Sabatini's provides a unique experience that is much different from the main dining rooms on board. Sabatini's is only for dinner (5:30 PM to 9:30 PM with two seatings) and only accepts reservations for those wanting to dine there. Reservations can be made through the Princess app and at the restaurant on embarkation day.
This guide will go through the entire Sabatini's experience, including the new menu, pricing from ship to ship, passenger reviews, and hints on whether it is worth the additional cost when booking your next cruise with Princess.
The Concept and Atmosphere of Sabatini's
The name is taken from Sabatino “Sabatini” Balducci, a famed Italian restaurateur and owner of some of the finest Italian restaurants in the world. You will find Sabatini’s to have the authentic feel of an upscale Italian trattoria with white tablecloths, warm lighting, and excellent service, and a menu that features both traditional and modern styles of Italian cuisine. Sabatini’s is still very much a popular alternative dining experience on all Princess ships whether you are sailing onboard one of the traditional Grand-class ships like Caribbean Princess or Crown Princess or one of the new Sphere-class ships like Sun Princess or Star Princess.
Princess Cruises features Sabatini’s as its signature Italian specialty restaurant. Many loyal passengers look forward to dining here as it has become one of the most awaited dining options onboard. The warm wood tones, soft lighting, Italian art, and comfortable seating provide the opportunity to take your time and eat several courses. A number of ships position Sabatini's at a higher deck with large windows providing diners with stunning views of the water, especially as the sun sets. On newer vessels such as Sun Princess and Star Princess the design has been contemporary but with an Italian flair and older larger vessels continue to have the more traditional elegant-looking restaurant.
The servers at Sabatini's provide highly personalized and attentive service; they know all the menu items as well as wines to pair with your food, and the meal will be served to you at a leisurely pace, allowing you to enjoy each of your courses like you were in Italy having a multi-course meal. The dress code is "smart casual" to "elegant casual," which suggests wearing collared shirts and nice dresses; however, it is not a stuffy restaurant — many people think it is an intimate setting that is ideal for couples or for families celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.
Sabatini's Menu: What to Expect
On a regular basis, Princess updates the menu offered at Sabatini's. The overall theme continues to maintain focus on authentic Italian flavors with a touch of modern flavors. The newest menu layout is an elaborate multi-course menu where you may select an item for every course. Here follows a comprehensive outline as per the latest fleet-wide menu (subject to some minor variations between ships):
Appetizers (Antipasti)
- Carpaccio di Manzo (thinly sliced beef with arugula, capers, and Parmigiano-Reggiano)
- Calamari Fritti (fried calamari with marinara sauce)
- Insalata Caprese (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and aged balsamic)
- Prosciutto e Melone (cured ham with fresh melon)
- Bruschetta al Pomodoro (toasted bread with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil)
Pasta & Risotto Courses
- Tagliatelle Bolognese (classic meat sauce)
- Fettuccine Alfredo (rich cream sauce with Parmigiano)
- Spaghetti alle Vongole (clams, garlic, white wine)
- Risotto ai Funghi (mushroom risotto)
- Gnocchi al Pomodoro e Basilico (potato dumplings in tomato sauce)
Main Courses (Secondi Piatti)
- Osso Buco alla Milanese (braised veal shank with saffron risotto)
- Branzino al Forno (whole roasted sea bass with lemon and herbs)
- Filetto di Manzo (beef tenderloin with red wine reduction)
- Pollo alla Parmigiana (chicken parmesan)
- Costolette di Agnello (grilled lamb chops with rosemary)
Desserts (Dolci)
- Tiramisù Classico
- Panna Cotta al Cioccolato
- Gelato Artigianale (selection of house-made gelato)
- Cannoli Siciliani
- Zabaglione al Limoncello
The menu also includes a children’s section with simpler pasta dishes and a vegetarian/gluten-free selection on request. Wine pairings are available, with a strong Italian wine list featuring Chianti, Pinot Grigio, and Prosecco by the glass or bottle.
Latest Pricing for Sabatini's
The price of dinner at Sabatini’s is $35* per person (adults). Children (3-12) are charged $17.50*; these prices have been implemented throughout most of the Princess fleet, including the Caribbean Princess, Sun Princess and other ships. The per person, per visit charge includes a meal of many courses without any extra cost for the actual meal itself.
Some cruise lines provide a "Sabatini's Experience", which consists of a pre-dinner prosecco cocktail and a dessert tasting for an additional $10 to $15*. It is also important to make reservations prior to going; especially on days at sea when there are many people dining at the restaurant.
Value perspective:At $35 per person*, Sabatini's is considered good value compared to specialty restaurants on other lines (which often charge $45–$75*). Many cruisers say the quality of ingredients and service justifies the cost, particularly if you enjoy Italian cuisine.
