Tucked inside Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a bit of a hidden gem on Walt Disney World property. Serving up Southern-style dishes in a setting inspired by a rustic fishing lodge. With exposed wooden beams, vintage tools hung like artwork, and views of the nearby Sassagoula River, it’s got that cozy, old-timey charm that makes you want to settle in and stay a while.
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For those with gluten sensitivities, Boatwright’s Dining Hall takes the stress out of dining with solid gluten-free menu choices and a genuinely thoughtful approach to food allergies.
Anyone with dietary restrictions knows how tough it can be to eat out (especially on vacation) but the team here didn’t just accommodate, they made it easy. No eye rolls, no rushed answers. Just friendly service, clear communication, and food that actually tasted good.
Atmosphere & Ambiance:
Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a charming sit-down spot tucked just to the left of the main lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. The resort itself blends Southern charm with elegant 1930s art deco touches (Tiana fans, you’re in the right place), all set along the peaceful Sassagoula River.
Right above the restaurant’s check-in area, you’ll spot the frame of an old wooden boat hanging overhead, a subtle nod to the venue’s name and a great preview of the rustic decor inside.
A few days before our visit, I made a reservation through the My Disney Experience app. Quick and easy. When we arrived, we were told there’d be about a 20-minute wait for our table, which honestly worked out perfectly.
We used the time to wander through the resort: browsing the gift shop, peeking into the Riverside Mill Food Court (where I spotted some gluten-free cookies, by the way), and strolling the quiet, tree-lined paths along the river.
Once I got the text that our table was ready, we headed back and were led into a cozy dining room tucked near the back. The space was filled with rustic wooden tables and chairs, old nautical decor, and a warm fireplace flickering in the corner. The space felt inviting, relaxed, and a bit like sitting down for dinner at Grandma's house.
The Dinner Menu & Allergy-Friendly Choices:
When I made our reservation at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, I was able to note food allergies, dietary preferences, and any accessibility needs right through the app. Because of that, an allergy-friendly menu was ready for me when we arrived, and our server was already in the loop.
(Find the current Boatwright's Dining Hall menu here)
As soon as we sat down, the server walked me through what was safe, what could be shared, and what modifications were available. All without me having to launch into the usual list of questions. Honestly, it was such a relief.
The allergy-friendly menu is clearly marked with common allergens (wheat/gluten, shellfish, sesame, nuts, eggs, milk, and so on), and there were several options for each category. It felt like real choices, not just a salad and a sad burger with no bun.
Everything We Ate at Boatwright's Dining Hall:
To start the meal, our server brought out their standard cornbread for my partner (aka Mr. Garlic), along with two small gluten-free pieces just for me. I hadn’t seen it listed anywhere on the menu, so it was a genuinely pleasant surprise. My pieces came clearly marked with an allergy pick, which gave me peace of mind before diving in.
And let me tell you: the gluten-free cornbread was really good. Much sweeter than your typical Southern cornbread. More like a dessert bread, really. It had a sticky, dense texture that I absolutely loved, and the generous side of whipped butter didn’t hurt either. Mr. Garlic tried a bite and said he wouldn’t have known it was gluten-free if he hadn't been told.
Getting to enjoy the bread service instead of sitting there empty-plated while someone else snacks? A win in my book.
Next, we browsed the drink menu, which had a solid selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Mr. Garlic went for an IPA, naturally. As for me, someone who’s never met a mai tai she didn’t want to try, I ordered the Captain’s Mai Tai, which was $17 as of 11/2/24.
It arrived in a generously sized cocktail glass, garnished with a slice of pineapple. The drink itself was fruity, sweet, and tangy with a smooth balance of rum and citrus. There was a light boozy aftertaste, but nothing overwhelming. It was definitely sweeter than I expected, but still pretty tasty.
(Hot Tip: For the best Mai-Tai on Disney property, head over to Sebastian's Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort)
For our appetizer, we went with the Allergy-Friendly French Onion Soup Au Gratin, a rich beef broth with caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and a toasted gluten-free crouton, all for $10. As someone who adores French onion soup, this was an unexpected treat, and genuinely good enough that I’d come back to Port Orleans just to order it again.
