Olivia’s Cafe Brunch Review [2024 Gluten Free & Food Allergy Options]
*This gluten free dining experience took place in May 2024. It includes information about dairy free options, as well as fish/shellfish, peanut/tree nut, chicken/turkey & cabbage allergies.
Brunch at Olivia’s
Olivia’s Cafe is a table service restaurant located at Disney’s Old Key West Resort that is a long time favorite for my family, because of it’s relaxed atmosphere. Inspired by all things Key West, it definitely has those #chillaxing vibes to it. This review covers two recent visits that we made to Olivia’s Cafe for brunch.
Atmosphere
You can’t help but feel like you’re hanging out in Key West when you visit Disney’s Old Key West. From the perpetual music track that features Jimmy Buffett and all the tropical favorites, you’ll definitely be transported to a relaxing place. I always say that Old Key West Resort gives me Disney Cruise Line and Castaway Cay vibes too, with a very similar musical track playing in the background.
Olivia’s Cafe Exterior / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Everything at this resort is bright and inviting. Olivia’s Cafe is nestled between the main check-in building, the boat dock for the ferry, and the main hub of the resort. You can also do some quick shopping in the gift shop located next door (and connect to) the restaurant.
Olivia’s Cafe Entrance / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
You’ll see lots of beach and tropical inspired decor inside and outside of the resort. There’s loads of nautical touches, almost as if you’ve found yourself on a tropical island.
Olivia’s Cafe Seating Area / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Inside the restaurant has seen a bit of a refresh over the past few years with new flooring and slightly updated paint. However, the rest of the restaurant is totally retro and looks the same as it has for the more than 20 years I’ve been visiting this location. It’s cozy, inviting, and I love the nostalgia of all the DVC family photos on on the walls — a super unique feature of this restaurant.
The Food
On the two occasions that we visited Olivia’s Cafe, we were there for brunch, which includes some breakfast options and more lunch style options. The restaurant is owned and operated by Disney, which means they do have an allergy-friendly menu. You can also speak to a chef at any time to discuss options.
Sarah with Allergy-Friendly Menu at Olivia’s Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our first visit, we did speak to a chef, because of Brandon’s allergies and to ask some additional questions about the allergy fryer (more on that soon!). On the second visit, we spoke with our server but didn’t ask to speak to a chef, because we’d dine there just a few weeks earlier and felt comfortable with the menu.
Seared Salmon Salad from Olivia’s Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our first visit, I ordered the Seared Salmon Salad which was marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Shellfish Allergies. The salad included quinoa, avocado, mandarin oranges, and some leafy greens along with a key lime vinaigrette.
Overall, I liked this salad but didn’t love it. The salad dressing was so flavorful and the star of the dish. I did ask for more vinaigrette on the side, because the salad was very underdressed. Everything else about the salad was pretty bland and uninspiring. Still, if you’re looking for a lighter or more healthful option at Olivia’s for brunch, this could hit the mark.
Signature Bacon Cheeseburger from Olivia’s Cafe (NOT Gluten Free) / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Brandon opted to the Signature Bacon Cheeseburger for his entree, which came with Cheddar, Avocado, and Bacon Jam with House-made Key West Ketchup and Aïoli. He was also served a side of French Fries which were made in a dedicated fryer for his allergies.
Because he is allergic to chicken, sometimes the allergy-fryer is not safe for him due to cross-contamination. We always double-check to be sure, and we always love when locations have dedicated fryers just for fries or can easily heat up a pot of oil to make him safe fries.
This burger was marked safe for Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies on the allergy-friendly menu. And, as you’ll see shortly, it can be made both gluten free and dairy free.
Overall, Brandon liked this burger and ordered it on both visits to Olivia’s.
Signature Bacon Burger from Olivia’s Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
Shown here is a photo of the version that I got on our second visit. This version of the Signature Bacon Burger was made gluten free and dairy free by swapping out the bun and omitting the cheese. Not shown in this photo is the bacon jam, which was served on the side.
In general, I liked the burger. The burger had a great grill flavor, and I really liked the Key West Ketchup, Aioli, and Bacon Jam. We both agreed this burger was spectacular, but it was a solid option and fit the bill for what we wanted in a simple burger.
Allergy-Mickey Waffles from Olivia’s Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On our second visit, we also ordered a side of Allergy-Friendly Mickey Waffles which were marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies. I liked that the waffles were dusted in powdered sugar and included some fresh fruit. We also got 100% pure maple syrup for the waffles too.
Although I always love a good Mickey waffle, I am continually bummed that Disney is choosing to use the Carbon’s Golden Malted Gluten Free Pancake & Waffle Mix right now for their allergy-friendly Mickey waffles. The taste of these are not as good as other brands like Bloomfield Farms, and the waffles do not cook well at all in the waffle makers (ironic, given the mix is from the company that makes the waffle makers).
The ones that we had at Olivia’s Cafe were not bad and fairly well cooked, but I have found them to be very inconsistent across Disney property right now.
Plant-Based Chocolate Fudge Brownie from Olivia’s Cafe / Photo Taken by Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW
On both visits, we also had to order the new Plant-Based Chocolate Fudge Brownie with Chocolate Ganache, Dehydrated Strawberries, Mixed Berries, and a Berry Sauce. This is marked Gluten Free and safe for Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies.
If you’ve been to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, you’ll recognize this brownie, as they serve it over there too. We absolutely love this brownie. The flavor and texture are both great. And, we loved the accompaniments that chefs at Olivia’s Cafe chose to serve the brownie with. This is a winner and a high recommend from both of us.
Overall
Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort continues to serve solid gluten free and food allergy friendly options for guests at brunch. While neither one of us find the food to be the best on Disney World property, everything was tasty. We especially love the relaxed atmosphere at the resort and restaurant — making it a nice option, if you’re looking for something low-key. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a brunch last minute. We tend to find openings at Olivia’s are usually fairly plentiful.
Have you been to Olivia’s Cafe for Brunch? What was your experience dining there with special dietary needs?