If you think this is just a place at Disney World to grab cake…think again!

The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort has built a reputation as Disney World’s newest dessert destination, but some of the biggest surprises during our lunch were actually on the savory side. Let’s talk about what we ordered, what stood out, and what’s worth it.

Atmosphere

Walking into The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant at Disney World honestly feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale bakery — the kind you’d expect to find tucked away on a charming European street, not just a few steps from the parks. The space is bright, elegant, and completely over-the-top in the best way, with sparkling chandeliers overhead, soft pastel tones, and a dreamy, vintage-inspired aesthetic that makes it feel both cozy and grand at the same time. It’s the kind of restaurant where you immediately want to slow down, look around, and take in all the little details before you even think about the menu.

As you move deeper inside, the dining rooms feel almost like a series of little jewelery boxes, each one beautifully styled with its own personality, but all tied together by that same whimsical, celebratory vibe. The rooms are layered with ornate touches, from decorative mirrors and floral accents to soft lighting that makes everything feel warm and a little bit magical. It doesn’t feel like a typical Disney restaurant dining room where tables are just tables. Here, the entire space feels curated, like you’re dining inside a boutique ballroom in a storybook.

And even the table setup adds to the experience. The place settings feel polished and special, with pretty dishware, elegant glassware, and that “afternoon tea meets upscale dinner” kind of charm. Sitting down feels like an event in itself (whether you’re there for a full meal or just a slice of cake) because everything about the atmosphere encourages you to linger. It’s fancy without being stuffy, glamorous without feeling unwelcoming, and genuinely one of those restaurants where the ambiance is just as memorable as what you’re eating.

But enough about the restaurant — what’s on the menu here?!

Menu

The menu here feels cultured, thoughtfully curated, and distinctly restaurant-worthy. The lunch offerings lean into elevated comfort food with a global twist, blending familiar flavors with fresh, bright ingredients. Think crisp salads that are packed with texture, rich pastas that balance creaminess and brightness, and beautifully plated sandwiches that are more “chef’s creation” than quick bite. Every dish feels like it was designed to be savored, not rushed, which fits the atmosphere perfectly.

Unlike some places where lunch feels like an afterthought before dessert, here it is a full dining experience. The menu manages to deliver dishes that are hearty enough to satisfy but refined enough to feel special. There’s a sense of playfulness in the pairings, too! A hint of Mediterranean influence here, a touch of classic American comfort there, all united with fresh produce, quality proteins, and thoughtful garnishes that elevate every plate.

It’s the kind of lunch where you find yourself taking an extra minute to appreciate the composition of a dish, from the way the flavors layer to the way it’s presented, and then that much more excited to get to the next course: a vast array of delicious cakes and decadent desserts.

There’s also a separate Children’s Menu to choose from, too!

And now, onto the main event — the food!

Eats

First up, we grabbed the Gumbo Poutine for $27. This is made with chicken and andouille gumbo, pommes frites, and cheese curds.

The gumbo poutine here is genuinely phenomenal — and we don’t say that lightly, because we eat a lot of loaded fries around Disney World. The gumbo itself is the real star. It’s rich, flavorful, and has just the right amount of spice, with a smooth, creamy gravy-like texture that works unbelievably well over fries. There’s a generous amount of chicken and sausage mixed in, too, so it actually feels hearty and substantial instead of just being fries with a drizzle on top.

And then you get to the cheese curds, which are huge, soft, and super melty, more creamy than squeaky, which honestly makes them even more satisfying in this context. The fries are also excellent on their own: perfectly balanced between crispy and soft, and seasoned really well with that seasoned-salt flavor that makes them addictive before you even add toppings. Overall, this was one of the best “loaded fry” appetizers we’ve had on Disney property, and we would absolutely order them again!

We also grabbed the Truffle Pommes Frites for $18. These are made with fruffle oil, smoked sea salt, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, served with the restaurant’s homemade garlic aioli.

The truffle pommes frites feel like the elevated, sit-down restaurant version of the black garlic truffle fries you might grab at quick-service spots — familiar, but definitely leveled up. The truffle flavor itself is more subtle than you might expect, but the fries make up for it with a heavy hit of garlic and parmesan that’s incredibly satisfying. They’re savory, rich, and just really well-seasoned.

The real standout here is the garlic aioli on the side. It’s creamy, smooth, intensely garlicky in the best way, and honestly, the kind of sauce you want to bottle up and put on every form of potato imaginable. While our reporter who tasted these dishes would personally choose the gumbo poutine first for sheer uniqueness and flavor, these fries are still a really solid appetizer, and probably the safer pick if you’re dining with someone who prefers something a little more classic.

Next up, it was time to try out the Croque-Monsieur for $27. This dish is made of Country bread, French ham, Gruyère cheese, Maille Dijon mustard, and béchamel sauce.

This one was honestly a little surprising, and not necessarily in the way we expected. We’ve had a few different versions of this sandwich around Disney World (especially at places like Les Halles), so our reporter went into this one thinking it would be a pretty classic, comforting ham-and-cheese situation.

And in many ways, it is. The portion is fairly large, with those signature layers of ham and melted cheese inside, plus a béchamel sauce poured over the top. The sandwich is toasted so that the béchamel gets this really nice, crispy, golden finish while still staying creamy and soaking slightly into the bread. Texture-wise, it’s rich, indulgent, and definitely satisfying.

It also comes with an arugula salad on the side with tomatoes and what looks like a sprinkle of Parmesan, though if we’re honest, arugula salad always feels a bit like a filler side to us. It’s light, not very substantial, and doesn’t add a ton beyond being something green on the plate. You can substitute fries if you want, but after already having plenty of fries for this review, we decided to stick with the salad.

