An overview of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen on Royal Caribbean cruise liners (including menus)

Royal Caribbean offers an abundance of dining options on its ships. But the next time you're cruising and craving lasagna, chicken parmesan, or a comforting soup that reminds you of your grandmother's cooking, be sure to visit the specialty restaurant Giovanni's Italian Kitchen.

While dining, you’ll always be close to a fantastic bottle of wine, and dishes ranging from penne to steak will have you exclaiming, "Mangia!"

Discover everything you need to know about the restaurant, its menu, dining costs, and which ships feature it on board.

Important: Menus and prices were accurate at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.

What exactly is Giovanni's Italian Kitchen?

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen differs from Giovanni's Table. While both are paid Italian dining options on certain ships, Giovanni's Table features a family-style menu designed for sharing. On select ships, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen also includes an onboard wine bar.

The ambiance is elegant yet relaxed, making it perfect for family gatherings, special celebrations, or just a casual outing—no need to don your finest attire.

The kitchen is open nightly for dinner and for lunch on days at sea. While reservations aren't mandatory, they are advisable.

A special shoutout to the location on Utopia of the Seas. Not only is the wine bar situated within the restaurant on that ship, but its two-story design also provides breathtaking views of the Boardwalk neighborhood, particularly enchanting after sunset.

On certain ships, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen is situated right beside the wine bar, while others feature the two combined into a single venue.

Menu offerings at Giovanni's

Every meal kicks off with delectable garlic knots. Guests can then choose from a variety of starters, including a platter of assorted meats and cheeses, Italian sausage soup, salami and mozzarella stromboli, and calamari with polenta. My personal favorite is the massive meatball, served with marinara sauce and a side of crispy breadsticks. Additionally, house, Caesar, and truffle caprese salads are available in this section.

Next, the main courses arrive; the choices are so appealing that you might find it hard to make a decision. Options include chicken parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, linguine with clams or shrimp, salmon with penne, spaghetti carbonara, spaghetti pomodoro, and grilled filet mignon. Dishes marked with hearts are labeled as "Nonna's favorites" and include osso buco, lasagna, and steak muffuletta. I opted for the fettuccine without chicken, and it was incredible.

For those craving pizza, a whole pie can be chosen as an entree. Options range from classics like Margherita, pepperoni, and meat lovers to more adventurous choices such as mushroom, truffle and egg, or prosciutto. Giovanni's pizza is outstanding. However, consider the price of dining there and whether you might prefer to satisfy your cheesy cravings for free at the ship's Sorrento's instead.

If you still have room for dessert—and trust me, that's a significant "if"—you can't go wrong with the ricotta cream-filled cannoli, pistachio panna cotta topped with raspberries, or the chocolate ravioli (fried pasta dough filled with Nutella and drizzled with chocolate sauce).

Giovanni's Italian Kitchen features a menu specifically for children aged 3 to 12. Most options are simply smaller portions from the adult menu, including the giant meatball, Margherita pizza, chicken parmigiana, and spaghetti Bolognese. For dessert, kids can choose from tiramisu, Nutella and banana stromboli, or fresh fruit.

While there are several vegetarian options available, vegans may find it challenging. If you have specific dietary needs, it's advisable to discuss your dining preferences with Royal Caribbean in advance.

What are the costs at Giovanni's?

Lunch at Giovanni's costs $25 per person, while dinner is priced at $55 per person. For kids ordering from the children's menu at either meal, the cost is $15. Children aged 3 and under dine for free.

The food at Giovanni's is consistently top-notch and, in my view, well worth the additional expense to enjoy a meal here.

Alcohol and most beverages are charged separately unless you have a beverage package that includes them.

Which Royal Caribbean ships feature Giovanni's?

Guests aboard the following Royal Caribbean ships can savor the offerings of Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.

• Odyssey of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas
• Utopia of the Seas

Discover more about Royal Caribbean:

• Your complete guide to Royal Caribbean cruises
• Understanding Royal Caribbean cruise ship classes
• Royal Caribbean cruise ships categorized by size
• Royal Caribbean cruise ships categorized by age
• Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites
• Royal Caribbean dining options
• Royal Caribbean beverage packages
• Destinations available with Royal Caribbean
• Choosing the ideal Royal Caribbean ship for your needs
• Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program
• Packing tips for a Royal Caribbean cruise