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Home / Blog / Restaurants & Dining / The Best Options for a Vegetarian at Universal Orlando

The Best Options for a Vegetarian at Universal Orlando

by Mommy Frog on March 6, 2024
Orlando

Vegetarian at Universal Orlando - PinterestWe realize that eating out can sometimes be a challenge for vegetarian frogs ... especially when you throw in a theme park atmosphere that’s known for its turkey legs, hot dogs and cheeseburgers galore. Nobody wants to wait in line with friends and family only to find out there aren’t veggie-friendly meals. However, don’t resign yourself to packing your own food just yet! Universal Orlando actually has some frogtastic vegetarian options around the resort. Read all about our favorite restaurants and meals that will please any vegetarian at Universal Orlando!

Dining as a Vegetarian at Universal Orlando

In general, a good majority of the table-service and counter-service restaurants have vegetarian meals. Rest assured, you can find something in a pinch, even if it’s a basic salad. We suggest peeking at the restaurant menus online before hitting the parks so you have a few choices already in mind. Look out for a “V” next to food items on the menu … it designates a vegetarian-friendly meal!

You’ll also find that some vegetarian AND vegan dishes can be found at multiple locations. Here are a few of these repeat items:

Best Table-Service Restaurants for a Vegetarian at Universal Orlando

For some frog families, having a leisurely lunch or dinner is ideal for much-needed rest — and that’s when table-service restaurants come in handy. To avoid sitting down and opening up a menu only to find hardly any meat-free items, here are some of our froggy favorite spots with vegetarian dishes.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Universal CityWalk)

Vegetarian at Universal Orlando - Goat in the Garden

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is famous for its burgers and sushi rolls, but it also offers up some delicious vegetarian options. The Heavenly Veggie burger comes with a house-made veggie patty, roasted red pepper, sliced avocado, red onion and baby spinach on a seven-grain wheat bun. Meanwhile, the Tree Hugger roll consists of shiitake mushrooms, fried portabella, red pepper, cucumber, red onion and basil, and is served with wasabi yuzu dipping sauce. We also highly recommend starting off with the Goat in the Garden salad, made with arugula, spinach, basil, extra virgin olive oil, strawberry, balsamic dressing, roasted walnuts, Asian pears, fresh strawberries and goat cheese. Drool.

Mythos Restaurant (Universal Islands of Adventure)

Often regarded as one of Universal Orlando’s best restaurants, it’s not surprising that Mythos Restaurant has an inclusive menu. For hungry vegetarians and vegans, the Pad Thai — normally made with rice noodles, mixed veggies, chicken, shrimp and a sweet and sour peanut sauce — can be made with crispy tofu and vegan peanut sauce upon request. The Spinach and Garlic Ravioli is another menu highlight, consisting of sautéed ravioli, roasted acorn squash and shiitake mushrooms, rainbow swiss chard and shaved grana Padano.

Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Universal Studios Florida)

Vegetarian at Universal Orlando - Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Just from its name, Lombard’s Seafood Grille might not strike you as a place for vegetarians, but it offers more vegetarian-friendly dishes than you’d think. If you see a “V” next to an item on the menu, that dish can be prepared vegetarian. Start your meal off with the Roasted Garlic Edamame (steamed edamame tossed with roasted garlic sea salt, topped with black and white sesame seeds) or the San Pablo Spinach & Artichoke Dip (four cheeses blended with spinach and artichokes and served with warm tortilla chips). For main entrees, order the Pacific Heights Vegan Pasta (casarecce pasta tossed in sun dried tomato pesto, blistered heirloom tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, capers, fresh arugula and vegan sausage, vegan parmesan and fresh basil) or the Caesar salad (a bed of Romaine hearts tossed in Caesar dressing with torn bread crouton and parmesan cheese).

Vivo Italian Kitchen (Universal CityWalk)

I am truly of the belief that you can never go wrong with Italian food! Vivo has tons of great vegetarian-friendly options such as Fried Ricotta (rosemary lemon ricotta lightly breaded and fried, house-made tomato sauce, basil and ricotta salata), the Quattro Formaggi pizza (mozzarella, fontina, italico, ricotta and sage), Minestrone soup (Italian vegetable soup, ditalini pasta and pesto), Eggplant All Norma (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil and penne) and Pasta Primavera (seasonal vegetables, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan and angel hair pasta).

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen (Universal CityWalk)

Besides chocolate and milkshakes (not saying that’s a bad thing, of course!), The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is also home to the Vegetable Press sandwich. It’s filled with roasted vegetables, portobello mushrooms, vegan pepper jack cheese, sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula and sweet onion vinaigrette and served on cranberry herb artisan bread. You can also find several vegetarian-friendly appetizers (such as Roasted Brussel Sprouts or Baked Brie en Croute), salads and pastas.

