A fantastic part of Universal Orlando is CityWalk, home of some of the best restaurants at Universal Orlando if you ask us. It’s the area outside the two major theme parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.
Most people pass through CityWalk as they trek from the parking garage to the park entrances. But honestly, CityWalk is so much more than just the walkway to the parks.
In reality, CityWalk is a hustling, bustling destination all on its own. Here you’ll find shops and specialty booths selling everything from watches and novelty socks to face painting and even tattoos.
Although CityWalk is part of Universal, it’s not actually inside the park. So that means that you don’t need to buy a ticket to get in. It also means that CityWalk doesn’t close to the parks. This way, you can totally make a later dinner reservation. Or head out for a drink before going back to your hotel for the night.
There are so many CityWalk Restaurants to eat at that it can actually be quite overwhelming. But don’t worry. This list has the best CityWalk restaurants to add to your Universal Orlando trip.
Universal Orlando Insider Tip
Make reservations days in advance for the below best CityWalk restaurants, and make them for several times in case you are unsure when you will go. You can make reservations via Google. Just search for the restaurants on the list on Google Maps and then click on make reservation.
It is that simple. Make sure to cancel reservations if you know you aren’t going to make that time.
1. The Cowfish
We are going to start with our personal favorite and where we eat at least twice on every visit. Cowfish is hands down the best CityWalk restaurant!
So the name “Cowfish” seems a bit confusing, right? But it’s actually quite literal. Cow – Think the best burgers around. Fish – Think sushi, so obviously the best seafood. Now, when you combine these two together, it makes the crazy name “Cowfish.” But when you combine these types of food, you get awesome, delicious, out-of-this-world flavors.
Sushi at Cowfish knocks it out of the park. So you’re good with just about any roll or sashimi you want. Pair it with sake, and your meal is complete.
On the opposite side, the burgers are killer. Just about any one of them will make your mouth water. Take the C.B.C.L.T for instance: It’s a beef burger with cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and Cowfish sauce. Yum.
If you’re going for it, then definitely order the All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi. It’s where sushi meets burger. And it’s just incredible.
- Location: Universal’s CityWalk
- Best for: lunch/dinner
- Best items on the menu: All burgers, The Kings roll, Bento Boxes
- Price range: $9-36
- Menu
- Do they take reservations? Yes (we highly recommend making them two days in advance)
- Mobile Ordering Available? No
2. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is known at Universal for two major reasons. The first and most important is that it has delicious food. Living up to its name, everything sweet is downright scrumptious. From milkshakes to french toast, it’s all yummy. But this also includes anything savory on the menu for lunch or dinner.
Secondly, Toothsome is known as a fun, imaginative eatery. The steampunk decor can be seen inside and out. Shiny brass pipes, cogs, and gears highlight the theme of innovation and exploration. It’s a crazy intersection of the Victorian era and the endless possibilities of the future.
Make sure to make reservations. This is one of the best CityWalk restaurants, and getting a table the same day is unheard of.
- Location: Universal’s CityWalk
- Best for: breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks (it can be more than one)
- Best items on the menu: Milkshakes, french toast, anything with chocolate
- Price range: $5-34
- Menu
- Do they take reservations? Yes
- Mobile Ordering Available? No
3. Vivo Italian Kitchen
Looking for some seriously good Italian food at Universal? Head to Vivo Italian Kitchen. Here, they serve up incredibly delicious food from start to finish.
Beginning with the apps and ending with dessert, it’s all about good food. You can’t go wrong with Vivo’s pasta made in-house. Or any of the pizzas made in the wood oven. The meatballs are so good, and you will find them offered throughout the menu. They’re featured as an appetizer, with pasta, or incorporated into an entrée. It’s even on the kids’ menu, twice.
The best part about Vivo is that you can see the chefs hard at work. Making pasta and hanging it to dry. It’s right there, like a show. But at Vivo, it’s not about glitz and glam. It’s about high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship.
