Our 5 Favorite Universal Orlando CityWalk Restaurants

At Universal Orlando Resort, the fun begins before you even enter a theme park.  

Universal CityWalk is an entertainment complex with over 30 acres of attractions, dining, and shopping.  

Whether you’re headed to CityWalk for an evening of live music and dancing or ending an exciting day at the theme parks, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the over two dozen restaurants is always a good idea. But how do you choose the right one? 

As a Universal Partner Hotel and the closest Rosen Inn to Universal Orlando, we’re experts when it comes to the theme parks and CityWalk.  That’s why we’ve put together a list of our top 5 Universal CityWalk Restaurants to help you narrow your options.  

The Cowfish 

If you’ve ever found yourself unable to choose between sushi and burgers, we have the perfect compromise. 

The Cowfish is a sushi burger bar with an extensive menu featuring fun sushi rolls, heavenly burgers, and tantalizing appetizers.  

Sushi-lovers will appreciate classics like California and Philly rolls, while also exploring uncharted sushi territory with fusion specialty rolls. Take, for example, the One Night in Tijuana roll with yellowtail, jalapeño, and avocado, flash-fried and topped with smokey chipotle and roasted jalapeño aioli, micro cilantro, and tangy Tajín.  

If you’re feeling tropical, try Dion’s OMG! Roll, with crispy tempura coconut shrimp, kani (imitation krab), and English cucumber, coated in crunchy tempura flakes and topped with mango, avocado, spicy honey marmalade, and coconut flakes.  

As promised, there’s plenty on the menu for burger lovers, too. Whether you prefer your patty to be made with premium Creekstone Farms black angus beef or tender braised short rib, the perfect combo of meat, toppings, and bun is waiting for you at Cowfish.  

Their burgers are topped with unique ingredients like pork belly, jalapeño-infused cream cheese, fried shiitake mushrooms, and yes, even peanut butter.  

If you still can’t choose between sushi and a burger (and really, we can’t blame you), try Cowfish’s Burgurshi rolls and pick-ups, a unique fusion of burgers and sushi. Whether it’s seasoned premium black angus beef wrapped in soy paper and rice or a combo meal with mini-burgers and 4-piece rolls, you can satisfy every craving at The Cowfish.  

Vivo Italian Kitchen 

For many people, Italian food can be synonymous with comfort food. After a long day of trekking through the theme parks, a cozy table and a delicious display of comfort food can be just what the body needs.  

At Vivo Italian Kitchen, your favorite Italian dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients for a meal that is as authentic and full of flavor as it is comforting.  

The restaurant itself is contemporary with sleek modern touches and a large modern bar. The open kitchen allows you to watch as a skilled culinary team prepares each dish from scratch, including pasta, mozzarella, and bread.  

Begin your meal with Primi, or starters, like flash-fried calamari served with a tangy and cream lemon-garlic aioli, or ricotta that’s been lightly breaded and fried with house made tomato sauce.  

Pizza fans will swoon for their wood stove pizzas, topped with a variety of cheeses, herbs, Italian meats, and even an earthy truffle burrata.  

All pasta is made fresh and in-house daily and is served with exceptional sauces, cheeses, and seasonings. Keep things simple with a fragrant Bolognese or amp up the flavor with the Squid Ink Seafood pasta or a rich sausage ragu.  

Vivo Italian Kitchen is a great option for date night, families, or anyone looking for a delicious meal that balances familiar comfort food with fresh ingredients and big flavors.  

Bigfire 

If your appetite is demanding heartier fare, look no further than Bigfire. This steakhouse is known for its American fare with an emphasis on foods that are grilled, seared, smoked, barbecued, and cooked over an open flame.  

Bigfire’s concept is a nod to the nostalgia of cooking over an open fire while on family vacations. The restaurant gives off modern family lake house vibes down to the outdoor firepits on the patio.  

Begin your meal with starters like bourbon cheese fondue, served with crispy cauliflower, blistered shishito peppers, and hearth grilled baby carrots. Warm your soul with a bowl of campfire chili, served with a dollop of sour cream and sweet cornbread.  

Bigfire fire grilled steaks are made from all natural pure Angus beef and prepared with two types of wood for extra flavor.  

In addition to steaks, they’re also serving up quality entrées like a braised Colorado lamb shank, Dutch oven beef Burgundy, and a tender beer can chicken.  

Accompany your meal with a smoky cocktail made from bourbon, whiskey, or rye. If you prefer something lighter and sweeter, there are plenty of specialty cocktails from the bar, too.  

Don’t forget to finish your dinner with tableside s’mores or the delectable rocky road baked Alaska!  

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen 

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is one of those restaurants where you have to plan ahead to save room for dessert. That is, of course, if you don’t decide to make dessert the main course.  

This 19th century, steam punk-inspired eatery is best known for its gargantuan milkshakes and desserts, but their savory menu is not to be missed.  

Start your meal with a scrumptious appetizer like Totchos, which are crispy tater tots topped with spicy green chili, crispy pork belly, and a smoky andouille sausage queso. There’s also flash-fried coffee and chocolate stout chicken wings, baked brie en croûte served with a raspberry marmalade and chocolate almond bread, and spicy roasted Brussels sprouts.  

For your main course, you can choose from a variety of burgers and sandwiches or go big with a pasta dish or entrée. Toothsome has everything from braised short ribs and their signature filet mignon to grilled teriyaki salmon and wild mushroom chicken risotto.  

Where Toothsome really shines, however, is their dessert menu.  

You’ve never had a milkshake quite like a Toothsome milkshake. Piled high with whipped cream and topped with garnishes like whole cupcakes and slices of cake, their milkshakes are practically two – or more – desserts in one. Their sundaes are equally impressive.  

Not an ice cream person? There’s always a menu of classic desserts from which to choose, as well as a massive bakery counter at the front of the restaurant as you leave. 

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food  

Sometimes, after a long hot day at the theme parks, there’s nothing better than fresh and delicious Mexican food.  

Antojitos is a great spot for tacos, empanadas, and other made-from-scratch Mexican street food that will satisfy your appetite and delight your taste buds.  

The restaurant itself is lively and colorful, inspired by authentic Mexican cantinas. On select evenings, you’ll even find live mariachi music serenading you as you dine.  

Start your meal with a refreshing margarita – perhaps one flavored with citrusy blood orange or summery watermelon – or another refreshing cocktail of your choice.  

Then, chow down on Mexican classics like empanadas, tamales, and queso fundido. Keep things light with an array of flavorful street tacos or enjoy sizzling fajitas that sound almost as delicious as they taste.  

Antojitos also has an array of Especiales de la Casa like cheesy quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, and more.  

Stay Close to Universal CityWalk Orlando at Rosen Inn Closest to Universal  

When you stay at Rosen Inn closest to Universal, CityWalk and all of its fantastic restaurants are just over two miles away.  

Whether you’re gearing up for a day of dining or need a place to digest and unwind, Rosen Inn closest to Universal has comfortable and spacious rooms, a seasonally heated swimming pool, and free scheduled shuttles to and from Universal Orlando theme parks – and CityWalk! 

So, indulge in that margarita and splurge on dessert; we’ll make sure your comfy bed is waiting for you when you return.