[Intense movie trailer voice] In a world of adventurous foodies, celebrity chef wannabes, and taste buds constantly in need of new tantalizations, one man stands alone.
It’s me. I’m the one man. But I’m betting I’m not alone. There should be no shame in sifting through exotic dishes drizzled with this or that to find something simple, basic and familiar — whether it’s for your picky kid or a much older, possibly even pickier kid.
So, what do you do when hunger hits between rides at Universal Orlando Resort? Call me, of course! Don’t really call me though (I probably won’t answer unless you text first). Instead, read on as I call out a few spots I’ve found to be friendly to finicky palates like mine.
Note: The preparation and toppings in the featured imagery may not align with the author’s picky preferences.
Universal Studios Florida
Leaky Cauldron – Pancake Breakfast
Why not begin with the first meal of the day, and what better place than Universal Studios Florida — the first of our theme parks in Orlando? Just head through the secret brick entryway to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, where you can try a tasty breakfast in this wizarding pub and inn.
Not a fan of the egg-centric breakfast combos you find in most restaurants? Here, there’s a perfect meal you don’t have to piece together yourself: three fluffy buttermilk pancakes, bacon and link sausage (why choose?) and a butter croissant. Add a cup of orange juice for an extra kick and you’re good to go.
PRO TIP: Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure also offers the Pancake Breakfast, so you can conjure up a strong start to the morning in either land.
Richter’s Burger Co. — The Big One Burger Platter
It’s hard to go wrong with a basic burger. But once you strip away the cheese and toppings in favor of just a little ketchup and mustard, the meat and bread need to pull their weight. This earthquake-themed spot on the lagoon tips the scales just fine with an Angus beef patty on a light, fluffy bun.
Of course, few things are more disappointing than a good burger with bad fries on the side. Fortunately, that’s not a problem here. They’re not too thick (don’t want to risk tasting too much potato after all), and they have the crispiness and saltiness that make classic fries so irresistible.
PRO TIP: Richter’s is right next to a famous shark that just turned 50. Why not grab a photo or souvenir after you’re finished filling your jaws?
Louie’s Italian Restaurant – Jumbo Pepperoni Slice Combo
New York City is famous for its pizza, so it stands to reason that the New York neighborhood of Universal Studios Florida is a prime place for a slice of pie. Nestled on the corner among all those cool old-timey building fronts, you’ll find the one and only Louie’s Italian Restaurant.
Grab a great big slice of pepperoni (the undisputed, undefeated champion of pizza toppings) with a refreshing Caesar salad on the side, take a seat and enjoy. There’s plenty of room in this air-conditioned spot, just right for those times when you want a break from pounding that big city pavement.
PRO TIP: New York City is also known for museums, and there’s one right down the street. Just know that searching for antiquities can lead to a screaming adventure.
Universal Islands of Adventure
Wimpy’s – Wellington Cheeseburger
As a kid, I wanted to be Popeye. I even badgered my parents into buying me spinach and insisted, over their strenuous objections, on eating it straight from the can. Without going into detail, I immediately regretted the decision. But that’s what I get for trying something new and yucky.
Fortunately, Popeye’s pal Wimpy knows a thing or two about taste. I would gladly pay for one of his hamburgers without waiting for Tuesday, because they have a great grilled-outside-on-the-family-deck flavor. And I’m not always a fan of curly fries, but the ones here hit the spot with their seasoning and consistency.
PRO TIP: The outdoor seating is somewhat limited here, but you can also look for tables under the shade across the way at Blondie’s. You might even find a jumbo chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
Cafe 4 – Spaghetti & Meatballs Combo
I may not be a superhero. At least not yet. But I mean, there’s still time. You never know. Sorry, it’s easy to get sidetracked when you’re walking through the pages of comic book legends. That’s where you’ll find a quick and convenient Italian eatery named for a certain famous foursome.
