Getting to Know Universal – Confisco Grille

Looking for a full-service restaurant in Islands of Adventure that checks the boxes for picky eaters and has day-of availablity? Then check out Confisco Grille located in Port of Entry! In this article, we’ll talk about the ambiance, theme, food, and our opinion of this unique family restaurant.

Quick Glance

• Location: Port of Entry in Islands of Adventure
• Cuisine: American fusion
• Service: Full service
• Price: $17-$30 per entree
• Touring Plans Rating: ★★★, 79% reader approval
• Seating: Indoor tables and booths

The Atmosphere

Confisco Grille is located in the Port of Entry entrance area inside Islands of Adventure, across from the park’s central lagoon near Seuss Landing. Confisco, as the name implies, is themed to the Port of Entry customs office and contraband impound for those traveling from these islands of adventure. The restaurant features tall ceilings with stucco walls with colorful stonework accenting doorways. Nearly every surface not used for dining is covered in confiscated goods – Wizarding World wands to dinosaurs, Marvel items to Natasha and Boris trying to find Moose and Squirrel. Kids will have fun spotting all the easter eggs placed throughout the restaurant.

The second story of Confisco is the Navigator’s Club, a large open space venue for VIP events and tours. Universal frequently opens the club space for additional Confisco dining for Universal Annual Passholders during busy periods. Though the second story offers amazing views of the park’s central lagoon, the menu is still the standard Confisco menu.

The Food & Drink

Confisco has pumped up its food game over the past few years. Previously the restaurant was famous for offering a palatable selection of American favorites like burgers and sandwiches with an international focus. Now the menu is a fusion of American, South Pacific, Greek, and Italian flavors. Highlights include a Phillipino sweet and sour sticky ribs over polenta, a specialty BLT with pork belly on house-made focaccia bread, a Korean fried rice bowl, a chilled noodle bowl with ahi tuna, and a Bahn Mi.

Food quality is good but not outstanding – on our previous visits, the food was delicious and satisfying but didn’t reach the higher quality of Mythos. Confisco is a step above familiar chain restaurants like Chilis or Applebees but the menu and casual setting keep it from rising higher on our list. Some picky eaters might be disappointed in a lack of hamburgers or other options.

Backwater Bar

Backwater Bar is a walk-up bar attached to the left side of Confisco that serves specialty cocktails, beers, and wine. The cocktail list is shared between the two venues but all Backwater drinks are served in to-go plastic cups. Backwater is the quicker full bar between The Watering Hole and the Hogs Head.

The Opinion

Confisco Grille is a delicious and fun restaurant that delivers a surprisingly sophisticated menu. Reservations are easy to come by and the casual atmosphere makes it a great location for families or after touring. We enjoy the unique entrees and fun cocktails, like the Bahn Mi and jalapeno margarita, but some groups might be disappointed in a lack of familiar items like burgers.

TouringPlans Tips

• Save Time and book a dining reservation before your visit. We suggest booking 24 hours before the day of your visit, but reservations are frequently available on the day of your visit.
• Family looking for hamburgers and other familiar dishes? Check out Toothsome or Margaritaville in CityWalk.

Have you passed through Confisco Grille on your voyages at Islands of Adventure? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!