I absolutely love Mexican food and was so excited to try Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs. The restaurant is owned by Rick Bayless who is well-known for his win on Bravo TV’s “Top Chef Masters” and his public-television series, “Mexico — One Plate at a Time,” is in its 10th season. He’s also a six time winner of the James Beard Foundation award, so expectations are high.
My first impression of Frontera Cocina was welcoming, light and airy. The restaurant has four unique dining areas and the kitchen is open. The porch has twinkly lights over the dining tables that looks out to the “springs”. They also offer a full bar with top shelf tequilas.
Visitors looking for a quick bite can try the to-go window outside the restaurant. The menu offers guacamole and chips, tacos, margaritas, beers and non-alcoholic drinks.
Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs: Food
Our group ordered the Queso Fundido, Chips and Salsa and Guacamole as appetizers. I love the Queso Fundido and it’s served warm with fresh flour tortillas. I was slightly disappointed in the chips and salsa dish. It should have larger salsa portions or be refillable. The guacamole was recommended to us and I have to agree- very fresh and full of flavor! They offer three different guacamole flavor combinations: verde, bacon and atomic.
Queso Fundido
Main dishes range in price from $14 for a Mushroom Torta to $34 for Carne Asada. They also offer chef special’s each night. I ordered a special, the Red Chile Carnitas. It has tender pork, in a spicy chile sauce, served over white rice and garnished with cilantro. It’s filling and has a robust spice to it. Two guests in my party ordered the Shrimp Enchiladas Suizas and raved about it. It’s covered in cheese, has a unique potato filling with fresh shrimp and it’s finished with a tomatillo sauce. All of us took portions home, as the dish sizes were favorably big.
Shrimp Enchiladas
Red Chile Carnitas
Frontera Cocina offers high chairs and a kid’s menu. My son ordered black beans, rice and a quesadilla. They also have dessert offerings for the kids.
Overall, I love Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs and I highly recommend it. Don’t expect tex-mex or mundane Mexican food. Rick Bayless added unique twists on fresh flavors that leaves guests wanting more. The service was also stellar and our meal was relaxing with a great pace.
Planning a Frontera Cocina Dining Experience
Diners have serval booking options. You can book online at Open Table or through My Disney Experience. Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs does accept the Disney Dining Plan. Strollers are not allowed inside the restaurant, but stroller parking is located directly outside the building.
Location: The Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs, 1604 E. Buena Vista Drive in Orlando.
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
Price: $9-$34
Call: 407-560-9197 or visit Frontera Cocina online
This post is a part of the Wordless Wednesday Roundup
