Our Mouthwatering Guide to the Best Food at Epic Universe

One of the most common questions we get when people are planning their visits to Universal Orlando Resort's fourth thrilling theme park is where should they stop to fuel up and chow down. From the iconic Butterbeer (in its many forms) in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic to the liquid courage in Dark Universe and the viral savory snacks in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk to the deliciously sweet treats in Super Nintendo World, there really is so much to eat and drink at Universal Epic Universe and so little time. Well, after many a trip through the striking and shimmering Chronos, we think we've narrowed down our list of the top items worth factoring into your time and budget. So, without further ado, here's our guide to the best food at Epic Universe.

The Best Food at Epic Universe

Mango Bread at The Oak & Star Tavern

Tucked away in a cozy corner of Celestial Park, The Oak & Star Tavern is home to some of our favorite vibes at Epic Universe. Rustic and relaxing with live music, this trusty tavern features some out-of-this-world barbecue dishes, but the standouts here aren't any of the meats. All of the lunch platters here are served with pickles and mango bread, and it's the latter that you're not going to want to leave Celestial Park without. Not only does it just come as a side, but it's the star of the show in its own breakfast dish: the Brûlée Hawaiian Mango Bread, which comes with the aforementioned mango bread, strawberry, whipped cream, toasted coconut, scrambled eggs and bacon. (Hurry, because breakfast here is only served until 10:30 a.m.!)

Peanut Shrimp Noodles at The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant

Illuminated by glowing lanterns and neon signs, The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant is a chic hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Celestial Park. Among a huge menu of cross-continental dishes, however, one plate stands out among the rest: the Peanut Shrimp Noodles. Made with crispy shrimp, pan-fried noodles, shiitake mushrooms, gai lan, Thai peanut sauce and toasted coconut, this dish is perfect for any traveler who likes a little (or a lot) of sweet mixed in with their savory. The Thai peanut sauce and toasted coconut elevate this entree to candy-like levels of goodness. Be sure to wash it (or any dish here) down with The Dragon's Stardust Custom Blend tea pot.

Princess Peach's Cake at Toadstool Cafe

If you've been following Undercover Tourist since Epic Universe opened, you know there's one dish at this park we don't play about. Coming in at possibly our favorite thing to eat in any portal ... is Princess Peach's Cake at Toadstool Cafe. Serving three to four, this jaw-dropping, mouthwatering dessert is made with yellow cake, whipped topping, strawberries, raspberries, apples, sprinkles, star chocolates, star cookie and a Princess Peach cookie. We praise this thing endlessly because it genuinely tastes like Princess Peach made it fresh in Chef Toad's kitchen with magic and love — because she did! It says so right on the cake! This sensational sweet treat gets absolutely devoured every single time — no matter how many spoons we use to tackle it — and is always gone before we know it. This cake is definitely the best food at Epic Universe to share with a group!

DK Crush Float Tropical Banana Flavor at The Bubbly Barrel

Super Nintendo World really is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth because just next door to the Mushroom Kingdom in Donkey Kong Country, you'll find another delicious dessert that's been an absolute lifesaver in Orlando's toasty temperatures. The DK Crush Float at The Bubbly Barrel is a banana pineapple soft-serve float made with pineapple soda, a waffle bowl, sprinkles, toffee pieces and caramel popcorn. You can even get it in a souvenir DK mug! The tart pineapple and subtle banana flavors mesh beautifully with the sweet and salty toffee pieces and caramel popcorn, which adds some fun texture on top. Not only is the soft serve itself refreshing, but so is the bubbly pineapple soda at the bottom. This treat is absolutely perfect to gobble on while waiting in line for Mine-Cart Madness.

Pure of Heart at The Burning Blade Tavern

Now, about that liquid courage I mentioned ... One of the most delicious drinks at Epic Universe is the Pure of Heart at The Burning Blade Tavern. Made with Misguided Spirits Hinky Dink's Workingman's Whiskey, The Bitter Truth Violet liqueur, DeKuyper Crème de Cassis, lime juice, pineapple juice, honey syrup, blackberry essence and ginger beer, this potent potion is purified with smoke right before your very eyes to repel the fanged and fearsome beasts of Darkmoor and even prevent you from transforming into one yourself. Pair this with some spicy Burning Cheddar Bites and a word of caution from one of the Hounds for maximum protection. You know what they say about one who's pure of heart and says their prayers by night ... Awooo!

