From Universal CityWalk to the theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort is filled with delicious sips and sweets. It can be almost impossible to order all your must-try items in one visit. If you're having trouble narrowing down your list (or even having trouble making one!), this blog is for you. While you really can't go wrong with food choices at Universal, if you're looking for a definitive list of the most iconic and drool-worthy treats, look no further. We're breaking down the best food and drink items at Universal Orlando — from sweet to savory and everything in between!
Best Beverages at Universal Orlando
Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
When The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade made its grand debut at Universal Orlando in 2010, along with it came the series' most famous beverage. Described by many as a butterscotch-flavored cream soda (the actual recipe is locked away in the vaults of Gringotts ... we assume), Butterbeer is a Wizarding World staple and something we always get our hands on whether we're visiting Universal Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida.
The best part about this beverage is that it's perfect for any time of the year — served frozen, cold or hot. (If the temperature's above 60 degrees, we recommend the frozen variety, but if it's an unusually cold day, the hot version will warm you right up.) Additionally, you can now order both the cold and frozen versions completely vegan-friendly (still with the signature whipped topping) at both The Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks! While infused with the slightest bit of alcohol in the "Harry Potter" books, parents can rest assured knowing this beloved beverage is alcohol-free. You can find this delicious drink (in a variety of forms) at many different locations throughout the Wizarding World, including Hog's Head, The Hopping Pot, The Fountain of Fair Fortune and, of course, those iconic Butterbeer carts lining the streets of Hogsmeade. Cheers!
If you frequently don a foam mustache, you're gonna love this news: Universal Orlando has announced the arrival of its annual Butterbeer Season! From March 15 to April 30, 2024, witches and wizards will be able to try delectable new Butterbeer-flavored treats, such as an ice lolly and caramels, in addition to the traditional items served daily. Additionally, for a limited time during this festive period, you can order cold and frozen Butterbeer in a special collectible silver stein!
Jacques' Specialty Milkshakes at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Whether you've nabbed a dinner reservation in the Toothsome dining room or are just hopping by the Dessert Foundry, you can't head out of Universal CityWalk without grabbing one of these decadent, delicious, over-the-top milkshakes. Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome and her trusty robot companion, Jacques, have whipped up some incredible concoctions that are sure to please any palette.
Chocoholics will love the That's "Mint" (made with minty chocolate chip ice cream, Andes mints and a mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich), the Brownie (made with Dutch chocolate ice cream, a brownie and milk chocolate swirl) and, of course, the Chocolate X5 (made with chocolate ice cream, chocolate chunks and strawberries). Those looking for something on the fruitier side will enjoy the Ride Side Up Shake (made with vegan pineapple upside-down cake, brown sugar and caramel) or the Key Lime Pie (made with sour cream ice cream, sweet condensed milk and lime juice). If you're looking for the ultimate mid- (or even late-) day pick-me-up, try the Espresso Buzzzzz (made with coffee ice cream, espresso and chocolate espresso beans). Toothsome also serves up specially themed shakes for event seasons so check the menu before you visit to see what the newest creamy creation is!
Ocean Attack at Chez Alcatraz
A refreshing homage to a beloved, long-gone attraction, the Ocean Attack is just as fun to watch be made as it is to drink. Once your bartender shakes up a potent blend of Don Q Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao, Sprite and pineapple juice, an adorable shark puppet makes an appearance to add the final touch: a dash of blood-red grenadine. We love that this drink can also be ordered sans alcohol so tadpoles (and even those just choosing to stay dry) can also enjoy the show. Don't froget to grab a photo with Bruce hanging out back!
Flaming Moe in Springfield, U.S.A.
Universal loves its famous fictional beverages! Another one that's equally as fun as it is delicious is the iconic Flaming Moe. An official recipe isn't available for this citrusy Simpsons staple. However, we can tell you that what you're essentially going to get is a bubbling cup of orange soda overflowing with smoke — courtesy of a cube of dry ice safely stored in the bottom container of a souvenir cup. While you can order it at Flaming Moe's inside Fast Food Blvd., we highly recommend purchasing it at Moe's Tavern for that all-important ambience.
Moose Juice & Goose Juice at Moose Juice, Goose Juice
Perfect for tadpoles (and parents) looking for some respite from the mid-day heat, Moose Juice and Goose Juice are flavorful, fun, nonalcoholic options that shouldn't be overlooked. Moose Juice is an orange-flavored frozen slush whereas Goose Juice is sour green apple-flavored. As vibrant as they are refreshing, there's no better treat to sip while exploring all the kooky, colorful corners of Seuss Landing.
Best Meals at Universal Orlando
Burgushi Rolls at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Evocative of its name, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar offers a creative menu of delicious surf 'n' turf items. What you may not expect to find here, though, is a culinary concoction that offers the best of both worlds. Enter Burgushi. An entrée you'll only find here in Universal CityWalk that looks like sushi and tastes like a burger. Available in many different varieties such as the Bison Burgushi made with seasoned bison, roasted red peppers and sushi rice, The All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi made with seasoned premium black Angus beef, yellow and white cheddar cheese and applewood smoked bacon and The Taste Explosion Roll made with Certified Angus beef, applewood smoked bacon and tempura flakes, the Burgushi is proof that you don't have to even enter the theme parks to order frogtastic food!
