TOP 15 RESTAURANTS at Universal Orlando Resort

dining at Universal Orlando can be amaz of choices whether you're seeking pizzas seafood or a piece of the Berlin Wall there's something for every palette in price with all these tantalizing options how are you supposed to know which restaurant to pick hi I'm The Frugal Brit and in this video I'll be providing my personal ranking of the top 15 restaurants at Universal Orlando resort not including the hotels without further Ado let's dig in at number 15 I've chosen Red oven pizza bakery located near the main CityWalk Crossroads an open air fast casual pizza restaurant that allows guests to enjoy the vibrancy of CityWalk whilst they dine with subtle nods to Italian pizzas it features a carefully curated menu with a spotlight on artisanal pizzas split into either red sauce or white sauce options each Pizza crafted in the time honored Neapolitan style beyond their celebrated pizzas the menu extends to salads and a robust wine list red Oven Pizza Bakery is a Top Choice for families wanting a quick enjoyable and affordable Pizza meal with pizza's average ing at $452 making it the cheapest option in this ranking while not the highlight of a universal trip it's a cost-effective option for those craving pizza my 14th pick goes to Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant located in CityWalk over on the south side of the western Bridge it's vibrant and tropical building occupying Prime real estate within City Walk opposite on the other side of the walkway you'll see the actual SE plane that Mr Buffett was nearly shot down in by the Jamaican authorities inside the restaurant the decor and Ambience capture the Spirit of the tropics with Island themed decorations palm trees and surfboards several large TV screens playing Jimmy Buffett music live music as a staple with various performers playing Jimmy Buffett hits and other Island Tunes both inside and outside on the porch of indecision patio one of the highlights is the erupting volcano that spews Margaritas Margaritaville serves a mix of American and Caribbean inspired Cuisine favorites including the Cheeseburger in Paradise volcano nachos the coconut shrimp and of course a range of margaritas the average price for an entree is $20.29 the seventh cheapest in this list but given the quality I'd say the value is subpar repeat visits haven't really changed my mind Margaritaville is a good pick for those that prioritize atmosphere and Nostalgia over culinary Excellence but non-p parro heads might question whether the long wait for a table is worth it in 13th position is Lombard Seafood Grill our first trip to Universal Studios located inside San Francisco's historic Waterfront architecture a tribute to the real life Fisherman's Warf inside the restaurant boasts a vintage early 20th century nautical theme with Maritime artifacts intricate woodwork panoramic Windows the main focal point is its large Central aquarium filled with a variety of fish adding to the maritime Ambience its outdoor seating provides picturesque views of the opposite side of the park Seafood is the main focus for Lombards standout dishes include the New England clam chowder and the Lombards lobster roll the average entree cost 2473 making it the thir third most expensive restaurant in the ranking the general consensus seems to be that it's a little overpriced I would say Lombard is best suited for those looking for some rest bite from the hustle and bustle of the park without traveling too far from the attractions never too difficult to get a table and the decor is fantastic on both floors but I would say not a good choice for those seeking the best quality seafood for my 12th pick we'll hop over to the port adventur in Islands of Adventure for the confisco grill restaurant themed as a custom house overseas the parks imports and exports confisco is Portuguese for confiscated so you'll find an Eclectic mix of confiscated artifacts from all over the park tying in various stories and themes from its different Islands it also has an adjoining full service bar with an adventurous mix of cocktails beers and other beverages confisco Grill has a diverse menu offering a blend of Mediterranean Italian Mexican and Asian dishes house specialities include its Trader Wings the Philippine inspired ribs and the pad tie we the average price for a meal is $20.40 which puts it in the middle compared to the prices at the other restaurants reasons to choose confisco Grill it offers a menu that caters to a variety of tastes including adventurous options interesting theming with nods to the parks attractions reasons not to pick confisco Grill it's pretty close to the park exit so not far from the better options in CityWalk I'd also say that on both recent visits service was slow the food arrived less hot than desired whilst we're in the area I did want to briefly mention the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe quick service location which is a short walk away in Seuss Landing specializing in its tater tot dishes one of the better snack options you'll find at Universal next at number 11 is the Hard Rock Cafe chain restaurant located in between the parks in City walk the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world housed inside a huge Coliseum inspired building and a giant Guitar Above the entrance for some reason there's also a Berlin Wall Relic which sits around the back of the restaurant the Hard Rock chains are of course known for their dedication to rock and roll culture with all walls adorned with various pieces of musical history from guitars and outfits to platinum records and other artifacts unlike the others this one is centered by a full-sized spinning pink Cadillac alongside themed stained glass windows it's menu serves predictable American fair with Burgers ribs steaks salads and sandwiches the legendary Burger getting the most recommendations reasons to choose this restaurant it has a great energetic atmosphere and given the number of tables usually not too