Disney World Italy Pavilion: NOSH OR NOT? Epcot Food Tour!

The Italy Pavilion is home to some really fantastic food that a lot of people don't seem to be aware of. So today, we're sharing a lot of our favorites with you - from some awesome desserts at the Gelato Stand, to the the authentic Italian pizza at Via Napoli, we know that the Italy Pavilion has lots of food that you're going to love!
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[@minniedisneynerd1398]

Italy is one of my favorite pavilions (I love Italy and Italian food in general). This is a great review. But I agree don't tell too many people about Tutto Gusto. It is such a perfect spot to stop and relax. The drinks and food are excellent and the atmosphere makes me think I am back in Italy.

[@deemcgee5081]

Loving the Pavilion tours! Than you for doing them ❤

[@sabrinamorris2702]

Via Napoli is the best pizza place on property hands down!!! Our family is from New York and we’re Italian and it’s amazing!!! We also love their Rice Balls (Arancini) for appetizer and the Zeppoles for dessert! Also the pistachio gelato is out of this world!! We love eating there!

[@itr0863]

agreed! my wife and i split the large margherita. we skip breakfast for this!

[@brotherbill2714]

I'm from New Jersey, going to Via Napoli in January. Hope you're right!

[@bricksimmons]

Bill Nye The Savage Guy was she right?🤔

[@siennagrace4472]

Sabrina Morris disagree. I’m Italian I was born and raised in Italy and the pizza at Napoli didn’t impress me. I however to agree about the Arancini and Zeppoles. They were good, not as good as home but good.

[@Showtunediva]

“Meat and cheese & wine and that’s my afternoon.” You are my type of person AJ.😘

[@davekimball3610]

Dang it, A.J. don't go exposing Tutto Gusto to more people, I love the hidden awesomeness of that place and never find it too busy, which is one more reason to love it!

[@niteflitetheknitter]

Wow, thank you for these in-depth tours of the World Showcase pavilions. There's so many places to eat all along the walk that it's easy to miss some gems.

[@amandapanda6193]

I honestly really loved Tutto Italia. I went there with my family in January and we went into Tutto Gusto before our dinner reservation. I loved that they had a wine expert and he was very nice and friendly. When we were seated at out table in Tutto Italia, he even came over a couple times to check on us. The wine was great. I was pleasantly surprised with the food. I'm not someone who typically eats pasta at restaurants because I don't always finish it. I ordered the bolognese and it was AMAZING. I still dream of it. I really wasn't expecting the quality, I was expecting an Italian restaurant for families who aren't feeling adventurous. We will be going back this December and have a reservation at Tutto Italia!

[@rafaelcastillo3834]

I agree, Tutto Italia is great. I've been there several times.

[@LAlberga]

Love Via Napoli! Especially the melon and prosciutto pizza. And they have the cutest waiters ;)

[@SeriouslyCreepy]

We love the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar! We could stay there all day!

[@anniebrown2457]

AJ's voice is so soothing haha

[@kathycamasso6672]

My husband and I were at Epcot a few years ago on a rainy afternoon so we popped into Tutto Gusto for a glass of wine. 100% agree, it's a hidden gem! We asked for a plate of cheese and olives, bread, breadsticks. It was just the perfect hour for us!

[@natashayc]

I just ate at Tutto Italia last week. My brother ordered the pasta with shrimp and cantaloupe (!!), and all of us were really wondering how that would turn out. FYI, it is delicious. It somehow works. If you see that on the menu, give it whirl.

[@rafaelcastillo3834]

I hate cantaloupe, but I've loved all the other dishes I've eaten at Tutto Italia.

[@kaywallace9729]

Love your tours. Most helpful Agree with you comments on Tutto Italia. Was our favorite for years, but in recent visits did not wow us. Will definitely try Tutto Gusto and Via Napoli next trip.

[@Hermatt]

I really have to stop watching these videos at lunch time.....

