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Not all dining experiences are created equal. Universal Orlando is an expansive destination with a plethora of choices for dining, snacks, and entertainment. Determining which are the best restaurants at Universal Orlando City Walk requires some thought and explanation.

Signs of restaurants available at City Walk in Universal Orlando

I’ve rounded up the best restaurants at Universal Orlando City Walk, as voted on by friends, family, and some of my fellow travel bloggers. I hope this article helps you discover some of the best places to eat at Universal Orlando City Walk!

Best Restaurants at Universal Orlando City Walk

Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Resort is an incredible vacation destination. Not only do guests experience thrilling rides and magical adventures inside the theme park, but a world outside the parks also demands attention!

Of course, I’m referring to the incredible Universal City Walk. Shopping, entertainment, and dining all converge in this amazing outdoor space. Best of all, no theme park ticket is required! One of my favorite things to do at City Walk is eat! With over 26 different restaurants to choose from, how can you possibly make a sound decision? Don’t worry, I can help with that!

Vivo Italian Kitchen

The first restaurant recommendation goes out to all the carb lovers out there. Two words: handmade. pasta. Yes, you read that right. They make their pasta in-house daily!

Fellow travel writer, Michelle P., says, “They do everything from scratch there, and it’s amazing to watch them put the dishes together through the semi-open kitchen. Their service is fantastic, and they also do a great job working with allergies. I didn’t even mention the food yet, did I? The fresh pasta had amazing flavor and texture. It really ruins you for other Italian restaurants.”

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Bento box meal from The Cowfish.

Another restaurant I cannot recommend enough is The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar! The Cowfish is a restaurant kids will love, too, making deciding on a lunch or dinner location much easier.

What’s good at The Cowfish? Since I can’t just say “everything,” I will say to order the All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi if you want to get really crazy. Their bento boxes are pretty popular, but I think they’re too safe for a cool restaurant like The Cowfish. Kids will love this one because their meals all come in bento boxes too! Entrée, two sides, and a cute “sushi” dessert make little ones feel like they can hang with the grown-ups!

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

View of outside of Antojitos Mexican Restaurant at Universal Orlando City Walk.

Mexican food is my jam, especially when guacamole and margaritas are involved! When I asked about the best restaurants at City Walk, several friends jumped at the opportunity to recommend Antojitos.

A close family friend told me that her family eats at Antojitos even when they aren’t going to the theme parks. It must be good if it’s worth the drive from other Orlando area attractions!

Red Oven Pizza Bakery

Red Oven Pizza Bakery is a great option for families. “All the pizzas are made while you wait. They use fresh ingredients and then cook it in a stone bake oven. Kids love watching the chefs work, and the food is over the top delicious every time,” says mom of three Kirsten M.

A restaurant that serves good food and entertains the kids? Sounds like a winner to me! Red Oven Pizza Bakery may not be out of the box, but sometimes you need something that’s familiar and satisfying at mealtime.

Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom

Working with the Bob Marley Foundation and Rita Marley, Universal Orlando recreated Bob Marley’s home on 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica, right at the beginning of City Walk. Featuring artifacts, photos, and videos from the legendary singer’s storied career, Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom is as much a place to eat as it is a walk through history.

Travel writer Yvonne J. shares, “[The restaurant] would be my first choice of entertainment at Universal CityWalk, but on the day I visited, it was closed for a private event. From what I heard, it happens quite often, so check your dates in advance.”

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Margaritaville is one of the best restaurants at Universal Orlando City Walk.

Beach vibes without the sand are what you’ll get at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville! Food, fun, and entertainment abound at this nostalgic crowd-pleaser. Enjoy live indoor music on the restaurant’s main stage and a live outdoor guitarist on the Porch of Indecision.

What would a trip to Margaritaville be without a margarita? Choose from 10 distinct varieties of margaritas to satisfy your tequila fix. If you can’t make up your mind, order a margarita sampler featuring some of the most popular versions of this classic drink.

Save room for dessert! Traditional key lime pie and their famous Chocolate Hurricane dessert are the perfect finish to a great dining experience.

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen

Toothsome milkshakes at Universal City Walk in Orlando.

Last but certainly not least, we must include The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen. It’s a mouthful to say, so I’ll stick to Toothsome for short. Toothsome is not just a chocolate factory. Yes, go for the sweets and treats, but stay for the savory foods! It is one of the best restaurants at Universal Orlando simply for the variety of choices on both its dining and dessert menus.

Do yourself a favor and order the warm chocolate almond bread as an appetizer. Served with salted caramel butter for spreading, the bread will knock your socks off with its unique, semi-sweet flavor. It’s a great departure from typical bread service! Toothsome is famous for its incredibly large and sweet milkshakes, so make sure you save room for dessert (or at least get a macaroon to go)!

Chocolate almond bread at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in Universal Orlando.

Whether you’re looking for good food or exciting entertainment, Universal City Walk has you covered! With so many of the best restaurants in Orlando all in one place, it may be difficult to decide where to go first!