The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Mariner Of The Seas

Where to find the best cruise food on this top-rated Voyager Class cruise ship.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on May 10, 2024

As a former food critic, dining plays a big role in every aspect of my life — especially when it comes to vacations. My family teases me about the fact that when it comes to planning cruise getaways, the ship’s food scene impacts my decision-making as much as onboard attractions or the ports of call on the itinerary. For many years, I’ve counted Mariner of the Seas among my favorite cruise ships.

For starters, it’s a smaller ship and therefore offers the more intimate atmosphere that I prefer over larger cruise ships. But above all, the food scene onboard this Voyager Class stunner is unparalleled. It’s home to some of my favorite cruise restaurants, including Royal Caribbean classics like Izumi and Chef’s Table. It also boasts one of my all-time favorite cruise restaurants, Playmakers^SM Bar & Arcade.

That’s in addition to casual, complimentary cruise dining at Windjammer, Dog House and Café Promenade, as well as elevated, multi-course dinners at the main dining room. Without a doubt, I’ve enjoyed some of the best cruise food ever when sailing on Mariner of the Seas. Here’s a cheat sheet to the top dining options that await onboard.

1. Chops Grille℠

If you’re a meat-lover like me, this top-notch, cruise fine dining option should top your list during your Mariner of the Seas escape. One of the ship’s most popular specialty restaurants, it serves up a five-star, classic steakhouse experience complete with prime cuts of meat served any way you like. If you prefer seafood, you’ll still find plenty to rave about on the menu — think succulent Maine lobster, grilled branzino, a very photogenic seafood tower and more. Sides, like fluffy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and decadent creamed spinach, are served family-style and are big enough to share. Chops Grille is only open for dinner most days, but on sea days it serves lunch.

2. Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

If you find yourself craving fresh, hand-rolled sushi or Asian-inspired cuisine, make a reservation at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. I recommend requesting seats at one of the specialty restaurant’s hibachi tables, where a master chef will wow you with mesmerizing chopping skills, quick-as-lightning cooking techniques and even a few flavorful tricks. I personally love to start with Izumi’s crispy chicken karaage and one of the signature rolls off the sushi menu. Then it’s all about the teppanyaki options, from teriyaki chicken breast to tender sea scallops and tiger shrimp. Pair every bite with the restaurant’s famous vegetable fried rice, then end your night on a sweet note with some green tea ice cream or chocolate lava cake.

3. Jamie’s Italian By Jamie Oliver

I grew up with plenty of Italian best friends, so I know authentic Italian food — and so does famous British chef, Jamie Oliver. At Jamie’s Italian, I can’t get enough of the refreshing burrata with its slow-roasted tomatoes and carta di musica bread. The buttermilk buns are equally addictive, especially when slathered with the restaurant’s signature herb-garlic butter. If you’re a pasta lover, try the homemade truffle tagliatelle or the prawn linguini — they’re two of the most popular dishes on the menu. If you’re craving something a little heartier, you can’t go wrong with the Chianti-braised short rib, served with horseradish gremolata and parmesan mash.

4. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Though it’s best known for its bar scene, I love the food served at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. The menu includes tons of shareable finger foods, like a massive nacho dish loaded with cheese, jalapenos, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and your choice of pulled pork or chili. The BBQ pulled-pork sliders are also out of this world, as are the house wings (served with three different dipping sauces). Playmakers also serves up the best burgers on the cruise ship — a classic option and one with a rich truffle cheese sauce. Drop by for lunch or a casual dinner and stick around for the brews, arcade games and sports matches showcased on the restaurant’s many TVs.

5. Chef’s Table

By far the most exclusive cruise dining option onboard Mariner of the Seas is Chef’s Table. Because each seating only accommodates a small group of guests, snagging a reservation can be tough and is best done well in advance of your sailing. This private epicurean journey is led by the ship’s own Chef de Cuisine and encompasses five exquisite courses paired with wines hand-picked by the ship’s master sommelier. Flavors range from a fabulous Maine lobster salad to tender filet mignon paired with truffle potato puree.

6. Café Promenade

When I want something quick, comforting and complimentary onboard Mariner of the Seas, I make a beeline for Café Promenade. Conveniently located along the ship’s bustling Royal Promenade, this lively spot offers decadent pastries, satisfying sandwiches and a rotating selection of hot and cold apps like antipasto, spicy meatballs and more. It’s my favorite spot to grab a steaming cup of coffee and a muffin in the morning, and every bite is included in your cruise fare.

7. Dog House

Hot dogs are the perfect pool-day snack, and Dog House serves up some of the tastiest ones I’ve ever had. This casual stand serves different kinds of brats inspired by different hot-dog capitals. There’s the classic Coney Island dog, the sweet and tangy Big Apple, an Old World-style German thuringer and the slightly spicy Smoke House brat. Sides include refreshing coleslaw and homestyle potato salad. Like Café Promenade, everything at Dog House is complimentary.

8. Windjammer

One of the best places to eat on a cruise onboard Mariner of the Seas is Windjammer. This big, buffet-style restaurant serves a rotating selection of global and classic comfort food. Think made-to-order omelets, chicken and waffles, fresh fruit and yogurts during breakfast, pasta, burgers, sandwiches and salads during lunch, and plenty more options come dinnertime. If you’re traveling with picky eaters or a big group, it’s a great option as there’s truly something for everyone here. It’s also complimentary, so you can help yourself to whatever you like any time during your cruise at no additional cost.

9. Main Dining Room

Like Windjammer, the menu at the main dining room runs the gamut from classic American eats to delicacies from far-flung places. You’ll find some guest favorites that are always on offer, plus a rotating selection of international eats ranging from Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna to mojo pork. Unlike Windjammer, though, the main dining room offers a more elegant and elevated dining experience complete with white tablecloth service. It’s the perfect setting to get all dressed up for and snap this year’s holiday family photo.