[@allisong6971]

They're oddly satisfying despite me not actually eating as I watch

[@tinatudisco5192]

I loooove Tutto Italia! Whenever we go to WDW, my family always gets there to keep up with the tradition as well as to eat some great food. It's such a relief to have some good Italian food after being in Florida for a couple days (I am Italian and live in New York, it is VERY hard to go a few days without my mom's pasta, how stereotypical but true). Plus, we have never had any issues with service, we've actually had some great experiences!! One waiter in particular, I, unfortunately, can't remember his name, was from Sicily and was talking to us about our shared Sicilian heritage. For the rest of the night he called my little brother, Peppino, the Sicilian nickname for the name Joseph. The food, atmosphere, and service we've had has been amazing and keeps us coming back for more!!!

[@jackpast]

Thanks for showing the nooks and crannies. You are correct in how many places most people walk by. I didn't know some of these here.

[@aworkingprincess5923]

Love this! Via Napoli is my favorite! The Pizza window is amazing and their dinners are amazing! I have to say their Zeppole is one of my favorites! I cant wait to get back and head over to Tutto Gusto I didnt know they were a wine bar! Love me some wine!

[@jenniferbickford4640]

I love the zeppole as well!

[@dmalf3]

We go to Via Napoli for my Birthday, every year! The Best Pizza!!! We get the Capricciosa. We start with the salad and order a pitcher of Sangria. The Bread OMG the Bread! Ask for some Olive Oil to dip it in. They will even add some spices to it if you ask. Then you dip the crust of the pizza in the olive oil too. They sing Happy Birthday in Italian! Love it. And as far as the loudness, well if you aren't Italian then you just don't get it. Italians love the noise and the loud talking and the noise of the kitchen! That's what makes it Italian!

[@elenacolli9923]

Love Tutto Gusto! Very much like some of the small places we visited in Italy.

[@fenderstratADHD]

I'm actually Italian myself (born and raised here in the U.S) and I can't wait to go to the Italy Pavilion when my family and I are in Epcot in June. The gelati stand sounds great and I can't wait to try the gelato sundaes especially the Cuppa Del Nonno (Grandpa's cup) which looks amazing.

[@glorianadel4071]

I have eaten at both sit down restaurants. The food is very good. A bit different in taste really GOOD food. Just ask them for help, very nice people as always.

[@spayne062009]

So agree with you about Via Napoli! Soo good

[@jackg.7745]

“All of the finest meats and cheeses in the land!!!”. LOL!!! (Sorry...It’s a very old and vague ESPN reference). We love Via Napoli as well. Some of the best pizza outside of Italy that I’ve ever had. Thanks for sharing.

[@headshothoncho1]

Love Via Napoli as well...LOVE the pistachio gelato!!!

[@Fannabama]

Great tips! Thank you! Gives me some excuses to spend more time in Italy 🇮🇹

[@littleamericanfamily113]

I didnt know they imported Italian cheeses at Tutto Gusto....adding that to my must do list for next trip! Thank you for the tip DFB!

[@bswift1991]

Heading to Disney World from the UK in 30 days, your food blogs have given me such a long list of things I want to try when I get there! With food and wine happening as well I think we're gonna have to schedule like 3 separate days or more just to do Epcot xD

[@minniedisneynerd1398]

Do it!

[@mikej1570]

Greetings from the States... DFB has very good picks for food and trust their recommendations. However, I would not get too carried away with spending more than 1 dedicated day at Epcot. 1 day in Epcot park you will see every inch of each country pavilions and ride all rides. Most all UK major cities have all the european country foods and then some that taste tons better than Epcot, So do not plan on being overwhelmed with flavors. DFB reviews are written from very limited American perspective on culture and food. Epcot, Canada- Le Cellier for Signature Filet (if you like steak, is Best there is to be had in Epcot) Try to get reservation at BOMA in Animal Kingdom Lodge (for African amazing food) as well as OHANA Restaurant at the Polynesian resort for a night you will never forget. ALL the Best food and dining experience to be had are at the Disney resorts NOT in the parks. Park food is mass produced for the 20K people that show up every day... enjoy your trip to Disney!

[@johnking8724]

your review of Via Napoli Pizza was "right on", just returned from our annual disney trip (12/10-14) excellent food and the service was outstanding !!

[@DFBGuide]

Thanks John!

