Epic Universe Unveils First Glimpse of New Nintendo and Harry Potter-Themed Cuisine

Universal Orlando Resort is upping its game with a tantalizing preview of what guests can expect at Universal Epic Universe. Known for pushing the boundaries of innovation and immersive experiences, their acclaimed culinary team is poised to transform theme park dining. With over 100 fresh menu items, spread across the park’s five mesmerizing worlds, foodies are in for a delightful treat.

Opening its doors on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe will house 30 distinct dining spots. Each venue offers a unique opportunity for visitors to embark on a culinary journey, exploring flavors from around the globe. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Asian delicacies, barbecue, Italian classics, or French specialties, there’s something to tantalize every palate. Among the must-try dishes are the Butterbeer Crêpe in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, the Mario Burger in Super Nintendo World, Yaknog in How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and the intriguingly dark Stakes in Dark Universe.

As you wander through the epicenter of Epic Universe, you’ll encounter a variety of culinary delights. At the waterfront Atlantic restaurant, seafood aficionados can indulge in fresh and zesty creations. Meanwhile, The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant promises an atmospheric dining experience under the glow of neon-lit dragons. For barbecue enthusiasts, The Oak & Star Tavern serves up irresistible grilled fare, while Pizza Moon delights plant-based eaters with creative vegan options.

Signature dishes that should be on your list include:

• Sea Bass (Atlantic): A tender filet of sea bass, garnished with carrot mochi, sugar snap peas, and a fragrant lemongrass broth.
• Landlubber’s Snickerdoodle Loot (Atlantic): A beach-themed dessert with snickerdoodle cake, cookie butter ganache, Biscoff "sand," and gummy sharks.
• Tonkotsu Ramen (The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant): A hearty bowl of ramen boasting chashu pork, tare egg, shiitake mushrooms, and spiced with togarashi oil.
• Platter with Mango Bread & Pickles (The Oak & Star Tavern): A robust barbecue platter offering smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, or chicken, all served with mac and cheese and braised greens.
• Harvest Moon Pizza (VG) (Pizza Moon): A colorful vegan pizza featuring grilled artichokes, Divina tomatoes, roasted peppers, Castelvetrano olives, and arugula.
• Grand Atlantic Martini (Atlantic): A captivating cocktail with dry gin, aperitif wine, and a decorative lemon twist.
• Waturi Punch (Celestiki): A refreshing island-inspired blend of rum, bitters, and fruit juices.
• The Plastered Owl (The Oak & Star Tavern): A masterfully mixed drink with dark rye whiskey, syrups, lemon juice, and muddled cherries.

Stepping into the magical realm of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic is like entering a scene straight from the films. Visitors can explore a meticulously recreated 1920s Paris, as well as the British Ministry of Magic, all while savoring French-inspired dishes and whimsical takes on wizarding favorites.

Must-try items include:

• Butterbeer Crêpe (Café L’air De La Sirène): A delicious take on the classic Butterbeer, made with shortbread cookie butter, Bavarian cream, strawberries, and a drizzle of Butterbeer sauce.
• Baguette de Dinde (Café L’air De La Sirène): Black pepper turkey with arugula, apples, and creamy Brie, all nestled in a crusty baguette.
• Alchemist’s Platter (Le Gobelet Noir): A delightful assortment of smoked sausage, potato pierogies, pickled eggs, marinated beets, caramelized onions, and a warm pretzel with German mustard and cheese fondue.
• Quiche Lorraine (Café L’air De La Sirène): A savory quiche filled with bacon, Gruyère cheese, and topped with a lavender honey drizzle.

Super Nintendo World invites you to immerse yourself in the Mushroom Kingdom. With rides, shops, and delicious gaming-inspired treats, this vibrant area brings Nintendo’s beloved franchises to life.

Menu highlights feature:

• Mario Burger (Toadstool Cafe): A classic bacon, mushroom, and cheese burger served with truffle fries.
• Luigi Burger (Toadstool Cafe): Pesto grilled chicken topped with Swiss cheese, green peppers, and spinach inside a brioche bun.
• Bowser’s Fireball Challenge (Toadstool Cafe): This challenge dish features a massive meatball with mushroom marinara, topped with mozzarella and served with a fiery hot sauce.

In How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, guests are transported to a land where Norse sagas and fire-roasted feasts reign supreme. Enjoy a real Viking feast at Mead Hall and Spit Fyre Grill.

Highlights include:

• Thawfest Platter (Mead Hall): Indulge in chicken drumsticks, grilled salmon, and sausages, served with roasted vegetables and Nordic fries.
• Nordic Harvest Salad (VG) (Mead Hall): A vibrant mix of kale, red cabbage, ancient grains, berries, and a raspberry vinaigrette.
• Stormfly’s Catch of the Day (Mead Hall): A delightful dessert featuring a chocolate mousse fish on a bed of crispy rice cereal.

In the shadowy depths of the Dark Universe, where classic monsters come to life, the culinary offerings are both thrilling and delicious.

Tempting bites include:

• Stakes (Das Stakehaus): Choose your "stake" with options such as blackened salmon, grilled chicken tenderloin, or mushroom brisket meatloaf, accompanied by roasted vegetables.
• “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich (Das Stakehaus): A zesty fried chicken sandwich with blood orange sauce, served on a dark bun and paired with fries.
• Our Favorite Vegan Familiar’s Stuffed Cabbage (VG) (Das Stakehaus): A hearty vegan dish featuring Impossible meat in cabbage leaves, served in a bell pepper tomato sauce.
• Hunter’s Garlic Stake (The Burning Blade Tavern): A cheesy garlic pretzel served with a rich garlic dipping sauce.

Universal Epic Universe promises to revolutionize theme park dining, offering a vast and vibrant array of flavors that perfectly complement the park’s attractions. Whether you’re sipping a Grand Atlantic Martini or devouring a Butterbeer Crêpe, the culinary journey at Epic Universe is one you won’t want to miss.