Forager Salad at Das Stakehaus

Why am I pointing you in the direction of a salad at a steakhouse? Fair point. But for any herbivores and omnivores roaming the streets of Darkmoor who'd rather not be served up plump and with meat on their bones to the creatures of the night who lurk in the ancient catacombs below (i.e., any travelers just looking for something fresh and healthy), this entree is one not to miss out on. Made with crispy maitake mushrooms, acorn squash, red beets, blue cheese, arugula, bibb lettuce and blueberry pomegranate dressing, you can order this salad with a grilled chicken stake, salmon or no protein at all. For those who like a sweeter salad, all the flavors in here harmonize incredibly well. Oh, and don't froget to grab a Monocane Mocktail while you're here! Honestly, there are no bad picks at Das Stakehaus.

Quiche Lorraine at Café L'air De La Sirène

When you're wandering the streets of Paris, you're obviously going to stop inside the Café L'air De La Sirène to try the famous Bieraubeurre Crêpe. I don't need to read the tea leaves to know that. (Yes, it's absolutely worth the hype.) Something you may not be as familiar with, however, and should absolutely order as your entree — regardless of the time of day — is the Quiche Lorraine. Made with egg custard, bacon, caramelized onions, flaky pie crust, Mornay sauce and served with a house greens salad, this dish is mouthwateringly savory and — not to steal a famous slogan but — magically delicious. Regardless of what you're in the mood for, this quiche will never fail to hit the spot. A frog family favorite, we've ordered it time and again for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Warm Shaved Beef Sandwich at Le Gobelet Noir

If you're looking for something a little heartier, the Warm Shaved Beef Sandwich at Le Gobelet Noir is an incredibly underrated delicacy. Made with shaved corned beef, Muenster cheese, German mustard, hearty multi-grain bread and served with a choice of house salad or tavern frites, this handheld sandwich doesn't disappoint. (I can smell it while writing this! YUM!) Served exactly like you'd find at your favorite New York deli, the dark wizards and witches that wander Place Cachée have truly conjured up a winner with this one. Order alongside the sticky and sweet Baklava (made with pistachio, walnuts, vegan anglaise and coconut nectar) and the refreshing and fruity Thé Fraise (strawberry-mint iced tea) for the ultimate meal that's sure to put a spell on you.

Mac & Cheese Cones at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel and Spit Fyre Grill

A meal so famous it now even has its own shirt (available for purchase at Other Worlds Mercantile), the Mac & Cheese Cones are truly everything you want them to be. It's definitely earned its conical spot in the best food at Epic Universe! Creamy mac and cheese stuffed inside a fresh-baked Cuban bread cone coated in flavorful seasoning? There was no way that wasn't going to work. Whether you opt for the Classic Mac & Cheese served with fish-shaped crackers, the PB&J -  Pork, Bacon, and Jam served with BBQ harissa pulled pork, peanut bacon jam and parsley or the new Dragon's Garden Pyre served with lemon herb chicken, fire-roasted corn, avocado spread and Flamin' Hot Cheetos, you really can't go wrong. It's all about your flavor presence. The Vikings of Berk even concocted the Snoggletog Harvest Cone during the holidays last year, so be on the lookout for more seasonal varieties!

Gronckle's Bread Pudding at Mead Hall

Speaking of the holidays, one item stuck around after Snoggletog that we can't get enough of. Over at the cavernous and majestic Mead Hall, the Gronckle's Bread Pudding is the ultimate way to end your meal — whether you opt for the fresh Sullen Sea Sandwich or the savory Hooligan's Sausage Links. This festive treat is a malted bread pudding made with a Yaknog (malted chocolate and cinnamon) anglaise, chocolate Pop Rocks and vanilla ice cream. Perfect for sharing (or devouring all by yourself — no one's judging you), this sneaky sweet treat is truly an explosion of the senses between the aromatic cinnamon, the cold and creamy ice cream and the crackling pop rocks. The Hairy Hooligan Tribe really knows how to celebrate!

What's your pick for the best food at Universal Epic Universe? What are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: Our Toadally Awesome Guide to Universal Epic Universe With Kids

Hoppy planning!