Carthay Circle Lounge & Restaurant

June 2012 – present

LOCATION

Buena Vista Street – Carthay Circle is the largest building on Buena Vista Street, so it’s hard to miss. Head to the center plaza at the end of the street, and you’ll see Carthay Circle on your left, next to the entrance to Hollywood Land.

EXPERIENCE

Details:

• Service Type – table service
• Seating – several dining rooms
• Reservations – yes
• Entertainment – none
• Menu

Carthay Circle is California Adventure’s most upscale dining spot. The first floor is a lounge that serves alcoholic beverages and hors devoirs, complete with speakeasy-inspired bar and décor. The second floor houses the main restaurant, which has several elegant dining rooms that open up to a larger banquet hall. Guests looking for an intimate dining experience can reserve private dining booths, or book a table on one of the small patios. Carthay Circle’s lounge and restaurant both offer fine dining in a beautiful atmosphere, making for an unforgettable meal in the park.

MY RATING – ★★★★★

Carthay Circle is by far the best restaurant in California Adventure, which is also why it’s definitely the most expensive. The atmosphere is amazing, the food is delicious, and the staff makes you feel like a VIP. If you’re interested in a more upscale dining experience during your trip to the Disneyland Resort, Carthay Circle should be at the top of your list.

As a side note, there is one menu item that I think every Carthay Circle guest should try: the Dulce de Leche dessert. It sounds bizarre…popcorn flavored ice cream with a caramel and marshmallow turnover? Ick. Truth be told, I never would have ordered it. But there was an extra in the kitchen at the end of the night, so our waitress offered it to us for free. It was so good we actually ordered a second one! The Dulce de Leche is honestly the best dessert I’ve ever had in my life, and I can’t say enough things about it. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.

MY FAVORITES

• Parmigiano Reggiano Gnocchi
• Warm Dulce de Leche Marshmallow Turnover

TRIVIA

Carthay Circle is based off of the Carthay Theater, the site of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ 1937 Hollywood Premiere. The mural on the ceiling of the main dining room is also a tribute to the film.

California Adventure has its own exclusive club, like Club 33 in Disneyland. It’s called the 1901. This private lounge is only accessible to Club 33 guests, Disney VIPs, and members of the Disney family.