Alternative Dining on the Allure of the Seas

In addition to Chops Grille, there are specialty restaurants aplenty aboard your cruise on one of the largest cruise ships in the world - the Allure of the Seas. If you're a Royal Caribbean fan, some of these eateries will be quite familiar, but some are new to Royal Caribbean...

Chops Grille:

Located on Deck 8, Chops Grille on Allure of the Seas awaits you. This classically elegant restaurant is perfect for special occasions, and your wine list at Chops Grille is the best to be found on your cruise! Tuna Tartarre and crab cakes are among appetizers, and your main entree choices include Filet Mignon, a variety of cuts of steak, fish, and grilled meats. The sauces for your steaks, such as peppercorn, wine reduction, and bearnaise, are very much worth your while! Desserts on your menu include the Mississippi Mud Pie (which receives excellent guest reviews) and Apple Pudding.

The Chops Grille is on of the most popular restaurants on board Allure of the Seas, and, reservations are required. It is advised that you book early as the Chops Grille will sell out. You can make reservations as soon as you board the ship, however, the best way is to make them when you do online check-in well before you get on board the ship.

The charge per diner at Chops Grille is $39 USD.

Chef's Table:

Located on Deck 11, enjoy your five course epicurean dining experience at the elegant yet cozy Chef's Table. Following champagne, the sommelier pairs each delightful entree with the perfect wine. This venue does require formal attire, and we recommend more time than typical for this classic gourmet repast! The Chef's Table starts at 95 USD per person.

Solarium Bistro/Samba Grill:

Also on Deck 15, the Solarium Bistro on the Allure of the Seas provides upscale complimentary breakfasts and lunch buffet. And at night, The Samba Grill offers churascarria delights. Sirloin, lamb, sausage, pork, and bacon wrapped chicken are among your choices at the Samba Grill on the Allure of the Seas. This is an all-you-can-eat affair with a light system at your table to signal your waiter. The dining cost is 30 USD per person.

Johnny Rockets:

Starboard aft on Deck 6, in retro '50's atmosphere, enjoy burgers and fries among other diner treats for 5.95 USD. If you haven't heard of them, Johnny Rockets is the land-based hamburger chain that is a feature of many major tourist destinations. As far as hamburgers go, Johnny Rockets on Royal Caribbean are some of the best you will find at sea (the milk shakes and fries are rather good as well). The whole Johnny Rockets experience is fun -- from the individual jukeboxes and old-fashioned soda-fountain straw stands at each table to the waitstaff and cooks who regularly get up and dance to certain songs from the '50's and '60's, Johnny Rockets on Allure of the Seas is a great casual dining venue.

Park Cafe:

Paninis, stir fry dishes, salads, and crepes are available at the Allure of the Seas' Park Cafe on Deck 8. Food is at no additional cost, but specialty drinks and alcoholic beverages are at current menu prices. This cafe receives excellent guest reviews from Allure of the Seas cruise guests, and from all accounts their paninis are worth a try. Park Cafe also has a market for treats and snacks for purchase to take back in your room. Smart casual attire is suggested.

150 Central Park:

150 Central Park on the Allure of the Seas, located across from Park Cafe on Deck 8, is among the finest dining offered on any Royal Caribbean ship. Gazpacho, braised beef, salmon medallions, duck, sea scallops, cheese selections, vegetarian dishes, and desserts are exemplary of menu items for 40 USD per person at this upscale Manhattan restaurant. At additional cost, there's a 6 course dinner with wine pairing which receives great guest reviews! Dress for 150 Central Park is more formal than casual. Gentlemen will feel most comfortable in suits.

Giovanni's Table:

Zuppa, Antipasti per Due, Focaccia al la Giovanni, pastas, ravioli, pepper crusted tuna, chicken breasts, and veal main entrees and desserts such as mascarpone mousse and cannoli are sample menu items at Giovanni's Table on the Allure of the Seas. Lunch is 10 USD and dinner is 25 USD per person. This restaurant is located on Deck 8. Smart casual attire is recommended. Giovanni's Table receives good reviews for food quality and staff service. 

Izumi Japanese Cuisine:

On the a la carte menu at Izumi Japanese Restaurant on the Allure of the Seas you will find signature rolls, you'll find Snow Crab California, Box salmon & Crab, Box Yellowtail Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, and Champagne Salmon. Food and beverages are at current menu prices. We suggest smart casual attire, and that you check when aboard Allure of the Seas for operating hours of Izumi. This venue is located aft and port side on Deck 4.

Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar:

Across from Johnny Rocket's on Deck 6, Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar offers a simple but delectable choice of entrees that include quesadillas, tacos, burritos, and dinner entrees. The tortillas and chips are homemade, and the guacamole is created fresh for you at your table. Mole short rib, Tiger Shrimp, Oaxacan Red Snapper Ceviche, Queso Fundido, Pollito Quesadillas, and Barbacoa Tacos are among the a la carte entrees on the Sabor menu. While the Sabor is not a complimentary venue, it receives wonderful reviews! Sabor is open for lunch from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Tips for Alternative Dining on Allure of the Seas:

• Menu for Chops Grille on Royal Caribbean
• Menu for 150 Central Park on Royal Caribbean
• With the exception of Johnny Rockets, we suggest that you make reservations for specialty restaurants during booking whenever possible.
• Most unfavorable guest experiences have occurred when passengers have NOT made reservations before boarding ship. The upscale restaurants on the Allure of the Seas have tended to be almost if not totally booked in advance, leaving little room for reservations when you arrive on board, so it's probable that the Allure of the Seas may have similar concerns.
• We recommend making your pre-confirmation reservations online (during the check-in process) or with Royal Caribbean's Ship Services as soon as possible after booking.
• You may make your reservations the first day of your cruise, but with this is a risky option for all specialty restaurants.
• Royal Caribbean offers special reservations packages before you board, which include booking reservations for Chops Grille.
• This is a dinner only experience from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at Chops Grille. You'll feel most comfortable at the supper club in elegant attire on formal evenings, but otherwise smart casual is suggested.
• There is no smoking in Chops Grille. The 39 USD fee per diner does include gratuity.
• Specialty drinks, beer, wine, and soft drinks can be purchased from the current bar menu at Chops Grille.
• How much should I tip at The Chops Grille, the Samba Grill, the Sabor, Park Cafe, 150 Central Park, Giovanni's Table, and Izumi Japanese on Allure of the Seas? First, bear in mind that all alcoholic beverages that you pay for will have a gratuity added. The cover charge does include gratuity, however, you may wish to consider giving an extra gratuity to the waiter or waitress who has served you. An appropriate amount is to estimate the value of the meal you ordered if you ordered it on land and tip 15-20% based on that cost. If you feel that the value of the meal was $50 were you to order it in a land-based restaurant, you should tip $7.50-$10. It is certainly your discretion not to tip, but, the waiters serving you are some of the best on the ship and should be rewarded if they provided you with an exceptional dining experience.