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How to eat gluten-free at Universal
Eating gluten-free at Universal Orlando is not quite as easy as Disney. That said, you will find gluten-free options almost everywhere, even if they are limited. Most of the shops and stands will offer something gluten-free.
Before you get started, you might want to check out 20 things to know before going to Universal.
Gluten-free dining at Universal
A few of the restaurants offer some decent gluten-free options. I always recommend calling ahead to get the latest advice on how Universal is handling allergens. A few of the restaurants mentioned generally require a reservation, so make sure to get one if you’re traveling during a busy time.
Please note that all tips and advice are from my own experience. I do have Celiac disease, and I am extra vigilant about checking for gluten. However, always be sure to discuss your options with a team member or your restaurant server for the most updated options.
What to bring to Universal
A string backpack or hip bag. I always recommend a small bag. The free lockers provided will not hold a larger backpack.
Water bottle. There’s no reason to waste plastic when you can get water refills from any restaurant, and there are plenty of water fountains to refill too.
Snacks. Bring your own gluten-free granola bars, fruit, or whatever else you’d like. If you want to ensure you have something you like, bring it with you.
Grab and go gluten-free options
All around Universal, you’ll find some gluten-free grab and go choices such as:
- Fruit cups
- Chips
- Gluten-free snack bars
Gluten-free options at Universal Studios
Lombard’s Seafood Grille
You’ll likely need a reservation, but the popular Lombard’s Seafood Grille has a couple of gluten-free options. I haven’t eaten here as I am vegetarian, but I’ve heard they have a few surf-and-turf options.
Monster Café
Nothing on the menu is marked as gluten-free, but the turkey leg is gluten-free.
Gluten-free options at Islands of Adventure
In my opinion, the gluten-free options at Islands of Adventure are much better than Universal Studios.
Mythos
Mythos has been voted the best theme park restaurant, and it’s the best place to find gluten-free food at Universal Orlando. Two items can also be made vegan, the risotto, and pad thai.
Thunder Falls Terrace
I’m not sure why you won’t find this on the other lists of how to eat gluten-free at Universal, but Thunder Falls Terrace has a lot of options! Most of the options were sides, but as a vegan, I am used to putting together sides and calling it a meal. 🙂
The staff has always checked to ensure that items were gluten-free. Some gluten-free options include beans, rice, fries, potatoes, turkey legs, fruit cups, and most of the other side items.
Confisco Grill
Confisco Grill has a few gluten-free options, including wings and a burger.
Gluten-free at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
You may wonder why I haven’t mentioned either restaurant in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It’s because I believe they deserve a category of their own! Unfortunately, there isn’t much to talk about.
Is butterbeer gluten-free?
I’ve heard conflicting reports, but the latest says butterbeer is gluten-free. It is not dairy-free. Pumpkin Juice, Fishy Green Ale, and several other drinks are both gluten and dairy-free.
Gluten-free options at The Three Broomsticks
Nothing on the menu at the Three Broomsticks is gluten-free. I’ve heard many other guests say that the restaurant is very accomodating. Your options will be limited to meat, salads, and veggies.
Gluten-free at the Leaky Cauldron
The Leaky Cauldron has a few more options than the Three Broomsticks. They offer typical meat and eggs options for breakfast and even gluten-free pancakes.
Gluten-free candy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
If you carefully check labels, you’ll be able to find gluten-free candy at the popular Honeyduke’s or Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.
Gluten-free options at City Walk
If you’re trying to figure out how to eat gluten-free at Universal Orlando, City Walk is where you’ll have options.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar has quite a few gluten-free options that extend beyond just sushi.
Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville
Margaritaville has an extensive gluten-free option and even includes desserts.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
Bubble Gump Shrimp Company has a small gluten “sensitive” menu, and it’s awful. However, they have good drinks!
Antojitos
Antojitos has many gluten-free options and a few vegetarian options as well.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill has plenty of options for those who are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc.
These are not the only gluten-free options at City Walk, but they are some of the most popular.
Gluten-Free at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando deserves an honorable mention as they have an extensive gluten-free menu. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to dine there. However, staying at the Hard Rock hotel will give you a free Express Pass to use in the parks, so it just might be worth it!
How to eat gluten-free at Universal
I hope this guide to how to eat gluten-free at Universal helps you plan for your upcoming trip. If you’re still in the planning stages, I’d love to help make your dream vacation a reality! Feel free to contact me for a quote; I’d love to help you plan your vacation from start to finish.
If you plan to DIY your vacation, I understand that too! I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist if you choose not to use a Travel Agent! There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist,) or an approved Travel Agent!
More Universal Studios Content
- 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- 20 things to know before going to Universal Studios
- 7 things to buy before visiting Harry Potter World.
- 25 Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips.
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Secret song list.
- 7 best rides at Universal Studios.
- 15 Universal Studios Hacks.
P.S. Yes, I book Disney too! Check out another recent blog post, why you need a Disney Travel Agent.
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I was just back home at Harry Potter World and spoke with multiple chefs to confirm that the Fishy Green Ale does have dairy! It is gluten free though. I thought it was dairy free too and had to get to the bottom of it (just not literally because, ya know, dairy). This article was great! I’m still new to Universal with dietary restrictions (disney has spoiled me!) and appreciate the thorough post!
Hey Seely, Thanks for letting me know! I was told it was dairy-free! Now we know. I’ll be visiting in a few days and I’ll dig deeper next time!