Looking for the best restaurants at Universal Orlando? Some of my favorites include Mythos and Finnegan’s when considering sit-down restaurants, and counter service places like Green Eggs and Ham or Delicious Kebabs too. They are a staple of Universal Orlando dining!
When considering the best places to eat at Universal Orlando, you’re going to want to also avoid a few places. Even though Ritchter’s Burger Co. and Mel’s Drive-In have great aesthetics, the food is lackluster.
And don’t forget you can also explore the restaurants on Universal Orlando Citywalk! Eating at the parks doesn’t have to mean eating IN the parks. There are tons of options for everyone at Universal, as the parks have been great at accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions.
Factor in their themed foods around Mardi Gras, Christmas, and Halloween Horror Nights. Universal just might be upping their game to offer some of the best food of all parks in Orlando!
Best Restaurants at Universal Studios
1. Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
Who doesn’t love a good food truck? The best dining at Universal Orlando has never been easier than Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck. In Springfield, this is the best return around. When considering where to eat at Universal Orlando, sample this truck’s pork carnitas, carne asada, and chicken. The red and green salsa is perfectly spicy, but sadly, there are not vegetarian options here.
2. Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
Finnegan’s is one of best places to eat inside Universal Studios. In fact, it is the best table service dining in the park! There is a variety of things on the menu, including classic fish and chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Guinness stew. There’s also options for vegans and vegetarians! Live music plays later in the evening, and the ambiance is as if you are in Dublin. Drink a Guinness on me: this is by far, my favorite place to dine in the park. Hands down, the best food at Universal Orlando.
3. Leaky Cauldron
Take a step into Harry Potter’s world, and experience true British Cuisine! Located in Diagon Alley, this place is truly immersive. Enjoy Fish and Chips, Cottage Pie, Scotch Eggs, and even Vegan Options. Top it all off with Butterbeer, as well. Whether you get it cold, hot, or frozen, it goes great with any dinner option. And this place is a true upgrade from theme park classics like burgers and fries. It is where to eat at Universal Studios!
4. Lombard’s Seafood Grille
By far the fanciest restaurant in the park, Lombard is a service meal that is elegant and comes with a nice view! Guests love the lobster rolls, and there are plenty of seafood options. But for those who don’t love fishy friends, don’t worry: there are meat dishes too. Check out the aquarium inside as you eat, or maybe book a dinner package to watch the Cinematic Spectacular in the evening. Do know you will drop a pretty penny to eat here, however. Either way, it is one of the best places to eat at Universal Orlando.
5. The TODAY Cafe
Sometimes you need breakfast in the park! And Voodoo Donuts in CityWalk aren’t going to fulfill your protein needs. Thankfully, TODAY Cafe is located right inside the parkk so you can get to it fast. With its New-York deli approach, the breakfast entrees, brunch sandwiches and vegan options will fill anyone up! Don’t be afraid to try their coffee and a dessert too if you visit later in the day.
This tops our list of the Best Quick Service Dining at Universal!
Worst Universal Studios Restaurants
1. Mel’ Drive-In
While the ambience of the 50’s restaurant is cute and very aesthetically pleasing, this quick service is lackluster. The throwbacks of jukeboxes and chrome accents don’t add up… except maybe they do. Mel’s is pricey for the average theme park food, like burgers, chicken sandwiches and shakes. They do offer gluten free options though, so I guess there’s that? I would personally skip this on the Universal Orlando restaurant list.
2. Ritcher’s Burger Co.
Ritcher’s is there to “shake things up” but even if all the restaurant’s in Universal get destroyed by an Earthquake, avoid this place. While the inside is fun for exploration: the two-story dockside has great views, the Sand Andreas sandwich and Big One Burger are expensive and often dry. Their shakes are too frozen, and the apple pie is not a preferred pastry of the parks.
3. Krusty Burger & Moe’s Tavern & Every Restaurant in Springfield
Just avoid Springfield if you aren’t getting the tacos. Again, the burgers here are lackluster, just like at Ritcher’s and Mel’s. You can try the ribs if you want, but even the black bean patty is dull. When you enter past Moe’s Tavern there are tons of quick service options, but the only good thing here is the Duff Beer.
Best Restaurants at Islands of Adventure
1. Mythos
Channel in your inner God at Mythos. Not only is this buildings stunning, with great exterior views if you don’t mind sitting outside, but this is hands down where to eat in Islands of Adventure. This is the best food in the park! Although you’ll pay a little more to eat here, the Brick Oven Roasted Chicken, Couscous Bowl, and Pad Thai are only a few options that will leave your satisfied. Beat the average burger and indulge! The Greek Inspired plates are always great to try here. This is a great place to stop at when looking for where to eat at Islands of Adventure.
