Best Places to Eat at Universal Orlando Resort – Florida
Universal Studios Orlando is the destination spot for movie buffs and adrenaline junkies. Park goers are able to watch their favorite movies and shows come to life through rides, attractions and even restaurants! Dining at Universal rounds out the whole experience, but sometimes it’s hard to decide where to eat if you’ve never been before. If you want more than a hamburger or hotdog or just want a fun atmosphere to have a meal in, come dine at one of our picks for best places to eat at Universal Orlando. We’ve also included selections from Universal CityWalk, Universal’s entertainment, shopping and dining district.
Universal CityWalk doesn’t require a park ticket, so this is a good choice for non-park days. You’re bound to find a place to eat from our picks below!
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen-
(Universal CityWalk Area)
Standing tall and commanding attention is this chocolate factory themed restaurant. The inside is very industrial, but still whimsical. You kind of expect Willy Wonka to pop out in his purple suit! The food is delicious, with choices like, fettuccine alfredo, braised short ribs, grilled teriyaki salmon, wild mushroom and chicken risotto, and burgers. The best part of eating here is the dessert! Milkshakes are their specialty and there is a whole menu dedicated to them. Shakes are served in Mason jars and are very Instagram friendly.
Try the Heavenly Hazelnut, Cookie Jar, Strawberry Cheesecake, or Espresso Buzzzz.
If shakes aren’t your thing, they also serve sundaes and pies. Yum! This place is a sure winner with kids and Tweens as well!
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville-
(Universal CityWalk Area)
This tropical atmosphere will put you in a happy state. Guests of all ages will enjoy the live music and performers while they dine on entrees like: crispy coconut shrimp, island kabobs, Land shark Lager fish and chips, jerk alfredo chicken pasta and a variety of burgers and sandwiches. Of course, they offer a full menu of margaritas and cocktails for adults to indulge in.
Be on the lookout for the stilt walkers with their “shaker of salt”!
The Cowfish
(Universal CityWalk Area)
This place, in CityWalk, has custom burgers and sushi. You can even mix the two together and try the Burgushi! I have to say that I have not been brave enough to try this, but others at my table have raved about it! You can choose from classic makimono rolls, fusion specialty rolls and Sushi combos. Or try burgers with names like, The Jalapeno Popper Showstopper and the Big Squeal, which is a beef patty with pulled pork, gouda cheese, onions, bacon coleslaw, pickles and lettuce.
You can’t go wrong here!
Mythos Restaurant-
(Islands of Adventure Area)
This restaurant is built right into a cavern that houses gorgeous waterfalls and large windows with great views of the park. The food is a mix of Mediterranean, American and Asian. Pad Thai, calamari, gnocchi bolognese and butternut squash soup are all on the menu.
This restaurant is really cool, and the outside of the building gets lots of people stopping to take selfies with the carved face with a waterfall protruding from its mouth!
Three Broomsticks-
(Islands of Adventure Area)
Fans of the Harry Potter series will have this place at the top of their list for sure! The Three Broomsticks comes off the pages of the book and is a fantastic place to dine in Hogsmeade. The dark and “dingy” atmosphere is in line with a wizard’s eatery that you would expect from the Harry Potter universe. You can dine on selections like fish and chips, ribs, and the Great Feast, which is platter that feeds four and includes rotisserie chicken quarters, spareribs, roasted potatoes and corn on the cob! Pumpkin juice and Butterbeer, regular and frozen, are offered here and they’re a must try!
This is also a great place to get a hearty English style Breakfast in the morning at park opening!
Classic Monsters Cafe
This spooky cafe has themed dining rooms. If eating in Dracula’s castle has always been a dream of yours, now’s your chance. The restaurant has monster memorabilia everywhere including Frankenstein and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Menu items include turkey legs, ribs and pizza. The food doesn’t have fancy selections but this is a great themed Universal spot!
Don’t forget to snap a picture of yourself in the electric chair prop right outside!
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
While there is a bar attached to the restaurant portion of this establishment – the grill is very family friendly. Hearty foods fill the menu along with lot’s of traditional Irish and English fare. This place is great value for money. Nice portions and everything we tasted here was delicious and filling! As you can see from the photo above – my husband loved his Shepards Pie! Whether you are on a date or need a family meal – Finnegan’s is a terrific option!
So many options, so little time. Did our favorite picks make your list too? What are your favorite menu items at Universal restaurants? Let me know in the comments!
Headed to Disney World on your trip to Orlando too? Check out these ideas for best dining in Disney World.
About Shannon SchmidShannon traded in her sensible NYC TV producer shoes (they were best for taking the subway), for a pair of Texas Cowboy boots when she married her best friend! He's at fault for making this Yankee a Texan! Shannon writes about all things that make a house a home. Her chief blogging inspiration is being the proud & slightly neurotic mom of a preschool age daughter.
You can find Shannon on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and her new favorite place to hang out, Google+.
We loved Universal so much. Three Broomsticks and Toothsome were our favorites, but we did also enjoy Margaritaville. We had a HUGE donut in the Simpsons area, like steering wheel sized! Hope y’all had fun. Can’t wait to read more about your adventure.