3. Krusty Burger

Image: jared422_80, Flickr (license)

Consider this entry as eight selections at once. Picking among the various Springfield meal options is entirely dependent on your taste buds. Whatever you choose, however, you’ll all enjoy the same thing. You’ll be eating in a real-life cartoon, a human reenactment of the daily struggles of The Simpsons and their extended family.

Sure, the selections are inconsistent as all fast food. In fact, the last time I ate at Krusty Burger, I didn’t get cheese inasmuch as some sort of cheese-based foam that failed to congeal. I take the bad with the good here, and the good is that a Flaming Moe is shockingly tasty. Plus, the one thing that a Springfield restaurant has to get right is the donut. The ones at Lard Lad are so delicious that several months later, I’m still fantasizing about the flavor. It’s the best donut I’ve ever had in my life.

Universal chefs took the time to think about which items from The Simpsons were most important, and all of those recipes are fantastic. To wit, I think it’s extremely thematic that my last Krusty Burger was terrible. In the fictional Springfield, he personally spits in every 50th one, you know.

2. Mythos

Image: Universal

Mythos, a gorgeous restaurant hidden in plain sight at Islands of Adventure presents itself as a cavernous dining establishment. Rock formations are everywhere and appear load-bearing, even when they’re not. The building’s exterior causes onlookers to perceive Mythos as standing high on a mountain crag even though it’s a literal walk-up dining experience. And should a guest prefer to eat outside, they’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the park’s waters and islands.

While the view is great at Mythos, the food is what differentiates it. This restaurant offers the finest dining options at Islands of Adventure. It’s high-brow cuisine that’s a foodie’s dream. Greek foods are the preferred option, a nod to the name of the establishment. If you’re a fan of Pad Thai, you’ll discover no finer version in the greater Orlando area. Our cohorts at Theme Park Insider named Mythos the best theme park restaurant in the world every year from 2003 to 2009. While its glory has faded a bit in the ongoing Florida theme park restaurant arms race, it’s still one of the best places to eat at any American theme park.

1. The Leaky Cauldron

Image: Universal

The Leaky Cauldron is one of the most crowded restaurants I’ve ever visited. The line to order food is chaos incarnate. Harry Potter diehards want their Butterbeer, and they’ll elbow their way to the front of a haphazard line to get it. The good news is that once you finally order, the process is fairly smooth. You receive a candlestick that identifies your place in line. You also get your drink first, and it’s this sip of Butterbeer that seems to calm the nerves while warming the dispositions of other guests. I find the whole thing appropriate since you’re only steps away from the darker parts of Diagon Alley. Some of the other wizards eating there are likely #TeamSlytherin, possibly even #TeamDeathEater. Do you think somebody with a violent snake tattoo is going to wait aimlessly in line for Butterbeer?

As far as the food goes, The Leaky Cauldron is easily the best amusement park restaurant in the world. The restaurant serves delicious British fare such as Fish and chips, Toad in the Hole, and Bangers and Mash. You can eat just like someone spending the day shopping at Diagon Alley, and if the mood strikes you, a glass of Fire Whiskey can carry you through the rest of the afternoon at the latest Wizarding World expansion. It’s the best combination of themed restaurant and tasty delicacies you’ll find near any amusement park in the world.

While Universal Orlando has many wonderful restaurants onsite, these six are the best of them, and The Leaky Cauldron lords above them all, just like He Who Shall Not Be Named.