On our recent Mediterranean cruise aboard the MSC Fantasia, traveling with grandmothers and kids made the dining experience especially interesting. We were eager to see how the food would work for all of us. Would there be something for the kids? Am I going to have a hard time eating gluten-free? Will there be enough variety?
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Cruising always brings a mix of excitement and questions about food, and I quickly found that MSC Fantasia has something for every age and every pallet (check out our detailed MSC Fantasia Cruise Review focused on the other activities and amenities on the ship).
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Dining Options in the MSC Fantasia Cruise Line
Let me help you decide where to eat depending on your mood, company, and appetite!
Guests can choose from included dining options, like the main restaurants and buffets, or pay a little extra for specialty venues offering international cuisine, wines, and themed atmospheres.
With flexible meal times, kid-friendly choices, and 24/7 access to food in some areas, the dining experience on the MSC Fantasia was a mixed basket, but overall a positive experience.
Easy and Convenient Room Service
We also took advantage of the room service during our cruise and found it to be generally quick and convenient. Guests in the MSC Fantasia get free continental breakfast delivery (coffee, pastries, fruit, cereal) without any extra fee.
We just had to fill out a form, hang it on the door before 2 AM, and bam! Breakfast was delivered right to our doorstep the following morning.
Main Dining Rooms
The ship's main dining room actually consists of two restaurants:
Il Cerchio d’Oro is located on Deck 6 with a 766-seating capacity. It offers open seating for breakfast (7–10 AM) and lunch (12–2 PM). Dinner follows the standard two seating times (around 7:15 and 9:45 PM).
On the other hand, Red Velvet spans two levels on Decks 5 and 6 with a seating capacity of 1,155. Like its sister venue, it serves open-seating breakfast and lunch, and follows the same two-seat dinner schedule.
Il Cerchio d'Oro Restaurant
The restaurant features a bright, panoramic design with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a refined seven-course continental menu. It occupies the stern with panoramic windows, so you get lovely ocean views as the ship glides along. We came here for lunch and dinner since it wasn't open for breakfast.
A Hit or a Miss ...
That said, the overall dining experience was a hit or miss for me. Some meals were lovely, especially when we got a good table by the windows and had a quiet evening, but other nights felt rushed or underwhelming.
The food presentation was generally nice, and I liked the idea of regionally themed menus. There was one pasta dish in particular (with a rich tomato and eggplant sauce) that I genuinely enjoyed and would happily eat again.
Exceptional Service
One thing I did appreciate was the service. Our servers were polite and tried to be helpful, even when things got a little busy.
They also remembered our drink preferences by the second night, which was a nice personal touch!
Red Velvet Restaurant
After dealing with the chaos of the buffet (more on that later), stepping into the Red Velvet Restaurant honestly felt like entering a different world.
Calm, quiet, and most importantly, civilized.
There was no frantic table-hunting, no crowds jostling past each other with trays. Just actual table service, a proper place to sit, and a chance to enjoy a meal at a relaxed pace.
We were assigned the 6 PM table at the Red Velvet Restaurant. If you wanted to eat later, you could come and ask, but you'd usually need to wait until 9 PM for a table.
Gluten-Free Options at the Restaurant
This was also where I finally felt a bit more accommodated as someone who adheres to a gluten-free diet. While the gluten-free options weren’t always labeled clearly on the menu, the staff was much more informed and willing to check on ingredients.
I still had to ask questions and make a few adjustments, but at least I felt like I could eat without worry here.
The food itself was generally good, not life-changing, but nicely plated and thoughtfully prepared. Some dishes were better than others, but overall, it was a much more pleasant dining experience than I expected.
MSC Buffets: Zanzibar and L'Africana
Since we travelled with grandmothers, my kids would go to the buffet for breakfast while my husband and I would always try to dine in the restaurant.
I have to be honest, the buffet on MSC Fantasia was one of the more frustrating parts of the cruise for me.
A Rushed and Hurried Experience
On the map, it looked like there were two separate buffet areas: the Zanzibar and L’Africana. In reality, it was just one long, continuous stretch that served pretty much the same food over and over.
L’Africana looks more laidback while Zanzibar has a bright African-inspired décor and a cafeteria-style feel. However, both felt more overwhelming than inviting, and definitely not as varied when it comes to international dishes as I was hoping.
Food is consistently replenished throughout the day though, which was a plus at least.
Seating was a whole other issue. People were grabbing all the big tables early, often just for one or two people. This left families and larger groups like mine wandering around looking for a spot. It honestly felt like there were just too many people and not enough space. At busy times, the whole place felt chaotic and cramped.
My Gripes with the "Salad" Bar
I was really disappointed by the salad bar.
Every day, it had things like lupini beans and blanched spinach. Maybe that works for some people, but they’re not exactly crowd-pleasers.
Meanwhile, basics like arugula, chopped cucumbers, kale, or even something like purple cabbage were either hard to find or missing entirely. It just didn’t seem like they were thinking about what most people actually want in a salad.
