MSC Meraviglia Bars and Restaurants Guide

We spent a week onboard MSC Meraviglia in October 2018. In case you missed it, you can read our entire live-blog here.

Since our return, we’ve written some detailed guides for anyone who is considering sailing on MSC Meraviglia. We’ll cover everything from where to get a drink, see a show, the services onboard to even what your cabin includes!

Our second guide covers all the bars and restaurants that are available on MSC Meraviglia. There are over 30 bars and restaurants in total, so there is something for everyone!

Restaurant and Bar Full Guide

Deck 5

Infinity Bar

Typical opening times: 07:00-00:30

The Infinity Bar offers soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, some cocktails and speciality coffees. It has seating around the bar and seating by the large porthole windows looking out to sea. Table service is generally not offered here, but you can order directly from the bar.

Approximate seating capacity: 28

Waves Restaurant

Typical opening times: Breakfast 07:30-09:30, Lunch 12:00-13:30, Dinner 17:45 1st sitting, 19:45 2nd sitting, 21:45 3rd sitting.

The Waves Restaurant is located at the very rear of the ship and is accessed via the lower level of the Infinity Atrium. The restaurant is open every day for breakfast and lunch and does not require a reservation.

In the evening, the restaurant becomes one of the main dining rooms that passengers are preallocated. Seating available is from 2-8 people a table and there are large porthole windows at many of the tables. All food is ordered from daily menus, a la carte.

Approximate seating capacity: 600

Deck 6

The following venues are all located within the lower level of Galleria Meraviglia.

Eataly Food Market & Restaurant

Typical opening times: Lunch 12:00-14:00, Dinner 18:00-22:30

The Eataly Food Market is one of the speciality restaurants from the well-known Eataly brand. It is open for lunch and dinner every day and more details will be in our speciality venues guide. Reservations are preferred, but you can also check availability for a walk-in at any time. Eataly merchandise and food goods are also for sale in this venue.

Approximate seating capacity: 58

Meraviglia Bar & Lounge

Typical opening times: 09:00-01:30

This bar and lounge is host to a large seating area, stage shows and is used for a meeting point for various activities. There is often live music here each evening and events during sea days. The bar offers soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and a choice of cocktails. Speciality coffees are also available here. Table service is offered here.

Approximate seating capacity: 64

Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Café

Typical opening times: 07:00-01:00

Jean-Philippe Maury extends his partnership with MSC Cruises on MSC Meraviglia. The Chocolat & Cafe venue offers a large shop with chocolates for sale in many forms, live chocolate demonstrations, create your own chocolate designs (via touchscreen), speciality drinks and hot chocolates and speciality desserts. The venue offers multiple seating options with booths by the large porthole windows.

Approximate seating capacity: 106

Jean-Philippe Crêpes & Gelato Bar

Typical opening times: 12:00-00:00

Fresh crepes, ice-cream sundaes, gelato and other speciality desserts are available made to order for you at this venue. There are several stand-up tables for you to eat at or, of course, you can take your dessert away with you!

Eataly Ristorante Italiano & Chef’s Table

Typical opening times: Lunch 12:00-14:00, Dinner 18:00-22:30

The Eataly Ristorante is a speciality restaurant from the well-known Eataly brand. This venue offers reservations, but walk-in availability is sometimes possible. There are dining options from 2-8 people or more and the exclusive Chef’s Table option too. Furthers details will be found in our speciality restaurants guide.

Approximate seating capacity: 56

The following venues are located on the same deck, but not within Galleria Meraviglia.

Edge Cocktail Bar

Typical opening times: 08:00-01:00

Immediately after exiting the Galleria Meraviglia is the Edge Cocktail Bar which is based on the left-hand side, with seating on the right-hand side. Drinks available include soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, cocktails and speciality coffees. You can order at the bar or there is table service. Pastries are available from this venue until 12:00 daily.

