We tried the Herb-Crusted Lamb Steak at Cabin 5: Rosemary Table. Find out why this easy-to-cut lamb is a top pick at the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food, Wine, and Garden Festival.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a sophisticated Victorian explorer while standing forty feet away from a screaming roller coaster, the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food, Wine, and Garden Festival has heard your oddly specific prayer. This year, the park has added “Garden” to the title, introducing animal-inspired topiaries and plant sculptures that allow you to admire a leafy giraffe while questioning if you can actually finish a 12-item sampler lanyard by yourself. (Spoiler: You can, and you probably will.)

The Star of the Show: Herb-Crusted Lamb Steak

Our culinary expedition led us to Cabin 5: Rosemary Table, where the Herb-Crusted Lamb Steak ($10.99) sits on the menu looking much more refined than anything served on a paper plate has a right to be. The United Parks & Resorts theme parks in Florida usually do a solid job with lamb dishes at their food festivals. The Herb-Crusted Lamb Steak is no exception. The steak itself was exceptionally well-prepared and remarkably easy to cut, a relief for anyone who has ever tried to use a plastic knife to saw through a piece of meat like they’re auditioning for a survival reality show.

While we would have preferred the dish to be served a bit hotter, it arrived warm enough to enjoy the depth of the savory red wine reduction. The herb crust adds a decent flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the glossy sauce. Then, there is the minted pea mash. Interestingly, the minted pea mash leans more toward a variation of traditional mashed potatoes than a pea puree, which might appeal to those who prefer familiar comfort flavors. If you were expecting a bright green, mushy pea experience, you might be surprised to find it’s basically “potatoes with a hint of garden.”

With a good portion size that’s easily shareable, this dish offers a more upscale festival experience without sacrificing value. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a refined protein option. Just be warned: while the lamb is shareable, the portion of mash is a bit more of a “protect your plate” situation.

Festival Overview and Sampler Lanyards

The festival is a sprawling celebration of global flavors, live music, and, new for 2026, intricate horticultural displays. To navigate this delicious gauntlet without your wallet crying for mercy, the Busch Gardens Sampler Lanyards are the only logical way to play.

You can purchase these in two main tiers:

• 8-Item Sampler: $65.00
• 12-Item Sampler: $75.00 (Busch Gardens annual pass members receive a 15-item sampler for the price of a 12-item sampler lanyard)

At $10.99 for a single lamb steak, using a punch on your lanyard brings the cost down significantly. It’s basically “theme park math,” where the more you eat, the more you “save.” The lanyards can be used for food, wine, or craft beer at any of the festival cabins, making them the ultimate accessory for the professional snacker.

For more theme park dining reviews, visit MSM News every weekday at noon Eastern Time. Additionally, we sometimes post bonus theme park dining reviews. As always, eat like you mean it!

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