2. Doc Sugure’s Desert Kebab House & Fire Eater’s Grill
Talk about bang for your buck! This little quick service is located right past Hogwarts, and is never overly busy. The prices are to die for too. In they Lost Continent, enjoy Mediterranean delights: beef, chicken, vegan meatball or pork kebabs. Add in hummus, Greek salads, yogurt and more, this place offers a lot and is always tasty. It is one for eh best restaurants at Islands of adventure.
3. Green Eggs and Ham Cafe
Who doesn’t love tots?! Although Sam-I-Am didn’t like green eggs and ham, this is a quick service spot that has something for everyone. And it is always hot and fresh! Whether you want to enjoy breakfast with green eggs & ham tots, or enjoy lunch with Buffalo chicken tots, everything is delicious. I always make it a point to eat the vegan pizza tots!
Worst Islands of Adventure Restaurants
1. Cafe 4
Of all the best places to eat inside Islands of adventure, avoid Cafe 4. I know we love good theming with the Fantastic Four, but this is not the place for good Italian food. Here you can try the pizza, spaghetti and salads. The pizza is huge, so you can split it, but if you want better Italian, I always take a skip back over to Universal Studios and get it from Louie’s.
2. Comic Strip Cafe
There’s only so many burgers I can do. From a bacon cheeseburger combo, to a cheeseburger combo, to a burger combo… oh and don’t forget the chicken sandwich combo, I’m tired of this meal. The shakes aren’t great, the fries are dull, and even if you wanted to try the pizza or salad, you can get it somewhere else. Some people do like the Asian food, and while I give them credit for attempting Tofu Ramen… enjoy your meals elsewhere. I don’t even go in here or near here enough to have a picture of it.. so enjoy one of Spiderman instead.
Best CityWalk Restaurants
1. Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
We’ve been talking about the best places to eat inside Universal Studios, but what about on your way in? Restaurants on Universal Orlando CityWalk are worth mentioning too! Specifically, Cowfish! With custom-designed burgers, and made-fresh sushi, this place has something for everyone. Enjoy spiked milkshakes for drinks, or opt in for a bento box to enjoy a little of everything. Some even like to try the Burgushi for those who can’t choose.
2. Antonjitos Authentic Mexican Food
The best CityWalk food avoids major quick service and chains. This means Antonjitos is a must! With it’s colorful designs and vibrant cuisine, this is a go to spot for those who love authentic Mexican food. Split roasted corn, or get some table side guac to go with your sopas, tacos, enchiladas, and more.
3. Vivo Italian Kitchen
When looking at where to eat at CityWalk, considering splurging and enjoying a nice evening at Vivo. Family recipes are served up in a modern setting. Pasta is homemade and made in front of you with the open-style kitchen. Combining the fresh sauces and bread, you’ll leave stuffed. I recommend the eggplant alla normal, but I have a few friends who enjoy the squid ink seafood for something different. Either way, this is some of the best CityWalk dining.
Worst Restaurants at CityWalk
1. Hard Rock Cafe- Orlando
Of all the Universal studios dining conversation, I’ve been wanting to avoid major chains in this discussion. Thus, I’m not talking about Moe’s or Panda Express when looking at the best places to eat at CityWalk. This in mind, avoid Hard Rock. The live music and shows are so fun here, but the menu is huge, overwhelming, and honestly lackluster. It is typical Hard Rock food with burgers and nachos and the occasional bowl. Choose and enjoy something different. You can eat at any Hard Rock. This one isn’t special.
2. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
As much as I LOVE and miss our king Jimmy Buffet, the only thing good at Margaritaville is… you guessed it. Margaritas. The portions here are huge, and the island ambiance is fun, but the erupting volcano is LOUD, and there is only so much Buffet music I can take while enjoying food. But the food is.. basic. If you go, go for the drinks and leave.
3. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen
I have a personal bone to pick with Toothsome, and it has nothing to do with their dessert. Honestly, those monster shakes are fun and exciting, albeit pricey. The shake itself isn’t the best thing, but the toppings make up for it. BUT THE FOOD!! So-so disappointing. I ate here once and never went back. There vegetable pasta was disgusting. It was advertises with sauce but came plain, and there was no flavor beyond the sweet peppers. And it was $19.00! I will never go back. The best food at CityWalk is Universal is located elsewhere.
And there you have it, folks. The Universal Studios Orlando Restaurants you want to try out and avoid! Whether you’re in the park at Islands or Universal, or spending some time at CityWalk, I suggest looking for flavor and a variety of options. Sometimes you’ll have to pay a bit more, but hey, you are in theme park central! Otherwise, enjoy that soggy burger. And don’t forget, in between eating, hit a ride or two!
Outdoor Dining at Disney: Best Restaurants by Park!