The biggest thing to know about this sandwich, though, is the mustard. There’s a specific Dijon mustard on it that I assumed would be standard…but it is not. It’s spicy, horseradish-forward Dijon, and it comes in hot. The heat hits quickly, kind of zaps your tongue, and you get that sharp horseradish kick in every bite. If you don’t like horseradish or aren’t expecting spice in your croque monsieur, this will absolutely catch you off guard.

Overall, it’s a decent sandwich, though a little greasy, and for the price point, we honestly found ourselves thinking the gumbo poutine was the better value and more memorable choice. But if you love bold mustard flavor and don’t mind that horseradish bite, this could be a fun twist on the classic!

As we wound down our dining extravaganza, it was time to tackle the most anticipated dish of the meal — dessert! We opted for a slice of Gwendolyn’s Famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake for $22. This is made with Valrhona French chocolate cake filled with Callebaut Belgian chocolate ganache and malted chocolate cream. Topped with Callebaut Belgian chocolate fudge and Fleur de Sel.

This cake is honestly on another level! It reminded us a little bit of the classic chocolate cake you can get at Steakhouse 71… but we would easily put this one a step above. You can taste the quality immediately; the ingredients feel richer, the execution feels more intentional, and it honestly made us realize we’ve been missing out by not trying more of the cakes here.

The cake itself is fluffy but still has that slight density you want in a really good chocolate cake that’s rich and satisfying without being overly sweet. The chocolate flavor is deep and well-balanced, and then between each layer, you get this thick, creamy chocolate ganache that might have been our favorite part of the whole dessert. It’s smooth, sweet, intensely chocolatey, with even a little hint of nuttiness, and it’s layered so perfectly throughout the cake.

Inside, there are also layers of malted chocolate cream, which are lighter in flavor and cooler in texture, and they do such a good job balancing out the heavier chocolate notes. It keeps the cake from feeling too rich all at once, even though it’s definitely indulgent.

And then the top is just incredible: a thick Belgian chocolate fudge layer finished with fleur de sel, which adds this subtle saltiness that cuts through the sweetness in the best way. It’s beautifully done, beautifully plated, and even dusted with a little edible glitter, because of course it is.

Is it expensive? Yes — at $22, it’s definitely a splurge. But it’s also absolutely a dessert meant for two people to share, and as a split treat, it feels completely worth it. Overall, an excellent, memorable piece of cake and one of the best chocolate desserts I’ve had at Disney World.

Also, we wanted to offer a super quick shoutout to Chris, our server for this meal, as it was a delight being able to pick your brain about the menu items and the restaurant!

Nosh or Not

This Disney World restaurant is a must-visit if…

• The Atmosphere Feels Like an Experience All on Its Own. Lunch here isn’t just about grabbing a meal; it genuinely feels like stepping into a whimsical, storybook bakery dining room. Between the chandeliers, pastel elegance, and beautifully styled spaces, it’s the kind of place that feels special the second you walk in, even if you’re just stopping by midday.

• The Appetizers Are Surprisingly Standout. If you love starting a meal with something fun and indulgent, the appetizers here are a major reason to come. The Gumbo Poutine in particular is one of those dishes you’ll be thinking about long after the trip, that’s rich, flavorful, hearty, and honestly one of the best loaded fry options on Disney property.

• The Cakes Are the Main Event (And Worth Planning Around.) Let’s be real: this is a cake destination. The desserts here aren’t an afterthought — they’re the highlight. If you want a lunch spot where you can enjoy a solid meal and finish with a truly show-stopping slice of cake that feels shareable and memorable, this is absolutely the place.

You should skip this Disney World spot if…

• It’s Definitely a Splurge. This is not a budget-friendly lunch stop. Between the entrée prices, appetizers, and especially the cakes (which can be $20+ a slice), it adds up quickly. If you’re trying to keep dining costs lower or save splurges for a signature dinner, this might feel like a lot for a midday meal.
• The Food Can Be a Bit Hit-or-Miss Depending on What You Order. While the appetizers and desserts really shine, some of the lunch entrées may not feel as universally worth it. For example, dishes like the Croque-Monsieur have bold flavor twists that could surprise picky eaters, and the sides (like a simple arugula salad) may feel a little underwhelming for the price point.
• It’s More of a “Leisurely Lunch” Spot Than a Quick Park Break. This is the kind of restaurant you go to when you want to slow down and make lunch an experience. If you’re on a packed park schedule, trying to maximize rides, or just need something quick and efficient, The Cake Bake Shop might feel too time-consuming compared to faster Disney dining options.

Overall

Overall, lunch at The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant was a really memorable experience, with some genuinely standout highs, especially when it came to the appetizers and dessert. The Gumbo Poutine in particular was phenomenal and easily one of the best loaded fry-style dishes we’ve had on Disney property, and even the Truffle Pommes Frites felt like an elevated, sit-down version of a familiar park favorite. The Croque-Monsieur was a bit more surprising than expected, with a bold horseradish-spiked Dijon that won’t be for everyone, but it was still a solid, indulgent entrée. And then the real showstopper was the Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake — rich, beautifully layered, and absolutely worth sharing. Between the whimsical atmosphere and the quality of the food (especially the sweets, which are clearly where this place shines), The Cake Bake Shop feels like a lunch spot that’s as much about the experience as it is the meal, and definitely one to consider if you’re looking for something a little more special than the usual Disney dining routine.

In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more restaurant updates from Disney World and beyond. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!

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Have you eaten at this Disney World restaurant before? Tell us in the comments!