Scheduled to open on May 22, Universal Epic Universe promises to be the most ambitious theme park ever built by Universal Orlando Resort in Florida. In addition to immersive attractions inspired by iconic franchises, the park will offer an unprecedented and diverse culinary experience, with 30 establishments ranging from full-service restaurants to kiosks and themed snack bars. In total, over 100 exclusive dishes and beverages will be available, many of them created specifically to reflect the world of Universal’s movies and characters.
Each of the park’s five themed areas will feature dining options aligned with their visual identity and narrative, offering visitors not only an action-packed journey but also a festival of flavors. The concept of Epic Universe is to transform food into an extension of the immersive experience, allowing visitors to taste dishes inspired by the fantastic settings they explore.
Among the highlights on the menu are the butterbeer crepe, which adds a sweet and nostalgic touch for Harry Potter fans, and bold dishes like Bowser’s giant meatball, inspired by the Super Mario universe. Additionally, the park will offer a wide variety of cuisines, including French, Italian, Asian, seafood, barbecue, vegan, and vegetarian options. Below is a detailed dive into the Epic Universe’s gastronomy.
One of the most anticipated areas of the new park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, will transport visitors to a setting inspired by the British Ministry of Magic, combining elements of both the magical world of London and the French magical world featured in Fantastic Beasts. The culinary experience will be sophisticated, full of references to the Harry Potter universe.
The centerpiece of the area will be the Butterbeer Crêpe, an innovative variation of the popular Butterbeer, which is already a hit at other Universal parks. This exclusive dessert will consist of a crepe filled with butterbeer cookie paste, Bavarian cream, Butterbeer cream, fresh strawberries, and Butterbeer sauce, creating an irresistible combination for fans of the saga.
The refined Le Gobelet Noir, a French-themed restaurant in the area, will feature dishes that reflect the magical gastronomy of the wizarding world. Among the menu options, visitors will find a lentil stew with vegan bacon and vegetables, perfect for those seeking a comforting and inclusive meal. The restaurant will also offer a tray inspired by traditional British wizard meals, with smoked sausage, pickled eggs, marinated beets, caramelized onions, and a pretzel served with German mustard and cheese fondue.
At Café L’air De La Sirène, the French inspiration continues with sophisticated dishes, such as a baguette filled with peppered turkey, arugula, apples, and creamy Brie cheese, as well as a delicious puff pastry pie filled with egg cream, bacon, Gruyère cheese, and caramelized onions.
The vibrant and interactive Super Nintendo World area will feature four themed restaurants, each filled with creative dishes that evoke the world of Mario and his friends’ games.
Among the highlights is the half-kilo meatball covered with mozzarella cheese and mushroom sauce, served with a puff pastry inspired by the villain Bowser. This dish will be available at Toadstool Café, which will also offer a beef burger with mushrooms served in a brioche bun, accompanied by truffle fries.
The café’s menu will also include a special option for chicken lovers: a grilled chicken sandwich with basil pesto, melted Swiss cheese, green peppers, and fresh spinach in a brioche bun.
At the Yoshi’s Snack Island kiosk, visitors will be able to try unique drinks, such as a refreshing mix of apple and sweet melon syrup, combined with milk, whipped cream, and green apple bubbles.
Located in the heart of Epic Universe, Celestial Park will be an oasis filled with lush vegetation, water fountains, and atmospheric lighting. The area will feature over 15 dining establishments, offering a broad diversity of dishes and drinks.
The sophisticated Atlantic Restaurant will present refined cuisine, with dishes like bass served with carrot mochi and peas, accompanied by an aromatic lemongrass broth and starfruit slices. For cocktail enthusiasts, one option will be the Grand Atlantic Martini, which combines dry gin, aperitif wine, and a golden strip of lemon peel.
At The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, fans of Asian cuisine will be able to enjoy traditional Tonkotsu Ramen, as well as try the innovative Khaosan Boba, a milk tea with tapioca pearls served with coffee foam.
Barbecue lovers will delight in The Oak & Star Tavern, which will offer trays of smoked meats paired with mac & cheese, alongside artisanal whiskey-based drinks.
The dark area of Dark Universe, inspired by classic movie monsters, will offer a mysterious and impactful dining experience.
At The Burning Blade Tavern, one of the most anticipated snacks will be the crispy cheese and garlic pretzel, served with smoked garlic sauce. At Das Steakhouse, visitors will be able to sample a beef brisket meatloaf with wild mushrooms, along with an intriguing dish of chicken breast served with “blood orange” sauce over black bread.
Inspired by the How to Train Your Dragon films, Isle of Berk will bring robust and rustic-looking cuisine reminiscent of Viking banquets.
At Mead Hall, visitors will be able to try Yaknog, a creamy drink made with malted chocolate, cinnamon, and whipped cream. For dessert, one option will be a chocolate mousse shaped like a fish, served over a bed of crispy rice cereal.
Main dishes will include chicken croquettes with barbecue sauce, as well as a tray with smoked salmon, handmade sausage, and sides like carrots, onions, and Nordic-style fried potatoes.
The culinary proposal of Universal Epic Universe promises to be one of the most innovative ever seen in theme parks. From nostalgic flavors to refined dishes, the diversity and creativity of the cuisine make a visit to the park a true sensory experience, merging entertainment and gastronomy in an epic way.