difficult to get a reservation I've always found the service to be topnotch largely why it's beaten previous restaurants in this ranking but it's not the most inspiring menu and the average entree cost $24.50 making it the fourth most expensive restaurant fair to say that it's a bit overpriced it's also not the best pick for quiet conversation in 10th position is the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company chain restaurant the first restaurant you see when entering City walk from the parking structures on your left before entering visit visitors are greeted with a nod to the iconic Forest Gump movie featuring The famed bus stop bench inside fans will recognize numerous references decor and memorabilia scattered throughout the restaurant there's also a seating area that replicates Gump house each table is fitted with a stop Forest stop and run forest run signs used to Signal service needs to staff who will no doubt test your knowledge of the movie as the name suggests bubble gumps specializes in a plethora of fried stuffed or grilled shrimp dishes besides shrimp it also includes Seafood options salads ribs steaks and burgers this is possibly the most controversial placement in my ranking I think given how touristy it is but I do really enjoy the fun and festive familyfriendly atmosphere every corner is meticulously themed however the quality of seafood is comparable to other Seafood chain restaurants the average entree is $23.97 the fifth most expensive restaurant so not the best pick for those on a budget my ninth best restaurant goes to anitos situated on the east side of CityWalk near the universal great movie Escape rooms it boasts a vibrant and festive exterior a visual celebration of Mexican culture inside you'll find an atmosphere bursting with energy and funky Decor including bird cage booths eye-catching neon accents and various pieces of Mexican artwork all spread across two levels each offering a different atmosphere with a trendier lower level and Cozier upper level with Live Mariachi music on the lower level on select nights the restaurant serves up authentic fresh prepared Mexican dishes including tacos enchiladas fajitas burritos and quesadillas Etc a broad selection of drinks including a variety of Tequilas and Cocktails with complimentary chips and salsa upon ordering and tableside guacamole made fresh in front of you the average entree equivalent meal cost $19.50 making it the fifth cheapest restaurant but I'd still say it's subpar value wise given the portions despite having high quality ingredients if you have a hankering for authentic Mexican food and toito is the place to be at Universal Orlando but if your appetite is inclined elsewhere you do have a bounty of Alternatives nearby tied at number eight are the two spellbinding dining destinations from Universal's Wizarding Board of Harry Potter we'll start with the three broomsticks in Islands of Adventures hogsmead Land opposite hagrids the iconic in and Pub from the Harry Potter series featuring a quaint snowcapped exterior reminiscent of an old British Tavern inside it's rustic and authentic looking interior you'll find high ceilings with exposed beams ratin chandeliers worn in furniture and shelves brimming with Wizarding World Trinkets and kitchen wear creating a cozy atmosphere both Wizarding World restaurants are quick service so No Reservations required but the food is delivered directly to your table the menu offers a mix of British Cuisine and other popular dishes including the fish and chips rotisserie chicken smoked spare ribs shepherd's pie and Cornish pasty there's also the great feast platter which is an abundant family meal consisting of rib ribs chicken corn potatoes and salad the average meal here cost $16.67 which is a very expensive Quick Service meal it must be said of course no visit to the three broomsticks would be complete without trying the famous butter beer a non-alcoholic drink that has a sweet creamy flavor reminiscent of butterscotch and cream soda which can be enjoyed outside in the restaurant's back patio overlooking Hogwarts Castle these come in three varieties of hot cold and Frozen connected to the three broomsticks is the Hogs head Pub a darker Cozier setting with its mounted Hogs head where guests can order speciality bruise exclusive to The Wizarding World I would choose three broomsticks for its unmatched Harry Potter theming the best in both parks that Holy immerses guests into the magical world making the restaurant an attraction itself however anticipate longer Waits during peak times and a potentially crowded dining area taking away from the relaxation and needs of your dining experience while it stands as Universal's priciest quick service restaurant don't expect authentic British Cuisine or gourmet dishes its menu being very similar to that of thunderf Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park next we'll hop on the Hogwarts Express headed for the other Wizarding World restaurant located in Universal Studios Florida's Diagon Alley section which is the Leaky cauldron one of the first establishments guests view when entering from the London Waterfront its interior mirroring its depiction in the books and movies with slightly distorted architecture above the dining area is canopied by highly vaulted ceilings from which chandeliers dangle tons of old-fashioned pictures hanging from the walls on both sides at one end of the dining room is the giant cauldron for which the restaurant is named after there's a prominent bar area near the entrance with a range of magical beverages similar to the three broomsticks the menu aims for traditional British quisine but does a better job with a broad arranger of British dishes such as toad in the hole plowman's lunch and cottage pie the bangers in Mash being the most popular pick the fish and chips gets my approval but do wish they'd gone for proper British chips instead of wedges is nice to see authentic British condiments placed at each table though choosing leaky