Best Places to Eat at Universal Orlando You Have to Try

Leah

January 26, 2026

list of best places to eat at universal orlando das stakehaus

After field testing for the last 9 years I am confident in sharing this list of the best places to eat at Universal Orlando. These range from sit down to casual dining and are the places you should include in your Universal Orlando trip.

We have been visiting Universal Orlando for over 9 years as a family of five, that is a lot of eating at the theme parks. This started when my kids were under 5 and now they are teenagers. We have tried a lot of different places to eat!

As the time has gone by this list has evolved and changed. It continues to change and I update this list as we try new places. Whether this is your first visit to Universal Orlando or you are just looking for a refresh on the best dining at Universal, I’m here to help!

Best Places to Eat at Universal Orlando

How do I choose the best places to eat at Universal Orlando ??? Well its really as simple as it is my opinion and the places I recommend to my friends. They are always on our list during our Universal vacations and I feel confident in recommending them to you. (updated January 2026)

  1. Three Broomsticks
  2. Illuminations Minion Cafe
  3. Thunder Falls Terrace
  4. Mead Hall
  5. Antojitos
  6. Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen
  7. Central Park Crepes
  8. Das Stakehaus
  9. London Taxi Hut
  10. Pat O’Brien’s
  11. Mel’s Drive-In

This list includes a mix of table service restaurants and casual/counter service restaurants with prices ranging from $10.99-$30.99 an entree. You can’t go wrong with including any of them in your Universal vacation.

For dining at specific parks check out these posts:

london taxi hut potato

Three Broomsticks

Location: Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade
Type: Quick Service, Mobile Order from Table, $$

Three Broomsticks serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At Three Broomsticks you can order the great feast platter that serves four and includes a garden salad, rotisserie smoked chicken & spareribs, corn on the cob, and roast potatoes. This cost $74.99.

They also offer Chicken Fingers, Chicken Legs, Mac & Cheese, and Fish & Chips on the kids menu. Tip: If you want to try Butterbeer order it here. The lines at the small kiosks in the park tend to get long.

I always get the Fish & Chips. If you want less food consider ordering the kids Fish & Chips. That is what I typically do during a day at the parks.

three broomsticks fish and chips
My go-to: Fish & Chips with a Frozen Butterbeer.

Illuminations Minion Cafe

Location: Universal Studios Florida, Illuminations Minion Land
Type: Quick Service, Mobile Order from Table, $$

Minions Cafe is so much fun! From the themed restaurant to the themed options like The Antidote (banana flavored drink) and Steak & “Cheese Ray” Sandwich.

There are Minion shaped tots and the restaurant is so fun to dine at. Don’t be scared off by the menu names. They sound complicated but they are not. The Salmon I ordered was basically salmon, rice, and vegetables.

Order the Minion tots to share if you order doesn’t include them. Read full review: Review of Minion Cafe at Universal Studios Florida

Thunder Falls Terrace

Location: Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park
Type: Quick Service, Mobile Order from Table, $$

Thunder Falls Terrace is located in the Jurassic Park area of Islands of Adventure. This has become one of our favorite quick services at Islands of Adventure.

They offer rotisserie chicken and rice bowls. The black beans here were so good with the rice. We all were really impressed. The portions are huge! It is definitely a place you can share.

thunder falls terrace at islands of adventure
Portions at Thunder Falls Terrace

Mead Hall

Location: Epic Universe, Isle of Berk
Type: Quick Service, Mobile Order from Table, $$

This quick service dining option has meat platters, salads, and Viking inspired dishes that is perfect for guests. It is delicious!!

I was so impressed with everything about this place. You feel like you are dining in a traditional Viking hall and it is a great option if you are looking for a different kind of theme park meal. Read my full review: Review of Mead Hall: What We Ate & What it Cost for a Family of 5

Thawfest Platter mead hall epic universe
Thawfest Platter

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

Location: Universal CityWalk
Type: Table Dining, $$-$$$

On our first visit to Antojitos I had the best burrito ever. On our next visit it wasn’t my favorite. We tried it a third time and it was delicious!

