From wizarding feasts in Hogsmeade to cute Mario-themed cafés, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) offers more than just thrills — it’s a paradise for foodies, too. Whether you’re craving a luxurious steak dinner, Japanese comfort food, or a quick bite between rides, this guide will help you choose the perfect place to eat during your day at USJ. Based on real experiences and local tips, here’s your ultimate 2025 dining guide for Universal Studios Japan.
- Full-Service Restaurants – For a Relaxed, Quality Dining Experience
- Quick-Service Restaurants – Fast, Themed, and Satisfying
- Three Broomsticks – Dine Like a Wizard
- Kinopio’s Café (Toad’s Café) – Eat in the Mushroom Kingdom
- Studio Stars Restaurant – Budget-Friendly and Family-Oriented
- Snoopy’s Backlot Café – Cute, Light Meals for Kids
- Discovery Restaurant – Big Portions in Jurassic World
- Lost World Restaurant – Underrated Spot with Asian Flavors
- Amity Landing – Simple, Classic Theme Park Food
- Happiness Café – Bright, Pop-Inspired Dining
- Mel’s Drive-In – Classic 50s Diner Vibes
- Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor – Best for Sharing with Friends
- The Dragon’s Pearl – A Quiet, Chinese-Style Retreat
- Cafés and Sweets – For Light Bites, Coffee, or Instagrammable Treats
- Comparison Table: Best Restaurants at a Glance
- Tips from a Local – How to Eat Smart at USJ
- FAQ – USJ Food & Dining Questions Answered
- Conclusion
Full-Service Restaurants – For a Relaxed, Quality Dining Experience
Universal Studios Japan has three full-service restaurants, perfect for guests who want to enjoy a more relaxed, sit-down meal during their park visit. At these restaurants, waitstaff take your order and bring your food to the table, offering a more refined experience than typical quick-service spots.
Menus are diverse, ranging from Western steaks to traditional Japanese dishes, and alcoholic beverages are also available. If you’re looking to take a break from the crowds and enjoy a proper meal, these are your best options.
Parkside Grill – The Most Luxurious Dining at USJ
Source: usj.co.jp
Located near the entrance, Parkside Grill is USJ’s most upscale restaurant. It serves premium steaks, lunch plates, and a well-curated wine and Japanese whisky menu. With spacious seating and a calm atmosphere, it’s a perfect choice for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a proper sit-down meal.
Best for meat lovers
Wide wine & whisky selection
Elegant interior with wide table spacing
SAIDO – Authentic Japanese Cuisine in a Park Setting
SAIDO is a full-service Japanese restaurant offering sushi, udon, and tonkatsu. It’s especially popular with international visitors looking for authentic Japanese flavors. The traditional interior design feels surprisingly immersive, and SAIDO is the only place in the park where you can order sake and shochu.
Only place in USJ with sake & shochu
Calm, traditional Japanese ambiance
Great for first-time visitors to Japan
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill – A Beloved Pub Closing Soon
Set in a cozy Irish pub atmosphere, Finnegan’s is a long-time favorite for adults looking to relax with a drink. Known for its high-quality food and unique half-yard beers, it’s a hidden gem — but sadly, it’s closing on November 3, 2025.
Great cocktails & pub-style dishes
Try the famous Onion Blossom
Visit before it closes!
I’ve always loved Finnegan’s. For years, it was my favorite spot to grab a beer whenever I needed a break from the park.
Unfortunately, it’s now scheduled to close on November 3, 2025.
Quick-Service Restaurants – Fast, Themed, and Satisfying
Quick-service restaurants at USJ offer fast food-style dining for guests on the go. You typically order at the counter and pick up your food yourself, making it easy to grab a quick bite between attractions.
The menus are simple and efficient, featuring familiar favorites like burgers, curry, and fried chicken. Perfect for when you want to eat quickly and get back to the fun!
Three Broomsticks – Dine Like a Wizard
Source: usj.co.jp
One of the most popular restaurants in the park, this Harry Potter-themed eatery serves hearty British-inspired meals. Guests can enjoy Butterbeer and a meal while looking out at Hogwarts Castle. Expect long lines during lunch hours.