Kid-Friendly Buffet Options
I clearly wasn't the biggest fan of the buffet, but the kids absolutely loved it!
There was a kid-friendly section with the usual chicken tenders, fries, and mini burgers, which our kids appreciated. The pizza station was a hit! The kids would go back for more.
Navigating the Buffet with Dietary Restrictions:
As someone with dietary restrictions, I found the buffet almost impossible to deal with!
I asked a few times about gluten-free options, but the staff usually shrugged and told me to go to the main restaurant instead.
I get that they’re busy, but it didn’t feel great to be brushed off like that and it made the buffet feel completely off-limits to me.
Speciality Restaurants
If you're looking for something beyond the main buffet or formal dining rooms, MSC Fantasia has speciality restaurants that can cater to your cravings. However, the only one available during our trip was The Butcher's Cut, which was a downer.
It's sad that the El Sombrero Tex Mex is no longer on the MSC Fantasia. I would have loved to try Mexican food (and it was spicy food too!) onboard. We also heard it was a bar serving traditional Mexican drinks with Latin American music playing in the background.
The Butcher's Cut Steakhouse
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Walking into The Butcher’s Cut felt like a step into a classic American steakhouse: dark leather seats, warm lighting, and a friendly buzz. They even display the prime cuts in refrigerated cases, giving you that “I’m about to eat a great steak” moment.
We tried the fixed-price “Dining Experience” menu at about $59 per person, which included an appetizer, main, and dessert. It also gave us the flexibility to swap in other menu items at roughly half price, which is a handy option if you’re eyeing something premium.
We went with the filet mignon and New York sirloin, and they arrived cooked exactly as requested: juicy and seasoned to perfection! We also had a smoked tomato soup and a banana-date cake, which was easily the best dessert on the ship that night.
The thoughtful service, bold flavors, and perfectly cooked steaks made it feel like a real splurge (but one we’d happily do again). If you’re on a tighter budget or already enjoy high-quality meals elsewhere on board, you might choose to skip this one.
Piazza San Giorgio
A charming Italian square tucked inside the MSC Fantasia. What drew me in was definitely the pastry and chocolate shop front. I could never resist glancing at all the treats on display every time I walked by. They serve a lovely variety of sponge cakes: light, moist, and easy to nibble alongside a good cup of espresso.
One dessert that stole my heart was the crème bavaroise with almonds. It was creamy yet elegantly delicate, with just the right nutty crunch.
Even if you're not “in the mood for sweets,” I’d still recommend popping in. It's really just a quiet corner in the ship, making it a calm break compared to the hustle and bustle of the larger dining venues.
Bars and Lounges
One of my favorite parts of cruising on MSC Fantasia was discovering all the different bars and lounges around the ship. Each spot has its own vibe. Whether you want to chill with a smooth cocktail and some live piano, dance the night away to Latin beats, or just hang out in a stylish lounge with a drink in hand.
The Drinking Package
The drink package is definitely worth considering if you like to enjoy a few drinks during the day or evening. It covers a wide range of beverages: everything from cocktails and wine to beer, soft drinks, coffee, and even some bottled waters.
Having it meant I didn’t have to think twice every time I wanted a drink. You just scan your card, and it’s all taken care of, so you can focus on soaking in the vibe without worrying about the bill adding up.
Plus, it had a minors drink package which includes all non-alcoholic beverages, including mocktails, soft drinks, fruit juices, specialty coffees, teas, hot chocolate, and bottled water.
Sports Bar
We visited the Sports Bar probably only 2 times during our cruise. It's an 87-seater venue with plenty of screens showing live sports, highlights, and replays throughout the day. Opening hours are from 3 PM to 12 AM.
The menu is à la carte, focused on classic bar snacks and comfort food. Think chicken wings, burgers, mozzarella sticks, nachos, fries, bread filled with sausage, and mini hot dogs. It’s not gourmet, but everything we tried was hot, fresh, and well-prepared, all ideal for a quick bite or maybe a late lunch.
There isn’t a separate kids’ menu, but most of the items were already kid-friendly and easy to share.
However, the place didn't really appeal to us since we're not really avid sports fans plus there are plenty of other options that could give us a more enjoyable experience plus with a kids' menu.
Il Transatlantico Lounge & Bar
This piano and martini bar, located on Deck 7, is one of the ship’s most stylish social hubs: dark wood finishes, cozy seating bays, and live piano music in the evening. It has that old-school ocean-liner lounge feel.
Alas, it was difficult to appreciate the elegant atmosphere while packed shoulder-to-shoulder with other cruise-goers. Finding a free seat was no easy feat, and getting a drink meant waiting in line. The live music certainly attracts a crowd (myself included), but the foot traffic never lets up.
Despite the bustle, the bar staff were quick and courteous, doing their best to keep service flowing. A crafted cocktail here came with flair, and the atmosphere (despite the business) was still warmer and more inviting than the louder bars elsewhere on the ship.
