When hunger strikes between roller coaster rides, street performances, and movie screenings, knowing exactly where to refuel can make or break your visit to Universal CityWalk Hollywood. This sprawling entertainment district is more than just a gateway to the theme park. It is a culinary destination in its own right, offering a staggering variety of flavors ranging from world-class sushi to massive, indulgent donuts.
However, the sheer volume of neon signs and aromatic grills can be overwhelming for first-time visitors and seasoned pass holders alike. With dozens of restaurants, kiosks, and bars competing for your attention, a little planning goes a long way. You do not want to waste an hour wandering around trying to settle on a spot when you could be enjoying the attractions.
That is why we have curated a list of the absolute best dining experiences the promenade has to offer. Whether you are looking for a quick grab-and-go snack to keep the family moving, or a sit-down dinner with craft cocktails to end the night, there is a perfect table waiting for you. This guide balances quality, atmosphere, and value to help you make the right choice.
We have considered everything from the iconic establishments that have defined the Hollywood experience for decades to newer hotspots that are generating serious buzz. You will find options for picky eaters, adventurous foodies, and everyone in between. The goal is to ensure that your meal is just as memorable as the Wizarding World or the Studio Tour.
Before we dive into the specific venues, it is important to note that menus and operating hours at CityWalk can shift seasonally. We recommend checking the official Universal Studios Hollywood app for real-time availability and reservations. Now, let’s explore the standout dining destinations that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Here are the best places to eat at Universal CityWalk Hollywood right now.
The Three Broomsticks
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 864-8377 |
We visited Three Broomsticks for the second time today and once again really enjoyed the experience.
A major highlight for our family is that they offer a separate gluten-free menu. This makes ordering much easier and gives families with celiac disease or gluten intolerance far more confidence. We chose the herb roast chicken with roasted potatoes and corn on the cob, and it was very tasty. Our child really enjoyed the meal and was very happy to have a proper gluten-free option in such a special setting.
We also tried the gluten-free chicken tenders with fries. Unfortunately, these were not nearly as good. The breading was extremely hard—almost rock-hard—and the tenders were difficult to eat. This is something that could definitely be improved.
The plastic cutlery also feels rather cheap and does not make the best impression, especially considering the otherwise excellent setting.
However, the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic. The restaurant genuinely feels like stepping into the Harry Potter films. The interior is incredibly detailed, the staff are very friendly, and some of them stay wonderfully in character, which makes the experience even more immersive.
Despite the criticism, having a dedicated gluten-free menu and being able to offer our child a safe and enjoyable meal means a great deal to us. For a theme park restaurant, this was an excellent overall experience and deserves five stars.
The three broomsticks is labeled as one of the best restaurants in all of Hollywood universal studios, and I didn't really see the hype. The service was really friendly and was very energetic/helpful. the atmosphere was almost perfect, nice, quiet, peaceful, and the decorations representing Harry Potter were quite amazing. I didn't find the food really good, just okay, but the butterbeer was really good! it didn't live up to all the hype I had seen about it but it was still enjoyable. would rather just get a coke tho. all in all the restraunt was so-so
We stopped by here in the morning for coffee and butter beer then we came back later and had lunch. Arrived around 11:30 for lunch so it thankfully wasn’t too busy yet! It was easy to find a good table, kinda away from everyone else. As we were sitting and eating, it got a lot more busy. The prices actually aren’t that bad, considering the large amount of food you get. My husband and I each got a meal and it filled us up. Both tasted fresh and delicious. I got the vegan shepherds pie. He got the chicken salad. I absolutely loooooved the vegan shepherds pie! I would definitely recommend trying it.
Food was surprisingly good!! Spareribs platter solid (7.6/10).Hot butterbeer delicous! like warm root beer (8/10) Pumpkin juice surprisingly refreshing! (8.2/10) Added to atmosphere, would come back again for sure!!
I came with my parents on a Wednesday at around 11:45am to not have to deal with the lunch hour rush. Service was mediocre: the cashier seemed to be in a massive rush to get rid of us even though it wasn't even lunch time and there was no one else ordering, lol. That aside, the ambiance is excellent; you do feel like you're immersed in a British tavern about to eat some good food. The food itself is also stellar, I think this is, bar none, the best food you can find while inside the park (that's not really saying much: Universal Studios Hollywood isn't precisely known for their many fine dining choices). My dad and I got two orders of Fish & Chips, my mom went with the Spare Ribs, and although the Fish & Chips were great in their own right, a side of me do wishes I would have gone with the Spare Ribs too, it was that good. The corn on the cob that comes as a side in the Spare Ribs is particularly sweet, juicy, easy to chew on and just overall delicious. The ribs themselves come off the bone so easily, they're tender and cooked to perfection. The Fish & Chips were like 3 pieces of battered, deep fried fish, alongside some french fries, they definitely were good too. All in all a great experience, but hopefully you have better luck with getting a nicer cashier, lol.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 864-8377 |
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a fantastic destination, even if you're not visiting the theme park. The atmosphere is lively and full of energy, with a great mix of restaurants, shops, live entertainment, and attractions.
