NCL La Cucina Menu 2026 With Prices, Reviews & Tips

Wondering where to enjoy the best Italian cuisine on Norwegian Cruise Line? La Cucina, NCL’s signature Italian specialty restaurant, offers a well-crafted menu featuring classic Italian favorites and modern flavors prepared with fresh ingredients.

Many cruisers choose La Cucina for special occasions or a relaxed evening, but is it worth selecting over other specialty restaurants onboard? This guide covers everything you need to know about the NCL La Cucina menu, prices, reviews and what you can truly expect from this popular Italian dining venue.

What is La Cucina on NCL? 

La Cucina on Norwegian Cruise Line is an Italian specialty restaurant that offers fresh and comforting Italian food in a relaxed setting. It is a great dining option for guests who enjoy classic flavors with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

The restaurant features a cozy Italian-style interior with soft lighting and elegant décor that creates a traditional trattoria feel. On some NCL ships, La Cucina also offers outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy ocean views while dining. 

Seating is comfortable and well-spaced making it suitable for couples, families and small groups. The overall layout feels intimate yet casual, perfect for a pleasant dinner. 

La Cucina focuses on fresh ingredients and traditional Italian cooking. The menu highlights handmade pasta, rich risottos, classic pizzas, slow-cooked meat dishes and well-known Italian desserts, all prepared with simple and authentic flavors. 

Overall, La Cucina is a popular choice on NCL for guests looking for quality Italian food, comfortable seating, and a relaxed restaurant experience during their cruise. 

NCL La Cucina Menu

Following are Norwegian La Cucina menu:  

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. 

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

NCL La Cucina is one of the most loved specialty restaurants on Norwegian Cruise Line, especially for cruisers who enjoy classic Italian food in a relaxed setting. It is a popular choice for couples and families looking for a quiet meal away from the busy buffet areas. The friendly and well-paced service adds to the overall dining experience.

La Cucina serves traditional Italian dishes made with good-quality ingredients. Many cruisers enjoy the fresh pasta, rich tomato sauces, and creamy risotto options. The thin-crust pizzas like Margherita are cooked just right, while popular main dishes like Beef Lasagne Al Forno and seafood pasta are full of flavor without feeling too heavy.

Desserts are a nice way to end the meal at La Cucina, with the classic tiramisu being a favorite among cruisers. Its light texture and balanced sweetness make it a popular choice after a rich Italian dinner. Other desserts like panna cotta is also enjoyed by guests who prefer something simple and refreshing.

Overall, NCL La Cucina is a specialty restaurant where cruisers can expect good food, friendly service, and a calm dining atmosphere every time they visit. If you enjoy traditional Italian dishes and simple desserts, La Cucina is a reliable dining choice on Norwegian Cruise Line.

FAQs – La Cucina NCL Menu