Sana’a — A Walt Disney World Restaurant Review

Watch gazelles, zebras, giraffes, kudu, ostriches, cranes and more as you dine.

Over 200 birds and hoofed animals—from over 30 species—reside on the 4 savannas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  From your table or the nearby overlook, enjoy spectacular views of African wildlife on the lush Sunset Savanna outside. Inside, traditional artisan and market goods like woven baskets, gourds, “love note” necklaces and beaded geckos surround you at every turn.

From the Walt Disney World website:

“Savor slow-cooked meats, salads and vegetarian specialties as you discover African cooking with Indian flavors.

Step inside this exquisite, East African-inspired eatery, which evokes a traditional spice market, decorated with handcrafted wares under the graceful branches of an acacia tree.

Start your meal with Indian-style bread service with 9 accompaniments, from sweet mango chutney to spicy red chile sambal.

For your entrée, select from tender meats and seafood slow-cooked in gravy—such as spicy Durban shrimp—as well as vegetarian dishes. A range of sampler platters lets you choose a variety of flavors, and kid-friendly fare like beef burgers, pizza and grilled chicken is sure to please even the pickiest of palates.

Pair your meal with wine from South Africa, beer from India or Kenya, and specialty cocktails like the Malawi Mango Margarita. You can also enjoy refreshing non-alcoholic choices that include tropical juice, pomegranate lemonade and berry smoothies.

Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Guests must be 21 years of age and over to order alcoholic beverages.”

 

A few days ago, I met a friend and we had a late lunch at the full-service restaurant located in the Kidani Village section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  I have eaten at this restaurant several times, and have always enjoyed the food there; but today, I was eating with a Sana’a fan, and she knew exactly what to order…I let her order and I sat back and was overwhelmed with the delicious food.

For the best views of the savannah, eat at Sana’a for lunch (you can’t really see the animals at night) and ask the staff for a table by the window.

Sana’a is known for their famous bread service.  Unbelievably, I had never tried their most popular dish.  That changed the other day.  The Indian-style bread service at Sana’a is INCREDIBLE.  I absolutely loved it…and I will be back for more soon.

It simply is not to be missed.  You get to choose between breads:  Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kucha, or Paneer Paratha. Or, you can try them all…which is what we did.  Then there is the choice of dipping sauces from sweet to savory to mild to spicy. Some of the dipping sauces:  Cucumber Riata, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chuntey, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, or Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle.

 

The server will explain the names of each sauce…ours were arranged on the tray beginning with the mild going to the very hot.  I tried them all, and I had some favorites, but I did not dislike any of them.  The hottest sauce (pictured on the upper left) was very tasty, but it did begin to burn after you had swallowed!.  It honestly doesn’t look like much of an appetizer, but there was more food there than it seems.  We were both very hungry, and we did not come close to finishing this one serving.

We decided to split the Bread-Service appetizer and an entree, and there was enough food for two hungry people!  We also ordered my friend, Leslie’s favorite entree…the Butter Chicken.  I had never had this entree either, and I have to say, Leslie knew what to order.  On the menu, you order a “Journey”.  You choose an entree, a side and it comes with scented Basmati Rice.  Leslie picked the Paneer Tikka as our side to go with the Butter Chicken and the rice.  The Butter Chicken was so good.  She described the Paneer Tikka as an Indian cheese that doesn’t really melt.  I had never had this before either.  I always like to try new things, but generally stick to “regular” food.  The Paneer Tikka was excellent, and I would definitely order this again as well.  Both the chicken and the Paneer were spiced, but was not “spicy”.  It wasn’t hot, just had a very good flavor.  The both of us did finish the entree, the side & the rice.

Here is an EXCELLENT tip:  Save some of the bread so that you can eat it with the Butter Chicken.  You are welcome.

Breakfast at Sana’a was good, but to be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat here for breakfast.  If you aren’t staying at Kidani Village, it would take too long to go just for breakfast…now if you are staying at Kidani, absolutely go for breakfast!  It was quick, good & out of the way of large crowds.  Definitely a place for a peaceful breakfast at Walt Disney World.

 

“Wildly Delightful
Learn about the animals roaming just outside the windows of Sanaa, as you savor a 4-course feast.

Over 200 birds and hoofed animals—including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, crowned cranes and more—roam the 4 savannas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas. At a private table facing the Sunset Savanna, discover fun facts about their care, current field research and Disney’s role in conservation when you dine with an Animal Specialist!

The Feast
Enjoy Indian-style bread service, refreshing salads, slow-cooked meats and decadent desserts. Options abound for meat lovers, vegans and vegetarians alike, while little ones can choose from child-size portions of the adult fare or familiar favorites on the kids menu.

All the while, you’ll delight in fascinating conversation with the Animal Specialist! For a personal and intimate experience, this “untamed” lunch is limited to 12 Guests.

The Finale
After your meal, venture into the secured area for an up-close encounter with the radiated tortoises—one of the most endangered animals cared for at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Important Details
Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. To book a reservation, please call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Please note: Participants must be 8 years of age or older, and all Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult 18 years of age or older.”