Norwegian Cruise Line dining: The ultimate guide to restaurants and meals aboard the ships

Norwegian Cruise Line has always been an innovator when it comes to food offerings on board.

In 2000, the cruise line introduced Freestyle Cruising, which brought with it the revolutionary concept of Freestyle Dining. Passengers no longer had assigned dining times or seating but could choose when and with whom to dine.

NCL also began offering specialty restaurants, such as the French-inspired Le Bistro and Cagney's Steakhouse, allowing guests to book these venues for an extra fee.

Today, Norwegian Cruise Line features over 30 dining venues across its 19 active ships and the upcoming Norwegian Aqua, with 20 of them requiring additional charges or offering a la carte options. While the standard cruise fare covers many dining options, the specialty restaurants continue to attract guests, with new ones debuting with each new ship class.

The variety of onboard dining options differs from ship to ship, with larger ships like those in the Prima, Breakaway, and Breakaway Plus classes offering more choices than the older, smaller vessels in the fleet.

Confused by all the choices? We've put together a guide to Norwegian Cruise Line's food options, covering everything from casual coffee and gelato spots to upscale a la carte restaurants where a meal for two can easily exceed $150. Here's what's included, what costs extra, and which ships feature each dining option.

Classic American Diner

Included; lunch and dinner

This retro 1950s-style diner, found on all six ships in NCL's Breakaway and Breakaway Plus classes, serves classic comfort food from the mid-20th century — including cheeseburgers, meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and spaghetti with meatballs. For dessert, enjoy bread pudding or carrot walnut cake. As of early 2024, all meals are complimentary, but milkshakes are an additional charge.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Escape, Getaway, and Joy

Retro American Diner

A la carte; coffee and light snacks

Atrium Cafe is a cozy spot for coffee and cocktails, offering both hot and cold drinks along with a variety of cookies, pastries, and other light snacks. Some NCL ships also feature Starbucks cafes as an alternative.

Available on: Norwegian Escape, Jewel, Spirit, Star, and Sun

Cadillac Diner

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

To enjoy classic American diner fare like barbecue pulled pork sliders, pretzel bites, and Reuben sandwiches, head to the Cadillac Diner in Hawaii. This retro-style eatery, with its iconic black-and-white checkered floors and vinyl booths nestled between two sections of a vintage red sedan, is exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. It's open 24/7, and all items are complimentary except for milkshakes.

Available on: Pride of America

Cagney's Steakhouse

A la carte; dinner

As one of NCL's most beloved specialty venues, Cagney's offers a classic steakhouse experience with a variety of seafood options to please all palates. The highlight of the menu is the selection of aged, certified Angus beef cuts, including rib-eye, filet mignon, porterhouse, and New York strip, served with a choice of sauces and sides like truffle mashed potatoes and sautéed garlic mushrooms. For seafood enthusiasts, there’s cedar-plank steelhead trout and double-cut Australian lamb chops. Don't forget to try the decadent OMG Caramel-Butterscotch Cheesecake for dessert.

Available: Fleetwide

Asian restaurant

Included; dinner, plus lunch on select days

For those craving authentic Chinese cuisine, several older Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer a complimentary Asian restaurant serving dishes like shrimp dumplings and stir-fried beef noodles. The restaurant's name varies depending on the ship: Bamboo on Dawn, Shanghai's on Epic, Orchid Garden on Gem, Jasmine Garden on Jade, Chin Chin on Jewel, Lotus Garden on Pearl, Silk on Spirit, Ginza on Star, and East Meets West on Pride of America — but the menu items are largely the same across the fleet.

Available on: Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Pride of America, Spirit, and Star

Coco's

A la carte; snacks and treats

A delightful fusion of an ice cream parlor and candy store, Coco's offers a wide variety of indulgent treats including chocolates from across the globe, milkshakes, crepes, and more — perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss and Encore. A smaller version is also available on Norwegian Prima in the Indulge Food Hall.

