Taste
Best Tips to Universal Orlando Dining
Universal Resort Orlando is one of the top entertainment destinations in the world. The parks are amongst the highest visited globally and their entertainment is top caliber. Read more about Universal Orlando . Universal Orlando dining is an opportunity to further explore three excellent venues, with themed dining a wide variety of choices. If you've been waiting to taste butterbeer, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has you covered, there's a burger awaiting you in Simpsons's Springfield, and if you are looking for something more substantial, you're in luck.
Dining in Universal Orlando Theme Parks
The Parks are well-themed, and that carries through to many of the dining options in the parks. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will make you feel like you're in a proper English pub. Here are the best of Universal Orlando dining options.
Universal Studios Orlando Dining
- Louie's Italian Restaurant - This quick-service restaurant serves up favorites like pizza, pasta, and meatball subs. It has a New York vibe with inside and outside dining. This is some of the best in Universal Studios Orlando dining.
- Krusty Burger - Let them slather that Cheddar sauce on your bacon-topped double burger for a fantastic treat in The Simpsons- themed land. Don't miss this one.
- Hog's Head - Drink like an off-the-clock Hogwarts professor in this rustic bar for a Hog's Head red ale or Dragon Scale Lagered ale.
- Finnegan's Bar & Grill - A traditional Irish pub will make you feel like you're in Ireland. Authentic Irish dishes like Bangers and Mash and Shepherd's Pie are sure to please. Wash it down with a Guinness.
- There are numerous quick-service outlets for Universal Studios Orlando dining including Chez Alcatraz, on the docks of Fisherman's Wharf for cocktail hour and appetizers. Fun atmosphere. Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck will serve up some great Mexican street food, including pretty great tacos. Try their Korean beef tacos, carne asadas tacos, and chicken tacos.
Islands of Adventure
- Mythos Restaurant - This popular full-service restaurant serves modern cuisine in a mythical setting. They do a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and American food in this casually elegant spot. Try the Greek salad, pad Thai, and more. The exterior features rock formations, while the inside feels like a craggy cave.
- Three Broomsticks - A village tavern serving great platters of smoked chicken and spare ribs with roast potatoes and ears of corn
- Backwater Bar - This tropical oasis offers full-service dining on the outdoor patio or a break from the park action inside with a game on the indoor TV. Cold drinks, appetizers, and more.
- Where else but Wimpy's would "gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.?"Cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, curly fries, and all of the kids' favorites.
Check out some quick-service spots with Hog's Head, serving fresh brews, and this is the spot for Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice. Captain America's Diner will stave out that superhero hunger with their classic menu of cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, and other family favorites. Stop by the big top fat Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoopendous for quick service and Suess-inspired circus acts. The fun doesn't stop at lunch or dinner.
Volcano Bay
- Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club - Dine at the base of Krakatau volcano on island favorites like Mango Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Edamame Burgers, and Coconut Fried Chicken. Enjoy the sounds of the waves in the lagoon as you dine.
- Bambu - Nestled in a shay hideaway, this spot offers an assortment of quick nites and snacks. Fish and chicken sandwiches, chef-crafted burgers, and more.
- Whakawaiwai Easts - Tropical flavors abound with Island BBQ Chicken, Hawaiian Pizza, and Foot-Long Hot Dogs along the sparkling riverfront.
- Check out other quick-service spots like The Feasting Frog for Tacos, Kunuku Boat Bar, and Dancing Dragons Boat Bar for snacks and beverages and a break from all the aquatic fun.
Dining at the Universal Orlando Resorts
There are many outlets at the Universal Orlando Resorts. Here are some favorites for Universal Orlando dining.
- Bice Ristorante at Loew's Portofino Bay - Enjoy world-class Northern Italian cuisine with elegant service and ambiance. The pasta is fresh daily, and you'll find it hard to decide between the fresh seafood fettuccini, veal scaloppini, or other favorites.
- Mama Della's Ristorante at Loew's Portofino Bay - Enjoy Italian family hospitality by the fireplace and authentic dishes from Tuscany and Naples with specialties like lasagna, accompanied with some fine wines.
- Jake's American Bar honors South Sea explorer Jake McNally. Enjoy his themed favorite cocktails and concoctions over appetizers or dinner while you take in the entertainment.
- Pop into The Kitchen at Hard Rock Orlando for some contemporary comfort food like shrimp tacos, their famous mac, and cheese, and leave room for their tasty desserts.
- The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando serves a fantastic meal in an upscale ambiance. Check out the caricatures of celebrities on the walls that harken back to the original Palm in Manhattan's newspaper district. The food leans Italian - American and is exquisite.
- There are many more dining venues, from quick service to elegant upscale experiences. The Resorts of Universal offer 49 different venues, and you're sure to find it hard to decide which one to book first!
