The Ultimate Royal Caribbean Restaurant Guide: Top Picks from the Where We Roam Crew 🍽️🚢
If you’ve ever stood on the deck of a Royal Caribbean ship wondering “Where should I eat first?”, we’ve got you covered. Your favorite Where We Roam Podcast hosts—John, Dayna, and Shawn—have eaten their way across the fleet and lived to tell the delicious tale.
From five-course meals in swanky supper clubs to bao buns and milkshakes on the go, they’ve rounded up the absolute best restaurants, bars, and bites you can find on board. Whether you’re sailing on Icon of the Seas or a classic Oasis-class ship, here’s where you’ll want to dine, sip, and repeat.
🥩 Specialty Dining: Worth Every Penny
🥃 Mason Jar – Southern Comfort with a Bourbon Twist
Dayna’s #1 pick and John’s go-to for a great cocktail, Mason Jar delivers all the down-home Southern vibes with a modern twist. From Nashville hot chicken and pimento cheese deviled eggs to jalapeño cornbread and indulgent desserts, this restaurant hits every craving. John recommends it as your embarkation day lunch to escape the Windjammer chaos.
And don’t skip the cocktails! Their Southern Belle (bourbon, mint, lemon, blueberry, club soda) is light and refreshing, while the PB&J Old Fashioned is pure vacation joy in a glass. Whether you're looking for comfort food or sipping bourbon with flair—Mason Jar brings the flavor.
🦞 150 Central Park – Lobster Thermidor & Fancy Feels
This is John’s top pick for a dressed-up dinner. Tucked into the peaceful, plant-lined Central Park neighborhood, 150 Central Park feels like a romantic night out in a big city—except you're at sea. The Lobster Thermidor is the standout, but don't sleep on the beet and goat cheese salad, braised short rib, and that dreamy fried cheesecake.
The vibe is elevated but approachable, and the tableside cucumber martini is half drink, half performance. Just note: this one’s dinner only—so make a reservation in advance.
🍣 Izumi Sushi – Fresh, Flavorful & Lunchtime Friendly
Looking for a specialty lunch option that won’t weigh you down? Head to Izumi, where the sushi is shockingly good and the cocktails are on point. John raves about the Ryū Futomaki roll, topped with champagne and unagi sauces, and Dayna loves their nigiri and fresh sashimi.
Pro tip: skip the hibachi unless you’re traveling with a group that’s in it for the show. For sushi fans, Izumi is a can’t-miss, especially during lunch when reservations are easier to grab.
🎩 Empire Supper Club – For a Night to Remember
Shawn’s pick for an ultra-luxe night out, Empire Supper Club on Icon of the Seas is like dining in a vintage jazz lounge with a chef’s table twist. With eight chef-curated courses, live music, and optional wine or cocktail pairings, this experience is all about going big. Think speakeasy energy meets Michelin-level menu.
You’ll need to dress the part (yes, men in jackets and ladies in sequins!), and reservations go fast. It’s one of Royal’s hardest tickets to get—for good reason.
🐟 Hooked Seafood – Light, Fresh, and Flavorful
Dayna’s favorite for a lighter, later-in-the-week meal, Hooked is all about simple, quality seafood. Think oysters on the half shell, blackened catch of the day, and lobster rolls that actually live up to the hype.
It’s a smart option after a few days of steaks and pastas—and a refreshing way to mix things up. She recommends saving it for the last night of your cruise when you're ready to feel good about your dinner choices again.
🍔 Playmakers – Sports, Wings & Laid-Back Vibes
If you’re a sports fan, this is your zone. Playmakers serves up classic American bar food like wings, burgers, nachos, and sliders—along with big screens and big energy. John loves the game day atmosphere, especially during playoff season.
Skip the house cocktails (they're hit or miss) and opt for a beer or bourbon neat. Want to watch the game while your kids hit the Aqua Theater? Done. It’s the cruise version of your favorite neighborhood bar.
