I have to come clean about something. Before last week, it had been at least 15 years since I had eaten at the Carnation restaurant on Main Street. This last week, after experiencing Pirates League with my sons, my husband and I wanted a sit-down, table-service meal but Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans just weren’t calling to us. I remembered that Carnation Cafe recently reopened and we headed to Main Street to grab an early dinner.

Carnation Cafe is our family’s new go-to restaurant. It’s comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff and fast service are top notch. The food is fantastic. It’s comfort food–food you would want to serve your family at home and perhaps do on a regular basis. The portions are just right–not quite enough to share but not so much that you finish the meal feeling too full. 

I opted for the meatloaf entree, which is served home style with ketchup and gravy, mashed potatoes, a roll and a corn and edamame medley that is to die for. My entire meal was perfect–from the flavors to the simple presentation. 

My husband opted for the chicken-fried chicken. I know it’s a crazy name, but it is a seriously good entree and my husband is a tough customer when it comes to food. The chicken is prepared similar to a traditional chicken fried steak, but with a boneless, skinless chicken breast. The rest of the meal features the same side dishes as my meatloaf.

Both of the kids opted for the kids’ mac and cheese meals which also came with a very healthy serving of grapes, a strawberry and a child’s-size drink.

We also splurged on a piece of chocolate cake for all of us to split. I didn’t act fast enough and my children (and husband) gobbled it up so fast that I got half a bit and crumbs. My son Brandon still hasn’t stopped talking about how it was the best chocolate cake he’s ever eaten and my husband agrees it was downright amazing.

Desserts available at the Carnation Cafe. I would like to try the coconut cake (far right) on our next trip.

Both of the adult meals were around $10 and the kids meal was $6.99. While I understand that when adding in the cost of admission that this meal may be too steep for families, I will say that for the quality, quantity and service we received at this restaurant, my husband and I agree that the price is easily right on par with what you would spend at a restaurant outside the park.

Guests are greeted right as they enter the restaurant. Feel free to take a look at the kids menu or regular menu.

The new restaurant, which has expanded to now seat diners in what used to be the Blue Ribbon Bakery, is decorated in beautiful turn-of-the-century decor to perfectly blend in with Main Street and is adorned with vintage Disneyland photography. Both booths and tables are available and the restaurant is a great fit for families. We felt that the meals really provided us with the comfort food and flavors we craved after running around the park but didn’t leave us feeling slow and sluggish. 

Beautiful decor and plenty of seating for families.

Of course, guests can still dine outside.

While the food was fantastic, I have to say that the staff was amazing. Our food was brought to us very quickly and all of the Cast Members were very, very friendly. One Cast Member in particular made our experience extra special. Seeing that our boys had just come back from their Pirates League transformation, she asked them to sign the restaurant’s autograph book. My son Aidan signed for both of my boys (their pirate names and real names) and drew a picture of them as their pirate alter egos…as Lego mini figures. 

We were able to get a seat in the restaurant without waiting, but we were at Disneyland midweek and arrived before 5. If you would like to make a reservation, call (714) 781-DINE. You will not be disappointed.