Why Virgin Voyages Dining Is a Game-Changer
If there’s one thing that sets Virgin Voyages apart from every other cruise line, it’s the dining. While competitors charge $35-75 per person for specialty restaurants, every single dining venue on Virgin Voyages is included in your cruise fare. No upcharges, no catches, no “dining packages” to buy. Over 20 restaurants and eateries serving cuisine that ranges from Korean BBQ to Mediterranean, from upscale steakhouse to late-night pizza — all part of your voyage.
Top-Tier: The Must-Try Restaurants
1. The Wake — Steakhouse Perfection
Located at the stern of the ship with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, The Wake is the closest thing to a traditional cruise ship main dining room — except the food is exponentially better. Think premium steaks, fresh seafood towers, and a wine list that would impress any sommelier. The sunset views from here are worth the reservation alone. Book your first night onboard — trust us on this.
2. Test Kitchen — The Culinary Adventure
This is where Virgin Voyages flexes its creative muscles. Test Kitchen is an experimental dining experience that changes themes and menus. The multi-course meals are theatrical and surprising, with presentations that blur the line between food and art. It’s the kind of dining you simply won’t find on any other cruise line. Reserve early — this one fills up fast.
3. Pink Agave — Elevated Mexican Cuisine
Don’t expect chips and salsa. Pink Agave serves sophisticated Mexican cuisine in a gorgeous pink-and-gold dining room. The mole dishes are extraordinary, the ceviche is fresh and vibrant, and the mezcal and tequila selection rivals specialty restaurants on land. This is consistently one of the highest-rated restaurants across the fleet.
Excellent: Well Worth a Reservation
4. Gunbae — Korean BBQ Party
Korean BBQ at sea? It works brilliantly. Gunbae features tabletop grills where you cook your own meats and seafood, accompanied by a fun drinking-game-themed atmosphere. The communal seating makes this a great spot for couples and friend groups alike. The bulgogi and short ribs are standouts, and don’t skip the soju cocktails.
5. Extra Virgin — Italian That Actually Delivers
Cruise ship Italian food has a bad reputation, and Extra Virgin is here to fix that. Hand-made pastas, wood-fired dishes, and a trattoria atmosphere that transports you to the Amalfi Coast. The truffle pasta and osso buco are particular highlights. Great for a relaxed evening meal.
6. Razzle Dazzle — The Vegetarian Star
Razzle Dazzle is Virgin Voyages’ vegetarian-forward restaurant, though meat options are available. The drag brunch here (on select mornings) is legendary and one of the most popular events onboard. Even if you’re a devoted carnivore, give this one a try — the creativity of the vegetable-focused dishes will surprise you.
Casual Favorites: No Reservations Needed
7. The Galley — Your Daily Go-To
Think of The Galley as an upscale food hall. Multiple stations serve everything from poke bowls to burgers, Mediterranean dishes to noodles. It’s open for most of the day and evening, making it the ideal spot when you want something quick but still high-quality. The açaí bowls at breakfast and the late-night ramen station are highlights.
8. The Pizza Place — Late Night Perfection
Available into the wee hours, The Pizza Place serves Neapolitan-style pies that are genuinely good — thin crust, quality toppings, and perfect for a midnight snack after dancing at The Manor. It’s consistently one of the most-visited spots on any sailing.
9. The Dock — Poolside Mediterranean
Light, fresh Mediterranean dishes served poolside. The Dock is ideal for a leisurely lunch on sea days when you don’t want to stray far from your lounger. The grilled octopus and hummus platters pair perfectly with a cold drink and ocean views.
Dining Tips for Your Voyage
Book your reservations through the Virgin Voyages app as soon as they open (typically 45 days before sailing). The Wake, Test Kitchen, and Pink Agave fill up fastest. Plan to hit a different sit-down restaurant each evening. And don’t overlook breakfast at Razzle Dazzle or brunch at The Wake on longer voyages — both are exceptional and underbooked compared to dinner service.