Bar Helios recently celebrated its first birthday atop Universal Orlando’s Helios Grand Hotel, and today we’re taking a look at some of the new menu items and policies now in place at the posh restaurant overlooking Epic Universe.
Recently, we looked at the best ways the begin your rope-drop morning at Epic Universe. Now, let’s explore a luxurious way to end your evening at the new theme park’s adjoining hotel. Much as Bar 17 Bistro does for Universal’s original campus, Bar Helios provides panoramic perspectives over Epic Universe, with the rooftop balcony offering an ideal view of the nightly spectacular. Inside, a large dome decorated with constellations hangs above the circular central bar, and cozy dining tables line the sides.
The crowning jewel of the Helios Grand Hotel, this luxe lounge serves Instagram-worthy cocktails and savory small plates at eye-watering prices. You are certainly paying for the location atop Universal’s latest Signature hotel, but the ingredients and preparations largely live up to expectations, even if the service tends to be slow. This probably isn’t a great place for impatient children, but the kids’ menu includes top-notch chicken tendies.
The menu focuses upscale tapas alongside more substantial entrées, with Greek and Middle Eastern influences. Chilled shellfish, seafood crudos, and flame-grilled items are frequently found on the menu, which changes seasonally.
The charcuterie and mezze platters make good shareable starters, and the pattas bravas are particularly well prepared, but beware the whipped farmer’s cheese if you have even a touch of lactose intolerance.
Diver scallops are expertly seared, and you’ll want to lick the plate for the marscapone polenta they’re paired with.
For dessert, order the Mount Vesuvius dark-chocolate cake, which melts under spicy warm caramel.
Unofficial TIP: From August 14th through September 30th, Bar Helios—along with Flora Taverna and other table-service restaurants at Universal’s resort hotels—participates in Magical Dining Month, with a fixed-price three-course menu that offers over $90 worth of food for $60!
For imbibers, the mythology-themed drink menu is divided into the four elements, featuring cocktails crafted with premium liquors. We like Athenian Milk Punch from the “water” section, the Night Goddess in “air,” and the Apollo Old Fashioned (with bourbon instead of anejo) under “fire.”
Of course, the biggest attraction at Bar Helios might not be the food, but rather the view of Celestial Goodnight, the fountain and fireworks show that debuted inside Epic Universe this summer. Guests can get a bird’s-eye view of the show from Bar Helios’s rooftop area (or park-view rooms at Helios Grand) but won’t be able to see the fireworks from tables on the balcony. Also be aware that balcony tables in the center may have partially obscured views of the fountain below, due to decorative elements on the building exterior; tables off to the sides may offer a better angle.
There is a glassed-in section on the back side of Bar Helios where the fireworks are visible, but it is not an ideal view due to the ceiling. The best place at Helios Grand to see the fireworks from is the Lotus Lagoon pool area, while the best place to see the fountains is from the terrace outside the main lobby; it is impossible to see both simultaneously unless you are inside Epic Universe.
Finally, due to the popularity of the fountain show, Bar Helios’s observation deck may only be available to walk-in guests from 4 p.m. (when it usually opens) until 8 p.m., after which time reservations are mandatory. Celestial Goodnight is currently scheduled nightly at 30 minutes following Epic Universe’s published closing time; you’ll want to secure a seating at least 30 to 60 minutes prior to showtime, and prime weekend slots fill up weeks in advance.
Guests not staying at Helios Grand are still welcome to enter the hotel through either the park or main entrance, although self-parking is outrageously expensive if you don’t spend at least $75 on food and drinks for validation. Fortunately (or unfortunately), at these menu prices, that’s very easy to do.
Is Bar Helios on your Universal Orlando bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
For all there is to see and do at Universal Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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