Dining Guide: Carnival Cruises Restaurants: A Beginner's Guide for Food Lovers to Indulge in Deliciousness
Welcome to your ultimate guide to dining on Carnival Cruises!
If you love food as much as we do (and trust us, we’re all about it!), you’re going to want to keep reading. This guide is here to help you explore all the mouthwatering options Carnival has to offer – from casual buffets to elegant specialty dining. By the end, you’ll be ready to dive into the culinary delights of your next cruise!
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a newbie looking to learn the ropes of Carnival’s food scene, we’ve got you covered. From casual bites to fancy plates, there’s something for everyone. So, buckle up, foodies – you’re in for a treat!
Got questions? Don’t worry – we’ll make sure you’re feeling like a dining pro by the time we’re done.
Table of contents
Since we’ve packed in all the delicious details about dining on Carnival, here’s a quick guide to what’s inside. Click on any topic below to go straight to your section – you know, to keep things breezy.
The Basics of Dining on Carnival
Step 1: Buffet Bites – How to Satisfy Your Hunger
Step 2: Specialty Dining – For When You Want to Level Up
Step 3: Casual Dining – No Reservations Needed
Step 4: Must-Try Carnival Restaurants
Step 5: Tips for Navigating Dining on Carnival
The Basics of Dining on Carnival
Let’s start with the basics! Carnival Cruises are known for their laid-back vibe and excellent food, so you’ll never go hungry. You’ll find everything from all-you-can-eat buffets to fine dining experiences, making it a great spot for foodies like you and me.
When it comes to meals, there’s no shortage of options. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
Buffets: Perfect for when you’re in the mood for variety. Dig into global dishes, fresh salads, and yummy desserts.
Seaday Brunch: Forget what they say – brunch is definitely the most important meal of the day! Whether you're sleeping in and craving breakfast or an early riser ready to dive into lunch, Seaday Brunch has you covered. This fan-favorite meal brings all the best of mid-morning bites to your Carnival cruise, with dishes like huevos rancheros, special French toast, loaded mac-n-cheese, and more ways to cook eggs than you ever thought possible. So, dig in and fuel up – you've got a full day of exploring the ship ahead!
Main Dining Room: At dinner in the Carnival dining room, you’ll never have to wonder where to put your fork – they’ve got the table set for you. And don’t worry, this isn’t a stuffy affair; expect a three-course meal served with plenty of fun. You might even catch the waiters dancing while you enjoy your dessert! The menu is packed with mouthwatering options, all included in your cruise fare, featuring classic Carnival favorites alongside new creations from Emeril Lagasse and our talented chefs. Indulge in dishes like Pappardelle with Braised Lamb, Coffee Glazed Roast Duck, and Hawaiian Shrimp Poke. Plus, with the addition of a vegan dining room menu, you’ll find plant-based options like Baked Vegetable Au Gratin and Eggplant Cutlet a la Parmigiana. The chefs are committed to accommodating all dietary needs, making sure there's something for everyone. Pro tip: When booking, choose Early Dining or Late Dining for reserved seating, or go with Your Time Dining for flexibility whenever hunger strikes!
Specialty Restaurants: Looking for something a little more fancy? Specialty restaurants offer fine dining, seafood, steak, and everything in between.
Casual Dining: Grab a bite when you’re on the go. Casual dining spots offer quick and tasty meals, perfect for those busy days at sea.
If you want to get the most out of your Carnival dining experience, be sure to balance your meals between buffet fun, specialty indulgence, and casual comfort. You’ll never be disappointed!
Step 1: Buffet Bites – How to Satisfy Your Hunger
Let’s kick things off with a classic – the buffet! Perfect for when you’re in the mood for variety.
Lido Marketplace is the ultimate casual dining destination, offering an incredible variety of food just steps away from each other. Whether you’re craving BBQ, a deli sandwich, a fresh salad, or something from the Asian station, you’ll find it all here. Don’t miss the pasta bar and the daily surprise from the chef – it's always something new and exciting! With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Lido is perfect for grabbing a bite with friends or family, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, you can indulge in soft serve, frozen yogurt, and fresh pizza – there’s something for everyone!
Here’s what you’ll find:
Diverse Dishes: From pasta and pizza to freshly made sushi and grilled meats, there’s something for everyone.
Fresh and Flavorful: The food is served fresh and hot, with new dishes rotating daily.