[@bjgriesinger6752]

It's Epcot for me! I have to agree the MK is a must for first timers and kids. But there is still fun to be had at Epcot and well.....you can't beat the food. Pretty much what you said.

[@mousetravelswithrick]

Great video AJ! Never knew such delicassies where here!

[@courtneywhitman6352]

My must have dish at Tutto Italia is the Tortino di Zucchini. So delicious! I crave this in between trips.

[@rafaelcastillo3834]

I could not disagree with you more about Tutto Italia! I love that restaurant! Best Italian food I've ever had in the US, and I've been to Italy. The calamari are perfect, the risotto is divine and the other plates I've eaten there were delicious. The service has always been top-notch. I've been there several times and look forward to going again. The Wine Cellar is very good.

[@allisong6971]

I trust your palate. You and all ears are my premiere disney vloggers

[@brindaskumar1211]

Loving your videos! They are very helpful. Would you please make one of the Canadian Pavillion?

[@cynthianalewajek8008]

Loved Tutto Italia more than Via Napoli. Tutto Italia had a more extensive menu, beautiful atmosphere, and the food was absolutely delicious!!! Been to both restaurants more than once.

[@LauraLaws]

Love Tutto gusto. They have the best fontina. We’ve had bad service twice at Via Napoli & never went back. We need to try it again! Great video. 👍🏻 Oh...and we call the donkey cart. Dominique the Donkey.

[@SeriouslyCreepy]

Yes Tutto is delicious!

[@AlwaysLove421]

I'm from outside of NYC and Via Napoli is still the best pizza I've ever had.

[@MsWDWFAN1]

I want to try Via Napoli. Love good pizza! 🍕

[@MsWDWFAN1]

Kate P I know right? 😆

[@dewback47]

Via Napoli was awesome the zeppole dessert was also yummy

[@spaz85]

Pizza at Via Napoli is great. I'm a Bostonian and I'm used to Pizza Regina in the North End. I have also had a few great meals at Tutto Italia.

[@DFBGuide]

High praise!

[@gabriellamanganaro4298]

Donkey Cart is “Carretto Siciliano” in Italian. It is a typical, traditional cart in Sicily.

[@xhpy6760]

I went to Via Napoli last month and my pizza seemed to be half cooked. Then, because I really wanted to eat there, I ordered some pasta to replace the pizza. The pasta was so al dente that I had a hard time swallowing it. I’m sure this place may have been good at one time, but I think they are now just coasting on their name. And frankly, it’s not hard at all to get a res there from what I saw. There is a pizza restaurant where I live that gets some of their ingredients flown in from Italy and their pizza is awesome, so in a short drive I can get that right here at home! Sorry Via Napoli, I won’t be returning!

[@chuckgwynn3537]

Eat a via napoli pizza then try any other pizza on property and you see the difference the water makes. Didn't have the best service here, but definitely enjoyed the pizza.

[@timharrison1447]

Really enjoyed the pizza at Via Napoli. Would like to see you feature England.

[@starwarsmaster9437]

Italy the best food!!!!

[@bluescity1]

Great video! Have a magical day sprinkled with pixie dust!

[@Zhh566]

This video made me sign up for the newsletter

[@elizabethhahn-dantona5947]

How did you not include the zeppoli with dipping sauces dessert from Via Napoli? That is one of my favorite Disney desserts.

[@Christopherperillo84]

Love Via Napoli. What about the little window attached to Via Napoli, though. They don't serve the same pizza as in the restaurant, right?

[@actonechick]

Hey AJ! Question for you and your staff. About 4 1/2 years ago, we ate at tutto gusto. I had a lamb ragu or bolonese, i can't remember which. Were you and your staff familiar with a lamb pasta dish at all? I dont think they have it any more but I've been trying to possibly find a knock off recipe cuz it was some of the best pasta i've ever had.

[@kaitlynmacleancaswell824]

Would love an Epcot Japan and Mexico food tour! 😊

[@marieteresa3963]

I grew up in NY too, paisan!

