Gluten-free food at Universal

Finding gluten-free food at Universal Orlando is not *quite* as easy as Disney, but it’s getting close! In the past few years, Universal has added many gluten-free dining options. You will find gluten-free options almost everywhere and most of the shops and stands will offer something gluten-free.

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy. I’m a top-selling travel agent, Florida resident, Universal Annual Passholder, blogger, and mom of Florida Travel with Kids-kids. However, I also have Celiac disease, so I know more than most how important it is to find gluten-free food at Universal that is not cross-contaminated.

So whether someone in your family has Celiac disease, a gluten allergy, or you’re just avoiding gluten for other reasons, I’d love to help you plan the perfect Universal vacation. Contact me to get started.

Gluten-free dining at Universal

Most restaurants at Universal require mobile ordering, so make sure to download the app. The app also has an allergen add-on, which can be added to any order. Before they prepare your order, a Chef will talk to you about your needs. I have found that most Chefs are very knowledgeable and accommodating!

If you are doing a special event like the Grinch Breakfast, you can call ahead and make arrangements for your dietary needs. Gluten-free items are marked as “gluten sensitive” or “GS” on menus.

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 Chef for the most updated options. While I try to keep this post up to date, do keep in mind that menu options can change at any time. 

If you don’t have it, I highly recommend the Find Me Gluten Free app! This is not sponsored and not a paid link, but I find this app invaluable when traveling anywhere!

Grab-and-go Gluten-free food at Universal

All around Universal, you’ll find some gluten-free grab-and-go choices such as:

• Fruit cups
• Chips
• Gluten-free snack bars

Gluten-free food at Universal Studios

Here are some of the best gluten-free food options at Universal Studios.

Lombard’s Seafood Grille

You’ll likely need a reservation, but the popular Lombard’s Seafood Grille has some gluten-free options. Some of the current gluten-free offerings include:

• North Beach District Angus Beef Strip Steak
• San Francisco Cobb Salad

Other items may be able to made gluten-free upon request.

Minions Cafe

A lot of people were sad about Monsters Cafe being replaced with Minions Cafe. However, nothing was gluten-free on the Monsters Cafe Menu! However, there are some great (and, dare I say, almost healthy) gluten-free options at Minions Cafe.

My favorite is Carl’s Crispy Cauliflower, which is not only gluten-free but vegan too! Other gluten-free options include:

• El Macho’s Salsa y Salsa Ropa Vieja
• Lucy’s Top Secret Salmon

Just be warned that the Minion Tots are not Celiac-safe.

Gluten-free food at Islands of Adventure

I think 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 options at Thunder Falls are already gluten-free, but make sure to add the gluten-free notification when you mobile order so you can chat with the chef.

Confisco Grill

Confisco Grill has a few gluten-free options, including wings and a burger.

Burger Digs

Burger Digs (and most other burger places at Universal) offer gluten-free burgers and chicken sandwiches. Just be aware that sometimes sit-down restaurants seem more careful than quick service.

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! While there isn’t much that is gluten-free on the menu, many dishes can be adjusted to be gluten-free.

Is butterbeer gluten-free?

Yes, both the regular and vegan versions of Butterbeer are gluten free!

Gluten-free food The Three Broomsticks

Here are some options that are or can be made gluten free at Three Broomsticks:

• English Holiday Meal (request no gray, and no stuffing) 
• Herb Roast Chicken Platter 
• Spare Rib Platter
• Roast Chicken Salad
• Asparagus Vegetable Platter 

Gluten-free food Leaky Cauldron

The Leaky Cauldron has a few more options than the Three Broomsticks. They offer typical meat and egg options for breakfast and even gluten-free pancakes. Other options include:

• Apple Oatmeal Flan with Yogurt & Fruit (breakfast)
• Fisherman’s Pie

Other dishes can possibly be made gluten-free, it’s best to speak with a Chef before ordering.

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.

Antojitos

Like many Mexican restaurants, Antojitos has many gluten-free options and a few vegetarian options as well. Antojitos is my favorite restaurant in CityWalk.

Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe has a separate gluten-free menu (which we love to see!) with a lot of options. You can choose from things like wings, burgers, steaks, ribs, sandwiches, and salads. There’s even a gluten-free kids’ menu with a burger or chicken breast.

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. You can check out our list of restaurants in CityWalk and look at menus for any that interest you!

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!

Check out more here: Which Universal Orlando hotels offer Express Pass.

Here are a few examples of gluten-free meals at The Kitchen restaurant at Hard Rock:

• Chicken wings
• Chicken orzo soup
• Rockin’ Rolls
• Truffle Lobster Mac and Cheese (gf upon request!)
• The Half-Pound Kitchen Burger (gf upon request)
• All steaks, steak enhancements, and sides.

There are even more options, but there are a few to get you started! Universal has menus for all restaurants in the parks, hotels, and CityWalk available in the app.

Gluten-free food at Universal

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best gluten-free food at Universal. If you need help planning your Universal vacation, contact me! I’d love to help you plan an Epic vacation at Universal Orlando.

We have lots of other Universal tips and tricks on the blog. Check them out!

• 7 things to buy BEFORE going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• All the Universal Orlando Hotel Types explained
• What to pack for Universal Studios (and what to wear at Universal)
• How to Eat at Universal on a Budget

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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