One of the very best parts of cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line is the choice of fabulous restaurants. Let’s face it; we all enjoy the opportunity to have a high-end dining experience and try it all. The only challenge is to choose a restaurant that meets your tastes and desires. On the Norwegian Encore, there are plenty of options to enjoy. So take a journey with me, and I will offer tips about each one of these Specialty Restaurants. You will know which one best suits your culinary desires while you are cruising on the Norwegian Encore.
Specialty Restaurants
American Diner
Description: 50’s decor and theme – American cuisine – a la carte dining – Lunch & Dinner
This restaurant embodies its name. The decor is a whimsical 50’s theme with the music of this genre playing playfully in the background. American Diner is located near all the outdoor entertainment areas on Deck 17. It is a very casual atmosphere. You could easily come here directly from any of the activities, including the pool deck, to eat lunch here. Think cheeseburgers, French fries, shakes, and other traditional American comfort foods and you have the American diner.
5StarTip🌟: This is a great lunch place for families,
especially those traveling with young children with picky appetites. However, if you are traveling to get away from the kids and noise, you will want to choose a different lunch spot.
Cagney’s Steak House
Description: Fine dining – choice cuts steaks – a la carte dining – Dinner
If you are a steak lover, you have found your dining spot! It is a fine dining restaurant and the atmosphere and menu reflect that. Cagney’s Steak House is located on Deck 8 and next to the A-List Bar which I highly recommend for a before or an after-dinner drink. There are also a few seafood options, so you can enjoy a surf and turf entrée option too. I ordered the shrimp and filet mignon and it was fabulous, especially when paired with a glass of Cabernet.
5StarTip🌟: This is one of several Specialty Dining options that I would highly recommend for a romantic evening. The atmosphere and ordering some champagne and wine with your meal will be a wonderful evening starter!
Food Republic
Description: Mediterranean, Asian, and Central European cuisine – a la carte dining – Dinner
A more laid-back contemporary sleek dining experience, the Food Republic is exclusive to the Norwegian Cruise Line. And…you should know that this restaurant is very popular! On the three Norwegian Cruise lines that I have been to, this restaurant was always buzzing. Each table has an Ipad in which you order your food. There is plenty to choose from and sushi and Asian fusion enthusiasts will love this place.
Marinated tenderloin, lo mein, mango, cabbage, peanuts, coconut, and honey-lime dressing
5StarTip🌟: Arrive early so that you can grab one of the tables with a water view! Also, I dined with several different people who all loved the tuna pizza…I know it sounds a little interesting, but I promise you will love it!
Sriracha kewpie mayo and sesame
Le Bistro
Description: Fine Dining – French cuisine – a la carte dining – Dinner
Let me start this by exclaiming, “Oh-la-la”! I loved this restaurant, and if it weren’t for my companions wanting to try other restaurants, I probably would have chosen to dine here every night. The reasons are plentiful. First, I love French cuisine, and this certainly has all your favorites that are prepared beautifully. Second, the décor and the atmosphere sing romance. It truly meets my Always5Star criteria for a fine dining restaurant! Le Bistro is located on Deck 17.
Mushrooms, herbed garlic butter, almonds and hazelnuts
5StarTip🌟: I ordered a fabulous glass of Veuve Clicquot to start the meal just right. My recommendation is to make your reservations early and try as best as you can to get a window seat and enjoy those fabulous sunsets while sipping your champagne. Make sure to linger and embrace this dining experience by ordering a selection of each course.
Frisée salad, warm goat cheese, and sautéed pancetta
Los Lobos
Description: Mexican cuisine – a la carte dining – Dinner
The Los Lobos is perfect for a resort-casual type of dining night. Offering fresh ingredients and having your guacamole made at the table, this is for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. I had several people tell me that their margaritas were fantastic too. Los Lobos is located on Deck 8.
Mexican-style shrimp ceviche with lime, cucumber, onion, garlic, radish, serrano pepper & cilantro
5StarTip🌟: I enjoyed this restaurant and found the food to be excellent. However, if you desire a view of the ocean, there are only a couple of tables that offer these views.
