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Top 5 Specialty Restaurants to Enjoy on Norwegian Joy Cruise

Always5Star Norwegian Joy Specialty Restaurant

There are many reasons for people to book a cruise, but one of the most appealing parts is enjoying any restaurant of your choosing. Cruise restaurants are an integral part of good cruise experience, which is why there are certain upgrades you can get for higher levels of dining on most cruise lines. The Norwegian Joy offers a large variety of dining options that are all fantastic, however, I would like to recommend five that you will not want to miss!

Always5Star Norwegian Joy Specialty Dining (2)

On the Norwegian Joy cruise ship, you’ll get to have great restaurant experiences while traveling to destinations such as Alaska, the Panama Canal, and the Mexican Riviera. When you’re not lounging by the pool, enjoying an excursion, or driving around the race track, there are many restaurant choices for savoring a great meal. I know a favorite part of my cruise experience is enjoying amazing cuisine.

Norwegian Joy Cruise
Norwegian Joy Cruise

My restaurant recommendations are all considered “specialty” restaurants.  You can enjoy all of them by including this option in your cruise package, especially if you are booked in the Haven or the Concierge Suites.  If you are staying in another level cabin, you can add an upgraded package (The Free At Sea) which will include the specialty dining options.

Free At Sea Benefits
Free At Sea Benefits

For information about purchasing this upgrade:  Norwegian Joy Cruise

Always5Star Norwegian Joy Concierge Suite
The speciality dining restaurants are included with the Concierge Suite cabins

Below are my Always5Star top five recommends for restaurants on the Norwegian Joy so that you can learn what you have to look forward to after booking a cruise.

1.🌟    Le Bistro

For those looking for a bit of romance during their cruise, you’ll want to make sure to reserve a night at Le Bistro for dinner. It is a French-inspired restaurant that exudes an atmosphere of sophistication and refined culinary choices. You will find yourself exclaiming “Oh-la-la” after you have enjoyed a fabulous dinner!

Please note that you may order one entreé per person.

Le Bistro French Fine Dining Restaurant
Le Bistro French Fine Dining Restaurant

The white linens and fine-dining servers create an intimate and luxurious experience. Perfect for a little extra romance and those wanting a more elegant meal.

Moules Poulette Au Pernod Steamed Mussels, Pernot, Parlsey, Cream
Appetizer: Moules Poulette Au Pernod
Steamed Mussels, Pernot, Parlsey, Cream
Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Entrée: Grilled Beef Tenderloin

There is nothing like a gorgeous spot for dinner like Le Bistro for enjoying an exceptional Always5Star dining experience.

Chocolate Napoléon
Chocolate Napoléon
Flourless Chocolate Cake, Hazelnut Brunch, Fianduja Cream

2. 🌟     Food Republic

I like to have a variety of dining options as I travel the globe. I want to be able to eat food that is very tasty, pleasing to the eye, and really unique. Food Republic aims to give cruise passengers just that experience.

Food Republic Restaurant
Food Republic Restaurant

You will be offered an iPad that displays their numerous menu options. With food from Peru, Japan, and China, you’ll have a hard time deciding on just which item to order first.

Crispy Salmon Rolls
Crispy Salmon Rolls
Panko-crusted salmon, avocado, and cream cheese roll served with sweet barbecue eel sauce
Pork Belly Dumplings
Pork Belly Dumplings
pan-fried pork belly wontons, scallions, and chives

5StarTip🌟: Start with the fresh sushi and come back for more Asian inspired entrees. Order several plates to share so that you can taste more selections!

Norwegian Joy Food Republic - sushi roll
Sushi roll

3. 🌟     Teppanyaki

For a fun dining experience that offers delicious Japanese fresh cuisine prepared right at your table, go to the Teppanyaki restaurant. You will love not only the food but the extraordinary entertainment experience as well.  

Tappanaki Chef - Juggling knives before preparing the meal
Tappanaki Chef – Juggling knives while preparing the meal

The Teppanyaki restaurant is freshly grilled food prepared as the Chef tosses and dices shrimp, steak, and a variety of other ingredients.  With juggling knives and creating fun designs on the grill, it is quite the experience! They also prepare their traditional onion volcanoes that you cannot miss. The entertainment you will enjoy will have you on the edge of your seat before you ever take a bite.  You will even find yourself singing along with the Chef as they draw you into their antics.

