Mother Daughter Waiting for their Steak and Shrimp Dinner

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Symphony Of The Seas

Symphony of the Seas® earns top marks when it comes to cruise dining options. Here are some of the top onboard restaurants worth getting excited about.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on April 28, 2023

When you book a cruise getaway onboard Symphony of the Seas, you can expect an incredible vacation that more than lives up to all the hype surrounding it — an abundance of adrenaline-amping thrills, all kinds of next-level onboard activities for kids and adults, entertainment to rival the best shows on Broadway or the West End, and so much more. After all — there’s a reason why this Oasis Class ship has won so many awards since its maiden voyage in 2018.

One of the best things about Symphony of the Seas is its incredible array of cruise restaurants, from cruise fine dining to fast-casual eateries serving up tasty bites in between onboard adventures. There’s no doubt that Symphony of the Seas offers some of the best cruise restaurants by Royal Caribbean, including longtime brand classics like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, Chops Grille^SM, Dog House, Cafe Promenade, and Windjammer. That’s in addition to newer crave-worthy concepts, including Hooked Seafood^SM and El Loco Fresh®.

There are so many great cruise dining options to choose from on this award-winning, it definitely helps to have the lay of the land before you set off on your flavor-filled cruise getaway. Here are some of the best cruise restaurants that await on Symphony of the Seas.

1. Jaime's Italian By Jamie Oliver

You’ll find a delicious and authentic taste of Italy when you dine at Jaime’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. Created by one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs, this cozy, rustic trattoria spotlights Tuscan-inspired cuisine rooted in tradition with a twist. Savor homemade pastas tossed in swoon-worthy sauces, family-style appetizers like creamy burrata and buttery soft garlic bread, and classic Old-World entrees like garlicky prawn linguine, truffle-infused tagliatelle and Chianti-braised short rib cooked slow and low to tender perfection. An extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff ensure you’ll always be able to pick the perfect pairing for every bite, no matter what you order.

2. Hooked Seafood

Indulge in a taste of New England at Hooked Seafood, an airy, casual specialty restaurant that prides itself on their expertly prepared delicacies, fresh from the sea. During lunchtime, it’s all about the creamy clam and crab chowder and the flaky, flavorful “Messy” fish sandwich. During dinner, you can start with an order of the restaurant’s Drunken mussels, tossed in your choice of rich marinara or white-wine garlic sauce. Then go all out with The Captain’s Platter, a photo-worthy creation that includes a four-ounce lobster tail, succulent shrimp and a fresh fish filet grilled and served with melted butter. Whatever you do, save room for the sweet stuff. Hooked Seafood’s fluffy coconut cream pie and sinfully good Chocolate Decadence brownie are legendary among cruising foodies.

3. Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi has been a Royal Caribbean mainstay for years, and it’s more than earned its reputation as one of the best cruise restaurants in the industry. Dinner at the hibachi tables here is always a wow-worthy event, as expert chefs prepare every course right in front of you. The menu encompasses a wide range of Asian-inspired delicacies, including crispy chicken karaage, tangy soy-ginger marinated chicken with a sweet and hot Thai chili sauce and delicious teppanyaki favorites like tender sea scallops, lobster, NY steak and beef tenderloin. There’s an extensive sushi menu, too, and all the rolls on it are top-notch, whether you choose something classic or opt for something imaginative. And for dessert, you have a choice of mochi, green tea ice cream, crispy sesame balls with red bean paste and a decadent chocolate lava cake that’s out of this world.

4. El Loco Fresh

For crave-worthy and convenient poolside eats that go bold on flavor, it doesn’t get better than El Loco Fresh. This fast-casual favorite spotlights incredible eats from south of the border, like cheesy loaded nachos that are perfect for sharing, savory burritos stuffed with tender spiced and marinated meats and crispy chips paired with cool, creamy guacamole. Dessert is a selection of crazy-good desserts, each as decadent as the last — think Mexican flan, chocolate dulce de leche and tres leches cake. You can even stop by in the morning and start your day with a tasty breakfast burrito or a breakfast quesadilla, along with brunch classics like savory sausage, crispy bacon and golden hash browns. Every bite here is included in your fare, making El Loco Fresh one of the top complimentary cruise restaurants onboard the ship.

