UNLOCKED TIP: Universal Studios Florida is actually just one (1) of three (3) theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort! Click here for our gluten free hub covering every venue at the resort.
Welcome!
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to gluten free at Universal Studios Florida theme park.
This article is the third (3rd) in a series that will cover the gluten free and celiac safe options at every food venue across Universal Orlando Resort. The series will ultimately cover each theme park, each on site hotel, and CityWalk Orlando.
RELATED: We have many gluten free guides other than this series. Click here to find them.
Most gluten free guides out there will steer you to several gluten free options to hit up on your trip. We have those too (link above), and they’re all good and helpful! However, this series expands coverage of gluten free availability at Universal Orlando so that you are fully aware of the allergy friendly situation when entering literally any dining establishment at the resort. (We will eventually try to include the Volcano Bay water park, but the water park leans less into dining.)
UNRELATED: If you’re new to gluten free or struggling with celiac life at home/away from the parks, I wrote down some products and recipes to help. Find them here!
These encyclopedias of gluten free options at Universal Orlando are not 100% complete yet, but our goal is to have them completely finished by late 2026. And then of course they will be regularly updated with current safety practices or deficiencies.
Jump to the following comprehensive gluten free guides:
- Gluten Free at EPIC Universe: Complete Guide (2026)
- Gluten Free at EPIC Universe Hotels: Complete Guide (2026) (Helios Grand Hotel, Terra Luna Resort, and Stella Nova Resort)
- Gluten Free at Islands of Adventure: Complete Guide (2026)
- Gluten Free at CityWalk Orlando: Complete Guide (2026)
About Universal Unlocked
My name is Laney, and I was diagnosed with celiac disease in early 2019. I have been strictly gluten free ever since.
I get a celiac panel blood test once per month, and my numbers have always been completely normal when I’ve returned from trips to Orlando where I have eaten everything I talk about in these guides. Everything I have eaten at the resort has always been safe.
Always remember, however, that these articles are just guides to enhance your theme park experience and do not guarantee a safe dining experience. It is essential that you effectively communicate your specific needs with restaurant staff each time you go.
Please click here if you’re interested in my gluten free story and credentials. Use the table of contents below to check out the restaurants you’re interested in. Or, if you have time, read the whole thing!
RELATED: Click here to explore our review of ten (10) great gluten free dining options at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and CityWalk Orlando.
If you want a quick run down of what is and isn’t safe, open the table of contents directly below ⬇️. Emojis by each venue will tell you:
- ❤️❤️: love it the most
- ❤️: love it regularly
- 👍🏼: not over the moon about it, but it is safe
- ⛔: may have a couple gluten free options, but also has a lot of gluten, so be careful
- 🚫: not safe, skip it
What You Should Know about Gluten Free at the Resort, Generally
I will do my best to cover every single gluten free option at Universal Orlando Resort in these guides. And even though at the moment I have only been to thirty-three (33) (of thirty-eight (38)) of them, I have eaten gluten free at Universal Studios Florida dozens of times and can give you general tips about the park.
The Menus are Not Gospel
While the menus occasionally have marked gluten free options, these are typically menu items that are naturally gluten free or don’t require adjustments to make them gluten free. But do not by any means limit yourself to these items. Most venues are well versed in preparing allergen friendly alternatives to many existing menu items.
Well Trained Staff
About 90% of venues at the parks have extremely competent staff that are well trained in allergy safe protocols. Whether there are just a few or many items on the menu, chances are they can be made safely with the right conversation with the kitchen.
Skip the Kiosks
The 10% of park venues that cannot be guaranteed to be safe are the kiosks. My advice is to always skip them. Even the ones that have labeled gluten free food on the menus. The team members will tell you every single time that the food is brought in from a kitchen somewhere else and they know nothing about cross contact.
Use these tips to navigate the park venues not (yet!) covered here. Let’s get started!
Universal Studios Florida Gluten Free Overview
Universal Studios Florida is the original Universal Orlando Resort theme park. It opened in 1990, and it leans heavily into the “behind the scenes” feeling of movies. “Ride the Movies” is the park’s original slogan. The park itself can and has functioned as a working movie set.
