The Best Restaurants Near Universal Studios Orlando (Because You Deserve Better Than a Sad Theme Park Pretzel)
Universal Studios Orlando is known for big thrills, movie magic, and enough adrenaline to power a small city. But let’s be honest: all that excitement hits harder when you’ve got something delicious to look forward to afterward. And no, we’re not talking about the lukewarm churro you panic-bought between rides.
The real magic? It’s happening just outside the park gates, where Orlando’s food scene is serving up everything from melt-in-your-mouth BBQ to cocktails that come with a side of drama. Think mimosa towers at brunch, fusion tacos that taste like a vacation, and sushi rolls so pretty you’ll hesitate before eating them (but not for long).
Whether you’re traveling with kids, a crew of besties, or a very tired partner who needs tacos immediately, this guide to the best restaurants near Universal Studios Orlando has your next meal (and maybe your next obsession) covered. These spots aren’t just convenient. They’re crave-worthy, scroll-stopping, and totally worth stepping outside the theme park bubble.
Let’s eat like we’ve been planning this for months, even if we just needed somewhere with decent fries and cold sangria.
Universal CityWalk: Where Your Park Day Ends with a Fork Drop
You screamed on the rides, dodged rogue water sprays, and power-walked like an Olympic athlete through three lands in two hours. Now it’s time to eat like you earned it. These restaurants at Universal CityWalk are near Universal Orlando, meaning they are steps from the park entrance and serve as your post-thrill reward.
The best part? No theme park ticket required and free parking after 6 p.m., which means more in your budget for dessert or that second cocktail you already know you want.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen™
This place is part chocolate factory, part sci-fi movie set, and entirely over the top in the best way. The menu mixes comfort food with inventive twists, but it’s the drinks and desserts that steal the show. Sip on the Old Fashioned Chocolate, Curious Cacao, or Chocolate Cherry Banana if you’re craving something sweet with a boozy kick.
The milkshake lineup is basically a sugar-fueled fantasy, with flavors like Brownie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Marshmallow Crisp, Red Velvet, and Cookie Jar. If you’re more into savory, the Cocoa Coffee Crusted New York Strip and Burger Au Poivre are rich, flavorful, and full-on indulgent.
Bigfire
Bigfire is what happens when upscale dining meets campfire vibes. The kitchen leans into open-fire cooking, giving everything on the menu a smoky depth that feels equal parts rustic and refined. The Signature Bison Burger is bold and juicy, while the Beer Glazed Scallops bring a subtle sweetness to balance the char.
The Dutch Oven Beef Burgundy and Brook Trout are perfect for a sit-down dinner that still feels relaxed. Dessert here is a whole production, especially the Tableside S’mores and PB&J Alaska, which bring theater to your table.
Hard Rock Cafe
This isn’t just any Hard Rock, it’s the biggest in the world, with enough memorabilia to qualify as a rock museum. The vibe is high-energy, and the menu is unapologetically classic. The Steak Burger is a solid go-to, but the Cowboy Ribeye brings the wow factor if you’re in the mood to splurge.
Twisted Mac, Chicken & Cheese is comfort food with a kick. Don’t sleep on dessert; the Homemade Apple Cobbler is warm, cinnamon-laced, and best shared if you’re already full (but you won’t want to).
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co
If shrimp is your love language, welcome home. Inspired by Forrest Gump, this casual spot leans hard into Southern favorites. Start with the Shrimp Shack Mac & Cheese or Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp, then level up with Forrest’s Seafood Feast, a platter loaded with fried shrimp, fish and chips, hush puppies, fries, and more sauces than your table can probably handle.
Prefer land over sea? Mama’s Fried Chicken and the 12 oz. Boneless Ribeye deliver. For dessert, you’ve got two iconic choices: tart, creamy Key Lime Pie or the sweet nostalgia of Strawberry Shortcake.
Outside the Universal Resort Area: Worth the Extra Few Minutes
Just beyond Universal Studios, the local food scene doesn’t slow down. In fact, some of the best restaurants near Universal Orlando are tucked along nearby roads and side streets. These Orlando restaurants near Universal deliver big portions, bold flavors, and wallet-friendly pricing for everything from pho to pancakes.
