Review: Columbia Harbour House

Columbia Harbour House is a counter service restaurant located in Liberty Square across from the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom open daily for lunch and dinner.

Ambiance

Columbia Harbour House’s décor is exactly how you would imagine it when you hear its name.  The nautical theme is carried out throughout the restaurant in every way possible.  Disney did an amazing job making you feel like you stepped right into a seaside restaurant in New England.  My girls had fun walking around and exploring all the details in the décor, especially on the second floor which was nearly empty despite the lower level being pretty crowded.

Menu

The menu at Columbia Harbour House is a little different than what you would find at most counter service restaurants.  There are more menu choices than most counter service restaurants and include a much nicer variety than your usual chicken nuggets, hamburgers, and hot dogs.  Options include the Lighthouse Sandwich (vegetarian sandwich), Anchors Aweigh Sandwich (tuna sandwich), lobster roll, fried shrimp platter, chicken and fish basket, battered fish basket, chicken nugget basket, grilled salmon, broccoli peppercorn salad, and garden harvest salad.

Food and Drink

I was a little hesitant to try Columbia Harbour House because I was pretty skeptical that a counter service restaurant could actually make good seafood.  I had heard many good things though, so we decided to give it a chance.  I’m glad we did.  I had the grilled salmon, which was flaky and moist, just as salmon should be.  I was actually surprised at how good it was.  My husband had the fried shrimp platter, which was pretty good; however, I thought the salmon was better.

Service

Since this is a counter service restaurant, there isn’t much service here.  You order your food from a cast member at a podium, then you pick up your order from a window.  Seating is first come first serve.  If it’s crowded, head upstairs to the second floor where there is usually plenty of seating.

Overall

I am so glad that I listened to the recommendations of others and ignored my initial hesitation.  The food at Columbia Harbour House far exceeds that of most of the other counter service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom.

Alexia is a fan of all things Disney, especially the food!  When she is not helping plan magical vacations you can find her on Facebook or Twitter.