TOP 10 RESTAURANTS ONBOARD WONDER OF THE SEAS
The newest Oasis Class ship offers plenty of delicious cruise dining options to please even the pickiest eaters.
By Amanda Mesa | Published on September 15 2022
While Royal Caribbean has a well-deserved reputation for dishing out some of the most delicious food at sea, Wonder of the Seas℠, the newest Oasis Class ship, takes that legacy to the next level! Onboard the fittingly named Wonder — which just happens to be the largest cruise ship in the world — you’ll discover an extensive lineup of palate-pleasing options, ranging from casual cafes and deli-style countertops to the best fine-dining cruise restaurants in the industry. So whether you fancy an elevated epicurean experience, a quick but crazy good taco or something in-between, Wonder of the Seas has you covered. To top deliciousness with convenience, Wonder of the Seas cruises from Southampton in 2022-2023, and many of the onboard eateries are all-inclusive. We’ve rounded up 10 fleet favourites, including Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and a brand new standout, The Mason Jar℠ Southern Restaurant & Bar. Here’s your must-have insider’s guide to some of the top speciality and complementary restaurants to enjoy on your holiday.
The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar
Real southern eats make a down-home debut onboard Wonder of the Seas! Welcome to the mouth-watering Mason℠ Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar where low Country classics are boldly reimagined. Ready your tastebuds for Bayou favourites as well as BBQ rubbed and brushed with smoky spices and sauces. Brunch at this new speciality dining option is a must—it spotlights soul-soothing plates like breakfast biscuits with sausage gravy, cheddar and bacon-onion jam and decadent, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls. Or drop by for supper and dig into buttermilk-brined, golden-fried chicken and waffles, fluffy crab beignets and rich lobster and crawfish gumbo. The perfect pairing for every succulent bite? A refreshing spiked peach tea.
Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine
This Royal Caribbean icon charms you from the moment you receive the “magical” menu. At the stroke of a paintbrush dipped in water, invisible menu items slowly appear in a whimsical play designed to tease your senses and tantalise your taste buds. Guest favourites include crispy crab cones topped with frothy avocado mousse, gazpacho with an ethereal bread foam and desserts as jaw-droppingly beautiful as they are delicious. If you’re in the mood to have a cocktail you’re in for a treat. Each “elixir” on the drink menu is equally wow-worthy and crafted to engage all your senses.
Hooked Seafood℠
When you’re surrounded by sapphire-blue water and breathing salty ocean breezes, nothing hits the spot like some fresh seafood. Hooked Seafood’’s℠ delicious speciality. The menu at this beloved restaurant incorporates coastal New England flavours with such irresistible treats as the crispy golden Maryland crab cakes, fluffy rolls loaded with sweet Maine lobster, premium just-shucked oysters and drunken mussels tossed either in a hearty marinara or fragrant white-wine garlic sauce. Whatever you order, make sure you save room for dessert—the coconut cream pie here is legendary.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
For an intimate date night or unforgettable family dinner, Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is another guest favourite and fleetwide speciality dining staple. You’ll be spirited off to Tuscany as you savour the plump meatballs in Sardinian-style sauce, melt-in-your-mouth osso buco, hand-tossed pizzas made to order and truffled burrata served over tender arugula.. The wine list is also an ode to Italy, featuring an extensive variety of classic and unique options, from Sangiovese to Super Tuscan. If you find you could use a little advice, the sommeliers on staff will be happy to suggest the best pairing for your meal. From appetiser to the sweet tiramisu finish, this is a meal you will long remember.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
One of the best-loved restaurants onboard Wonder of the Seas and a Royal Caribbean mainstay, dinner at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi is a delectable affair. For starters, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose from the many types of sushi rolls–both traditional and innovative– as well as the tempting selection of Asian-inspired appetisers. Hot sides and options from the teppanyaki menu are deftly cooked by a chef right at your table—think sea scallops, beef tenderloin, teriyaki chicken breast, NY steak and more. Each is served with a side, such as the tasty vegetable fried rice, a crisp green salad with tangy ginger dressing and your choice of dessert.
El Loco Fresh
Have a hankering for something quick yet crave-worthy? Head over to El Loco Fresh®, right on the top deck next to Wonder Dunes Mini Golf, where you will discover some of the best fast-casual cruise food onboard. Start your morning right with a hearty breakfast burrito or breakfast quesadilla, or opt for a Tex-Mex twist on traditional scrambled eggs with hash browns, sausage and bacon. From noon until 6 p.m., you’ll go loco over such Mexican staples as the tacos and loaded nachos, accompanied by tangy sauces sure to start a fiesta in your mouth. For dessert opt for a creamy chocolate dulce leche, a decadent Mexican flan or a light and airy tres leches cake. Did we mention every bite is included in your cruise fare?
150 Central Park
For a special occasion or incomparable date night, make a reservation at 150 Central Park. Located in the ship’s beautiful Central Park® neighbourhood, this exceptional restaurant offers elevated dishes crafted from ingredients harvested at their season’s peak. Indulge in succulent options such as the crispy Berkshire pork belly served over parsnip puree, braised short ribs and creamy mascarpone polenta, seared duck with juicy poached pears and pan-seared halibut in a delicate saffron and truffle hollandaise. Dessert is just as memorable—the fried cheesecake and peanut butter chocolate tart are rich and impressive bestsellers.
Solarium Bistro & Restaurant
The Solarium onboard Royal Caribbean ships is best known as the spot for adults to unwind and soak up the sun—or relax with a good book in the shade. But on some ships, like Wonder of the Seas, it’s also a tasty go-to for breakfast, lunch and dinner served buffet-style. The food stations at Solarium Bistro Restaurant are infused with Mediterranean flavours, and offerings include toasted pita bread, homemade tzatziki and baba ghanoush, tender lamb chops with cool mint jus and sweet loukoumades dipped in honey. Not only is this eatery a delicious and satisfying choice, every dish is included in your cruise fare.
Park Cafe
Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner and discover next-level deli bites at Park Café, located in Central Park®. At this Oasis Class staple, you’ll love the made-to-order salads, fresh-pressed paninis, flavorful soups, sweet treats and of course, the legendary Royal Kümmelweck roast beef sandwich. Ask any longtime Royal Caribbean cruiser—trying one is a rite of passage! Park Café serves grab-and-go goodness and bistro classics which you can enjoy whenever you need to refuel.
Main Dining Room
Set sail on an international culinary voyage at the Main Dining Room, a multi-level restaurant that, in the evenings, transforms into a world-class dining experience. The rotating menu is always full of fresh surprises, such as the flavourful duck terrine layered with a tangy apricot chutney. Or the memorable Moroccan spiced ahi tuna served on a bed of mint couscous with sauteed spinach and tequila peppers. Or the fork-render mojo-marinated bone-in pork loin in a cumin-citrus reduction. Make sure to leave room for the decadent desserts, irresistible confections like the sweet cream-soaked tres leches, home-style carrot cake and light and fluffy Grand Marnier soufflé. At the Main Dining Room, delicious is always on the menu and it’s always complimentary.
If you’re starting to feel hungry and in the mood for outstanding eats, keep in mind that Wonder of the Seas cruises from the UK in 2022-2023. Hop onboard and prepare for an epicurean extravaganza that goes well beyond the 10 eateries listed here! You’ll sample contemporary steakhouse classics at Chops Grille℠, sink your teeth into slices of paradise at Sorrento’s Pizza, howl over the hot dogs at Dog House and so much more. Here’s a pro tip—to savour every flavour onboard, opt for a speciality dining and drink package. Happy cruising and bon appétit.
