While exploring the culinary options of Princess Cruises, you’ll stumble upon a gem that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy – Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria.
Sabatini’s: An Italian Culinary Treat on Princess Cruises
Welcome to Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, a specialty dining option on most Princess Cruises ships. In this review, you’ll discover the menu highlights, the warm and elegant ambiance, and the Princess ships where this Italian restaurant awaits.
A Taste of Italy at Sea
An authentic Italian dining experience awaits you at Sabatini’s, where traditional recipes and regional influences come together to create a great dining experience.
The Concept Behind Sabatini’s
One of the most popular specialty restaurants on Princess Cruises, Sabatini’s has been dishing up Italian cuisine for nearly two decades.
With its roots in family recipes and the culinary expertise of Italian chefs, Sabatini’s offers a relatively authentic dining experience that will make you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy trattoria in the Tuscan countryside. Our most recent visit to Sabatini’s was on the Sky Princess where you step inside to be greeted in the warm, inviting atmosphere that has a real (Americanized) Italian vibe, complete with rich wood accents, soft lighting, and tasteful decor. For those who’ve spent a lot of time in Italy, like I have, will quickly see that the restaurant isn’t really “authentic”, but it does come across as a refined version of a higher-end American-Italian restaurant.
Sabatini’s Menu & Highlights
The extensive menu showcases the best of traditional Italian cuisine with fresh, mouth-watering ingredients. We tried just about every item on the menu during our 16 day voyage, and nearly all dishes were quite good. Simple, but good!
Antipasti: A Delicious Beginning
A myriad of appetizer options are on the menu, including Calamari Fritti, Mozzarella Caprese, and Antipasti Misti, all designed in a starter, yet sharable size.
Primi: Pasta and Risotto Delights
Any pasta lover’s dream comes true with Sabatini’s Primi course, featuring dishes like Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Crepes, Lobster Three Ways, and Gnocchi, all expertly crafted to satisfy your cravings.
A highlight of the Primi course is the variety of pasta and risotto options, each carefully prepared to highlight the rich flavors of Italy.
Pro Tip: These portions are small but filling, so if you’re not that hungry – be prepared to share this course with someone!
Secondi: Main Course Masterpieces
Beginning with tender Osso Buco and Grilled Branzino, and culminating with the rich flavors of Filetto di Manzo (Filet Mignon), the Secondi course is the most traditional Italian cuisine on the entire menu.
This course is where Sabatini’s truly shines, with dishes that blend traditional Italian flavors with modern twists and presentations. Whether you opt for the tender osso buco or the indulgent filet mignon, every bite is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to standing out from the other dining options on the ship.
Dolci: Sweet Treats to Finish
For a sweet conclusion to your Italian feast, Sabatini’s Dolci course offers an array of rich treats, including Tiramisu, Cannoli, and Chocolate Fondue.
Sabatini’s Dolci course is the perfect finale, with each dessert prepared to provide a sweet and satisfying conclusion to your meal. From classic Italian treats to rich chocolate indulgences, every bite is a delight (if you can make it to the end without being too stuffed!)
The Experience at Sabatini’s
Attentive Service
The attentive service provided by the friendly and knowledgeable staff was relatively exceptional and was probably the best service we received on the ship (Sky Princess). They take pride in ensuring that every guest feels welcome and catered to.
The staff at Sabatini’s are happy to guide you through the menu, offering recommendations and pairing suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
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Which Ships Have Sabatini’s?
Ship-Specific Details
Details about Sabatini’s availability can vary from ship to ship, so check your specific Princess ship for this Italian specialty restaurant.
Sabatini’s can be found on the following Princess Cruises ships: Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Enchanted Princess, Grand Princess, Island Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sky Princess, Sun Princess, and Star Princess. Be sure to check your ship’s dining options to confirm Sabatini’s availability during your cruise.
Standout Dishes and Surprises
Standout dishes like the Calamari Fritti, Lobster Three Ways, and Osso Buco stole the show, showcasing the culinary skills of Sabatini’s chefs.
As you indulge in each carefully crafted dish, you’ll be treated to a culinary experience that shows more effort than most of the other Princess specialty dining options.
Tips and Tricks for Dining at Sabatini’s
- Plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible, especially for dinner, as this popular restaurant can fill up quickly.
- Be prepared for a leisurely dining experience, as the multi-course meal can take around 2-3 hours to complete.
- Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or modifications to suit your taste preferences.
- The portion sizes can be generous.
Reservations and Dress Code at Sabatini’s
With Sabatini’s being a popular specialty restaurant, reservations are highly recommended. You can book your table online or at the onboard dining reservations desk. As for dress code, Sabatini’s adheres to Princess Cruises’ smart casual recommendation, so dress accordingly for a stylish yet comfortable evening out.
If you aren’t able to get a reservation online before your voyage, there appeared to be plenty of space available for walk-ins or with a short wait.
