First time at Centurion lounge and wondering if the food at the Centurion lounge is free? I have explained this in detail below.
is centurion lounge food free?
Yes, food and drinks at the Centurion Lounge are free for American Express Card Members holding Amex Platinum Card or Centurion Card. There is a wide selection of both hot and cold food, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages offered as complimentary. You can also order from a special menu if you have any dietary restrictions.
Amex has a specialty cocktail and curated wines that you can request to go with your food.
You can spend upwards of $50 which is all paid up for Amex members, so it’s a great way to save on food if you’re traveling through an airport that has a Centurion Lounge.
The food offerings vary by lounge and time of day, but generally speaking, there are hot and cold options available throughout the day. The menu is updated seasonally.
How is centurion lounge food different?
In addition to being free, the food recipes are developed in partnership with renowned local chefs and you having tried them several times, they are pretty good! Whether you are in the US at JFK or LAX or in Hong Kong, you’ll really like their cuisine.
While the food is free, you may be wondering about the quality. I can say from experience that the food is very good! There are hot and cold options available, as well as a wide selection of drinks. The staff is also very friendly and accommodating, so if you have any dietary restrictions, they will be more than happy to help you find something that you can eat.
The food is set up in a buffet style, so you can take as much or as little as you want. And if you’re still hungry after your first plate, you can always go back for more.
You are not allowed to bring animals or pets in the food services areas.
Can I bring or take food away from Centurion lounge?
American Express has indicated on their website that “Food and alcoholic beverages may not be brought into, or removed from, the premises.” You may not take food to go from the lounge. Read more here.
Below is a picture of food at Centurion lounge food at Dallas airport.

American Express Centurion Lounge Breakfast:
There is a wide selection of breakfast food options at Centurion lounges including; scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, Greek yogurt, cereal, pastries, bread, fruit, etc.
You can also order from a special menu if you have any dietary restrictions.
As you can see from the short video below posted to Youtube by Brandon Johnson, there is a wide selection of both hot and cold food options available for breakfast at Centurion lounge.
Centurion Lounge Food Menu:
The Centurion lounge food menu include starters, main courses, sides, salads, and desserts.
Starters:
-Charcuterie plate
-Cheese plate
-Shrimp cocktail
-Crudité
Main courses:
-Grilled chicken breast
-Steak frites
-Spaghetti carbonara
-Pizza Margherita
-Roasted salmon
Sides:
-Mashed potatoes
-French fries
-Green beans
-Cauliflower gratin
Salads:
-Caesar salad
-Kale salad
Desserts:
-Chocolate mousse
-Cheesecake
-Panna cotta

All the free services at Centurion Lounges:
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Semi-private workspaces
- Computer bar with printer/fax/copier
- TVs, magazines and newspapers
- Spa services*
- Wine tasting area*
- Conference room*
- Shower suites*
- Family room*
- Luggage lockers*
- Food developed by local chefs
- Specialty cocktails and curated wines
*only available in select airport locations such as JFK’s Centurion Lounge at Terminal 4.
How it works:
Centurion lounges are operated as travel benefits for cardholders and is not a business line to generate revenue and income for American Express. This is why the food, beverages and other services including spa are free. You are not required to tip either as the service is included in the cardholder benefits.
Centurion lounge food availability:
In some airports, the food at Centurion lounges get finished very quickly as there are a lot of cardholders using the same space. If you arrive late, you may not find anything to eat.
You can check the menu before you visit by looking online or on the American Express app. This way, you can see what is available and plan accordingly.
Read more conversation on the free food at Centurion lounge on reddit here.
Conclusion:
Overall, I would say that the food at the Centurion Lounge is definitely worth trying out, if you are an American Express Card Member. Not only is it free, but the quality is also very good.
FAQs
A: The Centurion lounge is a travel benefit operated by American Express for cardholders.
Q: What food is available at Centurion lounge?
A: There is a wide selection of both hot and cold food, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also order from a special menu if you have any dietary restrictions.

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