Best restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort

Best restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort

• Best for themed dining: Leaky Cauldron at Universal Studios Florida and Three Broomsticks at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Best for grab-and-go fare: The Hopping Pot at Universal Studios Florida and London Taxi Hut at Universal Studios Florida
• Best for international cuisine: Confisco Grille at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Best for a cheap sit-down meal: Bayliner Diner at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• Best for outdoor dining: Mythos Restaurant at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Best for pleasing the entire family: Minion Café at Universal Studios Florida and Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-Pendous at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Best for a nice meal with the family: Vivo Italian Kitchen at Universal CityWalk
• Best for breakfast: Today Cafe at Universal Studios Florida
• Best for fried snacks: Green Eggs and Ham Cafe at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
• Best for chocoholics: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk
• Best for a romantic meal: Bice Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Best for American fare: Bigfire at Universal CityWalk
• Best for live entertainment: Pat O’Brien’s at Universal CityWalk
• Best for a poolside meal: Beachclub at Hard Rock Hotel
• Best for island-inspired dishes: Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• Best for a sweet treat: Natural Selections at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour at Universal Studios Florida
• Best for an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal: Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• Best for pub grub: Jake’s American Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida
• Best for water park fare: Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona and Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club, both at Universal’s Volcano Bay
• Best for rock star-worthy bites: Velvet Bar at Hard Rock Hotel
• Best for rooftop views: Bar 17 Bistro at Universal’s Aventura Hotel

How to make Universal dining reservations

Quick tips for Universal Restaurants

The resort is making a conscious effort to provide more dining options for those with dietary restrictions. It’s done a commendable job in recent years to add inspired vegan options throughout the parks. You can find a vegan pasty in Wizarding World, vegan crepes from Central Park Crepes, and a vegan shepherd’s pie from Finnegan’s Bar & Grill. The longtime favorite, Mel’s Drive-In Diner, recently revamped its menu to introduce new vegan items, including vegan chili dogs and vegan chili cheese fries.

Those with food allergies and intolerances can request dietary accommodations based on their needs in advance via a dedicated guest services email. Both theme parks, the water park, and all on-site resort hotels feature special menu items, including kosher and halal options.

Best for themed dining

Leaky Cauldron at Universal Studios Florida

The fantastical realm of “Harry Potter” is truly a multi-sensory experience at the Leaky Cauldron. Diagon Alley’s grubby pub and inn from the movies welcomes muggles to enjoy favorites like hand-dipped fish and chips using freshly flown-in North Atlantic cod.

Control your Hagrid-size appetite by ordering one of the best desserts on Universal property: the sticky toffee pudding.

Its incredibly moist base is similar to American-style bread pudding and has notes of butterscotch infused within a sticky toffee sauce. If that isn’t sinful enough, it’s topped with vanilla ice cream and a delicious cascade of toffee syrup.

Three Broomsticks at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

The snow-capped roofs of Hogsmeade Village have welcomed Hogwarts students inside the Three Broomsticks for centuries (or so the story goes). The cozy restaurant — where Potter took his first sip of butterbeer — offers smoked chicken, shepherd’s pie and the eye-catching Great Feast.

The restaurant’s traditional English breakfast with baked beans and black pudding can’t be missed in the morning. It serves as the perfect way to fuel up for a marathon park day.

Best for grab-and-go fare

The Hopping Pot at Universal Studios Florida

As you wander through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, be sure to save room for some beef pasties at The Hopping Pot. These traditionally prepared bites — which feature a mix of spiced, flavorful beef stuffed inside a buttery, flakey crust — make for the perfect on-the-go item.

To wash down your beef pasties, order an exclusive Wizarding World beverage like the Wizard’s Brew (a dark stout), the Fishy Green Ale (a creamy nonalcoholic concoction with a fun surprise on top) or the iconic butterbeer (which is available in hot, cold and frozen varieties). The latter is almost too nauseatingly sweet, but it’s a rite of passage for any visit — especially if you enjoy intense flavors of butterscotch.

London Taxi Hut at Universal Studios Florida

Located in the shadows of Diagon Alley, the London Taxi Hut is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. However, you’d be remiss if you didn’t stop by this small, quick-service outpost, as it’s home to a fascinating signature item: the hot dog in a bun.

A long tube-like bun is hollowed out before your eyes (with an interesting contraption) and filled with an extra-long hot dog. The meat itself is as expected, but the pillowy bun is incredibly fresh. The show that comes with preparing the item is entertaining to watch. The hut also serves jacket potatoes, a hearty British import that sees fluffy baked potatoes stuffed with toppings like beans and cheese.

