Cucina Del Capitano brings authentic Italian flavors to the high seas as Carnival Cruise Line’s premier specialty dining restaurant. Available across multiple ships in the Carnival fleet, this beloved venue serves up traditional Italian dishes with a modern cruise twist.
From Il Capitano’s Signature Arancini to house-made Spaghetti Carbonara, the menu celebrates Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re craving fresh pasta, tender braised short ribs, or classic tiramisu, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about the Cucina Del Capitano menu, including current prices, dining hours, ship locations, and reservation tips.
Complete Cucina Del Capitano Menu with Prices
🍽️ Appetizers & Starters
Il Capitano’s Signature Arancini – Included in dinner price ⭐
Crispy fried risotto balls filled with savory Italian ingredients – the restaurant’s most requested starter
🌟 Guest Favorite | 🍴 Perfect for sharing
Nonna’s Meatball – Included in dinner price
Traditional Italian meatball crafted from family recipes passed down through generations
🇮🇹 Authentic Recipe | 💪 Hearty portion
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Antipasti Plate | Included | Cured meats, aged cheeses, marinated olives & vegetables |
| Minestrone Soup | Included | Classic Italian vegetable soup with seasonal ingredients |
| Arugula Salad | Included | Fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, limoncello dressing |
🍝 Pasta & Main Courses
The heart of any Italian restaurant menu lies in its pasta selection. Cucina Del Capitano excels with both traditional preparations and creative combinations.
Spaghetti Carbonara – Included in dinner price ⭐
Traditional Roman pasta with farm-fresh eggs, crispy pancetta, and aged parmesan cheese
🥓 Classic Preparation | 🧀 Fresh grated parmesan tableside
Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce – Included in dinner price ⭐
Tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in rich red wine reduction – a true comfort food favorite
🍷 Wine-braised | 🔥 Chef’s Special
| Pasta Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pappardelle with Grilled Shrimp | Included | Wide ribbon pasta with perfectly grilled shrimp |
| Linguini with Clams | Included | Fresh linguini tossed with seasoned clams in light sauce |
| Chicken Parmesan | Included | Breaded chicken breast, marinara sauce, melted cheese |
| Pasta with Tomato Sauce | Included | Simple classic spaghetti with house-made tomato sauce |
For those seeking variety similar to other cruise dining venues, you might also enjoy exploring Fiore Caffe Miami menu options when back on land.
🥔 Sides & Accompaniments
| Side Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary Potatoes | Included | Oven-roasted with fresh rosemary and garlic |
| Traditional Spaghetti | Included | Side portion with house tomato sauce |
🍰 Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with authentic Italian desserts that rival the finest land-based establishments.
Tiramisu – Included in dinner price ⭐
Classic coffee-flavored layered dessert with mascarpone and ladyfingers
☕ Coffee lovers’ dream | 🏆 Most popular dessert
| Dessert | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cannoli | Included | Crispy pastry shells with sweet ricotta cream filling |
| Agrumi Torta Al Miele e Polenta | Included | Citrus and honey cake with polenta texture |
| Biscotti Al Cioccolato con Sale Marino | Included | Chocolate biscotti with sea salt finish |
| Lemon Sorbet | Included | Light, refreshing palate cleanser |
👶 Kids Menu (Ages 11 & Under)
| Item | Price Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kid-Friendly Pasta | $6-$11 | Simple pasta dishes with tomato or butter sauce |
| Mini Meatballs | $6-$11 | Smaller portion of Nonna’s famous meatballs |
| Kid’s Desserts | Included | Child-appropriate portions of select desserts |
Kids menu pricing varies by ship and specific sailing
🍹 Beverages
| Category | Pricing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wine by Glass | Extra charge | Red and white Italian selections |
| Wine by Bottle | Extra charge | Premium Italian vintages available |
| Beer & Spirits | Extra charge | Standard cruise beverage pricing |
| Specialty Coffees | Extra charge | Espresso, cappuccino, Italian coffee drinks |
| Non-Alcoholic Drinks | Included | Water, soft drinks, juices |
For those interested in other specialty dining experiences, the Bistro 1968 menu offers another upscale dining option worth exploring.
Most Popular Cucina Del Capitano Items
Based on guest reviews and repeat orders, these dishes consistently rank as favorites:
- Il Capitano’s Signature Arancini – The most requested starter across all ships
- Spaghetti Carbonara – Classic preparation that guests rave about
- Braised Short Ribs – Perfect for hearty appetites and special occasions
- Tiramisu – The dessert that guests remember long after their cruise
- Lunch Pasta Bar – Complimentary option available on select newer ships
Cucina Del Capitano Prices & Value Analysis
Standard Pricing Structure
| Dining Option | Adult Price | Child Price | Ships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Dinner | $18-$24 | $6-$11 | Most Carnival ships |
| Complimentary First Dinner | FREE | $6-$11 | Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee |
| Additional Dinner Visits | $8 | $6-$11 | Select newer ships |
| Lunch Pasta Bar | FREE | FREE | Select ships only |
Important Notes:
- An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all paid dining experiences
- Prices vary by ship and sailing – newer ships often offer better value
- Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees incur additional charges
- No combo deals or package pricing currently available
Value Comparison
Compared to specialty Italian restaurants on land, Cucina Del Capitano offers exceptional value. The fixed-price dinner includes multiple courses, and the complimentary first dinner on newer ships makes it an excellent choice for special occasions at sea.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
Cucina Del Capitano accommodates various dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Options: Multiple pasta dishes and appetizers marked clearly
- Gluten-Free Selections: Available upon request with advance notice
- Sugar-Free Desserts: Lemon sorbet and other options available
- Allergen Information: Detailed allergen charts available onboard
For specific dietary requirements, guests should inform dining staff when making reservations. The culinary team can often modify dishes to accommodate food allergies and restrictions.