Chicken & Waffle Sandwich at Cletus' Chicken Shack
Why choose between sweet and savory when you can have both? Universal puts a new spin on the classic chicken and waffles dish by combining the two items into a singular sandwich. You truly can't go wrong sticking double battered, extra crispy fried chicken breast between two waffles, but what makes this dish stand out even more is the mouthwatering maple syrup mayo that's drizzled in between. Did I mention this dish also comes with crunchy tater tots (and a shake if you order a combo)? You can find this delicious con-cock-tion over at Fast Food Blvd. in Springfield, U.S.A.
Mel's Meatball Mountain at Illumination's Minion Cafe
Mamma mia! If you're a fan of spaghetti and meatballs and pizza, you're going to fall head over heels in love with this ingenious Italian amalgamation. Super-sized for maximum enjoyment, this mouthwatering oven baked pizza is stuffed with meatballs, fresh mozzarella and marinara. We absolutely recommend splitting this between multiple Minions because, we promise you, it's bigger than you think it is. Don't froget to wash it down with a refreshing PX-41 Punch or The Antidote!
Fork, Knife and Spoon Grilled Cheese at Mythos Restaurant
From the Gnocchi Bolognese to the Mythos Signature Lamb Burger, there's no wrong choice when you're dining at Mythos. However, the frog-favorite dish here undoubtedly has to be the Fork, Knife and Spoon Grilled Cheese. A three-cheese sandwich set in a Tuscan tomato soup with crispy pork belly and garnished with house-made chips, this unique and elevated spin on a classic comfort food hits the spot day or night!
Buffalo Chicken Tots at Green Eggs and Ham Cafe
If you can handle a little heat, you do not want to miss this savory masterpiece tucked away at the entrance of Seuss Landing. Combining chicken tenders, mozzarella cheese, ranch and buffalo sauce over delicious and crunchy tater tots, we'd hoppily devour these in a boat, with a goat, in the rain or on a train! If you're more spice-averse like Mommy Frog, we highly recommend the regular Green Eggs & Ham Tots which combines green pesto-laced eggs, diced ham, white cheese sauce and tater tots for the ultimate breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Best Desserts at Universal Orlando
The Big Pink at Lard Lad Donuts
You're gonna need to channel your inner Homer for this one ... or, more accurately, recruit your entire Simpsons family. The Big Pink is named so because it's pink and it's big. Like ... "the size of your face" big. Covered in rainbow sprinkles and vanilla-flavored pink icing, this dessert can easily feed four frogs — with some sugary sweetness to spare. It's also incredibly Insta-worthy. Be sure to enter Springfield with an empty stomach!
Butterbeer Ice Cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour
You can find plenty of unique and delicious flavors at Florean Fortescue's such as soft-serve delights Granny Smith, Orange Marmalade and Toffee Apple and hard-pack favorites Chocolate Chili, Apple Crumble and Clotted Cream. Our absolute favorite has to be the iconic Butterbeer Ice Cream, a creamy vanilla soft-serve laced with ribbons of divine Butterbeer flavoring. What makes this one of our favorite ways to enjoy this magical beverage is that the vanilla soft-serve dilutes the Butterbeer flavor — so it's not as overpoweringly sweet as its liquid counterparts. Available in a waffle cone or souvenir glass, this is the perfect treat for those notoriously hot Florida days!
Waturi Fusion Ice Cream at Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona
We truly cannot leave Universal's Volcano Bay without grabbing a cone of this delicious (and Instagrammable) creamy concoction. A bright and fruity mix of banana, blue raspberry, orange and strawberry soft-serve, there's no better treat to enjoy as you're lying on a lounge chair, soaking up rays and admiring the beauty of Krakatau Volcano. This little ice cream hut isn't listed or located on the Universal Orlando app, but it's not too hard to find. Head back toward the entrance of the park and look for the thatched roof adorned with sails and ice cream swirls right next to Waturi Marketplace.
Cauldron Cake in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble! Fire burn and cauldron bubble! We love channeling our inner witches and wizards in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Undoubtedly, one of the sweetest ways to get in on the magic is by popping into Honeydukes in Hogsmeade or Sugarplum's Sweetshop in Diagon Alley. It's in these confectionaries you'll find the famous Cauldron Cake, a rich and moist chocolate sponge cupcake made with marshmallow filling, chocolate glaze and flame-colored buttercream frosting — designed to look like a miniature cauldron brewing something wicked.
Sticky Toffee Pudding at Leaky Cauldron
Just as we started, we're finishing in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Before heading off to Gringotts to deposit your galleons or Ollivanders to let your wand choose you, fuel up at the popular wizarding pub and inn, Leaky Cauldron. Save room for dessert (after scarfing down your heaping helping of Fish & Chips or Scotch Eggs) because the Sticky Toffee Pudding is absolutely not-to-be-missed. What you can expect from this classic British dessert is a warm cinnamon roll covered in sticky syrup, chocolate chunks, butterscotch chips and a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Lily and Tad devour this baby in seconds and you will too!
What's your favorite food or drink item at Universal Orlando Resort? What can you not wait to try? Let me know in the comments below!
Related: Our Top Spots for Cheap Food at Universal Orlando
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