Which Cruise Lines Have the Best Food?

Not sure if a cruise is right for your discerning taste buds? Trust us when we say there’s a cruise line that can satisfy everyone's culinary desires! Suppose you are traveling with a mainstream cruise line. In that case, you are guaranteed to find a mix of onboard restaurants, ranging from fast casual options to unique specialty experiences that are sure to have something you will find enjoyable.  

If you are searching for the best cruise lines for food, look no further. We’ve pulled together our picks for the best in cruise line dining. These ratings come from the thousands of dining review ratings submitted by our members from cruises between 2019 - 2023. To score highly on this list, the line has to offer excellent quality food, a mix of eatery types from casual to upscale, and superb service.  

Without further ado, here are the top ten lines with the best food and dining on the high seas… 

1. Celebrity Cruises - 4.411 / 5

Tuscan Grille - Photo by Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is consistently at the top of our member’s lists for the best in dining. The cruise line receives high marks for dish quality, a mix of restaurants, and excellent, attentive service. Celebrity has consistently been the top cruise line winner of the best line for food and dining category in our Member Choice Awards in 2020, 2022, and 2023. If you are cruising with Celebrity, it's highly guaranteed you will come back satisfied with your dining experience. 

Best Restaurants

Tuscan Grille – This venue puts a spin on rustic Italian favorites such as carbonara, veal marsala, ricotta gnocchi, and grilled branzino. Pasta is handmade onboard, as is the venue’s own limoncello. An Italian wine menu includes regional Italian cocktails and beers. Each ship’s Tuscan Grille has a slightly different ambiance, which makes it a unique experience for repeat Celebrity guests. 

“Beautiful setting and fantastic food. The best waiter we have ever had. Great evening and worth every cent.” - pbasile

“The food was excellent and the view...excellent! Yep, we saw whales breach while we ate delicious Italian fare. This is the one additional cost restaurant that we would recommend.” - kevinmcphee

Qsine – Qsine is like fantasyland meets dinnertime for grown-ups. Start your meal with sushi lollipops, then indulge in the meatball trilogy or slider party. For dessert, try ‘Strawberry Fields,’ a square of real grass topped with sticks of chocolate-dipped strawberries. Some Celebrity ships’ Qsine also includes the Le Petit Chef experience, which combines video animation projection on the table with the cuisine for an incredible 3D virtual and reality dining presentation.

“It was great. Quite the presentation, very far from traditional [dining]. Our waiter... was great. Very helpful in explaining "how the various dishes were eaten". I know that sounds weird, but if you've ever eaten there you know exactly what I mean. The food was VERY tasty and it was fun.” - CaptainKitten

“Awesome! If you like to be adventurous, don't shy away from Qsine. The dishes aren't just different to be different. They simply took great dishes and find a way to make them a bit different by putting some sort of spin on them to make them fun. Definitely give it a shot, especially if you can get a deal on it on the first day on the ship. Walk around and you might find 30%-40% off of a specialty restaurant that evening.” - Basinski

2.  Disney Cruise Line — 4.353 / 5

Foodies might give this ranking a second glance. However, if you’ve sailed with Disney Cruise Line, you know the dining experience is a notch above the rest! Yes, kids can get chicken fingers and mac and cheese at just about every meal if they so choose. However, there’s no denying this service on Disney is unforgettable. After the first night, everyone’s drinks are waiting on the table when you arrive at dinner. Waiters entertain small travelers with magic tricks and call all girls onboard “princesses” at all times. Made-to-order requests for picky eaters are met with the kind of can-do attitude we wish all cruise lines had. 

Additionally, you will find the main dining room changes each night. Passengers rotate through three dining rooms throughout the cruise, and best of all, your waitstaff rotates with you.

Best Restaurants

Palo – We consistently hear high praises for Palo, with passengers raving that it’s well worth the added price tag. The northern Italian-inspired venue is named after the long poles that gondoliers use in Venice and serves up authentic Italian cuisine. Palo serves a brunch buffet with fresh seafood, a selection of international cheeses, assorted meats and pastries, and more delicacies. 

“We had dinner here 2 nights. Embarkation night and the last night. Katia was the best server and the food was beyond amazing. It was worth the upcharge for many reasons. Food, atmosphere, quiet, exquisite service and romantic.” - JKristenRN

“Brunch is an absolutely must-do. So many options, such a small stomach. You want to eat everything. The buffet is amazing with great choices. Breakfast pastries and bread, caramel cinnamon [rolls], shrimp, ceviche, prosciutto, cheeses, crackers, salmon, crab, etc.”- sophiacorona

Remy –  This adult-only formal modern French restaurant (picture waiters bearing silver-domed plates and a trolley-based cheese course) is not to be missed. The venue features subtle nods to the Disney movie ‘Rattatouie’.  

