When people think about theme park food, Walt Disney World often gets most of the attention. While we still think Disney’s food is better overall when it comes to dining, Universal Orlando has stepped up its food game in recent years and offers plenty of great options throughout the parks, resorts, and CityWalk.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between rides, a relaxing table-service meal, or an over-the-top dessert, here are some of our favorite places to eat at Universal Orlando.
Our Favorite Dining Destination: Universal CityWalk
If you’re staying at a Universal hotel, chances are you’ll spend a lot of time walking through CityWalk. Fortunately, some of Universal’s best dining options are located right here. Kt is also an easy walk from the theme parks if you are raving a little more than counter service food.
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
If you’re visiting Universal for the first time, Toothsome is probably the restaurant most people will tell you to try.
The menu is surprisingly varied, offering everything from burgers and seafood to pasta and sandwiches. While the food is good, the real stars are the desserts.
The towering milkshakes get most of the attention on social media, but honestly, we think the desserts are the better choice. The milkshakes are fun and certainly impressive to look at, but we find the cakes, pastries, macarons, and other sweet treats to be higher quality and often more enjoyable.
Don’t overlook the brunch menu either. Many guests think of Toothsome as a dinner destination, but brunch can be a great way to start your day before heading into the parks. The menu offers both sweet and savory options, making it easy for everyone in the family to find something they enjoy.
We especially enjoy browsing the macarons and specialty desserts while deciding what to order. Even if you’re not planning a full meal, it’s worth stopping in to look around.
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
Antojitos is one of our favorite CityWalk restaurants.
The atmosphere is lively, the margaritas are popular, and the menu offers a nice change of pace from typical theme park food. If you’re craving Mexican food during your trip, this is a great option.
Vivo Italian Kitchen
For a relaxing sit-down meal, Vivo Italian Kitchen offers fresh pasta, pizza, and Italian favorites in a comfortable setting.
It’s a solid choice for families and groups looking for a table-service meal before or after a day in the parks.
Quick Service Favorites at CityWalk
Hot Dog Hall of Fame
Sometimes you just want something quick and easy before heading back into the parks.
Hot Dog Hall of Fame offers regional hot dog specialties from around the country and makes for a surprisingly satisfying quick meal.
Voodoo Doughnut
Many visitors consider Voodoo Doughnut a must-do CityWalk stop.
The doughnuts are creative, oversized, and certainly photogenic. We enjoy them, but if we’re being honest, we’re usually not huge doughnut people.
Cinnabon
Our personal choice?
Give us a warm cinnamon roll and an iced coffee from Cinnabon and we’re perfectly happy.
It’s one of our favorite quick breakfast stops before heading into the parks.
Starbucks
It wouldn’t be a modern theme park destination without Starbucks. Whether you need a caffeine boost before rope drop or an afternoon pick-me-up, it’s always a reliable option.
Our Favorite Food Inside the Parks
Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron
If you’re visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Three Broomsticks is a must. The Leaky Cauldron is also very good.
The theming is fantastic and the food is surprisingly good for a theme park restaurant. The rotisserie chicken and British-inspired dishes are a nice break from burgers and fries.
And of course, this is one of the best places to enjoy a Butterbeer.
Speaking of Butterbeer, we still remember when it cost around $3. Those days are long gone, but we still make sure to grab one almost every trip.
Minion Cafe
One of the newer additions to Universal Studios Florida, Minion Cafe has quickly become one of the better quick-service locations in the parks.
The menu offers several unique options that go beyond typical theme park food, and we’ve been impressed with the quality.
Don’t Miss Mardi Gras Food Booths
If you’re visiting during Universal’s Mardi Gras celebration, make time for the food booths.
Similar to EPCOT festivals, Mardi Gras features specialty food and beverage offerings from around the world. Trying different booths has become one of our favorite parts of visiting Universal during festival season.
If you’re planning a trip during Mardi Gras, come hungry!0
Dining at the Hotels
One of the most overlooked parts of Universal Orlando is the resort dining.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
One of our favorite experiences is dining outdoors at the Trattoria del Porto at the Portofino Bay.
The atmosphere is beautiful, especially in the evening when the harbor comes alive. It’s one of the reasons Portofino remains our favorite Universal hotel for an adults-only getaway.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal al fresco or listening to the evening entertainment around the harbor, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a theme park vacation.
The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel
Hard Rock’s signature restaurant is another favorite.
The food is consistently good, and the location makes it a convenient choice for guests staying at Hard Rock Hotel or spending time near Universal Studios Florida. They sometimes having a strolling magician doing up close magic which adds tot he exeperience.
Cabana Bay and Endless Summer Food Courts
While they won’t win awards for fine dining, the food courts at Cabana Bay and Endless Summer Resorts offer solid, affordable options for families.
They’re convenient, reasonably priced, and perfect for grabbing breakfast before heading to the parks.
Epic Universe Is Raising the Bar
One of the biggest surprises during our visits to Epic Universe has been just how much Universal has elevated its food offerings.
For years, we felt Disney had a clear advantage when it came to dining, but Epic Universe is helping close that gap. The park features several unique restaurants that go far beyond the standard theme park burger and fries.
Das Stakehaus
One of our favorite dining experiences at Epic Universe was Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe.
The food was good, but what really stood out was the incredible theming. Universal did an excellent job creating an immersive atmosphere that feels like you’re dining inside a classic monster movie.
It’s a great example of how Epic Universe combines storytelling with dining in a way that enhances the overall experience.
Pizza Moon
Pizza Moon may have been our biggest surprise.
Theme park pizza often has a reputation for being forgettable, but Pizza Moon serves some of the best pizza we’ve had in any theme park. Between the quality of the pizza and the fun, whimsical atmosphere, it’s become a must-do stop whenever we visit Epic Universe.
Even if you’re not normally excited about theme park pizza, this is one place we recommend trying for yourself.
Looking Ahead
For years, Mythos was considered one of the best theme park restaurants anywhere, and we have many fond memories of dining there.
We’re also excited to see Universal continue investing in new dining experiences. We’re especially looking forward to trying the new Jurassic World-themed dining location and seeing how it compares to some of our longtime favorites.
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Final Thoughts
While we still give Walt Disney World the edge when it comes to overall dining, Universal Orlando continues to improve every year. Epic Universe in particular has really raised the bar, bringing new levels of creativity, theming, and food quality to the Universal experience.
From a Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to outdoor dining at Portofino Bay, festival booths during Mardi Gras, and some surprisingly excellent pizza at Pizza Moon, there are more good dining options than ever before.
Our advice? Don’t just grab the nearest burger and fries. Take a little time to explore, and you might be surprised by how much good food Universal Orlando has to offer.
And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a Butterbeer.
— Mike & Tara