Elegant Aerial of the Main Dining Room — Main Dining Room on Jewel of the Seas

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Jewel Of The Seas

Where to find the best cruise food onboard this Radiance Class cruise ship

By Amanda Mesa | Published on March 7, 2024

As a former food writer, I take dining very seriously — especially when I’m on vacation. I’ve even planned itineraries around amazing restaurants I’ve heard or read about, that’s how important a great meal is to my vacation-planning process. But sometimes, it’s nice to be able to book a getaway and not have to worry about looking up restaurants or fumbling through reservations in a foreign language. That’s where cruising comes in.

Jewel of the Seas is one of my favorite cruise ships for many reasons. First, I love that its smaller size offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere than some of the larger mega-ships out there. Second, it foregoes some of the flashier waterslides and onboard attractions in favor of cruising classics, like a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, pickleball courts, movie nights under the stars and a stellar pool scene.

But my favorite thing about Jewel of the Seas is its cruise dining scene. This beloved Radiance Class cruise ship offers something for every preference and craving, from a classic steakhouse experience with white tablecloth service to izakaya-style eats from the Far East and authentic, Old-World Italian. There are several great complimentary dining options, too, including the fan-favorite Windjammer and always-elegant main dining room. Here’s a run-down of some of the best places to eat on a cruise when you sail onboard Jewel of the Seas.

1. Windjammer

Let’s start with one that many Royal Caribbean cruisers are already familiar with — Windjammer. This casual, buffet-style restaurant serves up complimentary fare every day during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stations spotlight flavors from around the world, from fluffy eggs Bhurji to carved meats to noodles and wok-tossed classics. You don’t need a reservation to dine here, making it a favorite among cruisers who don’t like to vacation on a schedule.

2. Main Dining Room

Another complimentary mainstay is the main dining room, the crown jewel of the cruise ship’s dining scene (pun intended). This upscale, multi-level venue offers cruise fine dining at its most elegant and is a must for special-occasion meals or memorable family dinners. The menu changes nightly (though you’ll find a few fan-favorite staples) and highlights dishes from around the world. Think Caribbean-style pork marinated in tangy mojo, Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna and sweet Vidalia onion tarts. Each seating features several courses, so you can literally dine here every night of your sailing and never quite repeat a meal.

3. Izumi

A great pick for both families and couples is Izumi. One of the ship’s specialty restaurants and a fleetwide favorite, Izumi focuses on delicious sushi rolls, fresh sashimi and nigiri and izakaya-style eats like teriyaki chicken, shrimp firecracker spring rolls and expertly cooked fried rice. For dessert, you have your pick between a variety of unique and flavorful sweet endings, including a decadent chocolate lava cake, crispy sesame balls with strawberry and red bean sauce and a selection of refreshing mochi. Specialty restaurants aren’t included in your cruise fare, but you can enjoy a discount when you purchase a specialty dining package.

4. Chops Grille^SM

One of the best options for cruise fine dining onboard Jewel of the Seas is Chops Grille. For over a decade, the culinary team behind this upscale specialty restaurant have been refining their approach to prime cuts of steak. From tender filet mignon to flavorful NY strip steaks, each option here is expertly seasoned and seared to perfection. If you’re not a huge meat-eater, don’t worry — the seafood and poultry offerings at Chops Grille are also out of this world, and the shareable sides (especially the cruise restaurant’s signature Gruyere cheese tater tots and truffled French fries) are worth making a reservation all by themselves. Save room for dessert — your choice of a tart and tangy key lime meringue pie or a classic New York cheesecake paired with lemon confit and raspberries.

5. Giovanni’s Table

I love a great Italian meal, no matter where in the world I’m traveling. And Jewel of the Seas checks this (very important) box for me with Giovanni’s Table, the ship’s ode to Old-World Italian cuisine. Inspired by Italy’s cozy, family-owned trattorias, this specialty restaurant focuses on classic dishes from the top of the boot to the bottom. Some of my favorites include the fragrant house focaccia served with olives, pesto and marinated artichokes, the pappardelle tossed with savory pancetta in a hearty radicchio cream sauce and the mouthwateringly good veal meatballs.

6. Café Latte-Tudes

I can’t start my days without a well-made cup of coffee, and Café Latte-Tudes always has my back. This cute little coffee shop onboard Jewel of the Seas has perfected caffeinated concoctions ranging from frothy cappuccinos to hits-the-spot macchiatos. They also serve an assortment of pastries and sweets to pair with your cuppa. Café Latte-Tudes is open during breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it a great spot to pop by for a pre- or post-dinner pick-me-up. If you’re of legal drinking age and are in the mood for a more spirited sip, ask the team to add a little whiskey, rum or liqueur to your drink.

7. Chef’s Table

The most exclusive reservation onboard Jewel of the Seas is Chef’s Table. Reservations for this cruise fine dining experience fill up quickly, so if you’re interested, make sure you secure your seat well before your sailing. Dinner here is more than just a meal — it’s an extraordinary culinary adventure spanning five courses curated by the ship’s chef de cuisine, each paired with its own sommelier-selected wine. The experience is intimate, hosting just a small group of fellow foodies who managed to nab a seat at the table. I’ve done it once, and it’s hands-down one of the best cruise dining options out there.

8. Room Service

Some of my favorite cruise meals have been ones I’ve enjoyed from the comfort and privacy of my stateroom. Champagne and chicken tenders? Check. A late-night serving of French fries and a milkshake? Double check. When you sail onboard this cruise ship, it’s easy to enjoy whatever you’re craving, whenever you want thanks to 24/7 room service. The menu is expansive, and you can even order alcoholic beverages if you so desire (they’re included if you purchased a cruise drink package for your vacation). If you’re cruising with kids, room service presents an easy and convenient option — there’s a section on the menu with items curated especially for little ones.

These are the best cruise restaurants onboard Jewel of the Seas. Is your stomach rumbling yet? In addition to great cruise dining options, this ship offers a laundry list of fun activities for families, adults and kids, spellbinding entertainment and more. See a full lineup of things to do onboard, or find the perfect itinerary for your next vacation.