When Super Nintendo World first burst onto the scene at Universal Studios Hollywood, the anticipation was palpable. Beyond the thrilling rides and immersive land, one aspect immediately captured my attention as a food enthusiast: the dining. Specifically, the promise of Toadstool Cafe, nestled right in the heart of the Mushroom Kingdom, was irresistible. Forget simply fueling up for more park adventures; Toadstool Cafe offered a chance to dive deeper into the Super Mario universe through its incredibly themed menu.
Chef Toad himself presides over this whimsical eatery, and according to Universal Studios Hollywood’s executive chef, Julia Thrash, the menu is a playful homage to all things mushroom and Mushroom Kingdom. Expect dishes that incorporate mushrooms, resemble mushrooms, or capture the essence of their earthy flavors. Having explored every single item on the menu, I’m excited to share my definitive guide to the perfect Super Nintendo World meal at Toadstool Cafe, highlighting the must-try dishes that elevate your park visit to a true culinary adventure.
The Perfect Start: Appetizers and Drinks
While not technically a starter, the Super Star Lemon Squash is the quintessential Toadstool Cafe welcome drink. This vibrant honey lemon soda, bursting with tropical bobas and topped with mango-flavored Super Stars, is a visual delight and utterly refreshing. It’s no surprise to see this beverage gracing almost every table in the restaurant – it’s fun, delicious, and honestly, you might want to order two right away. For soda fans, choose between collectible Super Mushroom or 1-UP Mushroom bottles to add to the themed experience.
Moving onto actual appetizers, Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots are a must. These adorable mini-mushroom-shaped knots, brushed generously with garlic butter and parmesan cheese, are incredibly fluffy and perfect for dipping (and double-dipping!) into the accompanying marinara sauce. These aren’t just garlic knots; they are an experience.
Next up, the creamy Super Mushroom Soup is an absolute standout. Served with a drizzle of truffle oil and sprinkled with tiny Super Mushroom crackers, this soup is rich, flavorful, and packed with finely chopped mushrooms. It’s my personal favorite on the entire menu, and while listed as a starter, it’s substantial enough to be a satisfying meal on its own. The best part? It arrives in a charming Super Mushroom bowl that you can actually take home as a souvenir, extending the magic of your dining experience.
For those who prefer to skip the mushroom focus but still crave soup, the vegan Tomato Soup is an excellent alternative. Equally creamy and rich, enhanced with truffle oil and basil, it also comes in the coveted Super Mushroom bowl.
Fresh and Flavorful: Salad Selections
Starting your Toadstool Cafe culinary journey with a refreshing drink, savory knots, and comforting soup sets the stage perfectly for a lighter course: salad. Choosing just one can be tough, as each offers a unique and thematic twist.
Yoshi’s Favorite Fruit & Veggie Salad is a delightful mix of mixed greens, sweet strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and exotic star fruit. The raspberry vinaigrette and playful Yoshi egg croutons add layers of flavor and texture, creating a harmonious sweet and savory balance.
Alternatively, the Piranha Plant Caprese offers a whimsical nod to the iconic Super Mario enemy. Mixed greens, shaved radish, and apple vinaigrette form the base, while a tomato, artfully sliced and adorned with fresh mozzarella dots and an asparagus stem, transforms into a recognizable Piranha Plant. It’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
For a heartier salad option, the Super Star Chicken Salad doesn’t disappoint. Romaine, cabbage, grape tomatoes, and mushrooms are tossed in a creamy truffle dressing, topped with parmesan Super Star croutons and grilled chicken. This salad is substantial enough to serve as a complete and satisfying meal.
Main Course Marvels: Entrees to Remember
Assuming you’ve paced yourself through the appetizers and salads, it’s time for the main event – the entrees. Toadstool Cafe offers a range of options, from burgers to pasta and more, all with a signature Super Mario twist.
As a burger aficionado, my top recommendation is the pesto-grilled-chicken Luigi Burger. The inclusion of a thick, crunchy green pepper slice is a stroke of genius, adding a refreshing element and textural contrast. Served on a brioche bun with a side of truffle fries (yes, truffle fries!), this burger is far from ordinary theme park fare.
