Anthem of the Seas Dining Guide: Restaurants & Food Options
If you’re researching Anthem of the Seas dining, you’re likely wondering what’s included, what costs extra, and whether you should book specialty restaurants before you sail.
I help families with this all the time. Dining on Royal Caribbean—especially on a Quantum-Class ship like Anthem—can feel layered at first. Once you understand how the system works, it becomes much easier to plan meals that feel relaxed instead of rushed.
If you’re still comparing ships and itineraries within the fleet, you can explore more in my larger Royal Caribbean cruise planning guide. For now, let’s walk through exactly how dining works on Anthem so you can sail with confidence.
If you would prefer personalized recommendations based on your sailing and travel style, you can always request a custom cruise quote here and I’ll guide you through it.
Quick Facts: Anthem of the Seas Dining
| Category | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Ship Class | Quantum Class |
| Complimentary Dining | Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Solarium Bistro, Café Promenade, Sorrento’s, select room service |
| Specialty Restaurants | Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille, Izumi, Wonderland, Chef’s Table, Johnny Rockets |
| Dining Style | Traditional Early/Late or My Time Dining |
| Dining Packages | 3-Night or Unlimited packages available |
| Dress Code | Casual most nights; 1–2 dress-up evenings |
Anthem of the Seas Dining Overview
Anthem originally launched with “Dynamic Dining,” which divided the Main Dining Room into four themed venues. Today, the system has transitioned back to a more traditional Main Dining experience, but the ship still uses multiple beautiful dining rooms for dinner service.
Here’s what matters most:
- Complimentary dining is included in your cruise fare.
- Specialty restaurants carry an additional fee (either à la carte or fixed cover charge).
- You can choose Traditional Dining (early or late seating) or My Time Dining.
One thing I always tell my clients: Your cruise fare absolutely includes plenty of excellent food. Specialty dining is about experience—not necessity.
Complimentary Restaurants on Anthem of the Seas
Main Dining Room (Traditional & My Time Dining)
The Main Dining Room spans several beautifully designed spaces and serves breakfast (on select days), lunch (sea days), and a three-course dinner nightly.
Typical dinner menus rotate and include items such as:
- Pan-seared salmon
- Prime rib
- Lobster tail (on formal night)
- Indian vegetarian selections
- Classic Royal Caribbean desserts like Warm Chocolate Cake
Dress is generally smart casual, with one or two formal evenings depending on sailing length.
Reservation Strategy:
If you select My Time Dining, make reservations in advance through the Cruise Planner. Waiting to book onboard often results in 30–45 minute waits during peak 6:30–7:30 pm times. Families especially benefit from pre-scheduling.
Windjammer Marketplace (Buffet)
The Windjammer is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is the most flexible option onboard.
Breakfast includes made-to-order omelets, pastries, fruit, pancakes, and international stations. Lunch and dinner rotate globally inspired dishes alongside salads and carving stations.
Best Strategy:
- Arrive before 8:00 am for quieter breakfasts
- On embarkation day, head here for a fast lunch while others wait for cabins
- On port days, confirm lunch closing time—this catches many guests off guard
Solarium Bistro
Located in the adults-only Solarium, this is one of the most underrated complimentary options.
Breakfast and lunch are lighter—think Mediterranean salads, carved meats, roasted vegetables. In the evening, it transforms into a more intimate dining experience with plated service.
If this were my client looking for a quieter dinner without specialty pricing, I would absolutely suggest trying Solarium Bistro one night.
Café Promenade & Sorrento’s Pizza
For grab-and-go options, these are essential.
- Café Promenade: sandwiches, pastries, small snacks, coffee
- Sorrento’s: classic New York-style pizza, open late
Late-night pizza after a show at Two70 or the Royal Theater? Very common. (And very convenient with teens.)
Room Service
Continental breakfast is typically complimentary. Other orders carry a service fee plus gratuity.
In my experience, room service is most useful on early excursion mornings or if you have napping toddlers. For most travelers, dining venues offer better overall selection.
Specialty Restaurants on Anthem of the Seas
Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver
This popular specialty venue features handmade pastas, fresh breads, and rustic Italian dishes.
Fan favorites include truffle tagliatelle and the famous plank boards of cured meats.
Pricing is usually a flat cover charge or package-inclusive. If you enjoy relaxed, family-style meals, Jamie’s is typically a safe and enjoyable choice.
Chops Grille
Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse.
- Filet mignon
- Dry-aged steaks
- Lobster
- Classic sides like truffle fries and creamed spinach
For couples celebrating an anniversary, this is often the best specialty investment onboard.
Izumi Sushi & Hibachi
There are usually two experiences here:
- Sushi bar (à la carte pricing)
- Hibachi tables (fixed cover)
If you want hibachi, reserve early. Tables are limited and sell out quickly on sea days.
Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine
This is the most creative dining venue onboard, featuring theatrical presentations and molecular gastronomy-style dishes.
It’s less about a traditional meal and more about the experience. Adventurous eaters tend to love it. Picky eaters… not so much.
Chef’s Table
A private, wine-paired dinner hosted by the ship’s Chef. Limited seating, multi-course tasting menu, premium pricing.
This is best for serious food and wine enthusiasts looking for exclusivity.
Johnny Rockets
Classic American diner fare—burgers, fries, milkshakes.
There is usually a small cover charge, and breakfast may be offered at a lower price point.
Anthem of the Seas Dining Packages
Dining packages are where people most often feel uncertain.
3-Night Package: Ideal for 7-night sailings if you want variety without overscheduling.
Unlimited Package: Best for food-focused travelers who intend to dine specialty most evenings.
When It’s Worth It:
- You plan 3+ specialty dinners anyway
- You value quieter dining environments
- You enjoy steak, sushi, and upscale experiences
When to Skip It:
- You’re happy with the Main Dining Room
- You prefer flexible buffet dinners
- You have young children who eat quickly
Many of my clients are surprised to learn they overbook specialty dining and miss the Main Dining Room entirely. Balance matters.
What to Prioritize vs Skip with Anthem of the Seas Dining
- Prioritize: Booking My Time Dining reservations in advance
- Prioritize: Reserving Izumi Hibachi before sailing
- Prioritize: Trying Solarium Bistro at least once
- Skip: Buying an unlimited package “just in case”
- Skip: Overbooking dinners on port-intensive itineraries
- Skip: Assuming specialty is always better than complimentary
This is where thoughtful planning makes a big difference.
Anthem of the Seas Dining Menus
Main Dining rotates nightly themes. Breakfast menus include eggs, pancakes, smoked salmon, fruit, and pastries.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always available.
Important: If you have dietary restrictions, submit them in the Cruise Planner before sailing and remind your head waiter on the first night.
Bars, Snacks & Sweet Treats
Anthem features multiple bars including the Bionic Bar and Schooner Bar.
Soft-serve ice cream is available on the pool deck, and specialty coffee is available at Café Promenade.
If you’re considering a beverage package, calculate realistic daily consumption. Many travelers overestimate.
Dining with Kids on Anthem of the Seas
Families appreciate flexibility.
- Windjammer allows faster, casual meals
- Main Dining offers kids’ menus nightly
- Specialty restaurants are welcoming but slower-paced
If you’re traveling with younger children, alternating specialty nights with buffet nights creates a smoother rhythm.
Common Dining Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to book specialty restaurants onboard
- Skipping My Time reservations
- Overpacking formalwear (dress is more relaxed than expected)
- Booking specialty every port night without energy for it
Pro Planning Tips for Anthem of the Seas Dining
- Use embarkation afternoon to finalize dining times
- Check the Royal Caribbean app daily for opening adjustments
- Book at least one specialty lunch instead of only dinners
- Protect sea-day evenings for your nicest dining plans
If you’d like help mapping dining reservations around shows and excursions, I can coordinate that for you. You can request personalized cruise planning here.
Who This Cruise Dining Experience Is Best For
Best For:
- Travelers who enjoy culinary variety
- Couples wanting specialty date nights
- Families who want flexible timing options
May Not Be Ideal For:
- Travelers seeking ultra-luxury, fully included fine dining every night
- Those who prefer entirely small-ship, intimate dining rooms
For most cruisers, Anthem of the Seas food options provide an excellent balance between value and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthem of the Seas Dining
Is food included on Anthem of the Seas?
Yes. The Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Solarium Bistro, Café Promenade, Sorrento’s, and select room service items are included in your cruise fare.
Is a dining package worth it?
It depends on how many specialty meals you realistically plan to enjoy. For most 7-night cruises, a 3-night package is the sweet spot.
What is the best specialty restaurant on Anthem?
For classic upscale dining, Chops Grille is the most consistently praised. For creativity, Wonderland offers the most unique experience.
Do I need reservations for My Time Dining?
Yes. While technically optional, reservations prevent long waits during peak dinner hours.
Can kids eat at specialty restaurants?
Yes. Most venues offer child-friendly choices, though pacing may be slower than buffet options.
What should you book before sailing?
Hibachi at Izumi, specialty dining packages, and My Time Dining reservations should be arranged in advance for best availability.
Final Thoughts: How to Plan the Perfect Dining Experience on Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean dining on Anthem of the Seas is flexible, varied, and thoughtfully designed. The key is balance—mix included favorites with one or two specialty highlights.
If this type of cruise is on your list, I’m happy to help you design a plan that feels seamless from embarkation lunch to your final sea-day dinner. You can get expert help planning your cruise here.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
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