Virgin Voyages Restaurants (2025 Guide): A Foodie’s Deep Dive into 20+ Eateries

Welcome, Sailors and soon-to-be Sailors! If you’re charting a course with Virgin Voyages aboard the stunning Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, or the upcoming Brilliant Lady, you’re likely buzzing about the unique, adults-only experience. And let’s be honest, a huge part of that excitement revolves around the food! Virgin Voyages has radically reimagined dining at sea, ditching the traditional buffet and main dining room concept for something far more exciting: a collection of over 20 distinct eateries, all included in your voyage fare.

As Virgin Voyages Gold Tier specialists at CamJon Travel, we’ve savored the flavors across the fleet – from Cam’s personal favorite, the authentic Italian trattoria Extra Virgin, to Jonathan’s pick, the inventive and boundary-pushing Test Kitchen. This guide offers a closer look at the diverse culinary landscape onboard, highlighting the must-try restaurants, casual bites, and tips for navigating reservations using the Virgin Voyages App. Get ready for a gastronomic adventure unlike any other cruise line offers!

The Culinary Promise: Intimate, Diverse, and Included

Virgin Voyages’ dining philosophy is a core part of their “Rebellious Luxe” identity. They ditched the traditional cruise dining model for several reasons: to enhance food quality, reduce waste associated with buffets, create more intimate atmospheres, and offer genuine culinary diversity. The result? A collection of restaurants that feel less like ship dining rooms and more like distinct, destination eateries you’d seek out on land.

Menus Curated by Culinary Stars

The foundation of Virgin Voyages’ food scene is its Culinary Collective – a team of renowned chefs, including Michelin-starred names like Brad Farmerie (of PUBLIC in NYC) and Sohui Kim (of The Good Fork and Insa in Brooklyn), who have curated the concepts and menus. This ensures a level of gastronomic thought and execution often missing from standard cruise fare. Every dish aims for fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and beautiful presentation.

Goodbye Buffets, Hello Unique Venues

The most striking departure from tradition is the absence of a sprawling buffet or a single, massive main dining hall. Instead, Sailors explore over 20 unique venues. This includes six “specialty-style” restaurants that require reservations (but are still included in your fare!), alongside a vibrant food hall (The Galley), casual eateries, and grab-and-go spots. This approach fosters variety and allows for more specialized, atmospheric dining experiences.

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➡️ Need help deciding where to eat first? Let CamJon Travel help plan your culinary voyage! ⬅️

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The Main Event: Virgin Voyages’ Signature Restaurants

These six restaurants form the core of the sit-down evening dining experience. Reservations are highly recommended (and often essential!) for all of them.

The Wake: Glamorous Steak & Seafood

Stepping into The Wake feels like entering a mid-century chophouse reimagined for the modern era, complete with a grand staircase and stunning wake views from its aft location (Decks 6 & 7). It’s the most “formal” feeling venue onboard, perfect for a celebratory meal. Expect perfectly cooked steaks (from filets to Tomahawks for sharing – surcharge applies), fresh seafood towers, classic sides with a twist (like the twice-baked potato), and decadent desserts. Brunch here is also popular, known for its Benedicts (especially the soft-shell crab) and steak & eggs. Tip: Service can sometimes be slower here than other venues, so allow ample time, especially for dinner.

Razzle Dazzle: Veggie-Forward & Naughty Bites

Boldly designed with “razzle dazzle” camouflage patterns, this eatery (Deck 5) started as primarily vegetarian but now proudly offers “nice” (plant-based) and “naughty” (meat/dairy-inclusive) options. It’s fun, vibrant, and often easier to get into than The Wake or Extra Virgin. Don’t miss the incredible fried chicken, the famous “secret” burger (ask your server!), the flavorful lamb shank, or the unique desserts like Dark S’mores. Brunch here is a blast, featuring dishes like avocado toast, loaded croissants, and the must-try glittery “Yaas Queen” mimosa (bottomless brunch option available for a fee). Note: On Scarlet Lady, the dinner menu transforms into “Lucky Lotus,” featuring elevated Chinese cuisine.

Pink Agave: Upscale Mexican Fiesta

Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Mexico City at Pink Agave (Deck 5). Designed by Tom Dixon, the entrance features a stunning tunnel of blue light leading to a chic dining room and bar. This is elevated Mexican street food – think shareable plates like Tuna Aguachile, Smoked Pork Cochinita Pibil, Mole Enchiladas, sizzling Ribeye Steak, and the absolutely addictive Esquites (grilled corn). It boasts the largest selection of tequila and mezcal at sea. The vibe is lively and social, perfect for groups. While generally praised, some find it lacks intense heat, but the flavors are complex and authentic.

Extra Virgin: Authentic Italian Trattoria (Cam’s Favorite!)

Often cited as the best restaurant onboard by many sailors (including Cam!), Extra Virgin (Deck 6) delivers a bustling, authentic Italian experience. The focus is on regional specialties, high-quality ingredients, and, crucially, handmade fresh pasta. The menu features antipasti (like the amazing meatballs and calamari), pasta dishes available in half or full portions (don’t miss the Carbonara or Pappardelle al Ragù), grilled meats, and sea bass. Finish with delightful desserts like homemade gelato or the tableside Affogato cart. The wine list is extensive, and the atmosphere is warm and convivial. Hot Tip: This is arguably the toughest reservation to secure – book it as soon as your window opens!