There are plenty of dining options for every taste, unique stores to explore, and it's a great place to spend an evening walking around, listening to music, and enjoying the vibrant Hollywood vibe. Everything is clean, well maintained, and easy to navigate.
Whether you're grabbing dinner, shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere before or after Universal Studios, CityWalk is definitely worth a visit. It's a fun experience for families, couples, and anyone looking for a great night out in Los Angeles.
Universal CityWalk is such a fun area to walk around, especially if you’re visiting Universal but don’t necessarily want to buy a park ticket. It’s completely free to enter, which is awesome, and there are tons of shops and places to eat.
There’s a great variety of stores from fun souvenir spots to bigger retail stores and it’s a cool atmosphere overall with music playing and lots of energy. Even early in the morning there was a lot of foot traffic, so it definitely stays busy.
The only downside during our visit was that quite a few stores I wanted to go into were still closed since it was early. So if you’re hoping to shop, it’s probably better to go later in the day.
Overall, it’s a fun place to hang out, grab food, and explore — especially if you’re in the area but not going into the park. Today a high school band was playing live on the stage from Illinois.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is honestly one of the best places to hang out at night in Los Angeles.
4
This was one of the highlights of my LA trip. The whole area is packed with energy — bright lights, music, restaurants, bars, and people everywhere. It feels like a mix of a theme park and a nightlife street.
What I liked the most is that you don’t need a ticket to enjoy this place. You can just walk around, grab food, have drinks, and enjoy the vibe without entering Universal Studios.
There are plenty of options — from casual food to restaurants and bars — so it’s a perfect spot to chill after a long day or before heading into the park.
✔ Free entry (no ticket needed)
✔ Great night atmosphere
✔ Lots of food, bars, and shops
✔ Perfect pre/post Universal Studios stop
If you’re in LA, especially near Universal Studios, this place is definitely worth checking out at night.
👉 Check my profile for more real travel tips and hidden spots.
A great mix of dining and shopping. Everyone enters through security and there are security officers all around making it feel very safe even in a crowd. We loved live music each evening and trying new places to eat. The sushi place IS open their phone is just down.
Universal City Walk is AMAZING! It is a vibrant shopping and dining area in Hollywood. The entire city walk was beautiful, clean, and safe. They have a tremendous selection of iconic eateries and shopping opportunities. Everything feels larger than life.... like you stepped into a motion picture. It is adjacent to Universal Studios as well as the Universal Theme Park, as well as close to other entertainment venues. Self-parking fees are very reasonable for the city. If dining out, shopping, and the hustle and bustle of the city is your thing.... I highly recommend you take a stroll through Universal City Walk.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
| Address | Universal Studios Hollywood, 26 Universal City Plaza, North Hollywood, CA 91602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 622-2222 |
This place was extremely cool. Decor was steampunk and it was pretty empty when we went so that worked for us. I ordered a hot honey pineapple flatbread.. it had way too much hot honey. It was dripping and it should not have had that much in my opinion. A little drizzle would have sufficed. My friend got a burger which wad decent sized and cooked to order. The best part was the chocolate bread before our main meal. Sweet but not too sweet. Luis.. i believe was our server, really great service. I would go back just because of him.
I had not been to this location since it was the Hard Rock Cafe. Still a very beautiful and interesting building. I heard that at one point they had a little chocolate shop set up in one of the side corners but it didn't do so well, so it changed to be a milkshake bar.
This place did feel like a theme park styled restaurant, which it is, being in City Walk
Walk. So it did have theme park prices, but it was still decent.
We went here for a friend's birthday and everyone had a good time! We shared a few appetizers and most people got a burger as their main meal. They had some unique sweet/chocolate themed foods, but we only tried the chocolate bread, which was a great choice!
Service was friendly, though they felt a little understaffed since it was not a very busy night, but our meals got messed up twice and the staff seemed a little rushed.
Overall a decent place, with lots of interesting decorations to look at. Expect to spend a little money if you come with a group or family. Lots of fun options, especially if you have a sweet tooth!
Went here twice during our stay at Hollywood Universal and thoroughly enjoyed it both times! We had burgers and the veggie stir fry + drinks. The veggie burger there was easily one of the best I’ve had and the veggie stir fry was fantastic as well. We tried the whiskey flight featuring some of their chocolate/sweet themed spirits, and I would highly recommend the caramel apple cocktail they have! We didn’t get a chance to try any of their signature milkshakes, but they looked incredible. The steampunk aesthetic they have is super fun and the waitstaff were great.
