Taste
The Best of Universal Orlando Restaurants in Town
Exploring Universal Orlando is an exhilarating experience for guests of all ages. The whole concept of the Universal theme parks is to give visitors real-life exposure to movies that hit the big screens. When it comes to dining it’s the same thing. There are plenty of exciting choices and you won't have to stray far from the attractions or rides when you have the urge to get something tasty. When it comes to dining, Universal Orlando offers up plenty of exciting choices. Choose to dine at one of eight Universal CityWalk restaurants, dine right in one of the theme parks or enjoy a meal in one of the fine Universal hotels. We recommend you try all three options!
Here’s what’s on the menu at some favorite Universal Orlando Restaurants.
This is our list of some of the top-rated and highly recommended Universal Orlando Restaurants.
Universal CityWalk Restaurants
Upon leaving the gates of Universal Orlando Resorts, you and your family may well stay for a while at the Universal CityWalk. This vibrant spot has extended the theme park vibe and it's just a few steps from the park making it an excellent place to wind down and maybe grab a bite or drink. This spot is also buzzing with nightlife, so many park-goers end up here after a tiring day at the park.
Here are some dining offers that you can explore at the CityWalk .
Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
If you’re an adventurous diner, you should not miss out on the Burgushi at Cowfish. This signature dish has all the yummy burger fixins, but it's all rolled into sushi. Other must-try items on the menu are the truffle cheeseburger, sashimi and authentic milkshakes.
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando
Everyone is familiar with this classic Universal Orlando restaurant and their location at CityWalk is the largest in the world. They can seat more than 1,000 guests at a time and there is always plenty of entertainment. It still is a pseudo rock n' roll museum with lots of memorabilia on display. Their menu includes classic American dishes like burgers, steaks and chicken wings.
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
This is another famed spot at Universal CityWalk. They serve fish tacos, cheeseburgers, and tequila. Kids love the island vibe while parents are in for some boozy boat drinks.
VIVO Italian Kitchen
If you’re looking for someplace low-key, this is the place for you. It has a soothing atmosphere with a more sophisticated menu.
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
Taco and tequila lovers should try this lovely Mexican eatery at CityWalk. The servers here wear traditional dresses and you will be entertained by the mariachi band roaming around the place.
Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom
This restaurant will treat you to striking replicas of Bob Marley's Jamaican home while playing live reggae music in the background. They serve authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Curry Shrimp and other favorites.
Pat O'Brien's
This restaurant is an excellent reproduction of the New Orleans original. Stepping into this themed dining spot will take you straight to Bourbon Street with live dueling piano music. They serve Cajun recipes like Louisiana Blackened Redfish, Crawfish Etouffee and lots more.
NBC Sports Grill and Brew
Sports fans also have their spot here at CityWalk, and it's here at NBC Sports Grill and Brew. They have 100 HD screens showing the latest in sports. You can also try various games with your buddies when there are on games to watch. They have a long line of beer lists and a carnivorous menu filled with steaks, chicken, and burgers.
Theme Park Dining
Each Universal park has a collection of restaurants, bars and attractions to amp up your dining experience. The best places to dine in Universal Orlando will give you a closer look at the movie settings as they come alive from the fictional world into the real world. These spots have placed much attention on the detail and spent considerable amounts on impressing moms, dads, and all the little ones. And while most restaurants here are fast-food, there are a few good table service spots that you can also check out.
While at Universal Studios Orlando Theme Parks, one will be reminded of some of the most popular Hollywood films. But they do not just focus on providing guests with out of this world rides and attractions; they have also made sure that there is an overwhelming array of choices. The parks' food offerings are “universal” thus there is always something for everyone.
Here are some of the spots you shouldn’t miss.
Universal Studios Florida Restaurants
Lombard's Seafood Grill
This go-to spot is quite a hit with those looking for fancy table service restaurants inside Universal Studios Orlando. They have great lobster rolls on the menu along with an array of meat and seafood dishes. The decor is elegant, and the aquarium is something that everyone talks about while dining here.
