Special Occasion Restaurant?

[Huxley'sCruisers]

We will be celebrating my mom's 70th birthday during our upcoming Adriatic cruise (on the Silhouette). I believe the first formal night of our cruise is coinciding with her birthday, so I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to reserve a table at one of the special restaurants, or stick with the main dining room? We all enjoy all kinds of food, but my parents are both light eaters, often just get two appetizers for dinner. In light of all these factors, which restaurant would be especially recommended for a special occasion? I was thinking either Murano or Qsine, but welcome any advice!

 

Thanks!

[keesar]

Murano would be my choice for a special occasion. Food and service are top notch in all respects. Great atmosphere for a special evening.

[akowilm]

I agree 100%. Murano is great for special occasions; the service and food are outstanding. Qsine was 'fun' but not the caliber of cuisine that is milestone birthday dinner, IMHO!

[TeaBag]

Murano. Let them know it is a special birthday celebration.

[miched]

If they are light eaters a specialty restaurant would almost seem to be a waste of money as you get more than anyone really needs to eat. We quit dining in those restaurants a few years ago because of always over eating due to all of the courses served. It was just too much food even if you just sampled some of it.

 

On one cruise line they served a 32 oz steak. We asked the Matre d about why the portions had to be so large and he said that they have to be to justify to some people the extra cost and even at that some people complain that they didn't get enough for the money paid.

 

 

 

.

[resstation]

If they are light eaters a specialty restaurant would almost seem to be a waste of money as you get more than anyone really needs to eat. We quit dining in those restaurants a few years ago because of always over eating due to all of the courses served. It was just too much food even if you just sampled some of it.

 

On one cruise line they served a 32 oz steak. We asked the Matre d about why the portions had to be so large and he said that they have to be to justify to some people the extra cost and even at that some people complain that they didn't get enough for the money paid.

 

 

 

.

 

This I can never understand. Even in specialty restaurants, the staff are very accommodating if you mention you really enjoyed a dish and would like another or if you ask to sample more than one entree.

[BrusselsGirl07]

Another vote for Murano! We have celebrated our wedding anniversary there, and the food, service and atmosphere are fantastic. I loved the fish that they prepared tableside, as well as the other couple of dishes they prepare table side. They obviously love doing it and really put on a show. We did an 18 night cruise and ate there 5 times we loved it so much.

[lovemylab]

Since you mentioned they are light eaters I would not go to a specialty restaurant.

 

While the food is delicious there is a lot of it and it tends to be richer. Perhaps you could talk to the maître d and see if they could arrange something special in the main dining room?

[TMLAalum]

This restaurant might appeal to your mother. There is a $5 upcharge per person and the menu consists of a variety of crepes. It shouldn't be crowded at all for dinner, and you can probably get a table by the window. Lunch there is another option, but with only one sea day on our cruise that probably won't work.

[huskerc]

I can't disagree with Murano for the special occasion aspect, but since they are light eaters they might enjoy Qsine more.

[cle-guy]

We had a group wand one had a birthday while on cruise.

 

MDR staff put a nice floral arrangement and happy birthday banner and confetti on table as a suprise.

 

A nice celebratory dinner can be had in the MDR too! But Murano is nice too LOL

[CathyCruises]

Wow--lots of differing opinions here.

 

I would NOT go to Bistro on 5--it is a lunch place and when I turn 70 I certainly hope I will not be treated to my special meal at such a place. I love Bistro but it's not 'special'.

 

My favorite is Qsine, but it's a FUN place with TONS of food--I would save that for a different time.

 

While personally I do not care much for Murano, in this instance it's the perfect solution. It features elegant service, and the portions are actually on the small side--it is special and perfect for your mum's special day.

[mdv31616]

No mention of the Tuscan Grille? If your Mom likes Italian, I wouldn't hesitate to try Tuscan. My first Tuscan experience was with another female. We like variety more than quantity. The service was wonderful and they customized the quantity to fit our appetites. We shared a filet as the entree. We were also able to sample a few of the appetizers and desserts. I am sure they would do the same in whichever restaurant you select. Select the restaurant with the cuisine that your Mom enjoys the most.