“Amazing French cuisine, fine wines, and superb service. Each night has two menus, and you can mix and match each course. Wine pairings are done with great care, and the $105 price is a very good value considering how many glasses and what sort of wines are poured. Talk to the [sommelier], as he will tailor his selections to match your taste.” - bmetcalf

“Fantastic service and menu! Comparable to Victoria and Alberts at the Grand Floridian!” - ddsteuck

3. Virgin Voyages - 4.315 / 5

Cruise line newcomer Virgin Voyages has made a splash in almost every category we include in our reviews. Virgin has knocked it out of the park when it comes to dining. 

One of the best selling points of Virgin when it comes to dining is that EVERY restaurant on the ship is already included in your cruise fare. The food is delicious, and there’s an eclectic mix of eateries available, so you are guaranteed to find something you love. 

Virgin has distinguished itself from other cruise lines in dining by having zero onboard buffets, making it unique from any other cruise line on this list. There are so many onboard options available at all hours of the day you are guaranteed to find something that pleases your palate. 

Best Restaurants

Razzle Dazzle - This lively restaurant features vegetarian-forward fare and a juice bar, with the option for meaty dishes and spiked smoothies. Razzle Dazzle offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts.

“Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The breakfast salmon and rice bowl is good for breakfast/brunch. The pastries are excellent. The gazpacho is really good, the fried chicken is crunchy good…Dessert is a must for the milk and cookies.” - mickonrun

“Go here. Get the bacon. You will not be disappointed.” - LisaKitty

“We went for dinner and it was one of our best meals. We also went for brunch and loved it so much we went two more times after that.” - FrizzyAnya

Ping Agave - Pink Agave is an upscale Mexican restaurant and Mezcal bar. You will find a number of Mexican specialty dishes (complete with a Mezcal pairing), that makes for a delicious and fun shared plate dining experience. 

“Very solid meal. The elote was probably my favorite dish, though everything was tasty - and although I’m not a sweets/dessert person, the chocolate tacos were DELISH! I ate every bite.” - mercruisessolo

“Creative casual Mexican fare. Try the guacamole and a margarita too. The ribeye steak is my favorite.” - mickonrun

4. Royal Caribbean — 4.268 / 5

Not only does Royal Caribbean offer the usual cruise ship dining suspects like steakhouses and Italian venues, but they also delve into the trendy and even unusual when it comes to eateries. Some highlights include a whimsical Alice-inspired Wonderland restaurant, modern Mexican venue Sabor (with guacamole prepared tableside), and the Sugar Beach ice cream and candy shop. These all showcase the cruise line’s culinary adventurousness and take onboard cuisine to the next level.

Best Restaurants

Chops Grille – Chops Grille Steakhouse is a mainstay on Royal Caribbean ships. The warm ambiance and prix fixe menu provide a stellar experience that could easily cost double on land. Don’t miss out on lunch at Chops (available on sea days) which gives a taste of what the venue has to offer with a lesser price tag.

“Excellent! The food was great, could cut my filet with a spoon. The waiter brought lots of sides that were served family style and unlimited portions. The food was cooked to perfection and served hot! Highly recommend this venue.” - tikipop

“Excellently prepared steaks and the sides we tried were all very enjoyable as well. The ambiance is nice and it just feels special to have a meal here.” - johnasti

150 Central Park – Royal Caribbean teamed up with restaurateur Michael Schwartz to create a six-course menu for 150 Central Park. The restaurant was designed with the air of the finest New York City establishments in mind. Two menus per weeklong cruise rotate out seasonally, featuring dishes created with fresh ingredients. 

“150 was the best experience that we could have asked for! The food was amazing. The service was incredible. Our waiter not only connect with us, but also pampered us. This was the only restaurant where the manager came to our table to ensure our experience was no less than excellent.” - orlandocruz

“This dining is an actual experience. It is like no other, they taught you about your food before eating and the food itself is like no other! It is incredible. They were also super accommodating for me being a vegetarian. They offered the choices they had on the menu or something they could whip up off the menu!” - KristinaLBR

5. Holland America — 4.254 / 5

Dining is a top priority in Holland America, and it shows in their Culinary Council of seven world-class celebrity chefs, all of whom have a hand in crafting the menus seen in the various restaurants across the fleet. The line also partners with America’s Test Kitchen, which materializes in cooking demonstrations and hands-on workshops. 

