For people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, eating out can be a daunting experience. Finding restaurants that cater to your dietary needs can be a challenge, especially when traveling. However, at Universal Orlando, gluten-free options are readily available and easy to find. Here is a guide to eating gluten-free at Universal Orlando.
Universal Orlando is home to three major parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. Each park has several dining options that cater to gluten-free diets.
What I have found when trying to find gluten free places to eat in Universal is that, the website is difficult to navigate and doesn’t offer a filter to allow you to look at gluten free options, Some venues don’t have any gluten free markings and some menu’s aren’t available online. I will of course on my next trip find out some more information and keep scouring the internet to find out if there is any more information about gluten free alternative.
Universal Studios
At Universal Studios Florida, there are several quick-service restaurants that offer gluten-free options. The Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley offers gluten-free fish and chips, while the Fast Food Boulevard in Springfield has gluten-free burgers and hot dogs. At Mel’s Drive-In, you can enjoy a gluten-free burger and fries.
For those who prefer sit-down restaurants, Lombard’s Seafood Grille offers a gluten-free menu, including seafood, steak, and salads. Finnegan’s Bar and Grill also has gluten-free options, including chicken and beef dishes.
| Some Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Finnegan’s Bar & Grill | Salmon and multiple protein mains |
| Lombard’s Seafood Grill | Shrimp cocktail, Salads, Catch of the day, Steaks |
| Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour | Ice Cream |
| Haagen-Dazs | Ice Cream |
| Schwab’s Pharmacy | Ice Cream |
| Today Café | Oats, Fruit Bowl, Salads, Soups |
| Very Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Café la Bamba | Burrito Bowl |
| Luigi’s Pizza | Salads |
| Mel’s Drive-In | Salads & Fries |
| Ritcher’s Burger Co. | Salad & Fries |
| San Francisco Pastry Company | Soups & Salads |
Islands of Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure also has plenty of gluten-free dining options. At the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, you can enjoy gluten-free fish and chips or roasted chicken. The Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park offers gluten-free chicken and ribs, while the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous in Seuss Landing has gluten-free chicken fingers and hamburgers.
For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Mythos Restaurant offers gluten-free options such as steak, seafood, and salads.
| Some Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous | Gluten free chicken fingers & Hamburgers |
| Fire Eater’s Grill | Gyros, Chicken Platter, Salads |
| Mythos Restaurant | Octopus, Salad, Soup, Different Protein Meals |
| Lone Palm Restaurant | Shrimp Ceviche, Nachos, Salads, Chicken |
| Thunder Falls Terrace | Protein Platters, Rice Bowls, Salads |
| Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Cathy’s Ice Cream | Ice Cream |
| Chill Ice Cream | Ice Cream |
| Confisco Grill | Soups, Salads, Chicken & Salmon |
| Green Eggs & Ham Café | Different Types of Totts |
| Hop on Pop Ice Cream Shop | Ice Cream |
| The Leaky Cauldron | Limited Information on online menu: Soups, Salads, Fish & Chips |
| The Three Broomsticks | Limited Information on online menu: Soups, Salads, Fish & Chips, Chicken |
| Very Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Moose Juice, Goose Juice | Grapes, Chips |
| Whimpys | Fries, Dole Whip |
Unfortunately I cannot find a menu for Back Water Bar online at the moment but I will keep looking and update the blog post when I find out more.
City Walk
If you’re looking for a dining experience outside of the Universal Orlando theme parks, Universal CityWalk has a variety of gluten-free dining options. From burgers to sushi, there is something for everyone. Here is a guide to eating gluten-free at Universal CityWalk.
| Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food | GF Alternatives, Nachos, Tamales, Soup, Salad, etc |
| Bigfire | GF Alternatives, Steaks, Some meals can be adapted |
| Breadbox | GF bread available |
| Bubba Gump’s | Shrimp, Soups, Salads, Steak, etc. |
| Cowfish | GF Alternatives i.e GF bread/buns, mainly Sushi |
| Toothsome Chocolate Emporium | GF buns, bread and gluten free pasta |
| Vivo Italian Kitchen | GF Pasta & Pizza crusts, Risotto, Steak, Monkfish |
| Some Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Bob Marley A Tribute to Freedom | Salad, Jerk Chicken, Stuffed Peppers, Curry, Shrimp |
| Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville | Shrimp Ceviche, Steak, Salad, Chicken Breast |
| Moe’s Southwest Grill | Nacho’s Burrito Bowl, Taco’s, etc. |
| Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Bumblebee Man’s Food Truck | Taco’s |
| Cold Stone Creamery | Ice Cream |
| Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt | Frozen Yogurt |
| NBC Sports Grill & Brew | Salads, Steak, Salmon |
| Very Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Hard Rock Café | Salad & Salmon |
| Pat O’Brien’s | Salads, Shrimp & Grits |
| Red Oven Pizza Bakery | Salads |
Unfortunately I cannot find a menu for Starbuck online at the moment but I will keep looking and update the blog post when I find out more. I have heard a few people saying they have found they do some snacks that are GF in America.
