The torches snap to life and a herald announces the king’s table as the crowd surges to its feet. You stamp your cardboard flag, the air smells faintly of roasted meat, and the server slides a pewter plate across the bench with a wink.
This article is part of our Medieval Historical Dining collection.
If you’re planning a night at Medieval Times, you want to know what you’re getting before you commit to front-row flags and foam crowns. This article explains the Medieval Times Menu in plain terms, lays out prices, dress codes, and dietary realities, and gives the kind of booking tips you’d expect from someone who’s chased every themed dinner from New York to Los Angeles. Expect a showstopping, atmospheric meal that’s as much about the theater as it is about the food.
- You eat a hearty, meat-forward four-course “feast”: soup, bread, roast chicken, spare rib, potato, and a sweet finale — all traditionally eaten by hand.
- Tickets run roughly $45–$95 per person depending on seating and city; book early for weekend slots in Chicago, Orlando, and Dallas.
- Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options exist but they’re limited — call ahead and request accommodations at least 72 hours before your show.
Table of Contents
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Medieval Times Menu Explained: What You Actually Eat At The Castle
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Booking, seating, dress code, and price — the logistics that matter
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What I would book (and what to skip) Frequently Asked Questions
Medieval Times Menu Explained: What You Actually Eat At The Castle
The signature of the evening is the feast itself — a deliberately rustic, indulgent, and immersive platter served in the middle of the action. The Medieval Times Menu is meant to feel experiential: you won’t get silverware unless you specifically request it, because eating with your hands adds to the electric energy of the arena. Shows last about 90–120 minutes, and your meal arrives in courses timed to the tournament action.
Across locations in cities like New York, San Francisco, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, and Boston, the basic format stays consistent even if the exact sides or dessert change with seasonal menus or local sourcing.
What comes on the standard feast
Your plate arrives in theatrical rounds. Expect a four-part structure that’s both predictable and satisfying: starter, starch and bread, protein, and dessert. The straightforward setup keeps service fast and the crowd focused on the jousting.
Portions lean toward hearty rather than gourmet. If you’re hungry, plan on eating a big lunch — or treat the show as a dinner-plus experience where the meat is the main attraction and sides are secondary theater props.
Practical tip: If you want a little more meat, order an extra entrée when you book tickets or add an upgrade if the venue offers it — book on Viator; it’s cheaper than buying a second meal at the door.
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Drinks, dessert, and the no-utensils rule
Part of the theatrical charm is that you eat like a medieval court: with hands. The no-utensils tradition is optional now — restaurants will provide forks on request — but the lack of cutlery amps the immersive vibe and keeps the pace brisk so you don’t miss a tilt.
Drink options vary by castle. Across the country you’ll find soft drinks included for kids and available for purchase for adults, plus beer, wine, and occasionally house sangria in cities that allow it. In markets like Seattle and San Francisco the beverage list skews craft-forward; in Miami and LA you’ll often see cocktails with playful medieval names.
Dessert usually reads as a sweet finish — a sponge cake or pastry with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle. It’s not a fine-dining finale; it’s a crowd-pleasing, comfortable end that fits the indulgent, communal vibe.
Practical tip: If you want adult beverages, check whether the castle in your chosen city offers table service — some do, some route drink sales through a separate counter at intermission.
Dietary restrictions and vegetarian options
The menu centers on roasted meats, so you’ll want to plan if you avoid meat. Most castles now offer a vegetarian plate — often a savory pastry, grilled vegetable stack, or a plant-based protein — but don’t expect the same theatrical heft as the standard feast.
When I tested the vegetarian option in Chicago, the dish was perfectly fine for someone who wanted a lighter, adventurous choice but not suitable as a main event if you crave the show’s centerpiece meats.
Practical tip: Email or call your castle after booking and ask for the exact vegetarian or allergy menu — don’t assume “vegetarian” means substantial or interchangeable with the meat feast.
Booking, seating, dress code, and price — the logistics that matter
Ticket prices for Medieval Times fluctuate by city, seat, and showtime — check current prices on Viator. Expect a wide range: mid-week seats in less-popular rows can start around $45–$55, while premium front-row seats for Saturday nights in major markets like LA, Orlando, or New York often land in the $75–$95 range. Private parties and VIP packages can push higher.
Shows run roughly 1.5–2 hours. Groups are typically seated in sections that correspond to the knights they’ll cheer for, and group sizes at the bench-style tables commonly suit parties of 6–12 — which makes this a great pick for friend groups and corporate events.
Dress codes remain casual, but many people wear something thematic: leather jackets, boots, or the paper capes and crowns sold at the castle. If you want photos that read atmospheric rather than touristy, opt for a clean, slightly dressed-up casual look — think polished jeans, button-down, or an easy dress — and avoid bright neon workout clothes.
Practical tip: Book the earlier show on Saturday if you want to catch a sunset in cities with courtyard views or if you’re pairing the night with an afterparty in nearby neighborhoods like Savannah or New Orleans — book on Viator.
What I would book (and what to skip)
If you want a showstopping night with minimal fuss, book mid-range seats in the center section. I’ve sat in front row and upper balcony in cities from Boston to Nashville, and the middle-center seats deliver the best balance of action, visibility, and hearing the ringmaster without craning your neck.
Skip the cheapest end seats unless budget is king; you’ll end up watching a lot of knight boots and backs instead of the horses. For date nights and small groups, the 7 PM Saturday slot offers the most electric atmosphere — it’s pricier, but the energy and crowd participation make the extra $15–$25 feel earned.
If you’re booking for work or a big group, call the castle’s events team. Rates and package perks change by city, and you can sometimes secure a private booth, upgraded desserts, or reserved parking as part of a corporate package in larger markets like Chicago and LA.
Practical tip: If you’re in a city with multiple dinner-theater options — say New York or San Francisco — compare timing: a 7 PM Medieval Times slot plus a late show at a nearby comedy club makes for an unforgettable two-act night.
Pro Tip: Call the castle the week before to reconfirm dietary requests and seating assignments; staff often flag special requests and add small gestures for birthdays or anniversaries if they know in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly will I eat at Medieval Times?
You’ll get a four-course rustic feast: a starter soup, warm bread, a protein plate (usually roasted chicken plus a rib), a roasted potato or seasoned side, and a simple dessert. The meal is intentionally hearty and hands-on to match the immersive action in the arena.
Do ticket prices include the meal?
Yes. Ticket prices include admission, the show, and the standard feast. Beverage prices and upgrades (like VIP packages or extra entrees) are additional. Expect base prices around $45–$95 depending on the city and seat location.
Can I get vegetarian or gluten-free food?
Yes, but options are limited and vary by castle. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly meals are usually available if you request them in advance — call at least 72 hours before your visit to make arrangements and get a clear menu.
Is there a dress code?
Casual attire works fine, though many guests wear something a bit thematic for photos — think boots, cozy layers, or a fun medieval cape. Avoid athletic wear if you want pictures that feel atmospheric rather than touristy.
How long is the show and how far in advance should I book?
The show typically runs 90–120 minutes. Book as early as possible for prime weekend slots, especially in tourist-heavy cities like Orlando, LA, or New York; 2–4 weeks ahead is a safe window, and holiday weekends often sell out sooner.
Now that you know the layout, the meal, and how to handle dietary and booking quirks, here’s what to do next: pick your city and date, choose center or front-center seats if you want the best photos and action, call the castle to note any dietary needs, and buy tickets before the weekend sells out. Book a 7 PM Saturday if you want the most electric crowd energy; otherwise, an early Sunday show gives you time to extend the night elsewhere.