Universal Studios Hollywood Dining

Breakfast

-Eat before you go! Or bring some granola bars. Early morning in the parks is a mad dash and sometimes it feels like there isn’t much available. 

-If you have early access to Super Nintendo World, you have a great chance at getting into Toadstool’s Cafe. This is a great eatery and it is open in the mornings. It does not serve breakfast food, so you will be having a hamburger for breakfast, but it’ll be cute! Buy your Power Up Band, ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, then head here for a meal before the masses arrive!

-If you head to Hogsmeade first and arrive early, get the rides and Olivanders out of the way, then head to the Three Broomsticks for breakfast. If you like coffee, try getting a coffee and a hot butterbeer and then mix them half and half with a friend.

-If you head to Minions and Secret Life of Pets area first, you can swing by the French Street Bistro for a pastry and coffee.

-Simpsons fans may be heading to The Simpsons Ride and could enjoy The Big Pink, the giant pink frosting’d donut available in the area, but I find it underwhelming.

Lunch

-Lunch may be one of the tougher meals to nail down… you can get something grab and go in any area but lines will be long. 

-There is a pizza/pasta spot in Simpsons area, both are great. Krusty’s and Cletus’s (burgers and chicken) may have long lines, but once you order you get your food quickly. There is plenty of seating upstairs with TV’s and AC. Luigi Risotto is the pizza and pasta, seating is communal at picnic tables with Simpsons toons playing.

-Minions Cafe has grab and go options, the nachos are delish!

-Lower lot only has Panda Express… ‘nuf said. There is a spot for corn dogs and hot dogs but line is ALWAYS long! I am not counting Toadstools Cafe because it is impossible to get a reservation unless you are first there in the morning. Then you will not want to go all the way back down for your reservation later!

-Lunch and dinner at Three Broomsticks is touch and go… the fish and chips is the only decent option there!

Dinner

-Hollywood and Dine is near the park entrance, I honestly have never eaten here! If you’re this close to the exit, you may as well head to CityWalk for better food. I’ll try it out on my next trip and post an update.

-CityWalk is my choice for dinner. You can make a reservation or walk up and wait. So many great restaurants here, great Italian food at Vivo, great Mexican food at Antojios, NBC Sports Bar and Grill is great bar food, I have not tried Dongpo or Wasabi, but I am sure they are decent. The newcomer on the scene is Toothsome… I much prefer the Orlando restaurant than the Hollywood location, which is much smaller and less themed. Their menu also seems HUGE which is never that great of a thing if you’re looking for amazing food. Their desert and candy selection is second to none, though. I would head here as a walk in and ask to sit at the desert bar. You get the ambiance and get what they are known for… sweets!

-Head back into the park for late night fun!

Snacks

-The giant Bavarian pretzels on your way to Secret Life of Pets and Minions are salty and delish.

-Frozen or hot butterbeer in Hogsmeade… sweet and yummy!

-Chips, churros, popcorn and sometimes hot dogs are at carts throughout the park, including on your way from upper to lower lot and at the line for Backlot Tour.

-Nachos at Minions Cafe, delicious but tough to take to go.