Chips and Salsa are included with your meal and the fresh salsa was delicious. Kids options are quesadillas, grilled chicken, or tacos. Overall the food is good and the price is comparable to other options at CityWalk.

The portions at Antojitos are big. If you can bring it back to your hotel room you may want to, if not consider splitting a burrito. Reservations can be made here.

Antojitos at CityWalk
The Mexican dishes are delicious!

Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

Location: Universal CityWalk
Type: Table Dining, $$-$$$

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is a fun themed restaurant at Universal Orlando. It is definitely a place to experience at least once.

Toothsome’s has unique dining options inspired by chocolate flavors. When visiting it is more of an experience than a quick dining option.

There are characters walking around the restaurant that are themed to the steampunk story of Toothsomes.

If you are planning on dining at Toothsome I highly suggest making a reservation and allotting 1.5-2 hours for your visit. I do appreciate the ambiance of the restaurant but do not suggest it if you are in a hurry.

I loved the warm chocolate bread and the milkshakes are delicious. The menu has a lot of chocolate infused dishes and reservations are highly recommended. Read my full review post: Toothsome Chocolate Emporium Review Universal Orlando

toothsome meal at citywalk

Central Park Crepes

Location: Universal Studios Florida, Hollywood
Type: Quick Service Kiosk, $

Central Park Crepes is a really good quick service restaurant that offers sweet and savory options. On our visit we ordered the lemon-blueberry pound cake and the brisket crepe.

We shared this as a snack. It was so good!! There is no seating but if you are looking for a break in your day, grab this as a snack and sit along the lagoon in Central Park (located behind the crepe stand).

crepe stand at universal studios florida
Central Park Crepes offer sweet and savory crepes. These are made to order so give yourself a little time for them to prepare.

Das Stakehaus

Location: Epic Universe, Dark Universe
Type: Casual Dining, Mobile Order from Table, $$

Das Stakehaus is a vampire themed quick service restaurant at Epic Universe. It has “blood” themed entrees and you feel immersed in the vampire setting. The food is good with options like “meat on a stake and “blood burger”.

If you can get past the “blood” talk this is a really great option. We all enjoyed our experience. Read my full review: Das Stakehaus at Epic Universe: Review & Cost for Our Family

meat on a stick at das stakehaus

Pat O’Brien’s

Location: Universal CityWalk
Type: Table Dining, $$

Pat O’Brien’s is a New Orleans themed restaurant. It is a sit-down restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Some nights offer dueling piano entertainment.

Pat O’Brien’s has a Mardi Gras theme and in the evenings caters to an adult crowd, but if you visit around dinner time it is a great place for families.

Expect Cajun inspired meals, that can be on the spicy side. They also offer a kids menu. Be sure to pick up beignets after your meal for dessert.

The Kid’s menu offers Mac & Cheese, Chicken Fingers, Shrimp, Burgers, and Grilled Chicken making this a great option to satisfy everyone in your family.

One of our favorite dishes is the Creole Chicken w/ Red Beans and Rice

pat obriens dinner
If you love spicy food Pat O’Briens is a good choice. You can also ask for less spice!

London Taxi Hut

Location: Universal Studios Florida, Kiosk in the Knight Bus Area
Type: Quick Service, $-$$

The London Taxi Hut is not always on the Universal app but it is a baked potato quick service dining kiosk that offers plain potatoes and loaded potato options. It is located near the Knight Bus outside Diagon Alley.

london taxi hut at universal studios florida
The jacket potato is so good!

Mel’s Drive-In

Location: Universal Studios Florida, Hollywood
Type: Quick Service, Mobile Order from Table, $$

Mel’s Drive-In recently received a menu update. It has a delicious Cobb Salad and Burger options in this 50’s themed diner. They also accept mobile ordering.

mels drive in salad at universal studios florida
Really good salad at Mel’s Drive In.

Final Thoughts

There are so many places to eat at Universal Orlando. Universal does a great job of providing excellent dining options to their guests.

Most of the places to eat on my list do not require a reservation and are quick service, so they don’t take up too much of your day.

You can maximize your park time and enjoy a great meal at the parks. I hope I have given you some ideas for which ones you want to include in your Universal trip.

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