Disclosure: I was invited to dine as a guest of Carnival Horizon and Cucina del Capitano. No monetary compensation has been received for this post and I choose carefully what I will write about and who I partner with!
The Carnival Horizon’s service and amenities blew me away on the recent 8 night cruise that we took to the Eastern Caribbean. The ship is a beauty and has sooo many amazing restaurants to choose from. It is a foodie’s dream come true! The Cucina del Capitano is one of my favorite choices! As an Italian-American, I feel it is my duty to try all the Italian Restaurants I come across. Not a bad job, right!?
I discovered the iconic Italian restaurant – Cucina del Capitano aboard the Carnival Horizon. The iconic red and white check tablecloths made me feel right at home in this cozy Italian restaurant. This is one of the many restaurants that require an additional fee for dining. Of course, you can choose to dine in the main dining room for every meal, but with so many food choices, why limit yourself. Since the Cucina del Capitano has a low price point, this would be my first choice outside the main dining room.
cucina del capitano
While I sipped and savored my glass of Italian wine and basked in my vacation and time with my family, the Italian appetizers arrived! We were given a wide variety: Nanna’s Meatballs with the Captain’s secret tomato sauce, House-Made Burrata, and Authentic Rice Balls and Calamari Fritti topped with sea salt flakes, charred lime, and marinara sauce.
IL Capitano’s Italian Appetizers
Nanna’s Meatballs
This amazing starter dish is my favorite! It a classic Italian Meatball handmade with olive oil, garlic, and onion, baked with Mozzarella on top and served with a tasty secret tomato sauce. My mouth is watering just think about these amazing meatballs. When are we booking the next cruise, I need some tasty meatballs like my Great Grandma used to make.
CALAMARI FRITTI
The Calamari Fritti had a new flavor that gave this classic Italian appetizer an extra zing! This dish is fried crispy and topped with sea salt flakes, charred lime, and a classic marinara sauce.
HOUSE-MADE BURRATA
This burrata appetizer just melts in your mouth. It is made with fresh hand-made Italian cheese made from mozzarella and served with chardonnay poached cherry tomatoes over a bed of arugula with fresh cracked pepper on top. The combination of flavors with the creaminess of the soft burrata and pepperiness of the arugula strikes the perfect balance of deliciousness!
IL CAPITANO’S SIGNATURE ARANCINI
One of my fondest childhood memories was making rice balls with my mom and dad. They are extremely labor intensive so we don’t make them that often at home. Anytime that I see them at on a menu, I know that I am at an extremely amazing Italian Restaurant. These tasty miniature rice balls are called IL Capitano’s Signature Arancini on the Cucina del Capitano’s menu. These authentic rice balls are topped with ricotta salata and served with marinara sauce.
Insalata di rucola
Do you love olives as much as I do? My daughter and I are huge fans! This Insalata di Rucola has the ideal olive to salad ratio ~ 1:2. It might be my Italian blood, but olives make me sooo happy! This appetizer salad is filled with baby greens like mild arugula tossed with Mediterranean Marcona almonds, thinly sliced red and yellow beets, heirloom tomatoes, a variety of Italian olives like Kalamata and Cerignola olives all tossed with flavorful Italian vinaigrette.
Pollo Parmigiana Della Cucina = Chick parm
As a main course, I chose the Risotto Milanese and shared chicken parmesan with my friend. The chicken parm was delicious and just what I needed!
Costina Di Manzo Con Porcini
If you are looking for something unique, try the Costina Di Manzo Con Porcini. It is a slow braised porcini rubbed beef short rib served with salsa verde. The short ribs falls apart perfectly in your mouth and is the perfect main course!
Cucina del capitano desserts
Biscotti Al Cioccolato con sale Marino |
Caffe Gelato
The sea salt chocolate cookie sandwich with piped in coffee cream and orange financier. The coffee gelato is the perfect compliment to this chocolate deliciousness.
More Cruise Posts to Check Out
- 12 Reason to Book a Girl’s Weekend on the Carnival Paradise
- Cruise Outfit Packing Guide for 8 Days on Carnival Horizon
Have your Carnival Cruise yet? If you are a travel foodie like me, I would highly recommend cruising on the Carnival Horizon!