- Location: Universal’s CityWalk
- Best for: Dinner
- Best items on the menu: Bucatini with Meatballs, Wood Stove Pizzas
- Price range: $8-35
- Menu
- Do they take reservations? Yes
- Mobile Ordering Available? No
4. Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
Antojitos is the perfect place to get Mexican at Universal. A celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture, your dinner will be one that excites the senses.
Start dinner off right with table-side guacamole or nachos. Continue on with any one of the delicious mains. They’ve got everything from tacos to fajitas. Or try the Chili Relleno, poblano peppers stuffed with ground beef, sweet potato, apples, raisins, ranchera, salsa verde, and menonita cheese.
If you are a guacamole lover, make sure to order the tableside guacamole.
- Location: Universal’s CityWalk
- Best for: dinner
- Best items on the menu: Cabo Taco, Chili Relleno
- Price range: $8-33
- Menu
- Do they take reservations? Yes
- Mobile Ordering Available? No
5. BigFire
The newest restaurant on Universal’s CityWalk is BigFire. With the theme of a lakeside getaway, BigFire serves up American comfort.
The menu showcases things like steak and fish. But the high quality comes in the way the food is cooked. Using a wood fire grill, the selected wood of cherry, pecan, and oak brings the food to another level of taste.
The heart of BigFire is the feeling of home around the fire. Things on the menu, like fondue and tableside s’mores, seek to give you that right there at the table.
- Location: Universal’s CityWalk
- Best for: Dinner
- Best items on the menu: Filet Mignon, Smoked Pork Mac & Cheese, Tableside S’mores
- Price range: $7-59
- Menu
- Do they take reservations? Yes
- Mobile Ordering Available? No
6. Hot Dog Hall of Fame
Hot Dogs are done right at the Hot Dog Hall of Fame. Here, you’ll be served up the best dogs from around the country. And, as we all know, the best dogs are found at the ballpark.
Representing the best dogs from across the US, you’re likely to find your hometown favorite on the menu. Or better yet, try one from across the country. The Detroit is a classic with a Koegel dog with Abbott’s Coney chili and diced onions. Beantown is represented by The Boson. It’s a Kayem dog on a New England-style bun, spicy brown mustard, diced onions, and relish. Wicked.
On our most recent trip, we ate here on our first night. We stayed at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and after some time in the pool, the kids needed a quick, filling meal. Hot Dog Hall of Fame fit the bill.
- Location: Universal’s CityWalk
- Best for: lunch/dinner
- Best items on the menu: The Detroit, The Boston
- Price range: $2-18
- Menu
- Do they take reservations? No
- Mobile Ordering Available? Yes
7. VooDoo Doughnuts
Looking for a daytime treat with a quirky twist? How about a donut in the shape of a doll with a stake through the heart? VooDoo Doughnuts will serve you some of the most eccentric and tasty pastries in the US.
Known for having superior donuts that are a little extra, VooDoo at CityWalk lives up to the hype. From raised or cake doughnuts to fritters and vegan choices, they’ve got something for everyone. Definitely try the VooDoo Doll, which is a doll-shaped donut filled with raspberry jam. Oh yeah, it has a pretzel stake through the heart.
This is our goto best CityWalk restaurant for breakfast, and it is nice on the wallet too! Click here for our top 10 cheap eats at Universal Orlando.
- Location: Universal’s CityWalk
- Best for: snacks/breakfast
- Best items on the menu: Voodoo Doll
- Price range: $1-30
- Menu
- Do they take reservations? No
- Mobile Ordering Available? Yes
8. Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
Bread Box is there when you’re looking for a fast sandwich that’s convenient and tasty. There’s no mixing words here. Bread Box is a great option for lunch, dinner, or just a snack.
You’ll be set with any one of the sandwiches from Bread Box. They’ve got tuna, turkey, and the classic Italian with all the cold cuts you desire. The wide array of melts gives even more sandwich options that are warm and delicious. Seriously, at Bread Box, no one will be hangry.
- Location: Universal’s CityWalk
- Best for: snacks/lunch/dinner
- Best items on the menu: BBQ Brisket Melt, Italian
- Price range: $4-13
- Menu
- Do they take reservations? No
- Mobile Ordering Available? Yes
Where do you think is the best CityWalk restaurant?