While at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, FL, I tried everything I could get my Muggle hands on to determine the best of the best. J.K. Rowling approved of all the food served at the park (granted, it was specially prepared for her in Scotland), but what's it really look and taste like in person? Here are our top picks.
The best way to start off the day? With a full British breakfast, baked beans included. Be sure to order tea too and top it off with plenty of cream and sugar to made it extra special.
Where to find it: Leaky Cauldron at Diagon Alley
1 / 10
Butterbeer ($6-$7)
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Everyone has a favorite take on the Butterbeer, whether it's the original, frozen, or hot. My favorite is the original, as it tastes exactly like a vanilla-flavored cream soda with a creamy top (not quite whipped cream). It's the ideal companion to help wash down all the salty, rich food.
Though not in the novels, the bangers and mash is one of the better British dishes served at Harry Potter World. The mashed potatoes and sausage links comes with a side of peas, plenty of salty gravy, and sauerkraut on top.
Where to find it: Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley
3 / 10
Fish and Chips ($14)
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Classic to British pubs, the fish and chips at Harry Potter world is surprisingly good, so good I admit to eating it for breakfast and dinner. I tried it at both Three Broomsticks and Leaky Cauldron, and I preferred the Leaky Cauldron as the fish is flakier, the exterior is crispier, and the fries are more golden brown.
Where to find it: Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley and Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade
4 / 10
Daught Beers ($9)
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
After a long day in the park and on your feet, nothing tastes more like relaxation than a sturdy brew. I tried both the Hog's Head Brew (red ale) and Dragon Scale (lager) and both are awesome. It just sort of depends on what style of beer you're into, whether it's a maltier ale or a crisp, refreshing lager.
Where to find it: Hog's Head Pub in Diagon Alley and Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade
5 / 10
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream ($5)
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Tara Block
Butterbeer soft-serve is the most coveted treat to order at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour — albeit not part of the book series. It tastes exactly like butterscotch ice cream and the dreamy soft-serve you used to eat as a kid. Chocolate chili is another favorite that has a nice kick to it!
If you want to do something authentic to the book series, you can order what Harry eats every day in the Summer before his third year at Hogwarts: strawberry and peanut butter (blended together in one flavor). According to POPSUGAR editors who've tried it, it's strange and for adventure-seekers.
Where to find it: Diagon Alley, across from Ollivander's, and the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade
6 / 10
Corn on the Cob (Part of the Great Feast: $55 For 4 People)
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Hilary White
Of everything available on the Grand Feast Platter, the corn is the show-stopper. Huge, very tasty, and perfectly charred on a few kernels, it's the one side to definitely buy.
Where to find it: Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade
7 / 10
Cornish Pasties With Garden Salad ($10)
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Served for lunch on the day of the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament, cornish pasties consist of hand pies filled with ground beef, veggies, and potatoes, baked until golden brown. Though reviews from POPSUGAR editors were mixed about the cornish pasties, I found them to be one of the most delightful dishes I tried. The beef tasted perfectly seasoned. The pie dough was the ideal mix of doughy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. My only complaint? Three of these tiny pies isn't filling enough! I would double the order if I could.
Served at dinner at Hogwarts, shepherd's pie is made of ground beef, lamb, and veggies with a mashed potato topping that develops a caramelized topping when baked. I had to return my shepherd's pie as it was stone cold when I received my plate and only semiwarm when it was replaced. However, other POPSUGAR editors assure me it's a favorite dish at the park and tastes like pure comfort food. Get it on cold days or . . . if you are trying to recover from motion sickness due to all the rides.
Where to find it: Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade
9 / 10
Pumpkin Juice
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Hilary White
Pumpkin juice is like apple juice but with plenty of spices. It tastes exceptionally refreshing on a scorching day.
Where to find it: Most carts and restaurants in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley