The food is arguably one of the best parts of any cruise, and Carnival delivers when it comes to variety and quality. From casual poolside bites from Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina to indulgent three-course meals in the Main Dining Room, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
However, there's always something new to enjoy beyond the standard offerings, whether you're a first-time Carnival cruiser or a loyal "Very Important Fun Person." For instance, the Seafood Shack serves fresh, delicious seafood on the top deck, while Cucina del Capitano delivers homemade pasta and other classic Italian favorites.
With so many options, it’s easy to understand why the food on Carnival is a standout part of the cruise experience. Instead of sticking to your usual favorites, try these hidden gems on your next sailing. You never know, one of these secret menu items may become a new favorite!
Bananas Foster Crêpes from Emerli's Bistro
If you are sailing on Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, or Carnival Jubilee, make sure you carve out time to have breakfast at Emerli's Bistro. While not included like the Lido Marketplace or Main Dining Room, you won't regret trying the Bananas Foster Crêpes on the "small plates" menu.
Everything at Emerli's Bistro is à la carte, meaning you pay for what you eat instead of a cover charge that includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The crêpes are affordable, costing just $6 per plate.
They're sweeter than standard pancakes or waffles and offer an indulgent twist on the classic Bananas Foster with notes of caramelization that complement the natural banana flavor.
Read more: Carnival menus 2025: Main dining room, specialty restaurants & more
Veggie burger from Guy's Burger Joint
Though Guy's Burger Joint is known for its flavorful, juicy beef patties, you don't have to skip the joint if you're a vegetarian!
Made with a savory, plant-based patty, this burger can be topped with the same fixings as the classic beef version, including onion rings, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, super melty cheese, and chili. The vegetarian patty pairs well with the hand-cut fries, too!
Note that the veggie burger won't be listed on the menu; you must ask for it. As such, there may be a short wait, as they don't constantly grill veggie burgers. Keep this in mind if you're going during peak dining times, such as around noon on a sea day.
Seafood Shack
Carnival's Seafood Shack is a specialty restaurant on Carnival ships. While it's on numerous ships in the fleet, because it's an extra-cost restaurant, many cruisers may look past it in favor of included options, such as a complimentary lobster tail on the second elegant night in the Main Dining Room.
However, TikTok user @adventuresofmeldrew points out that the Seafood Shack offers an unbeatable variety of fresh, high-quality seafood that could be worth the splurge.
"If you love seafood, it's absolutely worth it to pay for a meal from the Seafood Shack," she says in a TikTok video, "I'm not gonna lie, we actually came back a day or two later and got the crab legs again...and now my mouth is watering thinking about this crab again. I wish I could make it this good at home!"
Read more: 11 foods you must eat on a Carnival cruise
Backyard Brownie from Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse
Cruisers on Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Celebration can eat dinner at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse for no extra charge. However, I would highly recommend splurging on the Backyard Brownie. It's only $5 and a major upgrade compared to the complimentary desserts, including the Banana Pie, Apple Cobbler, and Mississippi Mud Cobbler.
The decadent, chewy brownie is served in a cast iron pan and topped with ice cream, whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, chocolate sauce, and nuts. You could share it, but you probably won't want to!
The brownie isn't available on Carnival Panorama or Horizon, though Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse is still a great spot to dine on those ships. Also, the BBQ restaurant has an additional charge and is priced à la carte.
Melting Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter
You can't go wrong with Carnival's infamous Melting Chocolate Cake. It's available each evening in the Main Dining Room, and nothing's stopping you from ending each meal with this irresistible dessert.
However, what if I told you there’s a way to take it to the next level? This rich, chocolatey treat normally comes with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. I think the ice cream pairs well with the rich lava cake, but some cruisers also like to ask for a side of peanut butter or fresh strawberries.
The creamy peanut butter adds a savory contrast to the rich chocolate, while the strawberries bring a refreshing sweetness to the otherwise heavy dessert.
DIY frosted lemonade
Between Big Chicken and this DIY frosted lemonade hack, it's almost like Carnival partnered with Chick-fil-A! Just kidding, but this tip is a must-try on a sunny sea day.
Simply venture up to the lido deck and grab some free vanilla soft-serve ice cream from Swirls. Then, head to the drink station and add lemonade to the cup.
This refreshing treat won’t cost you a dime since soft-serve and lemonade are included in your Carnival cruise fare.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
