15 Best Universal Orlando Restaurants

Central Florida is home to many theme parks. Walt Disney World, Sea World, Legoland, and even Peppa Pig Theme Park (yes, really), just to name a few. Another big hitter is Universal Orlando Resort. The property consists of Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. These theme parks have something for adrenaline junkies, those wishing to attend Hogwarts, and even the youngest in your party may just love Seuss Landing. No matter your interest, there's something for you, and to help fuel those adventures, Universal is positively stacked with food options.

We scoured the dozens of choices to select the ones that are the very best to help make your next Universal vacation as delicious as it is exciting. In doing so, we considered reviews from TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google, as well as customer ratings from OpenTable and Resy. Specifically, we looked for  restaurants in terms of value, quality, consistency, and theme.

No matter your budget, time restraints, or dining preferences, we think we've got you covered with some of the best options across the parks. This way, you can spend less time planning and deciding where to eat and more time diving into a great burger, sipping a cold brew, and marveling at restaurant decor.

The Strong Water Tavern is one of a few restaurants located within the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, a Signature Collection hotel at Universal Studios. The theming of the resort is beachy Caribbean, and the food floats with a full catamaran of flavors. By the end of your meal, you may be hard-pressed to remember your vacation is at an amusement park instead of happening on a tropical island.

Make no doubt about it, Strong Water Tavern is a bar, but the food proves that there is much more. The menu includes various tapas, appetizers, and full sized entrees listed in regional Caribbean menu sections that include Havana, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Haiti, among other locales. 

It can be hard to narrow down your choices from a menu that includes vuelva a la vida (and Venezulean/Mexican seafood cocktail) next to griot; alcapurrias alongside octopus al pastor. Although much of Strong Water's options are considered spectacular, reviewers love pointing towards dishes like the goat curry as top notch. The spicy dish is sourced from a local Florida farm, stuffed with Scotch bonnets, and comes alongside coconut rice. With abundant high ratings on Resy, diners have more than demonstrated their appreciation for the restaurant's high-quality eats. Other reviews across TripAdvisor make clear that service is a respected commitment at Strong Water. The tavern also leans into stiff tropical bevvies, with a rum list that runs deep.

Sapphire Hills Resort has another beautiful restaurant, Amatista Cookhouse, named for the Spanish word for an amethyst gem. In a similar style to Strong Water, the menu at Amatista is accentuated by Caribbean themes, yet slightly broader in scope. The list has conch chowder and chicken noodle soup, black angus burgers next to fish sandwiches, for example. The latter item is a darling for reviewers, who frequently cite its freshness as a delicious reason to order. The theme makes itself more clear in plates of mojo marinated rotisserie chicken, seafood al sofrito, and coffee-roasted pork flatbread.

The interior of the restaurant offers a very modern feel with an open kitchen that pulls you into the action of the chefs. It's a big, comfortable space, ideal for dining with a large group, which is a big draw for diners who love the restaurant's breakfast buffet options, which includes an omelette station as well as abundant a la carte options.

It's one thing to have a themed menu. It's another thing altogether to turn a restaurant into a themed experience. Mythos, a restaurant at Universal's Islands of Adventure in the Lost Continent, is the latter. If what you want is to feel transported, this restaurant brings the park to your plate. The ambiance is akin to climbing Mount Olympus for a meal with the gods. You'll eat among faux red stone cave detailing and royal colored light fixtures. Reserve a table outside to dine lakeside with views of the park.

Spanikopita dip, semolina crusted calamari, and ground lamb hummus are intro appetizers that lead into a labyrinth of Greek and Mediterranean-inspired food, including a grilled octopus dish that is all the rave with reviewers on Google. Parents can relax knowing that there is also a simple kid's menu with the heavy hitters — chicken tenders, grilled cheese, burgers — which won't break the bank in terms of value. Mythos has been around for a long time now, and its developed a mythic-like stature over the years, winning the vote for Best Theme Park Restaurant from Theme Park Insider for nearly 10 years. 

Over on TripAdvisor, longtime passholders confirm that stature, frequently denoting it as an excellent place to take a break from a day of rides without losing your enthusiasm for the park motif. On Yelp, one reviewer was left asking of Mythos, "Is this the world's best theme park restaurant? It's certainly a contender."

