7 Best Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurants Worth Every Penny

Cruise vacations have evolved dramatically over the years, transforming from simple getaways to floating luxury resorts with world-class amenities. Among these amenities, specialty restaurants stand out as culinary highlights that elevate the onboard dining experience beyond the traditional buffet. While most cruise fares include main dining rooms and casual eateries, specialty restaurants offer extraordinary cuisine at an additional cost.

These venues feature partnerships with celebrity chefs, exceptional ingredients, and immersive dining environments that rival top establishments on land. For discerning travelers and food enthusiasts, these best cruise ship specialty restaurants provide unforgettable meals worth the splurge.

Let's explore the seven best cruise ship specialty restaurants that promise exceptional dining experiences at sea.

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1. Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud - Celebrity Beyond

Topping our list of best cruise ship specialty restaurants is Le Voyage, the stunning French-inspired restaurant created by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud on Celebrity Beyond. As Celebrity Cruises' Global Culinary Ambassador, Boulud has created his first signature restaurant at sea, infusing global flavors into a menu designed to give diners a taste of the places that inspire him.

This intimate 50-seat venue offers a sophisticated dining environment with soft tones, private banquette seating, and elegant table settings that create an atmosphere reminiscent of a Michelin-starred restaurant.

A three-course meal at Le Voyage — including one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert — costs $75 per person, though many diners choose the more indulgent six-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings.

Standout dishes include the King Crab Salad with avocado and ginger-lime vinaigrette and the tender Grass-Fed Lamb Chops. The dining experience typically takes around two hours, with the pacing between courses perfectly timed to ensure a leisurely and enjoyable meal.

Among the best cruise ship specialty restaurants, our next venue brings Disney magic to the high seas with equally impressive culinary credentials.

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2. Enchanté - Disney Wish

In the collection of best cruise ship specialty restaurants, Enchanté on Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Wish, stands out as a truly enchanting dining experience. This adults-only restaurant is inspired by Beauty and the Beast, specifically the charming candelabra maitre d' Lumiere, with shimmering light fixtures and elegant illuminations throughout the intimate dining areas.

The restaurant features a menu created by three-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement, who also designed the menus for Remy aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Enchanté offers both prix fixe and à la carte options for dinner. The full tasting experience is priced at $195 per person with an optional $140 champagne pairing, while a less expensive option is available at $125 per person.

While this makes it one of the most expensive best cruise ship specialty restaurants at sea, the extraordinary cuisine, impeccable service, and romantic atmosphere create a dining experience that Disney fans and gourmands alike will treasure.

The best cruise ship specialty restaurants often showcase authentic regional cuisines, as demonstrated perfectly by our next featured venue.

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3. Manfredi's - Viking Ocean Cruises

Italian cuisine takes center stage at Manfredi's, one of the best cruise ship specialty restaurants found on every Viking ocean and expedition ship. This restaurant is widely considered the best Italian restaurant at sea, serving authentic and hearty Tuscan and Northern Italian specialties such as bistecca fiorentina and osso buco alla Milanese.

The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, with rich wood accents and classic Italian décor, perfectly complements the robust flavors of the cuisine.

Unlike many top specialty restaurants on cruise ships that charge additional fees, Manfredi's is included in Viking's cruise fare, making it an exceptional value. Once on board, you can make reservations. The hand-cut beef tartare and chilled asparagus and polenta dish served with a perfectly poached egg are popular appetizer choices, while the seafood pastas and grilled meats make for satisfying main courses.

Exploring the diversity of best cruise ship specialty restaurants leads us to a distinctly different culinary tradition with our next exceptional venue.

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4. Izumi - Royal Caribbean

For lovers of Asian cuisine, Izumi on Royal Caribbean delivers an authentic experience that ranks among the best specialty restaurants on cruise ships available. This specialty restaurant offers exotic Asian flavors and entertaining teppanyaki prepared tableside, allowing guests to watch as skilled chefs create culinary masterpieces before their eyes.

The sleek, contemporary design features clean lines, natural elements, and traditional Asian accents that create a zen-like atmosphere.

