decor to the food and drink, I can honestly say this was my favorite restaurant in Disneyland. I would give it 5 stars, 10/10, perfect marks! That waterfront dining was unbeatable. I highly recommend everyone eat here at least once when visiting Disneyland!
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