There are so many fantastic places to eat lunch at Universal Orlando Resort. It is impossible to choose one favorite! Sometimes, when my family visits the resort, we want something quick for lunch, while other times we want to linger longer. Sometimes, we need a protein pick-me-up, and sometimes we go for our vacation splurge: dessert-before-dinner.
With dozens of restaurants throughout the resort, choosing the right one for every mood is difficult. Check out this list of my favorite lunch spots at Universal Orlando Resort and what I feel they specialize in to help you plan your lunch. You will be treated to delicious food and drinks with a side of Universal pizazz wherever you choose.
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UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE | UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA | UNIVERSAL ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE | UNIVERSAL CITYWALK | UNIVERSAL HOTELS
Universal Epic Universe
Best for an Adventurous Feast: Mead Hall in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Step into a Viking banquet room straight out of “How to Train Your Dragon”! This quick-service restaurant offers a Scandinavian-inspired menu heavy on roasted meats and fire-grilled seafood, including Grilled Salmon, Turkey Wings, Smoked Sausage Links, and Swedish Meatballs. Mead Hall is also the best place for a tremendous variety of specialty drinks like meads, ciders, and ales. The blissfully cool, rustic interior is a fantastic place to step out of the sun and the hustle and bustle of the theme park and concentrate on a Viking feast. Visitors can take advantage of counter-service or save time by ordering using the Universal Orlando Resort App or scanning a QR code at their table.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled and ears open to spot the Viking twins, Tuffnut and Ruffnut, rambling through the hall or hear dragon wings flapping overhead during your meal.
Best for Snack-Sized Appetites: Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe
Before you enter this eerie, Gothic-themed pub, ask yourself: Do you stand with the hunters or run with the hunted? If you are here to slay some beasts, you’ll find friends at the Burning Blade Tavern, where monster hunters congregate and share their tall tales. Yes, you can get a full meal here, but it is also a fantastic place to hang out when you just want a snack. Try the Hunter’s Garlic Stake Pretzel or the Burning Cheddar Bites for a quick fixer. Located in the Dark Universe, this Germanic-ish watering hole offers handheld munchies, specialty drinks, wine, and beer in an eerie, adventurous ambiance.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes open for monster hunters roaming the restaurant. If you find them, they may regale you with their “terror-ific” tales and pass on tips for how non-hunters like you can stay safe in Darkmoor Village.
Best for a Celebratory Lunch: Café L’air De La Sirène in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Step away from the bustling streets of Place Cachée and enter this elegant, light-filled café where some of France’s finest baked goods, sandwiches, plats du jour, and desserts await. I chose Café L’air De La Sirène for this celebratory occasion because of its refined ambiance and upscale atmosphere. Order the traditional Quiche Lorraine or vegetarian favorites, Baguette Ratatouille Provençale (roasted vegetables in a warm baguette) or the Galette de Tomates et Fromage (tomatoes and cheese baked in a buttery pastry). Guests 21 and over can toast their festive feast with Gigglewater, a shimmering elderflower prosecco spritzer.
PRO TIP: Order a delicious Butterbeer with your meal or enjoy an exclusive Butterbeer-themed treat for dessert. This restaurant offers Bieraubeurre (Butterbeer) in hot, cold, frozen and non-dairy drink options. They also exclusively offer a Bieraubeurre Crêpe, a decadent dessert crepe filled with Butterbeer cream, Bavarian cream, and topped with fresh strawberries, Butterbeer drizzle and a Butterbeer shortbread cookie.
Best for Fun Food: Toadstool Cafe in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Power up your lunch with tasty treats and eats. Every detail here is delightful, from the collectible hat-picks in the Mario and Luigi Burgers to the Super Mushroom Bowl (which you can keep!), which houses the Vegan Tomato or Super Mushroom Soup. You can even watch Chef Toad cooking up some of his favorite recipes and see playful scenes of the Mushroom Kingdom through the windows.
PRO TIP: While you dine at Toadstool Cafe, keep an eye on the windows. You’re in for a surprise!