The menu at Izumi showcases the best of Japanese cuisine, from expertly crafted sushi rolls and sashimi to hot rock cooking and signature dishes like the DreamWorks Roll and Izumi Ramen.

Prices vary by ship and menu item, but the quality and presentation of each dish make this one of the best cruise ship specialty restaurants worth the additional cost. The combination of theater and taste makes Izumi a standout dining venue in Royal Caribbean's impressive culinary lineup.

Our exploration of the best cruise ship specialty restaurants continues with a renowned seafood specialist that exemplifies excellence at sea.

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5. Rudi's Sel De Mer - Holland America Line

Holland America Line's upscale French-Mediterranean seafood brasserie, Rudi's Sel De Mer, is a standout among the best cruise ship specialty restaurants. Named after the cruise line's Master Chef and culinary consultant, Rudi Sodamin, it's a standalone restaurant on Holland America's newest ships and runs as a "pop-up" on select nights on some other ships in the Pinnacle Grill.

In January 2025, the venue received a refresh, evolving into a more relaxed Mediterranean bistro while maintaining its commitment to exceptional seafood and French cuisine.

The Rudi's Sel de Mer dining experience is available for a $55 supplemental charge per person or included as a dining option with the "Have It All" premium cruise package.

The menu features starters like Burrata and Prosciutto with cherry tomatoes and Warm Garlic Shrimp, followed by entrees such as the signature Whole Dover Sole Meunière and Greek Spiced Lamb Chops. The rich, elaborately decorated space creates a warm and romantic atmosphere perfect for a special occasion dinner.

Another exceptional entry in our list of best cruise ship specialty restaurants celebrates diverse Asian culinary traditions.

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6. Tamarind - Holland America Line

Another Holland America Line gem that deserves recognition among the best cruise ship specialty restaurants is Tamarind, which offers a pan-Asian dining experience that has earned high praise from critics and passengers alike. Tamarind features various Asian cuisines and is considered one of the more upscale restaurants available on Holland America ships.

The elegant restaurant showcases the traditions of Southeast Asia, China, and Japan with a menu that balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. The restaurant's serene atmosphere, with panoramic ocean views and Asian-inspired décor, provides the perfect backdrop for sampling dishes like Satay Sampler, Shrimp Tempura, and the signature Wasabi and Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin.

Reservations are recommended, and the surcharge is typically around $25-$30 per person, representing excellent value for the quality and variety of cuisine offered by one of the best specialty restaurants on a cruise ship.

Our final selection among the best cruise ship specialty restaurants presents a unique dining concept that combines entertainment with exceptional food.

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7. Le Petit Chef - Celebrity Cruises

Rounding out our list of best cruise ship specialty restaurants is one of the most innovative dining experiences at sea: Le Petit Chef on Celebrity Cruises. This unique dining experience features 3-D characters that come to life at your table and "prepare" your food before your eyes, creating an interactive and immersive experience that entertains diners of all ages.

The technological marvel uses table mapping projection to tell a story through animated characters while real servers deliver beautifully plated dishes that match the visual presentation. The four-course meal features internationally inspired cuisine that changes based on the storytelling theme. While the prices vary by ship, the experience typically costs around $55 per person.

Beyond the technological wizardry, the food quality stands on its own merit, making Le Petit Chef both a feast for the eyes and the palate and a worthy addition to the best specialty restaurants on cruise ships available today.

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Conclusion

These seven best cruise ship specialty restaurants represent the pinnacle of cruise ship dining, combining exceptional cuisine, ambiance, and service to create memorable experiences worth the additional cost. From celebrity chef collaborations to themed environments, these venues demonstrate how cruise lines continue to innovate and elevate their culinary offerings to rival the finest restaurants on land.

When planning your next cruise vacation, consider budgeting for at least one of these betop specialty restaurants on the cruise shipMany cruise lines offer dining packages that provide discounted rates when booking multiple specialty venues, making these culinary adventures more accessible.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a break from the main dining room, these exceptional best cruise ship specialty restaurants promise unforgettable meals that will enhance your overall cruise experience.