Universal Orlando CityWalk is a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that serves as an entrance to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Even though it may seem quiet in the morning, with people rushing by to enter the theme parks, the excitement and crowds grow as the day progresses. Universal CityWalk is a great way to experience the magic of Universal Orlando Resort, but also a fun environment to enjoy with friends or family. The complex is filled with many nightclubs, attractions, shops, and of course, great places to eat.
With so many different restaurants and eateries, you’ll be able to find something for everyone in your group – no matter what their taste buds are craving! If you’re looking for coffee or donuts, try Starbucks or Voodoo Doughnuts. If you’re craving pizza, we recommend checking out Red Oven Pizza Bakery. If you want something sweet like ice cream or frozen yogurt, go to Cold Stone Creamery or Menchie’s. And if you just want a quick service spot for hot dogs or pretzels? The Hot Dog Hall of Fame and Auntie Anne’s will have you covered!
No matter what you’re looking for, CityWalk offers an array of themed restaurants and eateries offering up just about anything you have a taste for throughout the day. The selection of full-service restaurants ranges from hand-crafted sushi to delicious authentic Mexican food, making it possible to satisfy every mood. Here is the list of the best places to eat in Universal CityWalk.
CityWalk’s 11 Highly-Rated Full-Service Restaurants
#1. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Yelp: 4.0 | Trip Advisor: 4.5 | Google: 4.1
Cowfish is one of the most highly-rated CityWalk restaurants. It offers a whole new spin on surf & turf by mixing burgers with sushi! They also serve sushi made with different burger ingredients called “burgushi”. You can even order a bento box that lets you try both! If you want to skip the sushi and burgers, don’t worry because plenty of other food options are available! Cowfish also offers a wide range of drinks, from spiked milkshakes to sake and everything in between.
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
#2. VIVO Italian Kitchen
Yelp: 4.0 | Trip Advisor: 4.5 | Google: 4.1
VIVO is the place to go when you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience. It’s a great place to enjoy some fantastic Italian food and wine and a great place to watch your food being prepared! The open Expo Kitchen lets you see chefs tossing pizzas, baking fresh bread, making various sauces, plates of pasta, and heirloom family recipes. You can sit back and relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the view of the open Expo Kitchen.
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
#3. Hard Rock Café
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.5 | Google: 4.5
With 185 locations in 74 countries around the globe, Hard Rock Cafés are known for their music, memorabilia, and signature food. The Hard Rock Café in Orlando has it all and is currently the largest one in the world! The restaurant offers an extensive menu of American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, and mouth-watering desserts. Don’t forget to check out their selection of memorabilia from iconic rock stars. If you’re looking for a souvenir from your trip, there’s a wide selection of Hard Rock merchandise available for purchase too.
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
#4. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.0 | Google: 4.3
Get ready for a shrimp feast! Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is inspired by the iconic movie Forrest Gump and features delicious shrimp dishes plus a wide variety of Southern favorites, including baby back ribs, fresh fish, and homemade desserts. Test your Forrest Gump trivia knowledge with your friendly waiter, buy movie-inspired souvenirs and merchandise, or just relax with your friends or family over delicious food.
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
#5. Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.0 | Google: 4.3
This restaurant will take you on a journey through Bob Marley’s musical career. Explore a replica of Bob Marley’s home in Kingston, Jamaica, where you can find photos, videos, and artifacts from his life. Then, get a taste of Bob Marley’s home country cuisine with the exquisite menu featuring authentic Jamaican dishes! From oxtail stew to Sun is Shining grilled chicken and more, there are plenty of options for you to enjoy.
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
#6. Pat O’Brien’s
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.0 | Google: 4.3
Join the party at Pat O’Brien’s! This bayou-style bar is a replica of the original Pat O’Brien’s that opened on Bourbon Street in 1933 and has been serving Cajun flavors and good times ever since. You’ll find the same amazing N’awlins Po’Boys, Louisiana Blackened Redfish, Crawfish Etouffee, beignets, and more – along with Mardi Gras beads and live music.
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
#7. Bigfire
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.0 | Google: 4.1
There’s nothing that compares to the smell of a good old-fashioned barbecue. At Bigfire, enjoy the smoky flavors from the grill in a lakeside house setting. Experience the best from open flame grilling, with a wide variety of steaks, burgers, and more – all grilled with the smoky accents of different woods. Then, finish it off with some good old-fashioned s’mores prepared at your table!
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
#8. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.0 | Google: 4.1
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your chocolate fix, this is the place! You can enjoy anything from brunch with quiches and crepes to dinner entrees like hearty steak and seafood att this restaurant, bar, and confectionary. After dinner, don’t forget to get a sweet treat like their one-of-a-kind milkshakes, including Heavenly Hazelnut and Brownie.
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
#9. Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.0 | Google: 4.1
Experience the flavors of Mexico in a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal with friends and family. Choose from favorites like empanadas, tacos, and fajitas. Or try traditional delights like the Mar y Tierra stew. Make sure you save room for a cold beer, margarita, or other drinks of your choice. Plus, on select nights, you can enjoy the sounds of a live Mariachi band while you dine!
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
#10. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.0 | Google: 4.0
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is the ultimate destination for fun and relaxation. Kick back and relax in the tropical paradise while listening to a live band playing Jimmy Buffett cover songs and rock hits. Enjoy their Cheeseburger in Paradise, grilled fish tacos, tasty coconut shrimp, tropical key lime pie, or mouth-watering chocolate hurricane dessert. Don’t forget to try their margarita-filled volcano at the Volcano Bar, where you can choose from 10 different margaritas!
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
#11. NBC Sports Grill & Brew
Yelp: 3.5 | Trip Advisor: 4.0 | Google: 3.9
Sports fans, rejoice! Now you can enjoy all of your favorite sports with delicious food and drinks. NBC Sports Grill & Brew is the ultimate in sports dining. You’ll find nearly 100 TV screens streaming all the current sports, so you never have to miss a play. From burgers and ribs to loaded chili nachos and Asian grilled shrimp salad, there’s something for everyone at NBC Sports Grill & Brew! You also have the choice of more than 100 bottled and draft beers, including local brews and imports, as well as other tasty drinks like wines and specialty cocktails.
OPEN: Mon – Sun | 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Get to Know the Best Places to Eat in Universal CityWalk
Our list of the 11 Best Places to Eat in Universal CityWalk is based on user rankings and recommendations complied from Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google.
| Name | Yelp | Trip Advisor | Total | |
| The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 12.6 |
| VIVO Italian Kitchen | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 12.6 |
| Hard Rock Cafe | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 12.5 |
| Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 11.8 |
| Bob Marley–A Tribute to Freedom | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 11.8 |
| Pat O’Brien’s | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 11.8 |
| Bigfire | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 11.6 |
| Toothsome Chocolate Emporium | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 11.6 |
| Antojito’s Authentic Mexican Food | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 11.6 |
| Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 11.5 |
| NBC Sports Grill & Brew | 3.5 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 11.4 |
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