Hey there, fellow foodies and future cruisers! Your favorite Travel Agency here, ready to dish on another incredible dining experience you can savor while sailing the high seas with Norwegian Cruise Line. Today, we’re diving into the sophisticated world of Onda by Scarpetta, a specialty Italian restaurant that’s taking cruise ship dining to a whole new level of deliciousness.

You know how much we love to explore all the culinary wonders NCL has to offer, and Onda is truly a standout. It’s got that perfect blend of classic Italian comfort and modern elegance, making every meal feel like a special occasion.

Onda by Scarpetta

“Onda” means “wave” in Italian, and this restaurant truly brings a wave of fresh, authentic flavors to your palate. Created in partnership with LDV Hospitality (known for their acclaimed Scarpetta restaurants on land), Onda by Scarpetta delivers a refined dining experience with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients and house-made pastas.

So, what makes Onda by Scarpetta a must-try?

• Modern Italian Elegance: Forget your grandma’s checkered tablecloth Italian joint (though we love those too!). Onda by Scarpetta offers a chic, minimalist design with natural materials like walnut and gold marble, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger over a glass of wine and good conversation.
• House-Made Pastas that Sing: This is where Onda truly shines! Their pastas are made in-house, ensuring that perfect al dente bite and fresh flavor. The famous Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil is a signature dish, simple yet exquisitely prepared. But don’t stop there! You might find delectable options like short rib agnolotti or tagliatelle with lobster. Pure bliss!
• Beyond the Pasta: While the pasta is a star, the menu boasts a fantastic selection of other Italian delights.
  • Appetizers to Tempt: Think creamy polenta, perfectly prepared yellowtail crudo, or a decadent burrata with prosciutto di parma. Each bite is a prelude to the amazing meal ahead.
  • Pizzas with a Twist: Yes, they have pizza! And not just any pizza. Imagine a ricotta-stuffed crust pizza that’s so good, you might just want it all to yourself.
  • Succulent Main Courses: From perfectly cooked salmon with rosemary lentils to tender beef filet and veal Milanese, there’s a main course to satisfy every craving.
• Desserts to Dream About: Save room, seriously! The Butterscotch Budino is a fan favorite, a rich and creamy delight. And of course, you can’t go wrong with classic Tiramisu or a decadent chocolate cake.
• Impeccable Service: Just like on land, the service at Onda by Scarpetta on NCL ships is consistently praised. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making your dining experience exceptional.

Some of the wonderful choices

pizza
MARGHERITA: mozzarella, san marzano tomato, basil
CALZONE: mozzarella, san marzano tomato, spinach, mushrooms, eggplant, roasted peppers
MACELLAIO: mozzarella, sausage, spicy sopressata, parmacotto, truffle oil,
ricotta stuffed crust

antipasti
YELLOWTAIL CRUDO*: olio di zenzero, pickled red onion
BEEF CARPACCIO*: asparagus tips, shaved parmesan, marinated white cremini mushrooms
MARKET SALAD: shaved seasonal vegetables, truffle pecorino, champagne vinaigrette
BURRATA: prosciutto di parma, heirloom tomato, arugula, balsamic reduction
FRITTO MISTO: calamari, shrimp, fish croquette, zucchini, potato, remoulade
CREAMY POLENTA: fricassee of truffled mushrooms

pasta
SPAGHETTI: tomato, basil
PAPPARDELLE BOLOGNESE: beef, pork, and veal ragu
SCIALATIELLI: shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari, white wine garlic sauce
MEZZELUNE: ricotta, spinach, preserved truffle, butter, sage

secondi
SALMON: rosemary lentils, broccoli rabe, basil oil
BRANZINO: rainbow cauliflower, herb bread crumbs, lemon-caper salmoriglio
ROASTED CHICKEN: seasonal vegetables, spaetzle, squash purée, rosemary jus
NEW YORK STRIP STEAK: spinach purée, potato, seasonal vegetables, natural jus
VEAL MILANESE: herb bread crumbs, arugula, tomato, red onion

Which Ships Are Riding the Onda Wave?

You’re probably wondering where you can experience this Italian paradise at sea! You’ll find Onda by Scarpetta on some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newer and revitalized ships, including:

• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Viva
• Norwegian Aqua

So, if you’re looking for a sophisticated and incredibly delicious Italian meal on your next NCL cruise, make sure to add Onda by Scarpetta to your specialty dining reservations.

It’s a Specialty dining venue so it has a cover charge if you are not taking advantage of the Free Specialty Dinners that come with the More At Sea package, but it’s definitely worth the splurge for a truly memorable culinary journey.

Ready to book your next NCL adventure and experience Onda by Scarpetta for yourself? Reach out to me and let’s start planning! We’ll make sure your cruise vacation is filled with incredible flavors, unforgettable moments, and all the relaxation you deserve.

Travel often and Travel well my friends!