Ship-by-Ship Differences
While the menu is largely consistent fleet-wide, the ambiance and service level can vary slightly:
Sun Princess and Star Princess (Sphere-class)
They boast new-age, contemporary style ships featuring large windows. The restaurants on these ships are numerous, more modern and spacious than other ships' restaurants. They have a reputation for being highly rated on service in their 2025 reviews.
Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess (Grand-class)
They are more traditional in their classic decor and offer a more intimate atmosphere. Many long-term users of these ships will always favour the more traditional Sabatini's experience provided by these older vessels.
Regal Princess & Royal Princess
Although they have larger and busier facilities, the atmosphere at Sabatini's is still somewhat refined. Some reviewers noticed noise can be an issue due to the overall size of the ship.
Diamond Princess & Sapphire Princess
Similar to the Grand-class ships, these ships have many fans who like to enjoy Sabatini's Restaurant.
Passenger Reviews and Honest Feedback
Sabatini's has a rating of between 4.2 and 4.5 stars from 2025 reviewers on Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor. Reviewers generally appreciate the pasta quality, attentive service and beautiful food presentation. Some dishes that received high praise from multiple reviewers include the osso buco, tiramisu and the overall relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.
The negative comments have been generally mild. Some customers felt that portions were generous but not very large (this isn't uncommon in fine-dining Italian establishments), and a few customers have suggested that some days of the week, when the cruise ship was full, were a bit rushed. Several reviewers have mentioned that they believe that Sabatini's ($35*) is an upgrade over the main dining room, and therefore a good value, but some have felt that it is too expensive for what you receive. Most people have rated this restaurant highly for the same reasons.
Practical Tips for Dining at Sabatini's
- You must make your booking in advance because all available slots will be occupied, especially during the 7-night cruise period.
- You should arrive at dinner according to the time when your seats are scheduled.
- You should share the hors d'oeuvres and desserts with your dining partner because this arrangement will let you sample different food items.
- You can choose Italian wines from the wine list if you want to drink during your meal. The sommelier should be able to help you choose your wine.
- The evening requires smart casual attire which includes collared shirts for men and dresses for women.
- The venue permits children entrance but its dining options and atmosphere are more suitable adults and older children.
Sabatini’s is a highlight for many Princess cruisers who enjoy Italian food and a more intimate dining experience. Whether you’re on a short cruise to the Caribbean or a longer cruise to Europe, it’s a memorable experience to enhance your cruise experience.
FAQs on Sabatini's on Princess Cruises
What is Sabatini's on Princess Cruises?
Sabatini's serves as Princess Cruises' main Italian restaurant which presents its guests with an upscale Italian dining experience through its multi-course Italian meals served in a relaxed setting. Sabatini's restaurant design features wooden elements and warm illumination while its menu provides both traditional and modern Italian dining options to customers who visit its locations across most of the cruise line's vessels.
What is on the Sabatini's menu?
The menu presents a selection of appetizers which include beef carpaccio, calamari fritti, Caprese salad together with pasta and risotto courses featuring meat, cheese, sauce and white sauce and a la Norma and porcini and taleggio and main dishes which include osso buco and branzino and roasted lamb chops and assorted desserts which feature tiramisù marsala sirloin steak and roasted Roma leg of lamb. The restaurant provides multiple vegetarian and gluten-free menu options which customers can request during their reservation process to accommodate different special dietary needs.
How much does Sabatini's cost on Princess Cruises?
The cover charge is $35 per adult* and $17.50 per child* (3–12) for the full multi-course dinner. This price is the same across the fleet. Some ships offer an optional “Sabatini’s Experience” upgrade with Prosecco and a special dessert tasting for an extra $10–$15*.
Is Sabatini's worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you're a cruiser who likes Italian cuisine. Many guests say the attentive service and elegant environment make this restaurant worth the upgrade from the main dining room. Many people go here on special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays, so many believe it's a good deal; others think that $35* is too much to pay for an upgraded dinner when the experience is very similar to a meal in the main dining room.
Which Princess ships have the best Sabatini's?
The consistency of the overall experience is fairly similar over the Princess Fleet; long time cruisers tend to prefer the classic feel found in the Grand-class vessels such as the Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess. The Sphere-class (i.e. Sun Princess, Star Princess) provide a brighter, more modern experience with larger windows. The menu and level of service are the same for all of Princess' cruise ships.
Can I make reservations for Sabatini's?
Yes, we encourage you to make a reservation through their mobile app or at the restaurant on embarkation. On sea days or during peak cruises, tables fill up very quickly; therefore, we recommend booking your reservations as early as possible.
Note: *All prices mentioned in this article have been researched carefully. However, despite our best attempts, these prices can change, based on cruise demand, price policies and changed schedules. Please refer the cruise line website for accurate and latest rates.
