As the world keeps getting more and more gourmet everyday, it feels nice to have a dish you can always fall back on. That’s spaghetti for me: an unpretentious, warm, reliable, comfy food that delivers exactly what it promises. It’s safe, but never boring. Especially ‘cause eating spaghetti is like playing with your food — you twirl it around, wrap the strands around your fork, possibly get sauce all over your white shirt… You can even get away with wearing a bib without looking (that) weird.
What’s not to love? And although my usual go-to at home is the classic recipe — spaghetti and marinara sauce with loads and loads of parmesan cheese — I’ve recently found that at Universal Orlando Resort you can try this family-favorite dish with surprising twists and interesting new flavors. So, grab your fork (and maybe that bib) and join me for one of my favorite parts of this job: eating my favorite foods around Universal Orlando Resort.
Louie’s Italian Restaurant (at Universal Studios Florida)
A charming Italian restaurant in the heart of the New York area at Universal Studios Florida. I know I’m here to talk about their spaghetti options, but why not order a slice of their pizza too? Big fan.
Spaghetti & Meatballs
If you’re reading this, it’s safe to assume that you and I are very much alike. While some people crave turkey legs and burgers during their day in the theme park, you and I are craving spaghetti (carbs = energy). This classic dish at Louie’s gives you exactly what you’re looking for: a decent bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. AND soft garlic bread for dipping into the almost exaggerated amount of sauce (but we both know there’s no such thing as too much sauce).
PRO TIP: Because it’s a quick service restaurant, you won’t lose too much time dining in. But you can order your pasta ahead by using the Mobile Food & Drink Ordering in the Official Universal Orlando Resort App.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Ladies and gentlemen, my favorite vegan pasta in all of Universal Orlando Resort! The plant-based sausage crumbles have a kick to it (there’s a hint of fennel too!) and takes your ordinary pasta to a whole new level of flavor. For more plant-based options at Universal Orlando Resort, check out our Guide to Vegetarian and Vegan Food Options.
Vivo Italian Kitchen (at Universal CityWalk)
As someone who grew up in a very Italian home, I can tell you Vivo is as authentic as it gets. The pasta is made in house, which sets the bar high. There are currently four spaghetti dishes available on the menu, each with its own twist and flair. Here are my favorites:
Bolognese
Take a moment to indulge in the culinary perfection you see above. It’s hard to beat this classic “spaghetti al dente drowning in traditional Italian meat sauce” — especially when you know the chefs at Vivo nail it.
Lamb Ragu
If your mouth isn’t watering yet, this might do the trick: picture the best spaghetti with marinara sauce you’ve ever had. Then add slow-cooked lamb to it. Told ya that oughta do it.
Spaghetti Expert Tip (as it’ll read on my resume moving forward 😂): You can add steak to your pasta too!
Squid Ink Seafood
Wait, black spaghetti? Absolutely. This squid ink pasta is a must-try… and sooo beautiful. The contrast between the black spaghetti and the shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari just elevates this dish to masterpiece level.
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Well, clearly I enjoyed the black spaghetti, so I made sure to order it in a different (and much hotter) version. This option is a bit less bold in terms of seafood, but not less flavorful. The jumbo prawns and squid ink pasta are tossed in Vivo’s house made tomato sauce mixed with Calabrian chili peppers and fresh basil.
Mama Della’s Ristorante (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel)
When it comes to spaghetti, I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite option at Mama Della’s.
Pollo Alla Parmigiano
This dish is so well-balanced that there’s no ingredient in the supporting role — they all shine! The lightness of the spaghetti covered in tomato sauce perfectly complements the breaded chicken. Fatti l’uno per l’altra!
Spaghetti & Meatballs
As a mom of a toddler who’s most recently decided he won’t eat anything besides pasta, a bowl of spaghetti with marinara sauce and ground beef brisket meatballs ultimately means dinner is saved. And this one tastes so homemade that it’ll be parents for the win!
Mom Tip: I know how tough it is to eat out with kids, so pair whatever you’re having (see below!) with a glass of red wine. Oxygen mask on yourself first, right?
Pollo Alla Carbonara
Spaghetti tossed with pan-seared chicken, pancetta, and English peas. Oh, Carbonara… Why are you so delicious? Is this probably one of my favorite dishes in the world? Probably. Should you order it to pair with that glass of red? Hmm, yeah.
What’s your favorite spaghetti at Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments below or share it with us on social media!
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