Magical ambiance straight from the films
Outdoor terrace with castle view
Butterbeer on tap
Kinopio’s Café (Toad’s Café) – Eat in the Mushroom Kingdom
Located inside Super Nintendo World, Kinopio’s Café offers playful, colorful dishes inspired by the Mario universe. It’s one of the most immersive dining experiences at USJ. A timed-entry ticket to the area is required, so be sure to get it early in the day.
Animated kitchen with Chef Toad
Creative, themed dishes
Wide table spacing for a relaxing meal
At Kinopio’s Café, you place your order and pay at the register first. After that, you’ll receive a numbered plate to take to your table.
When I visited, I was pleasantly surprised to get number 64—Nintendo fans will understand why that made me smile!
Drinks are picked up at the drink counter near the register. Once you’re seated, a crew member will bring your food directly to your table, using your numbered plate as a guide. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the Mushroom Kingdom atmosphere!
Studio Stars Restaurant – Budget-Friendly and Family-Oriented
Source: usj.co.jp
With rotating character-themed menus, this casual eatery is ideal for families or budget-conscious guests. It’s one of the few places that offers baby food, and its open seating layout makes it easy to find a table even during busy times.
Low-priced, Western-style meals
Character-themed options
Family-friendly with wide seating
Snoopy’s Backlot Café – Cute, Light Meals for Kids
Source: usj.co.jp
Located inside Universal Wonderland, this café serves adorable Snoopy-themed meals and desserts. It’s a hit with families and Peanuts fans, though portions may be a bit small for adults with big appetites.
Snoopy-shaped burgers and sweets
Ideal for young children
Fun, character-themed atmosphere
Discovery Restaurant – Big Portions in Jurassic World
Source: usj.co.jp
Located in the Jurassic Park area, this restaurant serves large, satisfying meals like dinosaur-themed burgers. Its terrace seating offers scenic views of the lagoon, perfect for a peaceful break.
Huge portions, great value
Themed menu names
Outdoor terrace with lagoon view
Lost World Restaurant – Underrated Spot with Asian Flavors
Source: usj.co.jp
Also in Jurassic Park, this hidden gem serves steak and Asian-style meals with bold flavors. It’s usually less crowded, making it ideal for those looking to avoid the lunch rush.
Quiet and comfortable
Unique seasoning & flavor
Great for a calm, mid-day meal
Amity Landing – Simple, Classic Theme Park Food
Source: usj.co.jp
Located near the JAWS attraction, Amity Landing offers all your theme park favorites — burgers, fried chicken, and nuggets — perfect for a quick bite before heading to the next ride.
Fast and easy meals
Classic burger combos
Convenient location
Happiness Café – Bright, Pop-Inspired Dining
Right across from Minion Park, this café is bursting with color and Minion-themed fun. Most meals include a drink, and the bright interior makes it popular with families and Instagrammers alike.
Colorful, cheerful design
Minion-themed meals
Great value with drink included
Mel’s Drive-In – Classic 50s Diner Vibes
Source: usj.co.jp
One of the most iconic restaurants in USJ, Mel’s offers classic American burgers and sundaes in a retro setting. With vintage cars parked outside, it doubles as a photo spot.
1950s American diner style
Hearty burger meals
Popular photo location
Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor – Best for Sharing with Friends
A great choice for groups or pizza lovers, Louie’s serves both pizza by the slice and full pies. Budget-friendly and filling, it’s perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Pizza by slice or whole
Great for groups
Affordable combo sets
The Dragon’s Pearl – A Quiet, Chinese-Style Retreat
This lesser-known Chinese restaurant is a hidden gem, often with little to no wait. It offers familiar comfort food like fried rice and noodles, perfect when you want something warm and satisfying.
Rarely crowded
Asian comfort food
Quick service, indoor seating
Cafés and Sweets – For Light Bites, Coffee, or Instagrammable Treats
Beverly Hills Boulangerie – Best Morning Spot
Source: usj.co.jp
This café opens earlier than most restaurants and offers sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats. It’s ideal for a morning coffee break or a light lunch. You can also take out coffee to go.
- Opens earlier than most park restaurants
- Light meals and desserts
- Great for a quick morning break
Mario Café & Store – Instagram-Worthy Snacks
Source: usj.co.jp
Located outside Super Nintendo World, this café is the only Mario-themed spot you can access without an Area Entry Ticket. Enjoy pancake sandwiches shaped like Mario and Luigi, or grab a Fire Flower drink bottle as a souvenir.
