Where to Eat and What to Order on Your First CityWalk Adventure
A first visit to Universal Orlando’s CityWalk can feel busy and crowded, especially in the evening with music playing throughout the area, packed restaurants, and many food options within a short walking distance. After spending the day in the parks, deciding where to eat can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a plan.
The most effective way to approach CityWalk is to think of your evening in stages rather than choosing a single restaurant. Start with a small appetizer, move to a full meal, and finish with dessert. This allows you to experience different restaurants without overcommitting to one place.
Start with a Shareable Appetizer at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food
Image via Yelp/Ginette P.
Antojitos is a good place to begin because it is lively and does not require a long, drawn-out meal. The environment includes music and colorful decor, which makes it feel like a transition from the theme parks into a more relaxed dining setting.
The most practical item to order here is the tableside guacamole and chips. It is prepared fresh at your table and makes a good shared starter. The portion size is appropriate for a group, and it does not feel too heavy before continuing to another restaurant.
If you plan to return later or want to keep this location in mind for dessert, the churros are also a strong option. However, for a first stop, the focus should remain on something light and easy to share.
Choose a Main Dish at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
For a main meal, the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar offers a mix of familiar and unconventional options. The menu combines burgers and sushi, which makes it easier to accommodate different preferences within a group.
Edamame or calamari are simple choices you can start with that do not compete with the main course. For your entrée, the Prime Time Filet & Lobster Roll is one of the most distinctive items on the menu. It combines sushi with seared filet mignon and additional toppings that add both texture and flavor. It is a good example of how the restaurant blends different styles into one dish.
Another option is the All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi, which reworks a cheeseburger into a sushi-style format. It is more casual in concept but still delivers a full, satisfying portion.
Consider NBC Sports Grill & Brew for Variety
Image via Yelp/NBC Sports Grill & Brew
NBC Sports Grill & Brew is a good choice if your group prefers a wider range of traditional options. The setting is similar to a modern sports bar, with large screens and an open layout.
The Blue Cheese Kettle Chips are a solid appetizer that can be shared across the table, but the menu structure makes it easy for different people to order based on their preferences.
For the main course, the Grand Slam Burger is a straightforward choice, while dishes like Cedar-Planked Salmon are great alternatives for those who want something lighter.
Sit Down for Italian Dishes at VIVO Italian Kitchen
VIVO Italian Kitchen is a good option when you want a slower meal in a more traditional restaurant setting. The menu focuses on familiar, filling Italian dishes.
Appetizers like calamari or mushroom dip are commonly ordered at the table, and pasta options like linguine with clams, gnocchi, and fettuccine Alfredo are consistent main-course choices. These dishes are filling and work well after a long day of walking.
Visit Toothsome Chocolate Emporium for Dessert
Image via Yelp/The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium And Savory Feast Kitchen
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium is known for its dessert menu and themed interior. Many visitors stop here specifically for sweets.
The most recognizable item is the milkshake selection. The Bacon Brittle Milkshake includes multiple layers of flavor and is served in a large portion.
Another option is the Chocolate Almond Bread with Salted Caramel Butter, which combines chocolate with a sweeter, softer texture. Always nice to try one before leaving CityWalk.
End with Key Lime Pie at Margaritaville
Margaritaville offers a quieter setting than other parts of CityWalk, making it a suitable final stop. The menu includes a variety of items, but the main reason to visit is for dessert.
The key lime pie is a standard Florida dessert. It has a tart filling and a sweet crust, which creates a balanced flavor that is not too heavy at the end of a meal.
Quick Options if You Are Short on Time
Image via Tripadvisor/Red Oven Pizza Bakery
If you do not have time for multiple stops, CityWalk also includes several quick-service locations. Places like Red Oven Pizza, Cold Stone Creamery, and Cinnabon allow you to grab food quickly without waiting for a table. These options are useful when you need something convenient before heading back to your hotel.
CityWalk offers a wide range of dining options within a compact area. Breaking your visit into smaller stops allows you to try different foods without committing to one restaurant for the entire evening.
Focusing on one or two key dishes at each stop helps simplify decisions while still allowing you to explore what CityWalk has to offer.