Are you looking for the best restaurants at Universal Studios Florida for your upcoming trip?
When planning my visit to a theme park, one of the main things I think about is what am I going to eat…
Because when I eat, I enjoy every bit of delight that it provides.
So, wherever my foodie adventures lead me, they must all be a marvelous dining experience!
If you are visiting one of their resort hotels, immersing yourself in CityWalk or sampling a meal at Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios, rest assured that there is always an enticing dish awaiting for you.
Let’s dive into the best restaurants at Universal Studios Florida that you can’t miss!
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#5 Cletus Chicken Shack
Are you craving some delicious fried chicken that has so much flavor it would be hard for you to deny its excellence?
Look no further!
The beloved character, Cletus, has created dishes that celebrate all of the best ingredients in chicken: the juiciness, succulence, and tastiness of it.
Best thing of all, he brings them together in an irresistible way!
What to Expect at This Universal Studios Restaurant
Cletus’ Chicken Shack, located at Universal Studios Orlando, has captured my foodie soul with its sweet and savory Chicken and Waffle sandwich and other scrumptious items.
You can find the Simpsons inspired restaurant in the Springfield area of the park next to Moe’s Tavern.
The Springfield section has officially been around since the summer of 2013 and has quickly become a fan favorite since its arrival.
It is as if you have been transported straight into America’s most treasured city, as a real visitor.
Why We Love this Universal Studios Restaurant
Universal Studios takes a southern classic dish, the Chicken & Waffle Sandwich, and totally knocks it out of the park for me.
The golden, crispy yet juicy chicken breast is sandwiched between two small waffles with fresh, crunchy iceberg lettuce, a tomato slice, and a maple syrup based mayo sauce.
It’s so good and one of my favorite things to eat at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
Just be sure to use Universal’s Mobile Ordering service to order your food ahead of time and skip the line!
Top Dishes on the Menu at Cletus Chicken Shack:
- Chicken and Waffle Sandwich
- Double Batter Chicken Platter
- Chicken Thumbs
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#4 Today Cafe
The inspiration for this cafe came from NBC’s long-running morning show, the TODAY Show, which serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner.
My favorite aspect of this restaurant at Universal Studios is that it’s right near the main entrance.
This makes for an ideal pit stop before starting your day in the park.
What to Expect at This Universal Studios Restaurant
The interior of this quaint little cafe is captivating, with pristine gleaming glass countertops and a TV station-inspired design that makes you feel as if you’re on the set of TODAY.
Some of the things I love about this Universal Orlando dining location are the mouth-watering baked goods, freshly concocted salads and savory sandwiches.
Of course, you can’t leave without trying one of their deliciously crafted specialty coffees!
Why We Love This Universal Studios Restaurant
Something to remember is that the culinary delights and decadent desserts are inspired by the TODAY Show personalities.
With all of this, you’ll feel like a guest on the real Studio 1A set while visiting this unique eatery.
Each sandwich is served with either a fruit cup or potato salad. However, one of the most popular dishes is the Smoked Salmon Lox Bagel.
This classic dish comes with smoked salmon, dill cream cheese and red onions on a toasted bagel served with fresh fruit.
Make sure to use Universal’s Mobile Ordering service to place your food order in advance and skip the line!
Top Dishes on the Menu at Today Cafe:
- Smoked Salmon Lox Bagel: smoked salmon, dill cream cheese and red onions on a toasted everything bagel served with fresh fruit
- The Carnegie Platter: hot piled high pastrami, Swiss cheese, deli mustard, toasted rye served with potato salad
- Little Italy Caprese Platter: fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened and oven roasted tomatoes, basil aioli, hot pressed ciabatta served with fresh fruit
- Park Avenue Avocado Toast: smashed avocados, toasted cashews, shaved fennel, roasted tomato puree, lemon vinaigrette, arugula, radicchio, toasted artisan french bread with fresh fruit
- Pastry: there are an array of sweet treats for you to try alongside your savory dish
#3 Leaky Cauldron
The Leaky Cauldron is renowned for classic British fare and is where Harry stayed during his adventures in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
You’ll be happy to know that this fast-casual restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
That’s a special treat as you’ll be able to experience a wide array of British food when dining there during breakfast and returning for lunch/dinner.
Do you Need Reservations for the Leaky Cauldron?
You do not need reservations for the Leaky Cauldron. All seating is first come, first served.
Breakfast Menu at The Leaky Cauldron
When you’re visiting Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, one of the things you simply can’t miss is a traditional English breakfast!
At the Leaky Cauldron you’ll be able to partake in traditional fare such as black pudding, English bacon, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, breakfast potatoes and more!