Approximate seating capacity: 60

L’Olive Doree & L’Olivo d’Oro Restaurants

Typical opening times: Dinner 19:00 1st sitting, 21:15 2nd sitting

These restaurants are located as you walk to the rear of the ship on this deck. They are both identical to each other with matching styles and seating layouts. The restaurants are only open in the evenings for preallocated dining times (as referenced on your cruise card). Seating is tables of 2-8.

Approximate seating capacity: 912 combined

Panorama Restaurant

Typical opening times: Dinner 18:30 1st sitting, 21:00 2nd sitting, 18:30-21:30 myChoice dining

Located at the very rear of the ship, this restaurant is open for evening dining only. It offers two preallocated dining times and is also the restaurant for passengers that have the MSC Aurea or Wellness experience levels that benefit from myChoice Dining.

The restaurant has floor to ceiling glass windows around 180-degrees, offering stunning views out to sea. Tables are from 2-10.

Approximate seating capacity: 666

Deck 7

The following venues are all located within the upper level of Galleria Meraviglia.

TV Studio & Bar

Typical opening times: 17:00-00:30

This venue offers live music, karaoke (which is broadcast to in-cabin TVs!) and various other games and events (such as quizzes, etc). It has a bar that serves soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, some cocktails and speciality coffees. There is table service or you can order directly from the bar.

Approximate seating capacity: 98

Brass Anchor Pub

Typical opening times: 12:00-01:30

The Brass Anchor Pub is a British-styled pub based on the upper level of Galleria Meraviglia. It has plenty of indoor seating (tables and booths, plus seating at the bar) and outdoor (promenade) table seating. Additionally, large casks with bar stools are available to sit at outside on the promenade too. Live music is often performed in here most evenings.

Drinks served here include soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, cocktails, draught beers and ciders, speciality coffees and beertails (MSC’s beer-mixed cocktails!). Food is also available to order here, but costs per item and example items include cheeseburgers and hotdogs, complete with sides. There are sometimes food specials listed on blackboards outside the venue.

Approximate seating capacity: 81

Kaito Sushi Bar

Typical opening times: Lunch 12:00-14:00, Dinner 18:00-22:30

The Kaito Sushi Bar is a speciality restaurant that is next door to the Brass Anchor Pub and offers reservations for lunch and dinner, walk-in appointments are also available too. The venue offers a la carte and fixed menu options. Seating is available at a bar area where they make the sushi fresh or at tables with views along the Galleria Meraviglia promenade.

Approximate seating capacity: 26

Kaito Teppanyaki

Typical opening times: Lunch 12:00-14:00, Dinner 18:00-22:30

The Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant is a speciality restaurant and is situated next door to the Kaito Sushi Bar. All seating is inside the venue around four large bars. Booking is generally essential for this experience as you must arrive at the start of your timed cooking session. A meal can last up to 90 minutes.

Approximate seating capacity: 30

Butcher’s Cut

Typical opening times: Lunch 12:00-14:00, Dinner 18:00-22:30

Located on the opposite side of Galleria Meraviglia (still on the upper level) is the American Steakhouse speciality restaurant, Butcher’s Cut. This venue offers seating inside (from 2-8 per table) and some outside seating (with views down the Galleria Meraviglia) too. Reservations are generally required here, but walk-in appointments may be available.

Approximate seating capacity: 68

As you exit the upper level of Galleria Meraviglia you now enter several more venues that each span the full width of the ship.

Champagne Bar

Typical opening times: 17:00-01:00 (or earlier if a sea day / departing port earlier)

The Champagne Bar is located on the left-hand side with additional seating on the right-hand side. There are stools at the bar and by the floor to ceiling windows at either side of the ship and also table seating too. Generally, it is table service but you may request drinks directly from the bar if you wish.

This bar serves approximately 35 different types of champagne, champagne cocktails, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, some other cocktails and also offers a range of seafood which includes caviar, oysters, crab and shrimp.