- Cute, photo-worthy menu items
- No Area Entry Ticket required
- Mario-themed drinks and desserts
Comparison Table: Best Restaurants at a Glance
| Restaurant | Type | Menu | Kids’ Menu | Low-allergen Menu | Baby Food | Plant-Based Menu | Non-pork / Non-alcohol | Location | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkside Grill | Full-service | Aged beef steak | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | New York Area | Lunch from ¥3,000 / Dinner from ¥4,000 | ||
| SAIDO | Full-service | Japanese dishes, noodles, rice | ✅ | ✅ | New York Area | Around ¥3,000 | |||
| Finnegan’s Bar & Grill | Full-service | Irish-style cuisine | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | New York Area | Around ¥2,000 | ||
| Three Broomsticks | Quick-service | Rotisserie chicken, pork ribs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Wizarding World | Around ¥2,000 | ||
| Kinopio’s Café | Quick-service | Burgers, meat/fish, pizza, desserts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Super Nintendo World | Around ¥2,500 | ||
| Studio Stars Restaurant | Quick-service | Curry, chicken, burgers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Hollywood Area | Around ¥2,000 | |
| Snoopy’s Backlot Café | Quick-service | Snoopy burgers, desserts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Universal Wonderland | Around ¥1,500 | ||
| Discovery Restaurant | Quick-service | Dinosaur-themed burgers, fries | ✅ | ✅ | Jurassic Park Area | Around ¥2,000 | |||
| Lost World Restaurant | Quick-service | Steak, Asian rice/noodles | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Jurassic Park Area | Around ¥2,000 | |
| Amity Landing | Quick-service | Burgers, chicken, nuggets, fries | ✅ | ✅ | Amity Village (JAWS) | Around ¥1,500 | |||
| Happiness Café | Quick-service | Minion meals, pasta, burgers | ✅ | ✅ | Near Minion Park | Around ¥2,000 | |||
| Mel’s Drive-In | Quick-service | Burgers, fries, sundaes | ✅ | ✅ | Hollywood Area | Around ¥2,000 | |||
| Louie’s NY Pizza Parlor | Quick-service | Pizza, fries, soft drinks | ✅ | New York Area | ¥1,500–2,000 | ||||
| The Dragon’s Pearl | Quick-service | Chinese-style rice, noodles, dumplings | ✅ | San Francisco Area | Around ¥1,500 | ||||
| Beverly Hills Boulangerie | Café | Sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee | ✅ | ✅ | Hollywood Area | Around ¥1,500 | |||
| Mario Café & Store | Café | Pancake sandwiches, drinks, desserts | Hollywood Area | Around ¥1,500 |
Note: Credit cards are accepted at all listed restaurants.
Tips from a Local – How to Eat Smart at USJ
When to Eat to Avoid Crowds
Most restaurants are busiest between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. For a quieter meal, eat early (11:00 AM) or later (after 3:00 PM). Cafés like Beverly Hills Boulangerie open earlier than others — great for breakfast!
Area Entry Ticket Required for Kinopio’s Café
Kinopio’s Café is extremely popular. To get in, you’ll need a timed-entry Area Ticket for Super Nintendo World. Get one via the USJ app as soon as you enter the park or with an Express Pass that includes guaranteed entry.
Food Allergies & Baby Food Support
Only two restaurants at USJ offer baby food: Studio Stars Restaurant and Snoopy’s Backlot Café. At both places, you can also request hot water—for example, to prepare milk.
Some restaurants offer low-allergen menus, plant-based options, or non-pork / non-alcohol meals. If you plan to use these special menus, please check with a restaurant crew member for the latest menu information before entering or joining the queue, as offerings may vary or change without notice.
FAQ – USJ Food & Dining Questions Answered
Q: Can I bring food into Universal Studios Japan?
A: Outside food is generally not allowed, but baby food and special dietary items may be permitted.
Q: Are there vegetarian or halal options?
A: Options are limited, but some dishes may be adapted. Ask a staff member for assistance.
Q: Do menus change seasonally?
A: Yes, especially during events. Look out for limited-time themed meals!
Conclusion
Eating at Universal Studios Japan is part of the fun — and with so many unique, themed, and delicious options, you’ll want to plan your meals just as carefully as your rides. Whether you’re a foodie, a family, or on a tight budget, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you inside the park. Bon appétit and happy adventuring at USJ!
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