Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse and one of the most popular specialty dining options across the fleet.
You’ll find Chops Grille on every single Royal Caribbean ship, from the oldest Vision Class vessels to the newest Icon Class mega-ships. It’s a go-to choice for anyone who wants a night of elevated dining, excellent service, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels like a break from the hustle and bustle of the main dining room and buffet.
What makes Chops Grille stand out is its consistency. Whether you’re sailing on a short 3-night Bahamas getaway or a 14-night transatlantic voyage, the food and service at Chops Grille rarely miss.
You can enjoy everything from juicy, hand-cut steaks to decadent starters like wild mushroom soup and thick-cut bacon. Indulgent sides include Gruyère tater tots and truffle fries, while the dessert menu shines with their famous key lime pie.
I’m a top-tier loyalty member with Royal Caribbean, and I’ve dined at Chops Grille more than a dozen times. It’s one of my favorite specialty restaurants on any cruise line.
So, is Chops Grille Italian worth the splurge? Here’s my honest review, with ratings of each dish we tried on a recent sailing. We’ve also included the full menu for Chops Grille so you can decide if the splurge is worthwhile for you.
How much is Chops Grille on Royal Caribbean?
Dinner is priced at $65 per person, while lunch comes in at $24 per person. If you’re tight on budget, definitely consider visiting for lunch to enjoy the same menu for more than half the cost.
At Chops Grille, you pay a flat cover charge instead of ordering à la carte. This means once you’re seated, you can order as much as you’d like, from appetizers to entrées to sides and desserts, without worrying about the cost climbing with each dish.
Book early to save (usually up to 20% off) or purchase a dining package. Sometimes you can even snag a Chops + 1 dining package for a great deal, allowing you to dine at Chops Grille and another specialty restaurant. You can also book onboard and ask about possible discounts.
Royal Caribbean’s Chops Grille Menu (2026)
Starters
COLOSSAL SHRIMP COCKTAIL: Horseradish cocktail sauce, remoulade, lemon
PAN-SEARED CRAB CAKE: Chipotle aïoli, fresh herbs
TUNA TARTARE: Avocado, ginger, wasabi caviar
GRILLED BLACK PEPPER BACON: Slow-cooked Berkshire pork, sweet and spicy glaze
WILD MUSHROOM SOUP: Scented with white truffle oil, chives
CRISPY GOAT CHEESE SALAD: Green apples, candied walnuts, cranberries, balsamic dressing
CHARRED BEEF CARPACCIO: Rare charred beef, parmesan cheese, arugula, truffle-mustard dressing
THE WEDGE: Iceberg lettuce, blue cheese crumbles, smoked bacon
LOBSTER BISQUE: Brandy, tarragon, cream
CAESAR SALAD: Romaine, shaved parmesan, Caesar dressing, fresh baked croutons
Hand-Cut Steaks
FILET: 9 ounces of our most tender cut of lean, center-cut tenderloin beef
PETITE FILET: A smaller version of our lean, center-cut tenderloin selection
BONE-IN RIBEYE: USDA Prime 16-ounce cut, well marbled for maximum flavor; deliciously juicy
NY STRIP: A 12-ounce USDA Prime cut, known for rich marbling and firm texture
Entrees
ORGANIC ROASTED CHICKEN: Half chicken slowly roasted, perfectly seasoned with thyme, served with au jus
GRILLED ATLANTIC SALMON: Whole grain mustard sauce, microgreens
SPICY JUMBO SHRIMP: Red pepper flakes, creamy garlic butter
RACK OF LAMB: Tender oven-roasted rack of lamb, seasoned with thyme and rosemary
GRILLED BRANZINO: Sautéed spinach, olive oil, lemon, sea salt
BROILED 1 ½/ LB. MAINE LOBSTER $21.99+: Drawn butter and fresh lemon
Shareable Sides
GRUYÈRE CHEESE TATER TOTS: Crème fraiche, horseradish
YUKON GOLD MASHED POTATOES: Salt, sweet cream butter
CREAMED SPINACH: Bechamel, parmesar
SAUTÉED MUSHROOMS: Demi-glace, thyme
GRILLED JUMBO ASPARAGUS: Sea salt, lemon
TRUFFLED FRENCH FRIES: Grated parmesan, white truffle oi
MAC & CHEESE: Crispy bacon, white cheddar
BAKED POTATO: Available loaded
Desserts
KEY LIME MERINGUE PIE: Graham cracker crust
WARM CHOCOLATE CAKE: Vanilla ice cream, berry compote
NEW YORK CHEESECAKE: Fresh raspberries, lemon confit
WARM APPLE PIE A LA MODE: Vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce
RED VELVET CAKE: Sweet cream cheese frosting
ASSORTED ICE CREAM & SORBETS
COFFEES – $9.99
- THE TRUFFLE: Frangelico®, Stolichnaya® vodka, cold espresso
- HAUTE & STEAMY: Absolut® Vanilla vodka, Crème de Cacao Dark Coffee, whipped cream with caramel sauce drizzle
- BAVARIAN COFFEE: Peppermint Schnapps, Kahlúa®, coffee, whipped cream
Appetizers and Starters
Bread Basket (7/10)
A nice way to start the meal. The pretzel roll with soft butter is a winner, while the onion roll is flavorful but can be a little dense.
