Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
162
dress code here is more casual than at Emeril's (listed above), but it's still pretty upscale,
so leave the T-shirts and tanks at home.
6300 Hollywood Way, in Universal's Royal Pacific Hotel.
&
407/503-2467.
www.emerils.com or www.
universalorlando.com. Reservations strongly recommended. Main courses $13-$34. AE, DISC, MC, V.
Daily 11:30am-2pm; Sun-Thurs 5:30-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm. Valet parking (near the restaurant at the
Convention Center entrance, not the hotel lot) $5. From I-4, take the Kirkman Rd./Hwy. 435 exit, and fol-
low the signs to Universal.
Mythos
AMERICAN If you've ever wanted to dine inside a volcano covered in
cascading waterfalls and images of Greek Titans, then here's the place for you. Actually,
this upscale restaurant, which overlooks Islands of Adventure's Inland Sea, is quite classy.
Diners are transported to a mythical underwater world upon entering the restaurant's
cavernous interior, where low lighting and eerie music help set the atmosphere. The
menu features salads, ranging from a simple bowl of greens to a full-fledged meal; and
elaborate entrees of fish, chicken, seafood, pasta, and steaks. Simpler fare is available as
well, including artistically presented burgers and sandwiches.
1000 Universal Studios Plaza, in Islands of Adventure.
&
407/224-9255
or 407/224-4534. Reservations
recommended. Main courses $11-$19. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11am-park closing. Parking $12, $3 after
6pm. From I-4, take exit 75B, Kirkman Rd./Hwy. 435, and follow the signs to Universal.
MODERATE
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
SEAFOOD This casual family-friendly eatery,
based on the blockbuster film
Forrest Gump,
features a diverse menu likely to please
almost every palate—don't let the name fool you, it's not just for seafood lovers. Entrees
run the gamut from the eponymous shrimp to southern fried chicken to T-bone steaks.
There's also a wide array of salads and sandwiches. Spilling over with movie memorabilia,
it's a perfect addition to a trip to the movie-themed Universal theme parks.
6000 Universal Studios Blvd., at Universal CityWalk.
&
407/903-0044.
www.bubbagump.com or www.
universalorlando.com. Reservations not accepted. Main courses $10-$19. AE, MC, V. Daily 11am-mid-
night. Parking $12, $3 after 6pm. From I-4, take exit 75B, Kirkman Rd./Hwy. 435, and follow the signs to
Universal.
5
Hard Rock Cafe
AMERICAN The largest Hard Rock Cafe on the planet features a
1959 pink Cadillac spinning above the bar. With its size, however, comes that much
more noise—and the sound levels are loud. Kids love it, but adults shouldn't even think
about having a conversation here. The menu is the same found at Hard Rocks round the
world and includes burgers, chicken, okay steaks, and fried this-and-that. And, of course,
it has its very own souvenir shop, too. The food is average American fare; it's the experi-
ence that draws people in.
Note:
The adjacent Hard Rock Live! is a huge venue for
concerts.
6000 Universal Studios Blvd., near Universal CityWalk.
&
407/351-7625.
www.hardrock.com. Reserva-
tions not accepted. Main courses $8-$23. AE, MC, V. Daily 11am-1am. Parking $12, $3 after 6pm. From
I-4, take exit 75B, Kirkman Rd./Hwy. 435, and follow the signs to Universal.
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
CARIBBEAN The casual laid-back atmosphere
may take you away to paradise, but the noise level after 4pm makes it futile for Parrot
Heads and plain folk alike to try to talk with their table-mates. But most people come to
Margaritaville in the evenings to party, not to participate in a deep conversation. Come
for lunch if you want to actually speak with your fellow diners during your meal. The
back “Porch of Indecision” offers the quietest spot in the place to dine. Despite the
cheeseburgers in paradise (yes, they're on the menu at $8-$9), the menu has Caribbean
