Grabbing a freshly made sandwich, a quick drink of water, a cold glass of beer, or even a full meal while touring Longwood Gardens is part of the experience for several compelling reasons.

With over 1,000 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows to explore and a visit time of 3 to 4 hours, the convenience of on-site dining is a huge plus. Beyond practicality, dining at Longwood Gardens enhances your experience, allowing you to savor Longwood’s beautiful surroundings while refueling.

From the elegant fine dining room of 1906, featuring seasonally inspired dishes, to the relaxed atmosphere of The Café with its diverse menu for the whole family, each venue promises a memorable culinary journey.

The seasonal Beer Garden delights with craft beers and live music, while the serene Picnic Area provides a perfect spot for those who prefer to bring their own meals.

Whether you’re seeking luxury or casual fare, Longwood Gardens has something delicious for everyone.

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1906, Longwood’s Fine Dining Experience

Located within Longwood Gardens, 1906 is a fine dining restaurant that offers a luxurious, five-star, full-service dining experience. Named after the year Pierre du Pont acquired the property, 1906 prides itself on using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. In 2024, the restaurant made OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America list.

Executive chef Will Brown and Adam Kapa ensure every meal is a 5-star dining experience. The menu, which changes with the seasons, features exquisite starters like mushroom croquettes and beef tartare, along with entrees such as crab omelet and Colorado lamb loin.

Based on the buzz and Yelp! reviews, standout dishes at Longwood Gardens’ 1906 restaurant include the famous Kennett Square Mushroom Soup, delicious Crab Cake, and the unique Flower Pot dish. Don’t miss the Beef Tartare, Colorado Lamb Loin, and the delightful Popover.

Diners rave about the Artisan Cheese Selection and the Crab Omelet too.

Standout desserts at 1906 include the Chocolate Flowerpot with coffee mousse and espresso chocolate cake, and the refreshing Spring Yuzu with lemon-thyme shortbread and raspberry meringue. Other delights include Orange Semolina, Strawberry Sensation, and the vegan Tropical Dream.

For those who prefer a savory end to their meal, 1906 offers the Artisan Cheese Selection, a choice of 3 or 6 local and global cheeses served with fresh fruit, house preserves, and crostini.

The dress code at 1906 is casual elegant, and the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a heated patio for cooler months.

To dine at 1906, guests must have Timed Gardens Admission Tickets. Advance reservations are highly recommended and are available through September 1st. Beginning November 22 this year, with the introduction of Longwood Reimagined, 1906 will relocate to a new venue with stunning views of the Main Fountain Garden.

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The Café, Longwood’s casual dining experience

The Café at Longwood Gardens, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, is the perfect spot for a casual, yet delightful dining experience suitable for the whole family. 

The menu is impressively diverse, featuring everything from ready-to-eat sandwiches and salads to hot entrées and freshly prepared desserts. Their renowned Longwood Gardens Mushroom Soup is a must-try! 

With a menu that changes seasonally, you can savor dishes like spring vegetable quiche, rice bowls, and BBQ bacon cheddar chicken sandwiches in the spring, all made with sustainable ingredients. Catering to different dietary needs, they also offer vegan options like vegan chili.

Prices are reasonable, with soups starting at $6.75 and main dishes ranging from $13 to $20. Visitors often rave about the exceptional food quality, far surpassing typical amusement park fare. 

During peak seasons like A Longwood Christmas and weekends, The Café can get quite busy, especially around midday and early afternoon. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and consider dining during off-peak hours if you can.

The Café is accessible to Longwood Gardens visitors with a Timed Gardens Admission Ticket or Membership. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations at The Café are not accepted.

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Beer Garden, Longwood’s Aflfresco Casual Dining Experience

Longwood Gardens’ Beer Garden is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves craft beers, good food, and live music—all in a stunning garden setting. Situated next to The Café,, this seasonal venue typically operates from spring through fall. 

The Beer Garden’s atmosphere is perfect for relaxing with friends and family under the stars. They also host special events like “Gardens On Tap,” where you can meet the brewers.

Enjoy live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, with genres ranging from jazz to bluegrass. 

The beer selection is impressive, featuring a special “Longwood Seasons” line crafted in partnership with Downingtown-based Victory Brewing Company using garden-grown ingredients. 

The food menu has something for everyone, from cheese and pepperoni pizzas to a LaFrieda Cheeseburger and even a Vegan BBQ Pulled ‘Pork’ sandwich. 

Like The Café, Beer Garden’s prices are reasonable. You and your friends can enjoy a Cheese Pizza for $14, a LaFrieda Cheeseburger for $16 with kettle chips, or a Vegan BBQ Pulled ‘Pork’ sandwich for $12, among other tasty options. 

Pair your meal with a Victory draft beer for $8.95, a glass of wine for $11, or a High Noon Spiked Seltzer for $12, keeping in mind that like everything at Longwood Gardens, prices and offerings might change with the seasons.

To get into Longwood’s Beer Garden, you’ll need a timed Gardens Admission Ticket. And, remember, there’s a two-drink maximum per adult and a strict ID policy. So don’t leave your driver’s licenses, state-issued photo ID, or passport in the parking lot.

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Picnic Area – Longwood’s ultimate casual dining experience

Longwood Gardens offers a designated picnic area for visitors who prefer to bring their own food while enjoying the gardens. This hidden gem offers a peaceful setting for a casual meal, making it a delightful addition to the Longwood Gardens experience.

Located outside the main garden and accessible from the main Visitor Center, the Picnic Area features 70 picnic tables, grills, and restroom facilities, all set in the shade of tall trees. The ground is covered in mulch or gravel, creating a rustic feel.  

The Picnic Area is available to Longwood visitors only, on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can enjoy their meals before or after exploring the main gardens, as bringing outside food and beverages (except water) is not allowed within the main garden area.

Plan to use Longwood’s Picnic Area before or after your visit because once you leave the Gardens to visit the Picnic Area, reentry to Longwood Gardens isn’t permitted.

Longwood’s Picnic Area is open from mid-April through mid-October. Visitors can enjoy this space Wednesday through Monday, with hours aligning with the Gardens’ operating times until closing or dusk, whichever comes first.

The Picnic area is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of this delightful outdoor spot.

Bon appétit!

Exploring Longwood Gardens is a feast for the senses, and its dining options perfectly complement the breathtaking views and vibrant blooms.

Whether you’re indulging in the exquisite flavors at 1906, enjoying a laid-back meal at The Café, savoring craft beers and live music at the Beer Garden, or bringing your own picnic to the tranquil Picnic Area, there’s a culinary experience for every taste and occasion.

Make sure to plan your visit and dining experience to truly savor all that Longwood Gardens has to offer.

Bon appétit!