Universal Islands of Adventure
Best for Themed Dining: The Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, the Three Broomsticks offers an enjoyable option for those craving hearty meals. With rustic charm and rich flavors, The Great Feast is great for groups. This meal is a massive platter designed for sharing that includes tender rotisserie chicken, savory spareribs, roasted root vegetables, corn on the cob, and roasted potatoes. And don’t forget to top your meal off with a mug of Butterbeer – the perfect drink to finish to a hearty feast. The quick-service format and the detailed British pub ambiance make it an immersive dining experience worth splurging on.
PRO TIP: Look for Harry Potter “easter eggs” while dining at the Three Broomsticks. For example, can you find the items this restaurant is named after?
Best for Kid-Friendly Dining: Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-Pendous in Seuss Landing
This restaurant is a feast for the eyes and mouth. Sample dishes like Red Fish, Blue Fish, Poke Bowl, Chicken and Waffles, or Contortion Corn Dog Platter in a Seuss-inspired, brightly colored faux circus tent.
PRO TIP: Raise your Sneelocks Pink Lemonade in greeting to the people passing by on the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! as it circles the big top.
Best for Fried Snacks: Wimpy’s in Toon Lagoon
If you braved the 75-foot drop on Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, you deserve fried food goodies at Wimpy’s next door. (Even if you didn’t brave the Falls, you deserve some goodies!) Visitors rave about the curly fries that are a side to many platters, including the Wellington Cheeseburger. I usually stick with the tried-and-true favorite Chicken Fingers platter here, but I don’t think you could go wrong with any options.
PRO TIP: For dessert, spring for a Dole Whip Pineapple Sorbet. It is cool, refreshing, and as magical as you remember.
Universal Studios Florida
Best for Vintage Vibes: Mel’s Drive-In in Hollywood
Slide into a classic vinyl booth at Mel’s Drive-In for the best of 1950s style. There’s a functioning jukebox in the corner, shiny retro cars “parked” in the front and Golden Oldies playing everywhere. The food is as deliciously vintage as the decor. Mel’s Famous Burger Platter is a favorite with my family! This burger is as delicious as it is messy. Don’t skip their secret sauce! It elevates this meal to a new level.
PRO TIP: While there, treat yourself to a milkshake (chocolate for me, please) or a cookies and cream pie!
Best for Grab-and-Go Food: Central Park Crêpes in Hollywood
There are so many fun things to do and see at Universal Orlando Resort that it can be tempting to skip lunch. But don’t do it! “Hangry” is not a good look on vacation! When your family can’t be still because there are spells to cast and coasters to ride, the grab-and-go options at Central Park Crêpes are your best bet. There are savory crepes, vegan selections, and plenty of sweet options. These handheld meals are delicious, affordable, and portable!
PRO TIP: If you do want a break, sit in the outdoor area adjacent to this cafe. You can taste various French creations while enjoying a beautiful view of the lagoon.
Best for Feeding a Group: Luigi’s Pizza in Springfield, U.S.A.
Pizza is always a good bet when you’re feeding a group. While there are several yummy pizza options throughout the theme park, Luigi’s Pizza is an excellent option in Springfield, U.S.A. Each whole pizza can easily feed 4-5 people, making it a cost-effective and delicious meal. If you have some vegetarians with you, the Meat Haters Pizza will be a hit!
PRO TIP: Use the Universal Orlando Resort App to order ahead. Spend less time waiting and more time eating!
Best for Refreshing and Delicious Beverages: The Hopping Pot in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
When you’re looking for a bite to eat and want a fun, festive, enjoyable drink, stop by The Hopping Pot in Carkitt Market in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. This walk-up counter offers favorites like Butterbeer (regular or frozen, or hot during select times of the year), Pumpkin Juice, Tongue Tying Lemon Squash, Otter’s Fizzy Orange Juice, Peachtree Fizzing Tea, and several more beverages for those 21 and over. While the food selection is smaller, it’s just as satisfying, with options like Shepherd’s Pasty Pie and Chicken or Beef Hand Pasties. The nearby outdoor seating is a fantastic place to enjoy some Harry Potter shows, such as The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
PRO TIP: Try the Apple Chips for a delicious snack or side dish.
Best for Authentic New York Dishes: TODAY Café
If you can’t visit the Big Apple, the next best thing is having a seat at TODAY Cafe in Universal Studios Florida. The Chicken Pesto Flatbread is my go-to staple, but the vegetarian Little Italy Caprese Platter or the meat-lover’s Carnegie Platter are also delicious options.