RELATED: Click here to read more about the history of Universal Orlando Resort.
I have eaten at (or asked about and skipped) thirty-three (33) of the thirty-eight (38) restaurants at Universal Studios Florida, and below I share everything I know. We’re going clockwise through the lands (Minion Land, New York, San Francisco, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, World Expo, Springfield, U.S.A., DreamWorks Land, Hollywood). You will find ❤️ next to my favorites. If you spot ❤️❤️, we consider a can’t miss.
Illumination’s Minion Land
Illumination’s Minion Cafe ❓
- What: Mobile order tables
- Where: Illumination’s Minion Land
- Our Review:
Coming soon!
Click here to explore the Minion Cafe menu.
Freeze Ray Pops ⛔
- What: Quick service
- Where: Illumination’s Minion Land
- Our Review:
This is a kiosk and we skip it. However, the menu lists gluten free popsicles that, if prepackaged, are likely okay.
Click here to explore the Freeze Ray Pops menu.
Bake My Day ⛔
- What: Walk-in bakery
- Where: Illumination’s Minion Land
- Our Review:
This minion bakery is a definite skip for any gluten issues, but there is merch to check out here. Don’t skip it if minions are your thing.
Pop-A-Nana Popcorn and Drink Cart 🚫
- What: Kiosk
- Where: Illumination’s Minion Land
- Our Review:
We don’t trust the popcorn kiosks at Universal Orlando. If you do, more power to you.
New York
Production Central 🚫
- What: Kiosk
- Where: New York
- Our Review:
We don’t trust kiosks. Skip it.
Avenue Eats 🚫
- What: Kiosk
- Where: New York
- Our Review:
This kiosk staff specifically says not to trust food there, even though some of it is marked gluten free. Skip it.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill™ ❤️❤️
- What: Full table service
- Where: New York
- Our Review:
NOTE: Finnegan’s is closing on January 12, 2026, and will remain closed for the majority of 2026 for a major renovation. We’ll post updates in this space and on our news page (click here).
One of our favorite venues in the entire resort. And home to our favorite gluten free burger. They also make a fresh espresso martini that is gluten free and to die for. Finnegan’s has a long bar and very large dining room. And occasionally live music.
The staff is super knowledgeable. It’s right across from the best ride at Universal Orlando. 10/10. No notes.
RELATED: Read about our favorite Universal Orlando attractions in our ultimate ranking of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure rides. Click here to find it.
Click here to explore the Finnegan’s menu.
Auntie Anne’s 🚫
- What: Quick service
- Where: New York
- Our Review:
I always forget there’s an Auntie Anne’s at Universal Studios. Skip it, obviously.
Haagen Dazs ⛔
- What: Quick service
- Where: New York
- Our Review:
Trust this as much as you would trust any other Haagan Dazs venue outside Universal Orlando.
Louie’s Italian Restaurant™ ❓
- What: Mobile ordering tables
- Where: New York
- Our Review:
Coming soon!
Click here to explore the Louie’s Italian menu.
San Francisco
Richter’s Burger Co.™ 👍🏼
- What: Counter service
- Where: San Francisco
- Our Review:
Richter’s has undergone many changes over the years. Currently it is a counter service venue. They have gluten free burgers and can make them safely. And a separate fryer for fries.
Click here to explore the Richter’s menu.
Chez Alcatraz™ ❤️
- What: Full bar
- Where: San Francisco
- Our Review:
This is a full bar in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida. Trust it as much as you would any bar. (We drink here often.)
Click here to explore the Chez Alcatraz menu.
Lombard’s Seafood Grille™ ❤️❤️
- What: Full table service
- Where: San Francisco
- Our Review:
This is a very nice restaurant by theme park standards. We sat here for two (2) hours after our meal waiting for Halloween Horror Nights to start in 2025 and really enjoyed the experience. They have many gluten free seafood options, as well as steaks that are also easy to make gluten free. They also have gluten free buns, and we enjoyed a very good gluten free burger.
There’s also a great kids menu with gluten free options here.
Click here to explore the Lombard’s menu.
