The Ultimate Carnival Miracle Food Guide: Where to Eat & What to Skip
Hey Cruisers! Planning your first Carnival Miracle cruise and wondering about all those fantastic dining options? My family and I have sailed on Carnival Miracle many times now, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that you’ll never go hungry! But with so many restaurants and dining options, how do you know where to eat and when? In this article, we’re sharing everything you need to know about where to eat, what to try, and – most importantly – how to make the most of your cruise dining budget. We’ve also gathered all the Carnival Miracle menus and included them in this article for easy download.
Bacchus Dining Room: Your Home Away From Home
The stunning Bacchus Dining Room is truly the heart of dining on Carnival Miracle. With its grape-themed decor (trust me, you’ll see what I mean when you get there!), this main dining room serves up some of the best food you’ll find on your cruise. We love the Bacchus dining room. It’s a perfect example of the quirky-cool decor you’ll find on Miracle. Miracle’s unique style is a blend of Joe Farcus’ original “Fabulous Fictional Icons” theme and more modernized concepts like you’ll find in the Alchemy Bar which was added during a refurbishment several years ago.
There are many terrific places to eat on Carnival Miracle, but you’ll probably spend the most time in the main dining room. We certainly did on our most recent cruise on Carnival Miracle. We ate dinner there on 9 of the 11 nights of our cruise, opting for the buffet once and Carnival Miracle’s Steakhouse Nick and Nora’s on the other. You can download the full menus right here, but I’ve got to tell you about some absolute must-try dishes!
PRO TIP: On the first afternoon of your cruise, the dining room manager will hold “open hours” at the entrance to the dining room. At that time, you can confirm your table assignment, request to change dining arrangements and make general inquiries. Watch your newsletter for the time. Our sailing was around 1-2 pm on embarkation day!
First, if you’re a burger lover, you must try the Sea Day Brunch Voyage Burger. It’s juicy, perfectly cooked, and comes with all the fixings. For something lighter but equally delicious, the Sea Day Brunch Caesar Salad with Salmon is amazing – the salmon is always cooked just right, and the dressing has this perfect garlic kick. If you have been following us here at CruiseTipsTV for a while, you probably know my husband is a big fan of salmon. So this salad was perfect for him.
The Seaday Brunch Huevos Rancheros hit the spot, too, if you’re looking for a good protein-packed breakfast but don’t feel like heading up to Blue Iguana (they also serve Huevos Rancheros there!)
For dinner, don’t miss the Cornish Game Hen – it’s one of my son’s favorite dishes, and aside from being not quite as hot, it rivals what you’d get at fancy restaurants on land. And if you’re looking for a fantastic appetizer, the main dining room’s Ricotta Crepe is pretty darn good – light, creamy, and just perfect to start your meal.
But here’s the real insider tip: NEVER skip the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake. I mean it! This dessert is legendary in the cruise community, and for good reason. That warm, gooey chocolate center? Pure heaven!
PRO TIP: Your dining time matters! Early dining ([5:30] PM on our sailing) is great if you’ve got kids or like to catch the early shows, while late dining ([7:45]PM) gives you more time for afternoon activities and getting ready for dinner. Not interested in being held to a set time? Anytime dining may be a fit for you. Between the hours of [5:30]-9pm (approximately) each evening, you simply check in on the app, and a table will be assigned to you. Wait times vary between 10 minutes to one hour, so plan ahead!
Pool Deck Delights: Casual Bites with Ocean Views
Blue Iguana Cantina
Cruisers, if you haven’t tried Blue Iguana for breakfast, you’re missing out! Their breakfast burritos are massive and totally customizable.n They also offer Huevos Rancheros for breakfast, with your choice of freshly prepared eggs (I like mine over medium). For lunch, the tacos and burritos are fresh and delicious – the pork tacos are my personal favorite, but they also offer fried fish and chicken as options. The salsa bar is amazing, and yes, you can go back for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here!).
PRO-TIP: My personal hack is to create taco salads or chipotle style “bowls” with a mix of veggies and fixings from Blue Iguana’s toppings bar. Pictured below: rice, beans and pork from Blue Iguana, topped with lettuce sour cream and salsa (also from Blue Iguana). The REAL treat, the fried onion (or tortilla?) stips on top, from the toppings bar right next door at Guy’s Burgers. You gotta try this! Trust me! SO GOOD, and a bit lighter than a burrito or burger for lunch.
Guy’s Burger Joint
Oh. My. Goodness. These aren’t just regular burgers – they’re Guy Fieri burgers! The Plain Jane with a pile of those amazing seasoned fries is perfect for lunch, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try The Ringer – it comes with Guy’s bourbon and brown sugar BBQ sauce and a crispy onion ring. Just remember they’re usually open from noon to 6 PM, and yes, there might be a line – but it moves quickly and is totally worth the wait! When Guy’s Burgers first hit the scene on Carnival, we were big fans, but there was a period when the quality dropped. We are happy that Guy’s has returned to greatness… at least on Carnival Miracle.
PRO-TIP: Top your fries with the chili on the Guy’s Burger’s toppings bar. Instant chili fries! Or, walk a few steps over to the Blue Iguana salsa bar (when it’s open) and top your burger or fries
Horatio’s Buffet: A World of Flavors
Horatio’s is your go-to spot for variety for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it’s got several different stations that each deserve their own spotlight. There’s a salad bar for lunch and dinner, serving the standard veggies, beans, and mixed salads (potato salad, cole slaw, and other rotating salads). You will also find a variety of dressings and toppings. On our sailing, you could find a few cheeses, nuts/seeds, chopped meats like ham or turkey and usually, some dried cranberries. Then, the carvery, which serves carved meats, sides, and hearty dishes from a variety of themes.
