brilliance of the seas south pacific islands

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Brilliance Of The Seas

Satisfy your inner foodie with world-class dining onboard this beloved Radiance Class cruise ship.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on December 12, 2023

The perfect vacation may mean different things to different people. Some live for adrenaline-amping adventures, while others prefer soaking up the sunshine poolside or beachside. But no matter what your idea of a great getaway is, chances are yummy food is a big part of it. After all — everyone has to eat! Delicious dining is certainly a top priority for me when I’m planning trips with my family. It’s one of the reasons I’ve always loved cruising. I know I can always count on a wide range of options sure to please even the pickiest eaters in my group, and I’m confident everything will be tasty. I also love that there are always at least several restuarants onboard that are included in my cruise fare, so I can indulge without worrying about going over budget.

Now, I’ve cruised a lot — and one of my favorite ships is hands down Brilliance of the Seas. Part of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class, it offers plenty of tall windows that are perfect for scoping out the sights as you sail from one destination to another. And though it’s loaded with fun activities and entertainment for all ages, it’s less than half the size of today’s largest cruise ships and offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind, bond with your loved ones, and get to know your fellow travelers.

One of the best things about Radiance of the Seas, however, is the cruise dining onboard. You’ll find it all here — casual, complimentary options like Windjammer and Park Café, global fare at specialty restaurants like Giovanni’s^SMTable and Izumi, and great options for a more elevated night out like Chops Grille and Chef’s Table. With so many options onboard, finding time to try them all — especially on shorter sailings — can be daunting. So I’ve rounded up all of the top cruise restaurants onboard to help you plan your culinary adventure at sea. Keep reading for a complete run-down.

1. Giovanni's℠ Table

It’s easy to enjoy authentic Italian flavors during lunch or dinner when you sail onboard Brilliance of the Seas. This beloved specialty restaurant is one of the best places to eat on a cruise, in my opinion. It’s also one of my top picks for date night during cruise vacations. The dishes here give a big nod to Old-World recipes, from the house focaccia to the oh-so-creamy risotto finished with truffle mushroom tapenade. If you’re craving something heartier, try the veal osso buco or the grilled lamb chops. And if you’re in the mood for seafood, nothing beats the tagliarini tossed with bay scallops and calamari.

2. Izumi

Another fan favorite onboard Brilliance of the Seas is Izumi. At this family-friendly specialty restaurant, you’ll find crave-worthy signature sushi rolls, fresh nigiri and sashimi, and izakaya-style appetizers that will transport you straight to Tokyo. One of the highlights is the shrimp firecracker spring roll — it comes stuffed with shrimp, crabmeat, cream cheese, and sambal chili for a little added kick. If you’ve got your eye on the sushi menu, you definitely won’t want to miss the baked snow crab and salmon dynamite roll. It comes drizzled with a delicious champagne sauce. As a sweet tooth, though, I live for Izumi’s rich chocolate lava cake — though their chewy mochi is a close second.

3. Chef's Table

The top cruise fine dining spot — and the most coveted reservation onboard — is Chef’s Table. More private dinner party than specialty restaurant, Chef’s Table hosts a small gathering of foodies for an incredible culinary journey led by the cruise ship’s chef de cuisine. Don your formal attire for this intimate and upscale feast, where you’ll sample five tantalizing courses — paired with a wine hand-selected by the ship’s sommelier. Dishes run the gamut from tender scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette to Maine lobster salad and succulent filet mignon paired with truffle potato puree. Just make sure you save room for the grand finale — a Valrhona chocolate mousse confection paired with salted caramel gelato and peanut butter ganache.

4. Chops Grille℠

If you love a great steak, you’ll find some of the best cruise food onboard waiting for you at Chops Grille. One of the fleet’s best-known (and best-loved) specialty restaurants, this classic American steakhouse has been serving up quality, hand-cut steaks for over a decade. The menu features a wide variety of cuts from tender petite filet to a fabulous prime rib, each seasoned and seared to perfection. Though if you’re more of a seafood person, you’ll find plenty to rave about, too — the grilled branzino and Maine lobster at Chops Grille are legendary. Though it’s typically a dinner spot, this restaurant is open for lunch during sea days.

5. Café Latte-Tudes

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a coffee fiend, and having great morning (and afternoon) Joe within easy walking distance is crucial on any vacation. Enter Café Latte-tudes, Brilliance of the Seas’ cozy one-stop-shop for freshly brewed coffee, cappuccinos, macchiatos and other caffeinated beverages morning, noon and night. They also serve up some seriously delicious sweet treats to pair with every sip, including pastries, muffins, donuts and yogurt parfaits. If you want a little extra pep in your beverage, check out the café’s spirited selections or add a shot of Bailey’s, sambuca, Kahlua or any other go-to liqueur to your drink.

6. Park Café

When you’re rushing back and forth between fun onboard activities or shows — or just want something to nibble on after a few hours spent soaking up the sunshine poolside — it helps to have a dining option that’s fast, convenient and complimentary. Onboard Brilliance of the Seas, that option is Park Café. This bustling deli serves up made-to-order salads, fresh-pressed paninis, tasty sandwiches, soul-satisfying soups and plenty of sweet desserts at no additional cost during breakfast and lunch. It’s also home to the Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich, which has turned into a must-try tradition among cruising foodies.

7. Windjammer

Another convenient, fuss-free dining option onboard Brilliance of the Seas is Windjammer. Open during breakfast, lunch and dinner, this complimentary, buffet-style cruise restaurant spotlights a rotating array of international food stations. Pop by in the morning for fluffy eggs Bhurji, crispy chicken and waffles, creamy yogurts and omelets made any way you want. Or come in for lunch or dinner and taste your way from San Juan to Sao Paolo to Shanghai. There’s plenty of seating available at all hours, so you can walk on in anytime you’re craving something delicious.

8. Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room is a must-try for anyone sailing onboard this cruise ship. Dinner here is always a memorable occasion, given the wonderful service, upscale setting and diverse menu. When you sit down to a meal here, you’ll be treated to a complimentary, multi-course feast that encompasses delicious options from around the world. Think savory duck terrine, Kalamata olive tartare, Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna and mojo-marinated bone-in pork. The menu offers a host of tried-and-true favorites, plus a selection of global delights that rotate every evening.

9. Room Service

Sometimes all you really want is breakfast in bed or a lovely dinner spread enjoyed privately in your stateroom. Fortunately, you can take advantage of round-the-clock room service when you sail onboard Brilliance of the Seas. One of my guilty cruise pleasures is enjoying a tantalizing brunch spread in my stateroom during sea days, and the room service menu on this ship offers plenty of options to satisfy my cravings. The same goes for lunch and dinner — there’s really something for everyone, even kids and picky eaters.

Feeling hungry yet? Because I sure am. Brilliance of the Seas offers a great food scene to fill every sea day with flavor, plus plenty of top-notch specialty and complimentary cruise restaurants to return to after a day spent exploring onshore. If you haven’t started planning your cruise yet, check out this ship’s top itineraries, or see what other activities and experiences onboard.