When our family took a trip to Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, I expected to enjoy the rides. 

What I didn’t expect was that I’d fall head over heels for theme park food. 

Yes, I know. When you hear that phrase you probably think of a hundred deep-fried menu items or small portions that don’t satisfy anyone. 

But beyond the thrill rides the parks are known for, the food deserves a spotlight of its own. 

From three iconic types of Butterbeer that everyone knows, to underrated gems like beignets from an unexpected food cart, Universal Orlando offers a full-on flavor tour.

Our visit was a little unique because we took advantage of an Orlando Informer meetup, where we got access to the park after-hours and enjoyed unlimited food (on a more limited restaurant menu).

That said, here’s the food we tried and how much we loved it at each place we stopped.

Universal Studios Florida

San Francisco

Richter’s Burger Co.

After braving big rides Revenge of the Mummy, we stopped at Richter’s Burger Co. for a quick refuel.  It’s a solid option if you need something fast and familiar, but there’s not too much more to say about it than that, honestly. 

The fries and burgers were decent, but the chicken sandwich was dry and forgettable. Douse it in ketchup if you want to get all the way through it.

One thing we did find very enjoyable were the milkshakes. Just the right blend of thickness with the ability to suck it down with a straw.

While the food wasn’t overly memorable, though, the atmosphere of the restaurant is a different story.

True to its name (a play on the Richter scale) the entire restaurant shakes in regular intervals with a fake earthquake. The memorabilia on the walls is also fun, with posters and callbacks to various disaster movies throughout the years.

Diagon Alley

Florian Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour

We tried a number of different flavors of ice cream at Florian Fortescue’s, and every single one of them hit the spot. 

The true star, though, is the soft serve Butterbeer ice cream. As you might have guessed, it’s rich and dreamy, perfect for a quick snack while your kids search every stepping stone and alleyway for where they can cast spells with the interactive wands you got them at Ollivander’s.

Leaky Cauldron

Unfortunately, we only took photos at Leaky Cauldron and didn’t have a chance to snag any of its food. 

The menu borrows elements from the Harry Potter movies and has a subtle English flair (for example, Shepherd’s Pie is a top menu item). 

But the options weren’t mesmerizing our kids, so we passed on eating and got more Butterbeer instead. 

Hollywood

Cafe La Bamba

On our way out of the park on our second night, we lucked into quesabirria tacos from Cafe La Bamba. All the other food options were closed, but like moths to a flame we saw a light (and a small line) at this spot so we detoured off the main walkway and boy, were we glad we did.

Think crispy grilled tortillas, melty cheese, slow-cooked beef that is just the right way to refuel after getting in 20,000 steps. I’m salivating just thinking of it again.

Islands of Adventure

Hogsmeade

Let’s start our Islands of Adventure food journey where every foodie-fanatic visiting Universal Orlando should: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

We tried all the varieties of Butterbeer—hot, cold, frozen, and even the aforementioned soft serve ice cream. 

It’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite. At night during the Orlando Informer meetup, the hot Butterbeer was a welcome way to warm up while walking through the cool midnight air. 

I don’t think you can go wrong with the classic cold version, though. It’s so creamy and frothy. No joke, I think I had a dozen one night. 

My stomach couldn’t handle any more…and yet, I still think daily about going back so I can overenjoy again.

Three Broomsticks

At Three Broomsticks, we went all in with a family-style feast of fish and chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and appie pies. 

It’s hearty, comforting food that feels straight out of the Harry Potter books. And the best part is that there is SO much of it. We were all stuffed before we even finished the main courses, and the apple pies could be a meal all on their own.

Eating inside is half the fun, too. The wooden tables and scenery truly transport you to another world, which makes the food that much better.

Seuss Landing

Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop

After a few spins on the High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, we cooled down with some colorful ice cream in Seuss Landing. 

It’s playful, sweet, and exactly what you’d expect in a land full of whimsy. Flavors like Blue Lemonade Elephant ice pops and mint chocolate chip ice cream with rainbow sprinkles are perfect for kids—and parents who don’t take themselves too seriously.

Plus, the Dr. Seuss-themed backdrops are perfect for an Instagram post with your cone.

Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Mardi Gras

Last but not least, we attended the Orlando Informer meetup during Universal Mardi Gras, which meant there were even more food options than you’d usually find. 

Beignets

Warm, golden, and dusted with powdered sugar, these beignets were the kind of treat that makes time stop for a second. 

Light and pillowy inside, with just enough crisp on the outside to hold up under the sugar. 

It was like New Orleans met Universal, and the result was pure magic. We devoured them on a bench just outside the Mummy ride and went back for seconds.

And maybe thirds.

Purple sugar cookies

I’m not sure if these purple Mardi Gras cookies were something you could find anywhere else in the park, but they were available during a pre-park gathering for Orlando Informer.

Our kids could not get enough of them. They were as big as my face, as purple as Grimace, and as delicious a sugar cookie as I’ve ever had. 

Jambalaya

Another big hit during the pre-park gathering was the Jambalaya. Rice, beans, just the right amount of spice to get you reaching for your Coke Zero. 

I could have eaten a whole gallon of it, but I didn’t want to get too full before I even got to my first cup of Butterbeer for the day.

The Final Word About Food in Universal Studios

Ride the coasters. Get the wand. Take the selfie with Megatron behind you. 

But also, don’t you dare glance over the incredible food you can eat here. Get the Butterbeer ice cream (get all the Butterbeer variations, truly).

Hunt down the hidden tacos. Eat an apple pie or two.

And absolutely buy the beignets, wherever you can find them.

You’ll thank me later.