Explora Journeys Restaurants: Best Dishes to Order and What to Skip
When Explora Journeys entered the luxury cruise scene, the brand promised a new standard for ocean travel: refined, European, and unapologetically elegant.
Explora Journeys restaurants are some of the most refined dining venues at sea, blending European elegance, Italian culinary heritage, and luxury-level service.
After sailing on Explora II, I can confidently say the dining experience not only lives up to the brand’s promise—it exceeds it.
Because Explora I and Explora II share the same restaurants, this guide applies no matter which ship you’re sailing on.
Explora Journeys is owned by MSC Group, but the onboard experience feels entirely separate from MSC Cruises.
You see it in the design, feel it in the service, and taste it most clearly in the food—from fresh-baked breads and artisanal cheeses to properly executed pastas, steaks, lobster tails, and even elevated in-suite dining.
As a preferred partner of Explora Journeys through both the Travel Leaders Network and Outside Agents’ Opulence division, award-winning travel advisor Elevate Your Escapes gets early access, insider updates, exclusive amenities, and onboard credit you can’t get when booking on your own.
But more importantly, Elevate Your Escapes has sailed, sold, and supported clients on their Explora Journeys. We know the ships and the food – not from brochures, but from experience!
In this complete Explora Journeys dining guide, I’ll walk you through every restaurant onboard, sharing exactly what to order, what’s worth skipping, and how to make the most of your dining reservations.
What Are the Best Restaurants on Explora Journeys?
- Best Overall: Marble & Co. Grill
- Best Breakfast: Emporium Marketplace
- Best Lunch Spot: Sakura
- Best Casual Option: Crema Café
- Best Outdoor Restaurant: Sakura
Sit-Down Dining
Explora offers several elegant, full-service restaurants that are included in your cruise fare.
Each one brings something different to the table, from French fine dining to Pan-Asian flavors. Reservations are encouraged, but I’ll flag the ones where booking ahead is truly worth it.
Marble & Co. Grill
Marble & Co is my favorite of all Explora Journeys restaurants.
Marble & Co. reminds me of an old-school New York City joint, but polished with that understated European elegance Explora does so well.
Premium cuts are dry‑aged and grilled to order in a sophisticated space with warm wood accents and subtle lighting that feels timeless yet relaxed.
It’s dinner-only and definitely the hardest reservation to get. You’ll need to reserve through the Explora app or onboard to secure your preferred time, especially on sea days and early evenings.
That said, I never had an issue when speaking directly with the dining reservations team near Crema Café on Deck 5.
The kitchen executes every dish – plus, I’m a steak lover. The fingerling potatoes with caviar are my top favorite dish on the entire ship.
The potatoes, chives, calvisius oscietra caviar, creme fraiche… woah. It doesn’t matter what else you’re ordering, get one per person. You can also request the dish without caviar, if you don’t particularly like caviar.
The lobster bisque is another must-try, served with thick chunks of lobster meat and a depth of flavor most steakhouses don’t bother to achieve. Marble & Co serves the lobster bisque with fontagard whiskey and whipped cream.
My server encouraged me to try both with and without the whiskey. I preferred it without… though I do love a good whiskey onboard.
Meat is the main event here. Seafood is available, but I’d skip it at this restaurant unless you don’t eat red meat. This is where the kitchen really shows off its grill mastery.
You’ll find a variety of cuts and the grilled prime rib is a standout. As for me, though, I usually go for the filet: always tender and cooked to my liking.
If you’re feeling indulgent, order Franck’s mashed potatoes on the side, though sometimes I pass so I can enjoy the full lineup of appetizers, soup, steak, and dessert without feeling too full.
Save room for the brownie: rich, classic, and the perfect finish to an elegant meal.
Sakura
Sakura is Explora’s Asian‑inspired restaurant, open for both lunch (typically 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.) and dinner (6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) with distinct menus for each service.
Located on Deck 5 with indoor seating and outdoor tables adjacent to the Astern pool, it’s one of the most relaxed yet stylish spots on the ship. Even the napkins here are folded like kimonos. I loved that touch!
You can test your chopstick skills or simply eat with a fork if you prefer. No pressure here.
For lunch, my go‑to dish is the Singapore Chicken Salad with its miso‑mustard vinaigrette. It strikes a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a welcome crunch from curried cashews that makes it one of my favorite meals onboard.
The Black Angus Sirloin Teriyaki is also flavorful and satisfying if you’re in the mood for something heartier.