Skip food and get drinks. The food was average and overpriced. It took a long time for it to come out and the fries were cold. The highlight was the bread appetizer. The hamburger was ok, Ceasar salad was small for the price. The pasta lacked flavor. The desserts were ok. Chocolate bacon was decent. The drink menu was unique and lots of options. Service was training and she messed up a few items but was friendly. It had a cool vibe but wouldn't return for the food.
Overall, an edible meal. Glad I went on a weekday. Not very busy, so no wait for seating. Customer service was excellent. The interior is nice and gives the restuarant a nice vibe. Ordered the chocolate bread, which was more like a chocolate crossiant, and the Tour de France. Food was good and edible. Prices are high but that's expected at Citywalk.
NBC Sports Grill & Brew
| Address | 167 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90068 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 622-0431 |
They had a super bar tender! She worked the entire bar, all the bar tables and served drinks for the remainder of the restaurant. She had zero help, no bar back, and no support. I even offered to help her bus tables. No employee should be put in that situation. Ever. I hope she gets the support she deserves. On top of the service challenges, the food was horrible. Our boneless wings were pre cooked and then kind of tossed in sauce. Not appetizing. At all.
Total failure but great atmosphere.
We’ve been here twice, and both times we ate until we could barely move. The food is insanely good, and the portions are huge. Best mac and cheese I’ve ever had in my life.
The staff is super friendly and attentive. If we’re lucky enough to make it back to Los Angeles, we’ll definitely stop by for lunch again. Thanks so much!
I just went there during Universal Fan Fest Nights and got one of the One Piece special items (Sanji's Curly Brow Shrimp Pasta) and honestly it was one of the best meals I've ever had in the US. The shrimp skewers were great but the star of the show was actually the pasta itself - the sauce was spicy but neither too mild nor overpowering. The service was also great, but the food was really what left me there smiling, especially since it's so perfectly themed for the event. Hope they get some themed food here next Fan Fest Nights as well - I'll definitely go there!!!
Was exciting to grab food at NBC Grill, as I had heard good things. My caesar wrap was $20, so I expected it to be a very substantial portion. The wrap ended up being very, very small (like, half the size of a chipotle burrito), which was shocking based on how expensive it was. My boyfriend ordered the pulled pork tacos, which was far less expensive than my wrap, and his portion was far larger.
I chose french fries for the side, which also came in a small portion. On top of that, the fries were overcooked to the point where they tasted burnt. We didn't end up finishing them because the taste was so bad.
Overall, the service was very poor. Our waitress kept forgetting about us, and we had to ask someone else to bring us our check.
We regretted choosing this restaurant, as there are many cheaper options on the CityWalk that have better, quicker service.
Cool setup, but behind in quality and attentiveness. Our server was nice, but there was a disconnect between hosting and servers. The burgers lacked flavor and the length of wait was longer than expected. I’m surprised that the “National Broadcast Company” would attach their name and reputation on subpar food. Next time I’ll spend my + $90 @ Vivo or somewhere else offsite!
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
| Address | Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 622-7833 |
Why have I not heard of this place sooner!?!? This place is fabulous!!! It’s greatly constructed to make you feel like you’re really on a cruise. They even have a tiny stage for bands to play! How cool is that?!? I loved it here. The food is top notch and the drinks are very delicious. We had the jambalaya, which was incredible and the Beach Club Sandwich. Highly recommended spot. If you’re a fan of fried pickles I highly suggest you try 🤤
One of the nicer restaurants at Universal City Walk. They just came out with several new menu items including the double patty smasburger and the tuna poke bowl.
The decor is beautiful and the restaurant is spacious and the staff was really attentive and helpful. We plan to come back very soon.
Make sure to get your parking ticket validated.
Stopped by here during our Universal trip and had a nice time! They have a large selection of drinks and it certainly fits the theme of Margaritaville inside. We missed the music, but it looks like they also play live music during certain times.
This is not Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville.... this is just a franchise created by Universal that's different. The drinks were really good and Will, our server, made the whole experience very fun, but unfortunately I was not impressed with the food and wouldn't want to go back. The fish was extra salty and ALL the food we had really lacked flavor. It's absolutely not worth the money and doesn't have the same menu as all other locations. If we had realized that this one was different we wouldn't have driven way out of the way to it, it was definitely a let down. But all the service staff was very nice and we really appreciated that aspect of our experience.