Border Grill Fresh-Mex (Vineland Road)
This low-key counter-service spot is a local go-to for fast, fresh, and budget-friendly Mexican. The burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas are generously portioned and packed with flavor, but the Toro Bravo, grilled steak strips with onions and jalapeños, is the standout. Tortillas come on request, so you can build your own bite. End on a sweet note with their classic flan.
Soupa Saiyan (Vineland Road)
If a steaming bowl of noodles is calling your name, this anime-themed noodle shop has the answer. The Krab Rangoon is a crispy starter worth ordering, but the real draw is the soup lineup. The Vietnamese Pho comes with beef broth, noodles, steak, and meatballs, while the Tri Fecta mixes chicken broth, udon noodles, shrimp, steak, and chicken for the indecisive eater. For dessert, go for the Japanese Cheesecake.
Hash House A Go Go (Near International Drive)
Known for massive portions and a quirky take on comfort food, this spot leans into “twisted farm food” with unapologetic gusto. Try the iconic Andy’s Sage Fried Chicken & Eggs, stacked with syrup reduction, mashed potatoes, bacon, and a biscuit that could qualify as a meal on its own.
The Breakfast Sandwich is next-level with Amish milk bread, cheese, sausage, bacon, and eggs. Flapjacks, waffles, and French toast come in plate-sized portions, while hashes like their Famous Meatloaf or Corned Beef with Swiss are hearty enough to split.
Yard House (ICON Park, International Drive)
This upscale sports bar is more elevated than your typical beer-and-burger joint. Go bold with the Creamy Korean Alfredo or Nashville Hot Chicken & Pancakes for unexpected combos that actually work. The Lobster Garlic Noodles and Korean Ribeye add a luxe twist, and the dessert lineup features Off the Hook Churros, Cheesecake Brulee, and Chocolate Lava Cake that easily compete with any Orlando restaurants near Universal.
Tabla Indian Restaurant (Near International Drive)
A place that’s full of flavor, Tabla is a solid option when you want something rich, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Try the Chicken Malai Methi Kebab or the Paneer Tikka for bold, smoky starters. If you’re here for curry, the Rogan Josh and Vindaloo deliver the kind of slow heat and depth that make you wonder why you ever settled for takeout butter chicken.
Miller’s Ale House
Miller’s Ale House is your go-to for casual vibes, wall-to-wall TVs, and portions that laugh in the face of moderation. Just minutes from Universal Studios, this lively sports bar serves up all the classics with a side of “did they really just put that on a burger?”
Yes, they did. The Tush Push Burger stacks white American cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, fried onion tanglers, and three mozzarella sticks. On. The. Burger. It comes with fries and ranch because obviously. Not feeling burger chaos? The Creamy Lobster & Shrimp Carbonara brings seafood drama in a velvety sauce with bacon and mushrooms.
And the Pork Osso Buco? A fall-apart shank with mashed potatoes and gravy that might make you emotional. This is a family-friendly spot with something for everyone and stretchy pants highly recommended.
Da Silva Steakhouse: Venezuelan Steak (International Drive)
Craving steak with a little extra flair? Da Silva Steakhouse on International Drive serves juicy cuts with Venezuelan soul and rave-worthy service to match. The Kansas City Strip Steak is charred to perfection, but don’t skip the Beef Montaditos—small, cheesy bites topped with pico de gallo that pack a punch.
They also do burgers, seafood, and an epic Da Silva Brownie with a waffle cone and Nutella drizzle. You heard that right. It’s ideal for a laid-back date night or a post-park meal where you treat yourself (and your very tired feet) to something memorable.
Plan Smarter, Eat Better, and Max Out the Magic with Tripster
You’ve got the list of the best restaurants near Universal Studios Orlando. Now let Tripster help you plan the rest. From thrill-packed attractions and top-rated hotels to show-stopping live entertainment, we make it easy to build your perfect Orlando itinerary.
Whether you’re bundling park tickets with hotel packages or scoring last-minute deals, Tripster takes the stress out of planning so you can focus on the fun. Want to eat, play, and stay like a pro? This is how you do it.
