Butcher’s Cut Review and Menu (2025 Update)

Butcher’s Cut is more than just another specialty restaurant. It’s MSC Cruises’ premier steakhouse and a highlight of the onboard dining experience. With its newly updated 2025 flat-fee menu and consistently excellent food, it’s easily one of the best steakhouses at sea. This is part of our review of all MSC Dining.

MSC’s Premier Steakhouse Experience

Butcher’s Cut is MSC Cruises’ signature American steakhouse, found on nearly every ship in the fleet. The restaurant blends classic steakhouse style decorated in a classic American steakhouse style with dark wood, leather seating, and a warm, welcoming feel. We think it’s ranked up there with the best steakhouses at sea, combining quality, atmosphere, and service that rivals and even beats venues on other cruise lines. As of 2025, the restaurant has shifted to a flat-fee menu priced at $55, making it an even better value. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just want a top-tier meal, it’s a highly recommended addition to any MSC cruise.

Atmosphere and Experience

Butcher’s Cut feels like a modern American steakhouse with an MSC twist. Expect warm lighting, soft music, and the rich aroma of grilled steaks drifting from the open kitchen. Service is attentive without being rushed, and the staff takes pride in walking you through wine pairings and steak selections. The open kitchen, cocktail list, and curated wine selection complete the setting. Guests often describe it as one of the most relaxing and indulgent meals at sea, the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication. It’s the kind of dinner you dress up a bit for and take your time with, ideal for a date night or celebration.

The 2025 Flat-Fee Menu (Updated for 2025)

MSC has moved to a flat-fee model for Butcher’s Cut, priced at $55 per guest for a three-course meal that includes one starter, one entrée with two sides, and one dessert. Optional supplements are available for premium dishes like dry-aged tomahawk, wagyu striploin, and seafood towers.

Appetizers

Burrata & Beet with arugula and aged balsamic
Colossal Shrimp Cocktail
Bone Marrow with brioche toast and chimichurri
Oysters Rockefeller
Beef Carpaccio with truffle oil
Crab Cake with Cajun remoulade
Wagyu Tartare (+$20)
Seafood Tower for Two (+$59)

Entrées

New York Striploin Steak (14 oz)
Filet Mignon (8 oz)
Ribeye (16 oz, blackened or grilled)
Surf & Turf (Lobster tail + filet mignon)
Grilled Double Lamb Chops
Roasted Chicken Breast with succotash
Broiled Lobster Tail
Chilean Sea Bass with brown butter
Dry-Aged Tomahawk (+$95 for two)
Dry-Aged Porterhouse (+$45 for two)
Wagyu Striploin (+$30)

Sides

Two are included with your entrée. Choices include Yukon Gold Mash, Creamed Spinach, Loaded Baked Potato, Onion Rings, Broccolini, Asparagus, or Sautéed Mushrooms.

Desserts

Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream
Pistachio Chocolate Crème Brûlée
Banana Date Cake with banana ice cream
Fresh Fruit

Note: The new flat-fee menu includes two sides and offers supplements only for premium cuts, keeping the base price one of the best dining values at sea.

Drinks and Wine Pairings

The cocktail list is extensive, with creative options like The Bee’s Knees, Yule Mule, and The Derby, each priced around $18. You’ll also find craft beers, mocktails, and a curated wine list featuring Caymus, Jermann, Robert Mondavi, and Laurent Perrier. Guests with drink packages can use them here, which is a nice bonus not all cruise lines allow.

Our Butcher’s Cut Review

The food is consistently excellent. The steaks are perfectly cooked, seasoned, and tender, easily rivaling high-end steakhouses ashore. Sauces served alongside the steaks are also very tasty, adding depth and flavor without overpowering the meat. Sides like truffle fries and mushrooms are rich and flavorful, complementing the main dishes perfectly. Desserts, especially the lava cake, end the meal on a high note. The service feels elevated, and the pacing allows you to enjoy each course without rush.

Our Verdict: Outstanding. Butcher’s Cut delivers on every level — food, service, and atmosphere. We highly recommend it for any cruise, especially for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or a final-night celebration.

Value and Packages

With the change to a flat $55 price, Butcher’s Cut is one of the best values in specialty dining at sea. Comparable steakhouses on other cruise lines often cost $70–$90 per person. If you have a Dining Package, you’ll receive a set tasting menu that mirrors the full experience, though premium dishes like Kaito Teppanyaki or Wagyu may incur a small supplement. Book before your cruise for the best availability and savings.

How to Book

Reserve before sailing through your MSC account or app. Once onboard, you can confirm or adjust your reservation at the specialty dining desk. Butcher’s Cut typically serves from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM nightly.

Butcher’s Cut stands out as one of MSC’s best specialty restaurants and one of the top steakhouse experiences at sea. With the new flat-fee menu, top-quality ingredients, and excellent service, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys steak or simply wants a memorable dining experience.

Bottom line: Butcher’s Cut is a must-try on any MSC cruise — great food, great value, and the perfect place to celebrate something special.