Boatwright's Dining Hall Review (a Louisiana-inspired vegetarian dinner)

Updated: January 15, 2025

If you’re looking for Louisiana-inspired food at Walt Disney World, you’re going to want to head to Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

I feel like Boatwright’s isn’t talked about a lot and many don’t even know Riverside has a Table Service restaurant.

boatwright's dining hall interior sign at port orleans riverside

Well, now you do and here’s everything you need to know, along with my review from when I ate dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall on December 23, 2024.

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In this article

What is Boatwright’s Dining Hall?

Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a Table Service restaurant at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside only open for dinner. It is inspired by Southern Louisiana fare.

skeletal hull of a lugger fishing boat inside boatwright's dining hall

You’ll see different nods to ships and boats, including the skeletal hull of a lugger fishing boat suspended inside the dining hall.

boatwright's dining reservation confirmation

You can make dining reservations here, which I recommend booking, like with any Table Service restaurant.

Tip: Reservations are always recommended for any Table Service restaurant at Walt Disney World. You can make these at the 60-day mark online or via the My Disney Experience app beginning at 5:45 a.m. ET (sometimes they don’t open until 6 a.m. ET). If you have issues, call (407) WDW-DINE. If you can’t get a reservation, you can always use a Disney dining reservation alert service, like MouseDining. If you can’t get a reservation, you can try to join the Walk-Up List for the restaurant (if available) in the My Disney Experience app.

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How much does Boatwright’s Dining Hall cost?

It’s important to note that prices and menus frequently change at Walt Disney World. The following is based on my most recent visit.

The cost to eat dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall depends on what you order. Appetizers range from $10.00 to $16.00, while entrees vary between $24.00 and $38.00. Entrees for kids run from $10.50 to $13.50. There are also enhancements, desserts, and beverages you’ll have to factor into the cost.

If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, it is accepted here (1 Table Service credits per person). Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members also receive 10% off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding tax and gratuity).

Below is a look at Boatwright’s menu. There are also allergy-friendly options available.

Food Menu

boatwright's dining hall menu at port orleans riverside

Drink Menu

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Boatwright’s Dining Hall Review

Allow me to start this review by saying I did not walk away from Boatwright’s hungry. My meal started with the most lovely complimentary cornbread and butter.

This was sweet, soft, and I could’ve easily eaten both loaves all by myself.

I confirmed with my server that the cornbread is vegetarian-friendly. Since this is homemade, I figured it would be fine, but you never know.

Vegetarians have to be careful with some corn muffin box mixes due to many containing lard. Thankfully, there are vegetarian mixes that substitute vegetable shortening for the lard. All that said, you don’t need to worry about that here. Speaking of, you can also get plant-based cornbread for the table.

Next, I ordered the plant-based Jambalaya Farro Salad for $11.00. You get so much for a great price! This is considered a shareable appetizer, but you could also make this your entree.

The salad comes with a lettuce blend, marinated olives, tomato, cucumbers, artichokes, and jambalaya farro (a grain) tossed in a creole vinaigrette.

plant-based jambalaya farro salat at boatwright's dining hall

This was fresh and full of flavor thanks to the dressing. However, if you don’t like horseradish, I’d avoid this salad. I don’t know if there is horseradish in the dressing, but that’s what it reminded me of. It had quite the bite, but was super tasty!

For my main entree, I tried the plant-based Red Beans and Rice for $25.00. Again, the portion size was massive. It came with red beans simmered with plant-based “sausage”, peppers, onions, and celery served over rice with vegan cornbread.

This was such a filling dish. All of the ingredients worked so well together and the flavors complemented each other wonderfully. It’s a hearty dish that’s great on a cooler Florida day, like when I dined here in December.

plant-based red beans and rice at boatwright's dining hall

Thankfully, the Red Beans and Rice wasn’t spicy at all. I can only handle a small amount of heat, so I was glad my mouth wasn’t on fire. You can get this spicier, which my dad did and he regretted it. My dad loves spice, but it was too much for him, even though he still enjoyed the entree.

As for the vegan cornbread, it was very good! I feel like the regular corn bread had more sweetness, but the vegan-friendly offering was still delicious.

Finally, I had to order the plant-based Pecan Pie Tart for dessert. I loved everything about this. For $10,00, the tart comes with candied pecan crumble, chocolate ganache, and vanilla “gelato”.

plant-based pecan pie tart at boatwright's dining hall

I would go back to Boatwright’s just for this. This is one of the best vegan desserts I’ve had at Disney World. It’s everything you want in a pecan pie tart.

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Is Boatwright’s Dining Hall worth it?

Yes, Boatwright’s Dining Hall is worth a visit, especially if you want a more unique meal with specific cuisine. If you’re a fan of Louisiana-inspired food, then this is definitely the place for you.

There are even offerings for vegetarians and vegans that are absolutely delicious. I would (and will) come back to Boatwright’s again. That’s how much I enjoyed it. Plus, the service was friendly and moved at a good pace.

boatwright's dining hall tables and chairs

Granted, not everyone will love it here. There is a more limited menu due to the Louisiana fare and seasonings that accompany each savory dish.

If you’re a pickier eater or are traveling with less adventurous diners, you may want to go elsewhere. Don’t worry about little ones, because they’ll have no issue finding something they enjoy on the kids’ menu.

However, if you like to explore different dining and cuisines, book a reservation at Boatwright’s! This is a great restaurant for those staying at the hotel, as well. I’m always pleased when a moderate resort at Disney World has at least one Table Service spot, in addition to the food court.

Boatwright’s is not as accessible as some Table Service restaurants, like those on the monorail or Disney Skyliner, but you can easily hop on a bus from a park, take a boat from Disney Springs, drive yourself, or use rideshare.

boatwright's dining hall exterior at port orleans riverside

Better yet, if you’re staying at Riverside’s sister resort, Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, you can even take the walking path, which is only about a half-mile walk.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to eat at Boatwright’s, but sometimes Disney World hotels are strict about letting in non-resort guests if they don’t have dining reservations.

If you drive yourself or use rideshare and don’t have a dining reservation, there is a chance the security guard at the entrance won’t let you get dropped off or park. If you use Disney World transportation or walk from French Quarter, there won’t be any issue.

I truly think this is an underrated Disney World restaurant that not many people praise enough. Be sure to keep it mind for your next trip, especially if you’re staying at Riverside.

Have you eaten at Boatwright’s Dining Hall? What did you think?