Space 220 was at the top of my list when I made my reservations for my last Walt Disney World holiday but could it live up to the hype?
After a long day in Epcot we found ourselves rushing to Space 220 for dinner, not running obviously, that’s against Disney rules!
For those of you who don’t know, Space 220 is located near Mission Space, near the front of the park, it’s only been open since 2021, so not an Epcot legend, like Garden Grill but it has attracted rave reviews and it can be tricky to secure a reservation there.
Space 220 review: Touchdown
There was a bit of a line to check in at the reservation desk before we were escorted to the lift that would transport us to space and hopefully to some culinary delights and full tummies, I was certainly beyond peckish after a day whipping through the world showcase!
The lift was so much fun. As your journey begins, you step into a sleek, futuristic “space elevator” known as the Stellarvator, where the magic of Disney’s storytelling and special effects takes over. The lights dim, and with a gentle rumble beneath your feet, you begin your simulated ascent 220 miles above Earth to the Centauri Space Station.
Look down, and through the circular viewport in the floor, you’ll see Florida shrinking below – watch as Epcot fades into the distance. My sons absolutely loved blasting off and looking down on the Earth as we travelled up to the restaurant.
And when we arrived, wow, what a view! Stretching across one side of the dining room, massive digital screens – or “windows” – complete the illusion of dining among the stars. We stood there for a moment, just taking it all in: Earth gently spinning far below, with satellites, astronauts, and the occasional spacecraft drifting silently past. It felt serene, otherworldly, and completely magical.
Space 220 offers a fixed-price menu, where you’ll enjoy three courses, and the portion sizes are well-balanced, so you don’t need to worry about overindulging. Despite the generous flavours, each dish is thoughtfully portioned, leaving you comfortably satisfied without feeling overly full.
Starters (Lift-Offs)
Our group sampled a variety of appetizers, each showcasing the creativity of the kitchen:
- Starry Calamari: The presentation of this dish is certainly eye-catching, presented on a divided plate that reminded us of an airport tray meal or a child’s plate. However, the dish is far from basic. The calamari was light and crisp, with a delightful roasted pepper aioli that brought a depth of flavor that perfectly complemented the delicate seafood.
- Neptune Tartare: This dish was another standout for its innovative presentation. The fresh, moist tuna was hidden inside crispy little shells, creating an intriguing contrast of textures. It was a delicate and refreshing starter.
- Andromeda Wagyu Beef Carpaccio: Featuring delicate slices of wagyu beef topped with bright pomegranate bursts, crisp potato chips, and a decadent truffle Cipriani sauce, finished with shavings of Parmesan. It was a lovely mixture of textures and flavours and the sauce was not too rich.
- Shrimp Tacos: These were a sweet, light dish, served with perfectly cooked shrimp, crispy shallots, and a fresh salad inside a crispy shell. The texture combination was amazing, making it a fun and light appetizer.
- Luna Antipasti: A lovely balance of flavors and textures, this antipasto selection offered a cosmic twist on traditional Italian starters. The marinated vegetables, artisanal meats and cheese had a delicious picnic feel.
- Mozzarella Moons: A dish from the kids’ menu, this was a hit with one of our sons. The crispy mozzarella served with a tomato dipping sauce had the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. The option to dip or not allowed for a customized experience, making it accessible for picky eaters.
Mains (Star Courses)
Moving to the main courses, we found a variety of flavours and textures, each one as satisfying as the last:
- Galactic Miso Salmon: The miso glaze was subtle, enhancing the richness of the salmon without overpowering it. The sautéed leeks and tomato salad added refreshing elements to the dish, making it a well-balanced and light main course.
- 8oz Filet Mignon: This was an absolute indulgence. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and unctuous, paired with a rectangular cake of mashed potatoes and leeks. The three daubs of butter arranged like a control pad were an amusing yet delicious touch, and the red wine reduction was rich and flavourful, complementing the steak beautifully.
- Slow Rotation Zero-G Short Rib: Tender and rich, this entrée felt like it had been slow-braised in orbit. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth soft, served with smooth cheddar grits, carrots and beans. Grits are a bit of an acquired taste for non-Americans but they’re not so different to mash and these had a lovely cheesy taste.
- Nebula Grouper: A visually stunning dish, the grouper was perfectly charred on the outside while remaining tender and flaky inside. Served with seasonal vegetables and edible flowers, this dish made a great visual and culinary impression. The freshness of the veggies, including asparagus, was the perfect accompaniment.
- Cosmic Chicken Tenders: Another dish off the children’s menu, the chicken tenders were very easy to eat and came with crispy fries. It may be simple, but it’s a comfort dish done right, perfect for little ones or anyone seeking a lighter meal.
Desserts (Super Nova Sweets)
The desserts at Space 220 are not only delicious but incredibly fun to look at:
- Cosmic Cheesecake: This chocolate dessert was almost too beautiful to eat, with a swirling blue shell that looked like a miniature planet. It was rich, and while it might be a bit intense for some, it’s definitely worth trying for the visual appeal and indulgent taste.
- Sol: A dark chocolate tart with coffee undertones, this dessert will delight those who appreciate deep, rich chocolate flavors. The combination of the bitterness of the chocolate and the slight acidity of coffee made for an intriguing and sophisticated finish.
- Strawberry Nebula: This dessert was a star! A creamy, pink shell of cream cheese mousse, lemon curd, and strawberry jam, finished with strawberry whip, offered a lovely contrast of fruity and tangy flavors. The delicate presentation, including white chocolate elements, was visually captivating and utterly delicious.
- Bode’s Swirl: A light and refreshing option, this lemon chiffon cake paired with berry compote and meringue was the perfect balance of tart and sweet, offering a great contrast to the richer dishes we’d already had.
- The Milky Meltaway: This is a showstopper for kids (and the kid at heart). Hot chocolate is poured into an upturned chocolate dome, which then melts away, revealing a cup of chocolatey goodness. It’s both interactive and indulgent, making it a memorable experience.
Drinks to Complement the Meal
Don’t miss out on the drinks—they’re as fun and eye-catching as the food. We had a Starship Lemonade, served with glow rocks (light-up ice cubes you can take home). The Gamma Burst was another favourite, adding a splash of excitement to our meal. Meanwhile, the llumination came in a bright shade of vibrant yellow, with tropical bursts of passion fruit, citrus, and rum.
Tips for Dining at Space 220
- Choose the Right Seat: If you can, ask to be seated in the lower section of the restaurant, which offers an incredible view of astronauts and spacecraft floating by. While the upper tier is still impressive, the lower section offers a unique experience that helps make Space 220 stand out.
- Make Reservations: Space 220 is incredibly popular, so reservations are highly recommended. Keep in mind that it’s not currently available on the Disney Dining Plan, so plan accordingly.
- Tip: If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, be sure to mention it when making your reservation, either online or by phone. Disney restaurants like Space 220 often surprise guests with small touches. In this case, it was my husband’s birthday and his dessert included a white chocolate birthday sign to mark the moment.
- The Space 220 menu changes (or orbits) fairly regularly – you can see the current offerings here.
The ultimate themed dining experience
Overall, Space 220 delivers an unforgettable dining experience. The innovative presentations, stellar service, and unique atmosphere make it one of the best dining options at Epcot
Whether you’re a fan of space-themed dining (who isn’t?!) or just looking for the very best of those high-quality, imaginatively-themed dishes that Disney is famous for, this restaurant doesn’t disappoint. Make sure it’s on your list!
