MSC Cruise Ships - Restaurant Favorites and Popular Dishes

[MSC Cruiser]

MSC Cruises offer a variety of dining options, from complimentary main dining rooms (MDRs) and buffets to specialty restaurants with extra charges. Reviews of MSC’s food are mixed, with some guests praising specific dishes and venues, particularly pizza and specialty dining, while others find the complimentary options inconsistent. Below is an overview of restaurant favorites, the most popular dishes based on recent reviews, and the specific MSC ships referenced.

Overview of Dining on MSC Cruise Ships

• Complimentary Dining: Includes MDRs, the Marketplace Buffet, poolside grills, and limited fast-food outlets. MDRs offer three-course menus with daily changes and “always available” classics. Buffets are open up to 20 hours daily, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.
• Specialty Restaurants: These vary by ship, offering cuisines like Japanese, Mexican, steakhouse, and Italian, with a la carte or fixed-price menus. Newer ships (e.g., MSC World Europa, MSC Seascape) have more options than older ones (e.g., MSC Lirica).
• General Sentiment: Mediterranean dishes, especially pizza and pasta, are consistent highlights. Specialty restaurants are often rated higher than complimentary venues, though buffets can be crowded, and MDR food quality varies.

Restaurant Favorites and Popular Dishes by Ship

MSC Seaview

• Restaurants:
  • Main Dining Room: One MDR was open during a 2022 cruise at reduced capacity, offering flexible breakfast/lunch hours and fixed dinner times (early at 6:30 PM or late at 9:00 PM).
    
    
  • Marketplace Buffet: Open from early morning to late night, with sections for breakfast (cold options, cooked items) and lunch/dinner (burgers, pizza, international dishes).
    
    
  • Specialty Restaurants: Asian Fusion Restaurant (noted for loyalty perk dining).
• Popular Dishes:
  • Pizza (Buffet, Room Service): Praised for its crisp crust and variety, available nearly 24/7. Guests paid €11 for a whole pizza via room service, calling it “worth every Euro” after long travel.
    
    
  • Pasta (MDR): MSC makes pasta onboard, considered a standout. Guests recommend it when unsure of other menu options.
    
    
  • Oriental Roll (MDR Starter): A favorite starter, unique and flavorful compared to typical home dining.
    
    
  • Buffet Breakfast: Pain au chocolat, banana bread, and bacon were “10/10 favorites” for their quality.
    
    
  • Veggie Burger (Buffet): Freshly cooked upon request, appreciated for its quality.

Notes: Food was “very good” with no major issues, though dessert portions (e.g., mousse) could use more cream. The buffet offered variety but was less crowded due to reduced capacity.


MSC Seascape

• Restaurants:
  • Main Dining Rooms: Four smaller venues (5th Avenue, Tribeca, Central Park, Manhattan) on Decks 5–7, offering intimate dining. Service is prompt, but food consistency varies.
    
    
  • Marketplace Buffet: On Deck 16, expansive with American and international options. Crowded at peak times (e.g., 8:00 AM breakfast).
    
    
  • Specialty Restaurants: Kaito Sushi (conveyor belt), Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay.
• Popular Dishes:
  • Pizza (Buffet): Noted for crisp crust and varied toppings, a “safe bet” compared to other buffet items.
    
    
  • Ropa Vieja (Buffet): A standout Cuban dish, flavorful and well-received during lunch.
    
    
  • Butter Chicken (Buffet): Part of an Indian dish selection, regretted by one guest for not trying due to its appetizing look.
    
    
  • Sushi (Kaito Sushi): Conveyor belt sushi is popular, especially with teens, for its casual vibe and a la carte pricing.
    
    
  • Mexican Dishes (Hola! Tacos & Cantina): Authentic tacos and margaritas, with an all-you-can-eat option for $20, considered a great value.
    
    
  • Steakhouse Items (Butcher’s Cut): Appetizers like foie gras deviled eggs and bone marrow, plus high-quality steaks, rated among the best mainstream cruise steakhouses. Desserts here were the ship’s best.

Notes: MDR food had inconsistent quality (e.g., one inedible dish on Elegant Night), but service was better than on older MSC ships. Specialty dining was a highlight for value and quality.


MSC Seashore

• Restaurants:
  • Main Dining Rooms: Same four as Seascape (5th Avenue, Tribeca, Central Park, Manhattan), with efficient service but inconsistent food quality.
    