San Francisco Pastry Company™ 🚫
- What: Mobile ordering counter service
- Where: San Francisco
- Our Review:
This is a walk in bakery that also has soups, salads, and sandwiches. They cannot guarantee no cross contact here, so we skip the food. They do have gluten free alcoholic beverages.
Click here to explore the San Francisco Pastry Company menu.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™
Leaky Cauldron™ ❤️
- What: Mobile ordering tables
- Where: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™
- Our Review:
The Leaky Cauldron™ is the main restaurant venue in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™, located at Universal Studios Florida. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you will find it wonderfully immersive. Like you stepped into the books. It’s also one of the most allergen friendly restaurants at the parks. It lists much of its allergen information on its main menu. But, like every venue, it can make other things gluten free.
Mobile Ordering
The Leaky Cauldron used to be a counter order venue, but like many other Universal Orlando restaurants has moved to mobile order only.
UNLOCKED TIP: You need to download the official Universal Orlando app for mobile ordering. Read more about the app and dietary accommodations in our 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide.
This freaked me out at first because it seemed to take out the important step of speaking to someone in person about your food allergy. But it doesn’t. There is an option when you’re checking out on the app to add an allergy notice to your cart. When you do that and submit your order, someone will come out to speak to you about safe meal preparation.
Butterbeer
Also (very important!) always remember that every type of Butterbeer (except the fudge) is gluten free, including the original, frozen, hot, ice cream, iced lolly, and potted cream varieties. (Also, recently the Wizarding World has started taking the cream off the top of Butterbeer as a dairy free option.) Most drink options in the Wizarding World are offered everywhere drinks are sold. And many of them are gluten free, including gillywater, pumpkin juice, and apple cider.
The Leaky Cauldron has great fries that are prepared in a separate fryer (no other potato options though). They also offer safe preparation with gluten free buns, and many celiacs love the chicken sandwich.
Nothing on the breakfast menu is specifically designated gluten free but just ask them when you’re there. They have good gluten free pancakes as well as other items easy to make gluten free. They also have fruit bowls and salads if that’s what you’re looking for.
If you want your Wizarding World experience to include a meal straight out of the Harry Potter books, you will find many options at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.
Click here to explore the Leaky Cauldron menu.
The Fountain of Fair Fortune ❤️
- What: Counter service
- Where: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™
- Our Review:
This counter service venue has some favorite Wizarding World alcoholic beverages, plus Butterbeer and all the non-alcoholic Wizarding World favorites. Plus, get Butterbeer soft serve ice cream without standing in the Florean Fortescue line, which is insane at all times (see below).
Click here to explore the Fountain of Fair Fortune menu.
Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour 👍🏼
- What: Counter service
- Where: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™
- Our Review:
This line is always prohibitively long. But if you want the strawberry peanut butter, you gotta stand in it! Ask about each flavor individually. And always get a cup, not a cone.
UNLOCKED TIP: I have seen this venue empty exactly one (1) time. If you do Stay and Scream for Halloween Horror Nights, this will be empty or close to it between the time the park closes and the regular HHN guests arrive.
Click here to explore the Florean Fortescue menu.
The Hopping Pot 👍🏼
- What: Counter service
- Where: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™
- Our Review:
The Hopping Pot has all the Wizarding World alcoholic and non-alcoholic favorites. It also has pasties, which you can’t have. And Butterbeer iced lollies, which you can!
Click here to explore the Hopping Pot menu.
World Expo
Lagoon Lemonade 🚫
- What: Kiosk
- Where: World Expo
- Our Review:
We don’t trust kiosks. Skip it.
MIB Icee ⛔
- What: Kiosk
- Where: World Expo
- Our Review:
Trust the icees and food at your own risk. But the bottled beverages are safe.
Springfield, U.S.A.
Cletus’s Chicken Shack 🚫
- What: Quick service
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
This is fried chicken in a small area. Skip it.
Moe’s Tavern ❓
- What: Quick service
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
Coming soon!
Flaming Moe’s ❓
- What: Quick service
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
Coming soon!
Click here to explore the Flaming Moe’s menu.
The Frying Dutchman 🚫
- What: Quick service
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
Tons of deep fried food. Skip it.
Click here to explore the Frying Dutchman menu.