Had the worst experience tonight. The waiter Ryan was not attentive at all. The food was terrible. Fries were soggy, the bread for the club wasn't toasted at all. We would of said something if he would of come back to ask.... frustrating for a $110 bill
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
| Address | 1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 509-9463 |
After a long day at Universal Studios, this was a good place to sit down and have dinner. The food was delicious and they had happy hour appetizers before 7pm on weekdays. Got the mozzarella sticks and brussel sprouts. Got the 2-3 person spicy sausage rigatoni and it was huge. Know that it is a family style restaurant. There are two sizes for the main dish to share. 2-3 people size or 4-5 sized portions. The food was good, but I cannot give 5 stars unless a Italian Restaurant makes their own pasta. For a chain restaurant, it was very good.
We had such a wonderful experience at Buca di Beppo last week! The food was delicious (especially chicken Marsala and apple, Gorgonzola salad), the portions were generous, and the service was friendly and attentive. Our family really enjoyed the atmosphere and had a great time together.
While we were there, we also purchased some family pictures but accidentally left them at the restaurant. We contacted Kate, the manager of the photo service, and she was incredibly kind and helpful. She mailed the physical photo directly to our home address and also sent us all of the digital pictures that were taken.
We truly appreciated the excellent customer service and the extra effort Kate made to help us. Great food, great service, and such a caring team. We will definitely be back!
First time believe it or not. It is a fun experience the music the atmosphere is so charming. The server Moisés was also charming. Good recommendations from him and he explained how things worked very well. The drinks were top notch delicious.
We had an absolutely wonderful experience thanks to our server, Moises! His service was outstanding from start to finish. He was incredibly attentive, friendly, and quick to take care of everything we needed. Our food and drinks came out fast, and he made sure to check on us throughout our visit without ever being overbearing.
Moises truly went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. His positive attitude and excellent customer service really stood out. We greatly appreciate all his hard work and will definitely be coming back. Thank you, Moises, for making our visit so enjoyable! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had a spontaneous trip my partner , my daughter and her friend to have dinner here and we were amazed at the service. Not only was the food delicious and fast but our server Alberto and bartender Moises gave us the best time ever. Both working together they were Super attentive, friendly, polite , nice and the most amazing drinks! Definitely coming back and asking for them! You wanna have an amazing time …ask for them!!!!
Hollywood & Dine
| Address | 4461 Main Way Universal, North Hollywood, CA 91602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Yum yum yum - highly recommend. The seating area could definitely be larger but I was able to find a spot after waiting just a few minutes. The corn dog was very good, except they forgot the cilantro and it wasn’t as crispy as other corn dogs I’ve had but it was still very good. The burgers were very good as well.
Tried the new elote corn hot dog. I never had that much salt in my life. It looked good though and the fast and furious theme was cool. The food would not recommend
Three years ago, on my birthday, I went to Universal Studios. Right after entering the park, we found this restaurant and decided to try it. It was pretty good.
Food was mediocre, reminds me of fast panda Express but with the price tag of eating sushi. Rice was watery, shrimp fried rice was an absolute disappointment since it tasted like sweet and sour sauce. No heart and no compassion for good food for it's price. Drinks were subpar at best.
Would not recommend unless you want the "commodity" of One Piece
The Baseline: For a sit down Dining experience establishment the food flavors must represent the theme of the environment, there must be unique offerings to the restaurant based on the theme, and the experience must be immersive to the theme park experience.
Food: It was mediocre to bad the night we were here for Hollywood Horror Nights. I was excited that there was a Fallout Theme to this food and I left very disappointed in the food. Item 1: Iguana on a Stick (Cheese incased corn dog) was so bad it we returned it. Undercooked, no crispy outside, and not appealing to look at. Item 2: Rad Roach legs and fries (chicken wings) - Better cook but rubbery skin and the sauce was okay at best. Item 3 - Cram Fries (Spam Fries) - underwhelming and spam pieces were not fried with a crispy skin. The sauce was off putting. Item 4 - Rad Away drink- Tasty drink and a great souvenir with the Rad-away pack. Item 5- Nuclear Punch - alcoholic drink was pretty decent.
Service- Good service from Universal Staff.
Ambiance- The Fallout theme on the Hollywood and Dime restaurant was excellent and well done for a quick overlay. I liked the different artwork and the outside theme.
Krusty Burger
| Address | 49 Production Plaza, North Hollywood, CA 91602 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Stopped in for lunch at Krusty Burger in Universal Studios and had a solid experience. We ordered at the counter, gave our name, and waited about 20 minutes for our food—which wasn’t bad considering how busy it was.
We headed upstairs where there was extra seating, which worked out perfectly for our group of seven. Everyone was able to sit comfortably and enjoy their meal together.
The food was pretty good, portions were satisfying, and overall it was a nice break during a busy park day. Definitely a convenient spot to grab a bite when you’re at Universal!
Excellent burger. I got the Clogger (Double cheeseburger) without bacon. Prices are very reasonable for being in an amusement park. The atmosphere is fun with The Simpsons "food scenes" playing on the screens.