    
  • Marketplace Buffet: Similar to Seascape, offering burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and international flavors.
    
    
  • Specialty Restaurants: Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Sushi, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Ocean Cay.
• Popular Dishes:
  • Pizza (Buffet): High-quality with Italian roots, available up to 20 hours daily.
    
    
  • Jamaican Patties (MDR): Filled with sweet potatoes and Swiss chard, rated 9/10 for flaky pastry and flavorful sauce.
    
    
  • Caribbean Rum Cake (MDR): A standout dessert with chocolate topping, rated 10/10 for exceeding expectations.
    
    
  • Key Lime Pie (MDR): A summer favorite, rated 9/10 for its authentic taste.
    
    
  • Burgers (Buffet): Preferred over other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, consistently enjoyed.
    
    
  • Steakhouse Menu (Butcher’s Cut): Foie gras deviled eggs, bone marrow, and Black Angus beef, with an extensive brunch menu.
    
    
  • Tacos (Hola! Tacos & Cantina): Authentic with a custom margarita menu, praised for quality.

Notes: MDR food quality was hit-or-miss, but specialty restaurants and pizza were highlights. Guests with dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free) are accommodated with separate galleys.


MSC Meraviglia

• Restaurants:
  • Main Dining Rooms: Multiple venues with daily-changing menus, criticized for lower quality.
    
    
  • Marketplace Buffet: Standard buffet with pizza, burgers, and international options, often crowded.
    
    
  • Specialty Restaurants: Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Sushi, Ocean Cay, Sea Pavilion.
• Popular Dishes:
  • Tacos (Hola! Tacos & Cantina): All-you-can-eat for $20, praised for casual vibe and quality, better value than other cruise lines.
    
    
  • Steakhouse Dining Experience (Butcher’s Cut): Diamond Voyagers Club members get a free “Dining Experience” meal, including premium steaks and sides, rated highly for luxury.
    
    
  • Pizza (Buffet): Consistently high-quality, a safe choice.

Notes: MDR food quality is a common complaint, but specialty restaurants elevate the experience. Butcher’s Cut is noted for its plush decor and refined service.


MSC World Europa

• Restaurants:
  • Main Dining Rooms: Standard MDRs with Mediterranean-focused menus.
    
    
  • Marketplace Buffet: Extensive with 13 sections, offering global cuisines.
    
    
  • Specialty Restaurants: Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Sushi, Butcher’s Cut, Sea Pavilion (Asian fusion).
• Popular Dishes:
  • Tacos (Hola! Tacos & Cantina): $20 all-you-can-eat option, a “steal” compared to other cruise lines, with a relaxed atmosphere.
    
    
  • Sushi and Asian Dishes (Kaito Sushi, Sea Pavilion): Nigiri, sashimi, and hot pot creations, praised for freshness and variety.
    
    
  • Pizza (Buffet): Rated highly, often called the “best pizza at sea” by reviewers.

Notes: Newer ship with more specialty dining options, which are more affordable than competitors. Buffet crowds are an issue, but pizza and specialty venues are highlights.


MSC Euribia

• Restaurants:
  • Main Dining Rooms: Offer three-course menus with daily changes, best for Mediterranean dishes.
    
    
  • Marketplace Buffet: Open from 6:30 AM, serving until late with pizza and international options.
    
    
  • Specialty Restaurants: Kaito (Japanese), Sea Pavilion (Asian fusion with hot pot).
• Popular Dishes:
  • Pizza (Buffet, Room Service): Available up to 20 hours, rated 5/5 by reviewers for quality.
    
    
  • Risotto and Seafood (MDR): Popular choices, with at least one vegetarian option daily.
    
    
  • Japanese Dishes (Kaito): Sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki, noted for authenticity.

Notes: Mediterranean dishes shine in MDRs, but presentation is simple, and service can be patchy early in the cruise.


MSC Virtuosa

• Restaurants:
  • Main Dining Rooms: Adapted for UK tastes on a 2024 Norwegian fjords sailing, offering roasts daily.
    
    
  • Marketplace Buffet: Standard with pizza and global options.
    
    
  • Specialty Restaurants: Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Butcher’s Cut, Indochine (Vietnamese/French fusion).
• Popular Dishes:
  • Roast of the Day (MDR): Offered daily (e.g., roast beef), well-received by British guests.
    
