Royal Caribbean’s Solarium Bistro is a complimentary dining venue that offers a slimmed down alternative to the Windjammer buffet for breakfast and lunch (props to me for figuring out how to use “slim” and “buffet” in the same sentence) and a lovely Mediterranean dinner in the evenings. While the dinner is complimentary, you do need a reservation and, if interested in trying it, it’s wise to make one via the app before your cruise date or right after you board to get the day and time you want. It’s a small space that can only accommodate so many.
Upon being seated, you will be presented with a menu describing some of the featured offerings, but on most ships everything (except for a few upcharge items) is served buffet style. Full drink service is provided and you will have a dedicated server to clear dishes and assist you with any questions or needs you may have.
Here’s the Solarium Bistro dinner menu. All items are complimentary except for the Whole Maine Lobster which has an upcharge of $29.95 and the Filet Mignon which has an upcharge of $16.95.
The following Royal Caribbean ships have the Solarium Bistro:
While on several ships you can enter the Solarium Bistro through the adults-only solarium area, there is also a separate entrance at the front and kids CAN dine there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Yes, I’m that person who photographs everything she eats – both for my website and associated social media sites and also to gawk at during my post cruise diet as a bizarre form of masochism. Here are photos of all the Solarium Bistro food offerings on my latest Royal Caribbean cruise (you’ll notice a few “off menu” items):
So, would I recommend Royal Caribbean’s Solarium Bistro? Yes! Without reservation! But remember you DO need a reservation to dine there. Sorry, that was confusing. So let me be clear, dinner at the Solarium Bistro is among my favorite complimentary dining experiences on Royal Caribbean. The venue is intimate and the service is friendly and attentive. And as for the food, it’s fresh and delicious and I’ve always enjoyed everything I’ve eaten there. Highlights for me have included the watermelon salad and the baklava. Speaking of baklava, I’m told the Mediterranean diet is the healthiest on earth, so I’m going to start eating baklava for three meals a day to shed some of this cruise weight. And with that…
Class Dismissed!
Homework (10 points): Have you dined at the Solarium Bistro? If so, share your experiences to the comments. Also feel free to ask any questions I didn’t address and I’ll do my best to answer them.
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How long has the Bistro been open? We were on Symphony of The Seas in Nov 2022 and I don’t recall it.
What kind of things do they have for breakfast?
It's a scaled down version of the Windjammer Buffet - breakfast basics. But way less crowded and chaotic.