[@treed3116]

I'm pretty sure the Donkey Cart is based off Dominic the Donkey. An old Italian Christmas song and tale

[@mikej1570]

AJ WOLF You are the best! Viva Napoli is my second favorite pizza outside NYC for authentic thin crust(burnt on bottom) PIZZA !! There is a place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina called "CRAVE" that this EXACTLY THE SAME as NYC pizza (owner is from NYC) if you ever get to Myrtle, you will not be disappointed. Also Try "ARTICHOKES PIZZA" next time visit NYC (Seriously read their reviews). So you know ... Seen MANY pizza reviews on Viva Napoli and allot of people do not get it.. Most of the USA grew up on "Pizza Hut" without ethnicity, so you will NEVER convince those people at Pizza is amazing at Via Napoli. But you are absolutely Correct about their pizza!

[@daniellerivera6161]

Importing the water is HUGE! Coming from NY, I can only buy water bottles that are not from Florida or else I get sick. The women at the medical center said it was from the water in Florida.

[@jessieblucker875]

Oh how I wish I had this video 1 1/2 wks ago, but we did eat at Via Napoli it was not better I felt our other dinners in the week were better.

[@josephcalamita7295]

Would love a ranking of all the Italian restaurants in Disney (including Swan and Dolphin)

[@Showtunediva]

Joseph Calamita Yes!! I’d love to see this video too!

[@danielemossmann2899]

Hi! I'm really enjoying the videos! One doubt... Can i go to via napoli and order a pizza to go? So I can take it to my hotel after a long day at the park... or I can only eat at the restaurant? Thank you so much for the help... Brazilian follower over here!

[@kerlygerl]

Daniele I think you could take some size pizzas to go. The really large is unlikely, though. It’s huge!!

[@MelissaJMJ]

Thank you 😊

[@yrydessa]

the donkey cart is basically the replica of a sicilian "carretto"

[@shannonmyers4207]

Can you use a snack credit at the gelato stand?

[@WonderfulWorldOfWendy]

The water in Florida isn’t great so a pizza made with imported water is going to be excellent!

[@stephendrwal2953]

Via Napoli wouldn’t be Italian if it weren’t loud but I just ate there about a week ago it was great and was real Italian

[@1momof03]

Could you do a video that would help people with dietary restrictions?

[@Showtunediva]

1momof03 There is a video for gluten free options

[@LisaEicholtz]

do they have nutella gelato

[@leslieserrano217]

Vía Napoli is still my favourite, but when they first opened their menu was so much better! They had more pasta dishes. I still love the pizza. Definitely not the dinning experience I had the first few times I went. Honestly I think Disney might have made the decision of reducing the menu and keep the pizza menu because it was easier to order and serve fast which in turn gets the customer in and out faster. Allowing more ppl to enjoy the restaurant experience. I just miss that awesome experience of real good food, so much so, we didn’t mind paying the higher price Disney charges at these type of restaurants. It’s still good, but not as good as in the beginning.

[@kendawg2764]

What are some of the gluten free options at the Italy restaurants (pasta and pizza in particular)? I've had the GF at Tony's Town Square in Magic Kingdom and thought it was alright. But in Epcot I've avoided the Italian restaurants in favor of other pavilions because of worries that there wouldn't be too many options

[@hairdresser1300]

When we needed to talk to the "expert on food allergies" at Via in Epcott we were told it would be quite a wait.:( March 2018

[@yesorlando05]

We love the architecture and the cast members at the Italy pavilion. But it's one of our least favorite places to eat. Not saying there isn't good food to be found, just that there are other countries around World Showcase that have better food at better prices. Much of the food in the Italy pavilion is just too expensive and doesn't justify the price for us. Just my personal take. Thanks for the video. I love them. Would love to see one on our favorite pavilion, Morocco.

[@popofpink11]

Am I crazy or did there used to be a little window next to via napoli for just pizza and drinks? I went to eat there a few weeks back and it was gone with no sign of it ever being there!

[@minniedisneynerd1398]

It is back right now, although it seems to be part of the Food and Wine Festival so not sure if it will be there after the end of Food and Wine.

[@itr0863]

the pizza to the left of via napoli....is NOT the same as the wood fire pizza inside. it's more sicilian style

[@karenwivell8300]

I enjoyed my pizza there...unique combination...but the service was absolutely horrible! Maybe we caught them on a bad day but I couldn't get a beverage and the the wait staff was actually rude.

