Chops Grille on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Chops Grille is Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse and one of the most popular specialty restaurants across the fleet. Known for its upscale yet approachable atmosphere, premium cuts of beef, and attentive service, Chops Grille offers a refined dining experience that feels like a high-end land-based steakhouse but with the added magic of being at sea.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Chops Grille: the current menu, exact pricing, dress code, ship-by-ship variations, real passenger reviews, and practical tips to decide whether it’s worth the extra cost on your next cruise.
The Chops Grille Experience
When you step inside of Chops Grille, you feel just like you are in a classic American steak house but which floats on the seas. The décor is dark wood panelled, has leather seats, has warm lighting and has art work that has very subtle nautical themes. The tables are all dressed in nice white linens, have quality silverware, have comfortable chairs and, most importantly, have all of these items as an improvement from the main dining area.
Chops Grille still holds the spot for couples having their anniversary dinners, families looking for an enjoyable dinner out, and foodies looking for a breather away from the dining room. It can be found on almost all the ships of Royal Caribbean Cruises, ranging from the large Oasis Class ships down to the smaller Radiance Class ships. Although the menu and theme remain constant throughout the fleet, there are minor variations depending on which ship you're on.
The service offered is both attentive and professional. The servers are familiar with the menu, wine pairings, and the degrees of doneness for the steaks. Quite often, guests comment on how accommodating the staff is when making their dining experience special for them, whether it's their birthday or other reasons.
The dining room is open only for dinner (usually from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, twice seating), with some bigger ships providing lunch service on sea days. It is strongly suggested that reservations be made, and can be done via the Royal Caribbean app or directly at the restaurant upon boarding day. On crowded cruises, tables get taken up very fast, particularly on sea days.
Current Chops Grille Menu
The menu at Chops Grille is built around premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and classic steakhouse sides. While minor seasonal changes occur, the core offerings remain consistent.
Appetizers
- Lobster Bisque
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Ahi Tuna Tartare
- Escargot
- Caesar Salad (prepared tableside on some ships)
Soups & Salads
- French Onion Soup
- Wedge Salad with blue cheese and bacon
- Baby Spinach Salad with strawberries and goat cheese
Main Courses (Signature Steaks)
- 8 oz Filet Mignon
- 14 oz New York Strip
- 18 oz Bone-In Ribeye
- 22 oz Porterhouse (for two)
- Surf & Turf (filet + lobster tail)
- Grilled Lamb Chops
- Grilled Salmon or Branzino
Sides (All à la carte)
- Truffle Fries
- Creamed Spinach
- Baked Potato with all the fixings
- Roasted Asparagus
- Mac & Cheese with lobster
Desserts
- Classic New York Cheesecake
- Chocolate Lava Cake
- Crème Brûlée
- Key Lime Pie
- Warm Apple Pie with vanilla ice cream
The menu also includes vegetarian options and gluten-free adaptations upon request. Wine pairings are available, with a strong selection of California reds and international wines by the glass or bottle.
Current Pricing for Chops Grille
Chops Grille is an extra-fee specialty restaurant. Current pricing is:
- Dinner: $45–$59* per person (most common price is $49–$55*)
- Lunch (on ships that offer it): $25–$35 per person*
Children (3–12 years) pay approximately half price. Guests under 3 eat free.
Special Packages:
- Some ships offer a “Chops Grille Experience” that includes a pre-dinner cocktail and a special dessert tasting for an additional $10–$15*.
- On longer cruises, some lines occasionally run “Dine & Save” promotions that reduce the cover charge.
Value Perspective:
At $49–$55* per person, Chops Grille is considered good value compared to similar specialty steakhouses on other lines (which often charge $60–$85*). Many cruisers say the quality of the steaks and service justifies the cost, especially for a special night.
Ship-by-Ship Differences
While the menu is largely the same fleet-wide, the ambiance and experience can vary:
Oasis-class & Icon-class ships (Symphony, Utopia, Icon, Star): Larger and busier restaurants with a more energetic atmosphere. Great for families and groups.
Quantum-class ships (Quantum, Anthem, Ovation): Modern design with large windows and a slightly more contemporary feel.
Radiance-class ships (Brilliance, Serenade, etc.): More intimate and elegant, often praised as having the “best” Chops Grille experience due to the smaller size and more personalized service.
Real Passenger Reviews and Honest Feedback
Chops Grille has generally received a high level of praise, with an average rating of 4.4-4.6 stars for the last reviews done in 2025. Many passengers have commented that they particularly appreciate:
- The quality of the steaks (especially the filet and ribeye)
- The attentiveness of the service as well as the knowledge of the staff
- The appealing presentation and generous size of the portions
- The quiet and intimate setting as compared to the main dining room
Common criticisms include:
- A number of people believe the price of $49 – $55* for the upgraded main dining experience is a little high.
- There have been occasional complaints regarding portion sizes being smaller than expected.
- Some very busy sailings can create a rushed feeling in this restaurant.
Most cruisers that have dined at Chops Grille say it’s worth the additional expense for a special night, especially if you prefer the high-end steak and more upscale dining experience.
Practical Tips for Dining at Chops Grille
- Make sure to book early your desired restaurant; as with any sea day, reservations get filled quickly.
- Arrive promptly for your reservation at the time specified.
- To cover more ground and sample more types of food, share appetizers and desserts with other guests.
- Choose wine from the menu; sommelier is typically able assist you in selecting a good red wine.
- The dress code is smart casual clothing with collared shirts required for men, and dresses for women.
- Although children are permitted at these restaurants, the menus and atmosphere are more attractive to adults and older children.
FAQs
What is Chops Grille in Royal Caribbean?
Chops Grille is the signature steak house of Royal Caribbean which serves up some fine cuts of meat with various seafood items and regular sides. The cover charge for dining here is compulsory and ranges between $49-$59* per guest.
How much does Chops Grille cost?
The dinner charges are usually $49–$59 per person* (usually ranging from $49 to $55*). Kids ages 3 to 12 years can eat there for half price. An optional add-on to their dinner is provided on some ships for $10-$15 more* per person for cocktails and dessert samples.
What menu do they have at Chops Grille?
Appetizers include lobster bisque and crab cake. Mains options include the filet mignon, NY Strip, surf n' turf, and lamb chops. Sides include classic sides. For desserts, you can opt for new York cheesecake and chocolate lava cake.
Is it worthwhile to pay extra for the Chops Grille?
Yes, especially if you appreciate steaks and service. The dining experience here is worth it for most.
What is the attire policy at Chops Grille?
Elegant casual or smart casual attire. Men need to be in collared shirts whereas women can opt for dresses. Shorts and flip flops are not allowed.
Are kids served food at Chops Grille?
Kids are served food. They have food that is kid-friendly too, though appropriate for kids beyond a certain age group.
Note: *All prices, discounts etc 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.
Conclusion
Chops Grille remains one of the most favored specialty restaurants among the patrons of Royal Caribbean, as this restaurant enjoys the reputation of offering an outstanding steakhouse that makes you feel special without seeming too pretentious. This restaurant would be the best place for having some time out or celebrating any special event since, according to the Royal Caribbean cruisers, it has consistently got high reviews.
If you are looking for high-quality food along with excellent service, then make sure you book your seat at Chops Grille during your next Royal Caribbean cruise.