Dinner at Sakura offers unique appetizers and full-plate fishes. Where Sakura truly shines is in its starters and small plates. The Gyoza, Dim Sum, and Bluefin Tuna Tartare are all excellent: balanced, well-seasoned, and beautifully plated.
I also adore the Crispy Duck Leg Confit. And, the salted Edamame I don’t ask for but somehow always shows up at the table… The coconut soup – sometimes on special – is simple but comforting, a great way to ease into the meal with subtle Thai and Japanese flavors.
As for the dinner mains, I haven’t been impressed. The Miso Roasted Black Cod Filet had more sauce than I enjoy, and overall was not quite on the level of what you’d find at Nobu, which made the dish famous, or even the frozen miso cod from Costco.
The Lobster Pad Thai also lacked the depth of flavor I hoped for. (I’ve been to Thailand and I’m from NYC – the capital of international cuisine – so I have been a bit spoiled!)
Fil Rouge
Fil Rouge offers both breakfast/brunch and dinner, with a French‑inspired menu that feels refined without being overly formal. It sits next to Med Yacht Club on Deck 4. It can feel especially authentic after visiting a French port like Cannes.
The breakfast selection is lovely, but when I’m in a rush before an excursion, I often opt for in‑suite dining or Emporium Marketplace simply because there’s more variety and I can go at my own pace.
For dinner, Fil Rouge quickly became my second favorite restaurant onboard, just behind Marble & Co. The escargot is one of my standout dishes on the entire ship.
Maybe my second favorite dish? The herb garlic butter is rich and aromatic, and I inevitably find myself dipping bread into the sauce long after the snails are gone. (I also adore the bread onboard, especially at Fil Rouge!)
Another favorite is the Scallop Carpaccio, which surprised me, because I don’t usually like scallops. Sometimes the ocean taste, or the texture rubs me the wrong way.
It’s light yet flavorful, with just a whisper of caviar that elevates the dish without overpowering it. If you’re usually on the fence about raw seafood, this one might change your mind. It’s not fishy AT ALL!
The crab cake is quite good, too.
When it comes to mains, the Onglet de Boeuf (hanger steak) is my go‑to choice. It’s cooked to order and full‑flavored without feeling heavy. YUM!
Though the Langoustine Thermidor sounds tempting, skip it. The lobster tail gets lost under a dense layer of white sauce. It doesn’t showcase the flavor of lobster the way the other dishes do.
My key tip for Fil Rouge: order the soufflé. There’s a daily special each evening and it’s consistently exceptional, especially the chocolate soufflé.
Another dessert worth trying is the Fil Rouge Signature Mille‑Feuille. The Madagascan vanilla cream inside is high quality and often recommended by the staff.
Med Yacht Club
Med Yacht Club on Deck 4 is billed as a Mediterranean‑inspired restaurant with scenic ambiance. But for me, it’s been my least memorable meal onboard.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this was also one of the easiest reservations to secure on the ship. Still, it can be an easy dinner after warm days walking around med cities like Malaga or adventurous ports like Vancouver.
The octopus is perfectly serviceable (tender and seasoned well enough). It was just okay. I’ve had WAY better in oceanfront seafood market cities like Lisbon and Faro in Portugal.
The carbonara is prepared in a more traditional style, which some purists may appreciate. In my opinion, it was seriously lacking thick pieces of guanciale, the rich cured pork that’s essential to the dish’s character.
And while I expected more from the Osso Bucco, it just didn’t resonate with me.
Med Yacht Club may hit the right note for you, especially if you’re craving straightforward Mediterranean flavors in a relaxed setting. For me, it was a one‑and‑done experience.
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Casual Dining
When you’re in the mood for something quick, light, or buffet-style, Explora’s more relaxed venues deliver variety without sacrificing quality.
These options don’t require reservations, making them perfect between excursions or when you want flexibility without compromising on flavor.
Emporium Marketplace
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I sail Virgin Voyages often and I love that there are no buffets onboard. That said, I also appreciate a high-end buffet when it’s done right (shout out to the W Melbourne and Only You Madrid).
Emporium Marketplace is one of the rare cruise buffets that actually far exceeds expectations.
Breakfast is definitely a highlight. You’ll find a crepe griddle, an eggs Benedict station, and made-to-order omelettes, pancakes, and waffles.
There’s also a strong lineup of breads, cheeses, yogurts, bacon, hash browns, fresh-pressed juices, and specialty coffee. Plus Bloody Marys, if you’re easing into the day in style.
Breakfast at Emporium Marketplace is typically served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Lunch elevates the experience. I’ve eaten here more times than I can count and the selection truly changes every day. I’ve had everything from power bowls and sushi/sashimi to paella, burgers, pastas, and grilled meats.
