Family Dining
Relax with your friends and family on the scenic deck of Emzara’s Buffet, our two-story casual restaurant, with a spectacular view of the Ark. Enjoy a variety of options from the buffet, including some specialty foods and diet-friendly choices. The restaurant is located outside the Ark, so you will want to grab something to eat before or after you board.
Buffet and Salad Bar
While the buffet menu changes daily, you can plan on hearty foods such as fried chicken, garlic potatoes, and warm soups along with a variety of different options you're sure to love! At the end of your meal, be sure to grab one of our delicious desserts.
For those who like to eat green, the salad bar is ready for you. Whether your salad is on the side or the main course, you’ll have a large variety of fresh ingredients to personalize your plate.
Prices
| Adult and Youth (ages 13–59) | $14.99 |
| Senior (age 60+) | $10.99 |
| Child (ages 5–12) | $6.99 |
| 4 and Under (ages 0–4) | Free |
Restaurant Hours
Opens at 11 a.m. on Monday through Saturday and noon on Sundays. Visit Emzara's Buffet at the Ark Encounter for closing times.
Outdoor Food Venues
A variety of specialty dining options are available in the Ark Encounter’s Village Market. Please note: Outside food venues are closed during January and February due to weather.
Pizza Wings and More
Looking for pizza? Check out the Pizza Wings and More kiosk next to Emzara’s Buffet where you can enjoy your choice of cheese, pepperoni, or specialty pizza! Boneless wings and salads are also available here.
The Village Smokehouse and Grill
Try one of our new our BBQ sundaes layered with smoked baked beans, smoked pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and homemade cole slaw, western brisket sandwich, bacon jam burgers, hot dogs, and more at The Village Smokehouse and Grill.
Zofar’s
Enjoy three tacos, an order of nachos, a burrito bowl, or fajitas with your choice of meat along with additional toppings at Zofar's. Or grab a Monte Cristo sandwich filled with fontina, Swiss, and gouda cheeses, ham, and turkey on a challah bread, battered and deep fried with a side of Amish blackberry sauce!
Village Ice Cream and Sweets
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Head into Village Ice Cream and Sweets for a cup of rolled ice cream or a rolled ice cream tacos, or check out the wide selection of candy options, including jelly beans, rainbow candy, and much more!
Salty or Sweet
We also have two other options available in the Village Market. Visit the Sweet & Salty kiosk to grab a bag of buttered, jalapeno, sour cream and chives, or ranch-flavored popcorn; an order of nachos; or a pretzel.
If you are searching for something sweeter, you have plenty to choose from at the Sweets & More stand offering cinnamon sugar or turtle donuts, and chocolate-dipped frozen bananas.
Safe Dining Options
When dining out, we understand how difficult choices can be when trying to avoid certain ingredients, whether it is due to food intolerances, food allergies or personal choice. We offer both vegetarian and gluten-free options at Emzara’s Buffet, and we have an allergy book available with a list of ingredients, which are provided from our vendors.
Inside the Ark
Need a drink or snack while touring the Ark? We have both available on the first and second decks in our snack stands, which are loaded with a variety of options to satisfy your needs.
As you walk through the gift shop, try a delicious treat from Uncle Leroy’s Fudge or grab a cup of coffee from Kezia’s Coffee.