If you or someone in your party is a chocolate lover, you a visit to the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in CityWalk. Here, you'll find massively sized milkshakes with unique accompaniments on top and chocolate positively splattered across the entire menu in both desserts and entrees alike. Yes, that includes savory options, such as chocolate-dipped bacon on top of a sizeable angus burger, or a hot chocolate sauce paired with flash fried chicken wings. The dishes get more refined the farther you go. Ever tried a cocoa coq au vin?

Unsurprisingly, however, is the fact that the desserts and milkshakes at Toothsome are the biggest draw. Nearly 2,000 Google reviews of the milkshakes tell a consistent story of excellence, and one Redditor even referred to them as "gluttony incarnate." Exactly what you want to hear if you have a sweet tooth that needs smacking. If you have more amusement ahead of you, beware. The Chocolate x5 milkshake is enough to do you in. Alternatively, a chocolate creme brulee is just the right touch.  

From the inside-out, Toothsome puts on a steampunk look, like if Willy Wonka had brass robots instead of orange Oompa Loompas. Video screens showcase the inside of the marvel that is a fantastical chocolate shop. This is one of the best Universal restaurant for matching theme with quality.

On the first floor of the Hard Rock Hotel, you'll find The Kitchen Restaurant. Even if you're not staying at the Hard Rock, this is a tasty spot to grab a bite, and offers a different atmosphere than the Hard Rock Café located just down the street. Of course, there's still a museum's worth of music memorabilia, including bricks from the Liverpool club where the Beatles first played, and costumes worn by Elvis Presley.

While you can visit for any meal, the Sunday brunch is very popular, especially if you love a bottomless brunch cocktail. The Kitchen boasts all of your typical foods for breakfast, cranked up to 11. Take the Elvis toast, baguette slices served with peanut butter, bananam, and caramel as an example. Plus, there's acoustic music all day, so it's a great place to post up if some of your group needs a day off while the rest explore. Numerous reviewers on OpenTable and TripAdvisor mention The Kitchen Restaraunt as being an excellent spot for large parties, considering the dining room is spacious and extensive. 

Should your group include gluten-free eaters, you'll definitely want to make a stop here; the menu includes such specialties as truffle lobster mac & cheese that can be served sans-wheat, but its bread and butter are classic American dishes such as steak, grilled salmon (with risotto), and burgers that can be arrive on gluten-free buns. Kids specials help keep things affordable happy, with one reviewer on TripAdvisor mentioning the Kitchen as being a highlight for their entire Universal trip.

Like many of the best restaurants at Orlando theme parks, Bar 17 is actually located in a hotel. In this case, you'll find the unmissable rooftop views atop the Universal Aventura Hotel, which feels catered towards millennial families looking for a less full-on theme park feel.With tall glass walls surrounding the entire floor, you'll get great sights over the Universal theme park, and from that height, you can even watch fireworks from Disney. 

To access Bar 17, head to the elevator and take it all the way to the rooftop bar on, predictably, floor 17. After 5 p.m., you can also use an express elevator that will go directly to the bar without stopping on any hotel floors. No reservations or park tickets are needed to visit Bar 17 Bistro. This eatery is less themed than some other of Universal's best restaurants, but the menu takes flight with a tight selection of Korean eats. 

Reviewers on Yelp make special mention of the bao buns, stuffed with chicken, pork belly, or crispy shiitake and kabocha squash. On TripAdvisor, the bibimbap is a preferred choice. If your touring the park with older kids (or without kids altogether), the cocktail list at Bar 17 Bistro helps round out the reasons why this is one of the best restaurants at Universal. Drinks like the Foggy Sunrise (Patron silver, pineapple, creme de coco, grapefruit) might light you up more than the fireworks. The Stormy on 17 crackles with the same kind of energy.

Universal Studios has another, erm, "top" contender in Bar Helios, located on the roof floor of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Day or night, the vista offers a planetary view above Epic Universe, which has its own run of food to try. With some smart planning, you could even arrange to be there during the Cosmos Fountain Show that takes place in the evening. Word has certainly gotten around about how incredible Bar Helios is, and with a high rating on Resy, pre-booking your table at Bar Helios is a necessary. 

Bar Helios (named after the Greek god of the sun) has a complete menu of drinks and bites which orbit around the flavor of Mediterranean tapas, small plates, and shareable snacks. Although not as explicitly themed as other eateries, the commitment to Greek mythology plays out in bevvie names and categories that honor earth elements. The food is fit for gods, too, with special mention from reviewers for the King Ora salmon crudo, and Redditors who aren't shy to state that the West Coaster oysters on offer are of "divine" quality.

