Epcot Italy – The Ultimate Guide

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The Epcot Italy Pavilion in World Showcase is one of the most beautiful in the park. The attention to detail is spectacular.

The Italian pavilion is one of the smaller countries in Epcot, but you should make sure that you spend some time there.

Epcot Italy is one of the quieter spots in World Showcase. Unfortunately, there isn’t an attraction, but the atmosphere, shopping, and restaurants make this a great place to relax and simply enjoy the surroundings.

Epcot Italy

The Epcot Italy Pavilion has a reproduction of St. Mark’s Square which is at the center of the space. As you approach Epcot Italy you will see the huge 83-foot-tall Campanile di Piazza San Marco.

The Imagineers used a lot of artistic license in the placing of the buildings. However, this is meant to be a representation of Italy.

It does a very good job of capturing the historic and grand feel of the architecture of Venice.

The main pink building in Epcot Italy is a replica of Doges Palace in Venice. The Imagineers wanted things to look as authentic as possible. The structure is made of fiberglass, but it has been painted and treated to look like marble.

If you look right to the top of the bell tower you will see a statue of an angel right at the top. It is too far away to really appreciate, but this statue is covered with gold leaf.

There are many great spots to take photos in the Italy Pavillion in Epcot. A favorite photo spot is the replica of the Neptune Fountain which is towards the back of the square, beyond the KidCot stop.

It is worth spending some time watching the live street performers or listening to the singer’s Live street theatre and the singers “I Cantanapoli”.

Remember to look at the very front of the Epcot Italy Pavilion at the edge of World Showcase Lagoon. There you will see a collection of replica gondolas just like the ones that are used in the Canals of Venice.

This is a nice place to spend a few minutes and look over the Lagoon. It is also a great place for photos.

Epcot Italy Restaurants

Italy is of course known for its wonderful cuisine. As you would expect, there are some good Epcot Italy Restaurants. It now has two full-service restaurants to choose from, as well as a small wine cellar.

Via Napoli Restaurant

Via Napoli serves traditional southern Italian cuisine. The interior is spacious and welcoming. There is an open kitchen so that you can watch the chefs at work.

The menu and prices are correct as of January 2024:

Antipasti (Small Plates)

Mozzarella Caprese – vine-ripened tomato, fresh milk mozzarella – $14.00

Calamari Fritti – corn-crusted rings served with spicy tomato sauce – $23.00

Tagliere Serves people – chef’s selection of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and pickled vegetables  – $39.00

Side Salads and Soup

Insalata di Cesare – romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan, savory bread crumbs – $21.00

House Salad – (minimum 2 people_ mixed greens, cucumber, peperoncino, peppers, peppadew peppers, dried tomatoes, olives, red wine vinaigrette – $9

Epcot Via Napoli Entree

There is a good selection of pizzas. Most of them are available in 3 different sizes so these are perfect for sharing.

Carciofi Pizza – white pizza, artichoke, fontina, mozzarella, truffle oil; Individual – $25; Large – $40; Mezzo Metro – $50

Margherita – tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil; Individual – $21; Large – $33; Mezzo Metro – $44

Piccante Pizza – tomato sauce, Italian spicy sausage, mozzarella; Individual – $24; Large – $38; Mezzo Metro – $50

Prosciutto e Melone Pizza – white pizza, fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, cantaloupe, arugula; Individual – $26; Large – $40; Mezzo Metro – $54

Quattro Formaggi Pizza – white pizza, mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, provolone; Individual – $25; Large – $40; Mezzo Metro – $55

Via Napoli Pasta and Entrees

Tortellini – Cheese Stuffed Pasta with sauteed pancetta, sweet peas tossed in a Parmesan cream sauce. $29

Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci – spinach, ricotta, tomato sauce $30

Spaghetti e Polpettine – tomato and meatballs $28

Branzino – mediterranean sea bass, lemon oil, sauteed green beans, cherry tomatoes $35

Chicken Parmesan traditional prepared with homemade tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese served with spaghettis tomatoes. $34

Filetto di Manzo two medallions of beef filet, grilled to your liking, served with fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, and green beans, topped with rosemary butter for $40.