CityWalk Dining -The Place for Universal Orlando dining.
CityWalk is the entertainment, shopping, and dining restaurants. You'll find a wide variety of dining venues and menus with everything you may be craving from burgers, to sushi to something more substantial. CityWalk is conveniently located just minutes from International Drive and between the two most popular theme parks. Pop by after 6 pm, and the parking in the Universal parking garage is free, and there are never admission charges for entrance to Universal CityWalk.
The nightlife is exhilarating, and the entertainment is first class, and you'll choose from themed bars to any number of eclectic restaurants. One of the Today Cafe's newest spots is your chance to "hang out" with Hodea, Savannah, and Al of Today Show fame.
Most of the restaurants take reservations, which we highly recommend. You can reserve by calling their reservations line at 407-224-FOOD or directly online on the Universal Orlando site. You can also view all of the menus online, and it's a good idea to check out the offerings and the price range before you commit.
Universal's full-service restaurants do not fill up 180 days in advance like Disney. You should still make your reservations well ahead, and if you are traveling during holidays, reservations will be tough to obtain.
- Bigfire - Open fire cooking is the main attraction as they serve American classics like steaks and freshwater seafood. A variety of woods impart different flavors to the food.
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican - Take it South of the Border for a visit to this lively cantina with Mexican Street Fare made from fresh ingredients, including all our favorites like tacos, burritos, empanada, and fajitas. The Mariachi band on select nights brings the festive!
- Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom - This replica of reggae icon Bob Marley's home in Jamaica was designed in coordination with his family. Enjoy artifacts and video clips from his life and music. The island-inspired menu has a Jamaican influence with favorites like Oxtail Stew and the Taste of Jamaica appetizer platter with beef and veggie patties, jerk wings, and yucca fries.
- Cowfish - This family-friendly spot features burgers, sushi and offers a full bar. It is lively and fun. Try the Cheeseburgooshi, a deep-fried take on a sushi roll, wrapped around a bacon cheeseburger in soy paper and potato shards, then deep-fried and sliced into rounds.
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew - This unique sports-themed dining experience is a new experience. Almost 100 high-definition screens stream sports as you drink and dine. Choose from over 100 brews and try the fantastic Coco-Nut Cake. Try the New York-inspired sandwiches and some of Al Roker's recipes.
- Pat O'Brien's - This restaurant is a reproduction of the famous Bourbon Street establishment in New Orleans. Dueling pianos, Cajun food like Crawfish Etoufee and N'awkins Po'Boy. and sip on a hurricane while you're here.
- VIVO Italian Kitchen - Treasured Italian family recipes are served in this sleep and contemporary atmosphere. The pasta is homemade right in the open kitchen, along with the bread, pizza, and sauces.
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville - Enjoy Jimmy Buffett's laid-back vibe with causal food, tropical drinks, and rock hits. Enjoy a margarita-filled volcano at The Volcano Bar or your favorite concoction along with a taco, crispy coconut shrimp, or legendary Chocolate Hurrican Dessert.
- HardRock Cafe Orlando - The world's largest Hard Rock offers the usual great food like the Legendary Burger and lots more tasty bites. View the suit Elvis wore in Viva Las Vegas and lots more memorabilia. Hard rock is always a fun stroll down rock history.
- There are plenty more, like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market. Breadbox Handcrafted Sandwiches, Fat Tuesday, Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar, and Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
Hotel guests will enjoy priority seating, but people with a reservation will come before them, so dining reservations are always a good idea.
The quick-service restaurants inside the parks are all first-come, first-serve, with no reservations accepted. This also applies to the fast-food restaurants at CityWalk.
Dining Plans Options
A Universal Dining Plan can be purchased before you travel, at any participating Quick /service location, Guest Services, or the Dining Reservations Cart in each park. Over 100 restaurants participate in the dining plan. A Plan can save you money, depending upon your eating habits and tastes.
The Universal Full Service Dining Plan must be pre-purchased or at the Universal Ticket Entry for on-site resort guests only. The Plan offers each guest who purchases it one full-service meal, one quick-service meal, one snack, and one non-alcoholic beverage per day. At $63.89 per adult and $24.48 for kids age 3-9, it can be a value, depending on your appetites!
Reservations for Universal Orlando Dining
We highly recommend restaurant reservations when possible. There is no single dining reservation for the entire Univeral Orlando Resort since the restaurants at Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, CityWalk, and some of the hotels are independently operated.
Universal Orlando Dining Tips
Before you travel, be sure to download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App. The sortable map gives you showtimes, locations, wait times, menus, and hours. You can link it for payment in the park and use it for placing Mobile Food and Drink Orders from select restaurants. This is great for park hoppers!
