Jacques Restaurant
Evaluating Allura’s Eleven Culinary Venues
We’re on an exclusive mission to evaluate all eleven of Allura’s culinary dining venues, focusing on flavor, authenticity, and execution.
Oceania Cruises has long been known for its bold promise of offering “The Finest Cuisine at Sea”. With the debut of its newest ship, the Allura, many travelers are wondering whether the line can raise the bar even higher.
Carol and I are about to find out.
Soon, we’ll be boarding the brand-new Oceania Allura for a special preview sailing designed exclusively for top travel advisors.
Our goal is to provide you with a straightforward, expert look at the ship’s dining experience—what stands out, what feels new, and how Allura advances Oceania’s already celebrated culinary identity.
What makes Allura especially compelling is not just the number of dining venues, but the philosophy behind them. This ship is designed for travelers who value dining as an essential part of the journey.
Meals here are crafted with intention and presented with care. With eleven complimentary venues, an expanded range of global flavors, and a fresh focus on personalized service, the Oceania Allura dining program feels like an evolution of what the brand has done so well for years.
Our dining schedule for this preview voyage is being curated by the ship’s culinary team, allowing us and our fellow advisors to sample a meaningful cross-section of the offerings. We won’t know our exact rotation until we board, but that’s part of the adventure. Throughout the sailing, we’ll be evaluating each restaurant for quality, creativity, execution, service, and overall consistency.
And, of course, we’ll be asking the essential question: Does Allura deliver on the promise of the “Finest Cuisine at Sea”?
Carol and I will be sharing daily impressions, short videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses as we sail. If you’d like to follow our journey in real time, you can find us on:
Below is an overview of the Oceania Allura dining venues we’ll soon be exploring—each one contributing to the ship’s culinary reputation.
Sea Bass Filet Baked in Puff Pastry Crust with Beurre Blanc
The Complimentary Specialty Restaurants (Reservations Required)
Jacques
- The Vibe: An elegant French venue inspired by Master Chef Jacques Pépin, blending bistro warmth with timeless sophistication.
- The Excellence: Signature tableside preparations and classic dishes executed with precision, such as hand-cut beef tartare.
- Why We’re Looking Forward to It: As fans of French cuisine, this is a venue we’re particularly eager to experience.
Polo Grill
- The Vibe: A traditional steakhouse atmosphere with rich wood tones and attentive service.
- The Excellence: Certified Black Angus USDA Prime beef, aged a minimum of forty days, paired with expertly prepared classic sides.
TOSCANA PASTA TRIO
Toscana
- The Vibe: A warm, welcoming celebration of Italian culinary tradition.
- The Excellence: Custom Versace china and a dedicated olive oil menu set an elegant tone for the meal ahead.
Red Ginger
- The Vibe: A serene, modern Pan-Asian setting with thoughtful design touches.
- The Excellence: A flavorful blend of Thai, Japanese, and broader Asian influences, enhanced with contemporary elements like Nikkei cuisine.
ALLURA GRAND DINING ROOM
Elevated Casual and Wellness Venues (No Reservation Needed)
Aquamar Kitchen (New to the Allura Class)
- The Vibe: A fresh, wellness-focused venue offering bright, nutrient-rich plates.
- The Excellence: Smoothies, power bowls, and Mediterranean-leaning dishes that strike a balance between health and enjoyment.
The Grand Dining Room
- The Vibe: Oceania’s flagship dining venue, elegant and inviting with a timeless European feel.
- The Excellence: More than 270 new recipes add global variety and creativity to every evening’s menu.
TERRACE CAFE
Terrace Café
- The Vibe: An inviting space offering both indoor and alfresco seating with expansive ocean views.
- The Excellence: Fresh seafood, made-to-order pasta, carving stations, and nightly themed offerings.
Waves Grill
- The Vibe: A casual poolside favorite with familiar Oceania touches.
- The Excellence: Gourmet burgers and custom sandwiches by day; an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria by night.
The Bakery at Baristas
- The Vibe: A European-style coffee bar ideal for easing into the morning or enjoying a mid-day break.
- The Excellence: Freshly baked pastries paired with expertly crafted coffees and espresso drinks.
LA RESERVE
Enrichment and Exclusive Culinary Experiences
- The Culinary Center: A hands-on cooking school where guests learn regional recipes and techniques from Oceania’s chef-instructors.
- La Reserve: An intimate venue offering curated wine-pairing dinners and tasting menus for an additional fee.
- Lync Digital Center: A new digital learning venue designed to help guests better capture their cruise experience through photography and storytelling.
The depth and quality of dining aboard the Allura strongly support Oceania’s claim to the “Finest Cuisine at Sea.” Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing our firsthand impressions to help you evaluate whether this new class of ship is right for your next journey.
Meanwhile, the most desirable 2026 and 2027 Oceania itineraries are already being reserved. As a Virtuoso-affiliated agency, we can help secure exclusive amenities and the best options for your preferred sailing.
How to Book With The Roaming Boomers
As one of the nation’s leading agencies specializing in luxury ocean, expedition, yacht, and river cruising, The Roaming Boomers Travel Services brings unmatched expertise, insight, and firsthand experience to every journey we plan.
Carol and I have personally sailed with Oceania Cruises many times, and our exclusive access to the debut of Oceania Allura gives you a true competitive advantage. This ship exemplifies the best of Oceania—culinary excellence, intimate design, and thoughtfully curated itineraries crafted for discerning travelers.
While we are on board conducting my culinary assessment, the most in-demand 2026 and 2027 itineraries are actively being reserved. Don’t wait for our full report—secure your preferred sailing now.
For more information or to book your next journey, please call The Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request CLICK HERE and we’ll reach out to you.
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This article was written with the aid of ChatGPT. The Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso member. CST#201120-40
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