Brian Nelson
Part of the fun of a theme park trip is getting to try all of the specialty food items and there is certainly no shortage of unique menu options at Universal Orlando Restaurants. Their three theme parks consist of Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water theme park, each with its own Instagrammable drinks, snacks and buger-sushi fusions.
I mean, there’s a full day’s worth of food, drinks and desserts to indulge in at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter alone. The Wizarding World actually extends across two parks, Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida (you can ride the Hogwarts Express to move between parks if you have a Park-to-Park ticket). Each has unique rides and restaurants to explore, with plenty of Butterbeer at both, of course.
From light and refreshing eats to over-the-top dishes, here are the best food and drink items at Universal Orlando theme parks to try. While the parks offer special limited-time items during holidays throughout the year, these options are available all year.
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Frozen Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
It wouldn’t be a trip to Universal Orlando without enjoying a glass of Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are a handful of different varieties to try, plus Butterbeer desserts. My favorite, however, is the Frozen Butterbeer, a nice cool treat to enjoy under the Florida sun. You can order it in a souvenir cup at the Leaky Cauldron in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley.
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Ploughman’s Platter at the Leaky Cauldron
Cool off and refuel with a hearty lunch at the Leaky Cauldron in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida. Here, you can order almost every kind of Butterbeer item available, plus entrees of traditional British food. The Ploughman’s Platter is perfect for sharing; it includes English cheese, crusty bread, field green salad, roasted tomatoes, cornichon pickles, apple beet salad, branston pickle and scotch eggs.
Over-the-Top Milkshakes at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
After you’ve burned a million calories walking through the theme parks, treat yourself to an over-the-top milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. This steampunk-inspired restaurant in Universal CityWalk not only offers monster-size milkshakes, but also chocolate-infused savory menu items like Coffee and Chocolate Stout Chicken Wings and Cocoa Pork Tenderloin.
Green Eggs & Ham Tots at the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe
Have you ever wanted to try a food item from one of your favorite childhood books or movies? Me, too. After a ride through The Cat in The Hat in Suessland in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, stop by the Green Eggs and Ham Cafe for the loaded tots. The Green Eggs & Ham Tots consist of green eggs, diced ham and white cheese sauce over tater tots. The Pizza Tots are another popular item at this quick service location.
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Smoked Brook Trout Dip at Bigfire
If you’ve never had smoked fish dip, I’m sorry. Florida people get it. The Smoked Brook Trout Dip served with house-made crackers at Bigfire in Universal CityWalk is a delicious, light starter to your last meal of the day.
Solana Salado
Giant Pink Donuts at Lard Lad Donuts
Mmm, donuts. Perhaps one of the most photo-worthy food items at the parks is the giant pink-iced donut at Lard Lad Donuts in Springfield, U.S.A.—home of The Simpsons in Universal Studios Florida.
Flaming Moe at Flaming Moe’s
While in Springfield, you can also try a Krusty Burger and wash it down with a Duff Brewery beer or a Flaming Moe, a bubbly, non-alcoholic citrus drink. There’s really nothing else like it. Find the Flaming Moe at the Flaming Moe’s walk-up counter or Moe’s Tavern.
Ocean Attack Drink at Chez Alcatraz
Inspired by the 1975 movie Jaws, the Ocean Attack cocktail at Chez Alcatraz in Universal Studios Florida is made with coconut rum, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, Sprite and a dash of grenadine, topped with a gummy shark and maraschino cherry. While you’re there, get a photo with the great white shark hanging outside.
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Burgushi at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
If your group can’t decide between burgers or sushi for dinner, you can have both—literally—at The Cowfish in Universal CityWalk. The Burgushi portion of the menu features burger-sushi fusions like The Taste Explosion Roll made with certified Angus beef and applewood bacon rolled and coated with tempura flakes. It’s topped with Roma tomatoes, jalapeños and pepper jack cheese, baked and drizzled with spicy mayo cashew cilantro pesto.
Rum Cocktails at Strong Water Tavern
If you’d rather escape the park crowds and enjoy an amazing rum cocktail, head to Strong Water Tavern in Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Resort. Grab a seat on the patio overlooking the lagoon and relax with a daiquiri or a vintage rum. The food menu at Strong Water Tavern highlights Florida favorites like ceviche, Cuban classics like ropa vieja, dishes from Jamaica and The Bahamas’ jerk chicken.
Fork, Knife and Spoon Grilled Cheese at Mythos Restaurant
Mythos Restaurant in The Lost Continent in Universal’s Islands of Adventure offers plenty of healthy items, including the Lemon Hummus, Mezze Platter, Greek Salad and Souvlaki Couscous Bowl. But there are also heartier options like the Sea Scallop and Truffle Risotto, Lamb Burger and the Fork, Knife and Spoon Grilled Cheese. This unique dish is like an elevated grilled cheese and tomato soup plus crispy pork belly and housemade chips, because, why not?
Savannah’s Dream Breakfast Croissant at TODAY Café
There are actually a lot of breakfast options at the parks for all you theme park early birds. If you’re looking for a classic cafe vibe, head to the TODAY Café in Production Central at Universal Studios Florida. Grab a pastry and a coffee or one of the breakfast meals. Savannah’s Dream Breakfast Croissant, named for TODAY cohost Savannah Guthrie, includes sausage, egg, cheese, smashed avocado and tomatoes on an everything bagel seasoned croissant. Plus it’s served with a side of fruit. What more could you ask for?
Chocolate Frogs at Honeydukes
One of the best souvenirs you can take home from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure is the Chocolate Frogs, available at Honeydukes. Each frog comes with a collectible wizard card, just like in the books and films.
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Cauldron Cake at Honeydukes
While we’re loading up on sweets, throw some Cauldron Cakes in your stash. “We’ll take the lot,” as Harry Potter would say. Find them at Honeydukes in Hogsmeade and at Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop in Diagon Alley.
Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour
As anyone who has visited a Florida theme park in the middle of summer knows, it gets hot, very hot. Cool down with a scoop at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, located in Diagon Alley on a corner across from the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride. Get the local specialty, Butterbeer, or other unique flavors like Earl Gray and Lavender or Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut
Before you leave the parks, grab a box of Voodoo Doughnut at Universal Citywalk for a midnight snack or tomorrow’s breakfast. The doughnut shop specializes in fun creations like the famous Voodoo doll-shaped doughnut, and the Universal Orangesicle, filled with Bavarian cream and topped with citrus frosting and chocolate pearls.
Two Foot Dogs at Hot Dog Hall of Fame
It’s easy to work up an appetite after a day at the theme parks. One sure way to cure your hunger pangs is with a Two-Foot Dog at the Hot Dog Hall of Fame in Universal CityWalk. The Vienna all-beef dogs are served in a baguette with your choice of two toppings. If that’s a bit too much hot dog, there’s also a Foot-Long Dog on the menu.
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Waturi Fusion Ice Cream at Volcano Bay
After a few hours of fun in the sun at Volcano Bay water theme park, you’ll be ready for a cold treat. The colorful swirls in the Waturi Fusion are a combination of four flavors: banana, blue raspberry, strawberry and orange. Find it at Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona in Wave Village in Volcano Bay.
Beef Pasties at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Make the most of your time in the parks by ordering Beef Pasties or meatless Shepherd’s Pasty Pies with a Butterbeer to-go at the quick service locations in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. These savory hand pies are the perfect size for snacking while walking. They’re available at several stands and restaurants within both Harry Potter parks.
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