7 Best Places to Eat at Universal City Walk

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Universal Orlando Resort is an incredible vacation destination. Not only do guests experience thrilling rides and magical adventures inside the theme park, but there is a world outside the parks that demands attention too! Of course, I’m referring to the incredible Universal City Walk.

Shopping, entertainment, and dining all converge in this amazing outdoor space. Best of all, no theme park ticket is required! One of my favorite things to do at City Walk is eat! With more than 26 different restaurants to choose from, how can you possibly make a sound decision? Never fear! Traveling Mom is here to help. We’ve narrowed down our list to the 7 best places to eat at Universal City Walk.

Signs point the way to the restaurants at Universal City Walk. — So many choices await at Universal City Walk! Which dining experience will you choose? Photo: Sarah Gilliland, Twins Traveling Mom

1. Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

Mexican food is my jam, especially when there are guacamole and margaritas involved! Several friends and fellow Traveling Moms jumped at the opportunity to recommend Antojitos when I asked about the best place to eat at City Walk.

Candid Traveling Mom, Patty Holliday, says, “The table side guac is my favorite here! If you love good Mexican food (sometimes with a Mariachi band as entertainment), then this place is a can’t miss!”

A close family friend told me that her family eats at Antojitos even when they aren’t going to the theme parks. If it’s worth the drive from other Orlando area attractions, then it must be good!

2. Vivo Italian Kitchen

My second restaurant recommendation goes out to all the carb lovers out there. Two words: handmade. pasta. Yes, you read that right. They make their pasta in house daily!

The Universal CityWalk is spectacular at night and must be included on your one-day itinerary to visiting Orlando, Florida. Photo by Melody Pittman/Southern TravelingMom.

Fellow travel writer, Michelle P., says, “They do everything from scratch there, and it’s amazing to watch them put the dishes together through the semi-open kitchen. Their service is fantastic, and they do a great job working with allergies, too. I didn’t even mention the food yet, did I? The fresh pasta had such amazing flavor and texture. It really ruins you for other Italian restaurants.”

I’m sold, how about you?

3. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

Next on our list is The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen. It’s a mouthful to say, so I’ll just stick to Toothsome for short. Toothsome is not just a chocolate factory. Yes, do go for the sweets and treats, but stay for the savory foods! I went with some girlfriends to this City Walk restaurant, and we all enjoyed it immensely.

Do yourself a favor and order the warm chocolate almond bread as an appetizer. Served with salted caramel butter for spreading, the bread will knock your socks off with its unique, semi-sweet flavor. It’s a great departure from typical bread service!

Milkshakes at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen are a MUST try! Photo: Sarah Gilliland, Twins Traveling Mom

Toothsome is famous for its incredibly large and sweet milkshakes, so make sure you save room for dessert (or at least get a macaroon to go)!

4. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

I am so fortunate to have had The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar open in my hometown last year. I cannot stress to you how much I love this restaurant! The Cowfish is a restaurant my girls love too, which makes deciding on a lunch or dinner location that much easier.

What’s good at The Cowfish? Since I can’t just say “everything,” I will say to order the All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi if you want to get really crazy. Their bento boxes are pretty popular, but I think they’re too safe for a cool restaurant like The Cowfish.

The Cowfish restaurant is known for the unique Bento Box meal. — The Cowfish is known for the unique Bento Box meal. Photo: Sarah Gilliland, Twins Traveling Mom

Kids will love this one because their meals all come in bento boxes too! Entree, two sides, and a cute “sushi” dessert make little ones feel like they can hang with the grown-ups!

5. Red Oven Pizza Bakery

“All the pizzas are made while you wait. They use fresh ingredients and then cook it in a stone bake oven. Kids love watching the chefs work, and the food is over the top delicious every time,” says mom of three Kirsten M. A restaurant that serves good food and entertains the kids? Sounds like a winner to me!

Red Oven Pizza Bakery may not be out of the box, but sometimes you just need something that’s familiar and satisfying at mealtime.

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6. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Beach vibes without the sand are what you’ll get at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville! Food, fun, and entertainment abound at this nostalgic crowd pleaser. Enjoy live indoor music on the restaurant’s main stage, along with a live outdoor guitarist on the Porch of Indecision.

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, 1 of 7 Best Places to Eat at Universal City Walk, Orlando, FL — Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – Universal CityWalk Orlando – Photo by Yvonne Jasinski / Credit Card TravelingMom

What would a trip to Margaritaville be without a margarita? Choose from 10 distinct varieties of margaritas to satisfy your tequila fix. If you can’t make up your mind, order a margarita sampler featuring some of the most popular versions of this classic drink.

Save room for dessert! Traditional key lime pie and their famous Chocolate Hurricane dessert are the perfect finish to a great dining experience.

7. Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom

Working with the Bob Marley Foundation and Rita Marley, Universal Orlando recreated Bob Marley’s home on 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica right at the beginning of City Walk. Featuring artifacts, photos, and videos from the legendary singer’s storied career, Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom is as much as a place to eat as it is a walk through history.

Credit Card Traveling Mom, Yvonne Jaskinski, shares “[The restaurant] would be my first choice of entertainment at Universal CityWalk, but on the day I visited, it was closed for a private event. From what I heard, it happens quite often so check your dates in advance.”

Whether you’re looking for good food for exciting entertainment, Universal City Walk has you covered!

Where to Buy Discounted Universal Tickets

Traveling Mom recommends purchasing your Universal tickets through Get Away Today. Not only does the company have the lowest prices, it offers a best price guarantee. If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price, the company will beat it. If you call to make your purchase be sure to mention TravelingMom!

With so many best restaurants at Universal Orlando, which restaurant are you going to try first? Share with us in the comments below.

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