Universal Orlando Resort is cranking up the excitement with a tantalizing peek at what’s cooking for the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe. Known for pushing the limits and storytelling magic, their talented culinary team is ready to transform theme park dining by introducing over a hundred fresh menu items spread across five fascinating worlds.
Come May 22, 2025, Epic Universe will debut with 30 distinctive eateries ranging from full-service dining spots to quick-grab favorites. Each venue is meticulously crafted to whisk visitors away to new culinary landscapes. Craving something international? Whether it’s seafood, Asian delicacies, or the comfort of Italian, French, and barbecue cuisines, your taste buds will have an adventure too. Highlights include a delectable Butterbeer Crêpe at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, the mouthwatering Mario Burger at Super Nintendo World, the adventurous Yaknog in How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and the wickedly intriguing Stakes in Dark Universe.
Celestial Park: A Feast for the Senses
When you wander through the heart of Epic Universe, you’ll stumble upon a smorgasbord of culinary delights. The Atlantic restaurant by the waterfront will beckon seafood enthusiasts with its fresh dishes, while The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant promises an immersive vibe under neon-lit skies with dragons. Meat lovers can head over to The Oak & Star Tavern for some irresistible barbecue, and Pizza Moon is set to please with its imaginative vegan offerings.
Signature dishes include:
- Sea Bass (Atlantic): A delicate and buttery sea bass complemented by carrot mochi, sugar snap peas, and a delightful lemongrass broth.
- Landlubber’s Snickerdoodle Loot (Atlantic): A beachy dessert masterpiece featuring snickerdoodle cake, cookie butter ganache, and Biscoff sand crowned with gummy sharks.
- Tonkotsu Ramen (The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant): A rich, umami-filled bowl with chashu pork, tare egg, shiitake mushrooms, and a togarashi oil drizzle.
- Platter with Mango Bread & Pickles (The Oak & Star Tavern): A robust barbecue platter with options like smoked brisket and pulled pork, paired with mac ‘n’ cheese and braised greens.
- Harvest Moon Pizza (VG) (Pizza Moon): A vibrant vegan pizza featuring grilled artichokes, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and more.
- Grand Atlantic Martini (Atlantic): A classy cocktail combining dry gin, aperitif wine, and a zesty lemon twist.
- Waturi Punch (Celestiki): A refreshing tropical punch with rum, bitters, and various fruit juices.
- The Plastered Owl (The Oak & Star Tavern): A cocktail blending dark rye whiskey, cherry syrup, lemon essence, and muddled cherries.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
Step into a fascinating new realm at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic in Universal’s Epic Universe. Journey through a replica of 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic, featuring engaging shopping, dining, and a thrilling ride based on the Battle of the Ministry storyline. French-inspired wizardry cuisine and enchanting twists on classic magical dishes await your palate.
Must-trys include:
- Butterbeer Crêpe (Café L’air De La Sirène): A Butterbeer-flavored delight wrapped in a crepe with layers of creamy goodness, strawberries, and a drizzle that screams magic.
- Baguette de Dinde (Café L’air De La Sirène): Slices of flavorful turkey with arugula and creamy Brie on a warm baguette.
- Alchemist’s Platter (Le Gobelet Noir): Smoked sausage, cheese pierogies, pickled eggs, and other delectable bites on a German-style platter.
- Quiche Lorraine (Café L’air De La Sirène): A savory pie featuring bacon, cheese, and caramelized onions, with a sweet berry drizzle on the side.
Super Nintendo World: Power Up with Flavor
Step right into the Mushroom Kingdom at Super Nintendo World, where video game fantasies turn into reality. Themed restaurants, shops, and attractions will take you on a tasty journey modeled after Nintendo’s legendary characters like Mario and Donkey Kong.
Menu highlights include:
- Mario Burger (Toadstool Cafe): A beef patty with mushrooms, lettuce, and cheese on a brioche bun with truffle fries.
- Luigi Burger (Toadstool Cafe): Basil pesto chicken with Swiss cheese and sautéed greens in a brioche bun.
- Bowser’s Fireball Challenge (Toadstool Cafe): A fiery one-pound meatball entangled in mushroom marinara and mozzarella, with a dash of bravery.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: A Viking Feast Awaits
Transport yourself to the mystical world of Vikings in the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk land. Crafted to immerse, this destination offers feasts worthy of a Norse saga at Mead Hall and Spit Fyre Grill.
Highlights include:
- Thawfest Platter (Mead Hall): A Viking-worthy spread of BBQ chicken, salmon, and sausages alongside roasted veggies.
- Nordic Harvest Salad (VG) (Mead Hall): A fresh take on salads with kale, apples, and grains, topped with raspberry vinaigrette.
- Stormfly’s Catch of the Day (Mead Hall): A child-friendly dessert with chocolate mousse in crispy rice cereal.
Dark Universe: Sinister Bites and Hauntingly Good Eats
For fans of the eerie, Dark Universe offers a shadow-laden land filled with iconic Universal Monsters’ tales. The menu promises thrills that are as enticing as they are spine-tingling.
Highlights include:
- Stakes (Das Stakehaus): Your choice of protein served on a stake with sides of roasted veggies and mashed potatoes.
- “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich (Das Stakehaus): A bold chicken sandwich with blood orange sauce and zesty slaw in a dark bun.
- Our Favorite Vegan Familiar’s Stuffed Cabbage (VG) (Das Stakehaus): Tender cabbage filled with plant-based meat, served with beet bucatini.
- Hunter’s Garlic Stake (The Burning Blade Tavern): A cheesy delight of garlic pretzel with a rich dipping sauce.
With its vast array of dining options, Universal Epic Universe is gearing up to transform how we experience theme park food. Whether you’re savoring a gourmet meal at Atlantic, relishing a Butterbeer Crêpe, or taking on a fiery food challenge, it’s clear the gastronomy is as much of an adventure as the rides themselves.
