Extra Virgin

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.

Extra Virgin Review: Italian Comfort Done Right

Introduction. Extra Virgin is Virgin Voyages' Italian trattoria — handmade pasta, classic Italian dishes, and a warm atmosphere that channels the energy of a neighborhood restaurant in Rome. All pasta is made fresh onboard and cooked to order. Included in the fare (no cover charge), it's one of the most popular restaurants on the ship and frequently cited as guests' favorite for a relaxed dinner. Half-portions are available, which encourages trying multiple pastas — a smart touch.

Food & Drinks

The cacio e pepe is the dish that generates the most repeat visits — simple (pecorino, black pepper, and fresh pasta) and executed beautifully. The bolognese is rich and slow-cooked, with the depth of flavor that says "this took all afternoon." The burrata appetizer with heirloom tomatoes and basil is a clean, bright starter. The lobster spaghetti (premium supplement) is the splurge pick — sweet lobster, light garlic-butter sauce, perfectly al dente pasta. For dessert, the affogato with house-made gelato is the right call. Where Extra Virgin is less convincing: the non-pasta items (chicken, fish) feel like they were added for completeness rather than passion. The veal Milanese is adequate but wouldn't impress in an actual Italian restaurant. The Italian wine list is well-curated and reasonably priced — the house red holds up. Honest observation: Extra Virgin is so popular that it can feel rushed on busy evenings. Off-peak seatings (early or late) yield a more relaxed experience.

Service

Warm, Italian-spirited service — staff are enthusiastic about the food and will happily recommend pastas or bring extra bread. The half-portion option means servers often help plan a multi-course pasta tasting, which is a delightful way to eat here. Pacing is generally good but can compress on packed evenings. Wine recommendations are genuine and Italian-focused.

Atmosphere

Rustic-modern Italian — olive wood accents, warm lighting, open kitchen views, and an energy that feels like a lively trattoria. The cicchetti bar (small bites) near the entrance adds a social pre-dinner element. The room is designed for conviviality, not intimacy — tables are close, the noise level rises with the evening, and that communal energy is part of the charm. Couples seeking quiet may prefer The Wake; groups and families will love Extra Virgin.

Conclusion

Rating: 4.2/5. Extra Virgin is one of Virgin Voyages' most reliably satisfying restaurants — the cacio e pepe and bolognese are excellent, the fresh pasta is genuinely special, and the value (no cover charge) is outstanding. It falls short of the top tier because the non-pasta dishes are uninspired and the room can feel hectic on popular evenings. Visit at least twice — once for dinner, once for the half-portion pasta tasting. Tip: order three half-portions of different pastas instead of one full — it's the best way to experience Extra Virgin.

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