NCL’s Food Republic: Our Honest Review
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NCL’s Food Republic is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that offers guests a chance to taste their way around the world without ever leaving the ship. With its global menu and trendy ambiance, Food Republic is a destination for foodies and those simply wanting something a bit different.
The concept of Food Republic is simple – a collection of small plates from all over the world that are meant to be shared. The menu is divided into categories such as sushi, dumplings, noodles, and sliders, making it easy to mix and match different dishes to create a customized meal. Some of the standout items include the Alaskan Summer Roll, Pork Belly Bao sliders, and the Spicy Korean Fried Chicken.
We recently dined at Food Republic on Norwegian Joy during our latest Caribbean cruise, and this is our honest review.
The Details
- Specialty: International cuisine
- Hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Dress Code: Casual or Smart Casual
- Cover Charge: Pricing is à la carte, or you may use your dining package to order four plates each
The Decor
The restaurant’s decor is impressive, with a sleek and modern design. The space is filled with natural light in the late afternoon and early evening, giving guests a fantastic ocean view.
Instead of a traditional kitchen, the restaurant features a series of stations where each dish is made to order. This allows guests to watch as their food is prepared right in front of them, adding an element of entertainment to the dining experience. Or you can choose to be seated on the ocean side of the restaurant in either a two- or four-top table or a high-top table.
The Ordering System
One of the most unique aspects of Food Republic is how the food is ordered. Rather than ordering through the waitstaff, guests can order from the touchscreen display on their table.
Pro Tip: Order a couple of dishes at a time, spacing them out. The tables are small, and you don’t want your food to get cold.
Simply ask a waiter to come set up your touchscreen and show you the ropes, and soon you’ll be ordering small plates to share like a seasoned pro.
The Menu
The Food Republic menu is broken down into several categories: Sharing is Caring, Hand Helds, Sushi Bar, Grill Republic, Noodles Rice Soups & Dumplings, and Sugar Pump. Helpful photos accompany the name and price of each dish.
Here is an easier-to-read form of the menu:
The Food
We ordered eight dishes to share, seven of which are shown below. Although all the dishes were quite good, my favorites were the Pork Belly Bao and the Spicy Korean Fried Chicken. Myron wasn’t a fan of the food, to be honest, feeling that it was nothing special. My only criticism was that some of the food was extra spicy, which didn’t agree with my stomach. But I loved the flavors.
We’ve agreed that we’ll give Food Republic another try the next time we’re on Norwegian. Then we’ll each select the four dishes that we’re allowed with our dining package, and not worry about sharing. I don’t eat seafood, so by sharing with me, Myron didn’t have a chance to try dishes that he might have enjoyed more.
The Service
On the night we dined at Food Republic, the restaurant was packed and the service was slow. You don’t seem to have an assigned server, so you’re left with flagging down whoever passes if you need something. Due to this, our meal lasted two hours.
Our Gift For You
Download your free copy of our Norwegian Joy Restaurants Guide. Enjoy!
Joy Restaurant Guide
Would you like a restaurant handout you could print out and take with you on the Joy? Our exclusive handout gives you the location, dress code, and hours of all the restaurants on the ship. Of course, the hours are subject to change.
Final Thoughts on NCL’s Food Republic
Food Republic is a must-visit destination for anyone sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line who wants to try something a little different. Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new flavors or simply looking for a fun and unique dining experience, Food Republic has something for everyone.
Happy cruising!
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