You may be wondering, is the Atlantic restaurant at Universal Epic Universe worth the cost?
Short answer, yes!
If you’re anything like me, food is just as important as the rides.
And at Epic Universe, Atlantic in Celestial Park is that “stop everything, we have to eat here” kind of spot.
Just think: undersea fine dining, sweeping fountain views, and seafood that actually lives up to the hype.
Below is your ThemeParkHipster-style guide to making the most of a meal at Atlantic.
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What to Expect at the Atlantic
Atlantic is a full-service, sit-down restaurant located in Celestial Park, the central hub of Epic Universe.
Picture a seafood-forward menu with steaks, chicken, pastas, and creative appetizers, all wrapped in a story about a young seafarer, Fernando del Mar, who followed his grandmother’s tales of the Bermuda Triangle, sailed through a portal, and decided to open this restaurant in Celestial Park.
Yes, it’s that serious!
We’re at Universal afterall, and you know how there has to be a story for everything and I’M HERE FOR IT!!!
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Here’s the vibe you can expect:
This isn’t quick-service. Plan for a real meal, with time to breathe, talk, and soak it all in.
Especially, the views that you get sitting window-side (my favorite location to enjoy the park).
Plus, it’s one of only two major table-service restaurants in Celestial Park, so it feels like a premium “event meal” in the middle of your day.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Reservations are highly recommended. So, you can (and should) make reservations through the Universal Orlando site or app, though walk-ups are sometimes available.
Atmosphere
Okay, let’s talk about the star of the show: the setting.
As I walked into Epic Universe for the first time, it had already felt surreal, but stepping into Atlantic was like diving into a classy Victorian aquarium dream.
Inside, you’ll notice:
All-glass paneling and big windows that make the restaurant feel bright and open, even though you’re technically under “water.”
There are fish-shaped bio-mechanical lanterns “swimming” overhead, shimmering with light to mimic an aquarium ceiling.
Be sure to check out the bronze statues of sea-inspired characters, like a merboy and seahorse, scattered through the space.
I loved the deep blues, gold accents, and wave-like ceiling details that kept the whole place feeling upscale but still fun and approachable.
It definitely leans fine dining, but not in a stuffy way.
Afterall, you’re still in a theme park so yes, you’ll see people in park clothes enjoying a cocktail while watching the fountains dance outside.
This isn’t your typical theme park restaurant where you grab a burger and dash.
The Atlantic is where you slow down, sip something fancy, and let the park buzz outside while you enjoy an elevated surf-and-turf experience.
Whether you’re celebrating something special, treating yourself on a solo park day, or looking for that one “grown-up” meal in the middle of your Epic Universe adventure, Atlantic slides perfectly into that sweet spot of immersive theming and truly good food.
Menu Highlights
Now for the good stuff, what you’ll actually want to order. The menu can change, but these stand-out items have been getting a lot of love:
Cold Bar & Starters
- Florida Stone Crab Claws, Shrimp Cocktail & Oysters: Classic, simple, and perfect if you want to start your meal in true “seafood house” fashion.
- Prince Edward Island Mussels: Served in a tomatillo tequila butter sauce with toasted Cuban bread. It’s bright, rich, and very shareable.
- King Oyster Mushroom Ceviche: A fun plant-based twist with tomato, cilantro, jícama, and lime. Great if you want something lighter and different.
- Sweet & Spicy Shrimp: Crispy shrimp with chili sauce and sesame seeds. Basically, the “I’m not sharing this” starter.
Entrées
- Lemongrass Sea Bass: One of the signature dishes, pairing beautifully cooked fish with playful, fruity accents (think starfruit and bright citrus).
- Verlasso Salmon & Seared Scallops: If you’re a seafood lover, these are must-considers. They’re plated with care and feel much more “restaurant in the city” than “theme park food court.”
- Bucatini alla Adriata: A pasta nod to Fernando’s ship, mixing the undersea story with a hearty, comforting carb moment.
- Atlantic Filet Mignon or Bone-In Chicken: Great for the landlubbers in your group who still want that elevated meal.
