A Deep Dive into Mythos Restaurant at Universal Islands of Adventure

Photo by: @TimsThrills

A restaurant built for the gods? Table for me, please! If you’re looking for a place to have lunch or dinner while you’re at the theme parks, look no further than Mythos Restaurant at Universal Islands of Adventure. Whether you’ve dined here before or you’re a first-timer, I’m sure you’ll be pleased with your experience (and with the food, of course).

Now, some of you might be wondering, “What is Mythos and why is it so great?” and you’re in luck because that’s exactly what we’re about to dive into. Not only has Mythos been voted the #1 theme park restaurant in the world from 2003 to 2008 and again in 2018 by Theme Park Insider, but it also continues to be a guest favorite, and after reading this, I’m certain you’ll see just why.

So, let’s get into the story behind Mythos and the absolutely mouthwatering food you can find there.

About Mythos

Mythos is a full-service restaurant located within the Lost Continent in Islands of Adventure. It opened May 28, 1999, making it one of the park’s original restaurants. Mythos was built to resemble a cave that features cascading waterfalls, rock formations, and carvings of the mythical figures Zeus, Atlas and Narcissus with the idea that this would be the go-to place for all the gods to have a meal and a magnificent view of a grotto on a distant ocean — and it definitely delivers on that.

From the eye-catching exterior as you’re walking in to the cavernous interior that gives the restaurant an otherworldly feel, there are so many small details to admire while dining here. The interior of the restaurant features small streams and rock carvings, as well as the large, picturesque windows that overlook the lagoon in the center of Islands of Adventure. And I have to say, Mythos truly has one of the best views of the whole park that takes the dining experience to the next level. There is even outdoor seating where you can take in those impressive views while savoring the delectable flavors found on the menu — and it’s also a great place to unwind and get away from the busy-ness of the parks. 

The Food 

An award-winning restaurant has to have incredible food as well. That is exactly what Chef Steve Jayson, Vice President and Corporate Executive Chef at Universal Destinations and Experiences (who has been working at Universal Orlando since 1989) was tasked with: developing the menu for Mythos. “Mythos was going to be, we felt, a flagship restaurant for us,” he says. “The design of the restaurant was unique and special and we really had a clean slate to do whatever we wanted.” Chef Steve took advantage of that clean slate and developed a menu that truly has something for everyone and has continued evolving. 

Chef Justin Jones, Restaurant Chef at Mythos, is proud to continue on that legacy that Chef Steve has left behind and he works with his team to uphold the expectations that come with a flagship restaurant, “from my stewards, to my chef assistants, to my chefs, we make sure that we carry ourselves with pride,” Chef Justin explains. “They know from the start that quality is the end result, always.”

The menu at Mythos changes four times every year to coordinate with the seasons and features a mix of Mediterranean, Asian, and American fare — you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose here. Among the various menu items, you can find dishes from Beef Loin Medallions to Pad Thai to a Souvlaki Couscous Bowl. I wasn’t kidding when I said there’s something for everyone and every single one of those dishes is absolutely delicious, btw.

Of course, this wouldn’t be an article about Mythos without mentioning one of the most popular dishes among guests — and especially Annual Passholders — the Fork, Knife and Spoon Grilled Cheese. “I always liked the idea of soup and sandwich combinations and I just thought what would it be like if we made a really cool grilled cheese sandwich?” says Chef Steve. This isn’t just any regular (albeit cool) grilled cheese — it takes the classic three cheese sandwich and sets it in a Tuscan tomato soup and is topped with crispy pork belly and house made chips. This is definitely one of my favorite dishes here, too, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you have to put it on your list for your next visit (you can also make it at home by following the recipe here).

Another dish that Chef Steve left behind and that you can still find on the menu today is the Shrimp Sushi Katsu Roll. This is one that the Chef says he always orders when he dines here and it’s perfect to share with the table. As for Chef Justin, he recommends the seasonal Pan Roasted Wild Salmon, which was one of his creations. “I believe when something has that depth of flavor, you can tell the passion and time that went into it,” he says. And that’s what he did with this dish, which includes roasted carrot puree, fingerling potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, baby spinach, crispy shaved asparagus and macerated red grapes.  

Now, if you’re like me and aren’t the biggest fan of seafood, I recommend the Spanakopita Dip for your appetizer and the Gnocchi Bolognese for your entrée — trust me, you won’t be disappointed. 

Mythos also has options for guests with dietary restrictions and Chef Justin plays a big role in making those accommodations possible. “We go out of our way to make sure that we can accommodate,” he explains. “I do most of the table visits, so I speak with the guests, I ask what they like, what they would prefer and if there’s something that is on the menu that is safe for them, I will go back with my allergy kit, grab fresh ingredients and prepare a fresh meal for them.” So, whether you have allergies, you’re vegetarian or vegan, or have any other dietary restriction, ask to speak with the Chef and they will gladly take care of you.

There are also some great options for kids to choose from like a Penne with Garlic Cream Sauce, Beef Medallions, or the classics like Grilled Cheese, Pizza, Chicken Fingers and a delicious burger. 

The Drinks and Desserts

If you’re someone who likes to enjoy a drink with your delicious meal, Mythos has you covered with a variety of options from cocktails to different wines and beers. One of the most popular drinks here is the Mythos Potion of the Gods, which includes coconut and spiced rum, black raspberry liqueur, orange, cranberry and pineapple juices, but you can also find drinks like the Immortal Old Fashioned, Mythos Margarita, or a Cucumber Martini just to name a few. Check the menu for great wine pairings for each entree or choose from a selection of draft or bottled beers. 

And of course, we can’t forget dessert. Mythos offers three absolutely mouthwatering desserts that will leave you wanting more. Starting with the Chocolate Banana Gooey Cake, which is a warm flourless chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce, topped with peanut butter ice cream, and candied bananas. And my personal favorite, the Chocolate-Hazelnut Crème Brûlée (featured above), which is topped with a chocolate cookie crumble, fresh raspberry, and whipped cream.

So, who’s ready to make a reservation at Mythos? I am certainly ready to eat there again and again. Let us know what your favorite dishes are and what you’re looking forward to trying next by commenting below or tagging us on social media!

Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

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