Comfort Food Galore: If you’re craving some home-style cooking, you’ll find mashed potatoes, mac ‘n cheese, and all the classics.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the dessert station – Carnival buffets serve up some seriously sweet treats, like cakes, pies, and ice cream.
Step 2: Specialty Dining – For When You Want to Level Up
Ready to elevate your dining game? Specialty restaurants on Carnival offer a more upscale experience, with mouthwatering options and an extra touch of luxury.
Some of the standouts include:
Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: Make your vacation even more unforgettable by reserving a table at the onboard Steakhouse for an evening of exceptional dining. On most Carnival ships, it will be called Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. But on some of the older ships, it may just be called Steakhouse.
The menu features premium cuts of beef, cooked to perfection just the way you like, along with a selection of fresh seafood, gourmet appetizers, and entrée options that’ll have you coming back for more. To top it off, their wine list has earned the coveted Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, ensuring the perfect pairing for your meal. The Steakhouse's ambiance only adds to the experience, elevating every bite.
The cost for this specialty restaurant is $52 for each adult and $15 for each child (11 years old and younger).
Pro tip: Like any top-tier restaurant, reservations are highly recommended and can be made online after booking your cruise. Your meal comes complete with an appetizer, salad, entrée, side, and dessert – talk about a feast!
Cucina del Capitano: For Italian fans, this is your spot. At Cucina del Capitano®, the red and white checkered tablecloth sets the tone for a true Italian dining experience, where the company is just as important as the food.
Here, you’ll enjoy courses of authentic Italian dishes — from antipasti and pasta to hearty entrées and desserts — all inspired by the childhoods of Carnival’s Italian captains and officers. The meals are served famiglia-style, making it the perfect setting for sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company over generous portions.
The restaurant’s rustic, country-home atmosphere is made even more special with family snapshots adorning the walls and the possibility of the captain himself dining nearby.
The cost for this specialty restaurant is $24 for each adult and $11 for each child (11 years old and younger).
Great news: On the Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras, your first meal at Cucina del Capitano is on the house… and additional visits are just $8!
Pro tip: While reservations aren’t required, I recommend booking one online after you’ve secured your cruise to ensure the best seating and dining times!
Jiji Asian Kitchen: Craving Asian-inspired flavors? Inspired by a culture with millennia of history, JiJi Asian Kitchen® blends enticing dishes with a space designed to bring you both good food and good fortune.
The restaurant's décor features Asian prayer rolls and Mongolian-inspired fabrics, adding a northern-country touch to this one-of-a-kind dining experience. The full-service menu offers a mix of exotic and familiar dishes that will challenge and delight your taste buds, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking something unique.
The cost for this specialty restaurant is $24 for each adult and $11 for each child (11 years old and younger).
Pro Tip: While reservations aren’t required, we recommend booking one online after securing your cruise to ensure the best seating and dining times!
Emeril’s Bistros at Sea: Emeril’s three restaurants at sea—Emeril’s Bistro 1396™ on Mardi Gras, Emeril’s Bistro 1397™ on Carnival Celebration, and Emeril’s Bistro 717™ on Carnival Jubilee—bring the authentic taste of Creole cuisine to your cruise.
From fried oysters and BBQ shrimp to po-boys, muffuletta sandwiches, and jambalaya, you’re in for a Bayou-inspired feast. At Emeril’s Bistro 1397, you’ll get a global twist, with dishes inspired by flavors from all over the world, all prepared with Emeril’s signature flair.
And because big flavors don’t sleep in, they are serving up Emeril’s faves for breakfast too! Think shrimp and grits, breakfast po-boys, and bananas foster crepes. Don’t forget to indulge in the raw bar, incredible desserts, and the classic Crescent City vibe—your taste buds will thank you!
The cost for this specialty restaurant is a la carte and prices are listed on the menu.
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse: At Guy's new joint, smoke is the star of the show—and so are the brews! With mouthwatering options like brisket, sausage, baby back ribs, salmon, and dry-rubbed chicken, our experts start smoking the meat early, using hickory and applewood to infuse those rich flavors. And since you're in Guy Fieri's house, we're serving it up just the way he likes it—complete with classic sides. Carnival is home to the world’s first Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, where BBQ is done right, by a BBQ Hall of Famer himself!
