I had read some mixed reviews about MSC Cruise and was honestly a bit nervous about the experience. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I went on MSC Meraviglia with my extended family and kids. We all agreed that MSC has some of the best food we’ve ever had on a cruise—rivaling even the bigger cruise lines. The chefs particularly excel in Italian cuisine, and the desserts are to die for. Here are my favorite foods on MSC Meraviglia.
Eggplant Parmesan
The Eggplant Parmesan on MSC Meraviglia is to die for. It’s probably my favorite dish on the cruise! The eggplant is perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—and the marinara sauce and melted cheese make it absolutely delicious. If you’re a fan of Eggplant parm, this dish is a must-try.
Grandma’s Chocolate Cake
Grandma’s Chocolate Cake quickly became my go-to dessert. This moist, perfectly balanced chocolate cake isn’t too sweet or too rich—it’s just right. As someone who’s not usually a cake eater, I ordered it almost daily.
Osso Buco
MSC excels in Italian dishes, and the Osso Buco is no exception. This slow-cooked veal shank is rich in flavor and served with creamy polenta. My preteen son ate the entire dish. He loves it.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is my go-to appetizer on MSC Meraviglia. It’s not only me who thinks it’s good; my son, who never eats vegetables, couldn’t get enough of MSC’s Caesar salad! He ordered it at every meal, and it became his favorite appetizer. The Caesar salad is so good that they turned him into a vegetable eater. I now have MSC to thank for him eating Caesar salad at home!
Eggs Benedict
MSC’s Eggs Benedict is a must-order in the main dining room during breakfast or brunch. It a delcious dish of perfectly poached eggs, rich hollandaise sauce, and toasted English muffins. I especially like the salmon eggs Benedict.
Japanese Karaage
MSC’s Japanese Karaage, served at brunch on sea days, is a favorite of mine. It’s crispy, flavorful fried chicken paired with rice and hard-boiled eggs. I always make sure to order it when it’s available during brunch.
Mozzarella Tomato Salad
MSC Meraviglia does Italian dishes really well, and their Mozzarella Tomato Salad is a perfect example. The mozzarella is made fresh on the ship. It’s a simple dish but I still think about it when I’m back home- it’s that good.
Tiramisu
The pastry chefs on MSC Meraviglia deserves all the praise for their incredible desserts. Almost every cake and dessert on board is outstanding, but the tiramisu stands out as particularly amazing. With layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, it’s a must-try!
Pizza
Before sailing on MSC, I had heard the reviews praising the pizza, and let me tell you—it’s absolutely true. The pizza on board is exceptionally good! It rivals some of the best pizzerias. It’s a must-try at the buffet. Get a slice for lunch or enjoy it as a late-night snack.
Lamb Shank
The lamb shank on MSC Meraviglia is amazing. It falls off the bone and is tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. It’s so good that even picky eaters like my preteen son ate the entire leg of lamb!
Carrot Cake
I still think about MSC’s carrot cake—it’s that good! I had it at the buffet, and it’s perfection. The only thing to be aware of is that it contains nuts, which made me a bit nervous as a mom with a son allergic to nuts. I get worried about the potential cross-contamination! But this carrot cake is a must-try if you don’t have nut allergies!
Poke Bowl
The Salmon Poke Bowl on MSC Meraviglia is really good. The salmon is perfectly seasoned, and the spicy sauce is delicious paired with perfectly flavored sushi rice.
Lasagna
If you see lasagna on the menu, you have to order it—it’s delicious! MSC Meraviglia’s chefs are amazingly good at cooking Italian dishes. Layers of perfectly cooked pasta, delicious meat sauce, and gooey cheese come together in this perfect lasagna. This is another reason why MSC is fantastic for Italian food lovers. Check out: What to Pack: Alaska cruise (free packing list)
French Onion Soup
The French Onion Soup on MSC Meraviglia is amazing. I can’t get enough of the delicious broth topped with melted cheese. Even my son loves it. He usually orders French onion soup and Caesar salad as appetizers for dinner. Check out my free packing list: What to Pack: Caribbean cruise (free packing list)
Chia Seed Pudding
My sister and I always ordered the Chia Seed Pudding in the main dining room during breakfast. Made with coconut milk and chia seeds and topped with fresh tropical fruit, it’s a light, refreshing, healthy breakfast food. We loved it so much that when we got back, we looked up recipes and learned to make it at home! Check out 10 Important Things to Know About MSC Cruise’s Private Island Ocean Cay
Steak
The steak on MSC Meraviglia is cooked perfectly and delicious. It’s served during lobster night and is an everyday item on the menu (although there is a minimal upcharge). Don’t make the mistake of eating at the buffet during lobster night. Ask your waiter when it is! Check out 21 Things to Know About MSC Cruise
Brunch on Sea Days
One thing I liked about MSC that I haven’t seen on other cruise lines is the brunch offered in the main dining room on sea days. The dining room stays open continuously from breakfast through lunch, making it perfect for late risers—especially teens who love to sleep in.
The brunch menu is extensive, with a smorgasbord of delicious foods. From classic breakfast favorites like waffles to unique dishes like Japanese Karaage. Don’t miss it! Check out 12 Free Things on MSC Cruises that You Need to Know About
Room Service
The room service on MSC Meraviglia is delicious, especially the hash browns and bacon, which quickly became one of our favorites! However, it’s worth noting that there’s an upcharge for non-continental breakfast items. While the food is fantastic, the room service staff can be a bit unreliable—they’ve gotten the time and order wrong a few times. Still, the quality of the food makes it worth it. Check out I Went on My First MSC Cruise, Here is My Honest Review