6 best hidden gems to order in Carnival’s Main Dining Room

Carnival's main dining room is a staple across its fleet. While favorites like strip steak and the famous melting cake are always crowd-pleasers, some lesser-known menu items deserve a spot on your must-try list. 

The dining room has a rotating nightly menu, meaning that you'll have plenty of chances to discover new dishes — if you know where to look. Sometimes, an appetizer, entrée, or dessert that seems underrated might end up being one of the best things that you eat on board! 

Here's a list of 6 hidden gems you shouldn't miss on your next Carnival cruise. The best part? Every single one is included, so you can expand your palate without shelling out extra money. 

Kids' banana split

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While many Carnival fans will be familiar with the famous melting chocolate cake, you shouldn't overlook the kids' banana split. 

"You have to ask for it. It’s not on the dessert menu. Extra yummy!" Lori Deffner shared on a Carnival Facebook group. 

She wasn't the only one who thought this classic, nostalgic dessert was worth seeking out. Over 15 other users on the same post agreed with Deffner, calling the banana split "delicious" and "so good." 

Melting chocolate cake with peanut butter

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You can't go wrong with Carnival's melting chocolate cake. Arguably, it's one of the most famous desserts at sea! However, you can take this ooey-gooey dessert to the next level with a side of peanut butter. 

Instead of the traditional vanilla ice cream, ask your server to bring you a small scoop of peanut butter. It will add a savory contrast to the rich chocolate. 

"YES!! YES!! & YES!! [The melting cake with peanut butter] is excellent," Regina Oliver exclaimed on Facebook. 

Read more: 6 Carnival foods that cruisers swear are the line's best-kept secrets

Frog legs

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The Frog Legs Provençal might seem a bit adventurous for the main dining room menu, but many swear by its tender meat and sauce. The good thing about being on a cruise is that if you order something, like frog legs, that you don't like, it's easy to order something else! 

"[The] frog legs...[are] delicious," wrote Dominique Santiago. "Even if you don’t care for the legs, the sauce is great for the bread!"

Brenda Johnson added, "They are delicious and [finger-licking] good! One of my favorites."

Caesar salad with grilled chicken

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Caesar salads are a popular appetizer aboard Carnival cruise ships. However, most cruisers don't realize that it can be upsized and turned into an entrée.

Elizabeth Lawson Carr shared, "You can get a [dinner-sized Caesar] salad with grilled chicken any night. Even if it isn’t on the menu."

This is a good option for those on a health journey or who simply want a lighter, protein-packed meal. 

Duck rolls

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Carnival cruisers can't get enough of the dining room's duck rolls. They are offered on the first night and consistently leave guests impressed and wanting more, especially when they're served ice cold. 

"[I always get the duck rolls appetizer]. My wife and I just [sailed during Super Bowl] week, didn't board the ship until 4 because of the system shutdown. Naturally, we got guys burgers as soon as we could. We still went to the MDR at 5:30 just so I could get the duck rolls," AK-Possibility1862 said on a Reddit thread. 

Courtney_murder agreed, writing, "Another vote for the duck rolls. They are so very tasty! I wish they served them every night. I’m not even a huge lover of duck but it’s not a cruise without these."

Braised short ribs

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Finally, the braised short ribs are a must-try for anyone looking for comfort food done right at sea. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth. 

"The braised short ribs that are served night 1 are excellent," commented Zestyclose-Bag8875 on Reddit. 

On another post, Redditor RhymesWithProsecco went as far as saying that the short ribs were "perfect."