Resort Dining:
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando and staying at one of the Universal resorts, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of gluten-free dining options available. Here is a guide to eating gluten-free at Universal resorts in Orlando.
| Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Amatista Cookhouse (Loews Sapphire Falls) |
Gluten Free Adaptations: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| Bayliner Diner (Cabana Bay) |
Gluten Free Adaptations: Burger, Pizza, Waffles, Fries, Chicken Tenders |
| Beach Break Café (Endless Summer Resort) |
Gluten Free Menu on Request |
| Bice (Loews Portofino Bay) |
Gluten Free Menu on Request: Salad, Risotto, Gluten free pasta available. |
| Bula Bar & Grill (Loews Royal Pacific) |
Gluten Free Menu on Request: No info held online |
| Islands Dining Room (Loews Royal Pacific) |
Gluten Free Menu on Request: Soups, Salads, Different protein meals, Curries. |
| Mama Della’s Ristorante (Loews Portofino Bay) |
Gluten Free Adaptations: Gluten Free Pasta available and menu on request. |
| Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi (Loews Royal Pacific) |
Gluten Free Adaptations: Salads, Sushi, Sashimi |
| Pier 8 (Endless Summer Dockside Inn) |
Gluten Free options available: Muffins, Omelettes, Fruit, Salad, etc. |
| Trattoria -del-Porto (Loews Portifino Bay) |
Gluten Free Menu on Request: Breakfast, Lunch and Diner |
| The Kitchen (Hard Rock Hotel) |
GF Burgers, GF Pasta, GF Pizza, Steak, Wings |
| Some Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Atomic Tonic (Cabana Bay) |
Doner/Gyro’s, Salads, Cheese Fries |
| Drhum Club (Loews Sapphire Falls) |
Nachos, Wings, Fruit Plate, Salads |
| Jake’s American Bar (Loews Royal Pacific) |
Gluten Free Menu on Request: Salads, Soups, Hot Wings |
| Strong Water Tavern (Loews Sapphire Falls) |
Shrimp, Little protein bites, Lots of picky bits |
| Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Beach Club (Hard Rock Hotel) |
Nachos, Wings, Cheese Fries |
| Emack & Bolio’s Marketplace (Hard Rock Hotel) |
Ice Cream |
| Galaxy Bowl (Cabana Bay) |
Limited Info online |
| Gelateria (Loews Portofino Bay) |
Gelato |
| Sal’s Market Deli (Loews Portofino Bay) |
Soups, Salad, Fries |
| The Hideaway Bar & Grill (Cabana Bay) |
Salads, Wings & Nachos |
| The Palm (Hard Rock Hotel) |
Salads, Different protein meals No Gluten Free Markers |
| The Velvet Bar (Hard Rock Hotel) |
Cheeseboard, Wings, Charcuterie |
| Urban Pantry (Aventura Hotel) |
Salads, Fries, Wok Sushi |
| Very Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Bar 17 (Aventura Hotel) |
Some Picky bits, Salad |
Unfortunately I cannot find a menu for Bar Sol – (Aventura Hotel) and New Dutch Trading Co – (Loews Sapphire Falls) online at the moment but I will keep looking and update the blog post when I find out more.
Volcano Bay
Universal’s Volcano Bay also caters to gluten-free diets. Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club offers gluten-free options such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. At Bambu, you can enjoy gluten-free poke bowls and sushi rolls.
| Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club | Coconut Curry, Ribs, Salads, Fries, etc. |
| Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| The Feasting Frog | Taco’s, Nachos, Poke Bowl |
| Very Limited Gluten Free Options | Example |
|---|---|
| Bambu | Salads, Fruit Salads |
| Whakawaiwai Eats | Salads, Fruit Salads |
Research Dining Options Before You Arrive
As you’re making plans to visit Universal Orlando Resort™, browse through the online menus for our theme park restaurants. Acquainting yourself with the available options ahead of time will give you a head start. If you have any further questions after viewing the menus, email a Guest Services Team Member at Food.Allergy@universalorlando.com
Check With Restaurants Once You’re Here
Don’t worry if you aren’t able to research dining options ahead of time. You can ask to speak to a chef or manager at any restaurant within Universal Orlando Resort, or at any of our hotels once you’re here. Let them know which guest in your party has a food allergy or intolerance, and what the allergy/intolerance is. Our culinary staff will make every effort to prevent that allergen from coming into contact with any part of that guest’s meal.
It should be noted, however, that Universal Orlando does not have separate food preparation facilities in which to prepare allergen-free foods. There is occasionally the chance that allergens may have been introduced to one or more ingredients before they reached the kitchens at Universal Orlando.
In conclusion, eating gluten-free at Universal Orlando is easy and stress-free. With a variety of options available, you can enjoy delicious meals without worrying about your dietary restrictions. By following these tips, you can have a fun and enjoyable dining experience at Universal Orlando.
Stay Magical!