We can all understand that it’s a busy venue, but that does not justify the terrible service and attitude of the staff, especially those dispatching the food. Terrible. On top of that, the food was served cold. We waited 15 minutes for two hot dogs, one milkshake, and one beer. We went there to celebrate my daughter’s 11th birthday. We enjoyed the park, but definitely not the food or the service. Please avoid this place.
The burgers are good but it’s very very busy! Its very hard to get a table
4⭐️
Not a bad burger at all! Definitely recommend!
However… I do NOT recommend the donut bottle unless you’re just getting it to have, and not to use. Cute bottle but just doesn’t make sense to use it.
Antojitos Cocina Mexicana
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 622-0451 |
The food server was great. Sad to have such a large place basically empty (and a 30-minute wait) because you don't have enough staff. The beans were pretty tasteless and the rice was extremely hard. Almost as though it was the crunchy bottom or uncooked. The enchiladas were good but a couple of the meats used inside were extremely dry. My son's carnitas tacos were excellent. Overall, it was good. The food server really made the meal. Another negative is no place to sit while you wait. After a long day at Universal Studios, it would be nice to offer a place to wait.
As a Mexican tourist, i loved the food flavor and quantity. Also the service of Virginia, our waitress, was excepcional, thank you!
We (My Wife, a Friend and I) ordered from the happy hour menu (Highly recomended):
- Nachos: Excellent choice, a bit smaller than the normal ones but enough to share and enjoy (Picture)
- Quesadillas: 8 slices of good size.
- "Baja Crispy Chicken": 4 Chicken tenders, delicious, good size and enought to share.
- Tinga tacos: Two Tacos, good but i would order another plate to share because of the quantity.
- Carne Asada Tacos (Picture, Not Happy Hour Menu): Good, but i would order something from the Happy Hour Menu just for the cost-benefit.
As you can see, we love to order "shareable" plates, normally we eat the "Grand Feast" at the "Tree Broom Sticks" at Harry Potter, but for te 70dlls or so, you can eat here more and more delicious.
Came here for dinner after a day at universal and Antojitos hit the spot! The manager- Andrew went out of his way to make us feel welcome, gave us suggestions, and made sure our drinks were refilled. The tacos and carnitas were fantastic, and the drinks were top-tier. From the appetizers to the churros for dessert, and the warm perfectly sweet champurrado you can’t go wrong with this place! We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in the area.
This is my favorite restaurant at Universal! The vibes and service are some of the best at the park. Not too noisy and feels like an authentic Mexican restaurant.
The food was delicious. I ordered the burrito but I usually get the carnitas and fries but you can’t go wrong with any of them. Cooked perfectly and flavorful. I love the churros with dip and drinks are affordable.
The manager Andrew is very kind and does frequent checkups which we enjoyed. Personable, informative, and fast service.
I highly recommend this restaurant and the manager Andrew.
Every Restaurant Needs a Ms. Virginia! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We have had the pleasure of being served by Ms. Virginia multiple times during our visits to Universal Studios CityWalk, and she is truly phenomenal.
Ms. Virginia is the kind of person who makes you feel genuinely welcomed and appreciated. She recognizes you, remembers you, and goes above and beyond to make sure your experience is exceptional. Her warmth, attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine care for her guests are something you don’t come across every day.
Every time we see Ms. Virginia, she makes us feel like more than just customers. She creates an experience that keeps us coming back, and she represents what outstanding hospitality should look like.
I sincerely hope her leadership recognizes what an incredible asset she is. Ms. Virginia absolutely deserves a raise and every bit of recognition she can receive. Every restaurant needs a Ms. Virginia on their team!
Thank you, Ms. Virginia, for consistently making our visits so special. You are truly one of a kind! ❤️
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
| Address | 1000 Universal City Plaza Building 5535 V103, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (323) 603-5333 |
The exterior of the place reminds me of being in New York, extravagant and bright colorful LED signs! We had Raising Canes before, it was ok but since we were done spending the day at the park, we decided to give this location a try. It was definitely hectic in there. Loads of people around, almost all tables look full all the time. We got the chicken burger and chicken tenders. Somehow, the downside was the fries. We prefer it crispier, but the ones that we got was a bit more on the soggy side unfortunately. We didn't say anything to the staff as they were super busy and we didn't know if this is their standard? The coleslaw was refreshing, the bread was nice and buttery and has a nice crispy edge. Honestly, the chicken itself was ok. Nothing much stood out for us, it's just another chicken tender or chicken burger. We may come back if we're craving some chicken tenders and it's less chaotic inside.
It was ok. I was expecting more because I had heard the chicken was amazing. I'd have to come back and try something else before making up my mind. The place itself is beautiful, though. I enjoyed learning about the story behind the restaurant, and it's fun that you can buy merch too.
