The 24 Best Dishes to Try at Universal Orlando Resort

At Mama Della’s, the theme is park-inspired Italian dining. Enter through the piazza of this Portofino-themed hotel and enjoy the serenades from tableside musicians and the charming presence of “Mama.” But don’t let the ambiance fool you; the real star is the food. While hearty dishes like chicken Parmesan and lasagna grace the menu, the brown butter-soaked pollo alla carbonara, adorned with pancetta and peas, truly steals the show.

The legendary butterbeer you’ve heard about is a smooth, sweet butterscotch-cream drink pulled straight from the Harry Potter series, and it's available almost everywhere in the Wizarding World. The ongoing debate over whether hot, cold, or frozen is the best rages on, but we lean towards the frozen option for its refreshing icy texture—perfect for a hot Florida day.

From imaginative scoops to butterbeer soft serve, every frozen delight at this vibrant Harry Potter ice cream shop is exquisite. Since no samples are available, if you find yourself indecisive, we recommend the unbeatable combination of Earl Grey and lavender paired with sticky toffee pudding.

The finest dining at Universal Studios can be experienced at this Diagon Alley gem, where classic British dishes—like fish and chips, cottage pie, and an exquisite ploughman’s lunch featuring English cheddar and blue stilton—exceed all expectations.

The Clogger Burger at Krusty Burger, piled high with cheddar sauce and crispy bacon, is the epitome of theme park cuisine in The Simpsons land. One can’t help but imagine that Krusty the Clown would take delight in this indulgent, gooey fast-food creation.

Located within the Hard Rock Hotel, this vibrant spot serves a variety of unique flavors from the Boston-based chain, offering one of the sweetest experiences you can find at the resort or anywhere else.

Surprisingly, the Minions are whipping up some of the finest dishes you’ll encounter at Universal Studios Florida. While enjoying favorites like tonkatsu ramen, ropa vieja, and delicious meatball pizza pockets, don’t miss out on the kids' menu. The white cheddar mac and cheese and pimento grilled cheese, accompanied by mini bananas and Minion-shaped tots, are simply unmatched.

Get ready for a uniquely immersive experience as the NBC morning show comes to life with gourmet pastries and New York-style sandwiches. A visit to TODAY Cafe at Universal Studios Florida is worthwhile not just for its novelty, but also for its healthier menu choices compared to other dining options in the park.

This premier sports venue boasts an extensive beer selection and hearty dishes, but the real reason to step outside the park is for this mouthwatering burger, loaded with smoked brisket, pork, and gouda, all generously drizzled with barbecue sauce.

Renowned for its creative flavors and affordable prices, this celebrated Portland doughnut shop is perfect for breakfast or a late-night treat. You’ll feel a bit out of place if you’re not one of the many carrying those iconic pink boxes back to your hotel.

After a day filled with magical adventures and Minion hugs, your kids will be craving something fun to eat. Treat them to this whimsical, deep-fried sushi roll. Chefs encase a black Angus bacon cheeseburger in soy paper and crunchy potato shards, deep-frying it before slicing it into bite-sized rounds. You won’t mind snacking on their leftovers this time!

At this smoke-belching steampunk factory, you can grab whimsical treats on the lower level, but the true gems lie beyond the sweets and photogenic milkshakes: it’s all about the savory options. Indulge in all-day breakfast or the exquisite Southern fried chicken BLT. For a touch of sweetness, start with the chocolate almond bread served with a delightful salted caramel butter.

Charming in a cake-mix kind of way, the Cauldron Cake features a rich chocolate sponge and is topped with a generous layer of “fiery” frosting. This beloved treat from Harry Potter is served in — what else? — a collectible cauldron.

This playful chocolate-coated vanilla ice cream bar is a perfect match for its whimsical Seussian setting, and the shop serves it frozen to prevent melting in the heat.

Offering more substantial meals than the Leaky Cauldron, this rustic tavern serves up fantastic platters of smoked chicken and spare ribs, paired with roasted potatoes and whole ears of corn.

Hog’s Head is the ideal spot to enjoy a drink like a laid-back Hogwarts professor, enhanced by the bar’s charming rustic decor. Choose from two unique themed beers: the Hog’s Head red ale or the Dragon Scale lagered ale.

This modern chophouse features a stunning wood-fired grill as its focal point, surrounded by spacious lodge-style decor. For many diners, the offerings—like bourbon cheese fondue, Colorado lamb shank, and steaks paired with asparagus and leek butter—serve as a warm-up to the famed DIY tableside s’mores dessert. It’s a fantastic spot for business dinners or an unexpectedly delightful night out near the rollercoasters.

Don’t let the name or retro ’90s vibe deceive you. This quirky spot offers a variety of tube steaks from Vienna to Sabrett and more, each topped in true hometown fashion. Plus, a self-serve mustard bar lets guests put their own spin on the classic Chicago dog if they wish.

A sign outside this mythically themed Mytoury claims that Mythos is the “World’s Best Theme Park Restaurant.” While that’s a bold statement, it truly delivers. The extensive menu features Greek-inspired dishes, and the pan-roasted salmon with shiitake mushrooms and roasted carrot puree is perfect for offsetting any sweet treats enjoyed throughout the day.

While many flock here for tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, Antojitos boasts a diverse menu featuring tamales with house-made mole and Yucatan-style mahi wrapped in banana leaves. Don’t miss the tableside guacamole, but try to save some appetite for your main dishes.

You might not seek out a metal tin of tater tots, but when hunger strikes in this part of the park, this Dr. Seuss-themed spot will satisfy your cravings. The mozzarella-topped pizza tots pay tribute to the beloved pizza fries from Halloween Horror Nights, while the Green Eggs and Ham Tots, drizzled with rich white cheese sauce, are always a delightful choice.

A standout restaurant that rivals the best in Orlando, Strong Water Tavern features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce that you won’t typically find in theme park hotels. Surprising menu items like ceviche, curried goat, and jerk chicken are all served alongside an impressive cocktail selection curated by the on-site “rum captain.” If you're looking for an exceptional dinner experience, this is the place to go.

After a few days of indulgent eating, a heaping serving of fresh vegetables is a refreshing change at Universal’s Aventura Hotel, designed for the millennial crowd. Customize your bowl with your choice of noodles and protein, select between a stir fry or noodle soup, and finish it off with vibrant herbs.

Water parks typically don't have a reputation for great dining, but Volcano Bay challenges that notion. Just take a look at this flavorful fish sandwich, accompanied by crunchy mango slaw and fresh vegetables.