ADVERTORIAL • January 2020

Universal Orlando Resort: a foodie’s guide

Universal Orlando Resort is synonymous with family adventure, but beneath the rides and attractions lies a culinary scene that will delight taste buds and keep you fuelled for a day of fun. Spread across its three parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park – as well as its spectacular hotels and the night-time entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, there’s no shortage of feelgood food for the off-season traveller. Here are the best places for a bite… 

Bar 17
1

The rooftop respite

Where: Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Escape the hubbub of the streets below and get some perspective with spectacular views across all three of Universal’s theme parks at Bar 17 Bistro. A hidden oasis at the top of Universal’s Aventura Hotel, here the food complements the vista, and a plate of the delicious steamed bao buns is an irresistible place to start. Flavours include braised pork belly, firecracker shrimp and Mongolian beef. Wash it down with an ‘Almost Sangria’ cocktail, a sweet mix of rosé, thyme and strawberry. 
Price: ££ 

Antojitos
2

The made-from-scratch Mexican

Where: Universal CityWalk 
From the moment this technicolour restaurant on the Universal CityWalk comes into view, you can be certain of a fiesta of flavour. At Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, the menu is bursting with freshly-made Mexican street food favourites such as tacos, empanadas and fajitas, as well as more traditional dishes like the hearty Mar y Tierra Stew – a surf and turf triumph. Savour guacamole, served with a cold cerveza, complemented by live Mariachi music on selected evenings that is sure to transport you to a steamy night in Mexico City. 
Price: ££ 

Leaky Cauldron
3

The magical meal

Where: You may not recognise it in Diagon Alley based on its modest exterior, but once inside the Leaky Cauldron you’ll be captivated by the enchanting atmosphere of this wizarding inn, where secrets are whispered from wizard to wizard and Butterbeer is enjoyed by the mugful. Sat beneath the vaulted cathedral ceiling, order a feast fit for a wizard – hearty classics such as toad in the hole, bangers and mash, and cottage pie are on the menu. 
Price: £ 

Bigfire
4

The fiery feast

Where: Universal CityWalk 
A stroll along the CityWalk dining and entertainment district is sure to tempt the taste buds, but it’s the flame-kissed food at Bigfire that’s perhaps hardest to resist. Recreating the feel of an American lakeside summer house, open-fire cooking takes centre stage and offers big hearty flavours that vary depending on the pairings of different woods. Finish your steak dinner with a dessert of s’mores cooked tableside – certain to transport diners to the heart of camp Americana. 
Price: £££ 

Strong Water Tavern
5

The tempting tipple

Where: Loews Sapphire Falls Resort 
Strong Water Tavern is a rum lover’s paradise. With rum cask lids lining the ceiling and a wall of rums greeting you from behind the bar, this tavern specialises in the sweet stuff – with knowledgeable mixologists and plenty of choice. While the dark wood interiors invoke an earthy sophistication, you could always head outside to the large outdoor fire pit, complete with waterfall and lagoon views, and enjoy the tapas-style plates – the delicate Peruvian ceviche makes a great place to start.
Price: ££ 

Voodoo Doughnut
6

The sweet snack

Where: Universal CityWalk 
Finish your day with a devilishly delicious treat from Voodoo Doughnut that celebrates your sweet tooth. Decorated as extravagantly as your imagination, try the Memphis Mafia Fritter with banana chunks, cinnamon glaze, chocolate and peanut, or enjoy a wide range of vegan doughnuts, bars, shells and specialities. For the ultimate test, take on the Texas, which is equal in size to six regular glazed doughnuts. 
Price: £ 


British Airways flies direct to Orlando seven times a week. To book your Universal Orlando holiday, click here 

Aventura Hotel TM & © 2020 UCF Hotel Venture IV. All rights reserved. Sapphire Falls Resort TM & © 2020 UCF Hotel Venture III. All Rights Reserved. ©2020 Voodoo Doughnut, LLC. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2019 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s20)

Must be 21+ with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.

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This article has been tagged Advertorial, Food + Drink