Had an amazing experience at Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers while visiting Universal Studios. After a long and exciting day exploring the park and CityWalk, this place turned out to be the perfect stop for a comforting and satisfying meal.
The chicken fingers were outstanding - perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender, juicy, and flavorful inside. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and you can immediately understand why Raising Cane’s is so popular. The simplicity of the menu actually works in its favor because the quality and consistency of the food truly stand out.
The Texas toast was warm, buttery, and soft with a slight crisp on the edges, pairing perfectly with the chicken. The crinkle-cut fries were hot, crispy, and well-seasoned, making the entire combo feel complete and satisfying. And of course, the Cane’s sauce absolutely lives up to the hype. The rich, tangy, slightly peppery flavor elevated every bite and tied the meal together perfectly.
What impressed us even more was how efficiently the restaurant handled the large crowd despite being located in such a busy entertainment destination. The staff remained friendly, patient, and welcoming throughout, while the service moved surprisingly fast considering the number of visitors coming in continuously.
The atmosphere was energetic, casual, and very enjoyable - exactly the kind of place you want after spending hours walking around Universal Studios. The interiors were clean, organized, and maintained well despite the constant rush of tourists and families. There’s a fun and lively energy throughout the restaurant that matches the excitement of the surrounding Universal City area.
Overall, this location delivered a fantastic experience with fresh food, generous portions, quick service, and consistently great taste. If you’re spending the day at Universal Studios or CityWalk and craving quality comfort food, Raising Cane’s is absolutely worth visiting. Definitely one of the best quick meal spots in the area.
Finally tried a Raising Cane's and I wasn't disappointed. Very well decorated, but most importantly the chicken and sauce was exceptional... Good quality chicken, and that sauce was tremendous.
Nice environment, clean and well staffed who were very prompt and friendly.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is great. It is a chain, but not a huge one. This one is located on City Walk in Universal City. Universal City Walk is a great place to go when on vacation or before going into Universal Studios.
The place is just adorable. It has cool stuff on the wall and it is very comfortable. It is clean.
The service is excellent. They are fast and will take good care of you. It does not take long for your food and you can dine in, do that, or do take away. I think they also deliver.
The chicken fingers and fries are just great. They are fresh tasting and big. The fries are ever so good. All of the food there is great. They don't have a huge menu which is nice. They know what they do well and that is all they do.
You will love it.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
| Address | 1000 Universal Studios Blvd Ste 114, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 753-4867 |
Amazing service. The staff are all friendly and inviting. We accidentally left our power bank there and came back 7 hours later, and they still had it for us and the guy even joked with us about it too. The food was also amazing, can’t miss with the gumbo and clam chowder. Overall 5/5 experience.
First timer to celebrate our friend birthday 🎂🎉 Ordered ceviche and a seafood platter that included fish and chips 😋 All delicious!!! Ordered the Tennessee inspired cocktail 👌🏽Looks like everyone in my party enjoyed everything. We had the correct responses for the Forest Gump trivia 😁 Look around as if you're a FG fan it will be a great experience.
Big fan of Bubba Gump and this one delivers as well as the others.
This is a big spot with a lot of indoor and outdoor seating. Was fairly quiet when I went, seated quickly and some great service from my server.
Good vibe, was nice and chilled but with the sounds of the hustle of city walk just a few feet away.
Great food, the garlic shrimp is amazing! served quickly and well looked after on my visit. Give them a visit if you’re in town.
The seafood was over cooked and so dry.. service well came once and that about it.. waited a min for some to come get our money. We had this in Florida and food and service was better in Florida
Absolutely loved it!
Went for lunch in a weekday and there was plenty of seating available.
The staff was very attentive and friendly.
I had the “I’m Stuffed!” shrimp, and wow—just incredible. The rice had this subtle buttery flavor, and the shrimp were honestly heaven.
To drink, I had the Lava Flow (Don Q coconut rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, strawberry purée)—super fresh, sweet, and refreshing. Such a fun and satisfying meal!
VIVO Italian Kitchen
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90068 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (818) 622-0424 |
Good Italian food. We didn't expect the food to be as good as it was being on the universal walk. The garlic cheese bread was excellent. Fettuccine and vodka pastawe would highly recommend. The salad were fresh. They asked for allergies and verified it with the manager. Good service.
Not a bad spot on the city walk and better than the food in the park. The garlic bread was good and I would get again. The chicken parmigiana was ok. Chicken was good, but sauce was watery. Spaghetti bolognese was good. Service was attentive. Prices were a bit high.
After a long day visiting Universal Studio we decided to have dinner before driving back. They leave a bottle of water which was perfect after walking around all day. Our We had the Italian Chopped Salad which was great, chicken piccatta was amazing and the chicken Parmigiana. My son had the Pasta Alla Cippola which he finished.
