New to Universal- where should we eat?

[zomama]

I am going to universal for 2 days in December with my 3 kids- 6, 11 and 14. I know nothing about universal! Where should we eat? Do I need reservations? What’s the process for reservations? Tia!

 

[twincruisers]

Toothsome seems to be one of the popular choices for all kids with their super-sized shakes.
I'm also very interested in Cowfish as well. Both are at Citywalk and reservations are recommended.

quite a few options in-park as well but I’m assuming you’ll be doing some of the HP dining options to easily fill up the 2 days.

 

[Pooh's World]

I am going to universal for 2 days in December with my 3 kids- 6, 11 and 14. I know nothing about universal! Where should we eat? Do I need reservations? What’s the process for reservations? Tia!

I would recommend the two main Harry Potter restaurants.
The 3 broomsticks and the Leakycauldron

 

[zomama]

I would recommend the two main Harry Potter restaurants.
The 3 broomsticks and the Leakycauldron

Do we need reservations?

 

[cschaaf]

Before COVID times, reservations were only needed when the parks were super busy. In current times, I'd recommend reservations on most days.

I don't think you can reserve Three Broomsticks or Leaky Cauldron - they are quick serve restaurants.

I'd recommend checking out menus for the restaurants. Go here then use the filter to only select the two non-water parks and City Walk (un-check Volcano Bay and Resorts).

To make reservations, use the link above and click on the restaurant you want. If they take reservations, you'll see the link in with all of the other links like the menus, dietary needs, etc..

Alternately, there is a phone number that you can call to make reservations.

For some reason, you can't jump to the booking site from the app.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I like Mythos, Bumble Bee Man's Taco Truck, and Toothsome. The Harry Potter dining options are enjoyable as well.

 

[nouvellefleur]

Toothsome and their super sized desserts should be a hit with the kids - I haven't eaten there yet but the consensus always seems to be that the service is on the slow side, so I'd probably make a dinner reservation rather than try to do lunch.

Cowfish is fantastic for dinner, with many kid friendly options.

These days, I'd recommend a reservation for any sit-down restaurants you want to try.

The Harry Potter restaurants are quick service / counter service - you can just walk in. The theming is fantastic if you're an HP fan. Everyone flocks to the HP restaurants for lunch, so if you don't like lines you can try to eat at off-peak times. I've also heard good things about the revamped menu at Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park. If you like tater tots, there are the cult favorite smothered tots at Green Eggs & Ham in Seussland.

The Universal website catches a lot of flak for some reason, but I think it's great for narrowing down restaurant choices - basically every restaurant and quick service location has their menu listed so you can see if it appeals to your family's palate. We made a short list for places we'd like to eat, and for quick service lunches and snacks we plan to hit up whatever on the list sounds best at the time or is closest. It's an approach that works for us.

 

[Pooh's World]

Toothsome and their super sized desserts should be a hit with the kids - I haven't eaten there yet but the consensus always seems to be that the service is on the slow side, so I'd probably make a dinner reservation rather than try to do lunch.

Cowfish is fantastic for dinner, with many kid friendly options.

These days, I'd recommend a reservation for any sit-down restaurants you want to try.

The Harry Potter restaurants are quick service / counter service - you can just walk in. The theming is fantastic if you're an HP fan. Everyone flocks to the HP restaurants for lunch, so if you don't like lines you can try to eat at off-peak times. I've also heard good things about the revamped menu at Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park. If you like tater tots, there are the cult favorite smothered tots at Green Eggs & Ham in Seussland.

The Universal website catches a lot of flak for some reason, but I think it's great for narrowing down restaurant choices - basically every restaurant and quick service location has their menu listed so you can see if it appeals to your family's palate. We made a short list for places we'd like to eat, and for quick service lunches and snacks we plan to hit up whatever on the list sounds best at the time or is closest. It's an approach that works for us.

I'm actually surprised how popular Toothsome is.
Originally I think it was going to be called Tootsome Chocolate Factory.

Seems alot more popular than the NBA restaurant.

 

[nouvellefleur]

I'm actually surprised how popular Toothsome is.
Originally I think it was going to be called Tootsome Chocolate Factory.

Seems alot more popular than the NBA restaurant.

Their reviews are a little mixed, but frankly that's the case at every theme park restaurant, even the ones I've had thoroughly good food and service at. There are enough positive reviews that it seems worth a shot to me. I haven't eaten there yet but my sister is intrigued by their menu, so we're going to try it in November.

 

[BroadwayHermione5]

In the parks: Leaky Cauldron, Simpsons Fast Food Boulevard, Florean Fortescues(ice cream), Mythos

City Walk: Big Fire, Antojitos, Voodoo Doughnuts

 

[susustudios]

wimpy's. good food and value

 

[Pooh's World]

wimpy's. good food and value

Is it this Wimpy's or the one at Islands of Adventure? Are they the same company?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wimpy_(restaurant)

 

[susustudios]

Is it this Wimpy's or the one at Islands of Adventure? Are they the same company?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wimpy_(restaurant)

just meant the one at islands of adventure, i assume they're different companies