Try to makeyour dining reservations up to 30 days in advance if possible to ensure you get the seating times you desire.
Universal Orlando dining is an opportunity to further explore three excellent venues, with themed dining a wide variety of choices. If you've been waiting to taste butterbeer, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has you covered, there's a burger awaiting you in Simpsons's Springfield, and if you are looking for something more substantial, you're in luck.
Dining in Universal Orlando Theme Parks
The Parks are well-themed, and that carries through to many of the dining options in the parks. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will make you feel like you're in a proper English pub.
Universal Studios Florida
- Louie's Italian Restaurant - This quick-service restaurant serves up favorites like pizza, pasta, and meatball subs. It has a New York vibe with inside and outside dining.
- Krusty Burger - Let them slather that Cheddar sauce on your bacon-topped double burger for a fantastic treat in The Simpsons- themed land. Don't miss this one.
- Hog's Head - Drink like an off-the-clock Hogwarts professor in this rustic bar for a Hog's Head red ale or Dragon Scale Lagered ale.
- Finnegan's Bar & Grill - A traditional Irish pub will make you feel like you're in Ireland. Authentic Irish dishes like Bangers and Mash and Shepherd's Pie are sure to please. Wash it down with a Guinness.
- There are numerous quick-service outlets in Universal Studios Florida, including Chez Alcatraz, on the docks of Fisherman's Wharf for cocktail hour and appetizers. Fun atmosphere. Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck will serve up some great Mexican street food, including pretty great tacos. Try their Korean beef tacos, carne asadas tacos, and chicken tacos.
Islands of Adventure
- Mythos Restaurant - This popular full-service restaurant serves modern cuisine in a mythical setting. They do a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and American food in this casually elegant spot. Try the Greek salad, pad Thai, and more. The exterior features rock formations, while the inside feels like a craggy cave.
- Three Broomsticks - A village tavern serving great platters of smoked chicken and spare ribs with roast potatoes and ears of corn
Backwater Bar - This tropical oasis offers full-service dining on the outdoor patio or a break from the park action inside with a game on the indoor TV. Cold drinks, appetizers, and more.
- Where else but Wimpy's would "gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.?"Cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, curly fries, and all of the kids' favorites.
Check out some quick-service spots with Hog's Head, serving fresh brews, and this is the spot for Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice. Captain America's Diner will stave out that superhero hunger with their classic menu of cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, and other family favorites. Stop by the big top fat Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoopendous for quick service and Suess-inspired circus acts. The fun doesn't stop at lunch or dinner.
Volcano Bay
- Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club - Dine at the base of Krakatau volcano on island favorites like Mango Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Edamame Burgers, and Coconut Fried Chicken. Enjoy the sounds of the waves in the lagoon as you dine.
- Bambu - Nestled in a shay hideaway, this spot offers an assortment of quick nites and snacks. Fish and chicken sandwiches, chef-crafted burgers, and more.
- Whakawaiwai Easts - Tropical flavors abound with Island BBQ Chicken, Hawaiian Pizza, and Foot-Long Hot Dogs along the sparkling riverfront.
- Check out other quick-service spots like The Feasting Frog for Tacos, Kunuku Boat Bar, and Dancing Dragons Boat Bar for snacks and beverages and a break from all the aquatic fun.
Dining at the Universal Orlando Resorts
There are many outlets at the Universal Orlando Resorts. Here are some favorites:
- Bice Ristorante at Loew's Portofino Bay - Enjoy world-class Northern Italian cuisine with elegant service and ambiance. The pasta is fresh daily, and you'll find it hard to decide between the fresh seafood fettuccini, veal scaloppini, or other favorites.
- Mama Della's Ristorante at Loew's Portofino Bay - Enjoy Italian family hospitality by the fireplace and authentic dishes from Tuscany and Naples with specialties like lasagna, accompanied with some fine wines.
- Jake's American Bar honors South Sea explorer Jake McNally. Enjoy his themed favorite cocktails and concoctions over appetizers or dinner while you take in the entertainment.
- Pop into The Kitchen at Hard Rock Orlando for some contemporary comfort food like shrimp tacos, their famous mac, and cheese, and leave room for their tasty desserts.
- The Palm at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando serves a fantastic meal in an upscale ambiance. Check out the caricatures of celebrities on the walls that harken back to the original Palm in Manhattan's newspaper district. The food leans Italian - American and is exquisite.
- There are many more dining venues, from quick service to elegant upscale experiences. The Resorts of Universal offer 49 different venues, and you're sure to find it hard to decide which one to book first!