Your breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron will include a small beverage with the following options:
- Traditional Breakfast: Fresh scrambled eggs, sausage links, black pudding, English bacon, baked beans, grilled tomato, sautéed mushrooms and breakfast potatoes
- Pancake Breakfast: Three fluffy buttermilk pancakes, crisp bacon and link sausage with butter croissant
- American Breakfast: Fresh scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, crisp bacon, and link sausage with butter croissant
- Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt & Fruit: Freshly baked flan of apples and oatmeal served with yogurt and fresh seasonal fruit
- Egg, Leek, & Mushroom Pasty: Pastry wrapped scrambled eggs, mushrooms and leeks served with breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit
Lunch and Dinner Menu at the Leaky Cauldron
For lunch and dinner, I urge you to make the bold choice of trying the tasty Fish and Chips dish.
This is a succulent chunk of battered Atlantic cod fried alongside steak fries with a side of tartar sauce.
I know you’ve probably had this dish on many occasions, but you must try it at the Leaky Cauldron.
It’s not your normal theme park food as it’s one of the best things to eat at Universal Studios!
The other option I try to stick with is the Bangers and Mash.
Its roasted English sausage, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted tomatoes, sautéed onions and cabbage served with minted peas and onion gravy.
The Bangers and Mash entree is my go-to but you can opt for the Bangers Sandwich or the Specialty Chicken Sandwich if the entree is too much food for you!
Your lunch and dinner options at the Leaky Cauldron are:
- Ploughman’s (Feast that Serves 2)
- Fish & Chips
- Bangers & Mash
- Scotch Eggs
- Shepherd’s Pasty Pie
- Toad in the Hole
- Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew
- Cottage Pie
- Fisherman’s Pie
- Irish Stew
- Mini Pie Combination
- Soup & Salad
- Banger Sandwich
- Specialty Chicken Sandwich
You can also use Universal’s Mobile Ordering service at The Leaky Cauldron to place your food order in advance and skip the line!
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#2 Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
Let’s make our way out of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter straight into the New York section of the park to one of the best restaurants at Universal Studios, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill.
What to Expect at This Universal Studios Restaurant
Loaded with Irish-inspired flair, this Universal Orlando restaurant features an excellent lunch and dinner menu along with an impressive drink list for an unbeatable price.
For a fun treat, Finnegans is often a sea of musical revelry featuring live performances.
Here I love hearing the beloved traditional songs alongside any new ones performed on my visits! They truly take the experience up a notch.
Do you need a reservation for Finnegan’s at Universal Studios?
Before you head out to Finnegan’s, I recommend that you book a reservation as the wait times for a table can be long. Especially at peak times.
Since reservations are recommended for Finnegan’s I recommend visiting the official site and booking your slot there.
Why We Love This Universal Studios Restaurant
Finnegan’s is now one of the most popular destinations to hangout before the start of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN).
It has become a tradition for many HHN fans as the high energy, great food and cocktails help jump start the festivities of the evening.
You can find this Universal Studios restaurant right across from Revenge of the Mummy (my favorite ride in the park).
The Food at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at Universal Studios
When you enter this Irish inspired pub, you will enjoy another take on the fish and chips dish.
Irish Fish & Chips
This one uses North Atlantic fresh cod fish in ale batter with wedge fries.
It’s served with a side of malt vinegar and tartar sauce for the ultimate satisfaction of this famous comfort-food!
Reuben Sandwich
The fan-favorite Reuben sandwich comes with tender corned beef which is nothing short of stellar and one of my favorite things to eat at Universal Studios!
Plus, the shaved cabbage adds a bit of texture to it with its crispiness alongside the tasty Thousand Island dressing, complete with the velvety Swiss cheese that marries the flavors together.
Can you tell that I liked it? Ha, ha!
Irish Loaded Chips
One of my other favorites is the loaded fries, also known as the Irish Loaded Chips, because why not!
The Irish Loaded Chips are seasoned wedge fries topped with corned beef, Leicester cheese, and caramelized onions complete with Killarney gravy.
There’s also a full bar that you can sit at which means you’re going to get high quality drinks made-to-order.
I love to visit this place on my solo Universal Orlando trips because of the lively vibe, great food, incredible drinks, and top-notch live entertainment.
It truly feels like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of Universal Studios Florida.
