Lamplight Lounge at Disney’s California Adventure-Review

With the recent transformation of Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier, the popular Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto were also in need of a re-theme to fit this new area. Thus, the ‘Lamplight Lounge’ arrived with its new Pixar decor and menu which still echoed much of the popular Cove Bar. During our recent trip to Disneyland, we dined at the Lamplight Lounge for the first time.

Upon arrival we were asked for our booking, which we had made many weeks in advance. The server then told us that we may be seated in direct sunlight and asked if this would be ok. Now, I’m no vampire, but sitting in the sizzling summer heat wasn’t really going to enhance my experience. Instead, we requested a seat in the shade, which due to the location wasn’t that consistent anyway.

Before I go on, we must remember that Disney can’t, of course, control the weather, but perhaps there is some error in design when the only real shaded seating available is the few tables in the limited indoor area. Shutters may ruin the view, but a warning about the sun when booking may help Disney avoid having the line of guests complaining which we saw upon entering and exiting the restaurant. This problem is mainly limited to the summer months, so if you plan a visit later in the year, I wouldn’t let this concern you too much. Also, the cast members at the check-in desk were definitely trying there best to accommodate all guests.

Location and theming of Lamplight Lounge

The setting of the restaurant itself is stunning. With a view of ‘The Incredicoaster’ and the ‘Pixar Pal-around’, any Disney fan would struggle to want for more. The front desk is decorated with various Pixar art and as you enter down the stairs, a chandelier of pencil drawings hangs above. The lower level desk stands in front of a wall of Luxo balls and adjacent are various framed Pixar team member shirts. The toilets to the left are entered through a corridor of chalked Pixar quotes and the main seating area is furnished like you might imagine a leading Pixar animators office to be. Posters and memorabilia from every Pixar film line the walls and if you’re lucky, you may even sit at the glass table filled with Cars figures. The long bar sits adjacent to the water and a decking of outdoor seating wraps around the whole building.

Cocktails and Mocktails

To begin with, there is a cocktail menu that can happily rival the Cove Bars popular past offerings. The themed drinks are all presented beautifully, making reference to Pixar films or just general film structure. In addition to this, there are equally awesome mocktails, various wines, beers and soft drinks. As none of our party were drinking, we enjoyed two mocktails; ‘Mint to be’ and ‘Infinity fizz’. The first tasted similar to a strawberry basil lemonade and the later, which arrived steaming dried ice, tasted extremely sweet with popping cherry pearls. The ‘infinity fizz’ is one of the best presented cocktails we have ever seen and I would recommend to kids and adults alike.

The food

A slight complaint about the food menu is that it is rather limited. A selection of seven light bites are available. These are served both in the main restaurant and the bar. We enjoyed the potato skins as an appetiser and had little but wonderful things to say about them. The sauces and cheese combination created a flavour full experience which left us craving more.

As far as main courses go, there are only six items available at Lamplight Lounge. Most of these include meat. However, a secret vegetarian/vegan menu can be found online. These options include slight alterations to the regular dishes, such as adding tofu to the ratatouille or removing the bacon and spinach from the salad. More notably, the restaurant also offers to make the infamous lobster nachos vegetarian and they also carry an impossible burger. Members of our party enjoyed the impossible burger, which was paired with avocado on a toasted bun and served with fries. The regular burger also gained decent feedback from us as well, although it is slightly overpriced even for a Disney restaurant. Other members in our group also enjoyed the lobster nachos and Carne asada rolls.

We received great service and all the members of our group enjoyed there experience. The only complaints we have are the limited menu, the price of some food items and the fact that the vegetarian options aren’t listed for all to see. This could cause vegetarians to miss out or be deterred from dining here.

Dessert

For dessert, there is only one option : The donuts. Whilst delicious, it is hard to see why the Lamplight Lounge wouldn’t capitalise more on this and offer more options for those with a sweet tooth. Therefore, yet again, we are left making the same complaint.

Summary opinion of Lamplight Lounge

With its limited menu, this location may not be the place for you. However, if any of the offerings do take your fancy we can guarantee you will have a good time. It’s setting and theming are beautiful and the food that is served is of a fairly good standard. If you do decide to dine here, don’t forget to try a cocktail or mocktail!

Amazing tip–

You can watch the World of Color from Lamplight Lounge. If you do want to watch the show, then try to book a table at this restaurant for as late as possible. This will vary depending on the parks opening hours.

Please check out our review of Pixar Pier at Disney’s California Adventure.