If you’ve ever walked into Universal Studios Florida and thought, “Okay… I need caffeine, something cute, and I want it now,” let me introduce you to one of my favorite low-key wins in the park: TODAY Cafe.
This spot is basically a stylish “good morning” in restaurant form that’s quick-service, super convenient, and way more fresh-and-modern than the usual theme park grab-and-go.
It’s inspired by NBC’s TODAY show, so the whole vibe feels like you wandered onto a set in New York…
…except you’re holding a latte and about to go ride something that will scramble your soul (in a fun way).
Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
What to Expect at the TODAY Cafe
TODAY Cafe is Universal’ take on a quick-service restaurant that specializes in:
- breakfast sandwiches and lighter morning options
- pastries that are dangerously easy to “accidentally” buy
- salads and sandwiches that feel surprisingly real-life lunch
- espresso drinks, cold brew, and a specialty coffee blend made for the cafe
And the location? Chef’s kiss for strategy.
It’s positioned just inside the iconic Universal entrance arches, across from the Universal Studios Store (aka the perfect first stop before you disappear into the chaos of rides and crowds).
Are you planning a Universal vacation soon? Get the ULTIMATE Universal Orlando Resort Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip TODAY!
Atmosphere
This is not a “sit under fluorescent lighting and question your life choices” type of place.
TODAY Cafe is designed to feel like Studio 1A with modern touches complete with bright orange pops, big windows, and TVs playing TODAY clips so you can snack like you’re on a mini NYC coffee break.
This is where I go when I want a quick bite and a break from the crowd. I usually grab the Chicken Pesto Flatbread and sit by the windows to people watch.
It’s one of my favorite things to do on my solo trips to Universal Studios Florida.
Menu Highlights
The menu is one of the big reasons I love this place: it’s quick-service, but it doesn’t feel like a sad, rushed compromise. Here are my standout picks (aka the “don’t overthink it” order list):
Breakfast and Lighter Bites
- Park Avenue Avocado Toast: it’s smashed avocado, lemony greens, and a fancy little crunch situation
- Smoked Salmon Lox Bagel: everything bagel with dill cream cheese and red onion energy
- Egg White Florentine: ciabatta, spinach, roasted tomato…simple and solid
- Overnight Oats: great if you want “I’m being responsible” vibes before a roller coaster
Lunch-y Sandwiches and Platters
- The Carnegie Platter: pastrami and Swiss on rye, served with potato salad which is a very New York deli coded
- The Bulls & The Bears Platter: smoky brisket, cheddar, horseradish cream… it’s bold!
- I Heart Vegan: portobello + veggies + sun-dried tomato pesto on cranberry bread will be surprisingly satisfying
- Little Italy Caprese Platter: comes with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil aioli that’s fresh, not heavy)
- Chicken Pesto Flatbread: It’s my go-to treat here and it comes with cauliflower crust, pesto ricotta, grilled chicken, brussels sprouts, red peppers, mozzarella, pine nuts, and a balsamic glaze.
“Just one pastry” (famous last words)
You’ll usually see a rotation of cookies, danishes/croissants/kruffins, cupcakes, and eclairs.
This can be the danger zone if you’re waiting on a friend who “just needs five minutes, lol.” Trust me, it’s happened to me before!
Dining Tips and Details
A few quick things to know so you can do TODAY Cafe like a pro:
- Go early if you want a calmer experience. This place is popular because it’s convenient and it doesn’t feel like typical theme park food. I recommend going between 2 pm and 5 pm
- Seating can be limited, so it’s fantastic for grab-and-go. If you see a table, claim it like it’s a front-row parade spot.
- If you have allergies/sensitivities, pay attention to ingredients (example: the avocado toast includes nuts, and some menu listings note ways to request modifications).
- The coffee is a whole thing here: there’s a TODAY Cafe Blend created for the venue, plus espresso drinks and cold brew options that actually taste like “adult beverage of survival.”
WATCH NEXT: Top 5 BEST Food at Universal Studios UNDER $10!!! 🍟🍦🍻🍕
My Review of the Food
Let’s talk real-life theme park eating. If you want something that tastes good, doesn’t slow you down, and won’t have your regretting my choices in the line for my next ride, then the TODAY Cafe hits that sweet spot.
The Chicken Pesto Flatbread is one of those orders that makes you feel like you’re having a “main character morning.”
It’s bright, fresh, and it tastes like someone cared when they made it (which, in theme park land, is basically a love letter).
The Smoked Salmon Lox Bagel is my “I’m treating myself” pick with savory, satisfying, and not overly heavy.
It’s especially perfect if you’re the kind of person who wants a real breakfast before doing a full day of park domination.
And when I’m in a more lunch mood, I love that the menu gives you options beyond fried-and-forgettable.
Something like The Carnegie Platter feels hearty without being a nap in sandwich form.
Also… the pastries? They’re not just “there.” They are tempting.
The display case is basically a sugary little trap, and I mean that with affection.
Get up to 25% off of your Universal Orlando Vacation with Groupon TODAY!
My Final Thoughts
If you want a quick-service spot in Universal Studios Florida that feels fresh, easy, and oddly comforting, TODAY Cafe is absolutely worth a stop.
It’s perfect for:
- a smart breakfast right after park entry
- a mid-day “I need to reset” lunch
- a coffee + pastry moment when your feet are begging for mercy
And honestly? The theming and the menu combo makes it feel like a tiny vacation inside your vacation…which is exactly the kind of soft, happy win I’m always looking for in a theme park day.
Final Score and Review for TODAY Cafe at Universal Studios:
- Ambiance: 10
- Food: 9
- Prices: 9
- Drinks: 8.5
- Service: 8
I give this restaurant a 8.9 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!
