The best food I tried at Epic Universe
Universal invited me to try almost 20 new Epic Universe food items. Here were my favorites.
When Epic Universe opens this May, it will forever change the Orlando theme park scene, bringing dozens of pioneering attractions and incredibly immersive lands. It will also change the food landscape at Universal Orlando Resort, with over 30 new dining locations that will dish 100+ all-new, wildly creative eats and sips. And Universal will flex its culinary muscles in ways we have yet to see with elevated eats, having us rethink the definition of “theme park food.”
I was invited by Universal to the Epic Universe campus to preview almost 20 of these highly anticipated new items. Here were my favorites and a few I think I’ll skip once the theme park opens.
My favorite Epic Universe food and drinks
Butterbeer Crêpe
Location: Café L’air De La Sirène (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic)
Description: Shortbread Cookie Butter Bavarian Cream, Butterbeer Cream, Strawberries, Butterbeer Drizzle, and a Butterbeer Branded Shortbread Cookie
Review: Butterbeer in any form, from ice cream to the iconic drink, is a hot commodity in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But this new creation has upped the ante, and I anticipate it being one of the most sought-after foods at Epic Universe.
In my opinion, the crêpe is the best form of Butterbeer they’ve created yet, with notes of warm caramel and butterscotch shining through. I loved how the crunch of the shortbread cookie pairs with the crêpe itself. The presentation is top-notch and overall, it isn’t too sweet. It’s so good that when Universal chefs prepared it for Warner Bros. executives, they received a standing ovation.
I’d like to note that the executive chef and vice president of culinary for Universal Orlando, Jens Dahlmann (pictured below in the Epic Universe campus kitchen), is from Europe, so I’m keenly interested in all of the French-inspired cuisine that will be offered in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
King Oyster Mushroom Ceviche (Vegan)
Location: Atlantic (Celestial Park)
Description: Marinated Mushroom, Tomato, Cilantro, Jicama, Lime
Review: Atlantic, and Celestial Park as a whole, is going to be the sleeper hit for foodies at Epic Universe. The King Oyster Mushroom Ceviche is 100% vegan — and completely fooled me. The mushrooms are prepared in such a way that the end result mimics seafood ceviche. Its flavor profile is far from boring, with notes of tangy citrus. The sweety drop peppers add a nice zing that ties the entire dish together.
Chefs shared that offering inspired vegan options is a priority for them, and this was a home run. Guests can expect at least one vegan option at each restaurant, and dishes that can be easily modified to vegan.
Reaper’s Reserve
Location: Das Stakehaus (Dark Universe)
Description: Caramel-Spice Brown Ale, Clove, Nutmeg, Cinnamon
Review: I’m a big fan of the exclusive Universal beers, including those in Wizarding World, but this new one might be my favorite. Produced in partnership with Crooked Can Brewing Company (Winter Garden), the custom Reaper’s Reserve beer will be available exclusively in Dark Universe at every location with a draft tap. It’s very drinkable, with winter flavors and subtle natural sweetness from the spices.
Sea Bass
Location: Atlantic (Celestial Park)
Description: Sea Bass, carrot mochi, sugar snap peas, lemongrass broth, star fruit
Sea Bass is my favorite fish and whenever I have the chance to order it, that’s what I’m getting. This dish was prepared excellently. The fish itself was flaky and perfectly cooked. Lemongrass broth is a great pairing for the delicate fish, and I was pleasantly surprised by the use of star fruit and loved how its subtle sweetness paired well with the savory preparation of the fish.
Chefs shared that the Atlantic will have an upper-level bar that will serve the restaurant’s full menu and offer great views.
Smashed Cucumbers (Vegan)
Location: The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant (Celestial Park)
Description: Dragon Sauce, Cilantro, Peanuts, Sichuan Dust
Review: Chilled cucumber salads are having a bit of a moment. And this preparation of a southeast Asia-inspired dish is amazing. It’s light and refreshing, but bursting with flavor thanks to the well-balanced marinate Universal has named Dragon Sauce, which has black vinegar, soy, and chili oil. I also appreciate that this is legitimately spicy, not “theme park spicy.” I’d pair this with Blue Dragon’s Snowflake Potstickers for a filling, well rounded meal.
Brownie Eclipse
Location: Pizza Moon (Celestial Park)
Description: Warm Gooey Brownie, Nutella, Toasted Marshmallows, Crushed Oreo
Review: The Brownie Eclipse is decadent and rich — a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth. I have a feeling this will be one of the most popular desserts at Epic Universe. The presentation is also a standout, served in a custom, branded miniature pizza box.
Thawfest Platter
Location: Mead Hall (How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk)
Description: Wild Berry BBQ Glaze Chicken Drumsticks, Grilled Salmon, Sausage Links, Roasted Carrots, Cipollini Onions, Nordic Fries, Side Sauce (Wild Berry BBQ and Dill Fennel)
Review: A similar concept to existing family-style offerings at The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Thawfest Platter at Epic Universe is a large-format dish meant to be split among four people. (Or you can go full Viking and eat it all yourself — no judgment.) The proteins really shine, including a pastrami seasoned salmon, playfully named Hiccup’s Grilled Salmon as an homage to the first time Hiccup met Toothless and gave him a salmon in the movie.
Out of all the Epic Universe food I tried, I was most taken aback by the Thawfest Platter, as every single element of the dish, even down to the marinated pickles, is amazing. Two sauces are served on the side, dill fennel and wild berry barbecue, with both being outstanding. The chicken drumsticks are incredibly moist with a crispy glazed exterior. The sausage links, similar to a kielbasa, are also delicious. Overall, it also drives home the immersive element of Epic Universe food with a strong connection to “How to Train Your Dragon” and Viking culture.