cauldron has similar pros and cons to the three broomsticks and the pricing is pretty much the same leaky cauldron offers a more impressive menu but its theming and Ambience is less impressive although still great for any piggy eaters the three broomsticks or other Quick Service options might be more fitting in seventh place is big fire which is prominently located on the main CityWalk pathway that takes you over to Islands of Adventure just before Margaritaville big fire is designed to emulate a grand Lakeside Lodge with warm colors cast iron and wood accents throughout decorative OES retro Camp lanterns an open fire kitchen all creating an elegant yet homey feel the big fire menu specializes an American fair with a significant emphasis on its flame grilled Meats cooked over a custom blend of cherry peacon and Oak live wood Flames to ensure its signature Smoky flavor its highlights include the cowboy ribeye the bison burger the baked Alaska dessert the average entree costs $30 12 making get the most expensive restaurant in this ranking by a significant margin but given its focus on highquality grilled Meats it is sort of in line with the expectations for this sort of restaurant reasons to pick big fire steak lovers will likely find these steaks to be the best at Universal Orlando outside of the hotels decent value nice cozy atmosphere on the second floor the lower level can get a bit noisy with the hard surfaces the only other negative worth noting is the somewhat limited dessert menu at number six is toothsome chocolate Emporium located in between the Islands of Adventure entrance and the Hard Rock Cafe in CityWalk known for its imposing steampunk inspired Factory exterior with towering Smoke Stacks giant gears pipes and other industrial style elements that Adorn the building all beautifully lit up at night the interior is artfully decked in intricate copper and Ebony details setting the stage for the enchanting tale of Dr Professor Penelope tibo Tinker toome the spirited owner and and chocolate connoisseur who enjoys crafting chocolate infused Delicacies and interacting with guests tooths and boasts a collection of antique trinkets imaginative gadgets and gizmos with views of the factory and operation projected on large screens whilst mostly renowned for its elaborate and indulgent dessert tooth offers a diverse Savory menu with something for everyone including Burgers sandwiches pastas an upscale onr like steak and salmon its Savory highlights include the warm chocolate almond bread burgers and flatbread the kich also gets a lot of praise the restaurant is especially famous for its extravagant milkshakes often topped with whole slices of pie cupcakes or brownies adjacent to the restaurant toothsome features a confectionary shop a guest can purchase an assortment of chocolates and candies reasons to pick toothsome it has arguably the best theming at Universal it's a memorable dining experience that appeals to both children and adults with a menu that caters to various palettes and preferences an extensive dessert menu with highly instagrammable option options downsides to tooth some other an average meal costs $20.36 that's in the middle of the price ranking but this doesn't cover the extremely pricey milkshakes not the best value although you do get to keep the glasses little tip if you are struggling for a table you can always stop by the dessert Foundry to order a milkshake to go an even bigger tip would be to hit that subscribe button for future videos like this at number five I've gone for the brand new illuminations minion Cafe located in Universal Studios newly established minion land destined to become a flagship eery for Universal replacing the old monsters Cafe guests are welcomed into a sheltered patio seating area amidst an intricate network of tubes overhead which deliver the restaurant's distinct ingredients and guest orders when there's a table ready you'll enter into the chaotic minions kitchen dining room filled with all sorts of Minion ofi appliances it centerpiece shows the minions hard at work to meet the demand for this highly popular restaurant all dining rooms include the break room featuring amenities for the minions a lockers filled with some interesting contents over in the dining room you'll find handmade art from the minions minion Cafe offers an Eclectic menu filled with quirky dishes highlights include Mel's meatball Mountain Agnes's honeymoon soup and my personal favorite Uncle Drew's belly fill and pork sandwich which is much better than the other handheld option which is the steak and cheese race sandwich whilst I haven't tried it yet most people seem to recommend Otto's pet rock for dessert the average entree costs $16.69 which is pretty much the same as the Wizarding World quick surve restaurant against my initial expectations the quality of food does live up to the hype and gets a strong recommendation from me the only meaningful drawback currently is the longest weight to be seated due to its current popularity in fourth place is the Irish American finegan Bar and Grill in Universal Studios located within the New York land where the restaurant's exterior Blends seamlessly often leading some to overlook that there's a real restaurant and bar inside upon entering the restaurant exudes an authentic Irish American Pub atmosphere featuring Dark Woods walls embellish with vintage Guinness advertisements and tributes to Irish American Sports Heroes you can expect a lively atmosphere with festive Irish folk music and occasional live performances finegan serves a delightful mix of hearty Irish American Fair it's highlights include the potato onion web appetizer for Mains there's the Guinness beef stew shepherd's pie beer battered Irish fish and chips the average entree will cost you $18.72 making it the fourth cheapest restaurant in this ranking reasons to pick fegans it's great if you're looking for somewhere that offers more than just food it's most famous for its energetic and friendly atmosphere coupled with excellent