It had been a long time since I’d had authentic Italian food, so when I visited Universal City with friends to walk around and explore the area, we knew we wanted to try something new. Italian food was exactly what we were looking for.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt welcoming. The staff were kind, patient, and respectful, and the portions were generous and filling.
What stood out most was the staff’s attention to detail. One gentleman, whose name I unfortunately don’t remember, took extra care when my friend mentioned a shellfish and citrus allergy. He took the time to understand the allergy, wrote down the details, and communicated them to the kitchen to make sure my friend’s meal was safe.
The exceptional service, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere make this restaurant a must-visit for anyone craving Italian food while visiting Universal. I’ll be returning to the area and park in October with my girlfriend, and I will definitely be coming back. They exceeded my expectations and made the entire dining experience memorable.
This restaurant is so so beautiful and has amazing lighting. The food here was absolutely delicious and made my night so much better. The biggest thing I’d like to point out is the service here!!! The kind amazing waitress who served us was so sweet and was always ready to help us. Krystyna, the waitress who brought us our food who was the kindest person on earth brought us Parmesan for our meals and it was very good! She was so amazing and kind and I loved her energy. Next time I come to city walk, I will be coming back here again!!!
Power Up Cafe
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
A themed little spot in Universal Studios Hollywood. Staff is friendly and the vibes are cute. The food and drinks fit the Super Mario aesthetic and taste as expected. The calzone is a nice snack but nothing gourmet for the prices. Which I understand is a norm when visiting such spots. All in all, not bad!
Now for my standard comments. The location is clean. Really no seating but it is more of a grab and go spot in the park.
The theming is just perfect! Every food item is so aesthetically pleasing that you just got to have it! The replication of everything like the super mushroom calzone looks like it just hopped out of the video game into your hand and you can actually eat it. The super mushroom calzone did look amazing but taste wise was just okay, they can improve the recipe of the calzone to taste more like it’s from a pizza shop but other than that, it was nicely filling. Can’t wait to try the other products like the power up drinks and the fire flower pretzel 🙂
New cute little place to get some Nintendo themed snacks. We've tried the 1-Up Drink, a calzone, and a pretzel. The calzone felt a bit school cafeteria, but it didnt stop us from gobbling it up. We liked all of the dipping sauces for the pretzel, would purchase again. The 1-Up drink was Sprite at its base, the flavor didn't change that much with the mushroom fizzer. The apple pearls were yummy too. Order via the app to skip the line!
During our recent trip to Universal Studios Hollywood on July 18, 2025, we decided to check out Power Up Cafe, the charming Super Mario-themed spot that’s been getting quite a bit of buzz. The decor is absolutely delightful, with vibrant colors and fun Mario motifs that really set the mood for a whimsical dining experience.
We ordered the 1-Up Mushroom Calzone, which is a cute mushroom-shaped calzone filled with spinach, green pepper, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, and basil pesto. I have to say, the service was impressively fast! We received our food almost immediately, which is always a plus when you’re in a theme park and eager to get back to the fun.
However, while the presentation was spot on and the theme was undeniably fun, the calzone itself was a bit of a letdown. It was decent but didn’t quite live up to the excitement of its appearance. For $13.99, I expected a bit more in terms of flavor and uniqueness. It felt like something you could easily find at a regular cafe, rather than a special treat in a theme park.
Overall, Power Up Cafe is a fun stop for the atmosphere and quick service, especially if you’re a Super Mario fan. Just don’t go in expecting gourmet food. It’s a great place to grab a bite and snap some photos, but I’d recommend keeping your expectations in check when it comes to the taste. Happy gaming and dining!
This Nintendo themed cafe is located on the upper lot. For snacks, they have really cute calzones, popcorn and a pretzel. We tried the super mushroom calzone, the fire flower pretzel and the habanero drink. It is not as spicy as it might sound. It’s an orange drink with a little bit of heat with orange flavored popping bubbles. The pretzel tasted ok but there is a better pretzel in the park for about half the price. The super mushroom calzone is packed with tomato flavor and sausage. There is no mushroom in it.
In The Mix
| Address | 333 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (818) 980-1212 |
Stopped here for an evening dessert before bed during our stay at the Sheraton. It was a nice atmosphere. Server was friendly and funny. I had a delicious lava cake. It was the perfect portion.
Solid drinks, recommend the Stunt Coordinator. Good views of the pool, plenty of seating.
They seem to run on limited staff for the amount of area to cover, so be prepared to wait.
Daniel made the service the highlight of this visit. Prompt and courteous. The food was made perfectly, and was the best bar food I've had in a while.
Watch out for the double tip trick! They take your card to keep your tab open. Then run your card at the end and don't give you the itemized receipt, so you can't tell that the tip is already included. After the first time, we thought it was a mistake. However, it happened every time we came down to this bar for drinks and at the restaurant downstairs. And I watched them do it to other patrons. It's too bad because the food and drinks were actually pretty good.