The broth was ultra-savory and perfectly seasoned, but the real star was that thick, broiled layer of Gruyère on top. It formed a golden, gooey crust. Beneath the cheese, a rich and buttery (gluten-free!) crouton, with an allergy marker for reassurance.
If I had to nitpick, and I mean really nitpick, I’d say it could’ve used more onions. But even so, the flavor, texture, and cheesy indulgence made this a standout. Solid 10/10.
For our mains, I ordered the Shrimp & Grits, while Mr. Garlic went for the standard Jambalaya. Both dishes were labeled gluten-friendly, which made it easy to share.
The Shrimp & Grits ($28) were lovely. Big, juicy shrimp cooked perfectly, paired with strips of flavorful Andouille sausage. The grits were thick, buttery, and creamier than traditional Southern-style grits, more dense, almost like a savory polenta, and honestly, I might’ve liked them even more that way. The whole dish was coated in a rich, 'spicy' cream sauce that leaned more into flavor than actual heat. Cajun seasoning, garlic, butter and it all came through beautifully.
Mr. Garlic’s Jambalaya ($27) brought a bit more of a kick. Robust, earthy notes of pepper and tomato anchored a hearty mix of shrimp, Andouille sausage, and tender chicken, all served over spicy rice. It was warming, filling, and full of Cajun flavor.
We had planned to finish things off with the gluten-free Pecan Pie Tart, but both of us were so stuffed by the end of dinner that dessert will have to wait for next time.
So, What Did We Think?:
Overall, we really liked Boatwright’s Dining Hall and would give it a solid 6.5 out of 10. Is it the best restaurant on Disney property? Nope. But it’s charming, clean, with lovely views and a cozy atmosphere that fits perfectly with that Port Orleans theming.
Mr. Garlic and I both grew up in Memphis, so we know Southern food, and honestly, this place, especially the gluten-free options, exceeded my expectations.
One of the biggest wins? They had my allergy menu ready and waiting, so I didn’t have to explain myself or ask a million questions, nor did I feel like a bother. The server was friendly and attentive, and every dish I ordered came clearly marked with allergy info. I genuinely felt safe eating there, which is huge when you have food allergies.
Price-wise, it was reasonable for Disney dining, and we left absolutely stuffed. The gluten-free items were all tasty, but the real standout, the thing I’m going to dream about, is that French Onion Soup. Not only is a gluten-free version rare, but this one was just plain gosh-darn delicious.
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely. We’re already planning to try the pecan pie tart next time.
If you’re staying at Port Orleans, I’d definitely recommend making a dinner reservation here. Afterward, take a stroll around the resort to soak up the atmosphere. If you love that New Orleans vibe, are a fan of Tiana, or just want to try some decent Cajun-inspired food on your Disney trip, Boatwright’s is worth a shot.
Know Before You Go:
- Food Allergies: If you or anyone in your party has food allergies, let a Cast Member know when making your reservation or upon arrival (for walk-ins). They’ll ensure your dining experience is safe and enjoyable.
- Location & Hours: Boatwright’s Dining Hall is located at Port Orleans Resort - Riverside and is open daily from 5 PM to 9 PM for dinner.
- Reservations: Reservations are recommended, especially during high season (summer and holidays). You can easily make one over the phone or through the My Disney Experience App.
- Parking: Parking is complimentary at the resort with a reservation, making it easy to access the restaurant.
- Seating: The restaurant features wooden tables and chairs. If you or someone in your party has back or hip issues (like I do!), consider bringing a cushion for added comfort.
- Resort Amenities: There are several fun amenities near the restaurant, including:
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Surrey bike rentals
- A sizable arcade
- Scenic pathways along the river
- Transportation: The resort offers convenient boat transportation to and from Disney Springs (see photo above), a great option for exploring the area before or after dinner.
If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my other posts on gluten-free dining and Disney’s hidden gems. I’d love to hear about your own experiences, so feel free to drop a comment below or share your favorite Disney dining spots!
- Dining Gluten-Free at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
- Gluten-Free Dining at Ronto Roasters in Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge
- Exploring Gluten-Free Options at Epcot’s 2024 Food & Wine Festival
- Gluten-Free Dining at San Angel Inn (EPCOT’s Mexico Pavillion)
- Gluten-Free Cocktail Hour at Nomad Lounge, Animal Kingdom
- Exploring Gluten-Free Dining at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
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