Onda by Scarpetta

The Logbook — Real Guest Soundings

Depth Sounding: This is a composite account from multiple guest experiences, edited to our venue standards for clarity. Individual sailings vary by ship, itinerary, and crew.

Onda by Scarpetta Review: Celebrity Italian That (Mostly) Delivers

Introduction. Onda by Scarpetta brings the land-based Scarpetta restaurant brand to sea — modern Italian with a focus on handmade pasta and clean, bright flavors. Found on Norwegian's newer ships (Prima class, Encore, and others), it carries a cover charge around $40–$50. The Scarpetta name raises expectations, and the kitchen meets them more often than not.

Food & Drinks

The spaghetti with tomato and basil is the signature dish, and it's the reason regulars come back — deceptively simple, silky pasta, a sauce that's more sweet San Marzano than acidic marinara, finished with fresh basil and olive oil. It's genuinely one of the best pasta dishes at sea. The short rib pappardelle is the other must-order: braised meat falling apart into wide ribbons of fresh pasta. The burrata appetizer with roasted tomatoes and pesto is a clean, beautiful starter. Where Onda stumbles: portions lean small for the price, which can leave bigger appetites feeling like they need a second entrée. The non-pasta dishes (chicken, branzino) are competent but don't carry the same magic as the handmade pastas. The tiramisu is good but not memorable. Italian wine selection is respectable — the Barolo and Brunello options pair well with the heartier dishes.

Service

Service matches the upscale-casual tone — attentive without hovering, knowledgeable about the menu, and willing to suggest extra courses if you mention you're still hungry (take them up on it). Pacing runs a comfortable 75–90 minutes. Staff are well-trained on the Scarpetta brand story and can walk you through the signature dishes with genuine enthusiasm.

Atmosphere

Modern, clean, and warmly lit — Onda feels more contemporary trattoria than old-school red-sauce joint. The design is tasteful: neutral tones, open kitchen glimpses, and a layout that keeps noise manageable. On Prima-class ships, Onda gets some of the best real estate in the restaurant complex. It's romantic enough for date night without feeling overly formal.

Conclusion

Rating: 4.2/5. Onda by Scarpetta delivers legitimately excellent pasta — the spaghetti and pappardelle alone justify the cover charge. It doesn't reach the top tier because the portions can feel modest for the price and the non-pasta items don't quite match the signature dishes' quality. For pasta lovers, this is a must-visit. For guests who want a big, filling Italian feast, La Cucina's family-style portions might satisfy more. Tip: order an extra pasta to share — you won't regret the extra $15.

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