On Norwegian Aqua, choosing where to eat isn’t a matter of what’s available – it’s a matter of how much can I eat before I have to lie down?
From sizzling teppanyaki to French fine dining, this ship is a floating food fantasy. And in the name of serious journalism, I did my very best to try everything.
Intimate dining at Le Bistro
Complimentary Dining That Feels Anything But
Let’s start with the complimentary dining – which, in a few short words, is high quality and generous in quantity.
Indulge Food Hall
Indulge is a food-lover’s playground – think mall-style food court but turned up to eleven, and free. Yes, free. You can grab a seat at one of the food ‘stalls’ or sit at a table and order from the entire hall via iPad. It’s the kind of place where restraint goes out the window and you end up with bao buns, brisket, tacos, and a butter chicken all arriving one after the other. Each dish is delivered by table service, so you barely need to move. Dangerous? Absolutely. Delicious? Undoubtedly.
Top picks include:
- Tamara – Indian curries and garlic naan that’s so fluffy it could double as a pillow
- Q Texas Smokehouse – Fall-apart brisket and coleslaw with a proper Southern twang
- Seaside Rotisserie – Roast chicken done right, with golden veg to match
- Latin Quarter – Pulled pork tacos and spicy rice that brought the heat
The best part? You don’t need to choose. You can mix, match and indulge from every outlet on the menu. It does get busy at peak mealtimes, so if you can handle an early lunch or a later dinner, you’ll have no trouble finding a seat.
Surfside Grill
Located up on Deck 17, Surfside Grill is the ship’s buffet with both indoor and outdoor seating – perfect for breezy bites. The menu changes daily for lunch and dinner, so there’s no chance of boredom setting in. One day we struck gold with a Mexican theme: think a fully stocked taco bar, nacho station, Mexican street corn with every topping imaginable, and churros dusted with cinnamon served with a silky dulce de leche. It was like being teleported to a street fiesta, minus the jetlag.
Hudsons & Commodore
Now here’s a little secret: Hudsons may be a complimentary restaurant, but it feels every bit like a paid experience. Tucked in the stern of the ship, this beautifully designed dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic ocean views and sleek Scandinavian décor. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it offers classics with a modern twist and a wine list that begs you to stay for “just one more glass.”
Hudsons’ quieter partner, Commodore, serves the same menu but has a more traditional and serene atmosphere – ideal for romantic dinners or solo sunset meals with a book and a pinot.
The Local Bar & Grill – Open All Hours
The Local is your around-the-clock comfort food pit stop. Open 24/7, it offers bar snacks and table service depending on where you plonk yourself down. Expect pub-style classics that hit the spot any time of day: crispy fish and chips, buffalo wings, loaded nachos, Caesar salads and – the highlight – a retro chocolate sundae.
Observation Lounge – For Nibbles With a View
While not a full-service restaurant, the Observation Lounge does offer a light lunch – though we were always too full from everything else to try it. That said, it quickly became our favourite place to hang out. Perched at the very front of the ship with sweeping 180-degree views, it’s the ultimate spot for ocean gazing and cocktail sipping. Think plush seating, modern design, power outlets for your devices and quiet nooks to read, nap or daydream.
Speciality Dining – Go On, Treat Yourself
Now, you might be thinking that with all that complimentary fare, why pay extra? But trust me – the speciality restaurants on Norwegian Aqua are worth it. The More at Sea package typically includes two speciality meals per person on a 7-night cruise. We were lucky enough to try three of the eight onboard options, and every bite was a highlight.
Hasuki – Dinner and a Show
Hasuki Chef Performs
Hasuki, part of Norwegian’s Prima-class ships, offers a contemporary twist on the traditional teppanyaki experience. The chefs are equal parts knife-wielding artists and stand-up comedians. Expect flying eggs, flaming onion volcanos and razor-sharp (/slightly cheesy) banter – all while they grill your seafood, meats and fried rice to perfection right in front of your eyes. We left stuffed and smiling.
Palomar – Mediterranean With a Wow Factor
Although Palomar specialises in seafood and Mediterranean coastal flavours, I made the bold choice of ordering the steak – and I have no regrets. It was so tender you barely needed a knife. The grilled octopus also deserves a shout-out for being perfectly charred and wonderfully seasoned. And for those craving lobster, you can add a whole one for just an extra $25 USD. The restaurant is bright and airy with plenty of windows – a perfect lunch option if you’re chasing the sun.
Le Bistro – French Elegance Afloat
After falling in love with the steak at Palomar, we doubled down on our beef craving and went back for more at Le Bistro, Norwegian’s signature French restaurant. This was classic French fine dining: an intimate setting, moody lighting, and a menu of timeless dishes. The filet de boeuf was melt-in-the-mouth and the French onion soup hit that sweet spot between cheesy, caramelised and comforting.
Still on the Bucket List…
With only five days onboard, we didn’t get to tick off all the speciality options, but the ones we missed are high on the list for next time:
- Sukhothai – Norwegian’s first-ever Thai restaurant, named after Thailand’s ancient capital. Expect fragrant curries, fiery spice, and a generous “order as many appetisers and desserts as you want” policy.
- Cagney’s Steakhouse – A long-standing NCL favourite
- Los Lobos – Modern Mexican fare
- Nama Sushi – Sushi and sashimi with a creative twist
- Onda by Scarpetta – Italian with the pedigree of a Manhattan hotspot
Final Verdict?
To do full justice to Norwegian Aqua’s dining scene, you’d really need a 14-night cruise. We only had five – and still barely scratched the surface. From street-style bites to silver-service showstoppers, the food on Aqua isn’t just fuel – it’s a full-blown adventure.
Bon appétit and happy cruising!
