Wondering where to find the best Italian cuisine while cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line? NCL La Cucina, the cruise line’s signature Italian specialty restaurant, offers a carefully crafted menu featuring traditional favorites and modern twists.
But is it worth dining here over other specialty restaurants onboard? From handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas to flavorful meat dishes and fresh seafood, La Cucina delivers an intimate dining experience in a Mediterranean-inspired setting.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving authentic Italian flavors at sea, there is something for everyone. Let’s explore everything the NCL La Cucina Menu has to offer—from tasty antipasti to delectable desserts.
What is La Cucina on NCL?
La Cucina is Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature Italian specialty restaurant, offering an authentic dining experience in an elegant Mediterranean-inspired setting aboard their ships.
The restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine all prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
With its warm ambiance featuring rustic decor, soft lighting, and intimate table settings, La Cucina provides a more upscale dining experience compared to the Main Dining Rooms.
NCL La Cucina Menu 2025
Following are Norwegian La Cucina Menu 2025:
NCL La Cucina Dinner Menu
Here is the La Cucina NCL Menu for Dinner:
NCL La Cucina Dessert Menu
Here is the La Cucina Norwegian Menu for Dessert:
How Much is La Cucina on NCL?
NCL La Cucina has switched to a simplified fixed cover charge of $40 per person as of 2025, making dining more straightforward for guests.
Before 2025, La Cucina operated with an à la carte pricing system where guests paid individually for each menu item they ordered.
This new pricing structure includes a complete Italian dining experience with three appetizers (choice of soup, salad, or pasta), one main course from either the pizza or secondi sections, and three desserts.
The base price is $40, guests should note that adding a lobster tail to any entrée costs an additional $25, and a 20% gratuity and drink charges are automatically added to all bills.
Which NCL Ships has the La Cucina Restaurant?
La Cucina Italian Restaurant is available on following Norwegian Ships in the fleet:
- Norwegian Escape
- Norwegian Bliss
- Norwegian Joy
- Norwegian Breakaway
- Norwegian Getaway
- Norwegian Dawn
- Norwegian Star
- Norwegian Sun
- Norwegian Gem
- Norwegian Jade
- Norwegian Jewel
- Norwegian Pearl
- Pride of America
- Norwegian Epic
Oceanfront dining seating at La Cucina is a special feature that is available on Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Class Ships.
You can find Onda by Scarpetta on other Norwegian Ships that don’t have La Cucina, offering a similar Italian experience.
Where is the La Cucina on NCL Ships?
Let’s find the La Cucina locations on different NCL Class Ships:
- Breakaway Plus Class: La Cucina is on Deck 8 on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Joy that has other dining options like Moderno Churrascaria and Cagney’s Steakhouse.
- Breakaway Class: La Cucina is on Deck 8 on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway that has other dining options like Cagney’s Steakhouse, Palomar, Wasabi and bar options like Ice Bar, Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar, Prime Meridian Bar, Raw Bar, Shakers Cocktail Bar.
- Dawn Class: La Cucina is on Deck 6 on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star that has other dining options like Le Bistro, Main Dining Room and Bar options like Gatsby’s Champagne Bar, Cigar Bar.
- Sun Class: La Cucina is on Deck 5 on Norwegian Sun.
- Jewel Class: La Cucina is on Deck 12 on Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Pearl.
- Pride of America: La Cucina is on Deck 11 that has other dining options like Moderno Churrascaria, Aloha Cafe and Bar options like Aloha Lanai Bar.
- Norwegian Epic La Cucina is on Deck 11.
NCL La Cucina Dress Code
Norwegian Cruise Line’s La Cucina has a smart casual dress code, making it an ideal venue for both special occasions and relaxed evening dining.
Men are welcome to wear collared shirts, button-downs, or polo shirts paired with khakis, dress pants, or well-maintained jeans, while women often opt for sundresses, skirts, blouses, or dressy pants outfits.
The restaurant doesn’t allow overly casual attire like shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, baseball caps, or beachwear during dinner hours. Think of dressing as you would for a nice dinner at a specialty restaurant on land – neat and put-together, but not necessarily formal.
When Does La Cucina Open on NCL Ships?
NCL La Cucina welcomes guests for dinner service between 5:30 PM and 10:00 PM every evening throughout the cruise.
Operating hours can slightly differ across NCL’s fleet and various itineraries. So, passengers are encouraged to verify the exact timing through their NCL Freestyle daily newsletter or by checking the NCL mobile app.
The restaurant’s extended evening hours can ensure that guests can enjoy their Italian dining experience at a pace that suits their schedule.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation at La Cucina?
Making a reservation at La Cucina is highly recommended due to its popularity and limited seating capacity as one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s specialty restaurants.
Guests can easily make reservations before their cruise through NCL’s online booking system, the NCL mobile app, or once onboard by visiting the restaurant directly or speaking with guest services.
The restaurant can fill up quickly, particularly on sea days and during prime dining times between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, so booking in advance is the best way to ensure you’ll get to experience this popular Italian dining venue.
Is La Cucina Worth It?
Norwegian La Cucina is worth it if you enjoy Italian food with a fine dining experience. It offers a cozy atmosphere, delicious pasta, seafood, and classic dishes made with fresh ingredients.
The service is usually great and the flavors are rich and authentic. It may be a bit pricey, but the quality and experience make it a good choice for special occasions or a nice meal out.
La Cucina NCL Reviews
The reviews of La Cucina NCL are mixed. Some people love the tasty Italian food, fresh pasta, and nice atmosphere. Others think the food is just okay and not worth the extra cost.
The service is good for many guests, but some say it can be slow. Some enjoy the cozy setting, but others feel the restaurant is too crowded. Overall, it can be a great experience for Italian food lovers, but not everyone finds it special.
FAQs – La Cucina NCL Menu 2025
Is La Cucina Complimentary?
La Cucina is not a complimentary dining venue on NCL ships, as it operates as a specialty restaurant with a fixed cover charge of $40 per person. This fee includes three appetizers, one main course, and three desserts, plus an automatic 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill.
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