Pink Agave

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.

Pink Agave Review: Elevated Mexican That Earns Its Hype

Introduction. Pink Agave is Virgin Voyages' elevated Mexican restaurant — and it's consistently ranked among the best dining experiences at sea by guests and cruise reviewers alike. Designed by Tom Dixon with a modern, agave-inspired aesthetic, the room is as stunning as the food. This isn't Tex-Mex or taco-bar casual; it's refined Mexican cuisine with the largest mezcal and tequila collection at sea. Included in the fare (no cover charge), it books up fast for good reason.

Food & Drinks

The guacamole, made tableside with your choice of additions, is the essential opener — creamy, bright with lime, and customizable with mango, pomegranate, or crispy grasshoppers (chapulines) for the adventurous. The short rib barbacoa is meltingly tender with a depth of flavor that suggests hours of slow cooking. The mole negro with chicken is complex and earthy — layers of chili, chocolate, and spice. For lighter appetites, the ceviche and corn esquites are fresh and vibrant. The mezcal and tequila menu is genuinely impressive — flights are available and the bartenders know their agave spirits. Honest note: the sharing-plate format means portions for individual items are moderate. If you're very hungry, order broadly. A few dishes — particularly the fish tacos — don't quite match the sophistication of the stronger items. The dessert menu (churros with chocolate sauce, tres leches) is good but feels like an afterthought compared to the savory courses.

Service

The staff at Pink Agave are among the most knowledgeable on the ship — they can walk you through the mezcal list, explain the mole preparation, and guide sharing-plate ordering for your group size. The tableside guacamole is a nice interactive touch. Pacing is relaxed and suited to the sharing format. Reservations are essential — this is the second-hardest booking on the ship after The Test Kitchen.

Atmosphere

Tom Dixon's design is gorgeous — pink and copper tones, agave-inspired sculptural elements, warm lighting, and a sophistication that matches the cuisine. This is one of the most beautiful restaurants on any cruise ship. The room is intimate and the tables are well-spaced, making it a strong date-night choice. The noise level is moderate — lively but controlled. The bar area is a destination in its own right for mezcal and tequila flights.

Conclusion

Rating: 4.4/5. Pink Agave is one of Virgin Voyages' finest restaurants — the guacamole, barbacoa, and mole are genuine highlights, and the room is stunning. It falls just short of perfect because a few dishes don't match the kitchen's best work and the desserts feel underdeveloped. But this is Mexican cuisine taken seriously at sea, and the no-cover-charge inclusion makes it an extraordinary value. Tip: book on Day 1, order the tableside guacamole with chapulines, and try a mezcal flight — that's the full Pink Agave experience.

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