I dined here recently with my parents while they were visiting from out of town and we didn’t feel like driving anywhere or hoofing it to CityWalk. Came for the convenience, came back for the food and hospitality. Great menu, great prices, and Juni our server went above and beyond, providing us better service than I’ve received in any CityWalk establishment. If you’re staying at the Sheraton (or even the Hilton next door), I would absolutely recommend In The Mix.
Mel's Diner
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (800) 864-8377 |
Definitely worth a visit for the fries and shakes. I had the Slider trio as pictures and food was passable. Staff was courteous although not on point.
Definitely worth a visit for the quarter table jukebox and fries with a shake.
Enjoy!!!
Jumped into Mel’s Diner for lunch at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Not much expectations for a diner inside a Theme Park location.
Turned out to be pretty good. Expensive but at least it is tasty and filled the stomach.
Prices are before taxes.
Mel’s Classic Burger @ US$14.99 | 7.0 out of 10.
Nothing fancy. Typical cheese burger.
Tuna Melt Sandwich @ US$14.49 | 7.5 out of 10.
Tastes good but a bit on the smaller portion.
Chilli Bread Bowl @ US$13.99 | 8.0 out of 10.
Surprisingly it was good. 👍🏻
Regular sized Fountain Drinks are US$5.0
Hope this helps you decide which diner to have your lunch when you next visit Universal Studios Hollywood.
Only ate the food because I was starving, waited 49 mins for a seat and overpaid. Look at this chaos - this is the “ready for pickup” line.
Fries were dry. Spicy chicken made me feel like I was going to sink to the bottom of the ocean.
It’s good enough, they have a small selection of dishes like hamburgers, chicken sandwich, hot dog and salad.
Dropped in here for a quick drink stop and ended up having the best funnel cake , if you are ever in Universal Hollywood you must try this .
Essential Tips for Dining at Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Navigating the dining scene at CityWalk requires a bit of strategy, especially during peak tourist seasons or concert nights at the Hollywood Bowl. While the food is fantastic, the crowds can be intense, and knowing how to work the system will save you both time and money. By planning your meals strategically, you can avoid the longest lines and secure the most coveted tables without stress. Here are five expert tips to maximize your culinary experience at the park’s front door.
1. Book Reservations or Join the Walk-Up List Early
Many of the sit-down restaurants, particularly Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and VIVO Italian Kitchen, fill up quickly for dinner. Use the Universal Studios Hollywood app or popular reservation platforms to book your table hours in advance. If you didn’t plan ahead, put your name on the digital waitlist as soon as you arrive at CityWalk, then go shopping or grab a pre-dinner drink while you wait.
2. Dine at "Off-Peak" Hours
The standard lunch rush (12:00 PM to 2:00 PM) and dinner rush (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) see the longest queues. If your schedule allows, eat an early lunch at 11:00 AM or a late dinner after 8:30 PM. Not only will you wait significantly less, but you will often find it easier to get a seat on the outdoor patios with the best people-watching views.
3. Take Advantage of the Coca-Cola Freestyle Refills
If you are visiting the park for the entire day and plan to come back to CityWalk for dinner, consider purchasing a souvenir cup. While policies change, many of the quick-service locations and kiosks offer discounted refills. Staying hydrated is essential in the Southern California heat, and buying a single cup for the family to share refills can save a significant amount compared to buying individual bottled drinks.
4. Don’t Skip the Quick-Service Counters
While sit-down restaurants are great for resting your feet, some of the best flavors at CityWalk come from the faster counters. Places like The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium’s milkshake bar or the walk-up windows at Voodoo Doughnut allow you to experience iconic tastes without the wait of a full table-service meal. You can often grab these items and enjoy them while walking around or waiting for a show.
5. Check for Annual Passholder and AAA Discounts
Before you pay, always ask if there is a discount for Annual Passholders (UOAP) or AAA members. Many of the restaurants and snack stands within CityWalk offer a percentage off your total bill for members. This discount is not always advertised loudly at the register, so it is worth pulling out your pass or membership card to check. The savings can add up quickly, especially for larger families.
The culinary landscape of Universal CityWalk Hollywood is constantly evolving, but the commitment to bold flavors and immersive atmospheres remains constant. Whether you chose a towering burger, a delicate sushi roll, or a decadent dessert, you are part of a long tradition of guests fueling up for adventure. The best meals here are the ones that provide the energy needed to keep exploring late into the night.
As you plan your visit, remember that flexibility is your best friend. Menus change, restaurants undergo renovations, and new concepts move in, but the high standard of dining remains. Use this guide as your starting point, listen to your cravings, and enjoy the vibrant energy that makes this destination so unique.
