Welcome! Dining at Universal is a treasure not to be missed. :thumbs:
What I consider to be a hidden gem for most travelers is the dining options at the on site hotels. My personal favorite is Mama Della's Ristorante at the Portofino Bay Hotel. Mama Della's is a reasonably priced Italian restaurant with a strolling band and amazing food. As an added bonus, ask for outdoor seating for a beautiful view of the hotel's bay and courtyard. You won't regret it!
But Bice Ristorante at the Portofino Bay Hotel, Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort, and The Palm at the Hard Rock are also completely worth checking out. Bice is a little more upscale than Mama Della's but offer even more delectable Italian fare. I personally find Emeril's Tchoup Chop to be a better restaurant than the Emeril's Restaurant at CityWalk, as the Asian fusion menu makes my mouth water. The Palm at the Hard Rock is a fun yet charming steakhouse definitely worth checking out.