Ocean Cay is one of MSC’s most elegant specialty restaurants, and if you love fresh seafood with a Mediterranean twist, this is one of the best dining experiences you can have at sea. The name can be confusing since MSC also has its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, but this restaurant is located onboard the ship. Think of it as MSC’s interpretation of refined coastal dining: simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a setting that feels perfect for a date night or a special vacation meal.
Below is your complete guide, including what’s on the menu, how the dining experience works, and which dishes are worth prioritizing.
What Is Ocean Cay?
Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises’ signature seafood restaurant, found on select ships across the Meraviglia and Seaside classes. The atmosphere is upscale-but-relaxed, with soft lighting, contemporary decor, and a menu that pulls inspiration from Italy, France, and the Mediterranean coast. It’s not included in the standard dining package, so guests typically book it a la carte or through a specialty dining plan.
While MSC offers a wide range of dining styles, Ocean Cay stands out for clean, bright flavors and seafood that feels thoughtfully prepared rather than heavy or overdone. If you like classic European coastal cuisine, this will feel right at home.
How the Dining Experience Works
Ocean Cay uses a three-course dining format, as noted on the menu MENU_OCEAN_CAY_ENG:
- Choose one dish from Starters or Soups & Salads
- Choose one Main Course
- Choose two Sides
- Choose one Dessert
This makes the experience feel structured and polished, similar to a modern land-based seafood bistro. Some dishes, such as the Seabass for Two or the Seafood Platter for Two, are designed for sharing.
The restaurant is not large, so reservations are recommended. It does get busy especially on formal night, when the restaurant tends to fill quickly.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
Ocean Cay leans toward a modern, sophisticated feel. It’s a great choice if you want a quieter evening away from the buzz of the buffet and main dining room. Service is attentive but unhurried, and the pacing feels intentionally relaxed, encouraging you to linger over your meal and enjoy a glass of wine.
Ocean Cay Menu
Menu Overview and Highlights
The Ocean Cay menu is centered around seafood in all its forms: raw, roasted, grilled, and pan-seared. There are a few thoughtful alternatives for guests who don’t eat seafood, but your non-seafood options will be limited. Below is a closer look at the major sections.
Starter
Ocean Cay’s starters set the tone: light, fresh, and beautifully presented.
Menu highlights include:
- Tuna Tartare
Yellowfin tuna with avocado and microgreens. A bright, refreshing beginning for seafood lovers. - Vitello Tonnato
A classic Northern Italian dish featuring veal with a silky tuna sauce. Mild, creamy, and surprisingly elegant. - Octopus
Roasted, served with hummus, semi-dried tomatoes, and parsley caper sauce. This is one of the most consistently praised plates from the restaurant’s menu. - Seared Crab Cake
Served with lemon aioli. A solid option if you prefer something warm and familiar. - Seafood Platter for Two
Shrimp, blue crab, Maine lobster, scallops, clams, mussels. A great shareable choice before heavier mains. - Seasonal Oysters
A half-dozen served with mignonnettes and lemon.
Soups and Salads
The soups and salads are well-developed and offer a nice alternative to raw or chilled starters.
- Niçoise Salad
Olive oil-poached belly, anchovies, French beans, egg, tomatoes, potatoes, olives, and greens, all served on a garbanzo pancake. A full-flavor, full-texture dish. - Santorini Salad
Tomato, barrel-aged feta, cucumber, red onion, large capers, and oregano dressing. Fresh and summery. - Ligure
A deconstructed minestrone with homemade pesto and San Marzano tomato pulp. - Gazpacho
Vegetarian and refreshing: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, sherry vinegar, and olive oil.
Main Courses
This is where Ocean Cay really shines. Each dish follows the Mediterranean formula: fresh ingredients, clean flavors, and thoughtful pairing.
Standout main dishes include:
- Seafood Pasta
Calamarata pasta with a mix of seafood, tomato, basil, and toasted breadcrumbs. A satisfying and well-balanced choice. - Black Cod
Roasted and served with eggplant puree, tomatoes, and Taggiasca olives. Rich, tender, and packed with flavor. - Grilled Seafood Platter
Shrimps, lobster, tuna, seabass, calamari, and garlic parsley oil. Ideal for guests who want to sample a little of everything. - Salmon
Pan-fried with charred cauliflower, corn, and parsley oil. Lighter than it sounds, with a nice mix of textures. - Dover Sole
Roasted and paired with braised artichoke hearts, porcini mushrooms, and veal jus. This is one of the most premium dishes on the menu. - Seabass for Two
Salt-crusted, served with braised fennel and ladolémono. A great showpiece entree for couples. - Veal Tenderloin
Served with confit shallot and carrot purée. A safe and well-executed choice for non-seafood diners. - Cockerel
A marinated and grilled boneless cockerel with aioli and chunky fries.
Sides
Guests can select two sides with their main course. Options include:
- Garlic wilted baby spinach
- Mashed potatoes
- Greek lemon roasted potatoes
- Provençal tomatoes
These lean Mediterranean and pair especially well with fish dishes.
Desserts
Ocean Cay finishes strong with a dessert menu that’s simple but refined.
- Pavlova
Light cream, berries, coulis, and mint. Ideal after heavier seafood. - Crème Brûlée
Bourbon vanilla, beautifully classic. - Tiramisu
Labeled “The original!”, MSC’s take on Italy’s most famous dessert. - Crumble
Apples, ginger, and fior di latte ice cream. - Ice Cream & Sorbet or Seasonal Fruit
A lighter finish if you want something refreshing.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Ocean Cay features one of the ship’s most robust wine lists, including notable bottles from France, Italy, and Spain. Premium Champagne options like Dom Pérignon and Cristal are available, alongside a strong lineup of white wines that pair naturally with seafood.
If you’re using a drink package, note that the bottles and even some glasses of wine will exceed your included limit and will instead be charged the difference. This is common across MSC specialty restaurants.
Is Ocean Cay Worth It?
If you enjoy seafood or appreciate Mediterranean cuisine, Ocean Cay is absolutely worth the reservation. It offers:
- More upscale ingredients than the main dining room
- A quieter, more intimate setting
- Thoughtfully assembled dishes you won’t find elsewhere on the ship
- A great wine selection
- A strong value when booked as part of a dining package
Cruisers celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or “just because it’s vacation” night out will find this to be one of MSC’s best special-occasion restaurants.
Tips for Your Reservation
- Book early in the cruise for the best availability.
- If you’re choosing between Butcher’s Cut and Ocean Cay, base it on whether you want steakhouse richness or Mediterranean lightness.
- Portions are refined, so don’t expect American steakhouse-sized servings.
- If you love shellfish, the platters for two are some of the most memorable dishes onboard.
Final Thoughts
Ocean Cay represents the polished, European side of MSC Cruises, with a focus on light, flavorful preparations and a relaxed upscale dining experience. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a special dinner night, it’s an excellent addition to your cruise.