Dolce Gelato

A la carte; snacks and treats

When the midday sun is shining bright over the Caribbean or Mediterranean, head to this takeout counter on Deck 8 for a delicious cup or cone of rich, creamy gelato.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Encore, Escape, Breakaway, and Getaway

Food Republic

A la carte; dinner and lunch on sea days

This globally inspired specialty restaurant, blending Asian and Latin flavors, continues to be a favorite nearly a decade after its debut on Norwegian Escape. The menu at Food Republic is designed for sharing, featuring dishes from various sections: Sushi Bar (with eight different rolls), Hand Helds (including pork belly bao buns and kanpachi wonton tacos), Sharing Is Caring (such as grilled shishito peppers, spicy Korean fried chicken, and salt and pepper calamari), Noodles/Rice/Soups (ranging from shrimp pad Thai to Vietnamese pho tai), and Sugar Pump (offering desserts with green tea, chocolate, and ginger caramel).

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Encore, Escape, Joy, Prima, and Viva

Garden Cafe

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Sometimes a buffet is just the right choice. It's ideal when you first board the ship and need a quick meal before exploring, or after a long day of shore excursions when you want to refuel without changing clothes. Garden Cafe offers a wide variety of options, including carved meats, grilled fish, a salad bar, soups, pasta, burgers, fries, and desserts. While most items are precooked and kept warm under heat lamps, it’s not the freshest choice, but it’s a popular spot at breakfast and lunch, especially for guests who enjoy all-you-can-eat portions.

Available: Fleetwide (except Norwegian Prima, Viva, and Pride of America)

Hasuki

Cover charge; dinner

Hasuki offers a more refined take on NCL's Teppanyaki dining experience. Guests are seated around a grill, where they enjoy appetizers like edamame, miso soup, and seaweed salad while the chef prepares your choice of entree—chicken, beef, seafood, teriyaki-glazed tofu, or a combination—right before your eyes. The grilled proteins are served with garlic fried rice and vegetables, and for dessert, enjoy either a green tea cake or fruit sashimi.

Available on: Norwegian Prima, Viva, and Aqua

Hudson's

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Hudson's is a bright, circular dining space that made its debut on Norwegian Prima in 2022 as a fresh option for the main dining room experience. Offering a rotating daily menu similar to the Commodore Room, it stands out with its airy, open atmosphere thanks to expansive 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light.

Available on: Norwegian Prima, Viva, and Aqua

Indulge Food Hall

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

A fresh casual dining concept first introduced on Norwegian Prima, Indulge Food Hall quickly became a popular alternative to the Surfside Cafe buffet (see below) for both lunch and dinner, with a more limited menu at breakfast. What sets this venue apart is the variety — over 50 items from seven different vendors: Tapas, The Garden, Nudls, The Latin Quarter, Q Texas Smokehouse, Seaside Rotisserie, and Tamara — all served in small-plate portions. Whether you're in the mood for chicken korma, pad thai, pulled pork, crispy fried okra, mushroom tostadas, or bacon-wrapped medjool dates, simply place your order from a tablet at your table. The upcoming Norwegian Aqua will also feature a plant-based food station, Planterie, in its Indulge Food Hall.

Available on: Norwegian Prima, Viva, and Aqua

La Cucina

A la carte; dinner

La Cucina was Norwegian's first Italian specialty restaurant until Onda by Scarpetta debuted on Norwegian Encore in 2018. While both restaurants offer Italian fare, they each have their own distinct vibe. La Cucina leans into classic Italian comfort food with dishes like caprese salad, fried calamari, spaghetti carbonara, pizza, chicken cacciatore, and osso buco alla Milanese. Onda, on the other hand, showcases a more modern and refined take on Italian cuisine with sophisticated dishes and contemporary flavors.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Joy, Pearl, Sky, Star, and Sun

Le Bistro

A la carte; dinner

Much like Cagney's, NCL's French fine-dining establishment has earned its place as a favorite across the fleet (it's called Jefferson's Bistro on Pride of America). Known for being a go-to spot for couples celebrating special occasions, Le Bistro offers an array of French classics, including steak tartare, escargot, braised lamb shank, and roasted duck breast. This is one of the most refined and pricier dining options on board, especially if you choose to pair your meal with a bottle of Champagne or French wine. The Le Bistro restaurants aboard Norwegian Prima and Viva offer an especially chic experience, with stunning chandeliers and a sophisticated ivory-and-blue color scheme.

