MSC Cruises Dining

Your Guide to Restaurants, Food and More

Let’s be honest, one of the best things about going on holiday is not having to think about what’s for dinner. And when you’re cruising with MSC, you’ve got plenty of food to look forward to.

From relaxed buffet breakfasts and Mediterranean favourites to speciality restaurants serving sushi, steak and international dishes, MSC Cruises dining offers plenty of choice. Whether you’re the sort who likes trying something new or you’re perfectly happy sticking with your favourites, there’s something to get your taste buds going.

Of course, food is only one part of the holiday, but it can make a big difference to your time onboard. So, what can you expect from dining on an MSC cruise, which restaurants are worth looking out for, and will you need to budget extra for that special meal?

Let’s tuck in.

If you’re still deciding whether MSC is the cruise line for you, take a look at our MSC Cruises guide for a closer look at the ships, destinations and onboard experience.

What Food Can You Expect on an MSC Cruise?

MSC Cruises takes inspiration from Mediterranean cooking while offering dishes influenced by cuisines from around the world. That means you can enjoy familiar favourites alongside the chance to try something a little different.

Think pasta, pizza, fresh bread and Mediterranean dishes, alongside international options that change depending on the restaurant and ship. Whether you’re sitting down for a meal in the main restaurant or popping into the buffet between activities, there’s plenty of variety to explore.

And that’s before you start looking at the speciality restaurants.

The exact choice of food and venues depends on your ship, so it’s worth checking the restaurants available on your chosen sailing before you book. If you’ve got your eye on a particular cuisine or dining experience, that could even help you decide which MSC ship suits you best.

MSC Main Restaurants: Sit Down and Enjoy

Sometimes, you just want a proper sit-down meal, a menu to browse and someone else to do the cooking. MSC’s main restaurants offer just that.

Menus typically feature a mix of international dishes and Mediterranean favourites, with different options available throughout your cruise. It’s a good opportunity to try something new, enjoy a relaxed meal and take a break from all the things happening around the ship.

Dining arrangements can depend on your booked experience and sailing. Some guests have a set dinner time, while other options offer greater flexibility. Check the details of your fare so you know what to expect.

And here’s a little tip: don’t feel you have to order the same sort of meal every night. You’re on holiday, after all. If something on the menu catches your eye, give it a go!

MSC Cruise Buffet: Plenty of Choice

Not every meal needs to be a long, leisurely affair. Sometimes you’re hungry after a swim, you’ve just returned from an excursion or you simply can’t wait to get back out on deck.

That’s where the buffet comes in handy.

MSC’s buffet restaurants offer a broad selection of dishes, with options that can include salads, pasta, hot meals, international favourites and desserts. They’re a convenient choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with opening times and selections varying by ship.

The buffet is also useful if everyone in your travelling party fancies something different. One person wants something light, another is ready for a full plate, and someone else has already spotted the pudding section. Everyone’s happy.

Fancy another helping? We won’t tell.

MSC Speciality Restaurants: Fancy Something Different?

If you like making a meal into an occasion, MSC’s speciality restaurants are well worth exploring.

These venues offer something beyond the standard main restaurant and buffet experience, with options varying by ship. Some focus on a particular cuisine, while others offer a more premium dining experience.

Speciality dining can cost extra, so check the menu, prices and booking arrangements before you commit. You may also find dining packages available for selected restaurants, which could be worth comparing if you plan to try more than one.

Here are some of the names to look out for.

Butcher’s Cut: For the Steak Lovers

If a good steak is your idea of a proper treat, keep an eye out for Butcher’s Cut.

This steakhouse concept focuses on quality cuts and classic steakhouse dishes. It’s a good option for an evening when you fancy something a little different from the usual cruise menu.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply fancy a change, it could be worth adding to your onboard dining wish list. Just remember to check whether your ship has the restaurant and what the current menu and prices look like.

Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki: Asian-Inspired Dining

Fancy something with a Japanese twist? Selected MSC ships feature Kaito dining venues, with options that can include sushi, sashimi and other Asian-inspired dishes.

At Kaito Teppanyaki, the cooking can become part of the entertainment, with chefs preparing food on a hot cooking surface in front of guests. It’s a different way to enjoy dinner and can make a meal feel like an event in its own right.

Availability varies across the fleet, so check your ship’s restaurant list if this is high on your holiday wish list.

Hola! Tacos & Cantina: A More Casual Bite

Sometimes you want something relaxed, full of flavour and a little different from the usual dinner routine.

On ships where it’s available, Hola! Tacos & Cantina offers Latin American-inspired street food, with dishes that can include tacos and other Mexican favourites. It’s a more casual option for lunch or dinner, depending on the venue’s opening times.

It’s also a handy choice if you fancy sharing a few dishes and trying different flavours rather than committing to one big meal.

French-Inspired Dining at L’Atelier Bistrot

For something with a French flavour, selected ships offer L’Atelier Bistrot.

The concept brings together French-inspired dishes in a more relaxed bistro setting, with options that can include small plates and classic French favourites. It’s worth considering if you fancy a meal that feels a little different from the main dining room.

As with other speciality restaurants, check the details for your particular ship, including any additional charges.

Are Drinks Included with MSC Cruises Dining?

This is one to check before you set sail.

Your cruise fare generally includes meals in the main restaurants and buffet, but drinks arrangements depend on your booking and any packages you’ve purchased. Don’t assume every drink is included simply because your meals are.

If you enjoy a coffee with breakfast, soft drinks throughout the day or a glass of wine with dinner, look at the available drinks packages and compare them with what you expect to drink.

A package might suit you if you plan to use it regularly, but it’s worth checking the current terms, what’s covered and any restrictions. If you’re happy with the occasional drink, paying separately may suit your plans better.

The same goes for speciality dining. Some venues and dining packages carry additional charges, so take a look at the details before booking.

A little planning now can help you keep your holiday spending where you want it.

Does MSC Cruises Cater for Vegetarians and Special Dietary Requirements?

If you have particular dietary needs, it’s sensible to check your options before travelling.

MSC offers a range of dishes across its dining venues, and vegetarian choices may be available on menus. Some speciality restaurants also feature options to suit different preferences. However, menus and the ability to accommodate particular dietary requirements can vary.

If you have an allergy, intolerance or specific dietary requirement, contact MSC or your booking provider before your cruise to discuss what’s possible. Don’t rely on assumptions about a particular dish or restaurant, and make sure the relevant information is recorded with your booking where required.

That way, you can get on with enjoying your holiday rather than worrying about what you’ll be eating.

Can You Book MSC Speciality Restaurants in Advance?

In many cases, yes. MSC offers pre-cruise dining packages for selected speciality restaurants, subject to availability and the terms of your sailing.

Booking ahead can be useful if there’s a particular restaurant you don’t want to miss, especially if you’re travelling on a popular sailing or celebrating a special occasion.

It can also be worth comparing the cost of booking a package in advance with paying for individual meals onboard. The best option depends on which venues you want to try and how much you plan to dine outside the main restaurants.

Check the available options for your ship and sailing before you travel. That way, you can plan the special meals you really want without feeling you need to book every restaurant going.

Which MSC Cruise Ship Is Best for Food?

That depends on what you enjoy eating and which restaurants matter most to you.

Different MSC ships have different dining venues, so if food is a big part of your holiday, it’s worth checking the restaurant line-up before choosing your cruise.

For example, MSC World Europa features a selection of venues that can include Butcher’s Cut, Kaito Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki, Hola! Tacos & Cantina and Chef’s Garden Kitchen.

If you’re considering MSC Virtuosa, you can explore the dining options and onboard facilities available on that ship, too.

Rather than choosing a ship based on one restaurant alone, look at the overall mix of food, entertainment, facilities and destinations. The perfect cruise is the one that fits the holiday you want.

You can explore more ships and onboard experiences in our complete MSC Cruises guide.

How Much Does Dining Cost on an MSC Cruise?

The cost depends on what you choose to eat and what’s included in your booking.

Meals in the main restaurants and buffet are generally included in the cruise fare. Speciality restaurants, certain dining packages and some premium experiences may cost extra. Drinks can also be charged separately unless they’re covered by your booking or a suitable package.

If you’re working to a budget, start by checking what’s included in your cruise fare. Then decide whether there are any speciality restaurants you’d particularly like to try.

You don’t need to book every extra to enjoy the food onboard. You can make the most of the included dining options and add a special meal if it appeals to you.

When comparing cruises, look at the total holiday cost as well as the headline fare. That way, you can plan for the things that matter to you without any unwanted surprises.

Find Your Next MSC Cruise with Cruise Nation

From relaxed buffet breakfasts to a special evening in a speciality restaurant, dining can be one of the highlights of an MSC cruise. There’s plenty to explore, whether you’re happiest with familiar favourites or love trying something new.

The key is to choose a ship that suits your tastes, check which restaurants are available and understand what’s included in your fare. Once you’ve got that sorted, you can look forward to the good stuff: deciding what to order first.

Ready to start planning? Browse our latest MSC cruise deals and see which ships, destinations and sailings take your fancy.

Whether you’re dreaming of Mediterranean sunshine, a Caribbean escape or a cruise closer to home, your next adventure could be just around the corner.

Now, the only difficult decision left is what you’re having for dinner.