The Nordic Buffet Menu and Prices (2026)
The Nordic buffet in Charlestown, Rhode Island costs $145 per adult, $60 for children ages 8 to 12 and $35 for children ages 3 to 7 in 2026. The price covers unlimited lobster, snow crab legs, oysters, prime rib, filet mignon and desserts, plus soft drinks, coffee, tea, tax and a 10% service charge.
Dining time is limited to 2 hours, and the buffet is open seasonally. As of late October 2026, The Nordic is serving fall hours and closes for the season on December 12, 2026.
The Nordic Buffet at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 178 Nordic Trail, Charlestown, RI 02813 |
| Phone | (401) 783-4515 |
| Adult price (2026) | $145 |
| Ages 8 to 12 | $60 |
| Ages 3 to 7 | $35 |
| Under 3 | $10 |
| Included drinks | Soft drinks, coffee and tea |
| Tax and service | Tax and 10% service charge included |
| Maximum dining time | 2 hours |
| Fall hours | Fridays 5 to 7pm, Saturdays 2 to 7pm, Sundays by reservation |
| Season end | December 12, 2026 |
The Nordic Buffet Prices Per Person
The Nordic uses one flat price per person, so there is no separate charge for lobster, crab legs, prime rib or any other buffet item. Everyone entering the dining room pays the price for their age group, even if they plan to eat very little.
| Guest | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $145 |
| Child ages 8 to 12 | $60 |
| Child ages 3 to 7 | $35 |
| Child under 3 | $10 |
Prices went up by $5 for adults from 2025 to 2026. In 2025 the adult price was $140, while the child prices of $60 and $35 stayed the same.
| Season | Adult | Ages 8 to 12 | Ages 3 to 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $140 | $60 | $35 |
| 2026 | $145 | $60 | $35 |
What Is Included in the Nordic Buffet Price
The listed price already includes tax and a 10% service charge, so the menu price is close to your final bill. A portion of the service charge is shared between your server and the support staff. Any extra gratuity left on the table goes directly to your server.
Included in the price:
- Unlimited access to the full buffet
- Soft drinks, coffee and tea
- Sales tax
- 10% service charge
- Up to 2 hours of dining time
Cocktails and other bar drinks are not part of the listed inclusions. The bar and lounge serve classic drinks and signature Nordic cocktails for an extra cost.
How Much Does The Nordic Cost for a Family or Group?
Because every guest pays a fixed price, the total is easy to calculate before you go. These examples use the 2026 prices and include tax and service charge.
| Party | Total cost |
|---|---|
| 1 adult | $145 |
| 2 adults | $290 |
| 2 adults, 1 child (8 to 12) and 1 child (3 to 7) | $385 |
| 2 adults, 1 child (8 to 12), 1 child (3 to 7) and 1 child under 3 | $395 |
| 20 adults in a reserved group (1 free per 20) | $2,755 |
| 1 senior (65+) on the first Friday of the month | $130 |
The Nordic Buffet Menu With Prices
The Nordic buffet menu is all you can enjoy, so each dish is included in the single buffet price. The official menu is split into four sections: from the sea, from the land, appetizers and sides, and desserts. You can choose as much as you like, of whatever you like, in any order.
The sections below list every item shown on the official 2026 menu. Raw or undercooked foods of animal origin can increase the risk of foodborne illness, and guests are asked to tell staff about any food allergies before dining.