Dessert

Tiramisu – Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, ladyfingers, chocolate $14.00

Berry Cheese Cake – cream cheese and ricotta cheesecake with a blackberry compote $13.00

Cannolo Siciliano crispt pastry filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate, and candied orange $12.

Torta Della Nonna – gradother cake,, cream, pinoli, almond, $13.

Gelati e Sorbetti chocolate and vanilla, $11

Our pick always has to be the classic Tiramisu.

Via Napoli Kids Entrees

Pizza Margarita with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce $11

Spaghetti with Meatballs $10

Chicen Tender $11.50

Kids Desserts

Bombolone Italian doughnuts filled with cream $8.00

Gelati e Sorbetti $6.00

Tutto Italia Ristorante

The Epcot Italy Pavilion has two full-service restaurants. Tutto Italia is the slightly more upscale venue of the two choices.

There is a large dining room that is filled with lots of authentic Italian decor.

The huge murals on the wall add to the sense that you are dining somewhere in Italy.

If you possibly can, request a seat out on the piazza. We much prefer the ambiance out here and of course, you can enjoy some people-watching whilst you have your meal.

Antipasti

Tagliere – Chefs selection of various appetizers and specialties, a generous platter served family-style. Serves Two $39.00

Fior di Latte Caprese – Roasted sweet peppers, basil, Maldon sea salt, extra virgin olive oil $17.00

Calamari Fritti served with Mrinara Piccante $23

Salad

Caesar Salad – Romaine wedge, olive crostini, shaved Parmesan $18 Add Chicken or Shrimp $11

Fior di Latte Caprese Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Basil, Maldon Sea Salt, Tuscan olive oil and Balsamic glaze $18

Carpaccio di Manzo charred Waygu beef, Arugula, Parmesan Cheese and Lemon dressing $24

Pasta “Tutto Italia”

Lasagna alla Bolognese – Traditional preparation from Emilia-Romagna with beef sauce, bechamel, Parmesan $29.00

Spaghetti – Beef, veal and pork meatballs, Pomodoro sauce $28

Fettuccine homemade fettuccini pasta, parmesan cream sauce $24 – add grilled chicken breast, shrimp or meatballs $11

Gnocchi Sorrentina – Potato dumplings, roasted tomatoes, Pomodoro sauce, burrata cheese $29

Ravioli Grilled chicken ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, green beans, cream and pesto sauce $29

Pesce e Carne

Salmone – Grilled salmon filet, oven-roasted winter vegetables, citrus butter sauce $34.00

Bistecca – 12 oz. grilled NY strip steak, crispy rosemary potatoes, caramelized cipollini onions, herb butter $43.00

Parmigiana- Breaded chicken breast, mozzarella, parmesan, fresh spaghetti and tomato sauce $34

Manzo Brasato – Braised beef chuck short rib, Portobello mushroom ravioli, red wine sauce $42

Via Napoli Desserts

Tiramisu – Mascarpone, Espresso, Savoiardi biscuits, chocolate $13.00

Cannoli – Crisp pastry filled with sweet Ricotta, chocolate, candied orange $11.00

Panna Cotta Vaniglia – Strawberry Compote, Biscotto all’arancia $13.00

Torta di Ricotta – Lemon Ricotta cheesecak $13.00

Gelati e Sorbetti – Gelati – Chocolate, Vanilla, Stracciatella. Sorbetti – Lemon, Strawberry $11.00

Via Napoli Kids Menu

Appetizers

Seasonal Fruit Cocktail $6.00

Minestrone di Verdure – Spring vegetable, Pastina, Chicken Broth $6.00

Strawberry Salad – Romaine, strawberries, Mozzarella $6.00

Kids Entrees

Chicken Tenders – with fresh green beans. Includes a complimentary beverage with purchase of entrée – Juice, Bottle Water, or 1% Milk (refills not included) $11.00

Mozzarella Sticks – with a side of tomato sauce. Includes a complimentary beverage with purchase of entrée – Juice, Bottle Water, or 1% Milk (refills not included) $11.00

Pan Seared Pizza – Cheese or Pepperoni. Includes a complimentary beverage with purchase of entrée – Juice, Bottle Water, or 1% Milk (refills not included) $11.00

Spaghetti – with tomato sauce and meatballs. Includes a complimentary beverage with purchase of entrée – Juice, Bottle Water, or 1% Milk (refills not included) $11.00

Which Italian Restaurant in Epcot is Better?

