One of my favorite parts of cruising with Virgin Voyages is exploring all the different dining options onboard! During my cruise aboard Brilliant Lady, I enjoyed everything from Spanish-inspired tapas and Italian pasta to Korean BBQ, Mexican cuisine, steakhouse favorites, and casual bites.
With so many restaurants and cuisines to explore, there’s always something new to try. Here’s a look back at my foodie adventures and some of my favorite dishes along the way!
Located on Deck 5, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle serves Spanish-inspired tapas, small plates, and paella, with options for both brunch and dinner.
I dined here for both meals. For brunch, I tried the Jamón Croquettes, featuring a savory ham filling with roasted garlic and porcini aioli for dipping.
At dinner, the Costillas de la Matanza stole the spotlight with baby back pork ribs accompanied by harissa honey, fragrant za’atar, and creamy labneh. It was a delicious way to experience Rojo’s Spanish-inspired menu!
Extra Virgin brings a taste of Italy to Brilliant Lady with its Italian-inspired menu featuring fresh pasta, hearty soups, and comforting classics. With its stylish and inviting atmosphere, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy a satisfying Italian meal while at sea.
I started with the Meatballs. I loved the tomato flavors and savory, smoky notes.
My favorite, though, was the Pappardelle al Ragù. The wide ribbons of pasta paired with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce make this a classic Italian comfort-food combination.
Gunbae is a lively Korean BBQ restaurant where guests share a table and enjoy an interactive dining experience. Dinner kicks off with a fun Korean drinking game, with a non-alcoholic cranberry drink available for those who don’t drink.
One of my favorite appetizers was Dakgangjeong (닭강정), Korean-style fried chicken known for its crispy coating and sweet, savory sauce. I also enjoyed the Korean pancake, Pajeon (파전), a savory pancake that’s a delicious Korean classic. Both were tasty ways to start the meal before enjoying the Korean BBQ experience!
Between the food and the playful atmosphere, Gunbae made dinner feel like an event.
The Wake offers an elegant steakhouse experience, with classic steakhouse fare and an upscale dining atmosphere.
My favorite was the Filet Mignon, a tender cut of beef prized for its delicate texture and rich, beefy flavor. I loved it paired with the different sides. The Wake has so many amazing sides such as Loaded Baked Potato and Brown Butter Roasted Wild Mushrooms.
It’s a classic choice for anyone craving a steakhouse dinner while sailing aboard Brilliant Lady.
Pink Agave brings Mexican-inspired flavors to Brilliant Lady, with a menu that celebrates bold seasonings and vibrant cuisine.
My favorite was the Pato, the duck dish that stood out during my dining experience. Duck brings a richer, distinctive flavor to the table, making it a memorable change from the pasta and steakhouse dishes I enjoyed elsewhere onboard.
The Test Kitchen takes a more experimental approach to dining, with a creative, chef-driven menu that stands apart from traditional restaurant fare.
My favorite was the Beef Tenderloin. Known for its tender texture and delicate beef flavor, tenderloin is a classic cut that feels right at home in an elevated dining experience. It was the highlight of my meal here.
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like pizza! The Pizza Place serves casual slices that are perfect for a quick bite between onboard activities.
My favorite was the Fly Like a White Pie. White pizzas typically trade traditional tomato sauce for a creamy or cheese-forward base, making them a delicious option for anyone who enjoys rich, savory flavors.
The Galley is Brilliant Lady’s food-hall-style dining venue, with different stations offering a variety of casual meals.
I checked out the Noodle Around for a comforting bowl of Tonkatsu Ramen, grabbed a fluffy Ham and Cheese Omelet for breakfast and enjoyed Filipino adobo from
Diners and Dash, and visited Let’s Taco About It for a casual Mexican-inspired Avocado Taco.
With everything from breakfast favorites to international comfort food, The Galley made it easy to switch things up throughout the cruise.
No foodie adventure is complete without dessert! Lick Me Till Ice Cream is Virgin Voyages’ onboard ice cream shop, serving up scoops of deliciousness when you’re craving something sweet. It’s the perfect place to stop for a refreshing treat between meals or satisfy those late-night dessert cravings while enjoying life at sea.
From the Costillas de la Matanza at Rojo to the Pappardelle al Ragù at Extra Virgin and the filet mignon at The Wake, my foodie adventures aboard Brilliant Lady offered plenty of variety and memorable meals.
Have you sailed with Virgin Voyages? I’d love to hear which restaurants and dishes were your favorites! 💕🚢
