MSC Specialty Dining Restaurants: Complete Guide
Specialty dining is one of the easiest ways to elevate your MSC cruise. From sizzling teppanyaki tables to elegant seafood restaurants, MSC’s specialty venues offer impressive variety and often at a better value than you’d expect.
This guide walks you through every major specialty restaurant onboard, including menus, pricing, and which ones are actually worth booking.
What to Expect from MSC Specialty Dining
MSC’s specialty restaurants are optional, extra-cost venues offering smaller, more intimate dining experiences. They’re perfect if you want something beyond the main dining room or buffet.
Prices generally range from $25–$80 per person, depending on the venue. You can save 15–30% by purchasing a specialty dining package before your cruise.
💡 Tip: Head to the specialty dining desk as soon as you board to secure your times. This desk is either in one of the restaurants in the main area of the boat or right outside of the restaurants at a common desk.
What’s the Dress Code?
Dress code is smart casual – no tuxedos required, but nicer than shorts and flip-flops. Here’s a couple quotes directly from MSC’s policies:
A more polished look is recommended for evening wear when dining in the Main Dining Rooms and Specialty Restaurants and while enjoying the entertainment in the theater, bars, and lounges. Collared shirts, tailored pants or shorts, skirts, and dresses are suggested. Layers and a light jacket or sweater are suggested for cooler nights and in the ship’s air-conditioned public areas.
Specific restrictions may be enforced by onboard staff members including restaurant hostesses and management. At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip flops, and tank tops are not allowed for Evening Wear or Gala Night in the Main Dining Rooms, Specialty Restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn for Gala Night. Dress code rules that are posted outside the buffet should be followed.
To summarize, things that are super-relaxed like flip flops, tank-tops and relaxed shorts will not be permitted. Dressier shorts should be OK, but you’ll see most people in pants, skirts or dresses. A lot of what’s allowed is based on the staff, so there will be some variability by ship or venue.
MSC’s Most Popular Specialty Restaurants
Butcher’s Cut (Steakhouse)
Ships: Found on most MSC ships, including Meraviglia, Seaside, and World Classes.
Vibe: Upscale but approachable – think classic American steakhouse with Italian hospitality.
Menu Highlights: Ribeye, filet mignon, lamb chops, seafood tower, truffle fries, and chocolate lava cake.
Price: Around $50–$65 per person à la carte (or part of a dining package).
Worth It? ✅ Yes. Butcher’s Cut consistently delivers one of the best meals onboard, from the quality of the steak to the attentive service.
💡 Best for: Date nights or special occasions.
Read our review and find the Butcher’s Cut Menu here.
Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar
Ships: On most newer ships, including Meraviglia, Seaside, and World Classes.
Vibe: Energetic, interactive, and family-friendly.
Menu Highlights: Beef tenderloin, shrimp, salmon, fried rice, and sushi rolls.
Price: $35–$45 for teppanyaki set menus; sushi is à la carte.
Worth It? ✅ Yes. The chefs put on a full show, and it’s genuinely fun – a mix of solid Japanese food and great entertainment.
💡 Best for: Families, groups, sushi fans or anyone who likes dinner with a show.
Read our review and find the Kaito Menu here.
Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant
Ships: Most Meraviglia- and Seaside-class ships.
Vibe: Elegant, romantic, and ocean-inspired.
Menu Highlights: Lobster, seafood pasta, sea bass, oysters, and fresh Mediterranean starters.
Price: Around $50–$70 per person.
Worth It? ✅ For seafood lovers, absolutely. The presentation is refined, the setting intimate, and the flavors on par with upscale coastal restaurants ashore.
💡 Best for: Couples and seafood fans.
🌮 Hola! Tacos & Cantina
Ships: Found on Meraviglia and Seaside-class ships.
Vibe: Casual, colorful, and fast-paced.
Menu Highlights: Build-your-own tacos, nachos, churros, and craft margaritas.
Price: A la carte, plan for $15–$25 per person.
Worth It? ⚖️ Good value, but simple. It’s more about fun and convenience than fine dining. Great for a casual lunch or family dinner.
💡 Best for: Quick, affordable specialty meal with kids or friends.
Hola! Tacos & Cantina Review and Menu (2025 Update)Check out our review and explore the Hola! Tacos & Cantina menu here.
Specialty Dining Packages
MSC’s dining packages offer real savings if you plan to visit multiple specialty venues.
What They Include:
- 2-, 3- or 4-meal packages or even individual dinners at a specific restaurant
- Available to purchase pre-cruise or onboard (pre-cruise is cheaper)
- Works at Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay, Kaito Teppanyaki, Hola! Tacos, and more
- Average savings: $20–$30 per person compared to paying individually
💡 Example: A 3-meal package might cost ~$95 per person, covering three separate restaurants worth $120+ in value.
Things to Know Before Booking:
- You’ll typically be served one item from each course at each restaurant per pwerson. Extra menu items would be an extra cost.
- If you select a 2-dinner package and choose Kaito Teppanyaki as one of your meals, there may be a small upgrade fee due to higher pricing for the live cooking experience.
Tips for Booking and Saving
- Book before sailing to lock in the best price.
- Reserve early once onboard – Teppanyaki fills up fast.
- Try lunch at specialty restaurants for smaller crowds and lower prices.
- Use onboard credit for dining; MSC allows it.
- Ask about combos – some cruises offer mid-week discounts or set-course menus.
MSC’s specialty dining restaurants offer one of the best values at sea for guests looking to upgrade their dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a filet mignon at Butcher’s Cut or a sushi show at Kaito, each restaurant brings a unique flavor to your cruise.
If you only pick one, Butcher’s Cut is the clear standout for food and atmosphere. If you prefer an interactive experience, Kaito Teppanyaki is unforgettable. For a romantic evening, Ocean Cay delivers an elegant escape at sea.
💡 Bottom line: MSC’s specialty restaurants combine impressive quality, good prices, and European charm, making them one of the easiest upgrades to justify on any sailing.