Best Restaurants

Pinnacle Grill – If you’re seeking a meal to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, look no further than the Pinnacle Grill. Indulge in Alaskan king crab, premium Pacific Northwest steaks, Colorado lamb chops, and caviar at this romantic, regal venue. And just like Chop Grille, a lighter and simpler menu is also available at lunchtime for a smaller fee.

“This classic Holland America staple is always the best meal you will have on your cruise. The meats are perfectly cut and aged and the seafood is fresh. They also do an excellent job preparing your dinner and is cooked to perfection. I’ve never had a bad meal but I always leave way to full. If dinner is a little too expensive then check it out for lunch!” - njanders26

“The food and service in the Pinnacle Restaurant were absolutely wonderful! The menu was varied so that we were able to have different foods as we desired, and it was all so very well prepared and presented!” - dsjasinski

Rudi's Sel De Mer – Chef Rudi Sodamin’s French brasserie may only be on two of Holland America’s ships, but the dishes are so thoughtful and exquisite that it earns a spot as one of the fleet’s top restaurants. Try the seafood tower for an appetizer and Rudi’s souffle for dessert. While we’d like to see Sel De Mer expand to the rest of the fleet, the good news is you can try the menu on some ships on select evenings in the Pinnacle Grill.

“Sel de Mer has an amazing fish selection and it’s like the chef caught the fish right before you ordered it! The preparation is gorgeous and the flavor is even better. There really is nothing bad I can say other than I wish I could enjoy it more often.” - njanders26

“My husband’s favorite was Rudi’s Sel de Mer. The seafood platter presentation alone is worth ordering it for, but he said it tasted great, too. The service in that restaurant was superior. I don’t know what the actual ratio was but it almost seemed like one server to every 3 people and the sommelier was outstanding.” - Faye1966

6. Costa Cruises - 4.224 / 5 

Costa Cruises primarily sails in Europe, but the brand does offer some Caribbean sailings. When it comes to dining and food, you will find several casual and specialty eateries with menus boasting a European twist on food. 

Best Restaurants

Classic Restaurant - This eatery serves a ‘Destination’ menu featuring dishes focusing on the destinations you will visit on your voyage. The eatery is casual and included. 

“Amazing food, very efficient, and great wine choices too.” - ajg795

“Very good food. Breakfast is special. Try the specialty breakfast from the menu on the table instead of buffet.” - dugrin1

A sample of Costa’s other best restaurants includes Pizzeria Plumid’oro (serving 100% authentic Italian-style pizza), Teppanyaki Restaurant, Samsara Restaurant, and Our Mozzarella. 

7. Princess Cruises - 4.175 / 5 

Crown Grill - Photo by Princess Cruises

Princess was an early trailblazer in offering cruisers a choice between fixed dining times and ‘Anytime Dining’. The cruise line even purpose-built ships with multiple dining rooms to facilitate the concept years before most other cruise lines joined the party.

Best Restaurants

Crown Grill – Crown Grill is everything you’d want in a traditional steakhouse, complete with an atmosphere of dark wooden tones, stately chairs, and warm lighting. Foodies will take note of the Gourmet Salt Selections, which are custom-designed for Princess to complement the flavor of the steaks, seafood, and chops. 

“Crown Grill on the Royal Princess was worth every additional penny--the 8 oz. filet mignon was tender and tasty, and the desserts were wonderful - particularly the four mini-dessert sampler. The service was excellent and attentive.” - DeedeeG

“The service and food were excellent. Definitely the place to eat for a steak dinner. Service was excellent and friendly.” - srbpilot55

Alfredo's Pizzeria – Fresh ingredients are transformed into hot and bubbling personal pan pizzas right in front of your eyes at the complimentary venue Alfredo’s. If you’re not in the mood for a pizza there’s even more - calzones, pasta, and even desserts are also on the menu.

“So good. The pizzas were excellent, as was the calzone we had at lunch. Went back another evening for dinner and was very pleased again with appetizers, main courses as well as desserts.” - BarbaraBon

“Staff, food, and environment are all amazing. The meals are to die for with high quality and fresh ingredients used. You can watch as your meal is made fresh before your eyes.” - PippiCruz 

8. Carnival Cruise Line - 4.112 / 5

Carnival would win hands down if there were an award for the line with the largest variety of complimentary dining options! Not only do its ships boast multiple included sit-down and poolside eateries, but also a wide selection of specialty restaurant venues. 