The Nordic Seafood Menu
The seafood section is the biggest draw, with lobster and snow crab legs at the top of the list. Oysters and littleneck clams come from local waters.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lobster | Boiled cold water lobster | Included |
| Snow crab legs | Steamed | Included |
| Fried scallops | Battered and fried until golden | Included |
| Fried shrimp | Crunchy outside, juicy inside | Included |
| Scallops wrapped in bacon | Jumbo scallops with smoked bacon and a maple glaze | Included |
| Baked stuffed shrimp | Shrimp with a buttery seafood stuffing | Included |
| Steamed littleneck clams | Local clams from Narragansett Bay | Included |
| Scallop and shrimp scampi | Scallops and shrimp in garlic butter sauce | Included |
| Shrimp cocktail | Chilled jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce | Included |
| New England clam chowder | Creamy chowder with potatoes, clams and bacon | Included |
| Lobster bisque | Thick, creamy soup with chunks of lobster | Included |
| Lobster mac and cheese | Rich and creamy macaroni with lobster | Included |
| Lobster fritters | Fried fritters made for dipping in the bisque | Included |
| Fresh local oysters | Harvested daily from a few miles away | Included |
| Clams on the half shell | Raw clams from Narragansett Bay | Included |
| Seafood salads | House made salads with lobster, shrimp, crawfish, conch and calamari | Included |
| Stuffed sole | Sole filet with a crab meat and scallop stuffing | Included |
| Smoked salmon | Locally smoked salmon | Included |
The Nordic Meat and Land Menu
The land menu centers on prime rib and filet mignon. It also has options for guests who prefer chicken, ribs or simple fried sides.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Black Angus prime rib | Slow cooked and served with the fixings | Included |
| Black Angus filet mignon | Hand trimmed and seared over flames | Included |
| Chicken wings | Oven baked in a sweet chili sauce | Included |
| St. Louis BBQ pork ribs | Tender ribs in a house made barbecue sauce | Included |
| Teriyaki tenderloin tips | Bits of filet mignon in a garlic teriyaki glaze | Included |
| Chicken tenders | Extra crispy boneless chicken | Included |
| Sidewinder fries | Thick cut fried potatoes | Included |
| Candied bacon | Thick cut bacon with caramelized brown sugar | Included |
Appetizers, Sides and Salad Bar at The Nordic
The side dishes let you build a full plate around the seafood and meats. The salad bar and fruit selection also give lighter choices.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli and green beans | Fresh steamed vegetables | Included |
| Vegetable fried rice | Rice with onions, carrots and peas | Included |
| Baked potato | Crispy skin with a fluffy inside | Included |
| Mushrooms | Marinated, baked and sauteed | Included |
| Corn on the cob | Fresh corn when in season | Included |
| Seasonal fruit | An assortment of fruit from around the world | Included |
| Bread | Garlic knots and corn muffins | Included |
| Salad bar | Build your own salad with toppings and dressings | Included |
The Nordic Dessert Menu
The dessert area is a full buffet of its own. It includes a Häagen-Dazs ice cream bar with toppings, so dessert fans have plenty to choose from.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Häagen-Dazs ice cream bar with toppings | Included |
| Chocolate dipped strawberries and cherries | Included |
| Cheesecake | Included |
| Carrot cake | Included |
| Bourbon pecan pie | Included |
| Snickers cheesecake | Included |
| Belgian chocolate mousse cups | Included |
| Cannolis | Included |
| Bismarcks | Included |
| Ghirardelli brownies | Included |
| Lemon squares | Included |
Nordic Lakeside A La Carte Menu
Nordic Lakeside is a separate dining option and is not the all you can enjoy buffet. It offers an a la carte menu and signature cocktails outdoors on the grounds, or at the bar area when space allows. The official site publishes the 2026 lakeside menu with its own prices as a PDF.
Lakeside hours are Fridays 5 to 7pm, Saturdays 2 to 7pm and Sundays 1 to 4pm, and it is closed Monday to Thursday. The buffet and lakeside menu cannot be mixed in one party. The indoor dining room is reserved only for guests having the buffet.
Lakeside reservations are only offered during live show times, and tables can fill quickly on those days. Outside show times, guests can walk in. If a show is cancelled for weather, an email notice is sent at least 1 hour before show time.
The Nordic Hours and Season
The Nordic is a seasonal restaurant and is closed Monday through Thursday. It is open on three days each week during the season.
| Day | Fall 2026 hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 5 to 7pm (last seating) |
| Saturday | 2 to 7pm (last seating) |
| Sunday | Reservation required |
On Fridays and Saturdays, seating stops at 7pm, but the buffet stays open later. Hours earlier in the season were longer on Saturdays, with an opening time of 1pm. The official site says it closes for the season on December 12, 2026.