Similar to other upscale venues like Noir Kitchen Cocktails menu, the restaurant prioritizes fresh ingredients and can adapt preparations when possible.
How to Order from Cucina Del Capitano
Reservation Process
Dinner Reservations (Strongly Recommended):
- Book online through your Carnival cruise portal after booking your cruise
- Make reservations via the Carnival app once onboard
- Visit guest services desk for same-day availability
- Popular time slots fill quickly, especially on sea days
Lunch Pasta Bar (Select Ships):
- No reservations required
- First-come, first-served basis
- Available during designated lunch hours
- Complimentary on participating ships
Dining Experience
- Dine-in only – no delivery or takeout options
- Full-service restaurant with dedicated waitstaff
- Smart casual dress code recommended for dinner
- Lunch pasta bar offers more casual atmosphere
Hours & Ship Locations
Operating Hours
Dinner Service:
- Approximately 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily
- Hours may vary by itinerary and sea/port days
- Last seating typically 30 minutes before closing
Lunch Pasta Bar (Select Ships):
- Generally 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Available only on designated ships
- Check daily cruise schedule for exact times
Ship Locations
Cucina Del Capitano is currently available on these Carnival ships:
- Carnival Breeze
- Carnival Celebration (complimentary first dinner)
- Carnival Mardi Gras (complimentary first dinner)
- Carnival Jubilee (complimentary first dinner)
- Carnival Horizon
- Carnival Magic
- Carnival Panorama
- Carnival Sunrise
- Carnival Sunshine
- Carnival Radiance
- Carnival Vista
Ship-specific features like the complimentary lunch pasta bar are available on newer vessels
Contact & Reservations
- Online: Through Carnival cruise portal and mobile app
- Onboard: Guest services desk or directly at restaurant host stand
- Phone: Contact Carnival customer service before sailing
Current Deals & Promotions
2025 Special Offers
Complimentary First Dinner: Available on Carnival’s newest ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee), this promotion includes the full dinner experience at no additional charge.
Free Lunch Pasta Bar: Select ships offer complimentary pasta bar service during lunch hours, featuring rotating selections of fresh pasta, sauces, and sides.
No Current Promotions
- No advertised student or senior discounts
- No loyalty program specific discounts mentioned
- No seasonal combo meal deals
- No happy hour or early bird specials
Promotions may vary by sailing and are subject to change
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Cucina Del Capitano offer delivery or takeout?
A: No, Cucina Del Capitano is a full-service dine-in restaurant only. No delivery, pickup, or room service options are available.
Q: What are the most popular dishes at Cucina Del Capitano?
A: Guest favorites include Il Capitano’s Signature Arancini, Spaghetti Carbonara, Braised Short Ribs, and the classic Tiramisu for dessert.
Q: Are there vegetarian and gluten-free options available?
A: Yes, the menu includes vegetarian pasta dishes and salads. Gluten-free options are available upon request with advance notice to dining staff.
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: Dinner service typically runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily. The lunch pasta bar (on select ships) operates from approximately 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Q: How much does dinner cost at Cucina Del Capitano?
A: Adult dinner pricing ranges from $18-$24 depending on the specific ship. Children’s meals (11 and under) cost $6-$11. Some newer ships offer complimentary first dinner.
Q: Can I make reservations online?
A: Yes, reservations can be made through Carnival’s cruise portal after booking your cruise, or via the Carnival app once onboard.
Q: Is there a dedicated kids menu?
A: Yes, Cucina Del Capitano offers a kids menu with child-friendly pasta dishes, meatballs, and appropriately-sized dessert portions.
Q: Do I need to dress up for dinner?
A: Smart casual attire is recommended for dinner service. The lunch pasta bar has a more relaxed dress code.
Q: Are alcoholic beverages included in the dinner price?
A: No, wine, beer, and specialty cocktails are available for an additional charge. Non-alcoholic beverages are included with dinner.
Q: Which ships have the complimentary lunch pasta bar?
A: The free lunch pasta bar is available on select newer ships including Carnival Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee.
Tips for the Best Dining Experience
Reservation Strategy
- Book early – popular dinner times fill quickly
- Consider early or late seating for better availability
- Sea days tend to be busiest for specialty dining
Menu Recommendations
- Start with the signature arancini – it’s popular for good reason
- Try the carbonara if you enjoy classic Italian preparations
- Save room for tiramisu – guests consistently rate it excellent
- Ask about daily specials or seasonal modifications
Cost-Saving Tips
- Take advantage of complimentary first dinner on eligible ships
- Enjoy the free lunch pasta bar when available
- Consider sharing appetizers for lighter appetites
- Bring your beverage package for wine and cocktails
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving authentic Italian cuisine at sea, Cucina Del Capitano delivers a memorable dining experience. The combination of traditional recipes, quality ingredients, and oceanview dining creates the perfect atmosphere for a special meal during your cruise vacation.
Make your reservations early to secure your preferred dining time, and prepare for an Italian culinary journey that rivals the best restaurants on land.
Disclaimer: Prices and menu items are subject to change without notice. Prices may vary by location and are verified as of September 2025. For the most current pricing and availability, please contact the restaurant directly or visit their official website.
About AllTheMenus.com: We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date menu information. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact us so we can update our records.