Best for international cuisine

Confisco Grille at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Situated just past the entrance of Islands of Adventure, Confisco Grille’s menu is globally inspired but approachable with its mix of Asian, Greek and Mediterranean influences. The sweet-and-sticky wings are positively delightful, as is the seasonally rotating house-made hummus, which acts as a refreshing start to the meal. The eatery is a great spot to visit if you want something a little lighter, thanks to options like chicken lettuce wraps and a chilled tuna bowl.

Best for a cheap sit-down meal

Bayliner Diner at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Best for outdoor dining

Mythos Restaurant at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

A crown jewel of Universal’s dining scene, Mythos Restaurant has been a longtime fan favorite. The casual restaurant serves modern approaches to American and Mediterranean cuisine.

The eatery’s stunning interior is reminiscent of a waterside grotto with mythological inspirations adorning its walls, while its outdoor patio offers wonderful views of the surrounding water. The famous fork, knife and spoon grilled cheese is an elevated version of the childhood favorite and doesn’t disappoint. The three-cheese sandwich is served in a bowl of zesty tomato soup and topped with crispy pork belly. It’s a delicious, nostalgic treat but not what we’d recommend sampling before you ride a roller coaster.

Best for pleasing the entire family

Illumination’s Minion Cafe at Universal Studios Florida

Best for a nice meal with the family

Vivo Italian Kitchen at Universal CityWalk

Vivo Italian Kitchen offers culinary favorites in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. Overlooking an open-air kitchen, the venue allows patrons to feast on artisan pizzas and homemade pasta, all of which are prepared right before your eyes.

Only the freshest ingredients are used in dishes like mussels marinara, traditional slow-cooked lamb ragu and crowd-pleasing meatballs. The space carries more of an upscale feel than the other restaurants at CityWalk, but you can still roll in wearing your “Harry Potter” garb.

Best for breakfast

Today Cafe

Inspired by the morning show, Today Cafe is your one-stop shop for fresh baked goods, sandwiches, salads and specialty coffee drinks.

While you can visit for lunch and dinner, we’re particularly fond of this counter-service spot for breakfast. Highlights include scratch-made cakes and an avocado toast with roasted tomato puree and shaved fennel, which you can enjoy indoors or outside on the spacious patio.

Best for fried snacks

Green Eggs and Ham Cafe at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Tater tots are an American favorite that’s made infinity better in the playful world of Seuss Landing at the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe. This quick-service spot sits in a ham-shaped building and dishes out creative twists on tater tots.

Of course, you can get the famous Who Hash, but our favorite version is its namesake. The dish features crispy, freshly prepared tots loaded with pesto-covered eggs, crunchy ham bits and creamy queso. The portions are generous, so come hungry or plan on sharing.

Best for chocoholics

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk

This behemoth of a restaurant deserves a mention for its highly immersive and themed atmosphere alone — it seriously looks like Willy Wonka’s factory from the outside. Embracing a 19th-century steampunk theme, the multilevel restaurant serves classic dishes made extraordinary with the infusion of chocolate.

Expect unexpected items like flash-fried coffee and chocolate stout chicken wings, plus artisanal milkshakes that are completely over the top but truly memorable.

This is a rare case where we highly suggest making reservations if you’re set on visiting this eatery, as it can be difficult to snag a table on weekends. A to-go window is, however, available if you want to get a taste of these next-level treats without a seat inside.

Best for a romantic meal

Bice Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

A short boat ride from Universal Studios Florida will transport you to the stunning Italian Riviera.

Best for American fare

Bigfire at Universal CityWalk

This airy, spacious setting is where you can savor everything from seafood to quality cuts of meat.

Must-try dishes include the wood-charred Brussels sprouts with toasted almond smear, the grilled Creekstone Farms cowboy ribeye and the mouthwatering short rib pasta. The tableside s’mores with all the fixings is another crowd-pleasing option, though prepare yourself for its hefty $18 price tag.

Try a cocktail made with one of the bourbons in Bigfire’s expansive selection to wash down the delectable fare. The smoked old-fashioned is particularly popular, as it’s prepared over oak tableside and topped with beef jerky.

Best for live entertainment

Pat O’Brien’s at Universal CityWalk

An outpost of the New Orleans staple, CityWalk’s version of Pat O’Brien’s serves up boozy hurricane cocktails and a Cajun-influenced menu loaded with flavor. Dishes include macaroni and cheese with blackened chicken and crawfish etouffee that are loaded with flavor.

