Most of the largest cruise lines have their own brand of Italian restaurant, each with their own speciality, so if you’re craving that perfect Negroni or dreaming about where to find a great cacio a pepe, find inspiration below to help you book your next cruise.
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What can you expect from the following Italian restaurants?
The majority of the upcoming list are specialty restaurants from mainstream cruise companies and so will not be included in the all-inclusive fee. Most will expect a smart casual dress and serve an a la carte menu. Most importantly, they all serve traditional, delicious Italian cuisine!
Jamie’s Italian Kitchen
Where: On eight Royal Caribbean ships: Anthem, Harmony, Ovation, Quantum, Symphony, Navigator, Marina and Spectrum
The space: In Royal Caribbean terms, Jamie’s is a small, intimate restaurant, beautifully presented with dark wood panelling and frescos, plus a large charcuterie display.
The menu: Designed by the famous English ‘Naked Chef’, the menu forgoes the pizza and focuses on seasonal ingredients with Italian favourites including fresh pasta and slow cooked meats.
Example dishes:
- Creamy burrata with slow-roasted tomatoes, carta di musica and arugula
- Tagliatelle Bolognese with aged parmesan
- Freshly baked frangipane tart studded with fresh fruit
Onda by Scarpetta
Where: On five NCL ships: Norwegian Encore, Spirit, Prima, Viva and Aqua
The space: Onda means ‘wave’ and this is the inspiration behind the space with curving ceilings and huge views to the ocean, plus a beautiful veran
The menu: As well as Italian seafood dishes, Onda serves fresh pastas and pizzas, all presented with contemporary flair.
Example dishes:
- Fritto misto of calamari, shrimp, fish croquette, zucchini, potato and remoulade
- Salmon with rosemary lentils, broccoli rabe and basil oil
- Panna cotta with coconut, guava syrup, caramelised pineapple and coconut sorbetto
Tuscan Grille
Where: On nine Celebrity ships: Eclipse, Equinox, Silhouette, Solstice, Reflection, Constellation, Millennium, Summit and Infinity
The space: Large armchairs and a rich, deep colour palette make Tuscan Grille a sophisticated, yet comfortable space in which to dine.
The menu: Inspired by the Tuscan region, the menu features a range of butcher cut meats, as well as fresh pasta and flatbread pizzas.
Example dishes:
- Kalamata bruschetta, grilled ciabatta, olive tapenade, pepperoncini peppers, herb cheese
- Chicken parmesan with tomato, mozzarella and pecorino pasta
- Limoncello cheesecake with candied lemon, baked mascarpone and graham crust
Palo
Where: On four Disney Cruise ships: Dream, Fantasy, Magic and Wonder
The space: Palo is an adult-only space, making it a sophisticated dining experience. The theme is based around Northern Italian charm with frescos of Venice, wood panelling and marvellous sea views.
The menu: The menu focuses on delicacies from the Northern regions of Italy with pasta, pizza and several fish and meat dishes.
Example dishes:
- Tuscan white bean soup
- Seared jumbo scallops with lemon, artichokes, fava beans and Pinot Grigio risotto
- Warm orange almond cake with orange fennel salad, rhubarb puree and lemon cream
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
Where: On ten Princess ships: Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Grand, Island, Regal, Royal, Sapphire and Star.
The space: Old fashioned glamour is the theme for these dining spaces with extensive wine cabinets, chandeliers and beautifully laid tables.
The menu: Food found in a traditional trattoria focuses on slow, home cooked dishes and Sabatini’s mirrors this with dishes from their top chefs’ childhood memories.
Example dishes:
- Chef’s version panzanella: grilled shrimp, toasted croutons, heirloom tomatoes, basil leaf, taggiasca olives and basil-infused extra virgin olive oil
- Lasagna Bolognese al forno baked with aged parmesan
- Zabaglione: whisked masala foam with ladyfingers
Extra Virgin
Where: On all Virgin Voyages ships: Brilliant Lady, Scarlett Lady, Resilient Lady, Valiant Lady
The space: The only restaurant on the list with no extra charge, Extra Virgin is a relaxed, bright space with bench seating and sofas aplenty.
The menu: Small and refined, the menu offers today’s most trendy Italian dishes and an Affogato cart to end the evening on a high.
Example dishes:
- Braised mini meatballs with san marzano tomato, smoked mozzarella and pancetta
- Spaghetti al vongole with little neck clams, white wine and crushed red pepper
- Chocolate olive oil cake with red wine poached pears and candied marcona almonds
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