Finally, dinner really takes things up another notch. You’ll find lobster tails, mussels, five types of ceviches, and one of the best cheese and charcuterie spreads I’ve seen at sea – and that’s just scratching the surface.
And then there’s dessert. The display rotates between lunch and dinner with a colorful spread of cakes, pies, cupcakes, pastries, cookies, candy, and other sweet bites. It’s easy to grab just one… or three.
The Deck 11 space is large and well laid out, with a generous outdoor dining area that includes small and large tables.
There’s something special about sitting at the back of the ship and watching a sail away from a gorgeous port like Casties, St. Lucia.
And while seating is usually no problem, it can get crowded around 1 p.m. on sea days. You might find yourself weaving through the crowd with a full plate, or walking a bit farther to find a table.
Still, that can be expected on any ship during a sea day, and the staff actively seeks to help as best as they can!
Regarding buffet cleanliness, the incredible Explora Journeys staff is always keeping the entire ship in top-top shape. Additionally, I appreciate that there are handwashing stations at every entrance, even if not everyone takes advantage of them.
Crema Cafe
Crema Cafe brings a touch of European café culture to sea, blending specialty coffee and light bites in a relaxed social setting on Deck 5.
It’s styled after classic cafés you might find in France or Italy, with comfortable seating, sea views, and a display case of pastries, sandwiches, cakes, and sweets that evolve throughout the day. It’s usually open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. (hours may vary).
Crema Cafe is a regular stop simply because the sea salt cookies were some of the best cookies I’ve ever had: crisp at the edges with a gentle balance of sweet and savory sea salt flakes that kept me coming back.
The staff smiles at me when I return because they already know what I’m coming for!
The menu here isn’t heavy, but it’s just right for a light sandwich or pastry paired with a well‑crafted cappuccino or loose‑leaf tea. I go for the Illy Vanilla Latte.
Cafe Crema is open most of the day (6 am to evening) and functions as a casual hub, perfect for a mid‑morning espresso, a light afternoon snack, or a quiet moment between meals. The ship hosts games and other events at Crema Cafe, too.
Gelateria & Creperie
This fast-casual dessert counter tucked inside The Conservatory is a quiet afternoon highlight, especially on sea days when you’re looking for something light and indulgent.
True to Explora’s roots, the gelato here is authentically Italian: creamy and flavorful without being overly sweet.
The crepes are another hit, made fresh to order and filled with everything from Nutella to seasonal fruit. Or go for a scoop of pistachio or a folded crepe with berries and cream, both delivering that just-right sweet treat. I’m a vanilla girl myself.
It’s easy to swing by for a quick pick-me-up after an excursion or before some pool time.
Explora Lounge
This isn’t a restaurant in the traditional sense, but it’s a helpful option when you’re hungry at an off-hour, especially if you’ve just come back from an excursion and Emporium Marketplace is already closed.
The lounge offers small bites, spring rolls, sushi, and sandwiches, but I’ll be honest: this isn’t a venue I’d visit for the food alone.
The spring rolls and other snacks tend to come out quickly, though I don’t recommend them, as they’re not on-par with most of the ship’s offerings.
The sandwiches are hearty and made fresh-to-order. They can take 20 minutes or more.
That said, the space itself is comfortable and inviting, so if you’re looking for a light bite and a quiet seat, this lounge serves its purpose.
Afternoon tea from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. is quite nice, and offers Swiss loose leaf and bag tea, often to the sounds of live music.
Specialty Dining
Explora includes so many high-end options in your fare that you may never feel the need to look beyond them.
But if you’re in the mood for something a little different or want to celebrate a special night, there are a few elevated experiences onboard that go above and beyond the standard lineup.
Anthology
Anthology is Explora’s chef-driven fine dining concept with a rotating menu curated by world-renowned culinary talent. It’s also the only restaurant onboard with a surcharge, which is $200 for the meal and $75 for the wine pairing. I have not tried it, but I don’t think it’s worth it to dine here.
When I’m already enjoying steak, lobster, and caviar at no extra cost across the ship, it’s tough to justify an enormous added fee. (Though, I do enjoy fine dining when I travel – I’ve been to two restaurants that have earned the #1 spot by The World’s 50 Best.)
All that said, I’ve heard consistently glowing reviews from other guests. Anthology is designed to be an experience: intimate, elevated, and distinct from the other venues.
It may well be worth the splurge if you’re celebrating something special, are on an extended journey, or simply want to try everything Explora has to offer.
