We 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:
- Spaghetti Bolognese: This Bolognese sauce is made with vegan Italian sausage crumbles. Find it at Louie’s Italian Restaurant (Universal Studios Florida) or Cafe 4 (Universal's Islands of Adventure).
- Chick’n & Avocado Sandwich: Despite its name, this sandwich has vegan chicken and vegan cheese. Find it at Mel’s Drive-In (Universal Studios Florida) and Bambu (Volcano Bay).
- Beyond Burger: This popular plant-based burger is available at Mel’s Drive-In, Richter’s Burger Co. (Universal Studios Florida), Captain America Diner (Universal's Islands of Adventure) and Kohola Reef (Volcano Bay).
- Cold & Frozen Butterbeer: Now available with the iconic foam topping, a dairy-free version of both of these signature Wizarding World beverages are available at Three Broomsticks (Universal's Islands of Adventure) and The Leaky Cauldron (Universal Studios Florida).
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)
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. Drool.
Mythos Restaurant (Universal's 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 can be prepared meat-free. It’s made with rice noodles and mixed veggies tossed in a sweet and sour peanut sauce. The Spinach and Ricotta Tortelloni is another menu highlight, consisting of tri-colored tortelloni, Davina tomatoes, sweet peas, herb whipped ricotta and basil pesto cream sauce.
Lombard’s Seafood Grille (Universal Studios Florida)
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. For main entrees, order the Miso Ramen Bowl (rice noodles, miso broth, Romanesco, julienned carrot and snow peas, topped with cilantro, scallions and sambal) 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, dilation pasta and pesto), Eggplant All Norma (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil and penne) and, my personal favorite, Black Truffle Risotto (milanese risotto with king trumpet mushrooms, English peas, black truffle burrata and truffle oil).
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, arugula pesto, Gruyère and dill havarti cheeses. You can also find several vegetarian-friendly appetizers (such as roasted Brussels sprouts or fried zucchini), 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 and the Vegetal fajitas both feature roasted sweet potatoes, chayote, carrots, golden beets, roasted corn, jalapeño, wild mushrooms and peppers. As for tacos, the Nopales is stuffed with grilled nopales, pico de Gallo, onion and cilantro.
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)
If you’re looking for a meat-free meal, we highly recommend checking out the menu at the new TODAY Cafe! It offers a wide variety of sandwiches, salads and bowls. Start your day with an Egg White Florentine Breakfast Sandwich 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 SOHO and the Roasted Root 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 garden 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. Like we mentioned earlier, you can find the Spaghetti Bolognese dish here, as well.
The Burger Digs (Universal's 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 Crunch lettuce and sliced tomatoes, served on a toasted kaiser roll and with fries. The Spring Salad is another hearty dish with fire-roasted corn, peppers, black beans and pineapple vinaigrette.
Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab House (Universal's Islands of Adventure)
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 ajar 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!
Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club (Universal's 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!
