The Lost Continent boasts the best restaurant in Universal Orlando’s two theme parks — Mythos, which is possibly the best restaurant in any theme park in the world. On top of that, the Enchanted Oak Tavern has one of the coolest restaurant interiors. And for those who take a strictly utilitarian approach to food, there are walk-up stands offering a quick and filling bite.

Mythos Restaurant

What: Fine gourmet dining
Where: Opposite Poseidon’s Fury
Price Range: $$ - $$$

This upscale restaurant is the feather in Islands of Adventure’s culinary cap. In keeping with the unspeakably ancient theme of the island, it is housed (if that’s the right word) in an extinct volcano with water cascading down its weathered slopes. Step inside and you’ve entered a sea cavern whose sinuous walls have been carved out and smoothed by centuries of surging waves. Eerie yet soothing music tinkles through the air. In the main dining room, the cavern’s roof vaults skyward and a large windowed opening gives out onto the lagoon and a spacious outdoor seating area. Subterranean streams run between the handsome seating areas, with seats upholstered in regal purple. The walls take on the shapes of long-vanished gods and their spirit minions. The effect is only a step or two this side of awesome. Decor like this is a hard act to follow and you find yourself wondering if the food can rise to the level of your heightened expectations.

Not to worry. The cuisine produced under the direction of chef Mark Wachowiak pays homage to the hallmarks of contemporary cuisine — intriguing combinations of ingredients and flavors, dazzling presentations — and still manages to taste, well, just plain yummy. The menu changes every two months, with only a few very popular dishes repeated. So although I can’t tell you exactly what will be available when you visit, I will try to whet your appetite.

Soups and “Sharers” ($5 to $10) always include the Chef’s Signature Pizza of the Day. These are thin-crusted masterpieces that blend traditional cooking methods (there is a spectacular wood-fired pizza oven in clear view of the dining area) and eclectic ingredients that change with the seasons. One appetizer that has proven a perennial is the Tempura Shrimp Sushi, a miniature work of art served with a wasabi and soy drizzle. The soups I have sampled have been ambrosial.

Salads ($6 to $14) range from deceptively simple bowls of mixed baby greens to elaborate entree-sized extravaganzas featuring chicken, shrimp, or fish. Pastas ($15 to $16) are meals in themselves. Be sure to ask about the “Pastabilities” selection, which changes regularly and allows the chef to show off a bit.

Entrees ($11 to $20) range from a not so humble cheeseburger with smoked applewood bacon to some very well-executed specialty sandwiches and wraps. You can almost guarantee that the list of entrees will include one terrific fish dish and either Chicken a la Oscar or Balsamic Chicken, all excellent.

In addition to the pizza, the menu always includes a Risotto of the Day that may prove hard to pass up. There is a kids’ menu ($6 to $12) featuring simple dishes for the less sophisticated gourmet.

Tip: Ask if the chef has any off-menu specials (besides the pizza, risotto, and wrap, that is). From time to time, the chef will experiment with new dishes or whip up something to use up ingredients left over from last night’s banquet. Many times these specials are more adventurous than items on the regular menu. I’ve never been disappointed. Gourmets take note!

After one of these terrific meals, desserts are generally a let down. Fortunately, there is the Warm Chocolate Banana Gooey Cake, which is spectacular and, in my estimation, the only dessert worth ordering. The others are “mini-desserts” ($1.75 each) served in skinny shot glasses; they are merely so-so.

The restaurant features an intelligent and reasonably priced wine list of American varietals along with some imports ($22 to $60). Many are available by the glass; feel free to ask for guidance. For something more potent, try the Potion of the Gods or a Mythos Martini (about $7). They also have their own brand of beer.

The restaurant seats 180 with an additional 50 seats outdoors, many of them sheltered by the overhanging volcano. I’d try for an outdoor seat on a balmy night.

Reservations are taken at Islands of Adventure’s central reservations number, (407) 224-9255, but try the restaurant’s direct line at (407) 224-4534 to feel like a regular. Mythos is only open from 11:00 to 3:00, although hours are extended during busy periods (Spring Break, mid-July through August, and the Christmas season).

Note: See Good Things To Know About. . . Dining Passes, above, for information on how to dine at Mythos without paying for park admission.

And after you’ve finished dining, it’s just a short stroll to either the Incredible Hulk or the Dueling Dragons roller coasters. This could be the best meal you’ll ever lose!

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