[@jaewright9879]

Love AJ. We went to Marrekesh and although the food was delicious and authentic ( we're avid foodies) the place was ice cold (not in a good way) and the wait staff were rude and unpleasant. So not Disney!

[@ModenaGal]

You definitely have an America palate.

[@primusvsunicron1]

VIVA LA ROMA!

[@mugglechris]

I just got back from WDW and ate at Via Napoli based off reviews and recommendations. This place sucked! I had reservations and showed up a little early. They kept seating walk ups before my party of 2 and ended up seating us 15 minutes later than our reservations. Our waiter took over 10 minutes to acknowledge us, and the place was pretty empty. Our drinks didn’t come until the food, and not with the appetizer we ordered, and the pizza dough wasn’t cooked all the way through. Worst meal we had our whole trip! Plus it was expensive and we saw our waiter twice, once at the order and once with the bill. What a disappointment.

[@persefffony]

Oof I need at LEAST 3 MONTHS in Epcot!!! One day, is NOT going to work 😢

[@markkoeppel4624]

I went to Tutto Italia this last visit Because I have never eaten in Italy before and I don't think I will be back... Less than average service, lasagna like I make at home and the desert was a complete fail...

[@jonathanoneill8011]

Mark Koeppel Agreed. It’s all Italian-American fare. The wines are great, but I haven’t had good experiences there. I bought a $10 cup of ice cream (gelato it most certainly wasn’t) from their limited selection and it was one of those low quality ice creams that leave a nasty film on the roof of your mouth 🤢 having said that, I do love DFB and AJ’s reviews!! I will most certainly give Via Napoli a try on your recommendation (if you say it’s good, I trust you). And I will fess up to being a bit of an Italian food snob 😉 so maybe I just need to give it another chance.

[@hairdresser1300]

We were so disappointed in this restraunt

[@jz70gatech]

China pavilion food tour please!

[@bearchewtoy]

Unfortunately, out of the 5 table service dinners I had Via Napoli was my biggest disappointment. Sicilian sunset cocktail was mediocre. The pizza was what I was looking forward too all trip and I was let down. Soggy center and the outside was over burnt. You should be able to pick up a slice of pizza and eat it, I think the ovens were too hot and cooked the pizza too fast, not allowing the center to cook properly. The Gelato Frizzanti I had for dessert was the best part of the meal. With all the food options available and the price, I don’t think I’d ever eat there again. 1-1/2 out of 5 stars.

[@cheriew8009]

Who knew?

[@emmahopkins8008]

We went to via napoli and we thought it was awful. Not sure if they where having a bad day but it put us right off going back

[@mikej1570]

Emma, If you had their pizza this is authentic just like served in NYC and places like Naples and southern Italy. Thi may just not be for you, if you are use to american pizza like Dominos , Cici's or pizza hut.

[@emmahopkins8008]

mike j hey mike we did have the pizza as we love pizza we have been to Italy quite a few times and didnt think it tasted like the real thing think its just an down to everyones own taste

[@hairdresser1300]

We had two of our three pizzas burnt(think burnt crackers) My chicken parmesan was the dryest I have ever eaten (I am 54 and have ordered this dish all my life from many different Italian restraunts). Dear mike j please don't be so condescending unless you own stock in the company. March 2018

[@dawngump7096]

I was very disappointed in Via Napoli. It was so loud that we had to ask to be moved to smaller room in the back, still could not hear. Food was over priced and ok tasting.

[@racinstylez]

How could you recommend Via Napoli? That’s the worst service I’ve ever received from any Disney sit down service restaurant. Their bathrooms are dirty as hell, chicken parmigiana over cooked. Their pizza was meh, and the calamari was dull. Wife’s food was brought out 10 min before my pizza. Their wait staff is more interested in socializing than caring for their customers. Same thoughts from the table next to us and we just had to vent our frustrations over this place.

[@ruflippingkiddingme]

Nosh?? Don't you mean Mangia?!

[@Snowy72]

It’s pronounced n-ah-po-lee