Virgin Voyages has over 20 restaurants and eateries on every ship, and every single one is included in your fare. No specialty dining surcharges. No buffet line. This is one of the biggest reasons VV stands apart from traditional cruise lines, and after eating my way through the entire fleet, I can tell you exactly which restaurants deserve your time and which ones you can skip.
The Must-Visit Restaurants
The Wake (Steakhouse) — 10/10
Located at the stern of the ship with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. This is the signature dining experience on every VV ship and my number one recommendation. The filet mignon is outstanding, the seafood tower is a showstopper, and the sunset views from the back of the ship are worth the reservation alone. Book this for a sea day evening if possible — watching the wake trail behind the ship as the sun goes down is genuinely one of the most memorable dining experiences I have ever had at sea.
Steve’s order: Start with the shrimp cocktail, get the filet medium-rare, and do not skip the bread service.
Gunbae (Korean BBQ) — 9/10
Interactive tableside Korean barbecue that is unlike anything on any other cruise ship. You cook your own meats on the grill built into your table while the staff leads drinking games and pours soju. This is as much entertainment as it is dinner. Go with a group of 4-6 for the best experience.
Steve’s order: The beef bulgogi and pork belly are the stars. Say yes to every side dish.
Pink Agave (Mexican) — 9/10
Upscale Mexican cuisine that goes way beyond tacos. The mole dishes are complex and authentic, the guacamole is made tableside, and the cocktail program is one of the best on the ship. This restaurant consistently surprises people who were not expecting elevated Mexican food on a cruise ship.
Steve’s order: Tableside guacamole to start, any mole entree, and the churros for dessert.
The Test Kitchen — 8.5/10
An experimental multi-course dining experience where the menu changes and each course is presented as a surprise. This is the most unique restaurant on the ship and it is polarizing — some people love the creativity, others want to just order what they want. I think everyone should try it once. Go in with an open mind and you will be rewarded.
Steve’s order: You do not order here — the chef decides. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Solid Choices
Extra Virgin (Italian) — 8/10
Handmade pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a warm trattoria atmosphere. This is comfort food done well. It is not groundbreaking but it is consistently excellent. A safe bet on night one when you are still figuring out the ship.
Razzle Dazzle (Vegetarian-Forward) — 8/10
Do not let the vegetarian label scare you away. Razzle Dazzle has some of the most creative dishes on the ship and the brunch service is outstanding. The avocado toast at brunch is massive and the pancakes are among the best I have had anywhere. Meat eaters will find plenty to love here too.
The Galley (Food Hall) — 7.5/10
This is the closest thing to a buffet on VV, but it is set up as a curated food hall with different stations: Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, deli, salad bar, and more. Open for breakfast, lunch, and late-night. The quality is above average for a cruise ship food court and it is the most convenient option when you just want to grab something quick.
Loose Cannon (Gastropub) — 7.5/10
British-style pub food elevated: fish and chips, burgers, meat pies. This is the spot for a casual lunch or a late-night bite. The beer selection is solid and the atmosphere is relaxed. Not fine dining, not trying to be.
The Pizza Place, Dock House & Casual Spots
The Pizza Place — 7/10
Deck 16 poolside pizza. Quick, hot, and surprisingly good for what it is. Perfect after a day in the sun. I have grabbed a slice here on every single sailing.
Dock House — 7/10
Poolside bar and grill with tacos, poke bowls, and light bites. More of a bar that serves food, but the tacos are legit.
Ship Eats (Room Service) — 6.5/10
Room service is available but it comes with a delivery fee (around $5). The menu is limited compared to the restaurants. I rarely use it because the restaurants are so good, but it is nice to have the option for a lazy morning or late-night snack.
Dining Tips from Sailing Every Ship
Book early. Open the app as soon as restaurant reservations become available and lock in your top picks. The Wake and Gunbae fill up fastest.
You can eat at every restaurant. On a 5-night sailing, plan to hit a different restaurant each night plus The Galley for breakfast and lunch. You can easily try 10+ dining venues in one voyage.
Brunch at Razzle Dazzle on a sea day is a must. Trust me on this one.
No dress code stress. There are no formal nights on VV. Smart casual works everywhere. Shorts and flip-flops are fine at The Galley and poolside spots. For The Wake and Pink Agave, I would step it up to a collared shirt or a nice top, but nobody is turning you away.
Allergies and dietary needs are handled exceptionally well. Every restaurant can accommodate restrictions and the staff is knowledgeable. Let them know when you sit down.
About the Author
Steve Griswold — Certified Cruise & Travel Specialist
Steve Griswold is the founder of Pixie Vacations, a full-service travel agency. He is a Virgin Voyages Top 100 First Mate in North America (2024), and has sailed every ship in the VV fleet including Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady.