The opening of Universal's new park, Epic Universe, is almost here - scheduled for May 22, 2025 - and promises not only exciting attractions, but also a diverse gastronomic experience that will delight visitors. With more than 100 new items distributed across 30 establishments, the park offers everything from themed dishes inspired by popular franchises to creative versions of culinary classics. Seriously, it's mouth-watering! 🤤
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Upon entering the Ministry of Magic themed area, visitors will be transported to 1920s Paris, where they can enjoy authentic French cuisine with a magical touch. Café L’air De La Sirène, for example, will serve delicacies such as the Butterbeer Crêpe, a crepe filled with shortbread paste, Bavarian cream, fresh strawberries and finished with a Butterbeer syrup. For a more substantial option, Quiche Lorraine combines a flaky crust with a creamy filling of eggs, crispy bacon, Gruyère cheese and caramelized onions, accompanied by fresh red fruits. Check out some delights you will find in this area:

- Butterbeer Crêpe (Café L'air De La Sirène) – for the first time, guests can enjoy the flavors of Butterbeer in a crepe that includes shortbread cookie butter, Bavarian cream, Butterbeer cream, strawberries, Butterbeer drizzle and a Butterbeer shortbread cookie.
- Baguette de Dinde (Café L'air De La Sirène) - a delightfully delicious dish featuring sliced turkey with sliced black pepper with arugula, crisp apples and creamy Brie served on a warm, crusty baguette with spicy mustard butter and apple butter.
- Alchemist’s Platter(Le Gobelet Noir) – an exquisite spread with smoked sausage, potato and cheese pierogies, spicy pickled eggs, vibrant marinated beets, savory caramelized onions and a warm pretzel served with spicy German mustard and cheese fondue.
- Lentil Stew (VG) (Le Gobelet Noir) - a hearty stew of lentils, flavorful vegan bacon and vibrant root vegetables served with artisan bread.
- Quiche Lorraine (Café L'air De La Sirène) - a savory dish featuring egg custard baked in a flaky pie crust filled with crispy bacon, gruyère cheese and caramelized onion with mornay sauce and a side of fresh fruit topped with a drizzle of lavender honey.
Super Nintendo World
Nintendo fans will find a variety of themed dishes at Toadstool Café that refer to their favorite characters. The Mario Burger is a succulent option, consisting of a beef burger, tasty mushrooms, fresh lettuce, tomato and melted American cheese, served on a brioche bun with a portion of truffle fries. For those who prefer chicken, the Luigi Burger features grilled chicken topped with basil pesto, melted Swiss cheese, green peppers and fresh spinach, also accompanied by truffle fries. Some of the goodies we will find there are:

- Mario Burger (Bacon, Mushroom and Cheese) (Toadstool Cafe) - energize with this all-beef burger, topped with flavorful mushrooms, fresh lettuce, tomato and melted American cheese, served on a brioche bun with a side of truffle fries
- Luigi Burger (Pesto Grilled Chicken) (Toadstool Cafe) - this flavorful dish features grilled chicken topped with basil pesto, melted Swiss cheese, green peppers and fresh spinach, all served on a soft brioche bun with truffle fries
- Bowser's Fireball Challenge (Toadstool Cafe) - take on this challenge with a towering one-pound meatball topped with gooey mozzarella cheese in mushroom marinara sauce and fresh parsley served with Bowser-inspired puff pastry and hot sauce
- Yoshi's Smoothie (Apple Mellon) (Yoshi's Snack Island) - cool off with a refreshing blend of tart Granny Smith apple and sweet honeydew syrup, frozen to creamy perfection with milk and topped with whipped cream and green apple boba
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
In the area inspired by "How to Train Your Dragon", Mead Hall offers a gastronomic experience worthy of a Viking feast. The Thawfest Platter is a hearty meal that includes chicken drumsticks glazed with berry barbecue sauce, grilled salmon and succulent sausages, served with a mixture of roasted carrots, cipollini onions and Nordic fries. For dessert, Stormfly’s Catch of the Day is a fish-shaped chocolate mousse, resting on a bed of rice cereal, combining creaminess and crunch.

