🍽️ Best Specialty Dining on Princess Cruises (2026 Guide)
Princess Cruises has become one of our favorite lines for food — especially on the newest ships like Sun Princess. Whether you’re craving steak, seafood, handmade pasta, or something interactive and fun, the specialty restaurants onboard deliver some of the best meals at sea.
If you’re deciding which venues are worth the splurge (or worth using your Princess Premier Package on), here’s my updated guide to the best specialty dining on Princess Cruises, based on real meals we’ve had onboard.
This guide also breaks down how Princess Premier specialty dining works in 2026 and which restaurants give you the best value.
Want to understand how specialty dining works with Princess Premier? 👉 Compare Princess Plus vs Premier
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Getting ready for your Princess cruise? Don’t miss my 10 Cruise Essentials I Used Daily — these were the MVPs of my trip and I reached for every single one.
👉Read the essentials guide here.
Planning a Princess cruise? 👉 Princess Cruises Guide 2026
🏆 Best Princess Specialty Dining (Quick Picks)
Best Steakhouse: Crown Grill
Best Seafood: Catch by Rudi
Best Italian: Sabatini’s
Best Experience: Umai Teppanyaki
Best Value with Premier: Crown Grill or Makoto
🥩 Crown Grill — Best for Steak Lovers
Cuisine: Classic American steakhouse Price: ~$60 per person (included with Premier) Vibe: Dark wood, upscale, intimate
Crown Grill is the specialty restaurant I recommend to everyone — whether it’s your first Princess cruise or your tenth. The filet mignon, lobster tail, and truffle fries are consistently excellent, and the service always feels elevated without being stuffy.
👉 Read my full Crown Grill Review & Menu
👉 See how it fits into the Princess Premier Package
🐟 The Catch by Rudi — Best for Seafood & Artistic Plating
Cuisine: Upscale seafood with whimsical presentation Price: $60 per person (included with Premier) Vibe: Elegant, modern, creative
If you want a dinner that feels like a boutique restaurant on land, this is it. The seafood tower is a showstopper, and Rudi’s iconic “Face” dessert is one of the most photographed dishes at sea.
👉 Read my Catch by Rudi Review
🍝 Sabatini’s — Best for Italian Comfort Food
Cuisine: Elevated Italian Price: ~$35–$40 per person (included with Premier) Vibe: Cozy, warm, family‑friendly
Handmade pasta, creamy burrata, and classic tiramisu make Sabatini’s a must‑try for pasta lovers. It’s also one of the most relaxing dinner environments onboard.
👉 See my Sabatini’s Review & Menu (coming August 2026)
🍲 Umai Hot Pot — Best for Something Unique
Cuisine: Interactive Asian hot pot Price: ~ $60 per person Vibe: Fun, social, hands‑on
This is one of the most unique dining experiences on any mainstream cruise line. Build your own broth, choose your proteins, and enjoy a cozy, customizable meal.
👉 Explore my Umai Hot Pot Review
🍣 Umai Teppanyaki — Best for Dinner + Entertainment
Cuisine: Japanese teppanyaki Price: $60 per person Vibe: Energetic, theatrical, communal
If you love hibachi‑style cooking, this is a must‑book. The chefs put on a full show while serving steak, shrimp, fried rice, and more.
👉 Read my Umai Teppanyaki Review
🎨 Love by Britto — Best for Art‑Forward Dining
Cuisine: Contemporary American with artistic flair Price: ~$55–$65 per person (included with Premier) Vibe: Colorful, bold, pop‑art‑inspired
Love by Britto is one of the most visually striking dining spaces on Sun Princess. Designed with Romero Britto’s signature pop‑art style, the restaurant blends vibrant visuals with a modern, elevated menu. It feels like stepping into a gallery where every dish is plated with intention.
👉 Read my Love by Britto Review
🍱 Makoto Ocean — Best for Elevated Japanese Cuisine
Cuisine: Modern Japanese Price: ~$55–$60 per person (included with Premier) Vibe: Sleek, refined, minimalist
Makoto brings a refined, modern Japanese dining experience to Princess Cruises. From fresh sashimi to beautifully crafted rolls and warm dishes like miso‑glazed fish, the menu is balanced, flavorful, and thoughtfully curated. It’s perfect for a date night or a quieter specialty dining experience.
👉 Read my Makoto
🌴 Planning Your Port Days Too?
