I am a huge fan of the ribbon fries, crepes, creme brulee, always have the strawberry limeade from pucker up punches, I saw fried veggies and didnt get to try any but thats on my list for next visit.
– Mako Fly
Renaissance festivals are known, by and large, for one food item in particular. The sight of a person with a mouthful of succulent, smoked turkey mat, tin foil peeled back, cartilage sticking out at odd angles, is a familiar one. While these brined birds are considered a must for every ren faire visitor, you may be selling yourself short. The Ohio Renaissance Festival has delicious food from far and wide, sporting both faire favorites and unique choices from outside vendors. Let’s take a closer look at some of your options.
ORF Favorites
While the average peasant ate pottage (a hearty stew of barley, vegetables, and herbs) for most meals, festivals would have been an opportunity to treat themselves. At ORF, we have a selection of eateries and taverns around the park for you to pick from, offering modern festival favorites along with a few ORF specialties to try for yourself.
ORF was the first place we got scotch eggs, and we are obsessed!!!!
– Kayla Gault
Scotch Eggs – Aleing Knight Pub – Next to Joust/Y Bridge
The breakfast of champions. A scotch egg is a boiled egg, covered in sausage, rolled in egg wash and breading, and deep fried to crispy perfection. It’s a meal you can hold in one hand while you have a mug in the other. Stop by the Aleing Knight Pub and try one for yourself.
Beef Stew – Bread Bowls – Bard’s Lane
Perfect for those chilly fall days when there’s a drizzle in the air. The beef stew at the Bread Bowl in Bard’s Lane keeps your hands and tummy warm all day long. Not to mention it’s a fine meal for your money, with the portions large enough to feed two. The Mac & Cheese is also a well-loved option for your kids.
My guilty pleasure is the brown butter tart that is served at the side of the Aleing Knight. It is served cold and is so chewy, sweet and yummy. Highly recommend!
– Sara Bundenthal
Celtic Potato Pizza – Davinci’s Pizza – Bard’s Lane
An unusual but none the less satisfying combination of potato soup and pizza. This garlicy, rich, creamy pizza debuted at CFO a few years back and has quickly become a popular staple. However, it isn’t always available, so keep an eye out as the servings sell out quick. Stop by Davinci’s Pizza in Bard’s Lane for your slice.
Smoked Gouda Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites – New World Knoll – Upson Downs
These deep-fried bites are work the walk up to New World Knoll on the Upson Downs hill. Fully packed, cheesy but not greasy, and absolutely delicious, be prepared to wait a bit for your order as they fry them up fresh. Perfect walking food for a busy faire day.
We get season passes and don’t go a weekend without getting the spicy corn nuggets at Aleing Knight Pub!
– Sara Deloris Cottrill
Potato Crab Tots & Apple Blossom – Rose and Crown – Wanderer’s Way
Both of these delectable treats can be found at the Rose and Crown in Wanderer’s Way, one of the more popular eateries at faire. These Potato Crab Tots are crunchy, mildly sweet, and very satisfying, while the warm Apple Blossom is pure autumn delight in a golden-brown crust. Get in line early and grab a bit of lunch before the crowd settles in.
Rennie Recommended
If you want to know where the best food is, look for a crowd of rennies standing around or taking over a table, and you’re in the right place. When you’re a frequenter of the festival, you make your way to just about every corner of the grounds. You get to know if a new vendor has arrived, when specialty visitors come, and what to get on just about every menu. Some of us are so loyal to our favorites that it just doesn’t feel like a complete season until we get it.
I thoroughly enjoy picking up some fish from Archibald Drake. It’s great before going to the Whiskey tasting
.- Tim Allemang
Fish & Chips – Archibald Drakes – Poet’s Crossing
Perfectly crispy breading, flaky fish, a good load of chips and plenty of vinegar to douse it with. Their basket is hearty, filling, but not too greasy and just the right amount of salt. Prepare for a bit of a wait on this popular choice but do so with confidence that every bite is worth it.
Prosciutto, Brie and Jam Panini – Chateau Hibble – Whimsey Woods
The desire for lighter, less deep-friend options at faire has risen in recent seasons. This panini pairs sweet jam, creamy brie, and lovely prosciutto together in a delicious and filling meal. It goes beautifully with their magical lavender lemonade for a summer lunch or snack.
I always try to catch one of the roaming soft pretzel sellers for a quick snack. Other than that I love Archibald Drake’s fish and chips and the gumbo from the Cajun place whose name I can never remember. The Tater Wagon is great too though I’ve only had the Knight so far.
– Justin Risner
Gumbo – Ragin’ Cajun Kitchen – Poet’s Crossing
If you’re out at ORF in cold weather be sure to heat up with a cup of gumbo! An excellent balance of spices, vegetables, and no skimping on the meat. A true Southern favorite brought all the way to Southwest Ohio.
Chimney Dogs & Chimney Cakes – The Chimney Cake – Joust Road
A new food destination right out of the 15th century Prague comes all the way to ORF. Our guests love the flaky crust and succulent all-beef hotdogs along with their cylindrical sweet cakes filled with Nutella, ice cream, strawberry and more!
When I went two weeks ago there was a root beer float stand inside that pavilion in whimsy woods. I had no clue that existed and the price was so reasonable 10/10 Recommend a root beer float.
– Bekka Simone
Shrimp Tacos – Marco Polo’s Bistro – Wanderer’s Way
In truth, all of their tacos are delicious without exception. The ingredients are fresh, crisp, and tasty with a variety of sauces that are well-suited to their protein. Their tacos are also affordable, meaning you can try more than one or order for the whole family without breaking your wallet.
Crepes – Dragon’s Lair
Bananas, strawberries, Nutella, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a shady tree to eat under while you people watch. You couldn’t ask for a better brunch right after the cannon goes off. Not to mention the generous portion sizes! Stop by and try one for yourself.
With every season, we get to see more of what our guests enjoy and learn more of what they want. We are always looking for new vendors to add to our growing village. What kind of food venues would you like to see at the Ohio Renaissance Festival?