Finnegans Bar and Grill
This Irish-American themed restaurant serves a fusion of authentic Irish and classic American meals. Their food and services are always phenomenal; thus, they are one of the most visited restaurants in the park.
Universal's Islands of Adventure
Mythos Restaurant
Currently this restaurant ranks as the best theme park restaurant in the world. It provides guests with mythical proportions of cavernous architecture and an expansive menu. Don't miss out on their cultural blend of Mediterranean, American, and Asian cuisine.
Confisco Grille
This full-service restaurant located at Port of Entry in Universal's Islands of Adventure serves an eclectic mix of dishes reflecting the world traveler theme. The ambiance here is more casual, and they have salads, pizza and burgers. Adult guests will also enjoy the indoor Backwater Bar with its outdoor seating area.
Universal Studios Resort Hotel Dining
You don’t have to be staying at one of the hotels in Universal Studios Resort to sample some of the top-rated restaurants located within the hotels.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Restaurants
Mama Della's Ristorante
this ristorante offers diners a warm and welcoming respite in its every nook and corner. You will be taken to a lovely Italian countryside with rustic Old World delicacies. Enjoy a taste of their Pollo Marsala, Caprese and lasagna with some of their fine wines. Each night a group of strolling musicians serenades diners with their favorite Italian love songs.
Trattoria del Porto
Similar to Mama Della’s, this restaurant allows guests to celebrate the Italian countryside with their three-meal-a-day availability. They offer a diverse mix of delicious antipasti, regional cuisine and mouth-watering desserts. The place also features a kid's dining area with kiddie tables and chairs, large screen television and beanbags.
Bice
This is a quaint restaurant with very humble beginnings in 1926 in Milan. It takes family cooking traditions to the Portofino Bay Hotel in Universal Studios. Moreover, they have a diverse clientele with authentic Italian cuisine. Bice is the hotel's fine dining restaurant.
Hard Rock Hotel Restaurants
The Kitchen
This restaurant offers casual fare among an eclectic decor that encapsulates all that’s hip and groove. It is the place where you can rub elbows with rock legends while they cook up something at the Chef's Table. They serve comfort food with a bit of Southern twang. Little ones will enjoy the Kid's Crib that's filled with beanbags and kid-sized furniture.
The Palm
This fine restaurant has roots from New York, but since it is inside Universal Studios, there is some added cool factor. On the last Thursday of most months, they hold a rock-n-roll cocktail party called "Velvet Sessions." Regulars will know the same food and service from the New York tradition. Don't miss out on their double-cut lamb rib chops that guests rave about.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort Restaurants
Islands Dining Room
Guests at this restaurant love their New American Cuisine with a Polynesian twist. Enjoy dining in a Pacific casual and tropical ambiance with traditional media as well as an expansive breakfast buffet offering. They also have live musical entertainment every evening where the whole family can join the hula dance and ukulele players. The restaurant also has a Kid's Dining Area where a Bali-style play area, children's buffet and kid-sized table and chairs are featured.
Jake's American Bar
This restaurant is the perfect spot to meet for food, drinks,and excellent entertainment after a day filled with adventures. They feature a long line of appetizers, sandwiches and salads. There is something for everyone in the family at this air-travel themed restaurant.
Wantilan Luau
Another Polynesian food stop that you should try is Wantilan Luau. They offer a weekly Hawaiian dinner show with an eat-all-you-can Polynesian buffet, traditional hula dance and live Hawaiian tunes. Diners will be delighted with performances from hula and fire dancers.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Restaurants
Amatista Cookhouse
This is Sapphire Falls Resort's main restaurant and it offers an inspiring and relaxing ambiance. It is the most vibrant restaurant among Universal Orlando restaurants, and guests can either dine outdoors or indoors. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Booking Dining Reservations in Advance
Although most restaurants around Universal Studios are fast-food style, most table service restaurants, especially those housed in hotels, require booking to secure a seat.
You may visit the Universal site for booking at your desired restaurants with a few clicks.
Call 407-224- FOOD (3663) for Universal CityWalk and theme park restaurants.
Call 407-503-DINE (3463) for hotel restaurants.
For more recommendations on top Orlando restaurants click here.
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