Top Dishes on the Menu at Finnegan’s Bar & Grill:
- Finnegan’s Potato & Onion Webb: Thinly sliced potatoes and onions, hand dipped in beer batter, crisply fried golden brown and served with malt vinegar
- Scotch Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs wrapped in pork sausage, dusted with bread crumbs, and fried. Served with apple beet salad and mustard sauce
- Irish Loaded Chips: Seasoned wedge fries topped with corned beef, Leicester cheese, caramelized onions, and Killarney gravy
- Guinness Warm 3-Cheese Dip: Served with freshly baked soft pretzel bread and tangy mustard sauce
- Homemade Misty Isle Potato & Leek Soup: Rich, creamy soup, made fresh in Finn’s kitchen daily
- Irish Fish & Chips: North Atlantic fresh cod fish in ale batter with wedge fries. Served with a side of malt vinegar and tartar sauce
- Bangers & Mash: Country pork and beef sausage with homemade roasted garlic mashed potatoes and root-cellar vegetables
- Tipperary Corned Beef Sandwich: Fresh baked pretzel roll with warm corned beef, topped with sauteed onions, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickle
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#1 Lombard’s Seafood Grille
Lombard’s culinary offering is plentiful, with appetizing options such as New England clam chowder.
If you’re one of those who value the earthy flavor of turf over ocean waves, there is an equally satisfying array of burgers, sandwiches and salads to choose from.
What to Expect at This Universal Studios Restaurant
The interior of this charming eatery offers a startlingly realistic recreation of the historic Fisherman’s Wharf district in San Francisco.
With its serene, meditative vibe, Lombard’s seems more like a 19th-century scientific laboratory situated on an expansive lake dotted with breathtaking panoramas.
Despite its location in one of the most bustling areas of Universal Studios, this eatery manages to feel like a secluded haven.
It almost feels as though you’ve stumbled upon an idyllic harbor!
One of the things I love to do is to get a window seat overlooking the lagoon that’s also adjacent to the aquarium. I can watch the fish in their watery adventure all day!.
Do you need a reservation for Lombard’s Seafood Grille at Universal Studios?
This is another restaurant on the list that I recommended you book a reservation for. You can book your spot online as well.
The restaurant usually opens daily from 11:30 a.m. to the close of the park offering both lunch and dinner options just for you.
Why We Love This Universal Studios Restaurant
The service is always fantastic as both the hosts and servers are charismatic, inviting and informative.
One of my favorite things to get at Lombard’s Seafood Grille is the Tuna Poke which combines:
- Ahi tuna marinated in soy garlic sauce
- Frisée lettuce
- Scallions
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Wasabi
- Red onion
- Cucumber
- Crispy nori chip with furikake seasoning
The soy garlic sauce is the winner of this dish as it helps add a hint of sweetness to the tuna with a nice crunch of the nori chip and cucumbers!
Another one of my favorite things to get at Lombard’s is the intoxicating Cadillac Old Fashioned.
This is Universal’s luxury version of the Old Fashioned which mingles Woodford Reserve bourbon, a candied black cherry and two kinds of bitters together.
Top Dishes on the Menu at Lombard’s Seafood Grille:
- Tuna Poké: Sushi-grade ahi tuna marinated in soy garlic sauce, frisée lettuce, scallions, tomatoes, avocado, wasabi, red onion, cucumber, crispy nori chip with furikake seasoning
- Classic French Onion Soup: Sautéed onions in beef broth, baked with a Parmesan crouton and topped with Swiss cheese
- Roasted Garlic Edamame: Steamed edamame tossed with roasted garlic sea salt, topped with black and white sesame seeds
- Catch of the Day: Chef’s selection of the freshest sustainable fish, prepared to your liking (grilled or blackened), oasted purple sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, crisp enoki mushrooms. passion fruit beurre blanc (Sea Bass | Swordfish | Mahi Mahi | Salmon)
- Filet Mignon: 6oz grilled Black Angus beef tenderloin, roasted parsnip and rainbow carrots, garlic broccolini, crushed parmesan fingerling potatoes, bordelaise sauce
- Fisherman’s Basket: Sustainable fresh wild Alaskan cod, shrimp, calamari and oysters lightly fried in a seasoned batter, french fries, creamy tartar sauce and cocktail sauce
- Fish and Chips: Sustainable fresh wild Alaskan cod lightly fried in seasoned batter, crispy French fries, creamy tartar sauce
- Lombard’s Lobster Roll: North Atlantic lobster, dijon mayonnaise, shredded lettuce, toast split soft roll, served with house-made seasoned potato chips
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants at Universal Studios
Well ThemeParkHipster, I hope that you are just as excited to try these Universal Orlando restaurants as I was to share them with you!
So, as usual, I’ve got to ask for one tiny favor from you – let me know which restaurant you’re most excited to try in the comments below!
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!
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(Original Article Date February 13, 2023/Updated on February 23, 2024)