bar service live music and variety of drink options obviously convenient for those not wanting to leave Universal Studios downsides are that the food quality is decent but isn't exceptionally noteworthy also not good for those seeking a relaxing meal for number three I've gone with Vivo Italian Kitchen located in the heart of CityWalk on the main Crossroad roads next door to Cowfish it boasts a sleek and contemporary exterior with the option for guests to dine at outdoor tables inside Vivo exudes casual Elegance with its modern decor with nods to oldw World Italy guests are welcomed by plush semicircular booths sinuous steel cages and a well-lit bar area the ambience enhanced by its long open Expo kitchen where diners can witness chefs in action its menu specializes in familiar Italian dishes with a modern twist celebrated for its freshly made pasta dishes the squid Inc seafood pasta consistently earns High recommendations other standout dishes include the short rib risoto and the CIO epe a bucatini pasta tossed with shrimp and Panetta Vivo is also known for its extensive selection of Italian and international wines many consider this to be the most upscale restaurant in CityWalk but despite this the average entree costs $23.48 so the sixth most expensive restaurant cheaper than you might expect Vivo stands out for its combination of casual elegant and authentic Italian flavors at decent prices with a menu that caters to both conservative and adventurous palettes due to its Stellar reputation and bustling location expect long waits for table during peak times reservations highly recommended that also applies for the two remaining restaurants left in this ranking one downside is the noise levels due to its bustling location relatively compact size and its hard floors my second best restaurant is The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar situated in between my previous pick and red Oven Pizza Bakery and City Walk an area abundant with great options when entering its lower level kids are invited to craft their digital fish and after ascending the stairs they'll get to see it floating around the restaurant's virtual aquarium this forms part of cowfish is modern and playful Decor that blends Japanese and American cultures with colorful pop art scaly chandeliers all contributing to its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere the restaurant spans multiple levels with seating on the second and third levels including patio seating on the third Cowfish offers an extensive and Innovative menu a wide range of appetizers half pound Burgers sushi and sashimi combos the restaurant's standout concept is burgushi a fusion of burger and sushi with offerings like sushi rolls made from traditional Burger ingredients if this seems a bit too extreme you can always go for the Bento Box Additionally the highly recommended handspun milkshakes are available in both non-alcoholic and spiked varieties the average entree costs $19.87 making it the fifth cheapest restaurant so no complaints in terms of value reasons to pick Cowfish it's another one-of-a-kind dining experience mainly due to its burgushi concept it also has one of the most engaging atmospheres out of all the restaurants in this list there is quite a significant issue with Cowfish though which is its notoriously slow service I have heard this is because the kitchen is not quite big enough for the restaurant size on my last visit the food took almost an hour that's not the norm but time press visitors might want to factor in potentially long Waits into their plans my top pick restaurant has to go to Mythos in Islands of Adventure a beacon in the increasingly overshadowed Lost Continent land situated on the Lagoon easily recognizable amidst its towering rock formation exterior with waterfalls and carvings of ancient Greek gods and heroes echoing the Park's mystical and adventurous theme the interior continues the ancient mythological theme with dim lighting intricate decorations and Design Elements reminiscent of ancient caves and temples and the river still symbolically flowing through the restaurant the space is adorned with tall windows that offer breathtaking views of Islands of Adventure and glimpses of the Hulk coaster and velocci coaster for those that prefer al fresco dining there's a beautiful patio area providing more Splendid views over the parks Lagoon and attractions under the safety of a giant Greek sculpture which can be seen from across the Lagoon Mythos serves a diverse array of dishes combining Contemporary American Mediterranean and Asian Cuisine catering to various palletes it's most famous appetizer is the spanakopita dip a Savory blend of spinach feta cheese lemon and fresh herbs served with fresh seasoned pit chips when it comes to the Entre I recommend the pad tie the beef loin medallions and the Mythos signature lamburger the average entree costs 2526 which makes it the second most expensive restaurant in this video but the premium is Justified so many reasons to pick this restaurant it has been recognized as the world's best theme park restaurant on several occasions something I wouldn't argue against based on recent visits everything is incredible from the theming decor views and of course the food you should definitely prioritize this when booking your next trip to Universal Orlando well that wraps up my ranking of the top restaurants at Universal Orlando resort I hope you found these insights helpful let me know which ones you agree and disagree with and if you're interested in future Orlando guide videos don't forget to subscribe

Channel: The Frugal Brit - Orlando

Views: 127,934

Keywords: Universal Orlando resort, Universal Orlando, Universal studios Florida, Universal studios orlando, Universal Orlando dining, Universal studios Orlando restaurants, Universal dining, Universal orlando dining, Universal Orlando food, Citywalk, Citywalk Orlando, Citywalk Orlando dining

Id: AJMpFI9spzc

Length: 21min 55sec (1315 seconds)

Published: Sun Oct 08 2023