If you are looking for an off the beaten path dining location at Disney World that is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, Sanaa, located at Animal Kingdom Kidani Village, should be at the top of the list.
Sanaa is a relatively small dining location, but it is absolutely stunning. When you step inside this exquisite, East African-inspired eatery, it evokes the feeling of a traditional spice market. You’ll be enchanted by the handcrafted wares displayed under the branches of an acacia tree. Not only can you enjoy the atmosphere inside the restaurant, you can also enjoy the savannas outside as well. Over 200 birds and hoofed animals – from over 30 different species – reside at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village and you can enjoy watching them from your table while enjoying a meal.
Without a doubt, the highlight of the lunch and dinner menus is the Indian-style bread service. Guests have a choice of breads, including homemade, traditional Naan, and nine accompaniments. Chutneys, jams, and hummus are just a few of the items you can enjoy with the bread service. This is my favorite item on the Sanaa menu and it is well worth the trip to Kidani Village.
If you make it past the bread service, the lunch menu also includes soup, Samosas, and a salad sampler. Entrees range from a burger to Indian-inspired items including curry, butter chicken, and Tandoori chicken. The dinner menu includes a New York Strip steak and a fresh fish entree. Dessert options are available if you have room left after the delicious meal. A full bar is available for adults. When my family visited Sanaa, we ordered two entrees and shared them and it was a nice way to try a few things on the menu.
Sanaa has a kids’ menu for younger Mouseketeers. For adventurous eaters, the kids’ menu offers butter chicken and a fish of the day. For kiddos that prefer more familiar items, cheese pizza and a cheeseburger are available.
After you’ve finished your meal, take some time to explore Kidani Village and Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can view the savannas from several lookouts located throughout the resort. On select nights, Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House offers animal viewing with night vision goggles. Naturalists are available onsite to help guests locate and identify animals. There are lovely fire pits at the resorts that are a great place to relax.
Sanaa offers breakfast (7:30 AM to 11:00 AM), lunch (11:30 AM to 3:00 PM), and dinner (5:00 PM to 8:30 PM) daily and reservations are highly recommended. Located at Kidani Village, you can take Disney transportation from any Disney Theme Park or Disney Springs. If you are traveling from your Disney Resort, you will either have to take transportation to a park then transfer to Animal Kingdom Kidani Village or you can use ride share or a taxi.
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