La Cantina de San Angel Review: Great Mexican Food in EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion
Thinking about eating at La Cantina de San Angel in EPCOT? Here’s my honest review, what I ordered, tips for seating, and why I wish I’d tried it sooner.
It took me way too long to eat at La Cantina de San Angel.
Not because I didn’t think it would be good.
Mostly because every time I walked into the Mexico Pavilion, I ended up eating at one of the table service restaurants instead.
Between San Angel Inn and La Hacienda de San Angel, it felt like the quick service window just kept getting pushed to “next trip.”
Well…I finally tried it.
And now I’m wondering why I waited so long.
If you’re still trying to decide where to eat, check out my guide to the best quick service restaurants at EPCOT. La Cantina ranks near the top of my list—and after finally trying it, I completely understand why.
What I Ordered
I went with the Taco Trio, and it was excellent.
The meat was really flavorful, the tortillas were fresh, and even the rice and beans were good—which isn’t always a given at a theme park.
I also ordered the guacamole and chips, and those were excellent too.
Sometimes guacamole at theme parks can be kind of…sad.
This wasn’t.
The guacamole tasted fresh, the chips were crispy, and it’s one of those snacks that’s easy to split if you’re not looking for a full meal. In fact, I’d rank it as one of the better savory snacks in EPCOT.
It just felt like a solid meal.
The menu also has things like beef and shrimp bowls, empanadas, nachos, and a few other Mexican favorites, so there are plenty of options if tacos aren’t your thing.
One thing I really like about La Cantina is that it’s another place where I can get a meal with a decent amount of protein without feeling like I just ate a five-pound cheeseburger.
That’s always a win in my book.
The Location Is Half the Experience
The food is good.
The location might be even better.
The seating area sits right along World Showcase Lagoon, so you’ve got really nice water views while you’re eating.
Most of the seating is covered, and while it isn’t air conditioned, there are fans overhead that make it surprisingly comfortable.
If you need a break from the heat, you can always duck inside the Mexico Pavilion for a few minutes afterward.
And here’s a little bonus tip…
The restrooms for La Hacienda de San Angel are right there, so it’s a convenient place to stop whether you’re eating or just making your way around World Showcase.
One More Reason to Time Your Meal Right…
If you happen to be eating here in the evening…
This is actually a pretty great spot to watch the nighttime fireworks.
Now, I wouldn’t necessarily plan my entire fireworks strategy around getting one of these tables, because they fill up.
But if the timing works out?
It’s a pretty nice place to enjoy dinner while watching the show over World Showcase Lagoon.
Is La Cantina de San Angel Worth It?
Definitely.
Honestly, I was kicking myself a little after I finally ate here.
I had walked past this place so many times because I was busy trying the two table service restaurants in the Mexico Pavilion. I just kept thinking, “I’ll try La Cantina next trip.”
Well…next trip finally happened.
And now I’m wondering why I waited so long.
A Few Things I Learned
One thing I really liked was the seating.
Most of it is outside, but don’t picture sitting in the blazing Florida sun. The tables are covered, there are fans overhead, and being right on World Showcase Lagoon makes it a really pleasant place to sit for a while.
Then we got an unexpected surprise.
When we were there, Disney had part of La Hacienda de San Angel open, so we were actually able to take our food inside and eat in the air conditioning.
I have no idea if they do that every day or if we just got lucky, so I wouldn’t count on it.
But if they do have it open…
Absolutely go inside.
It was nice to cool off for a little while before heading back into the heat.
Another thing I liked was that the restrooms were literally right there.
It’s one of those little things you don’t think about until you’re walking around EPCOT all day, and suddenly a conveniently located restroom feels like a major win.
If You Time It Right…
This is one of those restaurants that can reward good timing.
If you happen to be eating dinner around the same time as the nighttime fireworks, you may end up with a really nice view over World Showcase Lagoon.
Now…
I wouldn’t build my entire evening around trying to make that happen.
There are too many variables.
But if the timing works out naturally?
It’s a pretty fun bonus.
Final Thoughts
I would absolutely eat here again.
The Taco Trio was really good.
The location is beautiful.
And I left feeling satisfied instead of overly full.
Honestly, that’s kind of my ideal EPCOT lunch.
I want something that’s going to give me enough protein to keep going, but I also don’t want to ruin the rest of my day because…
Let’s be honest.
I’m still going to stop for dessert somewhere.
Maybe Germany.
Possibly both.
That’s the danger of EPCOT.
There is just too much good food.
La Cantina fits into that strategy perfectly.
It’s a really good lunch, it’s in a beautiful location, and it still leaves a little room for whatever snack catches your eye next.
