Italian restaurants at sea are a far cry from what you see in those bubbly Olive Garden commercials. They're diverse, ranging from laidback trattoria-style cafes to upscale, modern spaces serving up Italian fusion. While many of them stay true to their roots with menu items like freshly sliced prosciutto and pasta Bolognese, it's not uncommon to see a unique twist on a traditional favorite.
We've chosen six cruise ship Italian restaurants that will make you hungry, even on a full stomach. Whether you're a foodie or simply love the culture, you're bound to find one "that's amore."
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1. Royal Caribbean's Jamie's Italian
Ships: Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas
Why We Love It: British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's first seafaring restaurant recreates some of his most-loved dishes from land in a casual, family-style atmosphere. The space is light, airy and colorful with a hint of rustic charm. Start out with crab and avocado bruschetta or spicy Italian chicken wings, then indulge on pasta (made in-house every day) or one of Jamie's main course recipes -- such as the Italian burger or porchetta. There's so much delicious food that it's a great value for your money at $35 to $39 for dinner.
2. Carnival's Cucina del Capitano
Ships: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Vista
Why We Love It: With its brick walls, checkered tables and countryside decor, Cucina del Capitano feels like an Italian trattoria. Dinner costs $15 for adults and $5 for kids, and includes tasty traditional dishes like caprese salad and grilled salmon. However, lunch is our favorite. For free, you can build your own pasta -- starting with linguini, penne or bowtie -- and add your choice of sauce and unlimited toppings such as Italian sausage and eggplant. You also get a side of bread or Caesar salad.
3. Celebrity's Tuscan Grille
Ships: Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Equinox
Why We Love It: Craving lobster linguine or blackened Angus rib eye? Celebrity's Italian steakhouse affords a casual yet contemporary ambiance and sumptuous regional fare focusing on meat and seafood -- all for $45 per person. One of Celebrity's more upscale specialty restaurants, Tuscan Grille beckons you to dress up for dinner. But what we love most are the views -- the best of any restaurant onboard each ship.
4. Disney's Palo
Ships: Fleetwide
Why We Love It: When it comes to Italian restaurants at sea, Palo is as intimate as it gets. The adults-only space features decorative lighting and artwork, cozy table arrangements and a private outdoor teak deck with additional seating. There's even a pianist who plays Italian music during dinner hours. For $30 per person, you can enjoy an array of inventive dishes such as p-seared calves' liver on polenta with caramelized apples and onions, garnished with aged prosciutto. We also love that there's a wine-pairing option ($59 per person) that includes five dishes accompanied by handpicked Italian wines.
5. Oceania's Toscana
Ships: Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina and Riviera
Why We Love It: Toscana offers Italy's Tuscan cuisine -- with a few Northern Italian influences -- at its most elegant and refined. We love the olive oil bar; this is the only restaurant in cruising where choosing the olive oil to go with the (exceptional) bread basket takes more consideration than reviewing a wine list. If you're in for a long, leisurely supper, you can sample more than seven courses (not including dessert!), each offering ample options. There's hot antipasti, cold antipasti, soup, pasta, risotto, salad and, oh yes, entrees. Our ideal dinner at Toscana would include the prosciutto-wrapped shrimp, a small portion of the linguini cioppino, a seafood stew and the pan-seared sea bass. There's no additional charge to dine at Toscana, but reservations are strongly recommended.
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6. Viking Ocean Cruises' Manfredi
Ships: Fleetwide
Why We Love It: Imagine a sleekly decorated Italian bistro that serves hearty Tuscan cuisine with that home-cooked feeling, and you've nailed the concept of Viking's Manfredi's. It's named after Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre, a good pal of Viking CEO Torstein Hagen, because he contributed many of the recipes from his mother's kitchen. Upon entering, you'll stroll past the antipasti station, where chefs are slicing super-thin chunks of prosciutto and salami. You can choose your own selection if you wish. Favorite meals at Manfredi's have included the bistecca Florentine, a deliciously prepared steak with a hint of rich balsamic; the osso bucco, an Italian tradition; and the bolognaise lasagna. The daily specials are a highlight, and we recommend sampling that day's pasta offering (with noodles made on site). There is no charge to dine at Manfredi's, but it's popular, so do make reservations.
