Taking a trip to Universal Orlando Resort requires a lot of planning and that includes figuring out where to eat. While there are lots of quick-service restaurants throughout the park to enjoy, sometimes it's nice to have a sit-down meal. To dine at Universal's table-service restaurants, you'll want to know how to make dining reservations. Universal Orlando only has two table-service restaurants at each theme park, with most table-service options in Universal CityWalk and at the hotels. Not all restaurants are directly owned and operated by Universal, so the process of making a reservation can differ by location. Without further ado, let's dig in and learn more about Universal Orlando's dining reservations!
What You Need to Know about Universal Orlando Dining Reservations
There's nothing better when your froggy feet are getting tired and your stomach starts rumbling during a long park day than sitting down for a nice lunch or dinner. Here are our top tips for navigating dining reservations at Universal Orlando.
- Park admission is required for in-park dining. If choosing to dine at any of the restaurants located in either Universal Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida, you'll need to have the proper tickets for that day.
- Most restaurants are available for booking starting six months in advance. During peak holidays or school breaks, you'll want to book reservations at least a month in advance. The majority of the time, however, you should fine making a reservation about a week ahead of time. (We were even to recently score a reservation at Mythos Restaurant day-of during a weekday after schools were let out!)
- Most locations strongly recommend reservations but do not require them. Most offer walk-up options, as well. Depending on the time of year and time of day, you may still have a long wait.
- To make a reservation online, head to Universal Orlando's Reservations page. Here, you can browse the list of restaurants and their menus. Once you decide on a location, click "Reserve Now." If you have the Universal Orlando app (which we highly recommend downloading!), you can also search for the restaurant you want to dine at and click "Make a Reservation." You can then select your party size and date and book a time.
- If you want to make a reservation by phone, the phone number will depend on the location. For theme park and CityWalk restaurants, you'll call 407-224-3663. (For Hard Rock Cafe Orlando, call 407-351-7625). For most hotel dining, call 407-503-3463.
- Some locations at CityWalk and the hotels offer additional bookings at Open Table, such as Bice Ristorante and Hard Rock Cafe Orlando.
- Guests staying at select Signature Collection hotels (i.e. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort) have a priority seating benefit at most restaurants. Priority seating is not the same as a set reservation. While you would be given preference over walk-ups, we always recommend securing a reservation, especially for the more popular locations.
Restaurants with Reservations in the Theme Parks
There are four total table-service restaurants offering reservations within the Universal Orlando theme parks. Remember, valid admission is required to dine at in-park restaurants. Bookings can be made online or by calling 407-224-FOOD (3663). All four in-park restaurants offer priority seating to guests staying at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort.
Mythos Restaurant – Islands of Adventure
Across from Forever Pearls in The Lost Continent is Mythos Restaurant. (You can't miss it!) This quality restaurant offers a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and American cuisine. They serve delicious offerings such as the Fork, Knife and Spoon Grilled Cheese, Spanakopita Dip and the Souvlaki Couscous Bowl. My absolute favorite dish at Islands of Adventure, however, is the Mythos Signature Lamb Burger. Highly recommend! The exterior is one of our favorites with towering rocks and larger-than-life statues. For a secret photo spot, head behind for a wonderful view of Islands of Adventure. And keep an ear for the troll growling under the bridge!
Confisco Grille – Islands of Adventure
Among the shops and restaurants of Port of Entry is Confisco Grille, a tropical establishment offering up a variety of cuisine, from Asian to Mediterranean to Greek and so much more. With such a great variety, there's truly something for everyone to enjoy! Located near the front entrance, it's an ideal spot if you want to exit the park immediately after.
Finnegan's Bar & Grill – Universal Studios Florida
You can't go wrong with this traditional Irish-American pub! Head off the streets of New York and enjoy a lively bar and full-service restaurant. Savor classic pub food with an Irish twist such as the Bangers and Mash and Shepherd's Pie, along with classic American cuisine. We recently dined here for our Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine reservation and I pigged out on the Guinness Warm 3 Cheese Dip, Webb Burger and Apple Caramel Bread Pudding. 10/10, would get again. Sit back, relax and be entertained by the live music!
Lombard's Seafood Grille – Universal Studios Florida
Located in San Francisco is Lombard's Seafood Grille. This waterfront restaurant has been serving up cuisine since the park first opened. Enjoy a variety of seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. A few dishes I've thoroughly enjoyed here are the Lobster Roll and Fish and Chips. We especially love the atmosphere, whether it's outside by the lagoon or inside by the giant fish tank (we are amphibians, after all).
Character Dining in the Theme Parks
Suit up for a dining experience you and your tadpoles are sure to remember forever!
Marvel Character Dining in Islands of Adventure
Assemble your frog squad and combat an empty stomach at Marvel Character Dining in Marvel Super Hero Island! This amazing character dining experience at Cafe 4 gives you face time with Marvel's greatest superheroes: Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops and Rogue. Each reservation slot entitles a frog to one buffet dinner, one non-alcoholic beverage and one digital download of a photo with a character taken during the dining experience via My Universal Photos. Reservations are required and must be made up to 24 hours before arriving. Additionally, characters and dates are subject to availability and to change without notice. Universal recommends arriving 15 minutes prior to your scheduled reservation time.
Restaurants with Reservations in CityWalk
There are tons of options available at CityWalk to try! Visiting CityWalk is free and does not require admission. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for parking unless visiting after 6 p.m. Bookings can be made online or by calling 407-224-FOOD (unless otherwise noted).
- Bigfire
- Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
- Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
- Cowfish
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew
- Pat O'Brien's
- Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen
- VIVO Italian Kitchen
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
- Hard Rock Cafe Orlando (book online or call 407-351-7625)
Restaurants with Reservations at the Hotels
Many of Universal Orlando hotels also offer table-service restaurants that anyone can enjoy. Bookings can be made online or by calling 407-503-DINE (unless otherwise noted).
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Mama Della's Ristorante
- Trattoria del Porto
- Bice Ristorante (book online or call 407-503-1415)
Hard Rock Hotel
- The Kitchen
- The Palm (book online or call 407-503-7256)
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Islands Dining Room
- Jake's American Bar
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Amatista Cookhouse
- Strong Water Tavern
We hope this answered your questions about Universal dining reservations! Let us know if you have any additional questions or tips in the comments below!
Related: How to Use Mobile Ordering at Universal Orlando
Hoppy planning!