But let’s talk beer. Our exclusive Parched Pig® craft brews—smoked porter, farmhouse ale, hoppy IPA, and toasted amber—are brewed right under your nose by a pro brewmaster. These one-of-a-kind beers can only be found here, so don’t miss out! Want a tour of the brewery or a refillable growler? Go for it!
While the food and beer take center stage, the atmosphere doesn’t fall short. Enjoy live music, great vibes, and an all-around fun experience that’ll have you up and dancing!
The cost for this specialty restaurant is a la carte and prices are listed on the menu.
Pro tip: Stop by during lunchtime to enjoy the core BBQ favorites—all free!
Il Viaggio: The new pride and joy to Carnival debuting aboard the Carnival Venezia. In true Fun Italian Style, we’re excited to invite you to our table!
Embark on a culinary journey through Italy’s regions, sampling authentic flavors from antipasti to dolce, with signature entrees in between. The “Favorito” dishes, created by their Italian executive chef, include crowd-pleasers like Sicilian-inspired Pollo Parmigiana Pizza and Lombata Milanese veal chop. With an open show kitchen, the tempting aromas of freshly-baked focaccia and other delights will greet you before the dishes even arrive. Whether you choose to dine indoors or al fresco, a meal at Il Viaggio promises fresh flavors, warm hospitality, and a memorable experience. Be sure to reserve your table for a true Italian feast!
The cost for this specialty restaurant is $42 for each adult and $14 for each child (11 years old and younger).
Rudi’s Seagrill: When you cruise, the sea is all around you, offering an experience that engages all your senses. From the fresh scent of the sea breeze to the calming sound of waves against the ship, you can enhance this experience with a meal at Rudi’s Seagrill™.
Created by cookbook author and master chef Rudi Sodamin, this restaurant brings his years of experience pleasing vacationers’ palates to life. Rudi’s passion for serving up smiles is matched only by his commitment to delivering the finest seafood.
At Rudi’s Seagrill™, you’ll savor dishes like seafood bisque and crab-stuffed lobster tail imperial, each presented with an elegant flair that honors the ocean's beauty and the flavors it provides.
The cost for this specialty restaurant is $52 for each adult and $15 for each child (11 years old and younger).
Step 3: Casual Dining – No Reservations Needed
Not in the mood for a formal dining experience? No problem! Carnival has plenty of casual spots where you can eat on your own time.
Guy’s Burger Joint: This laid-back joint is known for its juicy burgers and irresistible fries. Don’t forget the special sauce!
BlueIguana Cantina: Taco lovers, this is your jam. Grab a fresh taco or burrito, loaded with toppings, and enjoy it on the go.
Pizza Pirate: Late-night cravings? You’ll find hot and delicious pizza at Pizza Pirate, available 24/7. Yep, you read that right!
Pro Tip: These casual dining spots are included in your cruise fare, so you can snack all day without worrying about the bill.
Step 4: Must-Try Carnival Restaurants
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are a few must-try dining experiences onboard Carnival cruises:
Emeril’s Bistro 1396: Located on select ships, this spot serves up signature Creole and Cajun dishes, straight from the kitchen of celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. Think gumbo, jambalaya, and more!
Seafood Shack: If you love seafood, this one’s for you. From lobster rolls to shrimp po'boys, you’ll be hooked in no time.
The Steakhouse Selections: If you’re in the mood for prime steak and lobster, look no further than the Steakhouse. Whether you’re on a date or celebrating a special occasion, this is the place to be.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the sides at these specialty spots. From truffle fries to rich mashed potatoes, they’ll take your meal to the next level.
Step 5: Tips for Navigating Dining on Carnival
Now that you know where to eat, here are a few tips to make your dining experience even better:
Book Your Reservations Early: Popular specialty restaurants fill up fast, so make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
Check Out the Daily Menu: Each day brings something new, so be sure to check the menu and see what’s cooking.
Bring Your Appetite: With so many amazing options, you’re going to want to try it all!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your best appetite – you’ll want to savor every bite!
About Addy and Terry
Here at Addy and Terry, we’re all about enjoying life to the fullest, and that includes some seriously great food! As travel experts who’ve sailed on Carnival and other top cruise lines, we love sharing the best of the best with you. From food to fun, we’ve got the inside scoop on everything you need to know for your next luxury getaway.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your Carnival dining adventure – we promise you won’t regret it!
Ready to book your Carnival cruise and start tasting all the goodness? Let us help you plan the perfect trip!
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