Handhelds & Desserts
- Grouper Sandwich: Beer-battered or blackened, with kale slaw and yuzu mustard. It’s a solid option if you want something flavorful but not too heavy.
- Captain Fernando’s Half-Pound Lobster Roll: This is your indulgent “yes, I’m on vacation” order with buttery lobster piled high. It’s a splurge, but reviews have called Atlantic’s lobster roll one of the standout bites in the park.
- Piña Colada Panna Cotta & Landlubber’s Snickerdoodle Loot: Desserts that lean playful and shareable, perfect if your table loves to finish strong.
Drinks
Do not sleep on the cocktails because Universal Orlando Resort always offers some of the best drinks at any amusement park.
And at the Atlantic, there’s one you MUST try and that’s the Northern Lights Martini!
The Northern Lights Martini, with its butterfly pea blossom ice sphere and shimmering gold luster dust, is an eye-catching favorite that feels perfectly on-theme for Celestial Park.
Dining Tips and Details
You know I couldn’t write this review without giving you a few ThemeParkHipster-style pro tips before you book:
- Make a reservation if you can. Atlantic is a hot ticket and one of the main full-service restaurants in Epic Universe. Use the Universal Orlando website or app to lock in a time, especially for evenings.
- Know the Ideal timing: I love the idea of booking around sunset or after-dark. The fountains and lights of Celestial Park look extra dreamy through those glass walls at night.
- Budget for this restaurant: Expect higher-end theme park pricing with entrées in the upper $20s to around the $40s+ range, with appetizers in the teens. This is your splurge meal of the day.
- Dress code: It’s technically upscale, but park-appropriate attire is absolutely fine. Think “nice theme-park casual”…you don’t have to go back to the hotel and change.
- Give your allergies & preferences: There are some non-seafood options, but the menu leans heavily ocean-inspired. If someone in your party has allergies or just doesn’t do seafood, talk to your server as they’re used to navigating that.
My Review of the Food at Atlantic
From my ThemeParkHipster point of view, Atlantic is that rare theme park restaurant that delivers both on atmosphere and flavor.
The dishes feel thoughtful, not just “fancy names slapped on basic food.”
The seafood-focused items (like the mussels, sea bass, scallops, and lobster roll) taste like they belong in a dedicated coastal restaurant, not in the middle of a busy theme park hub.
Ahi Tuna Tartare + Sweet and Spicy Shrimp
I got the Ahi Tuna Tartare and it was creamy, fresh, and seasoned perfectly. After enjoying that delicious moment, I ate my way through the Sweet & Spicy Shrimp that sort of reminded me of the Bang Bang sauce that’s on the shrimp at Bonefish.
The Sweet & Spicy Shrimp was breaded and I was happy with it; however, the Tuna Tartare was the winner during my visit.
I noticed how the service tends to be efficient but friendly, and I love that it doesn’t feel pretentious (something I don’t like at “fancy” restaurants).
You can geek out about food here, but you can also just sit back, enjoy your drink, and watch Celestial Park swirl around outside while you recharge for your next land.
If you’re a solo traveler like me, Atlantic makes a fantastic “treat yourself” lunch or dinner.
Sit by the windows if you can, order something from the cold bar plus one standout entrée, and end with a dessert or cocktail.
You’ll walk out feeling like you stepped into a completely different world for an hour…and that’s the whole point, right?
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My Final Thoughts
Atlantic at Universal’s Epic Universe is more than just a place to eat, it’s an attraction in its own right.
With its undersea backstory, Victorian aquarium design, strong seafood-forward menu, and gorgeous views of Celestial Park, it’s easily one of the must-try dining spots in the new park.
If you’re planning your Epic Universe day and want one special meal where you can slow down, soak in the theming, and savor every bite, put Atlantic at the top of your list.
Trust me, ThemeParkHipster, you’ll be dreaming about that meal long after your park day ends.
Final Score and Review for Atlantic at Epic Universe:
- Ambiance: 10
- Food: 9
- Prices: 7
- Drinks: 10
- Service: 10
I give this restaurant a 9.2 out of 10 on the ThemeParkHipster dining scale and I know you will definitely enjoy it too!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