    
  • Fish and Chips, Chicken Tikka Masala (MDR): Adapted for UK cruisers, chosen frequently.
    
    
  • Tacos (Hola! Tacos & Cantina): Casual and affordable, a guest favorite.
    
    
  • Steakhouse Menu (Butcher’s Cut): High-quality steaks in a luxurious setting, smaller than on Meraviglia but consistent.

Notes: Food was tailored to British preferences, a departure from MSC’s usual Mediterranean focus, improving guest satisfaction.


MSC World America

• Restaurants:
  • Main Dining Rooms and Buffet: Not yet reviewed, but expected to follow MSC’s standard model.
    
    
  • Specialty Restaurants: Eataly at Sea (Italian), Sea Pavilion (Asian fusion), Le Grill (French brasserie), Hola! Tacos & Cantina.
• Anticipated Popular Dishes:
  • Italian Dishes (Eataly at Sea): Fresh pasta and hydroponically grown basil, expected to be a highlight based on MSC’s Italian roots.
    
    
  • Hot Pot (Sea Pavilion): Asian fusion with shareable hot pot creations, anticipated for variety.
    
    
  • French Classics (Le Grill): Ribeye steak with blue cheese sauce, seafood platters, and charcuterie.

Notes: As a new ship, no guest reviews exist, but its 19 dining venues, including the only Eataly at sea, suggest a focus on diverse, high-quality specialty dining.


General Trends and Tips

• Pizza: Universally praised across ships (Seaview, Seascape, Seashore, Meraviglia, World Europa, Euribia), often called the “best at sea” due to MSC’s Italian heritage. Available in buffets, room service (for a fee), and pizzerias.
  
  
• Pasta: A consistent MDR highlight, made onboard, recommended for its authenticity.
  
  
• Specialty Restaurants: Hola! Tacos & Cantina ($20 all-you-can-eat) and Butcher’s Cut (steakhouse) are favorites for value and quality, especially on newer ships. Kaito Sushi and Sea Pavilion are praised for Asian cuisine.
  
  
  
• Buffet Crowds: Peak times (e.g., 8:00 AM breakfast) are overcrowded due to limited complimentary venues compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean. MDRs are quieter for breakfast.
  
  
  
• MDR Inconsistency: Food quality varies, with Mediterranean dishes (pasta, risotto, seafood) faring better than others. Service improves over the cruise.
  
  
  
• Dietary Accommodations: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available in MDRs and some buffets. Guests must notify MSC via a Special Needs Form and confirm onboard.
  
  
  
• Cost Considerations:
  • MDRs are complimentary, but a $5 surcharge applies for a second entrée in U.S. ports.
    
    
  • Specialty dining is more affordable than competitors (e.g., $30 hibachi vs. $50–$60 on Royal Caribbean).
    
    
  • New fixed-price dining packages (effective April 2025 for Seascape, Seashore, Meraviglia, World America) include one starter, main, and dessert, with packages for up to four restaurants.
• Tips:
  • Try pizza and pasta for reliable quality in complimentary venues.
  • Book specialty restaurants for better food and value, especially Hola! or Butcher’s Cut.
  • Avoid buffet crowds by dining in MDRs for breakfast or lunch.
  • Diamond Voyagers Club members get a free Butcher’s Cut meal, enhancing value.

Summary by Ship and Standout Dishes

• MSC Seaview: Pizza, pasta, oriental roll, buffet breakfast (pain au chocolat, bacon).
• MSC Seascape: Pizza, Ropa Vieja, sushi, tacos, Butcher’s Cut steaks.
• MSC Seashore: Pizza, Jamaican patties, Caribbean rum cake, key lime pie, burgers, Butcher’s Cut appetizers.
• MSC Meraviglia: Tacos, Butcher’s Cut dining experience, pizza.
• MSC World Europa: Tacos, sushi, hot pot, pizza.
• MSC Euribia: Pizza, risotto, seafood, Japanese dishes.
• MSC Virtuosa: Roasts, fish and chips, chicken tikka masala, tacos, steaks.
• MSC World America: Expected hits: Eataly pasta, hot pot, French classics.

For the most current menus or ship-specific dining options, check the MSC app or contact MSC directly, as menus change seasonally.