Enjoy Great Lagoon Views and Good Food at La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot

If you're looking for a good table service meal with a great view of the World Showcase Lagoon and the nightly IllumiNations show, you'll want to check out La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot's Mexico Pavilion.

La Hacienda opened in 2010 next door to the Cantina de San Angel, the counter service location in the pavilion. The food is described as Southern Mexican cuisine and features homemade corn tortillas and simple ingredients. The restaurant strives to serve authentic Mexican flavors, not the "Americanized" Mexican that many people are used to.

Braised short ribs at La Hacienda

As with other restaurants on property, La Hacienda has a back story. According to Disney legend, an artistic family owned the hacienda and opened it to dinner guests and the outdoor Cantina is for the overflow.

The decor of the restaurant is contemporary and avoids being over-the-top, preferring instead to focus on high ceilings, simple furnishings, and gorgeous windows that give diners a wonderful view of the lagoon.

The decor of La Hacienda de San Angel

La Hacienda is open for dinner and if you're hoping to get a table for IllumiNations viewing it's best to make that Advanced Dining Reservation 180 days out.

The menu is relatively small and features one page full of unique margaritas, tequila flights, South American wines, and more.

Your meal starts with complimentary chips and two types of salsa, red and green. Appetizers include Queso Fundido (melted cheese with poblano peppers and chorizo), Gorditas, and Crema de Elote (corn cream soup).

Gorditas appetizer at La Hacienda

Entrees include Tacos de Camarones (with fried shrimp, chipotle-lime aioli, and cabbage), Pollo al Pastor (achiote marinated chicken with roasted vegetables), and Pescado a la Talla (grilled tilapia with roasted corn).

If you have room for dessert at the end of your meal you can choose from chocolate mousse, empenadas, corn ice cream, or traditional Mexican sorbets.

Of course we recommend making your reservation late enough that you can enjoy your meal and stick around for a viewing of IllumiNations. And even if you finish a bit early, order another drink or another dessert and enjoy the show!

Enjoy IllumiNations from your table at La Hacienda

Our friends at the Disney Food Blog have a review of dinner at La Hacienda including a view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Have you dined at La Hacienda de San Angel? What is your favorite item on the men? Leave us comment and let us know!

Thanks to the Disney Food Blog for use of their photos!