The Nordic Reservations Explained
Friday and Saturday are walk-in days for parties under 20. Sunday is by prepaid reservation for every party size, and reservations are made only on the official website, not by phone. Large group reservations for 20 or more are offered on every open day.
Sunday reservations can be booked up to 3 weeks in advance, with prepayment required. They are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Your 2 hours start at the reserved time, so arriving late reduces your dining time, and if you are seated early the 2 hours start when you sit down.
Parties of 2 can also choose a bar seating reservation if tables for 2 are sold out. All members of a party must be paid for on a single reservation to be seated together.
Best Time to Visit The Nordic
The Nordic posts weekly suggestions on its Best Times page for walk-in days, and it updates them during the open season. The page also announces extended hours, which happen almost every week. Large groups arriving at opening can create longer waits, so checking the page before you leave is a good habit.
For a smoother visit, aim for a time away from the opening rush. A recent suggestion for a Saturday was to arrive between 4pm and 6pm, since opening time was expected to be busiest.
While you wait, the grounds have lakeside hammocks, fire pits, lawn games, farm animals and cocktail service. The restaurant says it does not turn guests away.
The Nordic Discounts and Promotions
The Nordic runs a few standing offers and some date based promotions during the season. All of them require a valid ID.
| Promotion | Offer |
|---|---|
| Birthdays | Gift when you dine within 1 week of your birthday, collected at the gift shop |
| Military | Free drink or dessert to go with an active military or veteran ID |
| Senior citizens | $15 off the buffet for guests 65 and older on the first Friday of each month |
| Locals Night | $15 off and a drink for Washington County, Rhode Island residents, listed for October 23 in 2026 |
| Pint Night | Custom Nordic pint glass with a draft beer purchase, listed for October 30 in 2026 |
Birthdays that fall in the winter closure are honored during the first 2 weeks of the next season. Promotions can change each year, so check the official promotions section before you plan around one.
The Nordic Large Group and Bus Tour Pricing
Large group pricing uses the same per person rates as the regular buffet. Groups of 20 or more can reserve on any open day, with arrival and dining windows available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
| Large group term | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum group size | 20 guests |
| Free guests | 1 free per 20 in attendance |
| Repeat group leaders | 3 free for groups of 40 or more |
| Bus drivers | 1 driver per bus is free |
| First deposit | $1,000 per bus (non-refundable) |
| Deposit within 90 days of visit | $2,000 per bus |
| Second payment | $1,000 per bus, due 90 days before the visit |
| Final payment | Due 30 days before the visit |
| Assumed bus size | 49 passengers unless stated otherwise |
If the group drops below 20 people, the deposits are forfeited. Drivers and children are not counted when calculating free buffets.
The Nordic Game Dinner
The Nordic also hosts a Game Dinner Buffet with its own reservation page on the official website. The listed pricing is the same as the regular buffet: $145 for adults, $60 for ages 8 to 12 and $35 for ages 3 to 7. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, tax and the 10% service charge are included.
The same 2 hour dining limit applies. Check the official Game Dinner page for dates and booking details.
Nordic Gift Cards and Gift Coins
The Nordic sells e-gift cards online, which makes the buffet an easy gift. It also sells metal Nordic Gift Coins, about the size of a silver dollar, in $25, $50 and $100 amounts. The coins can only be bought on site during open hours.
The Nordic Dress Code and Dining Rules
The Nordic asks for clean, neat attire that is appropriate for the dining room. Clothing should cover the torso and underarm area. Sleeveless dresses and appropriately designed sleeveless attire are welcome, but tank tops and muscle shirts are not allowed.
Other rules to know:
- Maximum dining time is 2 hours per party
- Everyone entering the dining room pays the age based price
- The buffet and lakeside menu cannot be shared in one party
- Sunday reservations are prepaid and nonrefundable
How to Get to The Nordic
The Nordic is at 178 Nordic Trail, Charlestown, Rhode Island 02813, in a quiet lakeside setting. The location is remote, and the restaurant recommends renting a car. It also notes that Uber is not a reliable way to get there.
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Closest airport | T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), 28 miles away |
| Closest train station | Amtrak Kingston Station, 5 miles away |
| Driving from New York City | About 3 hours |
| Parking | On site |
The area has options from small family owned bed and breakfasts to chain hotels, so many guests plan an overnight stay.
