Dinner Beyond the Universal Campus
Universal Orlando has grown into one of the largest entertainment complexes in the country. Between Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, CityWalk, and multiple on-site hotels, guests can spend an entire vacation without leaving the property. But sometimes the best dinner is the one you find outside the gates. Vincenzo Cucina Italiana is a family-owned Italian restaurant on International Drive, approximately 8 minutes from the Universal Orlando Resort area, serving handmade pasta, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and Italian wine.
Since 2014, Vincenzo has been drawing Universal visitors who want a quieter, more personal dinner experience than the high-energy CityWalk scene. The restaurant has earned 4,000+ reviews for scratch-made food, warm hospitality, and complimentary valet parking that takes the stress out of a busy I-Drive evening.
A Different Pace from CityWalk
CityWalk is fun. The energy, the live music, the crowds. But after a full day at the parks, some guests want the opposite of that for dinner. They want to sit down somewhere comfortable, be greeted by name, and eat food that was made by hand that morning. That is what Vincenzo offers. The pappardelle bolognese, the lobster ravioli, the osso buco, the USDA Prime steaks, the fresh branzino — everything is prepared from scratch in a kitchen that has been doing this for over a decade.
The drive from Universal to Vincenzo is straightforward. Head south on International Drive or take I-4 to I-Drive. Pull into the complimentary valet and walk into a warm Italian dining room that feels like a world away from the park experience.
After Epic Universe, Before Bed
Epic Universe has added an entirely new reason for millions of visitors to come to Orlando, and all of those guests need somewhere to eat after the park closes. Vincenzo is open 7 days a week from 5 PM to 10 PM, making it an easy dinner option after an afternoon or evening at Epic Universe. The restaurant is a short drive from the expanded Universal campus, and the complimentary valet means no circling lots or paying for parking after you already spent the day at the parks.
Happy hour runs Monday all night and Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 PM. Wine Down Wednesday features half off all wines by the glass. If you leave the parks early enough, you can start with drinks and ease into a full Italian dinner.
Groups, Celebrations, and Corporate Events
Visiting Universal with a large group? The Amalfi Room at Vincenzo seats 15 to 50 guests for private dinners, team events, birthday celebrations, and corporate outings. All-inclusive packages make planning easy. Many groups staying at Universal-area hotels use Vincenzo for a private group dinner during their Orlando trip. Visit our Private Events page or call (407) 745-4030 for details.
Menu Highlights
- ✦ Handmade Pappardelle Bolognese
- ✦ Lobster Ravioli
- ✦ USDA Prime New York Strip
- ✦ Fresh Branzino
- ✦ Osso Buco
- ✦ Burrata Appetizer
- ✦ Tiramisu
- ✦ Espresso Martini