- Yaknog(Mead Hall) -a fun drink that captures the spirit and adventure of Berk with its rich, creamy blend of malted chocolate, cinnamon and a generous swirl of whipped cream
- Thawfest Platter (Mead Hall)- feast like a Viking on this wide array of tender chicken drumsticks glazed in a berry barbecue glaze, grilled salmon and succulent sausage served with a medley of roasted carrots, cipollini onions, Nordic fries and sauces
- Nordic Harvest Salad (VG)(Mead Hall)-this salad features kale and arugula, crunchy red cabbage, radishes and hearty ancient grains, with blueberries and crisp apples for tangy flavor, a dash of trail mix that adds a satisfying crunch, and raspberry vinaigrette to top it all off
- Stormfly's Catch of the Day(Mead Hall)- a fun dessert perfect for young Vikings featuring a chocolate mousse fish nestled on top of a bed of colorful crispy rice cereal for a delicious combination of creamy sweetness and crunch
Dark Universe
Exploring the shadowy Darkmoor, visitors will find Das Stakehaus, a restaurant offering robust and themed dishes. The “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich stands out with marinated and fried chicken breast, mixed in a blood orange sauce, served on a black bun with spicy pickles and coleslaw, accompanied by crispy fries. For those looking for a vegan option, Our Favorite Vegan Family’s Stuffed Cabbage features vegan meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, over a rich tomato and pepper sauce, accompanied by beetroot bucatini.

- Stakes (Das Stakehaus)- guests can sink their teeth into a delicious meal on a stake with a choice of three protein options - Fish on a Stake (blackened salmon steak), Bird on a Stake (dry-rubbed grilled chicken tenderloin) or Bits and Pieces (meatloaf of grilled and glazed wild mushroom breast) - all served with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes with charred green onions.
- “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich(Das Stakehaus) - marinated chicken breast fried in a tempting blood orange sauce served on a sinister black bun with spicy pickles, coleslaw and crispy fries
- Our Favorite Vegan Family’s Stuffed Cabbagerite (VG)(Das Stakehaus)- with impossible meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves nestled in a rich tomato-pepper sauce and accompanied by vibrant beetroot bucatini
- Hunter’s Garlic Stake(The Burning Blade Tavern) - a crispy garlic pretzel with cheese perfectly cooked to a golden brown served with a rich garlic sauce
Celestial Park
In the heart of the park, Celestial Park is home to more than 15 gastronomic establishments that cater to different palates. The Atlantic, for example, offers the Sea Bass, a sea bass served with carrot mochi and fresh peas, complemented by an aromatic lemongrass broth and star fruit slices that add tropical citrus notes. For lovers of Asian cuisine, The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant serves Tonkotsu Ramen, with noodles immersed in a rich pork broth, topped with chashu, tare egg, shiitake mushrooms and fragrant togarashi oil.

- Sea Bass(Atlantic) - a delicious serving of sea bass nestled amid the subtle sweetness of carrot mochi and vibrant crunch of fresh peas. The aromatic lemongrass broth complements the buttery sea bass, while star fruit slices add a touch of tropical citrus notes.
- Landlubber's Snickerdoodle Loot(Atlantic) - a fun beach dessert perfect for young explorers featuring a snickerdoodle cake served in a beach bucket with cookie butter ganache, surrounded by Biscoff sand and gummy sharks
- Tonkotsu Ramen (The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant) - this Asian comfort food features delicate ramen noodles immersed in a rich pork broth, topped with tender chashu pork, tara egg, shiitake mushrooms and fragrant togarashi oil
- Platter with Mango Bread & Pickles (The Oak & Star Tavern) – guests can choose from smoked brisket, smoked ribs, pulled pork, jalapeño cheddar sausage or spit-roasted herb-infused chicken and pair with sides like sautéed greens, mac and cheese and more
- Harvest Moon Pizza (VG)(Pizza Moon) - this vegan masterpiece features a rich tomato sauce adorned with grilled artichoke hearts, Divina tomatoes and roasted peppers, topped with Castelvetrano olives and arugula for a crunchy finish
- Grand Atlantic Martini(Atlantic) – a tempting cocktail with dry gin, aperitif wine and a touch of golden lemon for garnish
- Waturi Punch(Celestiki) – guests can be transported to an island oasis with a refreshing blend of rum, bitters and fruit juices
- The Plastered Owl(The Oak & Star Tavern) - a perfectly mixed cocktail made with dark rye whiskey, simple syrup, cherry syrup, lemon juice, lemon slices and crushed cherries
- Khaosan Boba (The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant) – a delicious Thai-inspired milk tea blend combined with coffee boba and frothy coffee foam
- Meteor Strike(Bar Zenith)- a cosmic blend of light rum, triple sec, tangy lime and pineapple juices, topped with lemon soda and a dash of edible gold glitter, and decorated by a raw sugar cube meteor infused with flaming lime extract
With such a rich and diverse array of dining options, Universal Epic Universe promises to be a must-see destination not only for those who want adventure, but also for food enthusiasts. As a good Taurus that I am, I'm already excited to check out so many delicious options that the park will offer, what about you? 😋