Colossal Shrimp Cocktail (9/10)
Fresh, plump, and perfectly chilled. The cocktail sauce had just the right kick.
Wild Mushroom Soup (10/10)
My absolute favorite starter at Chops. Creamy, earthy, and elevated by that touch of truffle oil—it’s comfort in a bowl.
Grilled Black Pepper Bacon (10/10)
A must-order. Thick-cut, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender with a sweet glaze.
Charred Beef Carpaccio (8/10) – Light and flavorful, though I wouldn’t rank it above the other starters.
Crispy Goat Cheese Salad (9/10) – A sleeper hit. The warm, crispy goat cheese with candied walnuts and balsamic dressing makes this salad feel indulgent.
Steaks
Filet (8/10)
Lean, tender, and reliable. A great choice if you like a clean cut of beef.
NY Strip (9/10) – Flavorful and well-marbled. A bit more texture than the filet, which I liked.
Bone-In Ribeye (10/10) – The star of the night. Juicy, rich, and perfectly cooked with just the right amount of fat. If you only order one steak here, make it the ribeye.
Peppercorn Sauce (9/10) – Creamy and peppery without being overpowering. A perfect complement to the steaks.
Sides
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (8/10)
Buttery and smooth, a solid steakhouse side.
Gruyère Cheese Tater Tots (7/10)
Fun and crispy, though sometimes a touch dry.
Mac & Cheese (8/10)
Comforting and cheesy with a nice crispy top. Great for sharing.
Dessert
Key Lime Pie (11/10)
Yes, I’m going over the scale here. This pie is legendary for a reason—the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a buttery graham cracker crust. Easily my favorite dessert at sea.
Chocolate Cate (9/10)
Rich and decadent. The ice cream perfectly pairs with the cake. Excellent choice for chocolate lovers!
Is Chops Grille worth it?
For me, the answer is a solid yes, but with a few caveats.
At $65 per person for dinner (or $23.99 for lunch on select ships), Chops Grille isn’t cheap, especially if you’re sailing with family or already satisfied with the complimentary dining options. But what you’re paying for is more than just steak.
The flat cover charge means you can order as much as you’d like, including multiple starters, different cuts of steak, all the sides, and of course, dessert. That flexibility makes it feel like a true indulgence compared to an à la carte steakhouse on land or on competitor cruise lines.
The service also elevates the experience. The waitstaff is attentive without being overbearing, and the overall atmosphere feels more intimate and upscale than the main dining room. It’s a great escape from the main dining room, and a good change of pace on longer itineraries.
Where Chops Grille really shines is in consistency. No matter which Royal Caribbean ship you’re on, you’ll find the same menu items prepared to a high standard. The wild mushroom soup, thick-cut bacon, and key lime pie are legendary for a reason. Of course, the steaks are always high quality and cooked to perfection.
If you’re looking to save money, book Chops Grille in advance to snag discounts (often up to 20%) or purchase a dining package if you plan to try multiple specialty venues. You can also ask about onboard deals, especially on embarkation day when they’re eager to fill tables.
However, the restaurant is quite popular, so it’s best to make your reservations as soon as you can for your preferred date and time. I love dining on the first night after a hectic boarding day – it’s a great way to start your cruise!
In short, if you enjoy a classic steakhouse experience with rich starters, indulgent sides, and excellent service, Chops Grille is absolutely worth it.
