By Cassie Bailey | Published: April 7, 2020 | Updated: March 3, 2026
Food is such an important part of any vacation, and cruises are no exception. In fact, great onboard dining is something Royal Caribbean excels at. The cruise line is constantly introducing new specialty restaurants and onboard dining concepts, all while fine-tuning existing guest favorites on each of its award-winning ships — like the newly Amplified Allure of the Seas.
You’ll find it all here, including fast-casual spots like El Loco Fresh and Sorrento’s, as well as themed spots like the Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. If it’s elevation you’re craving, head to Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, or Chops Grille, where each course is a work of art. Though it’s just a sampling of the many amazing dining options on board, here are 10 must-try Allure of the Seas restaurants every foodie will love.
Complimentary Restaurants:
Specialty Restaurants:
Many of the diverse Allure of the Seas dining experiences are already covered in your cruise fare. This means you’re free to wander around and taste your way through an array of international menus at every meal.
Here are some of the complimentary restaurants on Allure of the Seas:
In the South, food is meant to soothe the soul. Enter The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, where you’ll find Low Country classics, Bayou staples and bold BBQ — at no extra cost to you. The brunch menu brims with breakfast dishes that could pass for dessert. And at dinner, indulge in favorites like creole-style Lobster ’n Crawfish Gumbo and Gran’s Fried Chicken. Then, tuck into a tastebud-teasing Sweet-Tooth Cinnamon Roll or savory southern Chicken ’n Waffles while live Country music sets the scene for your awesome down-home dining adventure.
There is such a thing as the perfect slice of pizza, and you’ll find it at Sorrento’s — a mainstay on most Royal Caribbean ships, including Allure of the Seas. This casual pizzeria at sea serves top-notch pizza and pies layered with fresh mozzarella and rich, tangy tomato sauce infused with just a hint of sweetness — all complimentary. Choose from classics, like cheese and Margherita, or change things up with a slice of the meat-loaded Carnivore or the pineapple-, bacon- and BBQ-layered Caribbean Dream.
Every Royal Caribbean ship — including Allure of the Seas — has a Windjammer on board. This complimentary fan-favorite buffet offers breakfast, lunch and dinner via stations that highlight rotating flavors and cuisines from around the world. From crisp salads to grilled steaks, creamy curries, hearty pasta and fresh seafood, Windjammer offers something delicious for everyone. If you have a sweet tooth, save room for a trip to the dessert station after dinner.
No cruise vacation is complete without a meal in the Main Dining Room on Allure of the Seas, one of the best-known onboard dining options across the fleet. This elegant, multi-level space serves breakfast and lunch, but dinner is the main event. Because the menu changes every evening, you can dine here every night without repeating a single dish. Feast on braised beef short rib and Maryland-style crab cakes one evening, and tender prime rib the next. The best part? It’s all complimentary.
Give your taste buds something to go wild over at El Loco Fresh. This all-you-can-eat outdoor buffet serves up authentic Mexican fare that’s insanely delicious. Plus, dining here is included in your cruise fare, so swing by as many times as you’d like on your sailing. Grab a beef burrito or spice up carnitas with all your favorite toppings, then top off your creation with heaps of fresh guac. It’s a fiesta from south of the border and the craziest thing about it is just how good it is.
Cruising is a special experience, which might call for a specialty restaurant. Allure of the Seas offers elevated experiences that take cruise dining to the next level.
These restaurants are not included in your fare, so the best way to get a well-rounded taste of these onboard dining options is by purchasing a Specialty Dining package. Don’t forget to make your reservations early — they can fill up fast!
Craving great Asian cuisine? Head to Izumi Hibachi & Sushi for a far-east feast unlike any other at sea. Delicious hand-rolled sushi, izakaya-style appetizers and dazzling culinary displays by a chef working right at your table have made this smart-casual specialty restaurant a fleet-wide favorite. Whether you’re planning date night or a family dinner during your cruise vacation, Izumi checks all the boxes for an unforgettable onboard dining experience.
This down-home Italian specialty restaurant, Giovanni’s, offers an authentic taste of Europe. Guests rave about the cheese and cured meat board, assorted with fine Italian cheeses, cured meats and pickled vegetables. The pasta dishes here are no joke — opt for a plate of tagliatelle with crispy pancetta and Parmigiano-Reggiano or a traditional pasta bolognese overflowing with hearty meat sauce, — each bite will have you saying “Mama mia!”
Want to pair your meal with some vino? Grab a Specialty Beverage package with your booking and just ask a sommelier on staff for recommendations from the restaurant’s extensive wine list.
A staple on nearly every Royal Caribbean ship, Chops Grille has maintained a reputation as one of guests’ favorite specialty restaurants for more than a decade. Master chefs at this classic steakhouse concept expertly prepare prime meats and tender hand-cut steaks alongside tantalizing sides, like Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Combine that with an impressive wine list and world-class white tablecloth service, and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect elevated night out.
Your whole crew just found a new home base at one of the most entertaining Allure of the Seas bars — and it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. With a menu of game-day favorites and icy-cold draughts on tap, anything you order at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a winner.
And while you’re working on a signature Playmakers Burger or the five-scoop Touchdown Sundae, you can catch your home team live on dozens of screens — or face off against your friends in the arcade for some friendly competition.
If you’re looking for the ultimate foodie experience, Chef’s Table should top your list of onboard dining experiences to try. One of the most sought-after reservations on Allure of the Seas, this intimate and elevated specialty dining experience is the definition of “exclusive.” If you can score a seat at the table, you’ll join a VIP group of fellow culinary connoisseurs on a five-star, five-course journey curated by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. Each course comes paired with a premium wine selected by an expert sommelier.
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