What You Need to Know About Universal Orlando Dining Reservations
There’s nothing better after a long park day than sitting down in the AC for a nice lunch or dinner. Universal Orlando has so many great restaurants, from casual cafés to themed dining experiences, but it helps to know how and when to book a reservation. Here are my top tips for navigating dining reservations at Universal Orlando.
Note: If you are used to booking dining at Disney, this is a much more chill experience.
If you don’t want to make reservations in advance, read about quick dining options here.
How to Make Dining Reservations
If you plan to dine inside Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, you’ll need valid park admission for that day. If you’re visiting during peak times (holidays, spring break, or summer), it’s best to book at least a month ahead. But for most of the year, you can usually secure reservations about a week before your visit.
While most restaurants strongly recommend reservations, MANY also accept walk-ups. Just be aware that wait times can be long depending on the season and time of day.
To make a reservation online, head to Universal Orlando’s Reservations page or use the Universal Orlando app. You can browse menus, select your party size, and choose your date and time directly through either option.
Guests staying at Universal’s Signature Collection hotels: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel, receive priority seating at most restaurants. Keep in mind that priority seating is not the same as a reservation, so I still recommend booking in advance for popular spots.
Dining Reservations Inside the Theme Parks
There are six table-service restaurants within Universal Orlando’s theme parks that take reservations. Valid park admission is required, and you can book online or by calling 407-224-FOOD (3663).
Lombard’s Seafood Grille – Universal Studios Florida
A longtime favorite, Lombard’s sits on the lagoon in the San Francisco area. Enjoy fresh seafood, burgers, and salads while taking in views of the water or the giant indoor fish tank. I love the Lobster Roll and the Fish and Chips.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill – Universal Studios Florida
Step off the streets of New York into this lively Irish-American pub. Enjoy dishes like Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash. There’s often live music, and the atmosphere is hard to beat.
Mythos Restaurant – Islands of Adventure
Mythos is one of the most beautiful restaurants in any theme park. You’ll find it in The Lost Continent, surrounded by towering rockwork and statues. The menu mixes Mediterranean, Asian, and American cuisine. One little thing I want you to know… this place is FREEZING inside. I have been miserably cold inside each time I have eaten here.
Confisco Grille – Islands of Adventure
Located in Port of Entry, Confisco Grille offers a wide variety of flavors, from Asian to Mediterranean to Greek. It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy a relaxed meal near the front of the park before heading out for the day.
Atlantic – Universal Epic Universe
Dine inside an enormous Victorian-style aquarium surrounded by glowing fish. The menu features seafood and steak, and the Aquaria Bar serves themed cocktails like the Northern Lights Martini.
The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – Universal Epic Universe
Enjoy pan-Asian cuisine beneath glowing lanterns and neon dragons. The setting feels like a lively night market, and The Tiger Bar offers signature cocktails like the Chengdu Dream.
Character Dining at Universal Orlando
Marvel fans? Book a Marvel Character Dining experience at Cafe 4 in Islands of Adventure. You’ll meet some of Marvel’s greatest heroes, including Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm and Rogue. Each reservation includes a buffet dinner and one non-alcoholic drink. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance, and it’s best to arrive 15 minutes early.
Note: This experience is only offered on select nights, usually Thursdays and Sundays. Be sure to check the schedule in advance to book this reservation.
Dining Reservations at Universal CityWalk
CityWalk has a great mix of restaurants, and you don’t need park admission to visit. Reservations can be made online. These are great options on park days at Universal Studios or Island of Adventure because they are located right outside both parks.
Restaurants we recommend that accept reservations:
Bigfire
Here, open fire cooking takes center-stage. Elevated American fare like steaks and freshwater cuisine are given the fire-kissed treatment and enhanced using different woods, flavoring your meal with smoky goodness. And for dessert, you can roast s’mores right at your table with a delicious assortment of graham crackers, chocolates and marshmallows.
Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom
Caribbean-influenced dishes, live reggae music, and Bob Marley memorabilia define this unique open-air venue, a replica of the legendary musician's home.
Burgers and sushi, we love this place. Keep them separate or embrace the spirit of Burgushi®.
Crank up the volume and count on a one-of-a-kind meal when you step inside the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe. There's nothing better than the Legendary® Burger, but there are plenty of other menu items to satisfy your hunger. Order a fresh salad, tasty sandwich, or tantalizingly sweet dessert as your eyes take in all of the mind-blowing memorabilia.
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Whether you arrive by land, air, or sea, you're always welcome at this ultra-relaxed ode to island life. Unwind to the tune of live musicians playing Jimmy Buffett covers, tropical sounds, and rock hits. Choose from an island-style menu featuring grilled fish tacos, a Cheeseburger in Paradise, Lava Lava Shrimp, key lime pie, and more plus—of course—margaritas and a host of frozen concoctions.
Sports dining experience! Nearly 100 high-definition screens immerse you in a stream of sports coverage as you drink and dine. Expect much more than your average bar food. In addition to tasty classics like burgers and ribs, discover Loaded Chili Nachos, Asian Grilled Shrimp Salad and an insane Coco-Nut Cake.
Get a taste of Bourbon Street at this bayou bar where dueling piano players accompany a menu of Cajun specialties. Chow down on Crawfish Etouffee, Louisiana Blackened Redfish, the N'awlins Po'Boy and the sweet Bag of Beignets.
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
Kids will love this place. Is the food incredible? No. But it’s more about the experience and the milk shakes. Indulge in classic dishes like steak and seafood. The chefs create culinary alchemy with gourmet chocolates, artisanal milkshakes and sumptuous sundaes.
Italian food! The pasta is handmade before your eyes. Watch as it’s prepared from an open kitchen, along with fresh sauces, pizza, mozzarella and bread. The finest ingredients ensure every meal is authentic, robust, and full of flavor.
Please Remember:
Dining at Universal doesn’t need to be stressful. You can make most of these reservations a couple weeks in advance, but a lot also offer walk ups. Read more about dining options that don’t need reservations here.
If you’d like help making your Universal Orlando dining reservations or planning your park days, I’d love to help.