Is The Nordic Buffet Worth the Price?
At $145 per adult, The Nordic is often ranked among the most expensive buffets in America. Many reviewers still say it delivers, especially for seafood lovers who plan to eat lobster, crab legs and oysters. A Google rating of 4.7 stars from almost 5,000 reviews was reported in April 2026.
A food creator who visited in 2025 told Fox News Digital that a once a year trip could easily be worth it if you arrive very hungry. The grounds, hammocks and fire pits also add to the experience beyond the meal.
The buffet is best value for guests who love premium items. If you mainly want a light meal, the lakeside a la carte menu may fit better.
Tips for Getting the Most From The Nordic Buffet
A few simple habits can help you enjoy the full spread within the 2 hour limit.
- Arrive hungry and start with the premium items, such as lobster, crab legs and prime rib
- Check the Best Times page before a Friday or Saturday walk-in visit
- Book Sunday early, since reservations open 3 weeks ahead
- Leave time to walk the grounds before or after your meal
- Rent a car, since rideshare is unreliable in this area
- Tell staff about any food allergies before you dine
Other Expensive Buffets in America
The Nordic is not the only high priced buffet in the country, though it is often listed near the top for dinner pricing.
The Breakers
The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida has been reported to offer a brunch buffet at $195 per person plus tax and service charge, which is higher than The Nordic.
Cafe Sierra
Cafe Sierra in Los Angeles has been reported at $139 for its dinner buffet and $95 for brunch, which puts it close to The Nordic dinner price.
History of The Nordic
The Nordic began in 1963, when the Persson family bought the property, which was then a summer vacation resort. The restaurant started to feed resort guests, and the all you can eat format was adopted later and was in place by 1980.
The restaurant was known as Nordic Lodge before shortening its name to The Nordic in 2023. Today, more than 60 years and 4 generations later, the same family runs the day to day operations.
FAQ’s
How much is The Nordic buffet in 2026?
The 2026 price is $145 for adults, $60 for ages 8 to 12 and $35 for ages 3 to 7. Children under 3 are $10.
What is included in The Nordic buffet price?
The price includes the full buffet, soft drinks, coffee, tea, tax and a 10% service charge. Cocktails and bar drinks are not listed as included.
Is the lobster unlimited at The Nordic?
Yes, the buffet is all you can enjoy, and lobster and snow crab legs are part of it. You have up to 2 hours of dining time.
Do kids eat free at The Nordic?
No, children under 3 pay $10, and the other age groups pay $35 or $60. Everyone entering the dining room pays the age based price.
Does The Nordic take reservations?
Sundays require a prepaid reservation for all party sizes, and large groups of 20 or more can reserve on any open day. Fridays and Saturdays are walk-in days for smaller parties.
Can I make a Nordic reservation by phone?
No, reservations are only received on the official website.
What are The Nordic hours in fall 2026?
Fridays are 5 to 7pm and Saturdays are 2 to 7pm, with seating stopping at 7pm. Sundays are by reservation only.
When does The Nordic close for the season in 2026?
The official site says it closes for the season on December 12, 2026.
Is tip included at The Nordic?
A 10% service charge is included and shared between your server and support staff. Any extra gratuity left on the table goes to your server.
Is there a senior discount at The Nordic?
Yes, guests 65 and older get $15 off the buffet on the first Friday of each month with a valid ID.
Can some of my group eat the buffet while others order lakeside?
No, the buffet and the Lakeside menu are separate dining options and cannot be enjoyed together.
Is there a dress code at The Nordic?
Yes, clean and neat attire is required, and tank tops and muscle shirts are not allowed. Sleeveless dresses and appropriately designed sleeveless attire are welcome.
What is the closest airport to The Nordic?
T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) is the closest, about 28 miles away.
Can I use Uber to get to The Nordic?
The restaurant says Uber is not reliable because of the remote location, so renting a car is highly suggested.
Does The Nordic sell gift cards?
Yes, it sells e-gift cards online and Nordic Gift Coins in $25, $50 and $100 amounts on site.