Available: Fleetwide

Los Lobos

A la carte; dinner

With its vibrant ambiance and elevated Mexican cuisine, Los Lobos stands out as an excellent choice for guests aboard one of the six ships that offer this specialty restaurant. Don't miss the fresh guacamole, made right at your table. Other flavorful options include Mexican shrimp ceviche, mahi-mahi tacos, cactus salad, chicken mole enchiladas, and cochinita pibil (slow-braised pork). For dessert, treat yourself to a slice of rich tres leches cake topped with coconut cream.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Dawn, Prima, Sun, Viva, and Aqua

Main dining room

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

On Norwegian Cruise Line ships, you’ll find at least two main dining rooms, with some ships featuring up to three. The names of these dining rooms vary by ship, but all six Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Class ships feature the Manhattan Room, Savor, and Taste. The menus change daily and offer a variety of both American and international dishes to satisfy every palate.

Available: Fleetwide

Moderno Churrascaria

Cover charge; dinner

At Moderno Churrascaria, meat lovers can feast on an endless selection of skewered and carved meats served the traditional Brazilian way by skilled gauchos. Choose from cuts of beef, lamb, pork, sausage, and chicken, all served right at your table. If you're not in the mood for meat, the extensive salad bar offers 43 different items, along with classic side dishes like white rice, black beans, sautéed mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes, fried yucca, and Brazilian cheese bread.

Available on: Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Star, Sun, and Gem

Nama Sushi & Sashimi

A la carte; dinner

Debuting aboard Norwegian Prima, Nama Sushi & Sashimi sticks true to its name, offering an array of sushi rolls, including yellowtail and rock shrimp, alongside three types of sashimi. The menu also features several appetizers focused on raw fish, and even the dessert — pineapple carpaccio — is uncooked, making this a must-try for sushi lovers.

Available on: Norwegian Prima, Viva and Aqua

Ocean Blue

A la carte; dinner

Ocean Blue is a sophisticated seafood restaurant available on NCL's six Breakaway Class and Breakaway Plus Class ships (it’s known as Bayamo by Ocean Blue on Norwegian Escape). Guests can indulge in a range of appetizers such as crab cakes, seared scallops, and an ahi tuna and avocado tower. Entrees include lobster, seafood linguine, or grilled fish (choose from salmon, tuna, cod, or sea bass), all complemented by a selection of sauces. Located on Deck 8, each Ocean Blue offers both indoor and outdoor seating on The Waterfront.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Escape, Getaway and Joy

Onda by Scarpetta

A la carte; dinner

Onda by Scarpetta brings a contemporary twist to Italian cuisine, offering an elevated dining experience inspired by the renowned Scarpetta restaurants. First introduced in 2019 on Norwegian Encore, this specialty restaurant has since expanded to newer ships and a few older ones. Onda's menu starts with antipasti like burrata, short ribs, and braised octopus. Guests can indulge in a variety of pastas, including pappardelle Bolognese and Scarpetta's iconic spaghetti with tomato and basil, followed by mains such as veal Milanese and grilled branzino. And of course, the final question is: Will you save room for the irresistible desserts?

Available on: Norwegian Encore, Prima, Spirit, Viva and Aqua

O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill

Included; 24-hour dining

This vibrant pub-style venue, located in the heart of the three-deck Atrium on Breakaway Class ships, is also available on seven other Norwegian ships. Open around the clock, it offers a menu of comforting favorites like burgers, fish and chips, chicken wings, beef chili, and indulgent loaded nachos, perfect for a casual meal any time of day.

Available on: Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Pearl and Star

Palomar

A la carte; dinner

A fresh addition to the Norwegian dining lineup, Palomar brings Mediterranean flavors to life, heavily influenced by Greek cuisine. The seafood-focused menu boasts dishes like tuna crudo, grilled prawns, Mediterranean sea bass with chickpeas and saffron puree, and sea scallops with prosciutto, le puy lentils, clams, and pistachio pesto. To finish, indulge in Greek yogurt sorbet with orange custard pie for a sweet ending.

Available on: Norwegian Prima, Viva and Aqua

Pincho Tapas Bar

A la carte; dinner

This one-of-a-kind Spanish tapas bar, exclusive to Norwegian Escape in the Breakaway Class, perfectly complements the ship's vibrant Miami/Latin-inspired vibe. At Pincho, indulge in a variety of small plates such as blue crab salad, bacon-wrapped dates, chorizo, calamari, shrimp, scallops, and more, all served a la plancha. Pair your meal with a glass of Spanish red wine, refreshing sangria, or a signature Matador cocktail.