With its mix of elegant décor and live music, Il Transatlantico earns serious style points. But if you’re after a quiet chat or private corner, this spot probably isn’t it: you’ll either need perfect timing or plenty of patience. For me, it was worth the occasional squeeze for the ambiance… but definitely not a calm escape.
L'Insolito Lounge
L’Insolito Lounge quickly became one of my favorite spots. It had such a fun, welcoming energy, especially in the evenings when the Latin music started up. There was a steady flow of salsa, bachata, and other upbeat styles that gave the space a real party vibe, without ever feeling too loud or over the top.
What made it even better was how great the space was for families. The open floor and lively music meant our kids could dance freely, and no one seemed to mind. In fact, a lot of other families were doing the same.
It felt like one of the few places on the ship where adults could enjoy themselves while the kids had just as much fun!
The lounge itself is spacious, with lots of seating and good sightlines to the stage or dance floor, so even if you weren’t dancing, you could still enjoy the show. There was a little something different happening almost every night—music, dance contests, live acts—and the atmosphere always felt warm and inclusive.
Il Cappuccino Coffee Bar
Located in the atrium area, this bar has a cozy and well-designed space that gives a more refined drinking experience compared to the buffet or standard beverage stations.
The menu features a wide variety of specialty coffees and teas, including cappuccinos, espressos, lattes, and iced drinks. There’s also a nice selection of pastries, small cakes, and chocolates available à la carte.
It’s not part of the standard drink package (unless you have the premium plan), but prices are reasonable for a cruise.
There’s limited table seating, so it can get a bit crowded during peak times, especially on sea days. But if you find a seat, it’s a great spot to relax with a book or people-watch while enjoying a well-made drink. For coffee lovers, it’s definitely a step up from the buffet machine coffee.
Manhattan Bar
Tucked just off the main atrium, Manhattan Bar had a chic, jazzy atmosphere with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and live piano or lounge music that gave the whole space a cool, classic feel, like something out of an old New York cocktail lounge.
But what really made it stand out for me were the fantastic drinks. You can tell the bartenders here are the real deal! Every cocktail I ordered was balanced, beautifully presented, and actually tasted like it was made with care. No shortcuts or watery mixers!
If you’re into well-made cocktails and a mellow, classy vibe, I’d absolutely recommend stopping by Manhattan Bar. It quickly became my go-to spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. Honestly, I kind of miss it already.
La Cantina Toscana
La Cantina Toscana is an Italian wine bar located just off the ship’s main promenade. It has an à la carte menu of Italian wines, cured meats, cold cuts, cheeses, and small bites like bruschetta and panini. They also serve Italian beers and have a few non-alcoholic options.
This is very much an adults-only kind of space. There were no kids around during our visit, and it’s clear that the place is tailored to adults. There’s no kids’ menu, and the ambiance isn’t suited for younger guests, which actually makes it a nice escape if you’re traveling with family and want a more peaceful moment.
MSC Yacht Club
With an exclusive "ship within a ship" concept, the club offers guests a luxurious and private cruising experience. It's located on Decks 15 and 16, and is considered an elite enclave with a range of elegant suites, including Grand Suites and Executive & Family Suites, each designed with comfort and privacy in mind.
MSC yacht club guests can enjoy a 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, and priority embarkation, ensuring a seamless and personalized journey from start to finish. The exclusive areas within the Yacht Club include a private lounge, the sophisticated L'Étoile restaurant, a sun deck with a pool, and a thermal suite in the MSC Aurea Spa
The all-inclusive experience extends to premium beverages and unlimited internet access, allowing guests to indulge without concern. Additionally, MSC yacht club passengers receive priority reservations and seating at specialty restaurants.
L'Étoile Restaurant
An exclusive à la carte restaurant reserved for the yacht club members. This intimate 136-seat venue offers a refined dining experience inspired by the culinary traditions of France and Italy. The ambiance is sophisticated, featuring panoramic windows that provide stunning ocean views, complemented by elegant décor.
The menu at L'Étoile showcases gourmet dishes crafted from premium ingredients such as foie gras, truffles, and scallops.
To complement the exquisite cuisine, L'Étoile boasts an extensive wine list featuring over 50 selections from Italy, France, and Spain. Guests can seek recommendations from the expert Head Wine Waiter to find the perfect pairing for their meal.
Wrapping Up Our Dining Experience on MSC Fantasia
I can honestly say it was a mixed bag, but leaning more on the good. It wasn’t always easy finding a seat or navigating the crowds, but the sheer variety of food meant there was usually something for everyone.
MSC Fantasia’s dining options managed to strike a balance that worked well for our multigenerational group. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but with a little planning and a mix of casual and formal dining, we all found ways to enjoy good food together.
If you’re cruising with a variety of ages and tastes, this ship’s dining choices can really meet you where you are!