If you have a dinosaur lover amongst your family, stop over at the Thunder Falls Terrace for a fun setting with tasty quick service. Reviewers on Reddit mention it being a hit for getting food fast. The platters offer a bounty of food including chicken, "raptor" wings (jumbo chicken wings), pernil, ribs, and even meat-free options. Happy diners on TripAdvisor have pointed to the meatless chorizo bowl as a delicious option in this vein, while numerous others have mentioned that the portion size for the money makes this an excellent reason to stop in. 

For dessert, don't miss out on the signature key lime cheesecake before heading out on your next adventure. As quick as your experience in Thunder Falls can be, don't forget that this is one of Universal's best restaurants for keeping yourself immersed into the adventure even during your downtime. Redditors call it a "step back from the hustle and bustle" of the park. Large floor-to-ceiling glass windows look onto lush greenery of Camp Jurassic, feeling still a part of the world while being apart from it.

Another great CityWalk option is the NBC Sports Grill & Brew. As you might expect, this restaurant is absolutely full of screens displaying a variety of different sports. If you have a family member who is dying to catch a game mid-vacation, this will be one of the best places to go for a meal.

What goes better with sports than beer? Not much in our estimation. The NBC Sports Grill & Brew offers some great options, which more taps than you could hope to pour from, including some that are exclusive to the restaurant and flights that can help you cover more ground. 

For food, NBC Sports Grill & Brew offers the ideal accompaniments to brews and browsing sports, with classic pub grub: burgers, BBQ, wings and tenders, sandwiches, and appetizers. In particular, the buffalo mac tends to generates a lot of love from Google reviewers, including one who said it was "unlike any I've had before." With that in mind, its the fact that these classics — offered in combination with a sports-specific environment (where else in Universal can you play foosballat your table) and consistently well-reviewed customer service that bring people to NBC Sports Grill & Brew.

Cowfish is a restaurant concept with four locations, two of which are in North Carolina, with the third being found on Universal's CityWalk. Passing by The Cowfish, you might wonder how sushi and burgers would share any common ground. Yet they do, and in more ways than one. For starters, Cowfish maintains a focus on sustainable sourcing of both fish and beef as core values for the menu it presents. Outside of that, deliciousness is the other thing they have in common.

While you can find either food in its own category (there are over 20 burgers to chose from), you can also order experimental fusions that push a mashup of the two, called — you guessed it — burgushi. You're looking at avocado, kani, and cream cheese rolled up with rice and nori, but also bento boxes served with a bit of both in their own right. Beyond Cowfish's relaxed, upbeat vibe and playful exploration is a section that puts choice in the diners hand. A build-your-own roll list offers options to satisfy seasoned or new sushi fans. Reviewers on TripAdvisor praise the freshness of fish, but also mention that the burger rolls are worth a try. Although the restaurant doesn't have any specific tie-in to the theme park per se, its unique approach and high-quality is enough to make it one of Universal Orlando's better places for a bite.

We love a restaurant that helps set the tone for a specific section of a theme park. For Universal's Islands of Adventure, the Confisco Grille does just that. Located right in the Port of Entry for the Islands of Adventure, it's a collection point for many "confiscated" goods around the Islands. Inside the restaurant, you'll see a slew of collected items, including the Cat in the Hat's striped, iconic headwear.

There are two dining levels to enjoy across this colorful and eclectic restaurant and even a patio to take in the views around the park. On the menu, find a range of options inspired by coastal cuisines food. Like the decor, it's a collection of a little of everything. Reviewers on Yelp give high praise to dishes that will cut the heat of a Florida day, like the chilled tuna noodle bowl and the ahi tuna nachos. The warm dishes also get love, with guests on Google frequently discussing the birria beef burger as being the "X" that marks the spot on the treasure map of a menu. After leaving, you're located right next to the Backwater Bar, one of the best bars at Universal Studios Orlando for tiki-styled cocktails.

One of the best parts about traveling is trying unique food that you wouldn't otherwise get to sample at home. Of course, this can also become a little tiresome, and you may find yourself longing for something comfortable. In instances like these, it's nice to know where to turn, and if Italian food is one of those comfort food categories for you and yours, VIVO Italian Kitchen should definitely be in your plans for a visit to Universal.

