Are you trying to figure out if you should eat at Confisco Grille in Universal’s Islands of Adventure?
Absolutely!
You know that moment when you’ve rope-dropped Hagrid’s, power-walked through Jurassic Park, and suddenly realize your stomach is growling louder than the Hulk coaster?
That’s usually when I make a beeline back to Port of Entry and slip into one of my favorite hidden gems at Universal Orlando: Confisco Grille.
Tucked right near the front of Islands of Adventure, Confisco Grille is one of only two full-service restaurants inside the park and feels like an explorer’s clubhouse where travelers from every “island” have dropped off their treasures…and their recipes.
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Why does everyone love this spot?
It’s air-conditioned (praise be). Especially in the peak Florida summer heat!
The menu actually feels interesting with global flavors, vegetarian and allergy-friendly options, and not just another theme park burger.
The theming is packed with little Easter eggs from all over Islands of Adventure (my favorite aspect of this restaurant…so look for actual hat from Cat in the Hat book).
So if you’ve ever walked past thinking, “I’ll try that next trip,” this is your sign to finally step inside!
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What to Expect at Confisco Grille
Confisco Grille sits in Port of Entry, the land you walk through as soon as you enter Islands of Adventure to the right.
It’s the first full-service restaurant you’ll hit, which makes it a perfect mid-day break or “let’s eat before we leave the park” spot.
It’s a part of my routine whenever I visit this park.
Here’s the vibe from a practical point of view:
- Type of dining: Table-service restaurant with a connected full bar (Backwater Bar…where you’ll always find me, lol) if you just want drinks and a few bites.
- Meals: Open for lunch and dinner (American with a little bit of Mediterranean inspiration); hours can change, so always double-check the app or website.
- Reservations: You can book it just like other Universal restaurants, but on slower days you can often walk up and wait.
- Price point: Think nicer than quick-service, but still within “theme park splurge” territory and not signature-dining level (expect $25 to $35 per person).
I love how solo travelers, couples, friend groups, and families all fit here.
And if you have food allergies or need gluten-free options, Confisco Grille has a reputation for being one of the most flexible, chef-driven spots in the Universal parks.
Atmosphere
If Port of Entry is the gateway to adventure, Confisco Grille is where all those adventurers dump their loot.
Inside, the walls and rafters are covered in “confiscated” items: props and nods to every island in the park such as:
- Seuss fish
- The Cat in the Hat’s hat
- Bits of Marvel and Lost Continent, and more.
It honestly feels like you’re eating inside a secret fan museum for Islands of Adventure.
Lighting is warm and cozy, with plenty of wood, stone, and weathered details that make you feel like you’ve ducked into a port-side tavern between quests.
On busy park days, the restaurant can still feel calmer than the outside chaos, which I love when I need to recharge (and let my phone charge, too).
Backwater Bar
If the weather’s nice, there’s also a patio area by Backwater Bar that gives you a peek at the Port of Entry walkway and that gorgeous lagoon view that the Team Members will open for dining on occasion.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: If you just want a drink, visit the Backwater Bar connected to the restaurant and enjoy your beverage on the outside patio. It’s great for people watching and one of the things I ALWAYS do whenever I visit this park on my solo trips!
Menu Highlights
The menu is all about global comfort food with little touches of Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and American dishes all hanging out together.
Some standouts you’ll want on your radar:
Starters
- Ahi Tuna Nachos: Sesame-seared tuna, avocado, edamame, cabbage, wonton chips, and drizzles of sweet soy and wasabi aioli. A fun, sharable starter if you like a little heat and texture. MY FAVORITE ITEM ON THE MENU!
- Calabrian Hummus: A creamy hummus topped with Calabrian chilies, slow roasted Divina tomatoes, chili oil, toasted chick peas, shaved Parmesan, micro greens, lemon zest which is perfect for snacking while you cool off.
