Everything You Need to Know About Dining at Epicurean

George and Dan
May 16
4 min read

If you’re sailing with P&O Cruises and looking to treat yourself to something a bit special, Epicurean is definitely worth considering. It’s one of the speciality dining venues onboard select ships in the fleet – and it offers a much more refined experience than the main dining room or buffet. We’ve had the pleasure of dining there and can safely say, it’s one of those meals you remember long after the cruise is over.

What is the Epicurean?

Epicurean is P&O Cruises’ fine dining restaurant, blending traditional British cuisine with a modern twist – think familiar dishes, but elevated and beautifully presented. It’s a specialty dining venue, which means it’s not included in your standard dining package, but for a special evening or a celebration at sea, it’s a real treat.

It’s also one of the few places onboard where you’ll experience silver service dining – where attention to detail and service is part of the show. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you walk in.

What does it offer?

The food at Epicurean is a real highlight – beautifully presented, packed with flavour, and full of surprises. We’ve visited on several different ships now, and each time it’s been a memorable experience. Check out some of the menus below:

To start, you’ll usually be offered a selection of warm breads. One of the most unique touches is the beetroot roll, served with a rich marmite butter – it’s a flavour combo that really works, even if you’re not a big marmite fan.

One standout starter we’ve had was a seasonal cream of celeriac soup, finished with white truffle oil. Silky, earthy, and so comforting – especially on a sea day. Another favourite was the slow-cooked ox cheek, served inside a “bone canoe” with a parsley sponge and beef-flavoured mayonnaise. It sounds a bit theatrical – and it is – but it’s also packed with deep, rich flavour. If you’re after something lighter, the roasted red pepper parfait is a great option. It comes with goat’s milk curd, semi-dried tomatoes, and a delicate spinach and basil purée. A really refreshing mix of tastes and textures.

For mains, we’ve tried the 28-day aged, grain-finished Australian Black Angus sirloin steak. Cooked to perfection, and paired with a plum tomato ragout and bordelaise sauce – it’s a proper steakhouse-style dish, but with that Epicurean flair. Another main we loved was the maple-glazed Saddleback pork T-bone. It came with a crisp piece of air crackling and a lovely cider jus – classic British flavours, done really well.

You can also choose from a few sides – including tender-stem broccoli, baby spinach leaves, thick-cut chips, or new potatoes. The sides come in generous portions too, so you’ll definitely feel well fed.

Now for dessert – and honestly, it’s hard to pick a favourite.

The crêpes Suzette is a bit of a showstopper, served warm with vanilla pod ice cream. It’s flambéed with orange sauce and has that perfect mix of sticky, zesty, and creamy. We also loved the lemon meringue tart, which was topped with lavender meringue and served with fresh raspberries and a shortbread crumb. Delicate and tangy with a lovely floral twist. If you can’t decide, go for the “Taster for Two” – it’s a sharing plate that includes mini versions of the apple and juniper berry crumble, a baked Valrhona chocolate cheesecake, and the lemon tart. It’s the perfect way to try a bit of everything – and trust us, you’ll want to.

What’s the atmosphere like?

Epicurean feels elegant without being stuffy. There’s soft lighting, crisp white tablecloths, and a calm, intimate vibe. It’s a quieter space, perfect for couples or anyone celebrating a special occasion. You can dress up a little if you like (smart casual is the norm), and take your time with each course. Celebration Night requires black tie. It’s not a rushed meal – and that’s part of what makes it so enjoyable.

Epicurean Afternoon Tea

If you fancy something a bit different, Epicurean also offers an elegant afternoon tea, created in partnership with master pâtissier Eric Lanlard. It’s a real treat – beautifully presented on tiered stands with a mix of sweet and savoury delights. Expect delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of mini cakes and pastries that are almost too pretty to eat. You can pair it with your choice of teas or go all out with a glass of bubbly. It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon at sea, especially on a sea day when you want to take things slow. Just be sure to book – it’s popular and spaces do fill up.

How do you book?

You can book the Epicurean through My P&O Cruises 14 days before departure or once onboard on the My Holiday Portal. If you’re keen to dine there on a specific night – maybe a formal evening or a sea day – it’s worth booking early, as tables do get snapped up quickly.

What ships is it on?

Epicurean is available on the following P&O Cruises ships:

Arvia
Azura
Britannia
Iona
Ventura

On these ships, it’s one of the premium dining venues and is usually located in a tucked-away spot to help create that more intimate feel.

FAQ - Epicurean onboard P&O Cruises

Is there a dress code at Epicurean?

Smart casual is fine, but lots of people do like to dress up a bit. On formal nights, expect black tie and dresses.

How much does it cost to dine at Epicurean?

Expect to pay around £28–£35 per person for dinner, plus drinks. Afternoon tea is usually cheaper and may be around £15–£20 depending on the ship.

Is it worth the extra cost?

We think so! If you enjoy good food and want a break from the buffet or main dining room, it’s a lovely change of pace. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries or just a treat night.