PRO TIP: Snag a seat by the window for some entertaining people-watching. If you are in the park early, this is a fantastic place to eat breakfast, too.
Universal CityWalk
Best for Those with a Sweet Tooth: The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
My family demands we dine at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen in Universal CityWalk whenever we visit Universal Orlando Resort. I am thrilled to oblige! This iconic sit-down restaurant has a whimsical vibe, and the food is always excellent, including a shockingly good Wild Mushroom Chicken Risotto. However, the real stars of this establishment are the giant desserts. The milkshakes are absolutely bonkers. My favorite is the Red Velvet, which is topped with a whole Red Velvet cupcake! As a bonus, you can keep the milkshake cup as a great souvenir.
PRO TIP: If you can’t decide what you want or want to splurge with a group, try Jacques’ Specialty Flight, which includes your choice of five different mini milkshake flavors.
Best for a Game-Time Family Meal: NBC Sports Grill & Brew
If you are a big sports family like mine, watching a game — any game — while eating is the preferred way to enjoy any meal. NBC Sports Grill & Brew is the best place to do that without leaving Universal Orlando Resort. For a fantastic meal, whether or not your team wins, go for the Wisconsin Fried Cheese Bites, the lightly salted Large Warm Soft Pretzel, or any of the Bases Loaded Burgers.
PRO TIP: The upstairs tables provide additional seating and may give you access to more screens to watch.
Best for Island Vibes: Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Orlando may be a few hours from the ocean, but you can get a seriously laid-back beachy vibe at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Relax, go with the flow, and ease into the afternoon with a full belly. The White Cheddar Cheese Curds are the perfect way to start. Then go for the Pineapple Chimichurri Grilled Chicken, Fish Tacos or, of course, the Cheeseburger in Paradise. And since it is five o’clock somewhere, those over 21 can imbibe on a frosty, salt-rimmed Perfect Margarita.
PRO TIP: For only $10, ask your server to serve your specialty drink or draft beer in a 22-oz take-home Margaritaville souvenir blender cup. Bring the tropical energy home!
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
Best Deli: Sal’s Market Deli at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Sal’s Market Deli rivals the Italian delicatessens I remember in Chicago’s Little Italy. This casual eatery offers pizzas, hand-crafted sandwiches, and meats and cheeses you can take to go. Enjoy your delicacies on the outside Piazza as a picnic overlooking the Harbor.
PRO TIP: Want to bring home souvenirs you can actually use? Snag a container of Italian cookies or other goodies from this market.
Best for a “Liquid Lunch”: Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Come to Amatista Cookhouse for deliciously fresh, Caribbean-inspired food offering a full bar to quench your thirst. Try the Cookhouse Punch for a straight-from-the-islands libation. Enjoy the seasonally changing empanadas, flatbreads and other tasty dishes to accompany your beverage.
PRO TIP: Amatista Cookhouse offers indoor and outdoor seating. But if you sit inside, you can enjoy the elevated experience of the exhibition kitchen.
Best Place to Find Something for Everyone: Bayliner Diner at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Stop in this convenient food court for a quick and easy meal at any time of the day or night. There are stations for deli fixings, pizza and pasta, international cuisine, and grilled options. Everyone can get what they want with little to no waiting. The “Grab and Go” area is handy if you want to snag snacks and drinks for later.
PRO TIP: Did you know you can place a Delizioso Pizza to-go order online for pick up in Bayliner Diner? Put the order in when you are on your way, and have a piping hot pizza ready to eat when you arrive!
Best Theme Park View Dining: Flora Taverna at Helios Grand Hotel
One of the newest hotels in the Universal Orlando Resort offers a spectacular peek into Epic Universe without officially setting foot into the theme park. The Mediterranean-inspired food at Flora Taverna is delicious and casually elegant, but the real draw is the ambiance. Choose an outdoor table to overlook the fountains that dominate the center of Celestial Park. Kids will appreciate the familiar pizzas and pastas, and more adventurous options like the Black Angus Beef Tenderloin Kebab.
PRO TIP: Start your meal by saying “si!” to the bread service (focaccia or pita). It is only $3, the best three dollars you will spend at the whole resort! How could anyone say no to soft, warm, pillowy bread with peppery Greek olive oil?
What lunch spot will you try the next time you visit Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments!
Must be 21+ with valid Photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.