The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Rhapsody Of The Seas

Whether you’re in the mood for cruise fine dining or something quick, casual and crave-worthy, Rhapsody of the Seas®️ never disappoints.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on December 12, 2023

Take it from a seasoned travel expert — food can make or break a vacation. It’s why I always try to choose a getaway that guarantees delicious flavors at all hours of the day. Enter Rhapsody of the Seas, a one-stop-shop for adrenaline-amping thrills, show-stopping entertainment and, of course, foodie-approved dining. It’s long been a favorite among all kinds of cruisers — both couples and families — and its awesome dining scene is a big reason why.

No matter where in the world you’re sailing, you’ll find dishes from all over the globe onboard — from Tuscany to Tokyo and from New York to Nepal. Decadent cappuccinos and macchiatos when you need a pick-me-up? Check. Succulent seafood and steaks sizzled to perfection? Double check. Plus, a good mix of complimentary cruise dining options and specialty cruise restaurants that cater to any occasion, whether you’re grabbing a quick snack in between onboard adventures or looking to level up a birthday or anniversary.

With so many restaurants to choose from, the biggest challenge I encounter is coming up with a game plan to try them all during my cruise vacation. This is why it helps to set sail with a solid understanding of what’s on offer onboard. To simplify your vacation-planning process, check out this helpful guide to the best cruise restaurants onboard Rhapsody of the Seas.

1. Windjammer

First things first — let’s talk about the complimentary cruise dining options guests have to choose from onboard. One tried-and-true favorite is Windjammer, a fleetwide classic that serves up delicious global fare during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The vibe here is casual and kid-friendly, and there are plenty of tables available no matter what time of day you stop in. In the morning, the breakfast spread spotlights yummy staples to start the day, including made-to-order omelets, fresh and flavorful juices, savory bacon and indulgent pastries. At lunch, it’s all about the juicy burgers, tender carved meats, crisp salads and just-pressed paninis, plus a rotating selection of international fare that makes every meal an exciting new adventure. Dinner builds on this selection, offering even more options from around the world — think wok-tossed veggies and meats, Caribbean-inspired entrees, Mediterranean mezes and beyond. The best part? Every single bite is included in your cruise fare.

2. The Main Dining Room

Another staple which you’ll find onboard every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is the Main Dining Room. A go-to for special occasion dinners, it offers an elevated dining experience in a beautiful, upscale setting. The service here is also top-notch — waiters get to know regulars by the second visit, so you can expect a truly personalized dinner every time. Meals here are multi-course affairs. You’ll find a few staples on the menu, plus dishes from far-flung regions of the world that rotate on a nightly basis. Think tangy duck a l’Orange, tart mojo-marinated pork, Moroccan-spiced tuna and flavorful prime rib. Because the menu in the Main Dining Room is constantly changing, you can literally dine here every night without repeating a single course. And, like Windjammer, dinner is always complimentary. Here’s a pro tip: on some sea days, the Main Dining Room serves lunch, so you can double-up on delicious (and free) dining.

3. Park Café

With so many attractions to experience onboard, sometimes you might feel like you don’t have time for a slow, sit-down meal. No worries — Park Café has your back. Open for breakfast and lunch, this deli-style favorite is well-stocked with crave-worthy quick bites during breakfast and lunch. Pop in for freshly roasted coffee paired with breakfast pastries or refuel in between activities with generously stuffed sandwiches and crisp salad. Make sure you try the famous Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich while you’re onboard — it’s a tradition among cruisers. Like all the options mentioned above, everything at Park Café is included in your cruise fare.

4. Giovanni's℠ Table

In addition to complimentary cruise dining options, Rhapsody of the Seas is also home to a great specialty dining scene. Specialty restaurants aren’t included in your cruise fare, but you can enjoy special rates and savings by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package ahead of your cruise. One of the top-rated specialty restaurants onboard this award-winning cruise ship is Giovanni’s Table — a cozy, trattoria-style eatery that’s all about authentic Old-World flavors that would make your nonna proud. Dig into a dente pasta tossed in homemade sauces, share family-style platters heaped with antipasti and imported meats and cheeses and savor hearty entrees like rich ossobuco, slow-cooked risotto with porcini and truffle mushroom tapenade and grilled lamb chops simmered in a luxurious Merlot reduction. Wine lovers will be pleased to learn the restaurant offers an extensive list of vintages from all over the world, and there’s always a sommelier on-site ready to help you choose the perfect pairing.

5. Izumi

Say “konnichiwa” to your new favorite sushi spot — Izumi. Onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, this brand mainstay is all about wok-ing and rolling, pun definitely intended. Dine on sushi staples like California rolls or order up a unique creation by the talented culinary team. The signature baked snow crab and dynamite roll is a must-try; it contrasts cool cucumber and cream cheese with spicy mayo and hot garlic-chili oil. There’s a decadent champagne sauce drizzled over it, too. The shrimp firecracker spring roll is also a winner, given its perfect balance of sambal chili, cream cheese, shrimp and crabmeat. Taste your way through the menu by choosing the restaurant’s four-course meal. It includes a starter, two mains and a dessert.

6. Chops Grille^SM

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, make sure you snag a reservation at Chops Grille. One of the most upscale eateries onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, it offers a contemporary steakhouse experience complete with five-star service, VIP treatment and the best steaks at sea. There’s a cut for every meat-lover on the menu — from a six-ounce petite filet to a heartier nine-ouncer — plus delicious grilled branzino and Maine lobster if you prefer to dine on seafood. For sharing, order a side of the Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, melt-in-your-mouth creamed spinach, truffled French fries or mouthwateringly delicious gruyere cheese tater tots. And whatever you do, save room for something sweet at the end of your meal — a classic New York cheesecake and key lime meringue pie may sound basic, but you’ll be dreaming about both for months to come.

7. Chef’s Table

For those looking to go all out and over the top during their cruise vacation, there’s Chef’s Table. It’s the most exclusive reservation onboard any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, including Rhapsody of the Seas, and any true foodie who’s tried it will tell you it lives up to the hype. This is more than just a cruise restaurant — it’s a formal culinary journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine to a small, intimate group of fellow gourmands. If you’re lucky enough to score a seat, you’ll get to taste your way through five exquisite courses encompassing delicacies like scallop carpaccio, Maine lobster salad, smoked tomato soup and grilled filet mignon — all paired with unique wines that flawlessly complement and enhance the flavors of each dish. The crowning glory of the experience is The World, a signature dessert that blends peanut butter ganache, salted caramel gelato and Valrhona chocolate mousse.

8. Café Latte-tudes

I’m a big fan of coffeehouse culture, and Café Latte-tudes hits all the right notes for me. It’s a cozy, quiet spot to savor a phenomenal cup of coffee or tea first thing in the morning or in the evening after dinner. If you prefer more elaborate drinks, the menu here does not disappoint. It offers as many specialty coffee beverages as big-name cafés onshore, all mixed, blended and frothed by baristas who know their stuff.

9. Room Service

If you fancy a luxurious breakfast in bed or some late-night noshes delivered straight to your stateroom, all you have to do is call room service. It’s one of my favorite things to do mid-cruise during those mornings and evenings when I just want to relax, recharge, and enjoy the view from my bed. The room service menu onboard Rhapsody of the Seas includes guest favorites from several of the ship’s many restaurants, so you can rest assured you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings, no matter what you’re in the mood for.

Is your mouth watering yet? Because mine is. For a deeper dive into this cruise ship’s many culinary offerings, check out the Rhapsody of the Seas Things To Do, or get right to booking your sailing. Bon voyage and bon appetit!