The Smoke Signal to a Hidden Gem: Steak and Fondue at Bigfire After a marathon day at Universal Studios, we were completely wiped out. All we wanted was a quick drink and a light bite before collapsing at our hotel, but the scent of grilled steak drifting through CityWalk acted like a literal smoke signal, drawing us straight into Bigfire. The Atmosphere & The "Hidden" Bar We opted for the bar, hoping for a front-row seat to the restaurant's energy. The Vibe: The bartenders were fantastic--friendly, engaging, and remarkably efficient. The Layout: If there's one minor drawback, it's the bar's location. It's tucked toward the back, somewhat hidden behind the stairs. It was empty when we arrived, but don't let the placement fool you; it was packed with patrons within ten minutes. This place is clearly a fan favorite! The Shared Feast Even though we weren't starving, the menu was too tempting to pass up. The Fondue (A Vegetarian Dream): We started with the fondue, which was massive. It wasn't just bread and cheese; it came with a vibrant array of perfectly crisped vegetables, including colorful carrots, baby potatoes, broccolini, and shishito peppers. Everything was so fresh and colorful that it was hard to pick a favorite. The Main Event: Despite the large appetizer, my husband couldn't say no to the steak. We shared a cut that was executed with technical precision--a beautiful, true medium-rare. Accompanied by mashed potatoes and more of that perfectly charred broccolini, it was exactly the "soul food" we needed after a long day. The Verdict Whether you are a devoted steak lover or looking for a high-quality vegetarian starter like that fondue, Bigfire is a must-visit at CityWalk. The service is top-notch, and the culinary execution is worth the walk to the back of the house. We'll definitely be back--though maybe we'll aim for a table next time to get a different perspective! read more

Bigfire sits in the middle of Universal CityWalk and manages to feel like a step outside of it. I walked into a restaurant built around an open fire cooking concept, and that detail was not just a selling point on the menu. There was a warmth to the room, a faint smokiness in the air, and a visual anchoring around the kitchen that gave the space a sense of purpose. I was seated upstairs, which worked well. The dining room had a rustic, lodge adjacent feel without leaning too hard into any particular theme, and the overall setup was comfortable enough that I stopped thinking about where I was geographically pretty quickly. The fondue appetizer was a strong way to start. It came out rich and well balanced and gave the table something to work through while we settled in. The Brussels sprouts were worth ordering too, properly caramelized and well seasoned, the kind of thing that disappeared faster than expected. For the main I had the filet mignon, cooked exactly as requested, and the open fire preparation made a noticeable difference. The char and the crust on the exterior were things I do not get from a conventional kitchen, and the quality of the meat itself held up. Service was consistently good throughout the meal. The server knew the menu well, offered honest input when asked, and kept the pacing steady without rushing anything. That kind of attentiveness made the overall experience feel more considered than what I typically find along CityWalk. Bigfire is one of the better dinner options in the area, and it earns that position on the food alone. Reservations are not strictly needed, but it is a good idea, particularly on weekend evenings when the surrounding restaurants all fill up around the same time. read more

All we wish we could do is give our waitress a separate five star review, because she deserves it and more. The dinner experience was fine - nothing to brag about, mind you, but it was good. The problem started after dinner, when being tired from 10 hours on amusement rides and facing a one hour walk back to our hotel, I mistakenly left our credit card on the table and left. We were about twenty minutes away when we realized our mistake. I ran back to the restaurant and explained what had happened. She smiled, reached into the top drawer (filled with pencils and loose paper - hardly secure) and pull out our credit card. She handed it to me just as another employee grabbed it out of her hand and looked closely at the card. The new employee demanded to see me ID, which I produced. Herein lies the rub - this card was in my wife's name. I produced my Driver's license, pointed out how the last names were the same and it confirmed I was married. So, just to wrap up a little: This employee knows we were here about the time the card was lost. The employee knows the last name matches on the card. I was becoming frustrated when my wife walked in. She has an amazing memory and was able to recite the card #, expiration date, and security code. Still not enough. The employee next demanded that we walk our two children back to our room and retrieve my wife's id. Just then our original waitress appeared and asked us if we had found our credit card. So now we have all of the above proof, and the waitress is confirming our identity as the owner of the credit card. The uptake? The food is great, but one bad apple in the service crew and customer's are lost. read more

