The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Anthem Of The Seas

Anthem of the Seas®️ tops many cruisers’ lists for its cutting-edge features, award-winning entertainment and onboard attractions designed to wow guests of all ages. But one of the best things about this game-changing Quantum Class cruise ship is its unparalleled food scene. I’ve been on plenty of cruises, and I can confidently say that Anthem of the Seas serves up some of the best cruise food in the industry.

You’ll find a crave-worthy selection of complimentary and specialty dining options onboard — from quick and casual eateries to cruise fine dining that can rival any five-star restaurant on land. That’s also true of the food itself, which runs the gamut from authentic Italian cuisine to Mediterranean flavors, European-style pastries and classic American comfort food. 

Whether you’re craving a juicy burger paired with a decadent, hand-spun milkshake, a gourmet hot dog loaded with all your favourite toppings, signature sushi rolls or prime steaks seasoned and seared just right, you’ll quickly find that you’re never far from a wow-worthy meal when you sail onboard Anthem of the Seas. Here’s a rundown of some of my personal favourite cruise dining options onboard.

1. Jamie’s Italian By Jamie Oliver

One of the best specialty restaurants on this Quantum Class cruise ship is Jamie’s Italian. Helmed by the celebrated British chef, Jamie Oliver (you may have seen him on TV), this guest-favourite lunch and dinner spot specialises in Tuscan-inspired cuisine made using authentic recipes and traditional ingredients — like homemade pastas tossed in bold, flavourful sauces. The prawn linguine will transport you right to the sun-kissed shores of the Tyrrhenian Coast, while hearty entrees like the Chianti-braised short rib will conjure images of the region’s rolling vineyards and wooded hills. Start your meal with an order of the restaurant’s buttermilk buns, served with rosemary, veggie parmesan and garlic-herb butter — they’re great for sharing. And definitely make an effort to save some room for dessert. The sweet and tart Amalfi lemon meringue cheesecake and the classic tiramisu will melt in your mouth.

2. Solarium Bistro Restaurant

Just steps from the adults-only Solarium you’ll find the Solarium Bistro Restaurant. This laid-back, tranquil dining spot is complimentary to guests. It also offers some of the best cruise food onboard — a pretty sweet deal, in my opinion. The menu here leans heavily toward Mediterranean fare, showcasing light and flavourful dishes like crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread paired with homemade tzatziki and baba ghanoush, fresh mussels tossed in aromatic broth and succulent lobster drizzled with zesty citrus butter. Here’s an insider tip not many know about — in addition to lunch and dinner, Solarium Bistro Restaurant is also open for breakfast. Guests who stop by in the morning can start their days with fresh seasonal fruit, creamy yogurt, fluffy eggs and grilled sausage, plus a great selection of bagels, toast and pastries.

3. Izumi Sushi

If the ship I’m sailing on happens to have an Izumi Sushi onboard, I always plan to enjoy at least a few meals here over the course of my getaway. Onboard Anthem of the Seas, this smart-casual specialty restaurant offers an extensive list of both classic and creative sushi rolls, as well as Asian-inspired entrees, mains and desserts. I love the crispy chicken kara-age as an appetiser, and often end up having to order an extra side of Thai sweet chili dipping sauce (it’s that good). The shrimp firecracker spring roll is also a favourite when I’m in the mood for a little bit of heat — though the cool cream cheese and crabmeat within the crispy outer shell soften the spice of the sambal chili. As far as sushi goes, the Dragon Eel and Champagne Lobster rolls are must-trys, while the tonkotsu ramen and nabeyaki udon are great options if you’re craving something heartier.

4. Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine

As a former food journalist, I’m always on the lookout for restaurants that aren’t afraid to push the envelope and can pull off unexpected flavour pairings that work. Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine is one of those rare culinary gems that manages to do both flawlessly. This one-of-a-kind specialty restaurant onboard Anthem of the Seas takes guests on an extraordinary, multi-sensory journey from the moment they arrive. The menu looks like a blank sheet of paper — until you brush the surface with a paintbrush dipped in water and watch the items appear as if by magic. All the dishes here are inspired by a particular element, such as earth, fire and ice. They also incorporate imaginative ingredients, like “yuzu granite” and “bread foam.” If you’re someone who likes to snap shots of every meal, you’ll find plenty of options here to fill your social feed with dishes that are as dazzling as they are mouthwatering. Order the Berkshire pork belly paired with apples and cracklin’ and any of the dreamy desserts and you’ll see what I mean.

