Brilliance of the Seas Dining Guide: Restaurants & Food Options

If you’re researching Brilliance of the Seas dining, you’re probably wondering: “Will we eat well on this ship?” That’s a fair question, especially if you’ve cruised on larger Royal Caribbean ships or are comparing options for your next vacation. I help clients sort through Royal Caribbean dining choices all the time, and with Brilliance of the Seas, the key is understanding that this is a slightly smaller, more classic-style ship. You won’t find every trendy specialty concept from the newest ships, but you will find a solid mix of included dining and a handful of specialty restaurants that can really elevate your cruise if you plan intentionally.

If you haven’t already, I recommend reading my full Brilliance of the Seas ship review for helpful context about the ship’s size, layout, and overall vibe—because those details absolutely impact how dining feels onboard and what options make sense for your trip.

This guide will walk you through what’s included, what costs extra, how to approach specialty reservations, and where I would (and wouldn’t) spend more based on your trip length and travel style. My goal is to help you feel confident about your dining choices before you ever step onboard.

Quick Overview of Brilliance of the Seas Dining

Brilliance of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class, which means the dining setup is more classic than what you’ll find on ships like Wonder or Icon of the Seas. It feels traditional in a good way: a large Main Dining Room, a reliable buffet, and a curated collection of specialty restaurants. For most itineraries, that balance actually works well. The dining never feels chaotic or overwhelming, and you’re not constantly deciding between dozens of venues.

How Many Restaurants Are on Brilliance of the Seas?

The ship offers a Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, several casual included spots, and four well-known specialty venues: Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, and Chef’s Table. It’s not dozens of choices—but it’s enough to keep a 5–9 night sailing interesting. If you’re sailing with family or a group, you’ll find enough variety to keep everyone happy without decision fatigue setting in.

What Is Included vs Extra Cost?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s included in your cruise fare and what comes with an extra charge:

• Included: Main Dining Room (breakfast and dinner), Windjammer Café buffet, select casual cafés, and basic room service options.
• Extra Cost: Chops Grille (steakhouse), Giovanni’s Table (Italian), Izumi (Japanese), Chef’s Table (intimate multi-course experience), and some room service orders (convenience-based fees may apply).

Specialty pricing can vary by sailing and length, so it’s always smart to confirm once your reservation is made. If you’re planning a special celebration or want to try a few different venues, booking early through your cruise planner can sometimes save you money.

Is the Food Good on Brilliance of the Seas?

Generally, yes. The Main Dining Room delivers classic cruise dishes and rotating nightly menus. Windjammer offers a strong variety. Specialty restaurants are where you’ll notice the biggest quality jump, especially if you’re looking for a date night or something a little more memorable. The biggest variable is your expectations. If you’re comparing it to a land-based fine dining scene, adjust slightly. But if you want variety and dependable meals throughout your cruise, this ship delivers.

One thing I always tell my clients: don’t feel pressured to book every specialty restaurant just because they’re available. On Brilliance of the Seas, the included dining is strong enough for most travelers, and a few well-chosen upgrades can make your experience feel special without overspending.

Complimentary Dining on Brilliance of the Seas

This is where most guests will eat the majority of their meals—and honestly, for many travelers, that’s perfectly fine. The included options are reliable, and you can always add a specialty meal or two if you want a change of pace.

Main Dining Room Experience

The Main Dining Room offers traditional early and late seatings or My Time Dining. Menus rotate nightly and include appetizers, entrées, and desserts. You can order multiple courses if you’d like, and the service is usually attentive and friendly. If you value a structured evening with a set table and familiar faces, this is a strong fit. For families traveling together—especially if you’ve already looked at my Brilliance of the Seas family guide—the Main Dining Room can provide a predictable routine each night.

Windjammer Café Buffet

Windjammer is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect international stations, carving stations, salad bars, and desserts. This is usually where flexibility wins: port days, late returns, or when you just want a quick meal before activities. The buffet is rarely empty, but it’s usually easy to find something for everyone.