Teppanaki restaurant
Teppanaki restaurant
Teppanaki restaurant views while you enjoy dining
Teppanaki restaurant views while you enjoy dining
All food is freshly prepared right in front of you!
All food is freshly prepared right at your table!
Part of the preparation is entertainment too!
Part of the preparation is entertainment too!

Ordering Teppanyaki, seeing the talented Chef’s delight you with their skills, and watching the ocean pass by outside your window sounds like the perfect evening to me. And…it all is wonderfully tasty too! 

Grilled shrimp right at your table!
Grilled shrimp right at your table!

4. 🌟     Cagney’s Steakhouse

This steakhouse is sure to please anyone who considers themselves a steak lover. The atmosphere reminds me of the high-end steak houses in Chicago that are so well known for both their food and service.

Please note that you may order one entreé per person at this restaurant.

Start with a fabulous cocktail
There is nothing like a fabulous cocktail
Start dinner off right with a salad
Start dinner off right with a salad
Surf and Turf Premium black-angus filet mignon and sautéed butter garlic shrimp
Surf and Turf
Premium black-angus filet mignon and sautéed butter garlic shrimp

Enjoy an American-style dinner alongside grilled steak classics, jumbo shrimp, salad, and of course, finish your meal with a decadent dessert. You’ll find that the elegant atmosphere and outstanding cuisine are the perfect way to end a day of exploration.

Leave room for this decadent chocolate dessert
Yum!

5. 🌟     La Cucina

What about breakfast or lunch? Don’t worry, the Norwegian Joy has that covered too. I enjoyed going to La Cucina several times for both breakfast and lunch. It offers a relaxing, quiet and classic vibe that lends itself to creating a fabulous meal.

Eggs benedict at breakfast
Eggs benedict at breakfast

What I loved was having the freedom to enjoy an entrée and not worry about the expense of trying several dishes. Everything is ordered à la carte, so you’re not limited to predetermined menu options.

Cozy atmosphere with tables that have great views of the ocean!
Cozy atmosphere with tables that have great views of the ocean!
My hubby ordered this French Dip for lunch and loved it!
My hubby ordered this French Dip sandwich for lunch and loved it!
I ordered this steak for lunch one day.
I ordered this steak for lunch one day.
Why not…I am on vacation!

This lunch really hit the spot! I’m a fan of any restaurant where I can order both seafood fettuccine and pasta carbonara!

Why not pair my steak with a fabulous wine too!
Why not pair my steak with a fabulous wine too!
Columbia Crest – Horse Heaven Hills – 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon

Final Thoughts:

Every restaurant on the Norwegian Joy is quite honestly a winner.  You’re bound to find at least a few restaurants you’ll fall in love with and find yourself going back several times. However, there are so many restaurants to choose from that you may never have to eat the same meal twice!  Though the main restaurants are all fantastic, the five that I have recommended are sure to please! 

Complimentary Dining Options:

  • Buffet
  • Savor Restaurant
  • Taste Restaurant
  • Garden Café
  • The Local

5StarTip🌟:  Before and after dining, check out the different bars that offer different atmospheres. Starting with a drink and an appetizer will be the perfect way to begin off another great dinner at any of the restaurants on board the ship.

Champagne at the A-List Bar before dinner
Champagne at the A-List bar before dinner
Cheers!

Cheers to you and enjoying the variety of wonderful cuisines that the Norwegian Joy Cruise offers. 

Norwegian Joy Cruise Line – click the link to get more information about their restaurants:  Norwegian Cruise Line Restaurants

If you enjoyed this post, please pin it to your Pinterest.  Thank you!
If you enjoyed this post, please pin it to your Pinterest. Thank you!
https://www.always5star.com/blog/5-luxury-cruise-suggestions-for-2019-you-will-love

🌟 Please note: This was a sponsored opportunity to explore and enjoy the Norwegian Joy on its inaugural debut. However, my opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated for writing this article or endorsing the Norwegian Cruise Line.


About Pamela Rossi

Pamela Rossi

I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!


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