Available on: Norwegian Escape

Pool Grill

Included; casual lunch

Three ships in Norwegian's fleet feature a poolside grill, each with its own name, offering casual dining for lunch and late-afternoon bites. Guests can enjoy classic comfort foods like burgers, hot dogs, and crispy fries.

Available on: Norwegian Dawn, Gem and Pride of America

Q Texas Smokehouse

A la carte; dinner

First introduced on Norwegian Bliss in 2018, this BBQ hotspot serves up smoked favorites like brisket, pulled pork, and beef short ribs, alongside indulgent sides such as loaded fries, crispy okra, onion rings, and mac and cheese. Enjoy the live country music, then burn some calories by dancing before treating yourself to a slice of pecan pie or peach cobbler for dessert. A scaled-back menu is available as part of the Indulge Food Hall on Norwegian Prima, Viva, and Aqua, though the dancing is not included.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Encore and Joy

Savor (and Taste)

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

These two venues, featured on all six Breakaway Class and Breakaway Plus Class ships, are essentially compact versions of the main dining room. Located across from each other on Deck 6, they offer a rotating lunch and dinner menu that changes daily.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Escape, Getaway, and Joy

Sports Bar

Included; casual pub fare

While most NCL ships, except for Pride of America, feature a pub-style complimentary eatery—either O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill or The Local Bar & Grill—there is one older exception that offers a Sports Bar. Like the other venues, this spot is free and serves comfort food favorites such as Reuben sandwiches, chicken wings, and fish and chips.

Available on: Norwegian Sun

Starbucks

A la carte; coffee, breakfast, and snacks

While Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to feature the popular coffee chain, Norwegian Cruise Line now boasts the most Starbucks cafes on board. Guests can enjoy a variety of beverages like frappuccinos, lattes, cold brews, and other coffee, tea, and pastry items typically available on land.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Joy, Prima, Sky, Viva, and Aqua. All other Norwegian ships offer Starbucks coffee, though they do not have standalone cafes.

Surfside Cafe & Grill

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

When Norwegian Prima debuted, NCL transformed its traditional buffet-style restaurant (previously known as Garden Cafe on most ships) into Surfside Cafe & Grill. Located on Deck 17, this space is smaller compared to others due to the addition of the Indulge Food Hall and The Local Bar & Grill as complimentary dining options. The reduced size sometimes leads to congestion, particularly during breakfast hours, with overflow guests directed to the nearby Food Republic for additional seating.

Available on: Norwegian Prima, Viva, and Aqua

Sukhothai

Additional charge; dinner

Scheduled to make its debut in 2025 aboard the new Norwegian Aqua, Sukhothai will be the first Thai restaurant at sea. The menu will feature flavorful dishes like Thai cashew chicken, salt and pepper prawns, and Thai grilled steak salad.

Available on: Norwegian Aqua

Teppanyaki

Additional charge; dinner

Featured on nearly all NCL ships, Teppanyaki offers a Benihana-style Japanese dining experience where the preparation of your meal is part of the show. Guests are seated around a sizzling grill as their chef prepares entrees such as chicken, beef, seafood, teriyaki-glazed tofu, or a combination of these with dramatic flair. The meal begins with miso soup and seaweed salad, followed by your choice of entree served with garlic fried rice and grilled vegetables. Dessert options include green tea cake or fruit sashimi. On Norwegian Prima and Viva, Hasuki has replaced Teppanyaki.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Dawn, Encore, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Joy, Pearl, Spirit, Star, and Sun

The Bake Shop

À la carte; snacks and treats

Indulge your sweet tooth at The Bake Shop, located on Deck 8, where you'll find a tempting selection of handcrafted bonbons (ranging from passion fruit to praline), an array of over a dozen cupcakes (including flavors like red velvet, chocolate-pistachio, and lemon meringue), and a variety of French macarons in twelve different flavors.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Escape, and Getaway

The Great Outdoors

Included; lunch

Enjoy a laid-back buffet meal outdoors on seven Norwegian ships, where the dress code is casual and the menu includes classic comfort foods like burgers, hot dogs, and fries — perfect for dining with an ocean view.

