My husband and I will be going to Universal Studios and other area parks on a couples vacation package in a few weeks. We would like to know if there are any really good restaurants in the Park, City Walk or in the general area. We have heard that the Theme restaurants are not very good and very pricey.We would appreciate any input from those of you who have been there and have a favorite place they would like to recommend.

J McKay:
My family stayed 1 week at the Hard Rock Hotel & did Universal this past April. We really enjoyed the restaurants at City Walk, which is adjacent to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure.
We ate at the following:
1) Hard Rock Cafe - always great
2) Margaritaville's - get reservations - excellent nachos
3) NBA City - best steaks but pricey
4) Pastamore's - good Italian, least expensive place
Like I said, we had no complaints about any meals or service at City Walk. Have a great time!!

Avoid 'Mel's Drive in' ( that's what I think it's called ). It's the circular looking one with the cars outside.

J, Emeril's is very good if you can get a reservation. If you cannot get a reservation you can sit at the bar and order from the regular menu. I have heard that there are some good italian rest. in Portofino Hotel on universal property. There is also a Palm steakhouse in the Hard Rock Hotel. I always like Margaritaville for casual. There is also a spanish rest. called Latin Quarter that is very good.

Margaritaville was very good (went for lunch) and inexpensive. Emeril's was good, but not great, as I was expecting. Lunch for 3 was $ 70.00 with tip. We had no appetizers or drinks, only entrees. I ordered the redfish, which was excellent, but my Mom's pasta and sisters salmon were mediocre at best, so I wouldn't knock myself out getting a reservation there. If you are near a large metropolitan area I'm sure you can eat much better at home, for less.