Spaghetti and meatballs are a time-honored tradition for picky eaters, and the pasta plate you’ll get here is ready to clobber your cravings. It’s especially satisfying because it comes with not only a side of Caesar salad, but also a garlic knot. Scroll down for more about why this is so critical…
Universal Epic Universe
The Burning Blade Tavern – Hunter’s Garlic Stake
It’s a well-established fact that garlic bread is the world’s single greatest food, and arguably the most important invention in the history of human existence (sorry, wheel). So even though it’s not a meal, this frightfully delicious creation from deep in the heart of our newest theme park’s Dark Universe had to make the list.
Though the stake-like shape might make you think you could use it to defeat Dracula, that would be a waste. You’re better off eating it. Savor the pretzel bread’s perfect mix of crispy and chewy, the garlic butter flavor, and the dipping sauce you can use to control your personal level of happiness and fulfillment.
PRO TIP: Make it a mobile order in the Universal Orlando Resort App and you can pick up your stake from the convenient window in the back.
Pizza Moon – The Pizza Moon Pepperoni
Again, you can’t go wrong with pepperoni pizza. And you’ll love the one they serve in this Celestial Park restaurant whose whimsical décor evokes an early 1900s Victorian theater. Be sure to check out the characters inhabiting the animated artwork, as well as the familiar moon face above the entrance that seems to have something in its eye. (That’s amore, right?)
OK, back to the pizza. It has a thick, bubbly, chewy crust that’s wonderfully filling without being overly heavy. And it’s perfectly complemented by the flavors of the other ingredients, from the sauce and toppings to the cheese (which may or may not have originated on the moon). Save some space for this one.
Meteor Astropub – Grilled Fourmaggio
On the other side of Celestial Park is another convenient place to find trustworthy comfort food. This stellar pub has quickly become known for its burgers, and that would certainly be a solid selection, but I’d like to draw your attention to another favorite among the finicky: the grilled cheese sandwich.
We’re talking four different cheeses here with sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, mozzarella and American. This quadruple threat comes together on thick, toasty, tasty bread that’ll have you forgetting to take breaks between bites. It also comes with a tomato bisque you can dip the sandwich in, if you’re feeling extra-adventurous.
Universal Volcano Bay
Kohala Reef Restaurant & Social Club – Pepperoni Pizza
You don’t want anything too hefty when you’re spending the day within the warm, misty confines of a water theme park. So, pizza is the obvious choice. In all seriousness though, get on board with one of the longboard-shaped pizzas at Kohala Reef Restaurant & Social Club near the park’s front entrance.
It’s a light, fluffy dough with just the right level of toppings in an oblong shape that’s perfect for sharing — or keeping all to yourself. Whether you stop here early to fuel up for the day or take a break after you’ve had enough sun and surf, it’s a nice shady spot for a savory bite.
PRO TIP: Make it a combo and you’ll get a sweet ICEE to help cool things down even more.
Whakawaiwai Eats – Pretzel Dog
The theme of elongated food shapes continues around the back of the park, near the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. Here at Whakawaiwai Eats, in addition to longboard pizzas, you can get a footlong hot dog. There’s nothing quite like a hot dog during a day outdoors, even if there’s no baseball game in front of it.
This particularly lengthy hot dog comes on a toasted pretzel bun that gives it a little extra something. And if you turn it into a combo, you’ll not only get a cool ICEE, but also a side of chips that’ll make you feel like you’re at the kids’ table at your family cookout.
I Know What You’re Thinking
Where are the chicken fingers? Where’s the mac and cheese? Whenever someone hears I’m a picky eater, they immediately guess I live on those two things. Surprisingly, they aren’t my cup of tea. (Unsurprisingly, I’m also not a fan of tea.) But if you are looking for those childhood staples, you might try one of these popular choices:
- Classic Mac and Cheese Cone at Spit Fyre Grill in the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk world of Universal Epic Universe
- Chicken Thumbs at Cletus’ Chicken Shack in the Springfield, U.S.A. neighborhood of Universal Studios Florida
Well, there it is. Are you a picky eater? If you struggle to find the familiar in an increasingly fancy foodie universe, know that you are seen. Also know that Universal Orlando Resort is ready and waiting to prepare your plain, perfect favorites. What would be your go-to the next time you visit? There are plenty more options, both in the theme parks and at Universal CityWalk and the hotels. Just tell them I sent you. Don’t really tell them that though (they won’t know what you’re talking about).