From supper club to Royal Caribbean's first food hall, Icon has eats

Among the new venues are the upscale Empire Supper Club, a swanky and lavish eight-course experience; AquaDome Market, the food hall; and Izumi in the Park, an all-day window with fresh sushi and more. These complement returning venues that range from Italian to Japanese and Mexican, including Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, Izumi and El Loco Fresh.

'We’ve designed Icon of the Seas to offer every guest, no matter their tastes, age and mood or the occasion, a variety of ways they can easily make those moments their way every day while on vacation,' said Linken D’Souza, VP food and beverage, Royal Caribbean International. 'If vacationers want to stick to their favorites, like kids and their chicken tenders, or mix it up every night and try new flavors, more than 20 experiences across Icon’s eight neighborhoods make that possible ...'

Elevated dining

Empire Supper Club, near the Central Park neighborhood, provides an extravagant night out with a taste of old New York. The eight-course menu offers premium American cuisine, from caviar to wagyu; a drink paired with every dish and a three-piece band playing unexpected renditions of modern favorites.

Special occasions and milestones get the VIP treatment at the new 12-seat private Celebration Table. Paired with AquaDome’s sweeping ocean views, diners get their choice of exclusive American, Italian, Asian and seafood menus, along with the option to add a personal touch with ambient plus-ups and menu upgrades.

Signature venues

Signature venues include Central Park’s American steak house, Chops Grille, and Trellis Bar, with its debut menu of bites; the Dining Room, where three levels are matched with three courses; Hooked Seafood in AquaDome; Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Bar, new to Royal Promenade; the now two-level Coastal Kitchen in the Suite Neighborhood and the exclusive Chef’s Table.

Quick bites

AquaDome Market consists of five stalls — one for crepes, a mac 'n' cheese spot with different toppings, Asian treats like Korean beef and sandwiches/salads — and a selection of wines and beer.

The all-day Izumi in the Park window debuts next to the first Izumi restaurant in Central Park, serving fresh sushi and street food to go like taiyaki ice cream with Insta-worthy toppings.

The Pearl Cafe is a new stop for bites day or night, like freshly toasted sandwiches and ready-made salads. The cafe sits between The Pearl and floor-to-ceiling ocean views in Royal Promenade.

Basecamp is a new spot to refuel near Thrill Island, Chill Island and The Hideaway. It serves drinks and treats like pretzel bites with cheese and crispy shrimp bao buns. Nearby is Desserted, the new milkshake bar with over-the-top shakes, including adults-only boozy options.

The Grove is a new alfresco and casual Mediterranean dining option located on the suite sun deck in the Suite Neighborhood, steps away from the private pool and whirlpool.

Casual returning favorites include Central Park’s Park Cafe, now open in the evening for tapas; El Loco Fresh, the grab-and-go spot for Mexican food in Chill Island; Sorrento’s signature pies in Royal Promenade; and the most expansive Windjammer buffet which has a section and selection for kids.

For families and kids

At the new Surfside neighborhood for young families is Surfside Eatery, a buffet open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including twists on kids' classics for the grownups. Pier 7 serves all-day brunch with casual California-inspired dishes like surf-and-turf tacos, smoked salmon benedict and sharable platters.The walk-up window Surfside Bites has snacks like burgers, popcorn chicken and cinnamon-sugar donut holes.

Returning family spots include signature options like sushi and hibachi cooked by a chef who puts on a show at Izumi, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for some friendly competition and bar bites, and Sprinkles for ice cream day and night.

Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.