Lisa’s Teahouse of Horror 🚫
- What: Prepackaged grab and go
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
This is a grab and go spot with sandwiches and pre cut fruit. We skip it.
Duff Brewery ⛔
- What: Full bar
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
There is a full bar here that you can trust as much as any other.
Luigi’s Pizza 🚫
- What: Quick service
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
We don’t trust this quick service pizza spot. Skip it.
Click here to explore the Luigi’s menu.
Krusty Burger ❓
- What: Quick service
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
Coming soon!
Click here to explore the Krusty Burger menu.
Lard Lad Donuts 🚫
- What: Quick service
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
Home to the famous big pink donut. Skip it, obviously. (I had this before my diagnosis (pictured👇🏼) and it’s not that good. You aren’t missing anything.)
Bumblebee Taco Truck 🚫
- What: Quick service
- Where: Springfield, U.S.A.
- Our Review:
This was my favorite place to eat at Universal Studios Florida before I was diagnosed. While they do have corn tortillas and tout gluten free options, sadly, the confines of the truck make it impossible to avoid cross contact with the flour tortillas. Skip it.
Click here to explore the Bumblebee Taco Truck menu.
DreamWorks Land
DreamWorks Imagination Cafe ⛔
- What: Counter service
- Where: DreamWorks Land
- Our Review:
This has a very limited menu and nothing gluten free. If you’re dying, they have a bowl of strawberries.
Click here to explore the Imagination Cafe menu.
Troll Treats ⛔
- What: Quick service
- Where: DreamWorks Land
- Our Review:
This is soft serve with sprinkles. We trust the ice cream but not the sprinkles.
Click here to explore the Troll Treats menu.
Swamp Snacks ⛔
- What: Quick service
- Where: DreamWorks Land
- Our Review:
There may be gluten free bottled drinks here, but the main offering is the Shrek pretzel. Skip the food.
Hollywood
Central Park Crepes 🚫
- What: Kiosk
- Where: Hollywood
- Our Review:
Kiosk. We skip it.
Cafe La Bamba ⛔
- What: Quick service
- Where: Hollywood
- Our Review:
Cafe La Bamba is the great mystery of Universal Studios Florida. Is it open? Is it closed? Does it have a makeshift mimosa bar next door? No one knows! Lots of gluten free options when they are open, though.
RELATED: Cafe La Bamba is a food stop during the Universal Orlando Holiday Tour. Read our review here.
Click here to explore the Cafe La Bamba menu.
Mel’s Drive In ❤️❤️
- What: Counter service
- Where: Hollywood
- Our Review:
One of our favorite venues at Universal Orlando. It’s themed as a mid century diner, and it is immersive and so cute. They have safe practices, gluten free buns, safe fries, and salads.
Click here to explore the Mel’s Drive In menu.
Schwab’s Pharmacy ❤️
- What: Quick service
- Where: Hollywood
- Our Review:
This old fashioned soda shop serves Haagan Dazs. Trust it as much as you would any other Haagan Dazs ice cream shop. When we ate here, they were very careful to research what was gluten free and not. We were able to get both ice cream and a root beer float.
Click here to explore the Schwab’s menu.
TODAY Cafe ❤️❤️
- What: Counter service
- Where: Hollywood
- Our Review:
The TODAY Cafe is a bakery and deli located at the front of Universal Studios Florida. They have sandwiches, salads, and a pastry case. It’s home to one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. Truly. Every sandwich that has gluten free ingredients can be made gluten free with toasted gluten free bread. The turkey and cheese was the best I’ve ever had. The salads can also be made safely, but skip the pastry case.
Click here to explore the TODAY Cafe menu.
Conclusion: Gluten Free at Universal Studios Florida
Thanks for reading! We’ll be updating this guide regularly as we check off more restaurants inside Universal Studios Florida. So make sure to bookmark this page!
Click here to reach out if you have any questions or comments. I usually respond quickly!
When I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I mourned my Universal vacation dining and brought an entire suitcase of gluten free snacks on my first trip back. Little did I know, I was about to discover an absolute gluten free paradise. You will, too. It’s impossible to feel less than or other at Universal Orlando. I hope you enjoy it!
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