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (Universal CityWalk)

When I think of Mexican food, tacos, fajitas and enchiladas are just a few things that come to mind. Luckily, Antojitos has vegetarian versions for those food items! The Vegetarianas enchiladas feature roasted sweet potatoes, chayote, carrots, golden beets, roasted corn, jalapeño, onions, wild mushrooms, bell peppers, vegan cheese and ranchera sauce and the Vegetal fajitas feature roasted zucchini, squash, wild mushrooms, grilled peppers, onions, jalapeño and garbanzo purée and vegan mozzarella. As for tacos, the Wild Mushroom is stuffed with roasted wild mushrooms, tequila, jalapeño and garbanzo purée and avocado chimichurri.

Best Counter-Service Restaurants for a Vegetarian at Universal Orlando

If you just want a quick bite inside the parks, these top counter-service restaurants have the widest selection of options for a vegetarian at Universal Orlando.

TODAY Cafe (Universal Studios Florida)

Vegetarian at Universal Orlando - Tropical Chia Pudding

If you’re looking for a meat-free meal, we highly recommend checking out the menu at TODAY Cafe! It offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads and bowls. Start your day with an Egg White Florentine Breakfast Sandwich, Tropical Chia Pudding or Overnight Oats. For lunch, you can choose from four different sandwich options: The Big Apple Cheese, I Heart Vegan, Little Italy Caprese or the Park Avenue Avocado Toast. Additionally, there are scrumptious salads available, such as The Traditional and the Roasted Beets and Carrots salad. Just looking for a snack? The cafe has multiple display cases filled with cookies, pastries, tarts and more.

Louie’s Italian Restaurant (Universal Studios Florida)

Feeling in the mood for Italian food? Louie’s Italian Restaurant has a few options beyond breadsticks and a side salad for vegetarians. Of course, cheese pizza is always an option. But Louie’s also has a vegetable pizza, which includes mozzarella, peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomato sauce and herbs on house-made dough. Pizzas can be served whole or by the slice. Additionally, you can find Vegan Sausage & Peppers here — seasonal plant-based sausage crumbles with bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, vegan parmesan, spaghetti pasta, house made marinara sauce and a garlic breadstick.

Illumination's Minion Cafe (Universal Studios Florida)

Vegetarian at Universal Orlando - Carl's Crispy Cauliflower

This brand new restaurant in Minion Land on Illumination Avenue is perfect for super-villains wanting a veggie-based meal. Try Carl's Crispy Cauliflower — crispy cauliflower florets with sweet & spicy chili sauce, coconut blue rice, Thai cucumbers and edamame — with a side of Minion Tots, Green Banana Chips or a Mini Banana! End your meal with one of four delectable desserts: the Fluffy Unicorn Cupcake, the Minion Swiss Roll, Bob's Teddy Bear Chocolate Cream Puff or Otto's Pet Rock.

The Burger Digs (Universal Islands of Adventure)

Over at The Burger Digs, dig into an Herbivore Burger Platter which consists of balsamic marinated roasted Portobello mushroom, smoked tempeh bacon, vegan Swiss cheese, vegan secret sauce, Kalera Krunch lettuce and sliced tomatoes, served on a toasted kaiser roll. The Spring Salad is another hearty dish with fire-roasted corn, peppers, black beans and pineapple vinaigrette.

Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House (Universal Islands of Adventure)

Best Vegetarian Options at Universal Orlando - Doc Sugrue's Desert Kebab House

Even though none of us frogs are vegetarians, sometimes we like going to Doc Sugrue’s for something other than burgers or pizza. In addition to the chicken and beef kebabs, this spot has a vegan meatball to satisfy vegetarians. The "meatballs" are brushed with chermoula marinade and served on pita bread with ajvar sauce, caramelized onions and crumbled feta. Otherwise, you can opt for a Greek salad. For a smaller snack to share, we enjoy getting the hummus that’s served with carrots, celery sticks and pita bread!

Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (Universal Islands of Adventure)

Vegetarian at Universal Orlando - Tamed Dragon Salad

Come one, come all, to Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous! This recently refurbished quick-service in Seuss Landing offers a whole menagerie of vegan and vegetarian options, from the Vegan Magician Meatball Cone — plant based Gardein meatballs and marinara, served in a garlic bread cone — to the Tamed Dragon Salad — red dragon fruit, red quinoa, raspberries, mandarin oranges, almonds, baby spinach, cucumber and guava vinaigrette — to the vegetarian Pizza Pasta — baked mac and cheese cavatappi and marinara. Don't froget to finish your meal with the Caramel Popcorn Cupcake or the Green Eggs and Ham Chocolate Cheesecake (does not contain real ham).

Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club (Universal Volcano Bay)

In the tropical paradise that is Volcano Bay, Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club is surfin’ up several vegetarian-friendly meals. Vegetarians can select a Beyond™ Burger which is served with fries. There are also veggie and cheese longboard-style pizzas available. Or opt for a veggie wrap or a sushi vegetable roll from the Grab and Go menu.

It's not easy being green (we understand!), but these restaurants dish up lots of mouthwatering options for vegetarians at Universal Orlando! Do you have a favorite plant-based option we missed? Hop down to the comments to share!

Related: Our Top Tips for Eating on a Budget at Universal Orlando Resort

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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