Test Kitchen: Culinary Laboratory (Jonathan’s Favorite!)

Part restaurant, part cooking school, Test Kitchen (Deck 6) offers a unique, experimental dining adventure. Forget ordering – you’re presented with a list of core ingredients (e.g., Mushroom, Egg, Scallop, Venison/Beef, Blue Cheese, Chocolate), and the chefs create a six-course tasting menu around them. It’s designed like a laboratory, encouraging curiosity and discovery. Drink pairings (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) are available for an extra charge and highly recommended to complement the experience. This is perfect for adventurous eaters, but be prepared for a longer meal (2-3 hours) and potentially challenging dishes. It’s certainly unforgettable!

Gunbae: Lively Korean BBQ & Drinking Games

The only Korean BBQ at sea, Gunbae (Deck 15) is all about social interaction. You’ll share a table (typically seating six) equipped with a flameless grill right in the center. Your server helps cook marinated meats, seafood, and veggies while leading the table in complimentary rounds of Korean drinking games (soju shots included!). It’s loud, fun, and designed to get strangers talking and laughing together. The food is delicious, focusing on classic BBQ flavors, kimchi, and tasty banchan (side dishes).

More Than Just Restaurants: Casual Bites & Sweet Treats

Beyond the six main restaurants, Virgin Voyages offers plenty of spots for a quicker meal, snack, or treat – all included!

The Galley: The Modern Food Hall

Located on Deck 15, The Galley replaces the traditional buffet with a stylish food hall concept. Various stations offer diverse, made-to-order options, which you can order from roaming servers or directly at the counter:

• Diner & Dash: 24/7 spot for breakfast classics (eggs, bacon, pancakes) and diner staples later on.
• Bento Baby: Grab-and-go sushi rolls and bento boxes.
• Let’s Taco Bout It: Tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Noodle Around: Ramen and noodle soups.
• Hot Off the Press: Sandwiches and paninis.
• The Daily Mix: Salads and soups.
• Burger Bar: Classic burgers and daily specials.
• Well Bread: Pastries, flatbreads, and rolls.
• Sweet Side: Desserts, cakes, and fruit.

The Galley also features daily dinner specials like Butter Chicken or Beef Wellington. It’s a fantastic spot for breakfast, a casual lunch, or late-night eats, offering great variety.

The Dock & Dock House: Mediterranean Mezze Alfresco

One of the most popular spots for relaxing, The Dock (Deck 7 Aft) is an outdoor lounge with daybeds and stunning wake views, complemented by the indoor Dock House bar. They serve Mediterranean-inspired small plates (mezze) like grilled shrimp skewers, dips (baba ghanoush, whipped feta), and salads, perfect for grazing with a cocktail or glass of rosé.

The Pizza Place: Made-to-Order Pies

Craving pizza? Head to The Pizza Place (Deck 7) for delicious, freshly made personal pizzas. Choose from classic options (Margherita, Pepperoni, White Pie) or customize your own. They also offer grab-and-go salads. It’s open late, making it a perfect post-party stop.

Lick Me Till… Ice Cream: A Sweet Escape

Yes, that’s really its name! This whimsical parlor (Deck 7) serves up scoops of delicious, included gelato and ice cream in various creative flavors that rotate daily, including vegan options. Perfect for an afternoon treat or post-dinner indulgence.

Other Nooks:

• Social Club Diner: Find nostalgic carnival-style eats like hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and even boozy shakes.
• Sun Club Café: An often-overlooked spot on Deck 16 offering tasty Hawaiian-inspired bowls (check app for hours).
• Grounds Club / Grounds Club Too: Your go-to spots for barista-made coffee and pastries (specialty coffees cost extra or use Bar Tab/Sailor Loot).

Navigating Dining on Virgin Voyages: Tips for Success

With so many fantastic options, a little planning goes a long way:

Accommodating Dietary Restrictions: Safe & Delicious Dining

Virgin Voyages excels at handling dietary needs. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies – they take it seriously. Menus clearly label options, and the made-to-order nature of the food makes modifications easier than on lines relying heavily on buffets.

• Inform in Advance: Note your dietary needs when booking or via the app pre-cruise.
• Confirm Onboard: Mention your restrictions to the Maître d’ or your server when you arrive at any restaurant. They are well-trained to assist.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask servers about ingredients or preparation methods.

Their commitment ensures everyone can enjoy the incredible culinary journey safely and deliciously.

Are You Ready to Set Sail on a Culinary Adventure?

From innovative tasting menus and sizzling Korean BBQ to perfect pasta and relaxed pizza by the slice, the Virgin Voyages restaurants offer a culinary tapestry unlike anything else at sea. Ditching the outdated buffet model for over 20 included, unique eateries curated by top chefs truly elevates the cruise experience.

Planning which restaurants to hit first? Wondering how to snag that perfect reservation time? Or maybe you need help aligning your dining choices with show schedules and port adventures? As your Virgin Voyages Gold Tier specialists, CamJon Travel is here to help craft your perfect culinary itinerary.

Get ready to indulge your taste buds and discover why dining is a true highlight of sailing the Virgin way. Bon Appétit!

This blog was updated with new information as of 4/14/2025.