Visited: July 5, 2025 This was a one-time visit and, unfortunately, not the experience we had hoped for. We arrived without a reservation and were pleasantly surprised to be seated within 10 minutes. The environment was welcoming, and the decor was very nice. Our waiter, Jesus, greeted us and brought waters soon after we were seated. He didn't explain the menu or offer recommendations, but that didn't bother us at the time. However, about an hour later, a group was seated directly behind us, and we noticed a stark difference in service. Jesus took the time to walk them through the menu in detail, even sharing his personal recommendations. Within 20 minutes, they received their food, while we were still waiting--over an hour after placing our order. We had our teens with us and didn't want to make a scene, but we couldn't help but feel we were being treated differently, possibly due to our ethnicity. We truly hope that wasn't the case. When we finally received our food, it was disappointing. The steak, burger, and chicken sandwich were all cold, and the fries tasted like they had been sitting out. My salad was missing the dressing I had requested on the side. We politely asked to speak to a manager and expressed our concerns regarding the delay, cold food, and lack of attentive service. While the manager apologized, offer was made to correct the situation. We declined the meals and left disappointed. We genuinely hope this was an isolated incident, but unfortunately, it left a negative impression on us. read more

Bigfire at Universal CityWalk offers a cozy, modern vibe that's perfect for unwinding after a day at the parks. We've dined here a couple of times and recently tried a few menu items that left us satisfied, though not completely blown away. On this visit, we ordered the Bigfire Cheeseburger, the filet mignon, and the sirloin steak. The burger was flavorful, cooked to a perfect medium as requested, and topped with just the right amount of fixings. The filet mignon was tender and juicy, living up to expectations for such a classic dish. As for the sirloin steak, it had a nice char and was seasoned well, though it leaned a bit on the tougher side compared to the filet. Overall, the food was solid--nothing overly fancy, but well-prepared and satisfying. Service was decent. Our server, an older gentleman with glasses (I wish I could remember his name!), was incredibly polite and attentive when he stopped by. He didn't hover but checked in at the right moments to ensure we were doing well. That said, there was a slight lag in getting our drinks refilled, which kept the experience from being five stars. The atmosphere is a highlight warm, inviting, and with a touch of sophistication. It's a great spot to relax, especially with the open flame concept that gives the restaurant its name. While it's not a must-visit for culinary innovation, Bigfire is a solid choice if you're looking for a good meal in a beautiful setting. read more

Absolute disappointment. Our reservation was for 8:45 pm and we arrived early, which allowed for early seating. The waiter, Eric was very pleasant, but did seem a bit overwhelmed. He ask for our order and immediately took our appetizer and main course order. The place was busy and we anticipated a slight delay. Well 45 plus minutes go by after placing our order and still no food. Eric, the waiter, comes to the table and says to his surprise, "they haven't brought your food?" A few minutes later out comes our food. The majority of it was cold so we made the waiter aware which in turn brings out a floor manager who is apologetic. He in turn takes our order to replace it. We wait another 30 plus minutes only to have a missing order when the new order comes out. Which was no better then the prior order. My food was warm at best. At this point we were all beyond ready to leave. The Bigfire manager in charge comes after everything has already spiraled out of control, with what seems to be a bad attitude. After almost two hours he doesn't own any of the issues or apologize for any of it, rather take 15 percent off the 7 person bill, 35 dollars. Such a disrespectful way to address a bigger problem. My time is worth a lot more then 35 dollars and with 7 of us there it's just a shame. I suggest Bigfire needs to take a hard look at the process. read more

If you're a burger lover like me, you absolutely have to check out BigFire Burger. This place is a hidden gem in Orlando's City Walk and exceeded all my expectations. The first thing that struck me was the ambiance - it's got a rustic, industrial feel with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. Now onto the main event - the burgers. The menu offers a range of creative options, from classic cheeseburgers to more adventurous choices like the "Swiss and Shroom" or "Southern BBQ" burgers. I went for the "BigFire Burger" with bacon and a fried egg on top, and it was an absolute game-changer. The patty was perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful, and all the toppings were fresh and delicious. But the burger alone wouldn't have been enough to earn this 5-star review. The sides were equally impressive - the loaded fries were a standout, and the mac and cheese was creamy and delicious. They also have a great selection of craft beers and cocktails to wash it all down. Overall, BigFire Burger is a must-visit for anyone who loves a good burger. The quality of the food, the friendly service, and the inviting atmosphere all make it an exceptional dining experience. I'll definitely be back soon! read more