5. Coastal Kitchen

If you’re a Pinnacle Club member or staying in a suite onboard, you’ll have access to Coastal Kitchen. As its name suggests, this exclusive restaurant specialises in fresh, seasonal fare inspired by the bounty and cooking techniques of the Mediterranean. Breakfast includes brunch staples like hearty egg frittatas with veggies and feta, indulgent French toast topped with syrup and caramelised bananas and a luxurious selection of meats and cheeses from around the world. At lunch, you can’t go wrong with the herb-crusted chicken breast or the Margherita flatbread. But the best time to visit Coastal Kitchen is definitely dinnertime, where the menu delights with global entrees and mains like garlicky escargots a la Bourguignonne, delicate roasted veal tenderloin and so much more. You can pair every bite with wines from Napa, Sonoma, Tuscany and beyond.

6. Dog House

7. La Patisserie

Anthem of the Seas offers just the spot to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and decadent — La Patisserie. Located on Deck Four along the bustling Royal Esplanade, this chic pastry shop offers a mouthwatering array of French confections — think artisan chocolates, beautiful and bite-sized petits-fours, colourful macarons and plenty more. The baristas behind the counter are also skilled at whipping up frothy cappuccinos, pep-inducing espressos and other coffee-based specialty sips to pair with every delicious bite. Want to add a little extra zing to your afternoon pick-me-up? Ask the bar staff to add a shot of liqueur.

8. Johnny Rockets

Another one of my favourite casual eateries onboard Anthem of the Seas is Johnny Rockets®️ — especially during a sea day spent lounging on the pool deck. I don’t know about you, but nothing hits the spot for me like a juicy cheeseburger and refreshing milkshake after a few hours of sunshine poolside. Johnny Rockets offers angus beef patties heaped with traditional toppings, or something a little bit special like smoky bacon, BBQ ranch and even crispy onion rings. And of course, nothing’s quite as heavenly as one of their hand-spun milkshakes. Keep it classic with vanilla or chocolate, or mix it up with my personal favorite, the Oreo Cookies & Cream shake.

9. Café Promenade

Looking for tasty bites on the go? Café Promenade has you covered. This casual, convenient bistro is open 24/7, so you can always count on delicious snacks, and sweet treats no matter when your cravings strike. Stop by in the morning for breakfast sandwiches, pastries and rich coffee. Or drop in at any point in the afternoon, evening or late at night for yummy antipasti, New Orleans-style muffulettas, chicken roti wraps and decadent desserts. Come back as often as you like, too — everything at Café Promenade is included in your cruise fare.

10. Chef's Table

Hands down, the most exclusive cruise dining option onboard Anthem of the Seas is Chef’s Table. If you’re a foodie, it’s also one of the best places to eat on a cruise in general. Guests who manage to snag a coveted reservation enjoy an intimate dinner with a small group led by the ship’s own Chef de Cuisine. The dinner itself spans five unique and tantalising courses — from scallop carpaccio to Maine lobster salad to grilled filet mignon paired with truffle potato puree. Each course is also paired with a glass of wine selected by a seasoned sommelier to bring out and complement the flavours in every dish.

11. Main Dining Room

If you’re in the mood for an elevated dinner that’s also included in your cruise fare, head to the Main Dining Room. This beautiful venue serves as the setting for elegant, multi-course meals paired with five-star, white-tablecloth service. What’s more, the menu offers something for everyone — even the pickiest eaters. Dig into a flavourful New York strip steak or a slow-roasted prime rib, savour the crunch and crackle of southern fried chicken drizzled with Tabasco honey sauce and delight in the sweet, creamy richness of a classic Boston cream pie or Royal cheesecake. In addition to several staples that are always available, the Main Dining Room offers a rotating selection of global fare that changes every night.

Is your stomach rumbling yet? Well, there are plenty more cruise dining options onboard Anthem of the Seas — check out the full list of cruise restaurants. If you like what you’ve seen so far and are ready to start planning your Anthem of the Seas getaway, start browsing the ship’s most popular itineraries.