Our Cucina del Capitano Dining Experience
Our final night of our cruise we enjoyed dinner with our entire family at Cucina del Capitano. Cucina is one of two specialty restaurants aboard the Carnival Magic. There is a required fee for guests to dine at the restaurant, however, it’s lower that Prime Steakhouse. I loved the atmosphere at Cucina, it seemed very family friendly. At least I felt more comfortable with taking the kids there for dinner as opposed to the steak house which I felt was perfect for adults.
Disclosure: My family and I were provided complimentary dining at Cucina del Capitano during our cruise on the Carnival Magic. Any opinions expressed are my own.
About Cucina del Capitano
Say arrivederci to ordinary and ciao to an exciting dining experience at the restaurant that pays homage to our unique heritage. Italian-American dishes inspired by the recipes from our Italian captains’ and officers’ childhoods are served up family-style in a comfy, eclectic environment decorated like an Italian country home. Vintage images of our captains and ships adorn the walls, and there’s even a Captain’s table where you just might see the man himself dine.
The kids had been looking forward to visiting the restaurant because they’d only dined at the Lido Marketplace, Southern Lights Dining Room, and that morning we went to the Cat in the Hat Breakfast. We opted for a 7 PM dining time so we could jet back to our dining room and say goodbye to our servers over the last week. They seated us in a booth and gave the kids really cool play kits instead of crayons to pass the time before the food arrived.
There are separate menus for kids and adults, both short so you are not overwhelmed with choices. I loved not having too many options in regards to picking our meal for the night. We had a very friendly server who made sure to ask if we wanted the kid’s meals to arrive with our appetizers. She answered all our questions and made sure our special requests got fulfilled.
Shortly after placing our order, our server returned with the Bread Service. I loved the toasty bread that was crunchy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside. The spread on the center piece of bread was salty with a hint of citrus. While waiting for our food some of the servers performed live in the middle of the restaurant singing Italian songs. It added more authenticity to our dining experience.
Appetizers and Kids Meals
Il Capitano’s Signature Arancini Fried Risotto Balls, Piled High with Baby Arugula and Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Served over Tomato Sauce
Il Capitano’s Signature Arancini Fried Risotto Balls, Piled High with Baby Arugula and Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Served over Tomato Sauce
My husband opted for the Il Capitano’s Signature Arancini. It was delicious. My husband cleaned his plate, even sopping up all the sauce on the plate.
Calamari Fritti Crispy Calamari Rings, Topped with Cured Tomatoes, Charred Lime and Sea Salt, Served with Marinara Sauce
Calamari Fritti Crispy Calamari Rings, Topped with Cured Tomatoes, Charred Lime and Sea Salt, Served with Marinara Sauce
I ordered the Calamari Fritti, I saw an order when we were walking into Cucina, and it looked delicious. I ended up eating the whole place. It was cooked to perfection. Not greasy at all. The batter was light and wasn’t over done on the calamari.
Cucina Kids Chicken Fingers and Fries
All my sons had Chicken Fingers for dinner that night. It was hard to tear them away from their game but they enjoyed the fries and chicken fingers.
Cucina Mac and Cheese
My daughter ordered the Mac and Cheese and a side of grilled shrimp to go along with her mac and cheese. She loves seafood and was very happy they were able to add the shrimp to the side of her meal. She ate all the shrimp but couldn’t eat all the mac and cheese on her own. It was a very big portion.
Dinner is Served for Mommy & Daddy
Gamberetti Alla Pizzaiola (Grilled Shrimp) Grilled Shrimp with Stewed Mushrooms and Peppers. Served over the Captain’s Tomato Sauce, topped with Garlic Foam, Charred Lemon and Parsley
BROCCOLI WITH PEPERONATA
I went with a light option for dinner. I choose the Gamberetti Alla Pizzaiola with Broccoli with Peperonata as my side dish. It was really good.
Salmone Alla Griglia Hand-Trimmed Grilled Salmon Fillet Served with Roasted Potatoes, Endive, Charred Tomato and Lemon
My husband when with the Salmone Alla Griglia and a side of Rosemary Potatoes. I didn’t get a photo of the potatoes since the kids were getting anxious and they were ready to go.
We had a great experience overall. The food was good and the atmosphere was laid back and fun. If you’re sailing aboard the Carnival Magic you can book reservations for Cucina del Capitano online once you have booked your cruise or onboard the ship by calling 1179 from your stateroom. Cucina costs $15 per adult and $5 per child, charged to your folio account. Cucina is located on the 11th deck of the Carnival Magic in the rear of the ship atop the Lido Marketplace.
Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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