5. Chops Grille

There’s no doubt about it — Chops Grille is one of the best cruise restaurants if you’re craving an elevated, fine-dining experience. Great for date nights or celebrating special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries, this iconic Royal Caribbean cruise dining option has been serving up prime hand-cut steaks seared, sizzled and grilled to perfection for over a decade. As far as entrees go, the prime beef is a fan favorite, as is the succulent Maine lobster and the flavorful grilled branzino. But at this top-rated cruise dining option, even the appetizers are spectacular. Try the charred beef carpaccio, for instance. It’s sliced thin and served rare with crips arugula, Parmesan cheese and earthy truffle mustard dressing. Not a big meat eater? No worries — this steakhouse also scores top marks for its seafood selection, which includes an extravagant chilled seafood tower. It comes with all kinds of delicacies from the ocean, like green-lipped mussels, Jonah crab claws and jumbo shrimp. Sides are served family-style and range from steaming Yukon Gold mashed potatoes to gruyere cheese tater tots to truffled French fries. And you should definitely end your meal on a sweet note with Chops’s classic New York cheesecake or tart and refreshing key lime meringue pie.

6. Café Promenade

No matter what time of day it is, you’ll always find something delicious to snack on at Café Promenade. This bistro-style eatery serves up quick-and-easy eats complimentary and 24 hours a day. Drop by in the morning for a steaming-hot cup of coffee or tea and some flaky pastries, buttery croissandwiches or warm and glazed cinnamon buns. You can also stop in at lunchtime or late at night after a whirl on the dance floor for fresh sandwiches and hors d'oeuvres like spicy marinated cheese, fried artichoke and savory meatballs. That’s all in addition to indulgent desserts like chocolatey Mudcakes, fluffy Led Zeppoles and melt-in-your-mouth Willy Wonka pies.

7. Dog House

Located outdoors on the cruise ship’s Boardwalk, Dog House is your go-to for artisanal bratwursts heaped with all your favorite toppings. Each hot dog here is inspired by a unique culinary capital. There’s the Big Apple — a chicken sausage flavored with juicy apples — and the classic Coney Island, made with American beef. There’s also a German thuringer made using finely minced pork, and a spiced pork bratwurst called the SmokeHouse that definitely brings the heat. Whichever dog you’re in the mood for, you’ll find every bite goes well with Dog House’s creamy homestyle potato salad and crunchy coleslaw.

8. Windjammer

When asked to name their favorite onboard restaurants, many long-time cruisers will tell you that Windjammer ranks high as one of their top go-tos. Available on cruise ships across the fleet — including Symphony of the Seas — this casual hallmark specializes in serving tantalizing flavors from around the world, all complimentary to cruise guests. Come by in the morning for global breakfast fare, like crispy buttermilk fried chicken, flaky European-style pastries and scrambled egg Bhurji. Pop in during lunch for cuts from various carving stations, fresh-pressed paninis, juicy burgers and more. And during dinner, you’ll find a rotating array of culinary delights from destinations both near and far — whether it’s Vietnamese braised Ho Chi Minh pork, traditional chicken marsala or sweet-and-spicy Caribbean goat curry. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options on offer as well.

9. Main Dining Room

No matter where in the world you’re sailing, every cruise getaway onboard Symphony of the Seas is not complete until you spend at least one night enjoying the mouthwatering flavors in the Main Dining Room. Another complimentary cruise dining option that’s fully included in your fare, the Main Dining Room elevates everything you know and love about Windjammer. Dinner here is just as cosmopolitan, but served in an upscale setting with white tablecloth service. Work your way through multiple courses from a diverse array of countries and cultures, like Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna, mojo-marinated bone-in pork, Vidalia onion tarts and English-style prime rib. Options rotate nightly, which means you can dine here every night for a week without ever repeating a dish.

Remember that these are just some of the best cruise restaurants onboard Symphony of the Seas. The cruise ship is brimming with other incredible cruise dining options, like the fun and lively Playmakers^SM Bar & Arcade, the whimsical Wonderland Imaginative cuisine, tasty farm-to-table fare at 150 Central Park and so much more. Discover all the great cruise restaurants that await onboard, and make sure you bring your appetite for your vacation.