Do as the seasoned patrons do and request a table in the piano room so you can unwind and enjoy the incredibly talented live dueling piano show that takes place nightly. It’s family-friendly and a seriously fun time. Let the good times roll.

Best for a poolside meal

Beachclub at Hard Rock Hotel

Best for island-inspired dishes

Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Best for a sweet treat

Natural Selections at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

We have high standards when it comes to churros. The park staple is often forgettable — but that’s not the case at Natural Selections in the “Jurassic Park”-themed section of Islands of Adventure.

The venue’s dulce de leche churro is exclusive to this location. It packs a perfectly fried churro with rich, luscious caramel and is topped with even more caramel and coconut flakes, putting a decadent twist on the beloved treat.

Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Seuss Landing’s Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop is where you can get your hands on another quintessential sweet concoction: the Sundae on a Stick. Vanilla ice cream is hand-dipped in chocolate upon ordering before being coated with whatever your heart desires.

The unique treat is simple but playful and delicious, offering quality, creamy ice cream plus loads of decadent chocolate.

Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour at Universal Studios Florida

One thing is certain at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour: You won’t be served the uninspired, pre-packaged theme park ice cream you’re used to. This parlor at the base of Diagon Alley’s fire-breathing dragon scoops out tasty servings of some of the best ice cream we’ve ever tried.

Available in hard-pack and soft-serve varieties, there’s a host of wildly inventive flavors that keep us returning for more. In addition to the standard butterbeer — it’s Potter’s world, after all — you can enjoy flavors like Earl Grey and lavender, apple crumble and my personal favorite chocolate chili. The latter is a tantalizing dance on your taste buds that combines sweet richness with a fiery spice.

Best for an all-you-care-to-enjoy meal

Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Dinner shows — a dying breed — are alive and well in theme parks and you can catch one of best in the U.S. at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Wantilan Luau brings the spirit of Hawaii to Orlando with an evening of authentic Polynesian food and traditions.

During the all-you-can-eat tropical feast, you can enjoy pit-roasted suckling pig, free-flowing mai tai cocktails, and incredible performances by fire and hula dancers. Shows occur weekly on Saturdays, with tickets required for adults and kids.

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel

Dine like a king with one of the best deals on property: the all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet at The Kitchen ($29 per adult).

The lineup is plentiful, offering American breakfast staples, like an omelet station, waffles and fresh fruit alongside other tempting options like hot sticky buns and biscuits and gravy. To really live out the rock star lifestyle, you can add unlimited mimosa cocktails, house sangria and bloody mary cocktails for $25.

On Sundays, The Kitchen ups the ante with the Acoustic Brunch. Enjoy a carving station and breakfast pizza, among much more, accompanied by live music. This option is slightly more ($49 per adult) but includes unlimited coffee, juice, bloody marys and mimosa cocktails.

Best for pub grub

Jake’s American Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Named after fictional South Seas explorer Jake McNally, Jake’s American Bar is our go-to spot for lunch and dinner away from the park. The casual gastropub on Loews Royal Pacific Resort’s lower level shines with perfectly executed classic food.

The must-order item here is, without question, the house-made pretzel rods, which are buttery and served with tangy mustard and four-cheese stout fondue. Beer drinkers will love the bar’s selection of local Florida brews, including Jake’s exclusive red lager.

While at the property, keep an eye out for Jake’s seaplane, which floats along the resort-side lagoon.

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios Florida

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill is a popular spot to grab a drink at Universal, but the lively Irish pub is also a full-service restaurant.

As you enjoy live music from a Dublin-born crooner, you can feast on traditional bangers and mash, Guinness beef stew and an addictive homemade potato leek soup. Don’t worry — there are also plenty of American specialties like burgers, wings and salads.

Best for water park fare

Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona at Universal’s Volcano Bay

Best for rock star-worthy bites

Velvet Bar at Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel invites you to live out your inner rock star at the Velvet Bar, an indoor-outdoor space off the main lobby. The venue is fashionable but welcoming — a perfect retreat after a day at the parks. Its menu comprises mostly small plates, flatbreads and charcuterie boards, but it’s plentiful enough to make a meal out of it.

The lush veranda is ideal for relaxing and sipping on one of the bar’s specialty martinis, which feature playful names inspired by rock and roll. The unassuming spot is also home to nightly live music and the Velvet Sessions, a concert series that has welcomed legendary artists like Joan Jett and Eddie Money.

Best for rooftop views

Bar 17 Bistro at Universal’s Aventura Hotel