From indulgent milkshakes to authentic Mexican plates, Universal CityWalk new menus deliver a feast of flavors across Orlando’s top dining destination.

Universal CityWalk Orlando has always been a dining destination, but this season, the culinary hub is stepping things up in a big way. As Universal proudly states, the “esteemed restaurants are constantly pushing out new, unique dishes that are changing the culinary game.” Now, “we’re facing a new menu overload,” with dozens of innovative offerings “specially handcrafted by our talented chefs.”

In fairness, many of these Universal CityWalk new menus feature items that might not be considered new by some. In fact, we have tried several of them before the recent Universal Orlando Resort promotion of the Universal CityWalk new menus. However, for most guests, these newer menu items will provide some fresh options for their next Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

These sweeping Universal CityWalk new menus update brings fresh flavors to some of CityWalk’s restaurants, from French-inspired creations at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium to Mexican plates at Antojitos, inventive sushi-burger mashups at Cowfish, wood-fired specialties at Bigfire, and island-inspired favorites at Margaritaville. It’s one of the largest food refreshes Universal CityWalk Orlando has ever seen, and the chefs behind the menus are ready to share the stories that make each dish shine.

Universal CityWalk New Menus: The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

The steampunk-styled Toothsome has been a guest favorite since its debut, but this year brings the biggest change yet. As the culinary team notes, “Toothsome has revamped its entire menu, which is a major change we haven’t really seen since it first opened its doors in September 2016.” The update, they say, was driven by the idea that “it’s high-time we tapped into Toothsome’s legacy as a French-inspired restaurant heavily influenced by chocolate.”

Among the standouts:

• Provence Totchos, loaded with truffled Brie fondue, Calabrian chili honey, bacon, and roasted garlic aioli.
• Burger Au Poivre, a decadent French spin topped with gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, and chocolate brandy peppercorn sauce.
• Cocoa Coq Au Vin, which pairs slow-cooked chicken in a red wine chocolate demi with creamy gruyère mashed potatoes.

Even the desserts have been refined, further cementing Toothsome’s place as one of Universal’s most imaginative kitchens.

Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food

At Antojitos, the new menu is all about authenticity and heart. Sous chef Margarita Mares explains, “They were running the same menu for a while and then once Pedro and I joined the team — a new set of chefs, new ideas.” For her, the refresh is deeply personal: “It’s very personal to make sure that the dishes are as authentic as possible.”

Highlights include:

• Aguachile Verde, a citrusy chilled shrimp dish designed to show guests the lighter, fresher side of Mexican cuisine.
• Camarones a la Diabla, which Chef Margarita says is “very personal to me … when it made it on our menu and I had my mom try it at home, she gave me the stamp of approval.”
• Pollo a la Poblana, with Chef Pedro emphasizing, “We like to respect culture. We worked so hard on the new menu … to sell people quality.”
• Abuela’s Cheesecake, which, as the chefs describe, “actually makes a difference as far as a home-cooked meal … something that you can sit down and eat and remember a childhood experience from.”

Every dish here tells a story, and that connection to tradition makes Antojitos one of CityWalk’s most heartfelt dining spots.

VIVO Italian Kitchen

VIVO has always been about bringing authentic Italian flair to Universal, and the new menu elevates that mission. Chef Miguel Ortiz says his new halibut entrée is a perfect example: “It’s light, fresh, and it looks like a work of art on the plate.”

Chef Alexis DeMoss expands on the restaurant’s philosophy: “We’ve worked hard to elevate not only the flavor complexity of our dishes, but also the visual appeal of them.”

New dishes include:

• Halibut, with a delicate preparation that highlights freshness.
• Pork Tenderloin, paired with a creamy corn risotto.
• Semi Freddo Strawberry Dessert, a playful yet sophisticated way to end the meal.

At VIVO, artistry and flavor come together in every course.

Bigfire

Known for its open-flame cooking and lodge-inspired setting, Bigfire is expanding with six new dishes plus Sunday brunch. The centerpiece is the Bone-In Short Rib, glazed with Carolina barbecue sauce. Other additions include:

• Grilled Barbecue Pork Chop, paired with smoked honey carrot puree.
• Seasonal Stone Fruit Salad, drizzled with champagne vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the flame-kissed meats.

The new menu keeps Bigfire true to its roots while offering more variety for returning guests. Additionally, Bigfire started serving a Sunday brunch for guests to enjoy.

Universal CityWalk New Menus: The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

If there’s one place at CityWalk that thrives on creativity, it’s Cowfish. Chef Dania Alvarez-King says the restaurant’s playful fusion is what makes it so special: “Cowfish is a fusion sushi place, and it gives us so much freedom to be creative and merge the different cuisines.”

That freedom shines in the new dishes:

• Bacon-Donut Fusion, a wild but delicious marriage of savory and sweet.
• Midnight Munchies Shake, a dessert drink that pushes the boundaries of indulgence.
• Cheesecake Lumpia Rolls, a fan-favorite making its triumphant return.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

Margaritaville continues to carry Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back legacy with a menu that’s both playful and hearty. Chef Javier Pareja shares that his new wings are “not your usual buffalo wing. It’s a lot of garlic — it’s kind of distinct.”

Other new favorites include:

• Cuban Meatloaf Sandwich, which Chef Javier says helps “honor [Jimmy Buffett’s] memory and this great business that he’s built.”
• Bacon Jam-boree Burger, a sweet and savory masterpiece.
• Peel & Eat Shrimp, a nod to Buffett’s coastal inspirations.

This refreshed menu proves Margaritaville still knows how to keep guests in that island state of mind.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew

Finally, NBC Sports Grill & Brew gets in on the action with bold, fan-friendly fare. Chef Robert Hainer says the Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls are a must-try: “The light and crispy outer shell is packed with all the flavor of Philly … the cherry pepper aioli brings a sweet heat that ties it all together.” He’s equally excited about the ‘DA’ B.L.T., describing it as “more than a sandwich — it’s an experience.”

With elevated bar favorites like these, NBC Sports Grill keeps its reputation as one of the best sports bars in Orlando.

Universal CityWalk New Menus: A New Era of Dining at Universal CityWalk

Universal calls this rollout a “new menu overload,” but for guests, it’s a delicious opportunity to rediscover the flavors of CityWalk. From chocolate-infused French classics to authentic Mexican recipes, vibrant Italian artistry, wood-fired specialties, and playful fusion experiments, there has never been a better time to explore Orlando’s dining and entertainment capital. Or, as Universal puts it best: “Trust me when I say you’ll be wowed by every. single. one.”

For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!

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