Please share your fantasy dining line-up!

[DVCanonymouse]

We (4 adults) will be in Universal Orlando for 3-4 days (arriving Saturday 8/28 around noon, leaving Tuesday 8/31 time TBD). We are staying at the Hard Rock and have 3 or 4 day park-to-park passes. We have been to WDW many times, but this will be our first time visiting Universal. One member of our party must dine gluten-free. We are adventurous eaters, and budget is a consideration, but not a huge factor. We would prefer to stay away from national chains, for example, we love Cowfish and enjoy Hard Rock Cafe but have done those elsewhere. We tend to do breakfast on the go, a counter service for lunch, and a table service for dinner when we are at Disney, but can be flexible if there's a not-to-be-missed breakfast or brunch somewhere.

If you are familiar with Universal, we would appreciate your advice and input. If you had only 4 days and wanted to taste the best (or most unique) the property had to offer, what would be your dream dining plans?

Thanks!

 

[CAPSLOCK]

NBC Grill is really good, as is Toothsome. Antojitos is excellent mexican food.

In parks, Confisco Grill is a tasty table service. The Harry Potter restaurants have excellent theming, but slow service during Covid IME. Thunder Terrace (in Jurassic Park area) is the same BBQ as Leaky Cauldron but had better service (much, much better service).

 

[Missingmypooh]

Gluten free isn’t too hard, but snacks are an issue!

highly recommend the sit down options in the parks, not the quick service for gluten free eats (or you could always split the party up). Confisco and Finnegans are our favorites for gluten free!

the resort are much easier for gluten free and gluten free snacks. I can’t remember the name of the hard rock restaurant, but the food was delicious!

here’s Universal’s allergy page, it’s basically blank...Universal Orlando food allergies

but since you’ve never been, this gluten free beginners guide would be a better option Gluten Free Universal Orlando 2021

 

[keishashadow]

If u have a vehicle or willing to Uber, so many great dining options just a few min drive offsite. Much easier to reach than from Disney bubble

we like toothsome, nbc grill is fine, margaritaville is lively

mythos has been more than miss than hit for us Lately as to menu changes. Same with lombards. Finnegan's rueben was excellent last fall after a few years of soggy messes

amatista at SF is quite good, if open during your visit.

 

[glocon]

For counter service, the two HP restaurants are a must. As “un-chain-like” as you can be, fun and immersive. We love Mythos (Risotto of the day) for sit down in the park, and Finnegans as well. Antojitos is delicious with fun entertainment, but very loud entertainment. We really enjoyed our meals at Toothsome, but only ate there once. Like Jakes at RPR for sit down (not too expensive) The Kitchen at HRH (a bit more expensive, and there used to be a magician who did magic tableside one night a week, not sure if this still happens) and Sals Deli at PBH (not too expensive). So many options!!!

 

[keishashadow]

Risotto of the day

It’s always been great. It’s just such a heavy dish for lunch in FL heat

 

[Bethany10]

As others have said Orlando offers a lot if you're willing to dive off site. We loved Vivo (Italian, pricey but worth the cost). Many have enjoyed big fire, it's not on my radar as we're in the midwest and steakhouses are plentiful here. Mythos is on our list for this summer.

If you go to Volcano Bay the pulled pork smelled amazing when we were there. I know the Palm (again high end) at HRH (thank you Schumi) is very nice

 

[schumigirl]

As others have said Orlando offers a lot if you're willing to dive off site. We loved Vivo (Italian, pricey but worth the cost). Many have enjoyed big fire, it's not on my radar as we're in the midwest and steakhouses are plentiful here. Mythos is on our list for this summer.

If you go to Volcano Bay the pulled pork smelled amazing when we were there. I know the Palm (again high end) at Royal Pacific? is very nice

The Palm is in the HRH Bethany and yes, it`s beautiful, one of our favourite restaurants in Orlando.

 

[Bethany10]

The Palm is in the HRH Bethany and yes, it`s beautiful, one of our favourite restaurants in Orlando.

Ah, I will update my post then. Because we have access to quality steak and steakhouses here it's just not that high on my radar. Good seafood on the other hand. . . .

 

[GoofyDad_4427]

If you are talking about MY dream meals, then i would plan on having a great dinner everyday. I am much less concerned about my breakfast and lunch dining, but there is something nice about relaxing with a great meal and a drink (or several) after a long day in the parks. With that said, my choices in order of preference, combining both food and ambiance, for dinners would be:
1. Palm
2. Antijitos
3. Jake's
4. NBC Sports

The Palm is very expensive but the others are all very reasonable, so it balances out nicely for a budget as well.