We visited the Cosmos Cafe at the Universal Stella Nova Resort. Read our review of their Salmon Fried Rice and learn what to expect from this dining spot.
Universal Stella Nova Resort opened for guests on January 21, 2025, several months before guests could take advantage of its close proximity to the Universal Epic Universe theme park. The brand-new theme park, which features Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe, is also about a ten-minute walk away.
Universal Stella Nova Resort also sits near its sister hotel, Universal Terra Luna Resort. These two hotels are very similar in appearance, amenities, and room types. Both offer a quick service cafe and market set-up. In an earlier review blog, we wrote about visiting the Omega Cafe at Universal Terra Luna Resort. This theme park resort dining review focuses on the Cosmos Cafe at Universal Stella Nova Resort.
Cosmos Café and Market
The Cosmos Cafe and Market’s design is similar to that of the Omega Cafe and Market at Universal Terra Luna Resort. At both places, guests can order by mobile device or go to a counter.
Since we were visiting in the evening, we decided to order only on the dinner menu at Cosmos Cafe. At dinnertime, guests can order the Salmon Fried Rice in the Stella’s Specials section of the menu.
Salmon Fried Rice – $19.00
The menu description reads, “Pan-seared salmon fillet, Asian vegetable fried rice, sesame-ginger vinaigrette.” This description did not tell us much, but we ordered this entrée anyway. In addition, Universal Orlando annual pass discounts do apply.
The presentation of this quick service item failed to match our expectations. We expected the salmon to be already mixed in the fried rice. For the record, we would suggest mixing the salmon in the fried rice yourself. It enhanced the quality of our dining experience at Cosmos Café. The salmon should be easy to cut and mix into the fried rice.
Despite our confusion, the salmon stands out as a good quick service item. We have tasted worse at table-service restaurants. The glaze on the salmon pairs nicely with the fried rice.
The first bite of rice tasted a bit inconsistent in terms of flavor, but not bad at all. The flavor got better as we went along. The fried rice was greasier at the bottom, so grease equals flavor in this case. The sesame-ginger vinaigrette offers good taste, but the amount varies wildly within each bite. Once again, mixing everything helps.
Cosmos Cafe Portion Size
Most reports about the Cosmos cafe indicated that portion sizes are larger than most guests expect. Our Salmon Fried Rice has a portion size which rates as well above average, especially for an entrée with salmon. Guests also get to use real silverware. They can opt for plastic, but real silverware is available. Except for a typical greasiness with fried rice, this entrée offers some nutrition. Guests should rejoice for any nutrition when dining at a theme park or a theme park resort hotel.
We felt satisfied with our meal. Sure, we could have eaten more. That is what we do. Still, the salmon and fried rice provided flavor and a good portion size.
For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time for our latest one. As always, eat like you mean it!
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