Skip to main content

Bigfire Restaurant Review


Bigfire is, in my opinion, a great addition to Universal CityWalk at the Universal Orlando Resort. Having been a huge fan of Emeril's which was previously in this location, I was skeptic, but quickly put at ease once we were inside and met our server and have been back several times since.
After a full day in the parks, we had a pretty late dinner on the agenda so we started in the lounge attached to the restaurant.  The cocktail selection is quite extensive, with bourbon drinks being the star here. My Manhattan was delicious and set the tone for a great meal ahead! The bar is also a great stop if you don't have a reservation, I found the bartenders friendly, attentive, and making great drinks!
The open kitchen is a great feature as you enter the dining room.  The décor is modern yet cozy with touches of plaid throughout.  The highlight is of course the "big fire", where they wood smoke a variety of meats for the entrees.
We started the meal with some wine and some mussels, which came out steaming hot and was quite impressive to see.
Skillet Roasted Mussels - Herb broth, white wine, chives, grilled bread
After that delightful start, it was time for some entrees. The menu had something for everyone, with the food being familiar yet having a little something special to elevate the dish.  Honestly everything we tried was so good!  Even a late night after a long day, we came close to cleaning our plates.  Our entrees seemed like great prices for a theme park for the quality of food we received.  There were some more expensive things on the menu (the highest being $60 for a 24 oz T-bone) but they didn't tickle our fancy on this particular evening.

Beer Glazed Scallops - Bacon, fire grilled vegetables, charred hearth bread
Signature Cheeseburger - 1/2 lb. black angus beef, cheddar, beefsteak tomato

Short Rib Pasta - Garganelli, oyster mushrooms, sherry cream sauce
While these entrees were all great, the stand out are really the wood-fired meats. These menu items are cooked over cherry, pecan, and oak live wood flames on the hearth fire grill which imparts great flavor into the dish. 
Bigfire Grilled Filet Mignon w/ double veggies
Pork 2 Ways: hearth grilled pork tenderloin, apple spiced braised pork belly, bourbon peach butter, cheddar grits, mustard greens, ginger gastrique
 
The filet was so tender and wow those cheddar grits with the pork, delightful!

We were too stuffed to try out their desserts, but I'm sure they would have been just as good given the quality of the rest of our meal.  A great option is also to pop over to Toothsome for some chocolate treats to-go for later once you get a little nibbly!

Have you tried Big Fire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Maci Schau
Maci is an avid foodie and loves trying out new restaurants and seasonal food offerings in the parks.  You can email Maci at maci@kingdomkonsultant.com.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

The holiday season at Universal Orlando Resort is a magical time filled with festive cheer, unique entertainment, and delightful treats. From mid-November through the end of December, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of experiences that cater to all ages. Here's a look at what you can expect during the holidays at Universal Orlando Resort. Entertainment Offerings Universal Orlando Resort goes all out with its holiday entertainment. One of the main highlights is the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s . This parade features larger-than-life balloons and floats inspired by beloved characters from franchises like Despicable Me, Shrek, and Madagascar. Santa Claus himself makes an appearance, lighting up an 80-foot-tall Christmas tree. In addition to the parade, there are several live performances tailored to the season. You can catch The Blues Brothers, Beat Builders, and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees performing holiday-themed shows in various parts o...

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Nestled within the vibrant Universal Orlando Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort offers a captivating Caribbean escape. This island-themed retreat opened in July 2016 and features lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and a serene tropical atmosphere. With 1,000 guest rooms and suites, this resort provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families, couples, and business travelers alike. The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is one of the Signature Collection hotels on Universal property. You get all the benefits of a Universal Orlando hotel guest including Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (valid theme park admission required), resort-wide charging privileges using your room key card, and direct to hotel deliveries of purchases made at select stores in Universal's theme parks and CityWalk. Rooms Loews Sapphire Falls Resort boasts a variety of room categories to suit different needs and preferences, including Standard Rooms, Lagoon View Rooms, Poo...

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya

If you're planning a trip to EPCOT and have a penchant for sushi, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya should be at the top of your dining list. Nestled in the heart of the Japan Pavilion, this restaurant offers an authentic izakaya experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. A Culinary Adventure in Epcot's Japan Pavilion From the moment you step inside Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya, you'll be transported to an authentic Japanese izakaya. The restaurant's warm, inviting ambiance, coupled with traditional decor, sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. We were also quite impressed with the service and enjoyed the atmosphere here for our meal. A Delightful Start: The Appetizers We kicked off our meal with the Kara-age Chicken (fried chicken) appetizer and let me tell you—it was love at first bite. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this dish was bursting with flavor. The subtle seasoning and light batter made it an ideal...