🥗 Included & Quick Eats: High Flavor, No Extra Cost
🥙 Aquadome Market (Icon Class) – Build-Your-Own Bowls
Tucked inside the Icon of the Seas Aquadome, this food hall-style market blew John and Dayna away. Their go-to? A Mediterranean bowl with falafel, pickled onions, feta, hummus, and tzatziki over rice or pita. It’s healthy-ish, packed with flavor, and a solid quick lunch option that doesn’t feel like cafeteria food.
Even better? The concept is evolving for Star of the Seas, with new stations like hoagies and Thai street food coming soon.
🥟 Basecamp – Bao Bun Heaven
This small-but-mighty food stand delivers BIG flavor. Dayna raved about the shrimp bao buns with spicy aioli, calling them “chef’s kiss” good. Shawn missed them (thanks to a scavenger hunt detour), and he’s still living with the regret.
Pro tip: These are perfect for mid-afternoon grazing or when you want something satisfying without committing to a full meal.
🥪 Park Café – The Roast Beef Sandwich Everyone Talks About
It’s low-key, it’s fast, and it’s LEGENDARY. Dayna finally tried the roast beef sandwich at Park Café after hearing the hype—and it lived up. Juicy, cheesy, and stacked on fresh bread, it’s a cult favorite for a reason.
Find it in the Central Park neighborhood on Oasis-class ships. And yes, grab a second one to go. You’ll want it later.
🌮 El Loco Fresh – Burritos, Bowls, and Spicy Margs
Think Chipotle at Sea. Customize tacos, nachos, or bowls with guac, queso, and all your favorite toppings. John loves this spot for a quick embarkation day meal, and Dayna keeps it simple with a bowl of grilled chicken and guac by the pool.
Hit up the nearby Cantina Fresca bar for a spicy margarita to complete the experience.
🍦 Desserted Milkshake Bar – Skip Dinner, Get This Instead
These massive, over-the-top milkshakes come piled with cupcakes, cookies, or churros—and yes, they’re ridiculous in the best way. Shawn went for one with chocolate and peanut butter and declared it worthy of being a full meal.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s also a photo op, this is your move. Just maybe don’t pair it with pizza and a burger.
🍸 Best Bars at Sea
💫 1400 Bar – Where Vibes Meet Views
Located in the gorgeous open atrium on Icon of the Seas, 1400 Bar is John and Dayna’s favorite. Why? Floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy lounge chairs, and an Instagrammable drink called “The 1400” topped with a smoky citrus bubble.
The drink itself features tequila, Italicus liqueur, shimmer syrup, and lemon sour, and the presentation is show-stopping. Bonus: if you’re lucky, you might even spot a celeb (John once saw Messi here!).
🏊♂️ Swim & Tonic – Poolside Perfection
Shawn’s favorite bar for chill days in the sun, Swim & Tonic is a swim-up bar serving gin and tonics (his signature), cold beer, and sunshine. Whether you’re floating with friends or lounging poolside, this spot is the definition of “vacation mode.”
🎹 Schooner Bar – Cozy, Classic, and Full of Charm
This Royal Caribbean staple gets love from all three hosts for good reason. The Schooner Bar brings warm lighting, nautical vibes, and nightly live piano performances—making it the perfect place to grab a drink and sing along (especially after dinner). Whether you’re ordering a classic old fashioned or something sweet and tropical, it’s a go-to evening hangout and a must-visit on any ship in the fleet.
🧭 Final Cruise Food Tips from the Roamers:
Current Roam Hosts… John, Shawn, Dayna and former host Corinne
Start heavy, end light. Knock out the indulgent meals early, then ease into lighter fare like Hooked or Aquadome Market.
Lunch smart. For embarkation day, avoid the crowds and try Mason Jar, El Loco Fresh, or Izumi Sushi.
Don’t skip the standbys. Park Café and Playmakers might be simple, but they’re reliable crowd-pleasers.
Splurge with a plan. Book Empire Supper Club early and pace yourself—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Ready to eat like a pro on your next Royal Caribbean cruise? The Where We Roam crew has your back.
Start planning your next Royal Caribbean Cruise with us today!