CityWalk Dining
CityWalk is the entertainment, shopping, and dining restaurants. You'll find a wide variety of dining venues and menus with everything you may be craving from burgers, to sushi to something more substantial. CityWalk is conveniently located just minutes from International Drive and between the two most popular theme parks. Pop by after 6 pm, and the parking in the Universal parking garage is free, and there are never admission charges for entrance to Universal CityWalk.
The nightlife is exhilarating, and the entertainment is first class, and you'll choose from themed bars to any number of eclectic restaurants. One of the Today Cafe's newest spots is your chance to "hang out" with Hodea, Savannah, and Al of Today Show fame.
Most of the restaurants take reservations, which we highly recommend. You can reserve by calling their reservations line at 407-224-FOOD or directly online on the Universal Orlando site. You can also view all of the menus online, and it's a good idea to check out the offerings and the price range before you commit.
Universal's full-service restaurants do not fill up 180 days in advance like Disney. You should still make your reservations well ahead, and if you are traveling during holidays, reservations will be tough to obtain.
- Bigfire - Open fire cooking is the main attraction as they serve American classics like steaks and freshwater seafood. A variety of woods impart different flavors to the food.
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican - Take it South of the Border for a visit to this lively cantina with Mexican Street Fare made from fresh ingredients, including all our favorites like tacos, burritos, empanada, and fajitas. The Mariachi band on select nights brings the festive!
- Bob Marley - A Tribute to Freedom - This replica of reggae icon Bob Marley's home in Jamaica was designed in coordination with his family. Enjoy artifacts and video clips from his life and music. The island-inspired menu has a Jamaican influence with favorites like Oxtail Stew and the Taste of Jamaica appetizer platter with beef and veggie patties, jerk wings, and yucca fries.
- Cowfish - This family-friendly spot features burgers, sushi and offers a full bar. It is lively and fun. Try the Cheeseburgooshi, a deep-fried take on a sushi roll, wrapped around a bacon cheeseburger in soy paper and potato shards, then deep-fried and sliced into rounds.
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew - This unique sports-themed dining experience is a new experience. Almost 100 high-definition screens stream sports as you drink and dine. Choose from over 100 brews and try the fantastic Coco-Nut Cake. Try the New York-inspired sandwiches and some of Al Roker's recipes.
- Pat O'Brien's - This restaurant is a reproduction of the famous Bourbon Street establishment in New Orleans. Dueling pianos, Cajun food like Crawfish Etoufee and N'awkins Po'Boy. and sip on a hurricane while you're here.
- VIVO Italian Kitchen - Treasured Italian family recipes are served in this sleep and contemporary atmosphere. The pasta is homemade right in the open kitchen, along with the bread, pizza, and sauces.
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville - Enjoy Jimmy Buffett's laid-back vibe with causal food, tropical drinks, and rock hits. Enjoy a margarita-filled volcano at The Volcano Bar or your favorite concoction along with a taco, crispy coconut shrimp, or legendary Chocolate Hurrican Dessert.
- HardRock Cafe Orlando - The world's largest Hard Rock offers the usual great food like the Legendary Burger and lots more tasty bites. View the suit Elvis wore in Viva Las Vegas and lots more memorabilia. Hard rock is always a fun stroll down rock history.
- There are plenty more, like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market. Breadbox Handcrafted Sandwiches, Fat Tuesday, Fusion Bistro Sushi & Sake Bar, and Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
Hotel guests will enjoy priority seating, but people with a reservation will come before them, so dining reservations are always a good idea.
The quick-service restaurants inside the parks are all first-come, first-serve, with no reservations accepted. This also applies to the fast-food restaurants at CityWalk.
Dining Plans Options
A Universal Dining Plan can be purchased before you travel, at any participating Quick /service location, Guest Services, or the Dining Reservations Cart in each park. Over 100 restaurants participate in the dining plan. A Plan can save you money, depending upon your eating habits and tastes.
The Universal Full Service Dining Plan must be pre-purchased or at the Universal Ticket Entry for on-site resort guests only. The Plan offers each guest who purchases it one full-service meal, one quick-service meal, one snack, and one non-alcoholic beverage per day. At $63.89 per adult and $24.48 for kids age 3-9, it can be a value, depending on your appetites!
Reservations
We highly recommend restaurant reservations when possible. There is no single dining reservation for the entire Univeral Orlando Resort since the restaurants at Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, CityWalk, and some of the hotels are independently operated.
Universal Orlando Dining Tips
Before you travel, be sure to download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App. The sortable map gives you showtimes, locations, wait times, menus, and hours. You can link it for payment in the park and use it for placing Mobile Food and Drink Orders from select restaurants. This is great for park hoppers!
Try to makeyour dining reservations up to 30 days in advance if possible to ensure you get the seating times you desire. There are plenty of options within Universal Resort , but if you choose to dine outside of the resort, here are some of the Best Orlando Restaurants.
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