Chef’s Kitchen
Chef’s Kitchen isn’t a restaurant, but rather a culinary workshop space designed for hands-on experiences with Explora’s chefs.
It’s tucked away in a quiet part of the ship and offers small group cooking classes, tastings, and demos, all with a focus on regional flavors and fresh ingredients.
There is an added cost of around $150, but for food lovers (or anyone curious to get behind the scenes), it can be a fun and worthwhile investment.
If you’re the type who enjoys learning while you travel, or you simply want a change of pace from traditional dining, Chef’s Kitchen adds a more immersive layer to Explora’s already impressive culinary program.
While cooking on the ship is fun, if in a foodie destination like Split I’d rather go to a cooking class on land.
In-Suite Dining
Sometimes the best meals are the ones you enjoy in your robe, with the sea just outside your door.
Explora’s in-suite dining is available 24/7 and offers one of the largest room service menus at sea: not just snacks or basics, but full meals that are thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated.
The delivery is fast and the food quality is just as strong as what you’d expect in the ship’s main dining venues.
What really sets the experience apart is the suite setup itself: each one includes a proper dining table and chairs on the balcony, plus an indoor lounge area with a coffee table.
If you like having breakfast at sunrise or a quiet dinner after a long day ashore (in incredible places like Dubrovnik), this is one of the most comfortable in-room dining setups in the industry.
How to Make Dining Reservations
Explora Journeys makes it easy to manage your dining plans both before you sail and once you’re onboard.
Using the My Explora Journeys app, you can browse the dining venues and reserve tables at your preferred restaurants once you’re checked in and connected onboard.
The app also lets you explore journey details, view menus, and plan experiences across the ship from your phone.
You can typically begin booking dinner reservations through your app or online well ahead of your voyage.
Some guests were able to secure bookings 90 days before departure depending on availability and how the cruise line’s system is configured for your sailing.
Dinner in the restaurants is served from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Personally, I usually wait until I’m onboard and settled into the ship before finalizing my restaurant plans.
I like eating early, and even on near‑full sailings I’ve never had an issue securing a table for a time that works for me.
If something is fully booked on the app, just visit the dining reservations desk on Deck 5 near Crema Cafe. The team there is great at sorting out options and helping you find the best fit for your schedule.
Interestingly, too, the restaurants are never full. There’s plenty of space, open tables, and the volume doesn’t get too loud for good conversation.
You can make reservations for groups, as well. If booking with me, I will handle all the logistics for you!
Another important note: Explora offers a 15 minute grace period on dining reservations. After that, the reservation will be cancelled. But don’t worry if you’re running late from an excursion, you can always eat quality food in Emporium Marketplace.
Food Restrictions
Explora Journeys offers exceptional plant based and vegetarian dishes.
Explora Journeys considers itself ‘Gluten Conscious’. Chefs can cater to guests with gluten conscious requirements, and request that guests advise any specific preferences at the time of booking.
No matter what is added to your booking ahead of time, it’s wise to remind check-in and servers of any serious food allergies or sensitivities.
Explora Journeys Restaurants: The Shortlist
My Honest Take on Explora Journeys Dining
- One restaurant I’d book again immediately: Marble & Co.
- One dish I still think about after the last time I stepped off the ship in Miami: Fingerling potatoes with caviar
- One venue I’d skip next time: Med Yacht Club
- Biggest surprise: How good the Emporium Marketplace buffet actually is
Dining on Explora is an experience in itself: elevated, consistent, and full of pleasant surprises. Marble & Co. remains my top pick for dinner, with Sakura and Emporium Marketplace as go-to favorites for lunch.
For breakfast, it’s a toss-up between Emporium’s spread and the quiet ease of in-suite dining, especially before a busy day in a fun port cities like San Juan, Puerto Rico or Dubrovnik.
If you’re short on days at sea or just want the best of the best, skip Med Yacht Club and head to Fil Rouge or Sakura multiple times instead.
Part of the fun is discovering what resonates with you – so don’t hesitate to revisit your favorites or ask the staff for personal recommendations. They’re knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely want you to enjoy each meal.
All in all, I’m always comparing cruise lines that I frequent. I enjoy Virgin Voyages restaurants often but food on Explora is truly stand-out. I also love that Explora Journeys restaurants, with alcohol, are all inclusive. Virgin Voyages is not all-inclusive.
Explora has created a culinary program that rivals top land-based resorts, and in many ways, exceeds them.
Whether you’re dining poolside, dressed up for dinner, or enjoying a quiet moment on your balcony, the food consistently rises to the occasion!
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