Royal Caribbean is widely known for offering some of the most diverse, high-quality dining experiences at sea. While the complimentary dining—Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Solarium Bistro, Café Promenade, and others—is excellent, many cruisers wonder:“Which specialty restaurants are actually worth it on Royal Caribbean?”
This comprehensive pillar article will walk you through every category of specialty dining, the restaurants that consistently deliver exceptional value, the ones best for certain occasions, and insider tips to help you choose wisely. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a loyal Crown & Anchor repeat guest, this guide helps you make the most satisfying dining decisions onboard.
Specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean offer upgraded dining experiences that go beyond the complimentary options. They typically feature:
Higher-quality ingredients
Unique global cuisines
Elevated service
Themed environments
Multi-course menus
Exclusive dishes not available elsewhere
But do you really need specialty dining? The answer depends on your taste preferences, expectations, and budget.
With more than a dozen specialty restaurants across the fleet, it’s important to know which ones are worth the money and which ones you can skip.
Below, we explore the most worthwhile specialty restaurants, ship-by-ship differences, and pro tips to help you choose your perfect culinary lineup.
Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean’s flagship steakhouse and a classic choice for cruisers. It appears on nearly every ship in the fleet, making it a reliable option regardless of your itinerary.
Why It’s Worth It:
Consistently high food quality
Premium cuts like filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip
Elegant yet relaxed atmosphere
Excellent desserts, especially the warm apple pie
Large portion sizes
Royal Caribbean’s Italian specialty dining has evolved significantly. Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the newer, modernized version, while Giovanni’s Table offers a more traditional feel. Both deliver high-value meals for the price.
Why It’s Worth It:
Handmade pastas
Wood-fired pizzas (Italian Kitchen)
Sharing-style dishes
Flavor-packed Italian comfort food
Izumi is divided into two styles:Izumi Hibachi (more expensive but highly entertaining)Izumi Sushi (more budget-friendly and casual)
Why It’s Worth It:
The hibachi chefs put on an incredible performance
Sushi quality is excellent for a cruise ship
Large portions at hibachi
Perfect for celebrations
Wonderland offers a multi-sensory dining experience inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” It’s only available on select ships (Icon, Quantum, and Oasis classes).
Why It’s Worth It:
One-of-a-kind dishes
Artistic presentations
Immersive “molecular gastronomy”
Unique surprises with every course
Created in partnership with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Jamie’s Italian brings modern British-Italian fare with a farm-to-table twist.
Why It’s Worth It:
Huge shareable appetizers
Handmade pasta that’s superior to complimentary venues
Fresh, rustic flavors
Family-friendly
Chef’s Table is the highest-end dining option on Royal Caribbean ships. It includes a multi-course gourmet menu paired with wine, all hosted by the ship’s executive chef.
Why It’s Worth It:
Elevated fine dining
Wine pairing included
Intimate group size (10–16 guests)
Multi-hour culinary experience
This intimate, modern restaurant is found on Oasis-class ships and features contemporary American cuisine with refined elegance.
Why It’s Worth It:
Premium ingredients
Farm-to-table concept
Beautiful plating
Romantic ambiance
For seafood lovers, Hooked offers fresh catches, New England classics, and delicious desserts like the “Messy Fish Sandwich.”
Why It’s Worth It:
Large portions
Excellent seafood quality
Casual yet premium dining
Ocean views and relaxing vibe
While not a specialty restaurant you can pay for, Coastal Kitchen deserves mention because it is exclusive to suite guests and Pinnacle Club members.
Why It’s Worth It:
California-Mediterranean fusion
Higher-end ingredients
More elevated experience than main dining
Some specialty restaurants offer tremendous value, especially if you compare the food to what you’d get on land.
Top-quality steaks
Large portions
Excellent appetizers & sides
Affordable compared to land sushi
Fresh fish and generous portions
Great for sharing
Comfort food at reasonable prices
These venues offer ambiance, elegance, and intimate settings perfect for anniversaries, date nights, or honeymoons.
Romantic lighting
Creative cuisine
Five-course gourmet tasting
Wine pairings
Whimsical, magical, immersive
Families looking to upgrade their dining experience without breaking the bank should consider these restaurants.
Shareable dishes
Casual atmosphere
Fun entertainment for all ages
Large portions
Family-style comfort food
Cruisers who love trying innovative or gourmet meals will appreciate these restaurants.
Multi-course luxury tasting menu
Molecular gastronomy and creativity
Fresh, high-quality seafood
These ships offer:
Wonderland
150 Central Park
Chops Grille
Izumi
Giovanni’s
Hooked (on Symphony/Wonder/Harmony)
Teppanyaki (newer ships)
Best Picks:
Wonderland
Chops Grille
Hooked Seafood
These ships offer:
Wonderland
Izumi
Chops Grille
Jamie’s Italian
Chef’s Table
Teppanyaki
Best Picks:
Wonderland
Izumi Hibachi
Jamie’s Italian
This class features:
Empire Supper Club (high-end)
Izumi
Chops Grille
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Hooked
Celebration Table
Best Picks:
Empire Supper Club
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
Chops Grille
Offer staples like:
Chops Grille
Giovanni’s
Izumi
Chef’s Table
Best Picks:
Chops Grille
Izumi Sushi
Smaller ships but reliable standbys.
Best Picks:
Giovanni’s Table
Chops Grille
Specialty restaurants fill up fast, especially on sea days and formal nights.
If you plan to dine at two or more specialty restaurants, this package can save a lot of money.
Many venues (like Chops & Giovanni’s) offer cheaper lunch menus with similar quality.
Use those days to explore local cuisine instead.
Gold and above members often receive specialty dining discounts.
Many ships offer promotions on embarkation day.
The most consistently worth-it specialty restaurant.
Affordable and generous portions.
Best entertainment value.
Most unique dining concept.
Great for romantic dinners.
Fresh and high-quality ingredients.
A premium, unforgettable experience.
Yes—especially for steak, sushi, Italian food, hibachi, and premium experiences.
Yes, though some (like Chef’s Table) may have age limits.
Sometimes, but walk-ins aren’t guaranteed.
Yes—gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and allergy accommodations are available.
Usually between $25–$70 per person, with Chef’s Table costing more.
Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining elevates your vacation with rich flavors, high-quality ingredients, imaginative décor, and exceptional service. But not every specialty restaurant offers equal value.
The top choices worth your money, consistently across the fleet, are:
Chops Grille
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
Wonderland
150 Central Park
Hooked Seafood
Chef’s Table
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, craving gourmet flavors, or looking for a fun night out, these restaurants provide memorable experiences that make your cruise even more special.
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