For a more classic burger experience, the Mario Burger is also available. This all-beef patty is topped with bacon, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, and cheese, also served on a brioche bun with truffle fries. A fun detail is the Mario or Luigi hat-shaped pick adorning each burger – another take-home souvenir! Vegetarian guests will be pleased to know that the patty can be swapped for a vegetarian option.
If you’re craving comfort food with a kick, the spicy Fire Flower Spaghetti & Meatballs is an excellent choice. The marinara sauce is infused with mushrooms and features an adorable Fire Flower parmesan crisp.
Meat lovers should gravitate towards the Chef Toad Short Rib Special. The braised short rib is incredibly tender and juicy, served atop creamy goat cheese polenta and a rich red wine reduction. This dish is a testament to the cafe’s commitment to quality and flavor beyond just theming.
For the truly adventurous (and hungry), Bowser’s Fireball Challenge is a must-try. This one-pound meatball, topped with mozzarella cheese and served with mushroom marinara sauce and a Bowser-themed puff pastry, is not for the faint of heart. It’s called a challenge for a reason – it’s massive and has a spicy kick! Consider saving some of those garlic knots from the appetizer round to dip into the flavorful marinara sauce. You can also purchase the unique Toadstool Cafe plateware sets to further commemorate your dining experience.
Kid-Friendly Fun: The Children’s Menu
Toadstool Cafe ensures even the youngest visitors have a delightful and themed dining experience with its adorable kids’ menu options.
The Mario Mini Burger Adventure Set is a complete meal featuring a cheeseburger, truffle french fries, and corn on the cob creatively arranged with broccoli florets to resemble the flagpole from the Super Mario games.
Power-Up Spaghetti Marinara offers a classic spaghetti dish with marinara sauce, topped with three Power-Up parmesan crisps and a Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knot on the side. It also includes a fun ? Block surprise treat, adding an extra element of excitement for kids.
Sweet Endings: Themed Desserts
Saving the best for last, the desserts at Toadstool Cafe are arguably the most visually stunning and thematically creative items on the menu. Choosing a favorite is nearly impossible, so indulging in all three is highly recommended.
The ? Block Tiramisu is a masterpiece. Served inside a shortbread cookie ? Block, this tiramisu is layered with coffee-soaked lady fingers, cocoa powder, and a themed white chocolate detail. Chef Julia recommends using the cookie to scoop up the tiramisu, enhancing the interactive and playful nature of the dessert.
The Mt. Beanpole Cake is a visual representation of the Super Nintendo World landscape. This multi-tiered dessert features layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cake, topped with a light matcha mousse. Be sure to get a spoonful of each layer to experience the full spectrum of flavors and textures.
The Princess Peach Cupcake, a raspberry-filled funfetti cupcake with buttercream frosting and a Princess Peach chocolate crown, is both Instagrammable and delicious. It offers the perfect amount of sweetness to conclude your Super Nintendo World culinary adventure.
Immersive Ambiance: The Toadstool Cafe Vibe
The magic of Toadstool Cafe extends beyond just the food. The restaurant itself is designed to fully immerse you in the Mushroom Kingdom. Windows throughout the dining area offer glimpses into Chef Toad’s bustling kitchen, where animated Toads are hard at work preparing your meal. Looking out, you can observe the vibrant Mushroom Kingdom landscape and see Toads going about their day.
Chef Julia perfectly encapsulates the essence of Toadstool Cafe: “Many of our guests grew up playing Super Mario video games, so for them to see that world come to life in food format is pretty special.” Dining at Toadstool Cafe is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to step into the Mushroom Kingdom and experience the beloved video game world in a whole new, delicious way. If you leave Toadstool Cafe feeling happy, fulfilled, and ready for more Super Nintendo World adventures, then Chef Toad and his team have undoubtedly succeeded in creating a truly special Universal Studios Hollywood Food experience.