Best Restaurants

BlueIguana Cantina – The real star on the lido deck is the fried fish tacos from Blue Iguana Cantina. They are as good as any we’ve had at street stands in Mexico and are worth waiting in line for! 

“Both the daytime tacos and morning breakfast burritos were wonderful. Try the watermelon salsa at the salsa bar! There is so much food to eat on the ship, but try to eat here at least a few times during the cruise.” - CruiselineSarah

“I probably ate here the most! Loved the fish tacos!” - karenutley7184

Fahrenheit 555 – This sleek-designed modern steakhouse is not to be missed. The food is plated with drama and elegance, from escargot tucked into tiny rounds of puff pastry, to vertical platings of steak topped with roasted garlic, and chocolate tastings in elegant little glasses.

“We always take advantage of this venue when we cruise and it never disappoints. It was our anniversary so we did the desert where the chef comes to your table and makes this amazing creation right in front of you.” - jenn2831

“Fahrenheit 555 was FABULOUS, and at $35 is a bargain. The food was very good and my steak was cooked exactly the way I love it. Definitely will book a reservation to the steakhouse again.” - Martine1973

9. Norwegian Cruise Line — 4.019 / 5

The number of dining choices on Norwegian Cruise Line is unmatched in the industry, with more than a dozen venues to choose from on their newer larger ships. Freestyle Dining (with no set meal times or seating) is the standard in many included venues. The real stars on Norwegian ships are the extra-charge specialty restaurants that require a reservation.

Best Restaurants

Cagney's Steakhouse – Norwegian’s signature American steakhouse Cagney’s is regarded among many cruisers as the best steakhouse at sea. The warm, upscale ambiance and premium cuts of beef make it the perfect venue for a special occasion. Cagney’s has outdoor waterfront seating on some ships — perfect for catching the sunset.

“Wonderful!!! Cagney’s is definitely worth using the ultimate dining package for. Never had a bad meal there in 8 NCL cruises.” - frankie0303

“Cagney’s has to probably be my favorite restaurant in the NCL fleet. The steak is high-quality and always cooked to perfection. I also never receive anything less than superb service and because I dine many times on each trip, I get to know the service staff and Maitre’d. Another thing I like is the atmosphere of the restaurant as it’s dark and has a warm feeling.” - njanders26

Teppanyaki – This Japanese hibachi-style restaurant is a crowd favorite. The tableside preparations are done by chefs who add comedy and guest interaction to the mix for a truly memorable dining experience. 

“I loved this experience! Our chef Louie was phenomenal - he was funny, engaging, and a wonderful chef everything here was cooked to order and there was so much food. He cooked the best fried rice that I have ever had, and the fillet mignon and shrimp were also awesome!” - SandyBGranny

“This restaurant is the best! The food is amazing and the atmosphere is so much fun!! The cooks will keep you laughing the whole time! We went here multiple nights!” - McIntyrec

10. MSC Cruises - 3.782 / 5

MSC Cruises is continually pushing the envelope with its dining offerings. You will find much more than pasta and pizzas from the Italian cruise brand. They have outfitted newer ships with a number of venues boasting sushi, steaks, teppanyaki, chocolate bars, upscale seafood, and much more. 

Best Restaurants

Butcher’s Cut - This is a signature steakhouse you will find on several MSC Cruises’ ships. The eatery serves traditional American steakhouse fare of meats and quality seafood paired with an extensive selection of wines, all in an elegant setting. On the menu, you will select Linz heritage Angus cuts, considered the ‘gold standard’ of high-end Angus beef. 

“This was truly an outstanding steakhouse. I ate here twice on a 14-day cruise. Had the filet one time and the lamb chops the next. Both were perfect. The array of steak sauces that they include is also very welcome.” - Echelon

“Wonderful staff and management team! We were treated like royalty and the food was top-notch!” - yrodriguez7

Kaito Teppanyaki -  You will leave full and entertained after visiting Kaito Teppanyaki! The restaurant space includes four open grill cooking stations where guests watch their delicious Japanese dishes come to life by expert chefs. 

“We went for Teppanyaki and a Sushi lunch, and honestly, the value for money is great. The Geisha Teppanyaki meal comes with 5 courses, including a chef's selection of sushi and sashimi, a fish appetizer and main, great chicken teriyaki with vegetables, fried rice, salad, and grilled pineapple and ice cream for dessert. The chef was also excellent and highly skilled and entertaining! The sushi lunch was also a win. Good quality sushi for some reasonable prices, and some well-reviewed tempura udon soup.” - CherryEggs 

“Great show and huge amounts of food! Our children love Teppanyaki and Kaito did not disappoint!” - preffitt

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