We visited Big Fire on Friday, January 30th, and had an absolutely fantastic experience. The Wagyu steak was incredible--perfectly cooked and full of flavor--and the Old Fashion's were some of the best we've had. What truly made the night exceptional, though, was the outstanding service from our waiter, Josh. From the moment we sat down, he was warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. Josh took the time to walk us through the menu, offering thoughtful recommendations on both dishes and drinks--and every single suggestion was spot on. His knowledge, attentiveness, and positive energy elevated the entire evening. Josh provided the kind of service that not only enhances your meal but makes you excited to return. Because of him, we'll definitely be back. Highly recommend Big Fire--and if you can, ask for Josh! read more

I went last night Thanksgiving with a friend for alcoholic drinks and dessert. I had chocolate rocky road ice cream as the base for Chocolate baked Alaska [,torched tableside and brown on the meringue or and tasted alcohol in the small cast iron skillet.. service was good...our waitresses was nice and friendly..The only question was how old or fresh was the Baked Alaska [served] with the meringue torched a little on the left center near the bottom. I had health issues like diarrhea. Early this morning for a few hrs into early afternoon. & eat a banana to help today. I had to go at least three times throughout the day if not more. P.S. I am a team member. I don't know If I want to come back after this experience. read more

Had dinner here with my parents and our meals were nothing to write home about. For the price the meals were underwhelming. My parents both had the short rib pasta and found it to be bland and my dad's meat was all fat. The sherry sauce accompanying it did not taste like it had any sherry at all. I had the filet mignon and while the steak was cooked perfectly and had a great texture it was EXTREMELY salty. Like so salty I had to cut off the sear so that it was edible. The fries were good and my cocktail was okay. Waitress was very nice, but the overall experience was tainted by the lackluster food, especially for the inflated theme park/steakhouse prices. read more

I had an exceptional experience at Big Fire last night, thanks to Patrick's outstanding service. His attention to detail, friendly demeanor, and promptness truly elevated our dining experience. Patrick's professionalism and enthusiasm made our evening memorable, and I highly recommend him as a server. I had the Salmon BLT and Trout Dip, and food was absolutely incredible. Each bite was a burst of deliciousness that added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. Patrick's stellar service combined with the exceptional food made it a five-star dining experience. Highly recommend! read more

I had a bad experience during my visit. My server, Brandon, didn't provide good service, and the food was honestly terrible. When I tried to express my disappointment with the entrée, he completely ignored my concerns. I left feeling like my experience didn't matter. Overall, the customer service was lacking, and it was clear that guest satisfaction was not a priority. This experience left me very disappointed. read more

Bigfire at Universal CityWalk Orlando delivers an incredible dining experience from start to finish. The wood-fired flavors make every dish taste fresh and unique, and the atmosphere feels both upscale and relaxing. The service was attentive, the drinks were excellent, and the location inside CityWalk makes it perfect before or after a day at Universal. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Orlando! read more

While the majority of the reviews praise the delectable steaks, I was particularly impressed with their HOT HONEY SALMON! It was cooked to perfection and seasoned to perfection. We also added some grilled shrimp, which were equally delicious. So, if you're not in the mood for a steak, I highly recommend their salmon with a side of grilled shrimp. read more

The experience at Bigfire exceeded our expectations. Despite the weekend rush, we were seated promptly. Our waiter provided excellent service, attentive without being intrusive. The highlight, of course, was the steak itself - cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. A delightful dining experience that we can't wait to repeat. read more

Great Concept, but the execution needs work. We had dinner here after a long day at Universal Studios. Wine list was lacking, and the service was slow. However, the food was good and the price point not bad considering the location. I got a Ribeye, which was a little thin, but cocked perfectly and had great natural woodfire flavor. read more

My family and I came to Big Fire while on vacation and it was amazing! our server Josh H recommended the blackberry citrus old fashioned. Delish! Josh was super attentive and made our dining experience memorable and fun! Do yourself a favor and go to Big Fire and ask for Josh. Get some beer can chicken too! read more

My husband and I stopped into Big Fire while on vacation. I had the 8oz filet and it was cooked to perfection! Medium rare just how I like it! Our server Josh never let our drinks get low and overall made our dining experience exceptional. Best service we have had dining out in a long time. read more

My partner and I had some friends tell us about Big Fire and thought we would try it next vacation. The bourbon cheese fondue was divine! Our server Josh was fantastic. The overall experience and vibe of the place was so fun. Definitely glad we listened to our friends on this one. read more