Skip the cruise markup and book directly:
👉 Viator– best for small‑group tours
👉 Shore Excursion Group– price guarantee + free cancellation
👉Get Your Guide- also a good choice
Planning your port days too? Don’t overpay for cruise‑line excursions — here’s exactly how I book my shore excursions, when I choose cruise‑line vs. third‑party, and the tools I use to save money while still getting back to the ship on time.
If you want the easiest, most stress‑free way to plan your days ashore, this guide breaks it all down step‑by‑step.
Packing for your Princess cruise? 👉 10 Cruise Essentials I Used Daily
FAQ
❓ Is specialty dining included in the Princess Premier Package?
Yes — most specialty restaurants are included with Princess Premier at no extra cost. Crown Grill, Catch by Rudi, Makoto, Umai Teppanyaki, and Love by Britto are all covered. If you plan to dine at more than two venues, Premier usually gives you the best value.
❓ Do I need reservations for Princess specialty dining?
Yes. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for Crown Grill, Catch by Rudi, and Umai Teppanyaki. Sea days fill up first, so book as soon as your cruise opens for dining reservations.
❓ Which Princess specialty restaurants book up the fastest?
The hardest venues to book are:
Catch by Rudi
Crown Grill
Umai Teppanyaki
If these are must‑dos, reserve them early or use the Princess Dining Reservations Guide.
❓ Is Crown Grill worth the extra cost?
Absolutely. Crown Grill consistently ranks as one of the best steakhouses at sea. The filet mignon, lobster tail, and truffle fries alone make it worth the splurge — and it’s included with Princess Premier.
❓ What’s the dress code for Princess specialty dining?
Smart casual. Think sundresses, nice tops, polos, or button‑downs. Formalwear isn’t required, but avoid swimwear, tank tops, and pool attire.
❓ Are kids allowed in specialty restaurants?
Yes. All Princess specialty restaurants welcome families, though some venues (like Crown Grill and Makoto) have a quieter, more adult‑leaning atmosphere.
❓ What’s the best specialty restaurant for picky eaters?
Crown Grill and Sabatini’s are the safest choices. Both offer familiar, classic dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
❓ What’s the best specialty restaurant for seafood lovers?
Catch by Rudi is the top pick for seafood fans. The seafood tower and whimsical desserts make it one of the most memorable meals onboard.
❓ What’s the best specialty restaurant for a celebration?
Crown Grill, Love by Britto, and Makoto are all excellent for anniversaries, birthdays, or date nights. They offer elevated service and a more intimate atmosphere.
❓ Can I use onboard credit for specialty dining?
Yes. You can use onboard credit to pay for specialty dining if you don’t have the Premier Package.
❓ Are specialty dining prices the same on every Princess ship?
Not always. Prices can vary slightly by ship and itinerary, but most venues fall within the $35–$60 range. Premier covers nearly all of them.
❓ Do Princess specialty restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Princess can accommodate gluten‑free, vegetarian, and some allergy‑friendly requests. Let your server know when you arrive, and they’ll guide you through the menu.
🛳️ Tips for Booking Specialty Dining on Princess Cruises
Reserve early. Sea days fill up fast — especially Crown Grill and Catch by Rudi.
Use the Premier Package. Many restaurants are included, making it the best value if you plan to dine at multiple venues. 👉 Compare Princess Plus vs Premier
Try different venues. Each restaurant offers a unique vibe and flavor profile — and trying a mix makes your cruise feel more special.
Want step‑by‑step instructions? 👉 Princess Dining Reservations Guide
🔗 Related Guides
🌊 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to elevate your cruise experience, Princess Cruises’ specialty dining options deliver memorable meals and incredible value — especially when paired with the Premier Package. From steakhouse classics to seafood artistry and interactive hot pot, there’s something for every type of cruiser.
If you’re planning a Princess cruise, these restaurants are absolutely worth adding to your list.
About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps travelers maximize points, miles, and real‑life value on every trip. As a Princess Cruises Elite member, she’s sailed multiple itineraries across the fleet and specializes in honest, experience‑based dining reviews — from Crown Grill to the newest Sun Princess restaurants. Julie also leads a community of travelers who want transparent, practical advice without the fluff.
Follow more cruise tips, dining reviews, and travel‑hacking strategies at No Point Left Behind.
