Best Food on Symphony of the Seas: What You Can’t Miss (Top Picks + Tips)

If you’re cruising on Symphony of the Seas, come hungry—because there is a LOT of good food onboard.

Honestly, this was a tough list to put together. There are so many great options, but these are the meals and snacks we kept going back to—and the ones you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Our Favorite Foods on Symphony of the Seas

Best Breakfasts

If you only take one breakfast recommendation from us, make it this:

The BELT Sandwich from Johnny Rockets

  • Fast service
  • Never too crowded
  • Consistently delicious

Other breakfast favorites:

  • Omelet station at the Windjammer (be sure to go early!)
  • Breakfast burrito and French toast in the Main Dining Room
  • Park Café burritos (don’t miss the pepper jack + queso + egg or chorizo options)

Best Lunch

Chicken Quesadilla from El Loco Fresh

While some of the food at El Loco Fresh can be hit or miss, the chicken quesadilla never disappointed. We went back for this almost daily.

Quick, fresh, and one of the best casual meals on the ship.

Best Dinner (Main Dining Room Favorites)

The Main Dining Room had a lot of standout dishes, including:

  • Vidalia onion tart (a must for us every cruise)
  • Escargot
  • Fish filet with au gratin potatoes
  • Chicken cordon bleu
  • Chicken tenders (yes… and they were AMAZING)

Don’t underestimate the MDR—it consistently delivered.

Best Specialty Dining (Izumi Sushi)

This was the best meal of the entire trip.

Standout dishes:

  • Pork gyoza dumplings
  • Chicken kara-age
  • Truffled creamy lobster tempura roll
  • Futomaki Roll

If you’re going to splurge on one specialty restaurant, make it Izumi, you will not regret it.

The #1 Best Thing We Ate

Without question:

Truffled creamy lobster tempura roll (Izumi)

We would go back just for this.

Best Snacks & Quick Bites

  • Primavera pizza from Sorrento’s
  • Kummelweck sandwich from Park Café
    • Add au jus + spicy horseradish = pure deliciousness!

Perfect for in-between meals or late-night cravings.

Best Desserts

Two clear winners for us:

  • Chocolate Lava Cake (Izumi)
  • Warm Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream (Main Dining Room)

Also on repeat for the kids:

  • Chocolate chip cookies
  • Ice cream (a daily occurrence for the kids)

They even made their own ice cream sandwiches!

What Our Kids Loved

Traveling with kids? You’re covered.

Our kids kept going back for:

  • Johnny Rockets (French toast + BELT sandwich)
  • El Loco Fresh
  • MDR mac and cheese
  • MDR chicken tenders (again… seriously good)

Even our picky eater had no problem finding meals she loved.

Anything Overrated?

Not really, BUT if we had to pick one:

Wonderland

  • Fun experience
  • Beautiful presentation
  • Good main dishes
  • Great service

But overall, a one-and-done for us.

Food Tips You Need to Know

Go Early to Beat Crowds

  • Windjammer → go right when it opens
  • El Loco Fresh → same strategy

Don’t Skip Park Café

  • Rarely crowded
  • Great grab-and-go options
  • Hidden gem on the ship

Coffee Spots

  • Café Promenade (can get busy in the morning)
  • Vitality Café (great alternative)

Mix It Up

Don’t just stick to one place—try a little bit of everything.

Bonus: Best Food Off the Ship

If your itinerary includes CocoCay…

Go to the Snack Shack.

And don’t leave without trying:
The “Secret Chicken Sandwich”
(Chicken sandwich + mozzarella sticks + marinara)

You’re welcome.

Final Thoughts: Best Food on Symphony of the Seas

Symphony of the Seas delivers when it comes to food.

From included dining to specialty restaurants, there’s something for everyone—and plenty of meals you’ll be thinking about long after your cruise ends.

Don’t Miss These

If you only try a few things:

  • BELT Sandwich (Johnny Rockets)
  • Chicken Quesadilla (El Loco Fresh)
  • Lobster Tempura Roll (Izumi)
  • Chocolate Cake (MDR or Izumi)

Planning your cruise? Check out our full Symphony of the Seas review and dining guide for even more tips.