- Trader Wings: Classic wings with your choice of sauces (Korean BBQ, hot honey, Buffalo, or garlic Parmesan). Great with a Backwater Bar cocktail. This a fan-favorite!
Entrées
- Sweet & Sour Sticky Ribs: Philippine-inspired smoked pork ribs over creamy Boursin cheese polenta, finished with sesame seeds and green onions. These ribs have groupie-level fans and are a recurring favorite in reviews.
- Pad Thai: Rice noodles with veggies, chicken, and shrimp in a house peanut sauce, with a vegan tofu version available. The fact that the noodles are rice-based also makes this a popular gluten-free choice when modified.
- Birria Burger: Comes with beef burger, salsa verde, Menonita cheese, slow cooked birria beef, topped with Mexican slaw on a toasted brioche bun with French fries. It’s unlike anything else you’ll find in the parks.
- Grilled Angus Beef Churrasco Steak: Skirt steak with chimichurri, cilantro rice, and jalapeño bacon–sweet corn relish for those who want something hearty and savory.
- Curry Dosa: For my adventurous eaters, these plant-forward, customizable dishes bring in Indian and Asian influences that are pretty rare for theme parks.
Handhelds & Desserts
- Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwich: Roasted pork belly, pickled veggies, herbs, and chili aioli on a soft roll that has big flavor, and a bigger personality.
- Hearthstone-Baked Chicken Sandwich: Mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, arugula, basil aioli, and balsamic on ciabatta baked in a wood oven. A fancy-feeling comfort sandwich.
- Dark Chocolate Cheesecake or Key Lime Pie: Classic, theme-park-perfect desserts when you just need something sweet after miles of walking.
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Dining Tips and Details
I now want to give you a few ThemeParkHipster-style pro tips for your trip to Confisco Grille:
- Make it your midday escape. Hit those big headliners in the morning, then grab a reservation or walk-up spot here between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to avoid the afternoon slump.
- Ask about allergies. Reviews consistently mention chefs coming to the table to talk through gluten-free and allergy-friendly options, including dedicated procedures like separate frying in olive oil or swapping buns.
- Check for plant-based swaps. Many dishes can be adjusted like the Pad Thai with tofu, noodle bowls with different proteins or none at all, and salads customized with toppings.
- Grab a drink at Backwater Bar. If you’re more into sips than full meals, slide over to the attached bar for cocktails like Confisco’s Margarita, tropical mixes, or a glass of wine.
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My Review of the Food at Confisco Grille
From my point of view as a theme-park-loving foodie, Confisco Grille is where I go when I want to feel like an adult on vacation and still stay in the middle of the magic.
I love starting with something sharable such as the Ahi Tuna Nachos because they feel bright, fresh, and a little fancy without being fussy.
Those bites alone make you forget you’re just steps away from strollers and ponchos. I also pair them with the Rose wine there which is pretty good and complimentary to the nachos.
For my entrée, I’m torn between the Birria Burger and the Santa Fe Salad.
The burger is pure comfort with tender meat, tangy glaze, and that creamy polenta situation underneath that I could happily eat by itself.
The salad is my go-to when I want something lighter that still feels special and full of texture.
Portions are generous here, with flavors that feel more adventurous than your average in-park meal, and service tends to be relaxed but attentive which is exactly what I want in the middle of a high-energy park day.
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My Final Thoughts
If you’ve been racing past Confisco Grille on your way to Hogwarts or Marvel Super Hero Island, consider this your gentle nudge to slow down and step inside.
With the global-inspired menu and allergy-friendly flexibility to the layered theming that celebrates every corner of Islands of Adventure, Confisco Grille is one of those rare theme park restaurants that works.
Let the crowds rush by outside.
You’ll be inside, sipping something delicious, planning your next adventure and debating whether you have room for that Dark Chocolate Cheesecake.
Final Score and Review for Confisco Grille at Islands of Adventure:
- Ambiance: 8
- Food: 8
- Prices: 8
- Drinks: 10
- Service: 8.5
I give this restaurant a 8.5 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!
