Top 10 Restaurants to Try at Universal CityWalk Orlando in 2025

When you think of Universal Orlando, your mind probably jumps straight to roller coasters, wands, wizards, and cinematic adventures, but let me tell you, you’re sleeping on CityWalk if you’re not planning your meals with the same energy.

Because this place? It’s not just a pass-through plaza or a glorified food court. It’s an experience, a flavor-packed, vibe-heavy, unexpectedly amazing culinary destination.

CityWalk is where your day begins with a sugar rush from a bacon-topped doughnut and ends with a fire-grilled steak and a smoky bourbon cocktail by the water.

It’s where families split massive platters of nachos under glowing margarita signs, where friends toast after a long park day with sushi rolls and milkshakes spiked with rum, and where live mariachi bands compete with sizzling tacos for your attention.

1. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Let’s be honest—fusing sushi with burgers sounds a little chaotic. But at Cowfish, that chaos is intentional, and it works. This place brings two different food cultures together and serves up something bold, fun, and oddly satisfying.

The “Burgushi” rolls are clever, combining ingredients like seared beef, pickles, and avocado wrapped like sushi. It’s the kind of food that makes you smile while eating it.

I didn’t eat here this time around, but I’ve talked to more than a few people who’ve called it their favorite “first night in Orlando” spot—and I can see why. It’s upbeat, creative, and makes a fantastic intro to the CityWalk scene.

2. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is equal parts restaurant, fantasy novel, and dessert heaven.

You’ll see it before you even reach the entrance—giant smokestacks puffing away atop a steampunk-inspired factory façade. Inside, it feels like stepping into a storybook.

You’re welcomed by actors playing quirky “inventors” who roam the dining room while you sip elaborate milkshakes towering with whipped cream, cookies, cupcakes, and literal candy bars.

The food isn’t just an afterthought, either. Their truffle pasta was rich and perfectly cooked, and the burgers had that perfect sweet-and-savory balance thanks to their signature sauces.

You can also grab hand-crafted chocolates and macarons from their dessert counter on the way out. If you’ve got a sweet tooth (or even if you don’t), this place is unforgettable.

3. Hard Rock Cafe Orlando (I ate here twice—and would go back a third time.)

There’s something iconic about stepping into the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe.

Even before the food arrives, you’re surrounded by decades of music history—from guitars signed by legends to Prince’s custom-made jacket. But it’s not just about the memorabilia.

The food is reliably great: massive burgers, loaded mac & cheese, tender ribs, and crispy onion rings that crunch.

@me.toselli HARD ROCK CAFÉ ORLANDO🎸 👩‍🎤🧑‍🎤 Descubrimos la esencia del rock a máximo volumen🎧, disfrutamos la Legendary Burger 🍔 y canjeamos nuestros vouchers exclusivos ME! por una remera oficial Hard Rock café 🤩🤘🏼 . . . #grupotoselli #bytoselli #soloconme #deluxeorlando #viajeadisney #quinceañeras #viajeconamigas #viviloconme #soloconme ♬ sonido original – ME!

I went with a group and we split the Smokehouse BBQ Combo—it fed three of us. The staff was super friendly and full of fun facts about the memorabilia, and the live music was the perfect backdrop to our evening.

This is the kind of place where you can easily lose a couple of hours just soaking in the vibe and stuffing your face.

4. Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

Antojitos is like a celebration disguised as a restaurant. It’s bold, it’s loud, and it’s a total party inside. But beyond the colorful lighting and mariachi music, the food is deeply flavorful and refreshingly authentic.

Their tacos are generously stuffed and seasoned just right, and the table-side guacamole is not a gimmick—it’s downright delicious, made exactly how you like it.

The drink menu is also strong (literally), with tequila and mezcal options that will challenge your adventurous side. It’s a great choice for a fun night out, and the perfect place to kick off a CityWalk crawl with friends.

5. Bigfire (I dined here, and it’s now one of my top recommendations.)

Bigfire doesn’t just serve food—it delivers a full-on culinary experience.