Available on: Norwegian Epic, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Sky, and Sun

The Haven Restaurant

Included for guests booked in The Haven; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

For guests staying in suites within The Haven, the exclusive enclave available on all newer Norwegian ships since Norwegian Epic, you'll have access to The Haven Restaurant. Reserved solely for Haven guests, this venue offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a consistent menu. With a variety of appetizers and main courses (around a dozen appetizers and 10 entrees for dinner), you can enjoy multiple meals here without repeating dishes or running out of options to explore.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Joy, Prima, Viva, and Aqua

The Local Bar & Grill

Included; 24-hour dining

A popular spot for sports fans and trivia enthusiasts, The Local Bar & Grill is open around the clock to satisfy cravings any time of day. Much like its sibling, O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill, this venue serves a 24-hour menu featuring comfort favorites like omelets, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, fish and chips, and loaded nachos.

Available on: Norwegian Bliss, Encore, Joy, Prima, Sky, Spirit, Viva, and Aqua

The Raw Bar

À la carte; dinner

Situated next to Ocean Blue, The Raw Bar is a laid-back spot offering counter seating. Here, guests can enjoy fresh oysters, clams, shellfish, and crudos like salmon tartare, black sea bass ceviche, and more. A variety of wines by the glass and a selection of desserts are also available.

Available on: Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway

Topsiders Bar & Grill

Included; casual poolside grill with varying hours

On five of NCL's older ships, Topsiders Bar & Grill offers a poolside dining experience where guests can enjoy casual fare such as burgers, hot dogs, fries, and other quick bites.

Available on: Norwegian Gem, Jewel, Pearl, Sky, and Star

Wasabi (or Sushi)

A la carte; dinner

This modern sushi bar, known as either Wasabi or Sushi depending on the ship, offers a variety of Japanese dishes paired with cocktails and sake. The menu includes sesame seaweed salad, sushi, specialty rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and yakitori. On Prima Class ships, the restaurant is called Nama Sushi & Sashimi and features a distinct menu.

Available on: Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Spirit, Star, and Sun

FAQ about NCL dining

Is the food on Norwegian Cruise Line included in the price?

Yes, you can enjoy free dining at a variety of complimentary venues on NCL ships. Each ship typically offers four to six such options, with meals served throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Do Norwegian Cruise Line ships have a main dining room?

Yes, every NCL ship has at least one main dining room, with some ships offering up to three. Thanks to Freestyle Dining, you have the flexibility to choose when to dine during the designated meal times.

Are dining reservations required on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Reservations are not necessary for the main dining rooms or casual spots like O'Sheehan's or the buffet. However, if you prefer a set dining time and want to avoid longer wait times, you can book a reservation for the main dining rooms during the busiest dinner hours.

Specialty dining venues always require a reservation. It’s best to book as early as possible, either online, via the app, or by calling Norwegian’s reservations line. You can also reserve once you’re on board, but popular spots may already be booked, particularly during peak travel seasons. Walk-ins are accepted if there's availability, but you’ll need to arrive either early or late to increase your chances of getting a table.

Is room service available on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line offers 24-hour room service. However, a convenience fee of up to $9.95 per delivery applies, except for morning coffee, continental breakfast, and orders from guests staying in The Haven. A 20% gratuity and service charge for beverages and special orders will also be added to the bill.

How much does it cost to dine at specialty restaurants on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Pricing varies depending on the restaurant. For à la carte venues like Cagney's, Ocean Blue, Onda by Scarpetta, and Le Bistro, expect to spend around $80 per person, not including drinks. Sushi restaurants and Food Republic also operate on an à la carte basis, where two people can typically enjoy a meal for $50 to $60 per person. For places like Teppanyaki and Moderno Churrascaria, there's a set cover charge of $59 per person.

Does NCL offer specialty dining packages?

Yes, if you plan on enjoying a variety of specialty restaurants, purchasing a dining package can be a great way to save money.

Specialty dining packages range from $99 per person for two meals to $469 per person for a 14-meal package. The cost per meal decreases the more meals you purchase, from $49.50 per dinner with a two-meal package to $30 per dinner with a 14-meal package. Even the four-meal package at $169 offers a good value at $42.25 per dinner, as à la carte prices at most specialty restaurants are higher, especially with cover charges of $59 per person.

Additionally, NCL’s Free at Sea promotion often includes a select number of specialty dining meals, typically two, as part of the package.

What are the service charges like?

A 20% gratuity and a specialty service charge will automatically be added to your specialty dining package upon purchase or to your onboard dining bill if you opt for à la carte or a flat cover charge.

For more details on Norwegian Cruise Line’s dining options, visit Norwegian's official website.