As someone who travels almost every month on Royal Caribbean ships, I get to try a lot of cruise ship food.
Royal Caribbean executives have said that food is one of the top two reasons people book a cruise, and I've found a list of my favorites that I'll order every time I visit.
While I'm no food critic, I think these are dishes that truly stand out as being really darn satisfying.
Based on my dining experiences and personal tastes, these are the top 15 best Royal Caribbean food if you love to eat.
Tomahawk steak from Chops
If you're a steak lover, you probably should try the Tomahawk steak option.
It's available as one of the premium cuts at the Chops Grille specialty restaurant. That means there's an additional cost on top of the restaurant's cover charge.
My readers raved about this steak and implored me to try it when I sailed on Icon of the Seas recently. It's a giant piece of high quality steak.
I don't consider myself a steak expert, but I think this is the ultimate steak for anyone that considers themselves one.
World from Wonderland
One of the most different specialty restaurants you'll find is Wonderland, which is loosely based on the Alice in Wonderland tales.
Their dessert is so darn good. It not only tastes good, but looks so cool.
You are served a chocolate globe and then warm chocolate is poured on top of it to melt it all into a gooey and rich dish.
French Onion Soup from Main Dining Room
You don't have to pay extra for all of the best food, because an all-time favorite Royal Caribbean food is the French Onion Soup.
I've had French Onion Soup at a lot of restaurants, but Royal Caribbean's version is verifiably better. I'm not sure exactly why, but they do it right.
It's served piping hot with a fresh layer of melted cheese and just the right mix of onions, broth and bread. Plus, the soup broth flavor is top notch.
It's also available every night at Coastal Kitchen on the dinner menu there.
There's a DIY version of this soup on some nights in the Windjammer, but it never hits the same way.
Crepes from Aquadome Marketplace
I probably could call out each of the food halls at Aquadome Market as worthy of being on this list, but the Crepes station deserves top honors.
The proof is in the consistently long lines for people waiting to get one.
It's freshly made just the way you want, and the perfect snack or meal.
Brisket from Portside BBQ
One of the most underrated restaurants across Royal Caribbean is Portside BBQ. I don't know why it isn't on more ships, but it's really good.
Among the choices on the menu, I don't think you can go wrong with the beef brisket. It's tender, smoked, and almost melts as you eat it.
Ranger Cookie from Cafe Promenade
Whenever I poll cruise fans for their favorite snack on Royal Caribbean, the Ranger Cookie comes up as a winner.
First and foremost, it's chewy and not brittle. That's a win. Plus it has a really good sweet flavor to it.
I'm not a huge coconut fan, but these cookies are probably the best quick snack around.
Kummelwick Sandwich from Park Cafe
Ever since I tried my first Kummelwick sandwich on Oasis of the Seas back in 2010, I've been hooked on this snack.
It's a roast beef sandwich served on a Kummelwick roll, and you can choose to have mustard, au jus, and/or horseradish served on it.
I think they've tweaked the sandwich over the years, but it's still a solid "I wasn't hungry, but I want one" kind of snack.
Broiled cod from Izumi Omakase
When I tried the new chef-driven Japanese restaurant on Utopia of the Seas, I expected the sushi to be my favorite food. But I fell in love with the broiled black cod.
Among the courses, this was my favorite for the incredible flavor.
It's really tender and after I finished it I wanted two more (I didn't get them, but I need to get back and have it again).
"Deep dish pizza" bread from Lincoln Park Supper Club
I'm a sucker for a good starter, and Lincoln Park Supper Club was exactly the right choice.
The "Deep dish pizza" bread is essentially a deconstructed pizza. You are served the bread, and then add the cheese and toppings.
Indian curry from Windjammer
Want to know the most underrated food Royal Caribbean has on all of its ships? Indian curry.
You can get it every day in the Windjammer buffet or at dinner at the Main Dining Room. Each day they offer different varieties.
I've been eating Indian food on Royal Caribbean since my first cruise and it's consistently one of the most flavorful dishes you'll find and remarkably satisfying.
Spaghetti Bolognese from the Main Dining Room
I know spaghetti and meat sauce isn't an exotic dish or something new you've never tried, but it's still one of my go-to MDR dishes to order.
There's something about their sauce that stands out, but the Spaghetti Bolognese is likely my top comfort food on Royal Caribbean.
Asian stir fry station in the Windjammer
The variety of food served at the cruise ship buffet is amazing, but I'll overlook it all if there's Asian stir fry available.
At one of the cooking stations that are usually at the back of the Windjammer, there is a custom stir fry offered (it's sometimes called Mongolian Grill too). You tell the chef which ingredients to include, as well as the sauce.
It's combined with noodles and a protein and it's the kind of food you can eat over and over again.
Margherita pizza from Giovanni's Italian Kitchen
Ever since Royal Caribbean overhauled Giovanni's, I've found so many new favorites. But I think the margherita pizza is their best option.
It's not that surprising considering the cruise line tapped a master pizza expert to help them craft their pizzas.
Trust me, it's so much better than what you'll get at Sorrento's.
Filet mignon from Coco Beach Club
There are many candidates for the best steak across Royal Caribbean, but I think the best filet mignon isn't even on a cruise ship.
Available at the Coco Beach Club, it's easily the best steak I'll reserve the beach club just to have it.
I'm not good at describing how steak tastes, but compared to the versions at Chops, 150 Central Park, or other restaurants, I'll always prefer the Coco Beach Club version.
Fried cheesecake at 150 Central Park
Fried food usually a solid win for taste, but the fried cheesecake at 150 Central Park is worth the cost of admission alone.
This dessert is so sweet, and they serve you two. Every time I think "I'll only eat one" but of course, I cannot help but eat them both.
Buddha bowl at Pier 7
Easily overlooked, but Pier 7 on the Icon Class ships has some great food, including the Buddha bowl.
A mix of fresh vegetables, fruit, grains, and a protein, I think it has a great combination of satisfaction while feeling guilt-free.
