Chef Rick Bayless to open Tablas Frontera at Disney Springs

Oct 22, 2015 in "Frontera Cocina"

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Chef Rick Bayless

Posted: Thursday October 22, 2015 1:11pm EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has today announced that Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner, is bringing Frontera Fresco, his table-service Mexican restaurant concept, to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Opening in Summer 2016, Frontera Fresco will showcase the gourmet Mexican cuisine that has put Chef Bayless on the culinary map.

“I’m thrilled to bring Frontera Fresco to Disney Springs and share my passion for Mexican cuisine with the families who visit Orlando every year,” Bayless said.

The new restaurant will feature authentic Mexican specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos, salads, fresh-made guacamole and classic Mexican braised meat entrees, all prepared from time-honored recipes with natural, locally sourced ingredients. Frontera Fresco also will serve an extensive selection of margaritas, cocktails and craft beers and wine.

Chef Rick Bayless

“Working with Chef Bayless to bring this fresh dining concept to the new Disney Springs is a joy for us, and we can’t wait for guests to experience it,” said Richard Debler, president and chief executive officer of Vista Springs.

Philadelphia-based Daroff Design is designing the nearly 6,000-square-foot space, which will seat 200 guests. Vista Springs LLC will be the restaurant operator.

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UpDog71Jun 11, 2019

I don't know why they didn't do this during the initial construction. It's always been a great patio with a great view, but not facing west in the Florida afternoon sun. Actually, one of the best views of "the springs" in the whole development!

WDWtravelerJun 11, 2019

Photo update as of Tuesday, June 11, 2019. The covered patio dining area looks completed.

WDWtravelerApr 25, 2019

Photo update as of Tuesday, April 23, 2019. The roof has been installed over the patio area behind the restaurant.

WDWtravelerMar 31, 2019

Photo update as of Sunday, March 31, 2019. The outdoor patio overlooking the "Springs" is closed temporarily. Appears they will be adding a permanent cover for shade. Metal column supports have been installed on the deck and brackets on the exterior wall.

WDWtravelerMar 01, 2018

Photo update as of Thursday, March 1, 2018. The east exterior wall of Frontera Cocina has been painted over with "advertising graffiti."

wdwmagicOct 19, 2016

Looks great!

WDWtravelerOct 17, 2016

Photo update as of Monday, October 17. The blank white wall above the center of the restaurant was replaced with this bold mosaic about two weeks ago. Makes the restaurant entrance more dramatic.

Mike730Jul 25, 2016

I can second this. Probably the best lunch of my trip was at this place! I had the Pepito Torta. Family had the Red Chile Chicken Enchiladas and the Taqueria Salad. Everyone was very happy with their meals. Excellent food. Great Service.

TimeTripJul 24, 2016

Went for an early dinner today. Reserved via open table about an hour before hand. This place gets two thumbs up. My main complaint is the price, but at least the food was good. We had the atomic guacamole to start. There was a drizzle of something clear that gave it the "hot" if you just took from the top. You can mix it all together to spread the heat around. Pretty good guacamole, but small portion for the $10 price. You can get more and equal quality for less at Mexican hole in the wall type places. If you're around Lee rd.. I highly recommend La Gordita Loca BTW. We also has the shrimp cocktail appetizer. It was good, but paled in strength of flavor alongside the atomic guacamole. The chips with each were nothing to write home about. Our entree was the Carne Asada. It was excellent, and it should have been because I believe it was the priciest thing on the menu at $35. The steak was slightly medium rare, just how we like it. It was cooked and seasoned extremely well. Sides were black beans and maduros with a bit of cheese on it. Beans were ho-hum, plantains were good. The real star was the steak. I had some bites with provided tortillas. All in all.. Excellent entree. For dessert, it was Cuatro Leches. An interesting take on tres leches. A suitable alternative for sure. For drinks, the Agua de Jamaica is highly recommended, a flavorful non alcoholic beverage that isn't too sweet or unsweet. Despite its price, Frontera Cocina joins our list of go-to restaurants at DS. The only other one on that list so far is Boathouse :)

TheOrangeBird01Jun 28, 2016

The food looks really good, I want to try those chips and guacamole. I wonder what the difference between the walk up window version, and the regular restaurant version is since they're two different prices. It's probably just different portion sizes ...

alissafalcoJun 28, 2016

The food looks really good, but the chips and guac look a little skimpy.

wdwmagicJun 28, 2016

REVIEW - Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs

halltdJun 28, 2016

Was it "wear a mask to eat day"? :) Thanks for the pics! It looks fresh, clean, and modern inside. I dig the big open space. I wonder what those blue lights are going to look like at night, though. It reminds me of the ice cave at T-Rex which I can't eat in...or even walk through. :)

WDWtravelerJun 27, 2016

Photo update as of Monday, June 2016. @wdwmagic posted his excellent and professional photos just minutes before I got the chance. I have added a few photos here for another perspective. Some additional information of interest: they are accepting the Disney Dining Plan now, one credit per meal. Other discounts (Tables in Wonderland, Disney Vacation Club, Annual Passholder, and Cast Member) are not available yet. The restaurant is partially owned and fully operated by the same company (Vista Springs) that operates the restaurants and bars in Mexico at Epcot and Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.