We Found the Best Quick Service Meal at Universal

Universal Orlando Resort has plenty of places to eat. But, we found one surprisingly delicious dining spot, especially if you are looking for something more than just standard theme park chicken tenders and burgers.

Dining at Universal

Many people don’t expect to eat well during their visit to a theme park. After all, the theme park dining experience has a reputation that equates it with expensive fast food.

It is true that Universal Orlando Resort has its share of (pricey) burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and chicken tenders. But, many people do not realize that it also has a fair share of culinary delights! Some of the food and drinks aren’t just good, they are the type of thing you dream of having again

Fortunately, the good stuff isn’t limited to table service restaurants and Butterbeer. There are some absolute gems to be had at food and beverage stands, ice cream shops, at bakeries, and there are some excellent quick-service meals as well!

Urban Pantry

Universal Adventura Hotel night — Credit: Kate

We think we found one of the VERY best counter service meals in all of Universal Orlando Resort, and it is at Urban Pantry. Some people are unaware that Universal Orlando Resort has quite a few hotels on property. And, each of them offers dining options for guests.

Urban Pantry is a quick-service restaurant at Universal Aventura Hotel. It is located just through the lobby of the resort. My (Kate’s) family was surprised to find such desirable options at a Prime Value resort.

If you go to Urban Pantry, you will find that it is set up like a food hall. There are several distinct counters to choose from.

Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings here, and it is typically open from 7:00 am to 10:00 or even 11:00 pm. But, check the hours at the desk as they can vary from time to time.

And, of course, you can also enjoy using a Free-style mug! The refIll station at Aventura is located in Urban Pantry.

You can enjoy your food inside at a variety of booths and tables. Or, since the restaurant is right next to the pool, you can carry it outside as well if you prefer a little fresh air and sunshine while you dine.

The availability of great quick-service dining is one of the strengths of Universal Aventura Hotel! While all of the Universal resorts have their charms, not all of them have stellar options for a quick bite to eat. So my family was happy to discover this little gem.

Food Stations

Adventura Burger Grill Roast — Credit: Kate

Breakfast is set up simply with hot favorites, a bakery, and grab-and-go options. However, lunch and dinner bring a number of stations.

Roast Station features salads and wraps, and you can also enjoy sandwiches and burgers! But that is not all, you will also find roast chicken, salmon, steak, and chicken wings! You will also find plenty of kids’ options, which we appreciate, as many Universal Restaurants do NOT offer kids’ meals.

It will come as very little surprise that Pizza Station serves pizza. It is typical Universal pizza, and you can order a variety of toppings like Margherita, Garden, Pepperoni, Meat Lovers, or BBQ Chicken.

Pizza Universal Adventura — Credit: Kate

The Desserts Station is always popular with plenty of Gelato. You will also find cookies, cakes, and more to satisfy a sweet tooth!

But, the biggest surprise hit is Wok Station. If you love noodles, rice, or Ramen, this will be a TREAT for you.

Wok Station

Wok Station is truly a refreshing offering for those who are looking for something a little different. It is open during both lunch and dinner meal periods.

Guests can order Sushi here, but the highlight is certainly the Wok Bowls. Think of the Wok Bowl set up as a Subway or a Moes for Chinese food.

Each dish is made with delicious proteins and fresh vegetables. And, wok bowls are available in both adult and kids’ sized portions! It is always nice to find child-sized portions since many Universal quick-service restaurants do not offer them.

Tray Wok Urban Pantry Universal — Credit: Kate

You start off by selecting a base of either Lo mein, rice noodles, sushi rice, tofu, or chicken or vegetable broth. Some options are vegan.

Once you have made your choice, you get to select 4 options from an array of fresh vegetables. These include baby corn, snow peas, mushrooms, broccoli, red and green peppers, carrots, etc. If you prefer fewer vegetables, you can get extra of your favorite varieties.

If you have opted for rice or noodles, you will also need to decide what sauce you would like to finish it off with. You can choose between teriyaki sauce or sweet and sour sauce. You can also have it plain if you wish.

The meal is prepared fresh to order, so the staff will give you a little pager to take to your table. When the pager goes off, it is time to go grab your tray and let the eating begin!

What we ate

Everyone in my travel party loved our food from the Wok. One of the children in the party is a relatively picky eater and wanted just chicken and rice and ate every last bite.

One of the other children in the party tried noodles with broccoli and baby corn and steak in teriyaki sauce. She gave it two thumbs up although this did with there were a little less sauce.

I had a bite too (for research, of course), and the noodles were fantastic. If you are a Disney food fan and like ‘Ohana noodles, this might be a palatable option for you.

Universal Kid's Meals enough for adult — Credit: Kate

I had a rice bowl with beef, snow peas, carrots, baby corn, and mushrooms. The vegetables were cooked to perfection. The meat was flavorful and tender.

The adult portions are large. I could have easily shared this with another adult assuming they weren’t absolutely ravenous. I was actually sad that I was too full to eat another bite.

Overall we loved the meal. And, afterward, the Gelato stand was right there for little ones who wanted a little sweet something before we headed up to get ready for bed and a day at the theme parks.

Even if you have people in your party who don’t love the Wok-style dining, you aren’t out of luck. Those who want other options can enjoy any of the counters at Urban Pantry while you get your Wok-fix.

Good News

Some people wonder whether you have to be staying at Aventura Hotel to enjoy Urban Pantry. The answer is no. You can wader on in and have a nice meal if you are visiting Universal.

First of all, it is very close to a number of Universal Hotels. Aventura Hotel is right across from Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and it is also steps away from Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Hotel. You can easily enjoy walk over from either in a matter of minutes.

You could also walk from Loews Royal Pacific Resort or even Hard Rock Hotel if you wanted to. The walk would be a bit lengthier though.

You do not have to be staying at Universal Aventura Hotel to enjoy Urban Pantry.

If you wanted to take a mid-day break from the parks, or if you were looking for a quick bite on a rest day, you could also take the walking path from City Walk to Universal Aventura Hotel. Or, if you wanted, you could take a water taxi to Sapphire Falls and then walk over.

Overall, it might just be worth the walk! But, Wok isn’t Universal’s only good option.

Want More Great Dining?

Review: Does Wimpy's have the Best Burgers in Universal? — Credit: Kate

Do you want more great quick service dining options for your visit to Universal Orlando Resort? We have some more reviews for you.

Have you tried Urban Pantry at Universal Aventura Hotel? What did you think? Let us know, and be sure to pass along the review to family and friends who are heading to Universal Orlando Resort so they know what to eat.