Now that is a difficult choice. Both restaurants have their own charm and both are recommended.

However, if I had to choose which Italian Restaurant in Epcot is better I would pick Via Napoli. I prefer the ambiance here and also meals are decent value here – particularly if you share a pizza.

Epcot Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

We highly recommend the Epcot Italy wine bar. If you want to drink a great glass of wine and enjoy some small plates you should check out the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar.

Surprisingly this delightful venue is often overlooked by visitors to Epcot Italy. This Epcot Italy Wine Bar is a great place to spend some time and enjoy some downtime and rest your tired feet when you are visiting World Showcase.

There is a choice of over 200 bottles of Italian wine at the Epcot Italy Wine Bar. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed.

The setting is reminiscent of a small Italian wine cellar. You can enjoy wines by the glass or the bottle.

There is also a selection of Wine Flights for $17.

Specialty cocktails and beer are also available.

The Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar also serves food. Unfortunately, they do not participate in the Disney Dining Plan. This is definitely a place that we recommend even if you are not on the plan.

The standard of food is very good.

They serve an Appetizer plate for two people which is priced at $39.

The plates include selected imported Italian meats and cheese. They also have a menu of Small Plates which include salads, pasta, and steak.

The Epcot Italy Wine Bar is also a great place to enjoy an Italian dessert. The selection includes:

Canolli crisp pastry, sweet ricotta, chocolate, candied orange $11.00

Mocha Tiramisu – marscapone cream, espresso, Savoiardi biscuits, chocolate $13

Snacks

A visit to Epcot Italy would not be complete without enjoying some authentic Gelato.

There is a snack kiosk called Gelati where you can enjoy this purest of Italian indulgences.

They also serve a Gelato Sandwich if you like your ice cream in a chocolate chip cookie dessert.

We also recommend Cannoli and Tiramisu. You would expect the coffee to be great from the Italian Pavillion in Epcot, but unfortunately, it really isn’t that good.

There is often available seating close to the Neptune Fountain. It is good to sit there and enjoy a snack and some people watching.

Shopping in Epcot Italy

Il Bel Cristallo is the pink building located on the left-hand side as you stand in front of the Italian Epcot Pavilion. This has clothes, perfume, jewelry, and bags.

Our favorite section is at the back of the store with the display of authentic Venetian masks.

Everything in the store is authentically Italian. Some of it is a little pricey, but you are sure to be able to find something that you like.

The other store is La Bottega Italiana. This has a lot of very tempting kitchen items. The prices are pretty reasonable and you will find some things that you can’t buy anywhere else.

There is also a large selection of wine on sale. You can sample some of them in their wine tasting selection.

Epcot Italy at Night

The experience of Epcot Italy is very different at night. When the sun goes down you can see very different elements of the architecture.

Epcot Italy used to be a great place to watch the Epcot Forever fireworks. Unfortunately, these days the best spot, which is close to the gondolas on the Lagoon, is now used for dessert parties or wedding parties.

The space between Italy and America on World Showcase Lagoon is still a good place to watch Epcot fireworks.

As always, get a spot early and make sure there aren’t any trees blocking your view.

Conclusion

Epcot Italy is one of the most visually stunning of all of the Epcot Pavilions. It really does capture the feeling of this beautiful and historic country. Make sure that you make time to spend just simply taking everything in here.

Sit and people-watch in St Mark’s Square. Enjoy a gelato or a glass of wine. There isn’t an attraction here, but in some ways that is a good thing as everyone here is just visiting and passing through without a line to join.

We hope that you enjoy Epcot Italy. Tell us what you think in our comments section.

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