Restaurants in Universal Studios Florida
In addition to the random snack carts, there are counter-service and table-service restaurants. None require reservations the way Disney’s do. Tip: Meals do not have to come with side dishes. Subtract those chips or fries from your meal deals and you’ll save about $2. Every menu usually has at least one vegan option.
In both its parks, Universal often (but not always; it was suspended in mid-2021) offers a simple meal plan. Dubbed the Universal Dining Plan—Quick Service, it entitles you to one main plate, one nonalcoholic beverage, and one snack, which can be used for ice cream, frozen beverages, and more. Adults pay $26 and kids $18 for a day; it only pays off if you go for the most expensive choices and were going to get that dessert anyway. If you buy one at a kiosk in the park, you must activate it at Guest Services or at any restaurant (most won’t open until 11am or so). Resort guests may avail themselves of a Full-Service Dining Plan, good for one table-service meal, one quick-service meal, and a snack for $52 adults, $18 kids each day (buy at your resort). The value is borderline, especially if you don’t want table-service meals, and can only be redeemed inside the parks or at a few CityWalk restaurants. Everyone can buy special cups good for free refills ($15).
Remember: Restaurants at CityWalk are only a 5-minute walk from the park, so they’re also options.
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11 Results
- Barbecue
Café La Bamba
Its warren of dining rooms can make for a cool escape, but this chicken-and-ribs counter service location is only open in peak periods.$$Hollywood - American
Fast Food Boulevard
This mouthy indoor food court in Springfield serves mostly standard food renamed with inside jokes and witticisms that puncture American culture. You could spend half your lunchtime just laughing at the dishes. Krusty Burger serves “meat sandwiches” such as the high-stacked…$$Springfield - Irish/British
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
A sit-down Irish-style pub with loft ceilings good for a beer break, particularly after 3pm when a guitar singer often performs. Scotch eggs ($11), split pea–and-ham soup ($7), Irish Cobb salad (it has corned beef), Guinness beef stew, and bangers and mash are the kind of solid…$$New York - Seafood/American
Lombard’s Seafood Grille
An excellent, relaxing table-service choice that is surprisingly affordable: Some dishes are just a few bucks more than a Quick Service meal. Fish dishes such as fish tacos, cioppino, and crab banh mi sandwiches are in the mid-teens. Splashing fountains serenade, fish tanks adorn the…$$San Francisco - Italian
Louie’s Italian Restaurant
Straightforward counter service near The Mummy. There’s a fruit stand ($2.50/piece) outside. Slices $10–$16 with side salad, whole pizzas $35–$39, meatball or chicken parm subs $12.$$New York - American
Mel’s Drive-In
A 1950s-style counter-service diner where fare leans toward chicken, brisket, burgers, and shakes. Air-conditioned seating has a view of the lagoon. Main courses $12 to $17.$Hollywood - Bar
Moe’s Tavern
A spot-on re-creation of Moe’s, down to team pennants for the Isotopes and the purple TV on the wall, only without sleazy service by Moe. There is, however, a life-size Barney by the bar, ruefully contemplating his empty mug. Duff Beer is specially brewed for the park ($10, $14 with…$Springfield - American
Richter’s Burger Co.
A warehouselike dockside option that slings stacked burgers, marinated grilled chicken sandwiches, and for those weary of greasy fare, salads with grilled chicken. Periodically, the dining area rumbles (but doesn’t move) to simulate quakes. Chez Alcatraz, outside on the water, is a…$$San Francisco - Sandwiches
San Francisco Pastry Company
Sick of lines? This lightly trafficked counter-service bakery does sandwiches and loaded croissants in addition to cakes and pastries, and healthier fruit plates and salads. Meals $13–$14 with potato salad, fruit, and chips.$San Francisco - British
The Leaky Cauldron
The fare at Diagon Alley’s counter-service location is not mystical at all. It’s plentiful and true to an English pub, serving British staples such as beef, lamb, and Guinness stew; cottage or fisherman’s pie; and banger (sausage) sandwiches. The ploughman’s lunch for two ($22) has…$$Diagon Alley - Sandwiches
Today Cafe
This is definitely corporate synergy overload—who wants to eat on the set of the NBC morning show?—but fortunately the food is quite good. Unfortunately, the service is always slow. Sample fare includes morning egg Florentine sandwiches, acai bowls, and cold-brew coffee, and in the…$Hollywood
