Dining is one of the best parts of cruising, and MSC does things a little differently than most lines. Whether you’re craving handmade pizza, authentic Italian pasta, or an elegant steakhouse dinner, MSC offers a mix of included and specialty dining options designed to satisfy every type of cruiser.
This guide breaks down what’s included, what costs extra, and what makes MSC’s dining experience unique compared to other cruise lines.
Dining the MSC Way
Dining on MSC Cruises is similar to other cruise lines, but with a distinctly European flair. American favorites are still available, but you’ll also find Mediterranean dishes, Italian classics, and fresh ingredients sourced regionally.
On any MSC ship, you can enjoy everything from casual poolside pizza to fine dining at Butcher’s Cut. Every ship includes multiple main dining rooms and buffet venues, plus optional specialty restaurants for an added cost.
Dining is a major part of the MSC experience, and with a little planning, you can enjoy some of the best meals at sea without overspending.
💡 MSC’s dining is both a highlight and a mystery for first-time guests. This guide helps you navigate what to expect on every ship.
Included Dining vs Specialty Dining
MSC includes a lot of food options in the base fare, but not everything. Knowing what’s covered helps you plan (and avoid surprise charges).
Included Dining:
- Main Dining Room (MDR): Multi-course dinners featuring a mix of America, Italian and international dishes.
- Marketplace Buffet: Open most of the day with American standards, Mediterranean favorites, and options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
- Casual options: Poolside grills, pizza counters, and snack stations available on most ships.
- Desserts and ice cream: Soft-serve and pastries are included.
- Basic room service: Continental breakfast and select menu items (varies by Experience level).
Not Included (Extra Cost):
- Specialty restaurants such as Butcher’s Cut, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Sushi & Teppanyaki, and Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant.
- Premium desserts, Venchi gelato, and specialty coffees.
- Gourmet venues like Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Crêpes.
- Some room service items (Bella guests pay a delivery fee).
💡 Tip: Guests with Fantastica or Aurea Experiences receive free room service delivery, while Bella guests pay a small surcharge.
The Main Dining Room Experience
Each MSC ship has two or three main dining rooms, often with elegant names like Panorama, Lighthouse, or Il Ciliegio.
Expect a European-style dining experience with multi-course meals, including salads, pasta, seafood, and nightly Italian dishes. The menu changes daily and features a mix of regional specialties and international favorites.
MSC offers both traditional seating times and My Choice Dining, depending on your booking level. Service follows a relaxed, European rhythm – smaller portions, slower pacing, and multiple courses designed to be enjoyed leisurely.
Dress code is typically resort casual, with one Elegant Night per cruise.
💡 If you love Italian food and the idea of dinner as an experience, you’ll love MSC’s main dining rooms. For faster or more casual service, the buffet is your best bet.
The Buffet
MSC’s buffets are among the most popular onboard venues, known for their excellent pizza, fresh pasta, and variety of Mediterranean dishes. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – often past midnight – and serve as a casual, flexible dining option for all guests.
Depending on your ship, you might see the buffet listed as Marketplace Buffet, La Brasserie, La Piazzetta, or Calumet. Each offers similar menus but with different décor or layouts.
Buffet highlights:
- Breakfast: Fresh pastries, cured meats, cheeses, and fruit, plus traditional American options like eggs, bacon, and pancakes.
- Lunch/Dinner: Rotisserie meats, salads, themed stations, and daily international specialties.
- Desserts: Cakes, gelato, fruit, and espresso (specialty coffees cost extra).
- Hours: Open most of the day; busiest mid-day on sea days or before port arrivals.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the pizza – it’s genuinely among the best at sea, especially on MSC’s Meraviglia and Seaside-class ships.
Specialty Dining Overview
MSC’s specialty dining lineup varies by ship, but you’ll typically find several themed restaurants offering elevated cuisine. Most charge $30–$80 per person, but you can save by purchasing a Dining Package before sailing.
Reservations can be made onboard, though popular venues fill quickly. For the best pricing and guaranteed spots, pre-book through MSC’s website or app before your cruise.
Examples of Specialty Restaurants:
- Butcher’s Cut – Classic American steakhouse with an Italian touch.
- Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar – Japanese-style show cooking and sushi.
- Hola! Tacos & Cantina – Casual Mexican restaurant with margaritas and mezze platters.
- Ocean Cay Seafood Restaurant – Elegant, seafood-forward fine dining.
- Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Crêpes – Decadent desserts and gelato made onboard.
💡 Tip: Lunch reservations at specialty venues are often cheaper but just as good as dinner.
Casual Dining and Quick Bites
MSC offers a variety of casual dining options, including pizza, burgers, and sandwiches available near the pool area. Some ships feature late-night grab-and-go counters or snack bars open into the early morning.
Perfect for families, these spots make it easy to grab something quick between activities.
💡 MSC’s casual food is surprisingly strong – it’s one of the few cruise lines where grabbing a slice of pizza for lunch feels like a highlight, not a fallback.
Coffee, Gelato, and Treats
Ice cream dishes and cones are available near the buffet and pool area for most of the day.
Coffee culture is a big part of MSC’s Italian heritage. Expect Lavazza or Illy espresso machines throughout the ship. Specialty coffees like cappuccinos and macchiatos cost extra unless covered by a drink package.
Select ships feature Venchi Chocolate & Gelato boutiques, offering handmade gelato, pralines, and chocolate drinks – beautifully presented and worth every calorie.
💡 See also: Where to Find the Best Coffee on MSC Cruises →
Dietary Needs and Special Requests
MSC caters to most dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options in both the buffet and main dining room.
Let the maître d’ or your server know of any restrictions early in your cruise. Menus are clearly labeled, though European terms and icons can differ from what American guests are used to.
💡 Pro Tip: MSC’s gluten-free pasta is a standout – especially at dinner when cooked fresh to order.
Dining Tips and Hidden Gems
- Book specialty dining before you sail for up to 20% off.
- Visit the MDR or specialty venues for breakfast or lunch on sea days – they’re quieter than the buffet.
- Ask about Chef’s Night for unique dishes not listed on the main menu.
- On European sailings, expect later dinner times – locals love a leisurely evening meal.
Dining on MSC is as much a cultural experience as a culinary one. The food is flavorful, relaxed, and distinctly Mediterranean. If you embrace the slower pace and the authentic Italian style of service, you’ll likely come away impressed.
For guests who want to elevate the experience, MSC’s specialty restaurants and dining packages offer some of the best dining value at sea — whether you’re craving sushi, steak, or handmade gelato.