To kick off this season of Iconic Eats, Adriana Redding is back in sunny Los Angeles to visit the newly opened Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Nintendo theme park fun used to be limited to Universal Studios in Japan, but our beloved characters have made it stateside! You can play a life-sized version of Mario Kart and other interactive games spread throughout the park. You can even meet Mario and Luigi themselves.
There are so many attractions at Super Nintendo World, but the thing we're most excited about is, of course, the food. With so many adorably-themed treats, it’s almost impossible to decide which to try. Thankfully, Adriana ate her way through the park to find the best of the best.
Here are the six can't-miss food and drink items at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood:
Best Drink: Princess Peach Soda, $12
Next to the Character Shop, there's a kiosk selling snacks and beverages to sip while you explore the park. Each of the fruity cream sodas are inspired by Nintendo characters and start with a base of Sprite and vanilla ice cream, and are topped with different flavored sauces and popping boba.
Our favorite drink on the menu by far is the Princess Peach Soda. The peach puree (naturally) adds a delightfully tart balance to the creamy ice cream. And you can't go wrong with the cute crown straw.
Best Meatless Option: Piranha Plant Caprese, $12.99
Every dish at the Toadstool Cafe is committed to the Nintendo theme, and this caprese salad is no exception. The base of mushrooms, mixed greens, and apple vinaigrette is light and refreshing. But our favorite part? The creamy mozzarella cheese layered with fresh tomato and pesto is shaped like a piranha plant and is just as delicious as it looks.
Best Appetizer: Super Star Chicken Salad, $14.99
If you want to start your meal with something fresh, opt for our favorite salad on the menu at the Toadstool Cafe. This dish tastes like a luxurious version of a classic Caesar: the earthy truffle mushroom dressing coats a bed of crisp romaine and cabbage. It's topped with sliced chicken, roasted mushrooms, and a decadent Parmesan star.
Best Entree: Mario Burger, $16.99
You'd be hard pressed to go to an amusement park without finding a burger on the menu somewhere. But at Super Nintendo World, they added an adorable Mario-themed twist.
This burger includes all the classic fixings, but what makes it extra special is the crispy bacon and roasted mushrooms. Even with the mustache-printed bun and the Mario toothpick, this burger feels like a grown-up version of traditional theme park fare. And to top it all off, this burger is served with plenty of truffle fries.
Best Dessert: ? Block Tiramisu, $9.99
With so many delicious desserts, it was almost impossible to pick a favorite. But this tiramisu at Toadstool Cafe edged out the others for the top spot. Inside is all the flavors you know and love: coffee soaked lady fingers with cocoa powder and creamy mascarpone. It's surrounded with adorable question mark block cookies that not only look delicious, but also add a nice crunch.
Best For Sharing: Toadstool Garlic Knots, $5.99
Whether you're planning on sharing them or not, you absolutely need to order the toadstool garlic knots. These mushroom shaped rolls are pillowy soft and topped with plenty of garlic, parsley, and Parmesan. The accompanying marinara sauce is lightly sweet and a perfect complement to these savory garlic knots.
Previously on Iconic Eats: The Best Holiday Food At Universal Orlando Resort