Located in CityWalk alongside Cowfish, VIVO offers an upscale Italian dining experience in a space full of interesting lighting fixtures made from wicker or cheese graters. For some frequent visitors it's a hidden gem. Everything the restaurant serves is prepared in-house, including the pasta, which you can watch being made right off the kitchen. Top highlights from VIVO's plethora of five-star reviews include specific mentions of the fried ravioli, which folks describe in ways that are surprising for a fried dish, calling it light and refreshing. On Yelp, the sausage ragu is a heavy hitter. 

All in all, modern Italian dishes abound, from squid ink spaghetti to a chicken ravioli with Calabrian chili oil. If your server mentions specials, don't forget to ask about them: "We freakin' love VIVO. Never had a bad meal there. Short rib risotto is superb," said one Redditor. As if the excellent food wasn't enough, TripAdvisors give VIVO big props for excellent service, with consistent mentions for service staff going above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences.

For all the modern look VIVO offers, Mama Della's Ristorante brings a much more homier vibe, as if you were going to Nonna's after a day at the park. The walls are adorned with yellow wallpaper, patterned in some places and floral in others. Exposed roof beams and tiled floor give a rustic air. It's also filled with the sound of romantic, tableside singers and delicious aromas. From the first whiff that floats from the kitchen, you know you're going to be taken care of. The slew of five-star reviews across each major rating site suggests that's the standard story of Mama Della's. 

Befitting the scenery of the surrounding Portofino hotel, the menu includes favorites from Naples, Tuscany, and Piemonte among others. A classic lasagna warrants abundant attention. "I had the lasagna and every layer was perfect," said one Google diner. "They have their own twists on classic dishes, resulting in an amazingly thin lasagna even though it's a tower of food," said another. Loosen your belt accordingly.

The Italian comfort extends to drinks and dessert as well. Mama Della's wine list is a long as the lines of the Gringott's ride, exposing diners to reds, whites, and sparkling vinos from Lombari, Veneto, Sardinia, and Alto Adige among others. For dessert, try the the chocolate-dipped cannoli and traditional tiramisu.

For a delicious steakhouse dinner with a variety of options in a playful yet upscale environment, Bigfire in CityWalk is it. Nearly everything touches a grill or is fired or smoked in some way, from the maple chicken to the lamb shank to the appetizers. One reviewer on Google calls out the firebaked bread starter — a sourdough loaf served with herbed butter and peach jam — as a fantastic way to start your meal. The skillet roasted mussels are another, with one happy eater on Google describing the sauce as "the best I've ever had." Bigfire is one of Universal's best restaurants because of this attention to detail, down to the cherry and oak wood especially selected for its live fire grilling and smoking. 

Bigfire isn't the sort of place you'll want to hit before or during your roller coaster chasing days, but make sure to plan a reservation for dinner as it can fill up quickly, and service moves at a take-your-time pace. When you're ready, the entree menu offers a filet NY strip, ribeye, or even a plant-based steak option.  

The bar at Bigfire stays on the grillhouse theme, and if you love a classic whiskey cocktail, this is a good restaurant for both classic and thoughtful sips. With the well-recommended baked Alaska, you've got a classic steakhouse experience to cap your vacation with.

Like the best of Mexican restaurants, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food is playful, bright, colorful. Frequently, the restaurant features a live mariachi band that plays a mix of covers and Mexican tunes, adding some lively sounds to a restaurant already brimming with life. Even better? Antojitos has table-side guacamole, so avocado lovers, this spot is for you. It can be made completely customizable to exclude anything you don't like. So, if you happen to not like cilantro, this should be music to your ears. On Google, one reviewer called it "the best guacamole I've ever had," while another mentions it as the ideal app to choose if you need to snack while passing some time beyond Universal's bustle.

While the guacamole may bring you in, rest of the menu will have you coming back. You'll find everything you hope to see: nachos, queso, burritos, and street tacos, but there are plenty of traditional Mexican dishes delight. One example is the beef tamale, frequently mentioned in reviews as a hitter, and the chicken fajitas, which earn praise across TripAdvisor and Yelp.

Coming up with the restaurants for this list depended on a few factors: namely, firsthand experiences and my many visits to Universal Orlando Resort over the years. We considered restaurants across the parks, hotels, and CityWalk to reflect the full range of dining options that are available. Factors like food quality, value, and consistency were taken into consideration. We looked for an even split of restaurants that were specifically themed so as to keep guests immersed in the park, and restaurants that offered a pleasant break from the park environment. 

With this in mind, objective metrics were taken into consideration, too. We sourced reviews from TripAdvisor, Google, and Yelp, as well as ratings from OpenTable and Resy to find out what guests truly thought about the restaurants on our list.