From the moment you walk in, the scent of real wood smoke hits you in the best way. I went here for a quieter evening, and I’m glad I did. The space is cozy but elegant—think mountain lodge meets modern steakhouse.

ICYMI: Bigfire is bringing American fare with a bold fire-kissed taste to #UniversalCityWalk. 🤤

Learn more about the new restaurant at https://t.co/eO02VtW6Dy. pic.twitter.com/fNj4SqzzJm

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) April 10, 2019

The filet mignon was melt-in-your-mouth perfect, and the smoked old-fashioned might be one of the best cocktails I’ve had anywhere.

And then there’s the s’mores. Yes, you get to roast your own at the table, complete with artisan marshmallows and chocolate squares. It was nostalgic, romantic, and just plain fun. I highly, highly recommend it.

6. VIVO Italian Kitchen

VIVO Italian Kitchen feels like a warm hug wrapped in handmade pasta. It’s one of the quieter restaurants at CityWalk, making it a welcome retreat from the chaos.

The food is comfort-driven but elevated. Every pasta dish is made from scratch, and you can see it happening thanks to their open kitchen design.

The bolognese is rich and satisfying, the flatbreads are crisp and flavorful, and the desserts—especially the tiramisu—are top-tier.

7. NBC Sports Grill & Brew (I watched a game here—crazy fun.)

NBC Sports Grill & Brew takes the sports bar concept and levels it way up.

If you’re even mildly into sports, this is a great place to catch a game and have a better-than-expected meal. When I visited, the energy was electric—the outdoor screen was packed, and inside was buzzing.

The steak wedge salad was surprisingly refined for a bar dish, and the beer list is easily the best on CityWalk. You could come here three nights in a row and try something new every time.

It’s also perfect for groups—whether you’re there for game day or just want some solid American food in a high-energy setting.

8. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Stepping into Margaritaville is like taking a vacation from your vacation. It’s breezy, colorful, and unapologetically fun.

The vibe is island casual, the drinks are strong, and the portions are generous.

The cheeseburger really does live up to its name, and the volcano nachos are a must-share appetizer—huge and messy in the best possible way.

9. Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut is loud, weird, and completely wonderful. The line might be long, but it moves quickly, and the payoff is worth it.

The flavor combinations are off the wall—think cereal toppings, bacon-maple combos, and fillings that ooze out like jammy lava.

There’s a playful energy to the place, from the staff to the pink boxes to the cheeky names of the doughnuts. Grab a few for breakfast the next day—or just devour them all on the spot like I did.

10. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Yes, it’s a movie-themed restaurant, but don’t overlook the food. Bubba Gump delivers when it comes to quality seafood in a fun, approachable setting.

The shrimp sampler gives you a little of everything (fried, grilled, skewered), and the coconut shrimp is crispy, sweet, and rich.

It’s casual and kid-friendly, with quotes and references to Forrest Gump everywhere. Fun, comforting, and very satisfying after a long day of walking the parks.

Final Thoughts

After spending time at Universal CityWalk Orlando, one thing becomes crystal clear: this isn’t just where you eat—it’s where your vacation continues after the rides stop spinning.

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, CityWalk should be at the top of your list for an unforgettable dining experience.

CityWalk takes dining and cranks it up to the theme park level, not just in portion sizes or decor, but in creativity, atmosphere, and the total experience.

It’s not trying to be Michelin-star fine dining—it’s trying to be fun, memorable, and absolutely satisfying. And it succeeds.

Where else can you kick off your night with sushi-burger hybrids and end it with a gourmet milkshake topped with an entire cupcake?

Where can you find mariachi music playing as you devour fresh guac, or roast marshmallows over your own personal flame after a fire-grilled filet?

The range of options is impressive—not just in cuisine, but in vibe. Romantic dinners, loud group hangouts, quirky dessert stops, chill island escapes, sports bar energy—it’s all packed into this one electric promenade.