Eataly at Sea is one of the most anticipated specialty restaurants aboard MSC World America, and it delivers exactly what the name suggests – a refined, ingredient-forward Italian dining experience rooted in tradition, quality, and regional cooking.
This is not just “Italian night on a cruise ship.” Eataly at Sea is a true collaboration between MSC Cruises and Eataly, bringing a well-known Italian food institution to sea with a focus on sourcing, technique, and authenticity. From fresh pasta made onboard to a deep Italian wine list, this venue feels purpose-built for guests who care about what is on the plate, not just how fast it arrives. This review is part of our series on MSC Specialty Restaurants and part of our broader summary of all MSC Dining options.
The Overall Experience
Eataly at Sea is designed as a four-course, build-your-own dining experience, allowing guests to compose their meal across salads or antipasti, pasta or risotto, mains, and sides.
The vibe is calm and polished, leaning closer to a land-based Italian restaurant than a typical cruise specialty venue. Service is unhurried, presentation is thoughtful, and the menu rewards diners who like to read, explore, and ask questions.
This is a great choice if you:
- Want a quieter, more intentional dinner
- Appreciate high-quality ingredients and classic preparation
- Prefer authenticity over oversized portions
Drinks and Bar Program
Cocktails and Zero-Proof Options
The cocktail menu is refreshingly Italian, with an emphasis on classics and aperitivo culture. Drinks are included with the drinks package or are charged on a per-drink basis.
You will find:
- Multiple Negroni variations, including Negroni Bianco and Espresso Negroni
- Spritz favorites like Aperol, Hugo, Cynar, and Rosa Spritz
- A well-thought-out zero-proof section using Seedlip, with the option to add spirits if desired
Nothing here feels gimmicky. These are balanced, adult cocktails designed to pair with food rather than overpower it.
Beer, Water, and Soft Drinks
- Italian bottled beers from Baladin, including ales and cider
- Premium Italian waters like San Pellegrino and Lurisia
- Italian sodas such as limonata, aranciata, and Italian cola
Starters, Salads, and Antipasti
The opening courses set the tone quickly. These dishes are clean, focused, and ingredient-driven.
Highlights include:
- Burrata with Tuscan tomato bread compote, Taggiasca olives, and basil
- Tuna tartare with avocado and lemon vinaigrette
- Fritto misto featuring seasonal seafood and vegetables
- Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano tasting, showcasing multiple textures and ages
For guests looking to elevate the experience, premium options like Wagyu beef carpaccio and raw Mediterranean red shrimp are available.
Pasta and Risotto – The Heart of the Menu
If there is one section that defines Eataly at Sea, this is it.
- Dried pasta is sourced from the Afeltra Pasta Factory and made using bronze-die extrusion, giving sauces something to cling to.
- Fresh pasta is made onboard, using 100 percent Italian flour from Molino Grassi.
- Dishes are organized by Italian region, reinforcing Eataly’s educational and cultural approach to food.
Standout dishes include:
- Mandilli al Pesto from Liguria
- Tagliatelle al Ragù from Emilia Romagna
- Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Amatriciana from Lazio
- Seafood risotto with clams, shrimp, oysters, and lemon zest
When available, fresh black truffle can be shaved tableside onto select pasta dishes, adding a seasonal splurge that feels appropriately indulgent.
Mains and Secondi
The main courses continue the theme of classic Italian cooking done well.
Notable options include:
- Whole Mediterranean branzino, simply prepared with olives, capers, and herbs
- Veal Milanese for two, ideal for sharing
- Barolo-braised short rib with truffle potato purée
- Tuscan-style porchetta with fresh herbs and sage butter jus
Vegetable-forward mains, such as Roman-style fried artichokes, ensure non-meat eaters still have satisfying options.
Sides and Contorni
Sides are traditional and restrained, designed to complement rather than steal the spotlight.
Expect choices like:
- Parmigiano mashed potatoes
- Grilled vegetables with olive dressing and breadcrumbs
- Broccoli rabe with lemon zest and chili
Italian Wine Focus
Eataly at Sea features one of the strongest Italian-only wine lists onboard MSC World America.
The list spans:
- Sparkling wines like Prosecco, Franciacorta, and Lambrusco
- Whites and reds from Northern, Central, and Southern Italy
- Recognized producers such as Antinori, Fontanafredda, Planeta, and Gaja
- Iconic bottles like Tignanello and Sassicaia for those celebrating something special
Wine lovers will feel very comfortable here.
Eataly Pricing and What It Costs
Eataly is priced in line with other specialty restaurants onboard MSC ships. When booked onboard, the cost is typically $55 per person. Guests who book Eataly in advance through MSC’s online cruise planner usually see a discounted price of around $44 per person.
As with other specialty dining venues, booking online before sailing is usually the better value and also gives you more flexibility in choosing your preferred dining time. Eataly is eligible for MSC dining packages, and it can also be a solid use of the complimentary Diamond specialty dining meal, given its standard per-person pricing.
Beverages are not included unless covered by a drink package, and some premium menu items may carry an additional charge.
Is Eataly at Sea Worth It?
If you value ingredient quality, thoughtful preparation, and a dining experience that feels grounded in tradition, Eataly at Sea is absolutely worth a reservation.
This is not a loud, flashy restaurant. It is deliberate, confident, and quietly excellent. Among the specialty dining options on MSC World America, Eataly at Sea stands out as one of the most authentic and refined experiences available.