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If you’ve ever been playing a Mario game and wanted to eat at the Mushroom Kingdom, Toadstool Cafe at Universal Studios Hollywood is as close as you can get! Located inside Super Nintendo World on the Lower Lot, this themed restaurant brings Mario’s world to life with playful details, colorful decor, and immersive elements that make you feel like you’re part of the game.
One of the coolest features is the digital windows that give a peek into Chef Toad’s kitchen, where little Toads are hard at work whipping up dishes- sometimes with a little chaos thrown in for fun! {Keep an eye out for trouble, too!} You’ll also spot fun nods to the Mario series throughout the restaurant, making this a must-visit for fans of all ages.
I first visited Toadstool Cafe with my family in November 2023, just a few months after it opened. The experience was absolutely magical as a life-long Mario fan, but since it was SO brand new, it came with its fair share of challenges. Getting a reservation was tough- spots filled up fast, and if you didn’t snag one early, you were out of luck. Luckily I knew that when my trip started so I made sure to get a reservation first thing in the morning- and even then, I barely snagged one.
On top of that, at the time, they weren’t taking dietary requests because they were so busy, which left me with only one option since I’m dairy-free: the tomato soup. The soup was delicious and came in the cutest keepsake bowl, but it would’ve been nice to have more choices. Even getting into Super Nintendo World itself was a bit of an ordeal, with massive crowds making it tricky to enjoy the land at a relaxed pace.
Some other dishes my family enjoyed on this visit: the Mario Burger, the Luigi “Burger” {a Pesto Chicken Sandwich}, the Piranha Plant Caprese and the Kid’s Meal Mario Mini Burger Adventure Set:
Fast forward to my most recent trip, and the difference was night and day. While I had a lot of fun the first time, it wasn’t without stress. This time? An absolute breeze. Super Nintendo World is still popular, but it’s way more manageable now. We were able to walk right in to the land during the middle of the day, which gave us more time to enjoy the land without feeling rushed.
Getting a same-day reservation at Toadstool Cafe was easy, and we were even seated before our scheduled time. The restaurant was still busy, but it wasn’t overwhelming, and the service was quick and efficient. Best of all, they now accommodate dietary restrictions!
I was able to order a Mario Burger- complete with the little hat topper and mustache- with a side of non-seasoned fries to keep it dairy-free, and it was fantastic. Even without the seasoning, the fries were crispy and delicious, and it was so nice to have more than just soup as an option- especially since it was NOT soup weather that day.
My friends ordered the Chef Toad Short Rib Special and the Princess Peach Cupcake and they were both a big hit:
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood and you’re a Mario fan, Toadstool Cafe is a must. The theming alone is enough to make it worth the visit, but the food is genuinely great, and now that the initial rush has died down, it’s easier to enjoy. From the fun decor to the well-crafted menu, it’s a dining experience that really helps you power up your day at the park.
Before you go, be sure to check out my friends at Get Away Today for discounted park tickets! They always have great deals to help make your trip even more affordable.
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