At Universal Orlando Resort, adventure is always at hand. And every wandering adventurer needs to refuel and recharge with deliciously daring food and drink.
That’s right, it’s not just smoked turkey legs any more. Thrilling action and a culinary journey into the unknown await at both Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks, with many foodie gems hidden in plain sight.
To uncover just that, Universal Orlando invited me to spend a couple of days seeing if I could find tantalizing tastes and hidden bites for your next epicurean expedition.
Here’s my list of my favorite, and most daring, dishes:
UNIVERSAL’S ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
- The Great Feast at Three Broomsticks
The Great Feast is fit for a wizard—or a really hungry giant. This family platter consists of ribs, smoked chicken, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes and vegetables.
- Chicken Stingers at Fire Eaters Grill
Travel on over to The Lost Continent’s Fire Eaters Grill and risk tears of joy by eating the fiery chicken stingers: deliciously crispy and spiced with a tangy hot sauce.
- Mythos Lamb Burger at Mythos Restaurant
Deep within the cavernous walls, dine with the gods at the award-winning Mythos restaurant. The lamb burger is a perfectly cooked medium-rare burger with tzatziki sauce and brioche bun.
- Banana Chocolate Gooey Cake at Mythos Restaurant
A gooey, gluten-free, flourless chocolate cake in caramel with sliced bananas and topped with vanilla ice cream—indulgent, decadent, delicious.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
- Chicken and Waffle Sandwich at Cletus’ Chicken Shack
Risk it all at Cletus’ Chicken Shack and order the Chicken and Waffle Sandwich: a double-battered, extra-crispy, fried chicken breast sandwiched between two waffles with lettuce, tomatoes, a dollop of maple syrup mayo, and a side of tater tots.
- Duff Beer at Moe’s Tavern
Those above the age of 21 can pluck up their courage and down a glass of the famous Duff Beer at Moe’s Tavern. Or try non-alcoholic Flaming Moe cocktail, Springfield’s signature specialty drink: a bubbly, fruity, orange soda that comes “smoking.”
- Clogger Burger at Krusty Burger
Thrill your tastebuds with the jaw-dropping, belly-busting Clogger Burger, the Krusty Burger’s bigger brother with slices of fried bacon and double the patties.
- Basket O’ Bait at The Frying Dutchman
They must have learned their lesson from their visit from Homer Simpson and nixed the all-you-can-eat seafood menu option, but you can still test your limits with the Frying Dutchman’s Basket O’ Bait: a basketful of fresh fried cod, coconut-crusted shrimp, and fried calamari served with tater tots and hushpuppies. Don’t worry, you won’t get kicked out for finishing just one of these seafood baskets.
- Brain Freezin’ Doh-nut Sundae at Lard Lad Donuts
Satisfy in your sweet tooth cravings by venturing over to Lard Lad Donuts for the outrageous Brain Freezin’ Doh-nut Sundae: a sprinkled, pink-frosted donut, split and filled with vanilla or chocolate ice cream and your choice of topping including caramel, hot fudge, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, peanuts, Reese’s Pieces, and Oreo cookie crumbles.
- Korean Beef Tacos or Carne Asada Tacos at Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
¡Ay, caramba! Journey south of the border and visit Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck and try out their slightly sweet and tangy Asian-inspired Korean beef taco. Or grab the more traditional carne asada taco, made with grilled skirt steak with shredded lettuce, guacamole, and salsa that will have you saying “¡Que delicioso!” in no time.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
- Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
After fighting off the heat from the fire-breathing dragon looming over Gringotts bank at Diagon Alley, cool off at Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour with some Earl Grey Tea or Chocolate Chili ice creams.
- Fishy Green Ale at The Fountain of Fair Fortune
You may have heard of Butterbeer. But you should really consider another wizarding beverage: the sweet, minty Fishy Green Ale, complete with blueberry-flavored boba “fish eggs”.
- Toad in the Hole or Scotch Eggs at the Leaky Cauldron
This traditional British dish consists of sausages in Yorkshire pudding, served with vegetables and onion gravy—it’s said to resemble toads peering out from a bog.
Or try the Scotch Eggs, delicious hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, served warm with apple beet salad and mustard sauce.
- Doug’s Filet Roll at Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Leave the cowboy boots and samurai swords at home. Here at the stylish Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at CityWalk, east meets west and work together in harmony.
At Cowfish, wandering diners can delight on #burgushi – the mix of burgers and sushi. Doug’s Filet Roll is a beautifully-crafted roll stuffed with avocado, kani, cream cheese inside, and topped with thin slices of seared filet mignon, spicy mayo, scallions, masago.
The Prime Time roll is an honorable mention, made with lobster and cucumbers inside, topped with seared rare seasoned filet mignon, and sprinkled with pan-fried portabella mushroom slices tossed in truffle oil.
Whether it’s a sundae made from donut buns, bangers and mash fit for an inspiring wizard, or sushi rolls with lobster topped with filet mignon, you’ll always have an opportunity to delight and surprise your taste buds on your next adventure at the one and only Universal Orlando Resort.
So, what are some of your favorite hidden eats here? Share in the comments below!