Approximate seating capacity: 155

Casino Imperiale

Typical opening times: From 17:30 (Or earlier on sea days / departing port earlier. Closing time depends on how busy the venue is, generally not before 00:00 though)

Spanning the entire width of the ship, the casino offers a wide selection of gaming facilities and a large circular bar in the middle. This bar has televisions all the way around it and shows live sports. Drinks available here include soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, some cocktails and speciality coffees. Seating is available throughout the casino and around the bar area.

Approximate seating capacity: 23

Carousel Lounge

Typical opening times: Only showtimes – which are generally 18:00 and 21:00

The Carousel Lounge is located at the back of the ship and during the day offers panoramic windows looking out to sea. It is used for meetings and talks (see Daily Program). In the evening it is exclusively used for the Cirque du Soleil at Sea performances. Booking is required for the performances and late-entry is not permitted. There are generally two types of bookings – show & meal or show & cocktail. Two shows are offered throughout the cruise with one night a week dark (no shows).

Approximate seating capacity: 120 (restaurant) and 293 (bar)

Deck 15

Bamboo Bar

Typical opening times: 07:00-00:30 daily

Situated in midships, this bar is part of the Bamboo Solarium and offers two levels. Table service is available here and so is bar service if required. Drinks available include soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, many cocktails, speciality cocktails and whipped ice-cream.

Approximate seating capacity: 150

Atmosphere Pool Bar North

Typical opening times: 08:00-22:00 (weather permitting)

This bar is covered but is also based outside. It leads directly to the main Atmosphere Pool. Table (sunbed) service is available from this bar or you can request directly from the bar. There is also a number of seats directly at the bar. Drinks available from here include soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, cocktails and speciality coffees.

Approximate seating capacity: 258

Atmosphere Pool Bar South & Ice Cream Bar

Typical opening times: 06:00-00:00

Although based outside, it is sheltered and covered and therefore usually open in all weathers. This bar is at the opposite end of the Atmosphere Pool (as if you were walking to the rear of the ship) and is on the left-hand side. It offers table (sunbed) service and direct bar service too. Drinks available here include soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, cocktails and speciality coffees. There is also whipped ice-cream available from here.

Approximate seating capacity combined: 84

Marketplace Buffet

Typical opening times: Grab and Go area: 10:00-11:30 Continental Breakfast, 12:00-18:00 Grill, 12:00-18:00 Pizzeria. Main buffet area: 24/7 Beverage Station, 06:00-06:30 Early Breakfast, 06:30-10:30 Breakfast, 12:00-16:00 Lunch, 18:30-21:30 Dinner. Buffet extra areas: 12:00-01:00 Pizzeria, 12:00-15:00 Family & Kids Corner, 16:30-17:30 Afternoon Snacks, 16:30-17:30 Make your own sandwich, 22:00-00:00 Midnight Snacks.

The expansive Marketplace Buffet is the full width of the ship offering a huge selection of foods throughout the day. There is a bar located here too, which offers soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and cocktails. Speciality coffees are also available. You can order directly at the bar or press a button on a table for waiter service during the majority of the day. Like most buffets on cruise ships, peak times can be busy. We suggest sitting on the rear terrace if the weather is nice as we found it very quiet (most people miss it!) – just keep heading to the back of the buffet to exit the doors and find it.

The buffet has fresh pizza made for over thirteen hours a day and offers four different pizzas all day long (rotated from a menu of twelve) – there is always a cheese free and a standard Margherita pizza available.

Within the buffet are many stations from ethnic foods to your usual burgers, fries and hotdogs. Food selections may change depending on where the ship is located, but commonly include fresh fruit, salads, cooked meats, carvery, various different pasta dishes and a wide range of small desserts. Trays and cutlery are kept in small vertical lit compartments at the end of each section throughout the buffet.

Seating available includes tables, booths and buffet-style bars with stools. Children’s seating is also available. Plates, cutlery and empty glasses are collected by staff 24/7.

Approximate seating capacity: 1,345

Deck 16

Top Sail Lounge (MSC Yacht Club passengers only)

Typical opening times: 07:00-late. Depending on when the last passenger wishes to leave!

