If CityWalk had a “main character” dinner spot for grown-up theme park nights, Bigfire would be strutting in slow motion with a little wood-smoke perfume trail behind it.
The vibe is equal parts cozy lodge and “yes, I did come here straight from the parks, don’t judge my sneakers.”
Bigfire is one of those restaurants people keep recommending because it feels special without feeling stuffy
The open-fire cooking, comforting American favorites, and that warm, flickering, campfire energy will have you all in your feels.
Well at least it did for me, hehe!
So get ready to enjoy some toasted marshmallows, juicy steaks, amazing seafood, and a stiff smoked Old Fashioned as I guide you through this wonderful restaurant in CityWalk.
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What to Expect at Bigfire
When you walk into Bigfire, you’ll notice that they put the fire front-and-center…literally.
There’s a big custom wood-fire grill at the heart of the restaurant, so you can actually see the cooking action happening while you’re deciding whether you’re in a “burger mood” or a “treat myself with a ribeye” mood.
The food leans “elevated American fare” with a focus on that fire-kissed flavor, and they pair different woods (like cherry and oak) with dishes to dial in the smokiness just right.
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Atmosphere
Walking into Bigfire feels like you’re stepping into a stylish lakeside lodge with warm woods, cozy lighting, and the kind of space that makes you want to sink into your seat and actually take your time with dinner.
This is the feeling I get everytime a walk inside.
If you can snag outdoor seating, there’s a fire-pit vibe that’s extra fun at night (and yes… s’mores are part of the situation).
The whole place works for date night, friend catch-ups, or that solo “I survived the parks and now I deserve a proper meal” moment.
Menu Highlights
Bigfire’s menu is the kind that makes you wish you had two stomachs and zero responsibilities tomorrow (hey, don’t judge me!).
A few standouts to keep on your radar:
- Artisan Sourdough Bread with herbed butter and peach jam: the starter everyone “accidentally” devours.
- Smoked Brook Trout Dip: smoky, snacky, and perfect if you want something a little different than the usual appetizer lineup.
- Wood-charred Brussel Sprouts: comes with Tajin, shishito peppers, almond smear, arugula sprouts
- Bourbon Cheese Fondue with Grilled Veggies and Bread for Dipping: because melted cheese is basically a love language to us foodies.
- Wedge Salad: This is my go-to dish here and I hold the blue cheese and substitute with ranch in addition to adding the New York Strip (it’s budget-friendly and delicious!)
- Fire-grilled steaks like the filet mignon, NY sirloin strip, or boneless ribeye: plus a plant-based steak option.
- Hearth Oven Seafood Bake: a cozy, seafood-forward option with diver scallops, shrimp, mussels, tomato and fennel ragú, caper verde, lemon butter, and French baguette that still feels “Bigfire”.
- Hot Honey Salmon: sweet heat + smoke = a very good time!
- Steak Knife Burger: half-pound vibes, with a smoky pimento cheese and bacon energy.
And don’t skip the fun finishes:
- Tableside s’mores for peak campfire nostalgia (you must get this on your trip!!!).
- Rocky Road Baked Alaska torched tableside (a little drama, in the best way).
Dining Tips and Details
Now that you know what the best things are to eat, I want to give you a few tips for your visit.
- Make a reservation if you can, especially on weekends or event nights at CityWalk.
- Timing Tip: Bigfire is open for dinner year-round, and it also does Sunday brunch (typically late morning/early afternoon) which is honestly a power move if you want something different than park food.
- Ask about the wood pairings. If you’re a flavor nerd like me, it’s genuinely cool how the wood choice is part of the “recipe.”
- Dress code: This is CityWalk just think casual, and you’ll fit right in.
- Seating strategy: Want energy and entertainment? Sit where you can see the open kitchen/fire grill. Want cozy? Aim for a quieter corner or outside. Love views? Ask for a window seat and thank me later!
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My Review of the Food
Let’s start with the obvious: Bigfire understands the assignment when it comes to flavor. That fire-grilled taste isn’t a “hint,” it’s a whole personality.
So, here’s my experience below.
Starting Out
The Wedge Salad is one of those sneaky “best thing on the table” starters: refreshing, lightly charred steak in the best way, and dangerously easy to keep nibbling while you chat.
The Main Prize
For mains, this is where Bigfire earns its fan club.
The steak options are the type of entrée that makes you sit up a little straighter like, “Okayyy, CityWalk, I see you.”
The grill gives everything that deep, savory, wood-kissed edge, and it feels like a true upgrade from quick-service park meals which is perfect for a “last night of the trip” dinner or a celebratory end-of-day moment.
However, if you want something on the simpler side that’s still tasty, then I recommend Grilled Chicken Sandwich that comes with crispy jalapeños, hot honey glaze, honey pepper bacon, maple jalapeño vinaigrette, arugula, and pickled red onion on a brioche bun.
Sweet Treat and Tantalizing Drinks
And then there’s dessert. If you’re even thinking about s’mores, just commit.
The tableside s’mores are ridiculously fun (and honestly? they’re a whole memory, not just a dessert).
If you want something showy, the tableside-torched Baked Alaska brings that little bit of dinner theater that makes vacation meals feel extra.
Just be sure to complete your meal with a delicious cocktail such as the Big Fire 75 which is their take on the classic French 75.
This drink comes with St. Augustin New World gin, St-Germaine Elderflower liqueur, Piper SonomaBrut, lemon juice, and blood orange syrup.
Overall, Bigfire hits that sweet spot where the atmosphere feels special, the food feels intentional, and you can still roll in with park energy and have a proper sit-down meal.
It’s one of my favorite “adult” dining picks at CityWalk when I want cozy, flavorful, and a tiny bit dramatic (hello, fire).
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My Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a CityWalk restaurant that feels like a warm hug and a glow-up from typical theme park dining, Bigfire is the move.
Come hungry, lean into the wood-fired theme, and save room for something tableside because at Bigfire, the flames aren’t just for show… they’re part of the story.
Final Score and Review for Bigfire at Universal CityWalk:
- Ambiance: 10
- Food: 10
- Prices: 8
- Drinks: 10
- Service: 10
I give this restaurant a 9.6 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!
