Universal may not be as well known as Disney is when it comes to cuisine, however the Universal Parks have some great spots if you know where to look. From themed dining experiences to quick service restaurants and festival booths, there is a ton to choose from.
Starting over at Universal studios, these are the top dining locations where you are guaranteed to find great food!
Top 5 Dining Spots at Universal Studios
The Leaky Cauldron
This restaurant is for all of the Harry Potter lovers! The Leaky Cauldron is located in Diagon Alley, and has some of the best food in the park. Here you can find traditional English cuisine such as roast chicken, shepherds pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips, scotch eggs and more.
Aside from the traditional English food, there are also some Wizarding World exclusives available such as Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice and Fishy Green Ale. The Leaky Cauldron also offers a breakfast menu including a traditional English breakfast (sausage, beans, bacon, tomato, mushrooms, black pudding and eggs), American breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, croissant, sausage links and breakfast potatoes), apple flan with yogurt, pancakes and more.
Not only is the food here exceptional, the atmosphere is incredible. You truly feel as though you’ve stepped on the set of a Harry Potter movie. The average price is about $18 per person to dine at this restaurant. Unfortunately, no reservations can be made ahead of time, so try to prioritize going earlier rather than later as the lines tend to get longer as the day goes on.
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor
This is the perfect sweet treat after wrapping up a meal at the Leaky Cauldron. Located just a few doors down, this ice cream spot serves up soft serve and scoop ice cream with flavors that are truly magical! The flavors are always rotating but you can expect to find Butterbeer, Lavender, Earl Grey, Granny Smith Apple, Chocolate Chili, Sticky Toffee Pudding and more. The average price is about $7 per person.
The Hopping Pot
Another spot located in Diagon Alley, this bar serves up tons of refreshing drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Refresh from the hot Orlando heat with Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer (frozen and non-frozen) or Harry Potter themes beers for those 21+.
Cletus’s Chicken Shack
Heading on over to the Simpson’s land, this fried chicken spot has great quality and is sure to be something the whole family can enjoy. Their menu offers classic fried chicken, buffalo wings, BBQ wings, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches and best of all, chicken and waffles. All entrees have the option to add on tater tots or a milkshake for an extra charge. The average price to eat here is $15 per person.
Duff Brewery
If you’re looking for a cool drink to wash down all of the delicious fried chicken you’ve just eaten, Duff Brewery is the place! The beer here is some of the best quality you can find in the park, and the Simpsons theming make it a super fun experience.
Bonus: The Today Cafe
This cute cafe can be found on the right hand side, immediately upon entering the park. The theming of the Today Cafe is designed to make you feel like you are actually on the set of the Today Show. Here you can find sandwiches, salads, breakfast dishes, a variety of coffee and freshly baked pastries. Their take on a homemade made Poptart is especially delicious!
Top 5 Dinings Spots at Islands of Adventures
The Three Broomsticks
Another Harry Potter themed dining experience, the Three Broomsticks is pretty similar to the Leaky Cauldron, but located in Hogsmede in Islands of Adventure. The menus differ slightly, the main difference being that The Leaky Cauldron has more traditional English fare, while the Three Broomsticks has more general cuisine such as rotisserie chicken, salads, beef pasties and more. Both locations offer fish and chips and Butterbeer.
The Three Broomsticks has a great outdoor terrace overlooking the Hogwarts Castle.The average price for meals here is $18/person. It’s important to note that while this is a dine in experience, no reservations can be made in advance. The Three Broomsticks is first come first serve, and gets the busiest starting around lunch time through the evening. Head here first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy breakfast.
Hogsmeade Pub
Comparable to the Hopping Pot over in Diagon Alley, this pub serves up Harry Potter themed alcoholic beverages such as Fire Whiskey, Dragon Scale Beer and more. Hogsmeade Pub is attached to the Three Broomsticks.
Thunder Falls Terrace
This is one of the best restaurants in Universal purely because of the quality of food they offer. This restaurant overlooks the Jurassic Park River Adventure and has a really unique atmosphere, but the food is what makes this restaurant worth a visit.
They serve up roast chicken, pulled pork, bbq ribs, chorizo, salads, rice bowls and tons of delicious sides. For dessert they have items such as Key Lime Cheesecake, Brookies (brownie +cookie) and more. This is some of the freshest food offered in the Orlando theme parks and definitely shouldn't be missed!
Mythos
This restaurant has been awarded best theme park restaurant on multiple occasions and it definitely lives up to the hype. Located in the Lost Continent, this restaurant overlooks the water and has a great view of the other lands and coasters in the distance. Mythos serves Mediterranean and Asian inspired cuisine, including dishes such as hummus, shrimp sushi katsu rolls, grilled octopus, pad thai, souvlaki bowls, lamb and a variety of sandwiches.
Mythos is also known for having great cocktails and a wide selection of wines for those 21+. The average prices for this restaurant range from about $30 per entree, $15 per appetizer and $10-$15 per drink. It is highly recommended to make a reservation for Mythos well in advance, as space does book up. It is still possible to dine as a walk-in, but you may end up spending a chunk of your day waiting until a table is available. If this restaurant is top of your list, it’s definitely best to book ahead.
With this list of fantastic Universal theme park restaurants, you’re sure to eat something delicious throughout your day.
