Despite mixed reactions to reimagineering Paradise Pier to Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure, Lamplight Lounge quickly became one of DCA’s most popular dining locations. Previously two restaurants turned into one (Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto), Lamplight Lounge offers plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating stretches out onto Paradise Bay and has fantastic views of Pixar Pier and Paradise Gardens. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Since this is a lounge, the seating is a mixture of typical dining tables as well as low couches and chairs, inviting guests to sit back and stay awhile.
Themed to all things Pixar, Lamplight Lounge has a bit of backstory about it being a hangout for Pixar artists and animators inside an old, renovated warehouse. It has both the industrial look, which is pretty trendy for restaurants and lounges right now, and the fun, colourful Pixar vibe. There is artwork and Easter Eggs dedicated to Pixar feature films and shorts scattered throughout the entire restaurant. My favourite is the chandelier made of sketches similar to the one at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World.
The food at Lamplight Lounge is delicious! I embarrassingly enough have zero photos of it though, because every time I eat here, I’m too excited to dive into my meal and forget to take photos. Oops! I’ll have to add photos at a later date when I remember to take them. There are a few different menus. On weekends, Lamplight Lounge offers a brunch menu as well as the regular lunch and dinner menus. There is also a lounge menu for guests just looking for drinks and appies. There is only one item on the desert menu, which I recommend ordering, and that is the mini-donuts. They are delicious and perfect for sharing.
Lamplight Lounge is very popular and advance dining reservations are recommended, though they do accept a limited number of walk-ins. Reservations can be made up to 60 days out.
Have you dined at Lamplight Lounge? What is your favourite menu item here? Do you prefer the indoor or outdoor seating?
Other dining at Disney California Adventure
I love Lamplight! I prefer inside actually because the decor is sooo cute.
It’s such a great restaurant! I usually eat outside, but I think I’ll request inside next time I eat here to check out more of the place!