I am planning a special dinner to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday, while we are staying at Universal. Any restaurant recommendations...just 6 of us...but I want it to be nice...good food and a classy atmosphere. I would like to know if anyone has comments on Trattoria Del Porto and it's italian buffet or the Luau at the Royal Pacific. Any other recommendations welcome!

I know he's a cliche of a chef, but he has a good restaurant... what about Emeril's in City Walk.

He also opened a new restaurant at Royal Pacific... Tchoup Chop I think.

Sorry, we don't do the nice dining since we've kids, but maybe others will have an idea ?

Thanks, Surfmom. We have 2 children also...ages 12 and 17. So, that enters into the equation. We need to celebrate somewhere that will have food that they like.

We love Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific and have seen young children there. They do have a children's menu and it is a special place with great atmosphere and service.
Here is a link to all the restaurants at Universal and City Walk and the resorts. You can access their menus at the site:

http://allears.net/uni/menu/menus.htm

If you want exotic (not the food), fun and interesting, go to Mythos in the Atlantis(?) area of Universal. Food is good, surroundings really unusual; I think everyone will love it!

I agree with Mythos. It's actually my all time favorite restaurant at Universal. It is in the Lost Continent section of Islands of Adventure. Great atmosphere and wonderful food.
If the parks are not open late, Mythos usually closes at 3:00 so you would have to go there for dinner.

Mythos sounds interesting but what is the atmosphere like?

Does anyone have any information on the Luau at the Royal Pacific and/or Trattoria Del Porto (buffet and regular menu) and Mama Della's...both in the Portofino. How is the food? the atmosphere?

Go to http://www.themeparkinsider.com/revi...os_restaurant/ and take a look; there are photos, too.

We ate at Mama Della's @ Portofino in 2003, our last stay at that hotel. Good, but hardly memorable.

Enjoy your celebration.

My then 12 year old and I celebrated my 50th birthday at Universal. My actualy birthday dinner was at Tchoup Chop. The decor is very cool and they made a big fuss over both of us.

We also enjoyed Mythos. Remember, that it is "in park" so you'll have to go during park hours.

I would skip the Luau at the Royal Pacific.
Check out the menus on my post above and see what interests you.
The interior of Mythos is amazing. It is like a large cave and mythical figures are carved into the walls, etc. The food there is wonderful! I just close my eyes and think of the warm gooey chocolate banana cake-YUM!

Thanks for all of your comments. I think I will take your advice and skip the luau. Mythos sounds fabulous but I wanted to have this dinner in the evening and this restaurant might not be open at that time. We'll have to do lunch there one day though...looks awesome. Anyway...I would really like any comments on Trattoria Del Porto (regular menu and italian buffet on Saturday nights). Is the food good? Atmosphere nice? Linens on tables? Do they do birthday cakes?

I also posted on your other thread but we really enjoyed Mythos, Tchoup Chop, & Mama Dellas. Each one has a very unique atmosphere (I think the children might especially enjoy Mythos). We would return to any of these.

I don't think Trattoria Del Porto is what you have in mind to celebrate your father's 80th birthday. We had dinner there in August (had the buffet) and while it was fine, it certainly wasn't special. Perhaps Bice Restaurant in the Portofino Bay Hotel might be more appropriate. While I haven't dined there myself, it sounds like it might be closer to what you are looking for.

I think Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific is very nice. Atmosphere is excellent and the food is delish.

Emeril's in City Walk has excellent food, but I think the atmosphere is lacking a little.

Good luck and have fun!

Mikesmom -- thanks for your comments regarding TDP. Bice and Emeril's are a little too pricey for me. Do you know anything about Mama Della's?

I haven't eaten at Mamma Della's, but I think it could be a good choice for your dad's birthday dinner. It isn't elegant, but it certainly looks like a nice restaurant and I think the food is supposed to be good. I also think it might be more fun. It would be my choice between the two if I were planning the "party".

Oops - I meant Mama Della's - sorry.

How about the luau at the Royal Pacific. I hear it is the best one in the area.