I’d pair this with the custom mead, Gobber’s Mead, created for the park in partnership with Brewlihan Mead Company, a Florida meadery. The honey-based alcoholic drink, which will be available at Mead Hall, has notes of boysenberry and blackcurrant.
Chengdu Dream
Location: The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant (Celestial Park)
Description: Ming River Sichuan Baijiu, Blue Curacao, BG Reynolds Falernum Syrup, White Grapefruit Juice, Pineapple Juice, Golden Sugar Rim, Edible Orchid
Review: Tiki cocktails are my favorite. I am always cautiously optimistic when they’re added to theme park menus, as they are often cloyingly sweet and far from balanced. Luckily, I was wrong here. The Chengdu Dream at Epic Universe’s Blue Dragon is amazing and expertly tinkered with to create a balanced cocktail. Pineapple flavors are the strongest, but it isn’t too sweet, and I love the Asian twist on tiki culture showcasing traditional Chinese liquor that’s a cross between rum and mezcal.
Mario Burger (Bacon, Mushroom, and Cheese)
Location: Toadstool Café (Super Nintendo World)
Description: All-beef Patty, Bacon, Mushrooms, Lettuce, Tomato, American Cheese, Brioche Bun
Review: I’ve had the Mario Burger several times at the existing Super Nintendo World on the west coast at Universal Studios Hollywood, but its preparation when trying at the Epic Universe campus was excellent. The all-beef patty is the star, perfectly seasoned and cooked. It’s not reinventing the wheel by any means, but it’s a great burger that’s far better than any other burger options out there at theme parks. And the presentation is fun, with a keepsake plastic Mario hat toothpick.
Northern Lights
Location: Atlantic (Celestial Park)
Description: Beluga Noble Vodka, Pallini limoncello, Ferrand Dry Curacao, Lemon Juice, Simple syrup, Butterfly Pea Blossom Ice Sphere, and Edible Gold Luster Dust
Review: The Northern Lights drink is essentially an elevated lemon drop martini that’s well-balanced and boozy. The Butterfly pea blossom ice sphere is visually fun and produces a color-changing effect when interacting with the citrus based on Ph levels.
Labotocotta
Location: Das Stakehaus (Dark Universe)
Description: Greek Yogurt-based Vanilla Panna Cotta Brain with Raspberries
Review: This vanilla panna cotta is an unexpected delight and not gelatin-like, which is often the case with this dessert. It’s creamy and light, and stunning visually. I love the popping candies in the raspberry sauce that mimic blood vessels popping (how fitting of Dark Universe!).
What I think I’ll skip when the park opens
Yoshi’s Smoothie (Apple Melon)
Location: Yoshi’s Snack Island (Super Nintendo World)
Description: Green Apple and Honeydew Melon Syrup Frozen with Milk, Topped with Whipped Cream, Honeydew Melon Syrup and a Mint Sprig
Review: Yoshi’s Smoothie arrives from Universal Studios Japan, with a twist to make it more palatable to American tastebuds. It ‘ incredibly sweet, which might not work for guests who prefer savory, but I can see this being a hit for those with a major sweet tooth and children. The flavors of the honeydew and apple are interesting together, but again, incredibly sweet (like so, so, so(!) sweet).
Carved Staked Steak
Location: Das Steakhouse (Dark Universe)
Description: Carved Strip Steak, Charred Green Onion, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Baby Carrots, Acorn Squash, Crispy Maitake Mushrooms with a “Bloody” Jus
Review: The bar was set incredibly high during our Epic Universe food tasting, which might be why this dish just fell flat for me. It’s elevated theme park fare, but with so many other more interesting dishes, in my opinion, I think I’ll save my meat sweats for another occasion. The mashed and au jus are the standouts of the dish. But I’m still holding out hope that the rest of Dark Universe will shine in the food department.
Niçoise Salad
Location: Café L’air De La Sirène (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic)
Description: A colorful delicacy featuring tuna salad, fingerling potatoes, niçoise olives, eggs, tomatoes, haricot verts, pickled red onions complemented with a flavorful mustard vinaigrette.
Review: While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this dish, it ‘s quite basic. With so many exciting options park-wide, I can’t imagine choosing this one. The mustard vinaigrette is very flavorful, but I’d save this one for a particularly hot day when a lighter bite is more suitable.
Some interesting Epic Universe tidbits I learned during my visit
Epic Universe menu development took around five years, with two of them used to fine-tune recipes and adapt from a high volume and operational standpoint.
Cinnamon bread, an iconic theme park eat, is coming to Epic Universe within Dark Universe, but it will look much different than we’ve seen it at Dollywood and Silver Dollar City. The chefs at Universal wanted to put their own fun twist on it and it will be served in donut hole style.
Wizarding World will reflect not only cuisines of France, but Eastern Europe. Le Gobelet Noir will serve hearty foods, like schnitzel, while Café L’air De La Sirène was inspired by a classic 1920s Parisian brasserie.
The dishes in Super Nintendo World arrive from Universal Studios Japan and Hollywood. There won’t necessarily be any “exclusive” Orlando eats for Nintendo, as there’s meant to be only one Mushroom Kingdom that connects all locations.
Some food in Dark Universe’s Das Stakehaus will feature a tiny wooden stake inscribed with the Latin phrase that translates to “Upon Our Will.” This is to remind human guests that their life could be taken at any moment by the familiars.
Which Epic Universe food are you looking forward to trying?
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