Fire-breathing dragons, superheroes of the silver screen, and mischievous Minions are all part of any awesome Universal Studios Florida adventure. However, no theme park vacation is complete without an epic foodie itinerary.
Follow along to discover our ultimate restaurant guide to Universal CityWalk Orlando!
Whether you have plans to tackle Hagrid's Motorbike in Islands of Adventure or are just popping in to explore Universal's 30-acre dining, shopping, and entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk is well worth a stop.
Grab a sinfully delicious doughnut at Voodoo, or assuage your taco cravings at Antojitos. From boatloads of shrimp at Bubba's to Italian favorites at VIVO's, you're never too far from your next incredible meal.
Already drooling? Read on to uncover our top picks for feasting at Universal Orlando CityWalk Restaurants.
Quick Service CityWalk Restaurants
Need to sneak in a filling snack or meal between snuggling up to Sponge Bob or escaping an apex predator on the VelociCoaster? Quick service restaurants offer an incredible bounty of cuisines without the wait for a full meal:
Hot Dog Hall of Fame
If your dogs are barking after a long day of theme park trekking, why not treat them to a respite at the Hot Dog Hall of Fame? Snag a seat, and prepare to snack on some seriously tasty wieners at this iconic, quick-service eatery—Chow down on famous franks from all around the country.
Related Post: In-Depth Guide to Universal City Walk
Mouth-watering favorites include the Kansas City dog smothered in pulled pork, coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce, or the simple NY all-beef dog topped with mustard. Vegans can enjoy the ballpark-themed goodies as well, with the Field dog featuring roasted corn, jalapeño veganaise, vegan cheese, ancho chile, and fresh lime.
photo credit: Victor Archambault via Facebook
Bend the Bao
Prepare those tastebuds for a cacophony of flavor and fun when you head to Bend the Bao. This brand new CityWalk establishment has been making waves with its wide array of fluffy baos. These little pockets of heaven fuse together a diverse amount of Asian flavors and fresh ingredients.
Tuck into their sumptuous Kimchee FC bao, made with kimchi fried chicken, gochujang, cucumber, scallion, and topped with sriracha aioli. Or keep it classic with a traditional pork belly bao. Feeling like an afternoon libation? Those 21 and over can add delicious sake or Moonstone Coconut-Lemongrass Nigori to their order.
Red Oven Pizza Bakery
Is there anything a perfectly cheesy slice of pizza can't cure? Sustain yourself for even more supercharged antics with the Fast and the Furious crew when you dine at Red Oven Pizza Bakery. Treat yourself to the intoxicating flavors of perfectly ripe San Marzano tomatoes and creamy pure buffalo mozzarella when you indulge in Pizza Bianca or Rossa.
Related Post: Upcoming Events and Festivals at Universal Studios Orlando
Every pie is made to order in a stone oven, and you can enjoy your Margherita goodness on the go or relax in their covered outdoor seating area.
photo credit: Milagros Noces Abad via Facebook
Voodoo Doughnut
Start your day like Homer Simpson when you overdose on sugary delights at Voodoo Doughnut. This Universal CityWalk outpost of the cult doughnut shop has been slinging deep-fried treats for over four years. Serving over 50 varieties of doughnuts, Voodoo fans can sample signature originals or seasonal favorites.
Related Post: Food and Restaurants at Universal Studios Florida
Dig into a Jurassic World filled with blueberries and topped with vanilla frosting. Or save some room for their renowned Bacon Maple Bar. With a wide selection of vegan doughnuts, even plant-based sweets lovers can get in on the sprinkle-topped action.
photo credit: Voodoo Doughnut via Facebook
Full-Service CityWalk Restaurants
Want to linger over a plate of fettuccine or sip that margarita at your leisure? Full-service restaurants allow you to take a minute to relax from the exhilaration of a Universal Studios day.
Related Post: The Disney FuelRod: Gimmick or Useful?
VIVO Italian Kitchen
Handmade pasta, pizza, and fresh bread, oh my! Prime yourself for a carb-o-licious lunch or dinner with a meal at VIVO Italian Kitchen. A loving homage to heirloom recipes and Italian cuisine, VIVO's open kitchen allows you to observe the magic of marinara firsthand.
Take in the modern and sleek furnishings as you swoon over mouthfuls of antipasto, fettuccine alfredo, and lamb ragu. Complement your meal of Mediterranean plates with a glass of Chianti, and save some room for a tasty cannoli or slice of Tiramisu.
photo credit: Park Chums via Facebook
Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Burgers and sushi may sound like an unlikely pairing, but Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar pulls it off. Revel in surf and turf as you've never seen before when you order the Burgushi.
Related Post: Universal's Islands of Adventure Dining Guide
Go to town on the Bison option, featuring seasoned bison and roasted red peppers wrapped in sushi rice and soy paper, topped with pickled green tomatoes, chipotle aioli, scallions, and cotija cheese.
Or, try a taste of everything with their Cowfish bento box, containing a mini-burger with American cheese, sweet potato fries, Thai cucumbers, edamame, and choice of a 4-piece sushi roll. Then, wash it all down with a dreamy spiked milkshake such as the Butta Pecan, or the Elvis-inspired, The King Lives.
Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
It's always five o'clock somewhere! Slide into that island life and feel that tropical breeze tickle your face when you unwind at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Parrot heads of all persuasions flock here to kick back with a frozen cocktail or delight in the live music. Sing along to live musicians crooning to 'Cheeseburger in Paradise.'
Or hang outside hoping to catch a guitarist strumming along on the Porch of Indecision. Then, slurp down a fruity Mango Margarita before you contemplate which Caribbean-inspired plate to order first.
Related Post: Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Resort: Coupons, Discounts, and Deals
Snack on crispy coconut shrimp, conch fritters, fish tacos, and more. Even little ones can get in on the laidback spirit with a kid's menu.
Bigfire Restaurant
Looking to ignite your next date night or special occasion? Spark up some excitement when you make reservations at BigFire Restaurant. This upscale eatery focus on elevated American favorites, all cooked over an open flame. Rustically chic decor invokes the feeling of a family lakeside retreat, and the cuisine is all prepared using various woods.
Start with skillet roasted mussels or gooey Bourbon Cheese Fondue. Then, experience the enchantment of open hearth cooking with an entree of grilled steaks or wild salmon. Even the spirits here have a fiery side, as their cocktails are all infused with smoke.
photo credit: Theme Park Groupie via Facebook
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen
Extravagant artisanal milkshakes, gourmet chocolate confections, and savory dishes are married together at Toothsome's Chocolate Emporium. This full-service restaurant is ideal for the whole family. Wander through their spacious dining room designed to resemble a 19th-century chocolate factory.
Related Post: Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure: An Inside Look at Universal Orlando's Theme Parks
Or, stop by the confectionary bar to craft a box of vividly colored truffles. Need something hearty to balance out all that sweet? Settle in for a five-star meal when you feast on crab and artichoke dip, wild mushroom chicken risotto, and braised short ribs. Turn any frown upside down with a Heavenly Hazelnut Milkshake.
Or make any chocoholics' dream come true with the Chocolate Brownie Bark sundae, featuring ice cream, chocolate brownies, chocolate whipped topping, chocolate sauce, and chocolate brownie bark.
photo credit: Mark Walter via Facebook
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
Ole! Introduce some south-of-the-border flair into your next Universal sojourn when you schedule a taco feast at Antojitos. This vibrant cantina is illuminated by the sounds, sights, and tastes of Mexico. Witness the enchanting rhythm of live Mariachi music as you watch ripe avocados transform into tasty tableside guacamole.
Fill up on traditional Mexican street fares such as taquitos and Esquites before placing your taco order. Notable standouts include their Al Pastor taco piled high with roasted pork and pineapple. As well as their meaty Campechano, filled with Carne asada, chorizo, chicharron, salsa verde, and cilantro.
NBC Sports Grill & Brew
So much more than your average sports bar, NBC Sports Grill & Brew takes game day to a new level. Catch the latest coverage and raise a glass of suds when you drink and dine at this full-service CityWalk eatery. Take advantage of almost 100 high-definition screens continuously showing sports as you sample a rotating array of IPAs, Pilsners, and ales.
Related Post: Top 10 Must-Sees at Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A step up from traditional bar food, NBC Sports Grill delivers the classics you know and love with a unique twist. Chow down on cajun fried deviled eggs or a loaded Wagyu beef burger topped with jalapeno cheese, hoisin BBQ sauce, tomato jam, and a fried egg. Craving something on the lighter side? Get your daily dose of greens with their Grilled Citrus Chicken Salad.
photo credit: Orlando Informer via Facebook
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market
Run, Forrest, run! Make a beeline to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to feast just like Tom Hanks. Snag a seat, and enjoy healthy helpings of seafood and Southern hospitality. This Universal restaurant is located right at the entrance to CityWalk and makes for an entertaining foray for any Forrest Gump fan.
Test your movie knowledge, browse souvenirs inspired by the hit film, and suck down a mess of shrimp! Linger over Peel' n' Eat Shrimp steamed in beer, or take your crawfish on a roll with the delectable shrimp po boy. Feeding a whole family? Why not try Forrest's Seafood Feast, complete with fish & chips, fried shrimp, seafood hush pups, fries, and coleslaw.
photo credit: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (87 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA) via Facebook
Unbridled adventure and movie magic are hallmarks of any Universal Orlando getaway.
Whether you spend your days avoiding vengeful mummies or racing through New York with Jimmy Fallon, you're bound to work up an appetite.
Take a pause from Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios when you zip over to CityWalk to heed those hankerings for steaks, seafood, burgers, and more!
Related Post: Insider's Guide to Universal Orlando Resort™
This sprawling oasis of fine dining and casual eateries provides endless epicurean options.
Tickle your tastebuds with a steaming pork belly bao, or celebrate something special with freshly cooked campfire s'mores at BigFire.
From over-the-top milkshakes to fully decked-out hot dogs, there is no limit to the culinary creations with Universal's CityWalk restaurants.
Tell us, Which are Your Favorite Universal Orlando CityWalk Restaurants?
Leave us a comment below!
