Guide to Vegetarian Dining at Universal Studios Hollywood

While Universal Studios Hollywood boasts many classic attractions, it is also home to some delicious food items. I began seeking out vegetarian and plant-based options as a way to improve my overall health. It didn’t take long for me to realize that would mean finding the vegetarian options in the Universal “office”.  With so many food locations to choose from, we have got all the tips you need here in your guide to vegetarian dining at Universal Studios Hollywood. I’ll be your guide in this article all about dining options that our guests will find during their visit. Try them out and let us know which is your favorite!

Vegetarian Dining on the Upper Lot

1-Up Mushroom Calzone

Home to all the fuel you need for a park day, the Power Up Cafe is also home to one can’t-miss vegetarian dish: the 1-Up Mushroom Calzone. The mushroom-shaped dish is jam packed with spinach, green pepper, mushroom, mozzarella cheese and basil pesto. I like it with the Super Mushroom Fizz, a lemon lime soda with strawberry popping pearls and a strawberry Super Mushroom Power Up.

Vegan Shephard’s Pie

Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is home to some of the park’s tastiest vegetarian and vegan options, including this meat-free take on a British classic. Served with fresh salad, this dish has a fun twist with sliced potatoes included instead of mashed. This was the perfect hearty dish on a crisp day. It’s one of my personal favorite veggie dishes at the theme park!

Asparagus Vegetable Platter

Also found at Three Broomsticks, this platter features grilled asparagus, minted peas, sautéed cabbage, roasted Roma tomatoes with mashed potatoes. Lots of variety and great for sharing!

PRO TIP: While you’re in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, don’t forget the Butterbeer! The beloved wizarding drink is always vegetarian, and you can order a vegan version of it at Hog’s Head, too. Learn more in Discover Universal’s guide to everything Butterbeer at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger

Over at Mel’s Diner, you can order a completely animal product-free dish: the Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger. It’s made with a Beyond Meat patty, vegan American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, veganaise (yup, you read that right!), on a whole wheat bun served with crinkle cut fries. Yes, we asked, they are also vegetarian!

Classic Grilled Cheese

Minion Cafe is one of my favorite dining options in the park. There’s something for everyone in the group at this location. One of my favorite vegetarian options is the classic grilled cheese, which is made with sharp cheddar cheese, Mexican blended cheese, crinkle cut fries, marinara sauce dip, it’s hard not to enjoy this one!

Loaded Nachos

Just request this dish without the chicken and you’ll get a tortilla bowl topped with white queso, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cilantro. Even without the meat, this dish is still a heaping pile of deliciousness!

Mac ‘n Cheese

In my opinion, the best part of Minion Cafe is definitely the Mac ‘n Cheese. The standard order comes with chicken and bacon, but a bowl without the toppings makes for a creamy and delicious vegetarian option.

Mexican Classics at Cocina Mexicana

Located right outside Universal Plaza, Cocina Mexicana is home to some cozy Mexican classics — many of which can be made with Beyond Meat al pastor. The vegetarian version of Cocina Mexicana’s classic taco platter is served with Beyond Meat al pastor, diced onion, cilantro, queso fresco. I’m also a fan of the veggie nachos, which are made with Beyond Meat al pastor, pico de gallo, white queso, salsa roja, diced onion, sliced jalapeño, and tortilla chips. If you’re looking to get some greens in, Cocina Mexicana’s taco salad can also be served with Beyond Meat al pastor.

Spinach & Feta Cheese Stuffed Pretzel

Don’t miss out on City Snack Shop, located right on Universal Plaza. This dining cart packs some of the park’s tastiest treats, including the spinach & feta cheese stuffed pretzel, which comes with a bag of chips.

Giant Everything Pretzel

You read that right: Giant. Everything. Pretzel. It’s a large, warm and toasty authentic Bavarian style pretzel topped with Everything Bagel seasoning. This option is wonderful for sharing — or not!

Vegan Banh Mi

At both French Street Bistro and the Palace Deli & Market, you can find a delicious, meat-free sandwich that you can take on-the-go. The Vegan Banh Mi is made with zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, beets, jalapeños, cilantro topped with an olive oil blend, vegan mayonnaise, lemongrass soy sauce and vinegar.

Mother Nature Burger

If you’re a vegetarian like Lisa Simpson, don’t worry, you’ll find something to love at Krusty Burger! The Mother Nature Burger is a totally vegan burger, Beyond Burger topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and veganaise on a vegan whole wheat bun.

Meat Hater’s Pizza

You’ve heard of a Meat Lover’s Pizza — but what if you’re more in the mood for a Meat Hater’s Pizza? At Luigi’s Pizza in Springfield, U.S.A., you’re in luck! This personal size pizza slice is topped with mushrooms, green bell peppers, tomatoes, olives and green onions. It’s the perfect way to embrace your inner (meat) hater.

Vegetarian Dining on the Lower Lot

Jurassic Classic

Just like at Mel’s Diner on the Upper Lot, you can request a cheeseburger made with a Beyond Meat patty at Jurassic Cafe. The vegetarian Jurassic Classic is served with lettuce, tomato, and Thousand Island dressing on a brioche bun with fries.

Herbivore Salad

In the mood for lighter fare at Jurassic Cafe? Channel your inner Triceratops with the Herbivore Salad, a classic house salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, carrots, and choice of dressing.

Berries & Cream Waffle

If you’re in the Jurassic World area early in the day, you’re in for a treat! A light breakfast option, the Berries & Cream Waffle from Jurassic Cafe is a simple way to elevate your theme park day right from the start. This Belgian waffle, is topped with blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and whipped topping.

Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito

If you’re more of a savory breakfast person, Jurassic Cafe has you covered, too. The Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito is made with vegan Chorizo, scrambled eggs, fried potato tater, shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese and pico de gallo, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

Super Mushroom Soup

At Toadstool Cafe, Chef Toad invites you to dine on all kinds of delicious culinary creations — and many of them are vegetarian! First up: the Super Mushroom Soup. (We are in the Mushroom Kingdom, after all.) This creamy mushroom soup is served with adorable Super Mushroom crackers. And, good news: the mushroom bowl is included with your meal! Ask a Team Member for assistance once you are done with your meal.

PRO TIP: Have you heard it’s even easier now to get a table at Toadstool Cafe? Whether you’re planning a day at the park or you’re already here, you can now add fun and flavor by making dining reservations through our Universal Studios Hollywood App or website.

Tomato Soup

Who doesn’t love a classic tomato soup? This dish is a vegan tomato basil soup topped with micro basil, sliced mushroom, and truffle oil. Like the Super Mushroom Soup, this dish is also served in a Super Mushroom Bowl, which you can take home with you. Just ask a Team Member for assistance once you are done with your meal.

Piranha Plant Caprese

This cleverly designed dish is one of the most Instagrammable dishes at Toadstool Cafe. This Piranha Plant shaped caprese salad is made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, asparagus, and basil pesto, and is served with a side of mixed greens, shaved radish, and an apple vinaigrette.

Power-Up Spaghetti Marinara

This is a delicious and filling option for any vegetarians ages 9 and under, as it’s only on the kids menu. This tasty spaghetti dish is topped with marinara sauce and Power-Up parmesan crisps, along with sides of a Toadstool cheesy garlic knot and a coin cookie.

Bonus: All the desserts at Toadstool Cafe are vegetarian, so save room!

What’s your favorite vegetarian dish at Universal Studios Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below.