by Jade Alexander | January 22, 2025
Stella Nova isn’t just a stunning place to stay—it’s a destination for food and drink lovers. During my visit, I indulged in a variety of cocktails and dishes from the Nova Bar, Galaxy Bar, and Cosmos Café & Market. Here’s the rundown of my favorites, the misses, and everything in between.
Sips at the Nova Bar
The Black Hole ($16) A bold mix of Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, Patron XO Cafe, Braulio, and cold-brewed espresso. The drink had a strong coffee taste with a hint of peppermint—perfect for espresso martini fans but definitely on the stronger side.
Sol ($16) Made with Ketel One Orange Vodka, Aperol, tangerine syrup, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Unfortunately, this one had too much orange for my liking, overpowering the other flavors.
Refreshing Cocktails from the Galaxy Bar
Cassiopeia ($16) My favorite drink of the trip! A mix of SelvaRey Coconut Rum, fresh raspberries, citrus-sour juice, and Fever-Tree sparkling lemonade. It was perfectly sweet and refreshing, with the raspberries keeping it light and crisp.
Leo ($16) Bulleit Bourbon, muddled lemon, peach schnapps, citrus-sour juice, and peach purée come together in this cocktail. Sadly, the peach was lost in the mix, as the citrus flavors dominated.
Breakfast at Cosmos Café & Market
Croque Madame ($13) Sourdough bread topped with country ham, Swiss cheese sauce, over-easy eggs, and breakfast potatoes. The eggs were slightly overdone, but overall, it was a tasty way to start the day.
Monkey Bread ($10) This was a sweet lover's dream! Loaded with chocolate, cinnamon, walnuts, and a sweet glaze, it was indulgent and delicious.
Challah French Toast ($12) Topped with mixed berry compote, folded cream, and powdered sugar, this vegetarian-friendly dish was a sweet breakfast delight.
Country Ham, Egg & Cheddar Croissant Sandwich ($11) The eggs had a strange texture, and the sandwich was overly greasy, which made it less enjoyable.
Greek Yogurt Parfait ($7) A mix of berries, honey, and house-blend granola, but the inclusion of nuts in the granola was unexpected and a bit odd.
Lunch and Dinner
Creamy Tomato Soup + Whole Grilled Cheese ($14) The soup was flavorful but overly oily, making it quite acidic. The grilled cheese, with melted cheddar on sourdough, was a comforting classic.
Classic Turkey BLT ($14) Roasted turkey, bacon, tomato, avocado, and dijonnaise on multigrain bread. The bread was over-toasted and dry, with not enough sauce to balance it out.
Very Cheesy Mac-n-Cheese ($7) Elbow pasta smothered in a three-cheese blend and topped with toasted panko. While it tasted a bit generic, it was still creamy and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Stella Nova delivered some stellar highlights and a few minor misses. The Cassiopeia cocktail was the star of the show, offering a perfect blend of sweet and refreshing flavors, while dishes like the Monkey Bread and Croque Madame stood out for breakfast. That said, certain items like the Sol cocktail and turkey BLT could use some improvement.
Overall, Stella Nova offers a great low-cost resort experience with dining and drinks that range from good to fantastic. Its proximity to Universal’s brand-new Epic Universe makes it an exciting choice for parkgoers looking for convenience and style.
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