Beef turnovers, pico de gallo and guacamole
Ocean Blue
Description: Fresh seafood – a la carte dining – Dinner
As the name indicates, Ocean Blue culinary focus is on seafood. I didn’t have the opportunity to dine here. However, peeking in I noticed that this is a refined dining experience that I will definitely do the next time I cruise. It has a romantic vibe and indoor and outdoor tables that would get an amazing view. I did have the opportunity to sample some of their plates and found the food to be quite good. Ocean Blue is located on Deck 8.
5StarTip🌟: This is a very popular restaurant and making your reservations well ahead of time is highly recommended! Try to time it so you can experience the sunset views from your table to add to the ambiance of your dining experience!
Dark chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream, topped with caramel popcorn,
and vanilla drizzle
Onda by Scarpetta
Description: Italian cuisine – a la carte dining – Dinner
This is a brand new restaurant to the Breakaway series for Norwegian Cruise Line and the Encore is the first to open one. There are plans to add this to the other ships as well. This is one of the most expensive of the group. The focus is on modern Italian but offers some standard favorites as well. I did not have this dining experience, so I cannot speak to it personally. However, like Ocean Blue, I was able to sample some plates and the pasta was wonderful. Onda by Scarpetta is located on Deck 8.
Ricotta, spinach, preserved truffle, butter, and sage
5StarTip🌟: The restaurant is smaller and the tables here are difficult to reserve. I had friends who dined here and said that the desserts are a must to order! So save room for that!
Marinated carrot, chive, black truffle, and pickled white beech mushrooms
Q Texas Smokehouse
Description: smoked BBQ dishes – a la carte dining – Dinner
topped with maple glazed bacon
Q is all about the Texas BBQ and meat! It is a more casual laid back kinda feel. The decor makes you feel that you are walking into a Texas roadhouse. For all of you who love a more casual dining experience, country music, comfort food, and good BBQ this is your place. But do not be fooled by the casual atmosphere, there are some great selections to enjoy here!
Oak smoked brisket, pork spare ribs, jalapeño and cheese smoked sausage,
smoked chicken served with jalapeño and cheese cornbread,
StarTip🌟: There is a band that plays here nightly for your enjoyment. So bring your boots and best dance moves and “kick off your Sunday shoes”! Lol!
soaked in whiskey and brown butter
Teppanyaki
Description: Hibachi grill – flat fee dining – Dinner
If you are familiar with the Benihana Japanese Restaurants you will know what to expect when dining at Teppanyaki. This is freshly prepared Japanese food prepared right at your table in a very entertaining way! The Chefs not only wonderfully talented in preparing delicious food, but they will create quite a few laughs as well. Juggling knives and tossing food in the air, it is all quite a dining experience! Teppanyaki is located on Deck 6.
StarTip🌟: This is a great place to gather with a group or your family. I know that the kids around us delighted in seeing the Chef’s performance!
How to dine at the Specialty Restaurants:
How to purchase a Dining Package:
In the “Dining” section online at ncl.com/myncl or through Norwegian Reservations at 1-866-234-7350. Once onboard you may also purchase it on the first two days of your cruise by calling or visiting any Restaurant Reservations podium. For three and four-day cruises, this package may only be purchased on the first day of your cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line
5StarTip🌟: To have the Specialty Dining package included with your cruise here is how you do it:
Final Thoughts:
With any of the Specialty Dining restaurants I can honestly tell you that the hardest decision is where to dine each night because of how many great options there are! I know that I missed a couple on this ship and truly look forward to adding them to my list when I go on my next Norwegian cruise. I highly recommend that you add the dining package to your cruise as it will enhance the entire experience. Though the free options (restaurants included) are good, I think it truly is a benefit that cannot be overlooked. Please feel free to reach out in the comment section and ask me questions, or if you have dined at one of these restaurants, let me know your thoughts!
Cheers my friends to fabulous cruises and dining Always5Star!
Please note: This was a sponsored opportunity to explore and enjoy the Norwegian Encore on its inaugural debut. However, the opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated for writing this article or endorsing the Norwegian Cruise Line.
About 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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