Cafe Latte-tudes and Casual Bites

You’ll find coffee beverages (some included, specialty drinks extra) along with pastries and light snacks. These are ideal mid-afternoon when you don’t want a full meal. If you’re up early or back late from an excursion, these spots can be a lifesaver.

Room Service Options and Fees

Continental breakfast is typically included. Other items may carry a delivery fee, especially outside breakfast hours. Always check current policies before sailing because fees can change, and Royal Caribbean sometimes updates their room service menu and pricing.

Specialty Restaurants on Brilliance of the Seas

This is where your cruise can start to feel elevated—but that doesn’t mean you need all of them. Specialty dining is best used as a highlight, not a nightly routine for most travelers. Here’s what you’ll find onboard:

Chops Grille

Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse. Expect premium cuts, seafood options, and polished service. This is my top recommendation for a date-night dinner or if you want a classic steakhouse experience at sea. Reservations are recommended, especially on formal nights or sea days.

Giovanni’s Table

Italian comfort with pasta dishes, meats, and shareable sides. This tends to feel warm and easy—a strong pick for families who want something different from the Main Dining Room. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the menu is approachable even for picky eaters.

Chef’s Table

Multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Limited seating. This is for food-focused travelers celebrating something special or those who want a more intimate, chef-driven experience. It’s the priciest option onboard, but for some, it’s a highlight of the trip.

Izumi

Sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes. Great lighter alternative if you don’t want a heavy steak dinner. Izumi is usually a hit with teens and anyone craving something different mid-cruise. Reservations are helpful, but sometimes you can walk up for lunch on port days.

Specialty Dining Pricing and Reservations Strategy

Prices vary by sailing. Discounts are often offered pre-cruise through your cruise planner, and sometimes you’ll see bundled offers for multiple nights. If your cruise is 4–5 nights, I usually recommend booking one specialty dinner. On a 7–9 night cruise, two or three feels like the sweet spot. Buying a large dining package doesn’t always make sense on this ship unless you know you’ll skip the Main Dining Room entirely. Many travelers end up with unused credits if they overbuy, so think about your real plans before committing.

Brilliance of the Seas Dining Packages Explained

Dining packages bundle multiple specialty meals at a reduced per-night rate. They can be worthwhile—but only under the right circumstances. On Brilliance of the Seas, packages are most worthwhile on longer itineraries or for travelers who simply prefer specialty dining every evening. For most couples, two nights on a 7-night cruise is plenty. Food-focused groups might enjoy three. For families, usually 1–2 nights is enough.

If you’re cruising during peak season, prebook your top choice (especially Chef’s Table or Chops Grille). For lower-demand sailings, sometimes onboard discounts appear—but that’s never guaranteed. If you’re flexible, you can sometimes grab last-minute reservations, but don’t count on it for the most popular nights.

Brilliance of the Seas Dining Menus and Food Variety

Variety matters more on longer cruises. Fortunately, Brilliance rotates menus thoughtfully, so you’re not eating the same thing every night. The Main Dining Room typically offers appetizers, soups or salads, multiple entrée options (including vegetarian selections), and desserts. There are always classic standby items available as well, so even picky eaters can find something familiar.

Windjammer often features international themes and carving stations at dinner. Breakfast includes both American and continental options. If you have dietary needs, Royal Caribbean accommodates requests when communicated in advance. Always note this on your reservation and confirm onboard the first day. Kids menus remain simple and approachable. Combined with youth programming discussed in my family activities guide, dining integrates nicely into a family routine.

Bars, Snacks, and Casual Food Spots

Dining doesn’t stop at restaurants. You’ll find casual grab-and-go fare near the pool area—perfect for sea days or a quick snack between activities. Specialty coffee and sweet treats are available throughout the day. Select options remain open later into the evening, but exact hours can vary by sailing. If late-night snacks are important to you, check the daily schedule once onboard.