PRO-SALAD TIP: Try this combo at the salad bar: mixed greens, feta, dried cranberry, and nuts- topped with the raspberry or balsamic vinaigrette. For some protein, add some chicken. This combo is fabulous, and tastes like a fancy salad you spent $15 on!
For breakfast, you’ll find a few omelet stations, a pastry bar, a fruit and yogurt bar, cereal dispensers, and a hot food station. The hot food station offers items like scrambled eggs (the weird powdery kind, sadly), hard-boiled eggs, eggs benedict (better than the scrambled eggs IMO), baked beans, breakfast meats (bacon, sausage, ham), and breakfast potatoes. We usually saw waffles here, too.
The main buffet offerings change daily, but here are some permanent spots you need to know about:
Pizza Pirates
Pizza Pirates serves up fresh, made-to-order pizzas. The margherita is always a solid choice, but my personal favorite is the pepperoni – they don’t skimp on the toppings! Perfect for late-night munchies or a quick lunch between activities. NOTE: While the Pizza Pirate is no longer a 24/7 venue, it’s still the GO-TO spot for late-night munching! Check your newsletter or app for open times.
Chopsticks (located in Horatio’s Buffet)
Want some Asian flavors? The Chopsticks “station” has you covered, and guess what? This is the HIDDEN GEM of the buffet on Carnival Miracle! The daily soup offering was 10/10 DELICIOUS every DAY I tried it, and the food at this station stands out as being higher quality than the rest of the buffet, in our opinion (also, the crew tends to suggest it, which is a good sign- they have to eat this stuff every day!). The won tons were great, and the meat selections changed daily (think Korean Beef, stir fry type meats, and other asian choices like sweet and sour). Trust me, try this early in your cruise, and you won’t be sorry!
It’s usually less crowded than other stations, making it a great choice during peak hours.
Seafood Corner (Additional Charge)
Here’s where you can get your seafood fix – for a price. The lobster roll is pretty good, but at an additional cost ($18 on our sailing), you might want to save your seafood cravings for the main dining room, where it’s included in your cruise fare. Worth trying here- the clam chowder, boiled shrimp and market price fresh items.
Sushi at Sea (Additional Charge)
Sushi lovers, listen up! While this isn’t included in your cruise fare, the sushi is fresh and well-prepared. The California Roll and Spicy Tuna Roll are solid choices, but prices are similar to what you’d pay on land, so plan accordingly. You’ll also see the “sushi boats’ served in the main dining room- they looked amazing, but we didn’t try them.
Nick & Nora’s Steakhouse: Worth the Splurge?
This specialty restaurant comes with a a wild reddish hue (it’s located beneath the Carnival Miracle funnel!). Unfortunately, Carnival has raised their steakhouse prices, and Nick and Nora’s will set you back $52 per person at the time of writing, but for a special occasion? Totally worth it! The service is impeccable, the atmosphere is romantic, and the steaks are perfectly cooked. Just make sure to book ahead – this place fills up fast!
PRO-TIP: Be sure to try the lobster bisque and the specialty cocktails here! The 555 Sidecar is STRONG and oh-so-perfect with the hearty meal here. For dessert, the “fresh fruit” is to die for. Served with some gelato concoction (no idea what it is), it’s just one of those “order it every time” selections, and I think it’s a bit lighter than the cheesecake!
FAQ: Your Top Carnival Miracle Dining Questions Answered
- Do I need to dress up for the Bacchus Dining Room?
Smart casual is perfect for most nights. We saw shorts, often! On formal nights, you’ll want to step it up a notch – but no need for tuxedos or ball gowns! - Can I eat at different times in the main dining room?
Yes! Your Time Dining is available, but you’ll need to request it when booking your cruise. - Are drinks included at any of the restaurants?
Basic beverages like water, lemonade, and iced tea are included. Alcohol, specialty coffees, and sodas are extra unless you have a beverage package. - Do I need reservations for Nick & Nora’s?
Yes! Book as soon as you get on board – or better yet, pre-book through the Carnival app. - Is room service available?
Yes, but there’s a small fee for most items (except continental breakfast, which is complimentary). - Can I take food from the buffet back to my room?
Absolutely! Just be courteous and use the provided plates and utensils. - Are there options for dietary restrictions?
Yes! The main dining room can accommodate most dietary needs – just let them know beforehand. - What are the best times to avoid crowds at Guy’s Burgers?
Try going right when they open at noon or after 3 PM for shorter lines. - Is the Seafood Corner worth the extra cost?
If you’re a seafood lover, try it once – but remember, you can get excellent seafood in the main dining room at no additional charge. - Can I switch between early and late dining during my cruise?
While it’s possible, it’s subject to availability. Check with the maitre’D on the first day of the cruise to inquire about changes.
Money-Saving Tips for Dining on Carnival Miracle
- Skip the specialty restaurants on formal nights – the main dining room menu is extra special then!
- Rather than eating lunch on shore, head back to the ship for less crowded venues.
- If you want to try Nick & Nora’s, go on the first night, and ask if the complimentary bottle of wine is still included on the first night.
- The Sea Day Brunch in the main dining room is amazing and included in your cruise fare- don’t miss it!
Remember, Cruisers, the best part about dining on Carnival Miracle is trying new things! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something different each day. You might just discover your new favorite dish!
Have you sailed on Carnival Miracle? What’s your favorite restaurant on board? Drop a comment below and share your experiences with our cruising family! And don’t forget to subscribe to CruiseTipsTV for more cruise tips and tricks!
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