The 7 best restaurants aboard cruise ships

Think dining on cruise ships means an endless buffet? You might want to think again. While sailing, you’ll discover some of the most incredible restaurants you’ll ever experience—from traditional Italian restaurants to Feng Shui-inspired eateries and just about everything in between. While almost every cruise line has a few unique spots to tempt your palate, these 7 are not to be overlooked…

Ocean Blue
Seafood at sea? Great idea! Debuting on board the Norwegian Breakaway in 2013 (and later on the Norwegian Getaway), this upscale venue’s menu touts dishes like black sea bass, risotto of Jonah Crab, and monkfish loin – all locally sourced. Even better, there’s also a raw bar in the restaurant, AKA the perfect spot for grabbing a snack.

Restaurant2 | Photo courtesy of Seaboard

Restaurant 2
Dishes that are as decadent as they sound? Head to Restaurant 2, an intimate specialty eatery available aboard all Seabourn ships. You’ll find the menu full of oh-so-tempting tapas dishes like foie gras crème brûlée, lobster and lemongrass pressé and pan seared quail breast—all for no extra charge.

QSINE
Feast your eyes (and, you know, your stomach) on some of the quirkiest small plates at sea. Sushi lollipops, disco shrimp and popcorn fish ‘n’ chips—this menu is a party for your palate. Best part of all, QSINE available on a slew of Celebrity ships.

150 Central Park | Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean

150 Central Park
Farm-to-ship dining is now a thing, thanks to 150 Central Park, one of Royal Caribbean’s specialty restaurants.The new à la carte menus are the brain child of award-winning chef Michael Schwartz and tout dishes like lobster gnocchi, baby beet salad, and mahogany black cod made from only responsibly and artisanally sourced ingredients.

Sabatini’s
Buon appetito! On board most of Princess ships, cruisers will find Sabatini’s, an Italian restaurant that serves up Mediterranean dishes with a heavy emphasis on seafood. As you’d expect, the dishes are drool-worthy, running the gamut from crisp fried baby squid antipasti to main courses of roasted veal with mushroom ragout.

The Pinnacle Grill
Luxurious settings? Innovative menus? Extensive wine selection? Check, check, and check! The Pinnacle Grill, foundon board all of Holland America’s ships, is the go-to spot for intimate meals featuring dishes inspired by America’s Pacific Northwest. Think sustainably raised beef, cedar planked halibut, and wild mushroom ravioli.

Guy’s Burger Joint | Photo courtesy of Carnival

Guy’s Burger Joint
You can tell by the name that this is not the most refined diningspot at sea. But don’t dismiss it just yet. For Guy’s Burger Joint, Carnival teamed up with restauranteur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri to deliver fresh-off-the-grill roadside burgers at sea. Add in hand-cut fries, a laidback poolside setting and S.M.C. (super melty cheese), and it can be hard to imagine eating anywhere else.

Ready to taste these dishes yourself? Find your next adventure with Orbitz Cruises.