This venue is located at the very front of the ship and is keycard access only. Passengers travelling in MSC Yacht Club benefit from a small fresh buffet (located on the right-hand side on entry). It is changed throughout the day depending on breakfast, lunch or dinner, items here are not generally found in the rest of the ship. This bar offers table and windows seating with a 180-degree view out to sea. Table service is available here and drinks on offer include soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, cocktails, speciality coffees, a large wine selection and anything else the ship offers (but can be brought to you by the MSC Yacht Club staff)

Approximate seating capacity: 167

Sports Bar

Typical opening hours: 10:00-00:00

The Sports Bar is located in the Sportplex. Surrounded by simulators and the bowling alley, the bar offers soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and speciality coffees. Snacks (including gluten-free and vegan) are available to purchase here too.

There are several tables of four and some benches to sit on in this area. Drinks are available directly at the bar and during the day table service is available too.

Approximate seating capacity: 24

Deck 18

MSC Yacht Club Restaurant (MSC Yacht Club passengers only)

Typical opening hours: 06:00-22:00 or longer

This luxurious restaurant with 180-degree panoramic views out to sea is available for passengers travelling in MSC Yacht Club only. The restaurant is located at the front of the ship and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with tables ranging from 2-4 or 6 people maximum. Waiters and sommeliers know all passengers by name in this restaurant and the menus offer more exquisite foods than anywhere else on the ship. No reservations are needed in this venue.

Approximate seating capacity: 142

Sky Lounge

Typical opening hours: 16:00-01:00 (or earlier on sea days)

Located midships and spanning the entire width of the ship, the Sky Lounge offers incredible 180-degree views from floor to ceiling windows looking forward and to the side of the ship. Live music, by pianist and vocalist, is often located in here most evenings. Drinks served here include soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, speciality MSC Molecular cocktails, MSC Smoked Cocktails and others and speciality coffees. Snacks (warm and cold) are available for free from the bar (or ask your server) when the venue is open. Seating includes comfy two to four-seat tables and large sofas. It is the ideal place for a sea day!

Towards the rear of the venue on the left-hand side is a small door and entrance to the Cigar/Smoking Room. In here speciality whiskeys and cigars are available for purchase.

Approximate seating capacity: 180

Attic Club

Typical opening hours: From 22:00 (or earlier on sea days)

This venue is located at the rear of kid’s clubs. It is aimed at teenagers or slightly younger and is a soft drinks bar, surrounded by TVs and game consoles.

Approximate seating capacity: 55

Horizon Bar

Typical opening hours: 10:00-00:00 (weather permitting)

Located at the rear of Deck 18, the Horizon Bar is a covered bar but looks out over the Horizon Amphitheatre. It offers soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, cocktails and speciality coffees. Pina Colada and other cocktails are sometimes available on tap here too! Table (deck) service is available to sunbeds (or the tables located nearby here) or you can take a seat at the bar with several stools available.

Approximate seating capacity: 45

Deck 19

MSC Yacht Club Sundeck Bar & Grill (MSC Yacht Club passengers only)

Typical opening hours: 06:00-22:00 (with breakfast, lunch and dinner changing throughout the day)

This exclusive venue is at the very front of the ship and spans the entire width. There is a part-covered outside grill which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner food to go and a bar serving soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and cocktails. This area is for MSC Yacht Club passengers only and is only accessible via keycard. The venue has many different types of seating from sunbeds, stools and bar tables to 2-4 person tables. Table service is available here or you can just ask at the bar.

Polar Bar

Typical opening hours: 12:00-17:00 – earlier on sea days (weather permitting)

This bar is located with the Polar Aquapark and offers soft drinks and some alcoholic drinks. Soft/whipped Ice-cream is also available here. Seating is available around the bar area and in the aquapark.

Approximate seating capacity: 12

We hope you enjoyed our MSC Meraviglia restaurant and bar guide! Next up will be the detailed Speciality venues available on the ship!